Lottery Complete, Expect Javelina to be Busy During Meetings

With the 2009 Draft Lottery complete and the actual draft looming, we know two things for certain. First, we know the Javelina won't be drafting anywhere near the top of the order. Second, GM Jamie Hoyle will be extremely busy trying to improve both his roster and his draft position during the upcoming Winter Meetings.

Assuming the team remains in the 16th spot in the first round, there are several directions they could take in upgrading the team. Logic would dictate they would follow the plan they used in the 2008 draft and select the best available hitter. If they were to follow that approach, it's likely Hoyle could be left to choose between players like Carl Crawford, Dan Uggla and Curtis Granderson. There is also the possibility they could find strong value in a starting pitcher at the bottom of the first round.

All that said, team sources have indicated that Hoyle is actively pursuing trade-up options that would place him in the middle portion of the round. Without naming names, these sources have suggested the GM is hot on the trail of a handful of what he considers to be "dynamic" offensive performers. Who those performers are remains to be seen.

There have been whispers around the team's training facilities that Hoyle has already agreed to at least one trade for a starting pitcher, and may be seeking to make one more. It was once thought the team may want to unload Ichiro Suzuki's contract prior to the draft; and while that may still be true, it is thought the offers Hoyle has received have not exactly knocked his socks off.