New Faces for the 2008 SeaWolves... So Far!

The SeaWolves front office have been busy, trying to improve on last year's 87-75 finish. So far,things seem to be shaping up for a team who has never had a losing season, but has never reached the playoffs in three seasons in the CBL.

John Smoltz, Eric Bedard and Kenny Rogers will join Andy Pettitte in the rotation. The fifth starter is still up for grabs... with Mike Bacsik and Jeff Weaver the top contenders for the spot, so far.

Emil Brown, Geoff Blum, Cody Ross and Willie Harris are newcomers in the field. Brown and Harris will platoon in left, along with Brad Wilkerson... who will help out in the outfield and first base. Geoff Blum, a very versatile player, will play just about everywhere but pitcher and catcher. Ross adds a powerful bat off the bench.

Will Ohman adds an additional southpaw to the bullpen, joining veteran Ron Mahay.

It appears the SeaWolves will make at least one more roster change during Free Agency, as they still have one spot open on their 40-man roster. It seems like the SeaWolves are looking decent, so far.

"The Gambler" Once Again, a SeaWolf

Kenny Rogers is once again with the SeaWolves after signing a 2-year, $2.82 million contract last night. Rogers was on the inaugural SeaWolves team, coming over in a trade for Orlando Hernandez and Matt Wise before the team's first season. He was then dealt to Jax last year for outfielder Preston Wilson.

"I'm happy to be back with the SeaWolves", Rogers said from the 19th Hole of Westlake CC. "I hope to finish my career in Vero Beach." Rogers, 43, will most-likely be the SeaWolves fourth starter next season behind Bedard, Smoltz and Pettitte.

HOT STOVE: Breaking News!!!!

The SeaWolves sent Jeremy Bonderman to South Beach for Eric Bedard. This move was made possible as South Beach announced a "fire sale" in order to stay under the $75 million salary cap. While the move adds around $6 million in salary to the SeaWolves' payroll, Bedard adds a solid left-hander to the rotation.

SeaWolves Potential Starters for 2008

(Edited on December 23 including new players through trades and/or Free Agent Market)

Potential Starting Lineup:
Dioner Navarro, C
James Loney, 1B
Kelly Johnson, 2B
Casey Blake, 3B
Juan Uribe, SS
Willie Harris, LF
Cory Sullivan, CF
Brad Hawpe, RF
Travis Hafner, DH

Other Lineup/Bench Possibilities:
Geoff Blum, UTL
Emil Brown, OF
Cesar Izturis, 3B/SS
Jason Larue, C
Chris Roberson, OF
Cody Ross, OF
Dave Ross, C/DH
Brad Wilkerson, 1B/OF/DH
Free Agent(s)?

Starting Rotation Possibilities:
Eric Bedard, LHP
John Smoltz, RHP
Andy Pettitte, LHP
Kenny Rogers, LHP
Mike Bacsik, LHP
Jeff Weaver, RHP

Bullpen Possibilities:
Huston Street, CL
Ron Mahay, LHP
Scott Dohmann, RHP
Todd Wellemeyer, RHP
Clay Condrey, RHP
Will Ohman, LHP
Guillermao Mota, RHP
Greg Aquino, RHP
Julio Mateo, RHP
Clay Hensley, RHP
Kurt Birkins, LHP
Yoel Hernandez, RHP

SeaWolves acquire John Smoltz!

SeaWolves' front office announced that John Smoltz has joined the team via a trade. Vero Beach gave up Felix Pie, Josh Bell and Yosanddy Garcia in the deal. "We had to give up some good prospects, but Smoltz should anchor our rotation for the next two years", GM David Gandy said from his winter home in Florida. So far, the SeaWolves' 2008 rotation looks like this: Smoltz, Andy Pettitte, Jeremy Bonderman, Mike Bacsik and Jeff Weaver.