Bautista On Track For Friday Debut

According to team sources, newly acquired OF Jose Bautista is tentatively scheduled to make his Javelina debut this Friday, during the weekend series against the North Texas Rangers.  Bautista, who has been battling left wrist inflammation, appeared in his first rehab game on Monday and went 0-3 with a walk.

It is expected the team will insert him into the UTIL spot in the lineup for the remainder of the season once he returns.  Needless to say, the front office and fans alike are eager to see their new slugger in action before an otherwise dismal season comes to a close.

Javelina Pull Off Blockbuster, Add Joey Bats

We thought they were done dealing.  We're pretty sure they thought they were done dealing.  We were all wrong.

Just weeks after adding Yadier Molina and Allen Craig in separate trades, the Julian Javelina today agreed to another huge trade as they continue shaping their roster for the 2013 season.  GM Jamie Hoyle, always lurking, looking for a deal, agreed to trade Molina, Craig, Garrett Jones and Luke Gregerson to the Olivet Killer Eagles for Jose Bautista, Jordan Schafer, Scott Moore and Edward Mujica.

The trade is somewhat surprising considering the team had been planning to extend Craig, who is enjoying a break through year, for the 2013 season.  It may also surprise some because it was Olivet from whom they originally acquired Molina, but the Eagles were in desperate need of help at catcher and second base.

"This trade probably doesn't need much explanation," said Hoyle via conference call.  "Adding Bautista to a core that already included Zimmerman, Gonzo, Gordon, and Pence was a no-brainer.  Now we head into the draft with a solid core AND a shot at a top three pick."

Bautista, who is currently on the DL with a wrist injury, was enjoying yet another explosive season as a premier run producer when he went down.  The slugging outfielder was on pace for his third consectutive 40+ HR, 100+ RBI, 100+ R, 100+ BB season, and the team expects more of the same over the life of his three year contract.  For once, this is a lineup that shouldn't have any issues putting up elite offensive numbers.