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.

Magicians Add Yet Another Big Bat

The Herkimer Magicians added another big bat in what has become a strong offseason, acquiring All-Star right fielder Gary Sheffield from Bristol. The two teams end up swapping draft picks in the 2009 draft. "After acquiring Manny Ramirez earlier in the offseason, we needed another corner outfielder to complement Manny for when he goes down for the season to pair up with Eric Byrnes. Who better to add than another all-star in Gary Sheffield?" Owner/GM Tim Farmer remarked in a press release. "We now believe we have the depth in our offense, getting another 25 plus home run bat, not to mention a little more speed (22 steals) to compete with just about any other team in the league this year, and with the three aces we believe we can contend to win the title this season." There are still players to be had, and the team would like to acquire one or two more starting pitchers before the draft.

Magicians Add Third Ace; All-Star Left Fielder

The Herkimer Magicians have pulled off a blockbuster trade, dealing SP Joe Blanton, RF Brad Hawpe and a bunch of draft picks including the #3 overall pick to minor league partner Finger Lakes for All-Star starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano, All-Star left fielder Manny Ramirez, and top setup man Jon Rauch. "Along with the acquisition of Jeff Kent earlier this winter, we believe that gaining a couple more stars in Zambrano and Manny will deepen our lineup and rotation and give us arguably one of the two best one-two-three starters in the league, and putting Manny's bat in the middle of this lineup with Jeff will make it difficult to pitch around the middle of our lineup," Owner/GM Tim Farmer said in a press release. "With CC (Sabathia), John (Lackey), and Carlos anchoring our rotation, this gives us three extremely talented young starting pitchers to build around."