On The Lookout, 3/29: RDBL's Highest Paid Pitcher Debuts

Opening Day has come and gone with 13 games in the books and the Cloverdale Clovers sitting atop the Roger Dorn Baseball League Standings. Things pick right back up at noon today with 10 games scheduled today.

Here's what we are on the lookout for on Friday, March 29th:

Strider Begins Bid to Back Up Record Deal

The Alamo Short Stacks forked over a record $76 contract to Spencer Strider on Draft Day, the highest in RDBL History for a pitcher. The right-hander will start his bid to make good on the club's confidence on Friday as he makes his season debut against the Philadelphia Phillies on the road. Adding a curveball to his arsenal this Spring, Strider posted 35 strikeouts in 22 2/3 IP in the Grapefruit League while allowing just two earned runs as he looks to carry over that momentum.

Grapes Look for Harrison to Step Into #3 Starter Role

The Asti Grape Stompers have a great deal of confidence in their 1-2 punch of Framber Valdez and Pablo Lopez atop their rotation. Who slots in next is the big question that might determine the fate of the Grapes in 2024. GM Terry Shelley is hopeful left-hander Kyle Harrison can be just that and more as he makes his debut against the Padres Friday night.

Woeful Offenses of the Athletics and White Sox

The Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox had 57 points scored against them from starting pitchers Thursday, failing to score a run against Shane Bieber and Tarik Skubal. While the White Sox are off until Saturday, Meinert Hops left-hander Logan Allen will have his shot against the A's on Friday evening. Both offenses appear to be so futile, that it could be a storyline to watch as club's make their rotation decisions on a period by period basis.

Puk Transition Back to Starter

One of the more intriguing names entering Draft Day was left-hander AJ Puk who dazzled this Spring before earning a $10 deal from the San Mateo Oppo Tacos on Draft Day from the RP slot. He'll make his first career start on Friday after 142 appearances out of the bullpen as he faces the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Musgrove Looks to Shake Off -20 Start

Drafting a pitcher who immediately generates a -20 is a tough pill to swallow, but that was the case for the Spokane Fightin' Fish and Joe Musgrove following his rough start in South Korea. The right-hander will look to get back on track Friday night against the Giants and is joined by Martin Perez on the bump for the Fish.

TRADE: Ducks Acquire Marsh, Maeda from Fringe

The Burlingame Blue Ducks acquired outfielder Brandon Marsh (2R/$3) and right-hander Kenta Maeda (2D/$5) from the Lunatic Fringe in exchange for a 2024 2nd Round Pick (27th Overall).

Maeda will slot in behind Marcus Stroman, another off-season addition while Marsh is expected to team with Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber in the outfield.

TRADE: Moncada Dealt to Hammerheads for Pair of Picks

The Honolulu Hammerheads put what looks to be their finishing touches on their Keeper Roster, adding third baseman Yoan Moncada (2/$8) from the Mt. Diablo Devils in exchange for 4th and 6th Round Picks.

Moncada noted early in camp that he's feeling healthy after being plagued by chronic back and leg issues the previous two seasons. He told reporters he's been focused this offseason on improving his core strength after he was limited to just 104 games in 2022 and 92 games in 2023. The 28-year-old has slashed just .234/.288/.386 over that span, and it has seemed like he's never been totally healthy. The White Sox hold a $25 million option on him for 2025, so it could be a walk year for the third baseman.