Miami Palms Blog

With the Palms short a catcher with the departure of Eddie Black, there was a need for another catcher to grab a roster spot. They went ahead and picked up one of the three Molinas, Jose, who was part of the crowded corps of Toronto backstops last season. Molina doesn't bring anything new to the Palms lineup, a .246 average and 4 home runs last year in limited duty, but he is a veteran presence who has experience in the AL East. It appears that he and Omir Santos will split time behind the plate for the Palms, unless one of the two excels early in the season. The GM also states that this will be it for the Palms this offseason, with the team's 25 man roster likely set.

It was clear that Josh Fields wasn't going to be returning to the Palms next season. Fields posted a line of .257 with 5 home runs and 19RBI last season, and he will be taking those numbers north from Miami to Atlanta next season. His departure was assumed after the Palms added Tony Abreu to the team earlier in the offseason.

The Palms are nearing an end to their offseason, though there is still some question as to what the plan is behind the plate. They have added former Padre Kevin Correia to take a position in the Palms rotation. At this time, he is expected to start either 2nd or third, behind Javier Vazquez and perhaps Troy Munoz. Correia had something of a down year, but is typically expected to have an ERA in the 4's. He is a strikeout pitcher; his k/9 rate would be 2nd on the Palms last year behind only Vazquez. It's the kind of power arm that the Palms will really appreciate having in the rotation, and could be a good candidate for a bounce back season.

The Miami Palms went continued to work the weekend, and indicated that they don't expect Josh Fields to be back, as they added utility man Tony Abreu, who was let go recently by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Abreu hit a paltry .233 and wasn't much for power, but he is quick and has a decent glove, above average when put at third base, where he will spell Martin Prado on occasion. Expect him to share time with Paul Janish at short as well, while Ryan Henning will fill in on the right side of the infield.