Miami Palms Blog

Were it not for the league he played in, Eddie Black might have had the chance to be a perennial all-star, however with Joe Mauer in the league, its a constant struggle to fill that last spot on the roster. He certainly was a break out player in his first full season behind the plate, batting 290 and leading the team in homers with 25. He will likely be played more when Omir Santos catches, with an outfielder or Randy Winn taking a day off to fit Black's powerful bat into the lineup. He may be the first Palm to hit 30 home runs in 5 years if he can continue last year's pace and pick up some more at bats.

Dave Balierough was the 4th starter for the Palms last season. He is typically a solid pitcher and is reliable for over 200 innings a year. His low strike out total makes him very hittable, but at the same time extremely durable. He doesn't throw particularly hard and relies on movement, and isn't a liability in the rotation, but is hardly an ace. He will move down to the 5th spot in the rotation this season as Dallas Chastanet moves up.

Troy Tulowitzki is now officially a "former Miami Palm" as he signed a contract with the Atlanta Braves today. This will also officially open the path for Jaspero Gonzalez next year to be the opening day starter at short, and for one more year keeps Ryan Henning as the starting second baseman after a couple years in a row of his competition finding employment elsewhere at the end of the year. This also sets the lineup for the 2010 Palms, barring a major trade. Right now the opening lineup projects to be this: 3b Prado SS Gonzalez DH Winn C Black 1b Dupont RF Sohn LF Sadan 2b Henning CF Crisp

Things were fairly dormant for the Palms at the winter meetings, though they made one move that may signal another. Perhaps seeking infield depth, the Palms acquired former Reds shortstop Paul Janish for cash. Janish is not expected to contribute much on offense, but he will be able to play the field. This also signals what was perhaps already suspected. Troy Tulowitzki likely will not be back next year, especially as the number of left infielders grows on the team. Expect Jaspero Gonzalez to take over in a full time role next season.