Miami Palms Blog

Brett Hayes was given the chance to start at catcher in 2015, and it didn't work out well for him. he batted a mere .196, but was able to knock 1 home runs over the fence. He has sdeveloped a good rapport with the pitching staff, and has always managed to be a bit of a threat at the plate, so while he will relinquish his starting role, there is still a spot for Hayes on the roster.

Lucas Harrell hasn't been great in a Miami Palms uniform, but the Palms continue to recognize and hope fore his potential to materialize. He has a one of the better strikeout rates on the team, but the balls that opponents make contact with all too frequently find the turf or the seats, and innings can get away from him quickly. He will likely be used frequently in low leverage situations as he continues to try to build confidence.

Keith Hardingis beginning to settle into his role in the Palms' bullpen. Entering his third year, he has demonstrated very good command of the strike zone, walking only 5 batters last season. If he does have a problem, it's that he is a fly ball pitcher, and too often, those fly balls tend to reach the seats. Harding has the makeup to be a good middle reliever, and if he can get stretched out, a serviceable starter. Closing doesn't ever appear to be in his future, but there is definitely a role for him going forward.

The Palms were surprised by Joe Mather's decision to retire, but were a little more comfortable when he told the team he wanted to transition to coaching. Pat Grant will instead make his debut with the team in 2016. The prospect has had a lot of good publicity and will have high expectations when he assumes the role of utility outfielder in 2016.

The Palms will make a switch this season at 2nd base, giving Johnny Giavotella the chance to take over for Kelly Johnson. He is the younger player, biding his time behind Kelly Johnson and Jaspero Gonzalez before him, and his numbers were better last year than Johnson's for all rte metrics, aside from a 10 point deficit in On Base Percentage. Still, Giavotella being younger should see his stats continue to improve, while Johnson's will diminish. Giavotella's glove and speed will both be benefits that the Palms are excited to see on the field on a more regular basis.

The Palms made a big move to bolster the middle of their lineup this offseason, acquiring former Toronto Blue Jay Edwin Encarnacion. He will be an easy choice for cleanup hitter, and could easily post 35-40 homeruns this season. John Jaso led the team last year with 31 dingers, but that was out of character for him, and his bat was a sorely needed component to the lineup. The Palms will benefit greatly from having Edwin in the lineup.

The Palms filled out their rotation by buying low on a young Cuban prospect in Odrisamer Despaigne. He hasn't totally impressed in San Diego thus far, but he posesses good control that appeals to the Palms. Miami hopes that he can buid on his experience in the National League and will be a solid addition that can grow into his talent over the next few years with the Palms.

Coco Crisp may go down as the best acquisition in the Palms' history. He's had a consistent average in the high .200s with a couple of seasons in the low .300s and home run totals of 15-25 in addition to solid defense in center. It's becoming clear that he is beginning to wind down, with his average dipping to .263 last year, but he is still expected to be a leader and to stabilize the outfield.