Javelina Complete Busy Winter Meetings

The Winter Meetings came to a close last night, which means it's time to recap the moves made by GM Jamie Hoyle and assess the impact those moves stand to have on the Javelina roster. The team made the following moves during the meetings:

Acquired Andre Ethier (3/12) for pick 1.13

Entering the meetings, Hoyle realized two things; he needed to improve his offensive core and most of his team stands to be draft-eligible after 2011. That made it imperative for the GM to add a potent bat who could team with Ryan Zimmerman beyond the 2011 season. Enter Ethier; a slugging outfielder who is just entering his prime. In the supposed 'post-steroid era', adding a corner outfielder capable of blasting 30 HR is no small feat. Ethier figures to remain a Javelina for the duration of his contract.

Acquired pick 5.03 for Francisco Corder0 (2/11)

Not particularly enamored with his duo of closers and in need of a few open contract spots, Hoyle decided it was time to clean out the bullpen. It's difficult to tell what the team will get with 5.03 at the moment, but it's probably safe to assume it will be either a starting pitcher or a bat of some kind.

Acquired pick 4.14 for Huston Street (2/11)

Again, the open contract spots and ability to extend two players trumped the need for two closers. Once again, the team is reasonably confident it should be able to secure a solid starting pitcher or offensive weapon at this point in the draft.

Acquired pick 2.01 and 8.01 for pick 2.13 and 4.13

For the Javelina, the ability to move up twelve slots in the second round of a thin draft was huge. They accomplished their goal, and their ability to secure an additional 4th round pick made the decision that much easier. It's safe to assume the team will draft offense in this part of the draft.

Acquired Alfonso Soriano for pick 3.13, 14.13, and Kyle Blanks (2/11)

With this move the Javelina successfully completed their 4-man outfield and managed to find a taker for young Kyle Blanks. The benefit of this deal is two-fold - first, the team acquired another outfielder capable of hitting 25+ HR; second they opened up a sixth contract spot which will enable them to offer two extensions following the 2011 season. Anytime a team can add that much offense and free up contracts, it's a win-win.

All-in-all, a very successful Winter Meetings for the Javelina. With his 4-man outfield complete and infield substantially so, Hoyle now finds himself in the enviable position of being able to draft the best player available rather than drafting based entirely on need. Hoyle figures to focus almost entirely on starting pitching and offensive depth with his remaining picks.