Overview
This year’s free agency period was a quiet one for the Surf Dawgs. The team did not make a splash to sign big name players on the board, rather, they focused on what they currently have and build from within. However, Surf Dawgs signed a couple of “under the radar” guys in the off-season. First, they sign 24-year-old infielder, Joe Panik on a Minor League contract ($11,500,000 signing bonus) and international free agent from Cuba, outfielder Alfredo Franco ($15,000,000 signing bonus). The team also signed several free agents to fill the outfield and infield (CF Austin Jackson, OF Micheal Saunders, and INF Jorge Gonzalez).
What’s new in starting rotation?
Surf Dawgs’ ace Matt Harvey and Brandon Beachy are old news, they are expected to be slotted on top of the rotation. New pitchers in the rotation this year are James Shield, Jake Arrieta, and Zach Wheeler. Dawgs acquired Shield through free agency. He signed a modest 2-year deal worth $8 million. Jake Arrieta was called up from Triple-A San Antonio and expected to be slotted at number 4 in the rotation. In 11 starts in San Antonio, Arrieta posted a 2.75 ERA, 79 strikeouts, in 85 innings pitched. Last in the rotation is 24-year-old Zach Wheeler. Wheeler was 2nd in ERA last year in San Antonio behind Jake Arrieta with 3.39. He won 8 games however, which led the team last year.
Problem in the outfield already?
The line up this year is a bit different with the addition of Alfredo Franco who is expected to start in right field. Last year, Alejandro De Aza was manning the right field and did a decent job offensively and defensively. What’s different in the outfield this year is in center field. Team MVP last year, Angel Pagan hurt his hammy in Spring Training and he’s currently out for at least 3 more weeks. Team is expected newly acquired Micheal Saunders to man the center field while Pagan nurses his leg. Lastly, last season’s starting second baseman, Ian Kinsler who was acquired last year via trade with Bowling Green was drafted by Altoona this past Expansion Draft.
Injuries
Surf Dawgs has a couple of notable injuries prior to Opening Day this season. Free agent pick up Austin Jackson is out 3 months (torn labrum). Outfielder Angel Pagan is still nursing his hammy and he’s out 3 weeks. Finally, P Mike Minor who got injured last year is one week away before pitching on the mound again after Tommy John Surgery.
