Miami Palms Blog

Kelly Johnson had a down year last season hitting only .222 but he has continued to maintain a powerful bat. His career high was in Arizona in 2010 when he hit 26 home runs, and even with his down year last year, he was able to hit 16. He will now be heading to south Florida to try to maintain his power bat and perhaps drive up his average a bit. He projects to take over for Jaspero Gonzalez, who was sent to Philadelphia earlier this off season.

Orlando Tiropes was given quite the Christmas gift today, moving away from Miami to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tiropes has been an extra outfielder for the past several years. With a strong outfield, both in terms of offense and defense, as well as some stalwart fixtures in the field, Tiropes decided it was time to explore options elsewhere. Pittsburgh and former teammate Eddie Black was the selection. Merry Christmas!

Dave Balierough reached free agency for the first time in his career, and decided to move over to the National League. As with the rest of the Palms' rotation, he has fallen off the past couple of years, but has come on very strong late in seasons. It was the overall season numbers that likely led to his contract with Milwaukee. Balierough is a serviceable late rotation starter, and there is no doubt that that is what the Brewers will use him for. The rotation projects to return only two starters, and one of them, Felix Gonsales will likely be returned to the bullpen.

Omir Santos has filled one of the many holes in Houston, who is seeking to add a DH in their transition to the American League. Santos had a break out year at the plate last year, hitting .313 with 28 home runs all while playing only 109 games. After two quiet seasons as the back up behind Eddie Black, Santos saw his batting average jump 60 points as he started smashing homers in his last two seasons in Miami, eventually hitting 55 in a Miami uniform. Santos has now passed 30 years old and has a bat that will ensure a longer career, so the transition to designated hitter is likely a good one for his career. The Palms have already moved to replace Santos behind the plate with Carlos Ruiz.

Eduardo Nunez's short tenure with the Palms has ended after only one season. Nunez has caught on with the Braves, where he will likely hold down a roster spot by splitting time with Andrelton Simmons, eventually being pushed to a utility role. In Miami, with Chris Korb knocking on the door, and Tony Abreu ready to take over until he gets there, there was no spot for for Nunez. Nunez posted a paltry .254 average with a little pop, including 11 home runs, but more is expected from Abreu and Korb.

Brett Hayes has moved from Miami to Kansas City and now... back to Miami (albeit in the other league) again. The catcher projects to complete the overhaul of the Palms catching arsenal. Hayes will be the back up to Carlos Ruiz, but is the stronger defensive backstop. His offensive numbers have been woeful throughout his career, but with a shaky pitching rotation, including three first time major league starters, the Palms have obviously opted for a little bit of help, even if it is from behind the plate.