Magicians Announce Their 20...

The Herkimer Magicians have submitted their list of 20 players protected. In addition to 3B/Hitting Coach Paul Molitor, the Magicians have decided to keep catchers Mike Napoli, Javier Valentin, and Jason Kendall, first baseman Justin Morneau, second baseman Jeff Kent, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, outfielders Aaron Rowand, Eric Byrnes, Manny Ramirez, and Gary Sheffield, starting pitchers Jason Bergmann, C.C. Sabathia, John Lackey, Carlos Zambrano, Jon Lester, Mike Pelfrey, Chris Sampson, and Boof Bonser, and relievers Jon Rauch and Zach Miner. Notable players not protected include CF Mike Cameron and DH Frank Thomas. "We tried in earnest to trade Mike someplace where he could have value next season, but we were unable to come to an agreement in time with anyone. As far as the Big Hurt, the fact that he is strictly a DH significantly lowers his value in this league, so while we could have used his 25 HR power, he would have been severely limited as a pinch hitter and only a pinch hitter, and it doesn't make sense to protect a pinch hitter," GM/Owner Tim Farmer stated.