The surprising retirement of Idaho Taters Owner and General Manager Mike Friedrich Tuesday evening quickly turned to speculation over who would become the 17th Owner in Roger Dorn Baseball League History. Eyes have quickly turned to Maltese Falcons Assistant General Manager Erik Nielsen who has impressed the League Office since joining the club before Draft Day in 2017.
According to sources, Nielsen has expressed interest in the position but planned to talk things over with Falcons Owner and General Manager Gary Falzon.
Friedrich will carry out ownership for the remainder of the 2022 season. League Office officials have indicated that they plan to vet candidates for the vacancy with an announcement set for the conclusion of the 2022 Regular Season.
Around the RDBL
- The Asti Grape Stompers surprised many with their addition of Jose Berrios on Sunday night after indicating a white flag on the 2022 season earlier in the week. The team posted the second highest point total in Period 8, pushing GM Terry Shelley to ride things out with the current group for a bit longer.
Shelley was soliciting offers for the likes of Walker Buehler (3R/$5), George Springer (3/$34) and Freddie Freeman (3/$48), among others.
While several teams expressed interest, the Lunatic Fringe were reportedly the leading candidate to acquire both Freeman and Springer according to sources. The offer was expected to be built around elite level prospects Kyle Harrison and Jordan Walker.
The Lake Merced Goutfish were reportedly the leaders for Buehler, with the clubs expected to remain in contact in the coming weeks. According to sources, the Goutfish were expected to part with top catching prospect Francisco Alvarez.
- The unexpected retirement of Friedrich threw a wrench into the Goutfish and Mission Viejo Maulers trade talks, as both clubs were chasing after left-hander Jordan Montgomery (2FA/$5) according to sources.
- The Spokane Fightin' Fish entered the year prepared to use coveted prospect Julio Rodriguez as a substantial trade chip, but the outfielder's play in 2022 has the young star unlikely to be on the move. Rodriguez has posted a 1.028 OPS in the big leagues over the last month and is on pace for a strong 377.0 points this season at just 21 years old.
- The Alamo Short Stacks have not felt the pressure to make a move yet but things appear to be changing as injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Seiya Suzuki hitting the IL. The club has told teams initially that prospects Corbin Carroll and MacKenzie Gore will not be moved according to sources.
Comments