Haymakers add Big Bat

Troy, NY:  Turns out the rumors from yesterday's edition of Springfield Times were true.  The Haymakers moved the VFS round 1 pick and a round 3 pick to the Bulldogs for Allen Craig and a VFS round 9 pick.  "Craig is going to add a lot to our lineup.  It was a big haul to give up o get him, but we knew that we could not get this kind of bat from the draft," said GM Ken Anderson, "We had been shopping the pick and couldn't be happier with this kind of return.  The top three of Edwin, Josh and Craig with Fowler leading off will bring the memories of 2010."  That 2010 team went to the championship series, eventually losing to the Iron Pigs, so those are some big shoes to fill.
   Craig will most likely fall in as Troy's number 5 hitter, behind the big bats of Edwin Encarnacion and Josh Hamilton, in what will be a deep lineup of hitters.  He will most likely DH, but may see limited time at 1B and in the outfield.
   He excelled in his first season with the Bulldogs, hitting .314 with a .613 slugging percentage in 200 at bats.
  Craig's presence will most likely move newly acquired Carlos Beltran to the bench, but the GM says there will is enough playing time to go around.  "Everyone will get their AB's," he said, "I spoke to Carlos and he knows he will be playing.  Between Carlos, Craig and Corey (Hart), the playing time will not be a problem in RF or DH."   
   There is much excitement as the team beings camp, with a new battery of Chris Iannetta and Russell Martin and new backup 3Bman Kevin Youkilis adds a nice veteran presence.  The lineup looks good but again the questions still surround the rotation, as the Haymakers have been lacking an ace since trading Jered Weaver.  Bumgarner has the ability, but he is a lefty and it may take him another year or two.  That doesn't solve the problem for this season though...but who will be watching?  The fan will be looking to the fences at all the homeruns, hit and given up!