Javelina Working Hard on Contract Negotiations

With the eMLB draft having been completed late last week, the Julian Javelina worked feverishly through the weekend in an effort to lay the ground work for new contracts for four of their recent draftees. The team is expected to offer contracts to Ryan Dempster, Kelly Johnson, Gio Gonzalez and Ike Davis prior to the start of the 2011 season. For his part, GM Jamie Hoyle played host to all four players on an individual basis over the weekend, inviting each to join him at his green-side corporate box at TPC Scottsdale's famous 16th hole. The general consensus is all four players enjoyed themselves and are open to signing with the team.

"I wouldn't say we had any formal discussions at the tournament," opined Hoyle. "Having said that, I enjoyed getting to know our new players and feel confident something will get done with each of them."

Though it hasn't been confirmed, there have been rumors that one of the players - most probably Ike Davis - was arrested during Tuesday's practice round after jumping out of the corporate box and streaking the 16th green in an effort to mock a player who had missed what he considered 'a freakin' gimmie' of a birdie putt.

"I'm not going to comment on rumors," said Hoyle with a wry smile and a wink. "But if that were true - and I'm not saying it is - one could say such an incident might give us a little leverage in negotiations."

It's believed all four players will be offered 2-year contracts to sign with the team.