Miami Palms Blog

 The Palms seem to have snagged their 5th starter, acquiring young Eric Fedde from Washington. Fedde is only entering his 3rd season, and projects as a true swingman. He has good stamina, but not overpowering stuff, and can meet his demise if he has to face his opposition too many times. He will be able to look to his new teammate, Manny Parra, for inspiration, though, or former Palm Lucas Harrell as a swingman brought aboard and developed into a reliable, top end starter. Miami sees potential in Fedde, and made the move to snag him.

 After shoring up the biggest positional hole, the Palms moved to secure an important part of the rotation. Manny Parra, perhaps the best starter Miami has had for the last three years or so, has penned a contract to return to the Palms. With Lucas Harrell retiring this winter, it was important for Miami to keep at least one of their top starters at the top of the rotation. Parra has had an ERA in the 3's in the last several years, and has a nearly legendary stamina, which allows the bullpen to remain intact during the more grueling stretches of the season. Miami is surely thankful to have Parra back in the fold.

 The Palms just added Yasmani Grandal, and now, they know who his partner behind the plate will be. Wellington Castillo will join the Palms to give Grandal a respite. Castillo has been a part of 5 teams, making Miami his 6th. He is an average hitter in the grand scheme of things, which makes him above average as a catcher.  The veteran will have no illusions of a starting role, and will succeed as a back up thanks in part to the clarity of his role.

 Miami's formidable catching depth vanished as the season ended, and the Palms felt that they needed to make a big move to resupply the roster. After adding former Dodger Yasmani Grandal, they have made the first step in restrengthening what has been an organizational cornerstone throughout the team's history. Grandal was an all star in 2015 and is known as a solid enough hitter that he has been used as a first baseman as well. Grandal doesn't hit for the average that Brett Hayes has recently, but he will surely add the power Palms fans have come to expect from catchers in the organization.