Miami Palms Blog

Billy Dupont came up as a spare outfielder, but after former first basemen Aaron Rogers and Ray Berger departed and he remained blocked as an outfielder, he was moved to first base. So far, it has paid off, and he is only getting better. His batting average climbed from .287 to .318 last season, and he hit over 20 home runs for the second year in a row. Dupont hits for good power, often to the gaps, but when he struggles at the plate it is because he has almost no patience at the plate, drawing only 15 walks last year. Dupont is a solid bat high in the order for a quality offensive team.

Steve Drysdale has been a huge asset coming off the bench. He is all offense, no doubt, but when he is in there, he can be incredible. His batting average is .354 over the past two seasons, though his power is still suspect and his defense is even worse. It's these factors that keep him out of the lineup on a steady basis, especially with elite defenders like Frank Sohn and Ayoz Sadan playing the corners. He projects to the designated hitter role. Someday.

Coco Crisp has been with the Palms for three seasons now, and has certainly proven more valuable than had been originally anticipated when he came to Miami. Most surprising, perhaps, were the 19 home runs he hit last season. For such a small stature, the power was a pleasant surprise, especially from center field. He has been a reliable bottom of the order bat in a very productive line up. And he does provide an anchor in a very swift, talented outfield.

Kevin Correia comes to Miami a pitcher in need of an image restoration. His ERA climbed above 5.00 last season with the Padres, despite and increased strikeout rate and a high ground ball rate. With increased infield defense for Miami, the Palms hope that these two stats and Correia's departure from San Diego will be enough to give a boost to Correia's numbers and his career. The Palms looked through the offseason for an affordable, quality arm to add to the rotation to take the load off a shaky bullpen, and if his peripheral stats can lead to improved overall performance, then Correia may be the man for the job.

Dave Balierough had a tough luck season, for the most part, last year. His fellow starters all managed a better winning percentage, even though his peripheral stats were similar. That said, almost all of his stats regressed last year, which is a major concern going forward, especially as a team that struggled with pitching issues last year. Balierough relies mostly on pitch placement, rather than blow-you-away speed, so he is eminently hittable, but also very durable. He is sometimes prone to big innings, so the key for the manager is to pull him before that inning comes up. He will continue to be a back of the rotation starter for 2011.

With pitchers and catchers reporting soon, it's time to start the annual introduction to the players on the 25 man roster. We will go alphabetically and start with one of the offseason additions, utility man Tony Abreu. Abreu is slotted to be a utility player, spelling especially Paul Janish and Martin Prado on the left side of the infield. He has a light bat, but he is projected to pick up his batting average moving to the American League.