Boise's first major order of off-season business, salary arbitration, is in the books. The Spuds had ten cases to resolve, two fewer than last off-season. The team immediately non-tendered six players, a record total under GM Joe Lederer's tenure. As a result, RHPs Bill Carter, Arturo López and Laurent Durand, as well as C Kevin Lyons and 3B Sancho Castillo and Susumu Nakanishi all became free agents.| PLAYER | 2043 SALARY | TEAM OFFER | PLAYER DEMAND |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motonobu Yamashita | $5,750,000 | $6,500,000 | $8,125,000 |
| Frank Metcalf | $850,000 | $950,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Ricardo Ruíz | $500,000 | $875,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Leroy Hoffman | $500,000 | $750,000 | $1,047,500 |
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As expected, the Spuds are targeting several players in free agency. While ownership has allowed for a player budget of $104M -- down from $110M last season -- Boise still has upwards of $30M in space they can use towards free agency and/or trades.
The Spuds recently made a splash in the trade market, acquiring long-time Sacramento starting pitcher Miguel Ramos for pitcher Pepe Hernández. Ramos, 32, made 32 starts last season, going 8-10 with a 3.33 ERA and dazzling 1.02 WHIP. Ramos is expected to become the team's de facto "veteran ace" after the departures of Pancho Germán (mid-season trade) and Júlio Alicea (free agency). Hernández, who was signed last off-season, started the year as the Spuds #5 starter but struggled in seven starts. As a long reliever in 22 appearances, the 27-year-old lefty found his game, registering a 2.64 ERA and 0.95 WHIP out of the bullpen.
Lederer has made it clear that the team is seeking right-handed relief help and will be active in both trade talks and free agency to add a few bullpen arms. With most spots around the diamond already filled and a few expected rookie call-ups, the Spuds aren't expected to make a big splash offensively unless the right name comes up. Potential positions that could be upgraded are 3B and 1B/DH.
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With the Florida Prospect League at the mid-point, the Ybor City Spuds find themselves tied with the Palm Beach Aviators for the best record at 14-2. Several Spuds players are shining both offensively and on the mound. Expect a recap of the top performers once league play and playoffs are concluded in December.
