Friday proved to be an important day for the Asti Grape Stompers Front Office as their 2021 Keeper Roster became a clearer picture following the major acquisition of of outfielder George Springer and catcher Yasmani Grandal this week. With Springer's $34 contract on the books, the Grapes are all but ready to move on from shortstop Javier Baez (2/$37) which will add another dynamic bat to the Free Agent pool.
The Grapes also had their scouts in Tempe, AZ Friday afternoon for the anticipated return of Shohei Ohtani to the mound and they couldn't have been more pleased with what they witnessed. The Grapes have dangled Ohtani across the RDBL over the last 18 months but Friday's dominant Spring outing has changed the mind of GM Terry Shelley who is now set on retaining him. Ohtani continued his strong spring in the Angels' 7-3 win on Friday, striking out five batters in 1 2/3 innings against the A’s in his Cactus League debut as a pitcher at Hohokam Stadium. It came just two days after he crushed a homer an estimated 468 feet over the batter’s eye in center as a designated hitter at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
Prior to Friday's game, Joe Maddon gave Ohtani a value boost announcing that he is not going to be limited to pitching on a certain day of the week, like in the past. He'll just be part of the Angels standard six-man rotation.
Ohtani touched 100 mph with his fastball, which is also what he reached in a live bullpen session on Saturday. He struck out three batters in his highly anticipated first inning, working around a double and a walk. His fastball command was solid and his splitter had elite movement, though he had some trouble locating his slider. He also gave up a pair of doubles and one walk in the second, but he struck out two batters before exiting for reliever Kyle Keller after having thrown 41 pitches (24 strikes).
The Grapes have the flexibility to retain Ohtani as their utility player, giving them the opportunity to snag a 7th starting pitcher in Auction. Shelley will continue to take a hard look at Domingo Germàn who dazzled in his Spring debut Friday. The 28-year-old struck out two of the first three batters he faced in his scoreless, two-inning outing, his first game back from his MLB suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence protocols that cost him all of the 2020 season.
Around the RDBL
- Prior to their acquisition of Manny Machado, the Lake Merced Goutfish reportedly reached out to the Alamo Short Stacks about Nolan Arenado (2/$55) according to sources. Arenado is projected to return to the Stacks but has been mentioned in trade rumors since his off-season move to St. Louis.
- The Mt. Diablo Devils have expressed interest in Honolulu Hammerheads shortstop Miguel Rojas (2FA/$5) according to sources. The Devils, short on draft picks, have been hesitant to give away additional draft assets which has made a deal tough to reach according to sources.
- The Meinert Hops are taking a long look at slugger Andrew Vaughn (Minors) who is already impressing in White Sox camp. He appears to have a legitimate shot at earning the Opening Day DH role and as a college pick, there's not a great deal of seasoning left which could push GM Garrett Shelley to pull the trigger on an activation. The addition of Vaughn and potentially Forrest Whitley would make keeping Mike Trout's $71 easier to swallow.
- The Stacks have reportedly dangled Christian Vazquez (2FA/$5) in talks as they look to add depth to their Keeper Roster. Vazquez quietly ranked 3rd in 2019 in catcher scoring and backed that up with career best .801 OPS while finishing 5th at the position in 2020. According to sources, the Stacks discussed a deal with the Las Vegas Aristocrats but the club balked at the asking price in return which was focused on third baseman Carter Kieboom.
- The Lunatic Fringe continue to nudge the Burlingame Blue Ducks on shortstop Xander Bogaerts (3/$31) who they hope to add prior to Draft Day. The Fringe have a stable of Keeper options and activation ready talent making them a logical fit if GM Ryan Walsh is willing to part with Bogaerts.
- Yankees Manager Aaron Boone has named Clint Frazier the starting left fielder paving the way for his activation by the Spokane Fightin' Fish. Frazier is one of just two players in the RDBL still under a Minor League contract that was drafted in 2013 though the other, Lucas Giolito, though the right-hander was technically added to the 2019 Fringe Playoff Roster forcing a 2021 activation.
Comments