The Spokane Fightin' Fish weren't seen as a title contender heading into the 2020 season, but further development of their young core and a pair of deals this Winter have GM Michael Tirabassi thinking about a third RDBL Title.
The Fish struck a deal with the Mission Viejo Maulers Monday night, landing prized third baseman Jose Ramirez (3/$41) in exchange for a 2021 1st Round Pick (11th Overall).
Ramirez will immediately slot into the corner spot alongside Yoan Moncada and Pete Alonso while Tommy La Stella and David Fletcher offer multi-position eligibility to complete a very strong infield group.
The improved offense will be joined by a rotation that could bring back a full group of six starters which would be a first in RDBL History. The rotation is led by National League Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer which is backed up by 2020 breakout Zac Gallen and off-season addition Tyler Glasnow. Strong starters Luis Castillo, Pablo Lopez and Chris Paddack are expected to round out the group.
It hadn't been entirely clear which version of Jose Ramirez would show up over the past few seasons, as he'd mixed excellent stretches with frustratingly poor ones. 2020 was the elite version as Ramirez finished as one of the most valuable players in the league. He posted a .292/.386/.607 slash line with 17 homers and 10 steals, finishing tied for fourth and tied for 10th in the latter two categories.
The move to add Ramirez virtually ends the run in a Fightin' Fish uniform for recent addition Kris Bryant who is expected to be dropped before Draft Day.
The Maulers and GM Chris Ferraro continued their off-season overhaul as Ramirez joins Yasmani Grandal on the way out of town. The addition of the 11th overall pick now give Ferraro a pair of 1st Round selections. First baseman Triston Casas was projected as the 11th selection in Monday's first Reserve Mock Draft.
The Fightin' Fish have traded each of their first six rounds of original picks, currently scheduled to make their first selection with a 4th Round pick they acquired from the Maltese Falcons.
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