Hot Stove Report #2

Amidst a plethora of ripples in the trading market, the Huntington Guyandottes and Atlanta Crackers created the biggest splash. The Guyandottes were able to clear $11 million off their books in preparation for the upcoming Free Agency frenzy by dealing SS Charles Tanaka. Tanaka's deal has 3 years and $34 million remaining on it, and the Guyandottes never felt Tanaka played up to his enormous contract while in West Virginia.

The Crackers had a disappointing season a year ago, falling 21 wins off of their Season 1 pace, when they were the National League's 5-seed. Tanaka, hopes Atlanta, will help solidify a lineup that ranked 31st in the majors in run production a year ago. Scouts say Tanaka is a solid hitter with a little pop, but in 2 seasons with Huntington he hit just .292 with only 147 RBIs. Respectable numbers, but not when you're bringing in 8 digits a year.

The Guyandottes focused on bolstering their farm system with this deal, as they acquired RF T.J. Coco and SS Enos Murphy, both of Atlanta's High A team. Scouts like Murphy's power, but do not think he projects to a major league SS. He's more likely to find an eventual home at 3B or even somewhere in the outfield. Regardless of where he plays defensively, he will be a run-producer when his big league career arrives. Coco is not a terrific player in terms of talent, but he brings a lot of intangibles, such as his ability to stay on the field, day in and day out. He's a tough hitter to strike out, which means he could make a nifty 2-hole hitter some day.

The Crackers look like they're going to be serious players this year if their budget and this deal are any indication. The Crackers have $91 million to spend, and even after the Tanaka trade is finalized, they will have about $24 million in hand to take to free agency. It was a gutsy move by GM tjconnatser to import a big contract with subpar numbers, but the money was there and the Atlanta offense lacks star power, so why not pull the trigger?