The Hawaii Tropics are shaking things up after a dismal start to the season. 2B Miguel ‘Thrillseeker’ Martinez is finishing up his rehab assignment and returning to the club. This moves Arata Ine back into the utility role and Roberto Lopez is optioned to AAA Death Valley.
Jesus Rosito finds himself the odd man out and is waived/ DFA’d to make room on the 40-man. Hawaii then purchases the contract of LF Shigemasa Kozawa and place him on the 40-man roster. He will make his BBA debut in left for Hawaii and is thrust into the leadoff spot against right handed pitchers.
Kozama should give righties fits with his 9 contact, 11 avoid Ks and 6 Eye. He has no power or speed but can play average defense in left.
“We need baserunners to go along with our power.”, explained Hawaii GM Jim Walker.
