The Second Coming?

Troy, NY: The Haymakers made a big splash today by acquiring top bat Josh Hamilton in a five player deal. Hamilton, 29, easily becomes the best bat in the revamped lineup and is expected to have a breakout season in the NASBL while mentoring young bats like Butler, Sandoval, Soto and Gardner.

The excitement was in the air after the announcement was made. "We can't wait to see this lineup in action," said GM Ken Anderson, "Hamilton is a monster at the plate. He's easily one of the top hitters in the league and should be fun to watch with (Jose) Bautista batting behind him."

Bautista, who was a mid round draft pick selected to help out against lefties last season, will also be a MVP candidate this upcoming season as he looks to double his career NASBL homerun total of 40.

The new look lineup should look like this:

Brett Gardner (CF/LF)

Brandon Phillips (2B)

Josh Hamilton (LF/CF)

Jose Bautista (DH)

Billy Butler (1B)

David Murphy/Jeff Francoeur (RF)

Pablo Sandoval/Mark Reynolds (3B)

Geovanny Soto (C)

Jason Bartlett (SS)

Troy also picked up top relief pitcher and former Haymaker Mike Adams in the deal, who should fill in nicely in the set-up role.

The biggest concern will the the loss of staff ace Jered Weaver. Some doubters wonder if moving the young ace who finally should produce like expected is worth picking up the bat. At this point the best arm on the team is Brett Myers, and while he would fill nicely as a number 2; it's questionable if he could qualify as a number 1.

"We considered that, but thought that the long term increase in production from Hamilton was worth the loss of Weaver," said the GM, "If you want to compete is this league you need a top ten bat in your lineup; so we went out and got the best bat in the league. Plus we have some other pitchers who can fill in nicely."

The final deal worked out as follows: Jered Weaver, consistant but often platooned Andre Etheir and super-sub Omar Infante for Josh Hamilton and Mike Adams. Infante finally had a breakout year, but could not upseat Brandon Phillips as the starting 2B-man. He was considered to play 3B, but the team did not want to give up on top draft pick Pablo Sandoval.

It's no doubt the fans will come out to watch Hamilton, but only time will tell if he can give the fans the playoff appearance they so desperately desire. That's a lot of pressure to carry around.