Been a while since the last Bomber Blast, but we're back and ready to start the 2013 season, and there's a lot of optimism in the air.

Coming off a 61-101 season this would seem a tad bizarre, but GM Altman made significant strides in the off season addressing many of the teams needs, specifically the Arm's Race!

The Bombers ranked 11th or 12th in most categories.  So, the first area of improvement is in the bullpen.  The Bombers blew leads late in games last year and that easily cost the South Carolina at least 10 wins.

The first order of business was solidifying the rotation, and while there weren't many affordable SP's available, there was one highly touted arm that we had our eyes on.  Our very own Ed "Dodo" Bell.
Coming off Tommy John surgery this could be risky, but a 3yr / 17.4M contract over 3 years seemed like a perfect match.  The 3rd year is a vesting option should Bell throw 200 IP in 2014, then the final 7.2 M would kick in.  But 2 years should be enough time to bridge the gap for Gibbons to take the helm as the staff ace.

In the Rule V Draft the Bombers plucked CL Stephen Douglas from SD.  Douglas looks to have an amazing future in the ABL.  He went 7-3 w/ 21 Saves and a 1.22 ERA in AA last season.  He threw 81 innings and whiffed 84 with a WHIP of 0.77.  Currently showing as 3 of 4.5* and appears to be ABL ready now.

The next selection in the Rule V Draft was Dorian Dubreuil from Seattle.  Another fine arm.  In AAA Dubreuil went 4-5 w/4 saves, and a 2.57 ERA.  In 98 innings he gave up just 65 hits, struck out 106 and had a WHIP of 1.03

Making the ABL Squad out of spring training is MR Kevin Rutledge.  Rutledge spent last season in AA and AAA compiling some impressive numbers.  2-7 w/ 6 saves.  In 86 2/3 IP, he gave up 71 hits while striking out 88 and a 1.30 WHIP.  Showing as 2/4* this call up might seem premature, but it's tough to keep a 26 year old kid down on the farm who throws anywhere from 99-101!

On December 2nd, the second phase of Altman's transformation of pointing this franchise in the right direction came with the trading of 1st Overall Draft choice, SS Joe Frost.  Frost's value was sky high going into last season but sputtered.  But the Bombers were saddled with financial difficulties by under performing players with significant contracts and a lack of formidable arms in the organization.  So Frost was shipped to So Cal for John "Flipper" Martin (AAA Bronx).  Martin a top prospect in the So Cal organization, as well as in the ABL made this a very attractive deal for the Bombers.  The Bombers were also able to move 4 players with salaries around $8M off the payroll, allowing so financial flexibility.

 In January, rookie phenom Stephan "Action" Jackson capped off his superb rookie season by securing a 7 year $27M contract, buying out 2 years of Free Agency at a substantially discounted price.  Right now, Jackson would be eligible for Free Agency at 34 years old!  Fan interest improved immediately upon the signing and South Carolina, is expecting a boost in fans this season.

With the extra cash available to South Carolina, another hole was plugged when 2B Mario Antonio was signed as a FA on a 3 year, 5.3M contract, with the team holding an option on the 3rd year.  Antonio, 34 now, could bridge the gap till phenom 19 year old Rick Grant develops and solidifies the 2B position for maybe a decade.

The final FA signing was a minor league invite to MR David Burns.  If Burns can make the Bombers, he will earn 900K this season.  The crafty 35 year old, while only throwing 89-90 MPH racked up some impressive numbers in AAA last season.  6-1, w/2 saves, a 1.97 ERA and a WHIP of 1.04.  This was all done in 86 2/3 innings while giving up just 57 hits and striking out 85.  Burns is expecting to find a spot in the bullpen about 3 weeks into the season, and the Bombers are hoping things work themselves out to allow this move to happen.

Tomorrow's Blog Posting will focus out the Entry Level Draft.

Gary