Armed with #5 pick, Javelina Focus on Extensions

Needless to say, the 2011 eMLB season did not go to plan for the Julian Javelina. Seemingly loaded on offense to start the season, the team saw several players take a big step back (Choo, Ethier, Johnson), and others suffer major injuries (Zimmerman, Davis). As a result, the team struggled to find a consistent offense and had to settle for an appearance in the consolation bracket as opposed to the championship playoffs.

"It wasn't what we had in mind going into the season," said GM Jamie Hoyle. "But on the bright side we did eek out a win in the consolation championships to secure the #5 pick in a very deep draft."

Now, with the #5 pick locked down, Hoyle and his staff must focus on re-building following a season in which they traded numerous players signed to long-term contracts in hopes of reviving a struggling offense. That process starts with making smart decisions as it relates to contract extensions, of which the team has two. But who will get them?

"We're still sorting through those decisions," explained Hoyle. "Off the top of my head, I'd say we have five or six guys who are worthy of extensions - but we can't keep all of them. Certainly, guys like Adam Jones, Berkman, Weaver, Madson, Valverde, Peralta, and Hudson are all candidates."

Here is a look at some of the candidates and their 2011 numbers:

Jered Weaver: 2.41 ERA, 18 W, 198 K, 1.01 WHIP

Tim Hudson: 3.22 ERA, 16 W, 158 K, 1.14 WHIP

Ryan Madson: 2.67 ERA, 32 SV, 62K, 1.15 WHIP

Jose Valverde: 2.24 ERA, 49 SV, 69K, 1.19 WHIP

Lance Berkman: .301 AVG, 31 HR, 94 RBI, 90 R, 92 BB

Adam Jones: .280, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 12 SB, 68 R

Jhonny Peralta: .299, 21 HR, 86 RBI, 68 R