Miami Palms Blog

In 5 seasons with the Palms, Martin Prado hit over .300 every year, and managed to slug 95 home runs in his career with the team. Undoubtedly, Prado was an important cog in the team's success, and the team's 2 post season appearances during his time in Miami. Unfortunately, he has decided to move on, signing a deal with the Cincinnati Reds this morning, and opening up  the competition at 3rd base going forward. No word on whether or not Chris Korb might take over the role, or if there is an external candidate.

John Danks suffered a season ending shoulder injury early in the 2012 season, and wasn't quite the same pitcher in 2013 as he was before signing a long term extension with the White Sox. Trying to rebuild and save a little money, the Palms have agreed to acquire Danks for some mid level prospects. The White Sox are sending the Palms some cash to help pay down the rest of the contract. Danks will likely slide in as a back of the rotation starter, replacing Don Schoppe. Long term, Miami hopes that Danks can regain the form that earned him the long term deal.

Ivan Fernandez had a disastrous few seasons with the Palms, and didn't seem like he got any better out of the bullpen, and Miami opted against re-signing him. Fernandez chose to sign with a division rival today, as the Boston Red Sox added him on a minor league deal. Much success to Mr. Fernandez!

Calvin Hobbes spent his first year in the majors with the Palms, and was the man who the manager called on the most, leading the team with 81 2/3 innings of relief. He had decent control, and did a good job keeping the ball in the park, allowing only 7 homeruns on the season. He had a FIP of 2.55, and was victimized by bad luck more than bad pitching. But after making the majors on a minor league contract, Hobbes has elected to seek a longer deal, and found it today with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Palms will certainly seek to replace him in the bullpen, though that will be difficult. Management suggests the role may be filled internally, by prospect Pete Otterloop, or perhaps Keith Harding. Given that there are several spots in the bullpen that are left open, it could be a combination of the two.

The Miami Palms went ahead and made sure that Kyle Blume will remain in a Miami Palms roster for a few more years, signing the young pitcher to an extension that will take him through his arbitration years. Blume, in his rookie season last year, was easily one of the best pitchers of the rotation, taking a 17-8 record with a 4.19 ERA into the postseason . He led the team in strikeouts with 5.81/9  and mastered the plate, with a WHIP of 1.39. The Palms can look forward to Blume starting the season on opening day next year!

With free agency beginning today, it's time to look at who may not be back with the Palms next season, a year after they made their way to the ALCS. The Palms have three free agents, all of them pitchers. Don Schoppe, Calvin Hobbes and Dennis Sarfate find themselves without contracts for next season. Elsewhere, there were 6 players with option decisions. 4 players saw their options picked up, or the player elected to use their player option. Billy Dupont, Steve Drysdale, Blake Johnston and Felix Gonsales will all be back with the team in 2014. Martin Prado has decided to test the waters of free agency, and the Palms have decided to part ways with Ivan Fernandez. Next year will see some serious changes, particularly in the bullpen, which is losing three arms. The front office is already at work, and contract information for new acquisitions may come as soon as tomorrow!