[mikev]

Last Minute Offseason Deal...

In a last minute deal before the start of the 2008 season, the California Crusaders have aquired outfielder Evan Dotson from the Pago Pago Coconuts in exchange for minor league reliever Guglielmo Zoffoli.

Dotson, a 31-year old lefty from New York, NY, will be manning center field for the Crusaders until the return of injured Jose Avila.

Pago Pago will also receive California's 3rd round draft pick in 2008 and $2,000,000 in cash.

Dotson was a bit surprised, but seemed to welcome the transaction. "Yeah, I mean I sorta saw the writing on the wall this offseason. They signed that Cuban dude, then some speed burner type, and then I heard that they had claimed Jones too. I mean, that's three outfielders that weren't hear last season, and there are only so many at-bats to go around. So yeah, I guess I figured that somebody was gonna be gone. Probably a little tough to deal a guy as expensive as Scotty or O.P., too. That left me. I understand that it's a business, and it'll be nice to be back in the States. I tell ya, though, I'm gonna miss seein Jane when paydays roll around."

Aren't we all, Ev... Aren't we all.

Anyway, in the spirit of how this affects the Crusaders: Most likely it means Nick Cox is headed back to Triple-A Oakland, and Dotson will take over in centerfield for a month until Avila comes back.

As far as Zoffoli, he's actually a guy that I liked a lot, and his high (for a reliever) endurance would have probably been really valuable if he develops fully. At 22, there's still a good chance that he will, but I've found that it's a little easier to come by relievers. Cheaper, too.

Dotson will probably slot into the 6th spot in the lineup against both lefties and righties.