Hot Stove Report #3

Devoid of much minor league talent and feeling like their brief window of opportunity closed during the offseason, the Kingfishers made the tough decision to export one of their rising stars for a top-rated pitching prospect. 1B Charlie Freeman, who joined OKC midseason a year ago as part of a trade that sent SP Ron Moran to the Louisville Sluggers, is moving on to his 3rd team in 3 years, the New York Monarchs.

Freeman had a monstrous year in what was his first full season in the majors. Between Louisville and Oklahoma City he combined to hit .287 with 56 HRs and 133 RBIs. There is probably no one happier that this deal went down than Monarchs' 1B Armando Romo. Romo, who may move to the outfield to make room for Freeman, was the lone offensive standout on the Monarchs' squad of a year ago. Especially once they made the playoffs, he could not carry the team by himself, and they were consequently swept out of their opening series against the Nashville Sounds.

In return the Kingfishers got SP Bernard Griffiths. Big Bernard was the 13th pick in the Amateur Draft a season ago, and his first year as a pro was pretty solid. The Rice University graduate is fully expected do develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter, relying mostly on a tough Sinker but featuring 5 pitches. "We're still going to be competitive on the field without 'Free', and though you obviously can't replace a talent like that, we felt this move was better for our long-term health," said GM Sour Surfer after the news of the trade broke. Freeman reportedly garnered interest from as many as 6 teams.