Squirrels Still Looking to Move up In Round One

Before fans could even get excited about the return of Brett Lawrie, GM Adam Anson sent him packing for an upgraded pick package. Anson tried to relate his moves to the fanbase as one move rather than a series of moves saying, "We essentially moved two spots back in round 2 and moved up eleven spots in round 3, and we acquired Hunter Pence at the same time. When you look at it, Hunter Pence actually came to us for free...or we almost were paid to take him if you really look at the big picture."

So all this to acquire Hunter Pence? Granted, he is a solid contributor in 4-5 categories if his avg returns, but a whirlwind of deals gets people excited, and now the return can be looked at as minimal...maybe. Or, does Anson have another move up his sleeve? Sources close to the team say that their GM is still looking to move up in Rd 1 and having 1.12, 2.14, and 3.1 in his pocket, one would have to believe he has the firepower to do so. If the Squirrels can find the right trade partner, it appears they would like to do just that.

Squirrels Kick Off Winter Meetings with a Bang

Sources have confirmed that the Springfield Flying Squirrels of Republic have traded for two impact bats at the winter meetings.

GM Adam Anson has sent picks 2.12, 3.12, 5.12, 13.12, and Anibal Sanchez and has acquired Brett Lawrie(3/14), Hunter Pence(3/14), and picks 3.1 and 6.13. These of course were in separate deals, but in the end, the Squirrels look like they have made out well, and now have a dynamic offense for the 2013 season.

Lawrie is still somewhat of a question mark, but Anson spent a 3rd round pick on him last year and was quick to snatch him back up. Pence will provide good power numbers across the board, and his average is likely to rise from last year given that he will finally spend a full season with one team this year. "We planned to aggressively seek offense at this year's winter meetings, and that is precisely what we have done. You have to pay for offense in this league, and while we sent some early picks for these guys, we feel we got good return in a year that the draft looks really weak," said Anson.

Rumors are flying that Lawrie could be flipped, and re-opening a 3yr deal makes sense, but Anson may be all-in for 2013. "We're still looking to improve our team in as many ways as possible. No one is untouchable, but our players know that the first day they put on the uniform. We've added quantifiable value in our deals so far, and we would be happy to go into the season with our roster the way it is pre-draft." The beauty of these deals is that if the Squirrels do stand pat, they have extended their window of contention with Cano/Lawrie/Freeman/Pence and a likely extended Trout.

It's an interesting time in Squirrel land and it looks to get more interesting in the week ahead.

2013 Squirrels as of Day One at the Winter Meetings


05yr -- Robinson Cano -- 2016

03yr -- SP -- Roy Halladay-- 2013
03yr -- 1B -- Freddie Freeman -- 2014
03yr -- SP -- Dan Haren -- NT
03yr -- OF --Hunter Pence -- 2014
03yr -- 3B -- Brett Lawrie -- 2014

02yr -- OF -- Josh Willingham -- NT
02yr -- OF -- Mike Trout -- 2013
02yr -- 3B -- Mike Moustakas -- 2013
02yr -- SP -- Adam Wainwright -- 2013
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
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Flying Squirrels Depth Chart

C --
1B -- Freddie Freeman
2B -- Robinson Cano
3B -- Mike Moustakas
SS --
OF -- Mike Trout
OF -- Josh Willingham
OF -- Hunter Pence
OF --
UT --Brett Lawrie

SP -- Roy Halladay
SP -- Adam Wainwright
SP -- Dan Haren
SP -- Anibal Sanchez
SP --
RP --
RP --
RP --
RP --
RP --

BN --
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Winter Meetings Update

As it appears the Winter Meetings have been kicked off a little early this year, it seems appropriate to update what the Squirrels will be looking to acquire once the meetings officially start...or before..or now that they've begun...or whatever. :)

Rumor has it that the Squirrels have acquired two solid impact bats for draft picks in the upcoming 2013 draft. This gives the Squirrels an absolute mess of offense to go with Halladay, Wainwright and Haren, leaving the Squirrels in an envious position when the draft rolls around. Sources close to the team say that GM Adam Anson is making a push to move up in round one. This could mean that the two acquired bats are not necessarily staying put, and that a player/pick combo could be had if an owner in the top 10 wanted to move back in the first round.

When asked, all Anson would divulge was that "We're in a great spot. We've got some really nice trade chips and we'd like to move up in the first round...that said, if we sit still at twelve, there will still be a lot of options for us. We could easily snag another top flight SPer or just go all out offense. We like the position we have put ourselves in."

Squirrel Rumors

Unconfirmed sources close to the Flying Squirrels say that GM Adam Anson may already have two under the table deals for two impact bats. When asked, Anson simply said, "I'm looking to build this team into a perennial powerhouse. A strong foundation was built through the draft last year and if we can augment that, we're going to do so aggressively...to answer your questions though, I can't confirm any particular deal at this time."

With a solid young core of offense and good depth at SP, one would wonder what the Squirrels are targeting. Anson has hinted at an all out push toward acquiring contracted offense with draft picks, which makes sense given the team's strong championship aspirations. It seems if the Squirrels were going to trade talent it would come from the depth of starting pitching. Anibal Sanchez and Roy Halladay seem like the most likely targets to be traded. Sanchez would likely be had at a fairly cheap price, but Halladay has to be treated like the ace he has proven himself to be over time and not the injured hack he seemed to be last year.

More to come...and yeah, I stole Doyel's depth chart and contract setup. :)



05yr -- Robinson Cano -- 2016

03yr -- SP -- Roy Halladay-- 2013
03yr -- 1B -- Freddie Freeman -- 2014
03yr -- SP -- Dan Haren -- NT
03yr -- OPEN
03yr -- OPEN

02yr -- OF -- Josh Willingham -- NT
02yr -- OF -- Mike Trout -- 2013
02yr -- 3B -- Mike Moustakas -- 2013
02yr -- SP -- Adam Wainwright -- 2013
02yr -- SP -- Anibal Sanchez -- 2013
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
02yr -- OPEN
----------

Flying Squirrels Depth Chart

C --
1B -- Freddie Freeman
2B -- Robinson Cano
3B -- Mike Moustakas
SS --
OF -- Mike Trout
OF -- Josh Willingham
OF --
OF --
UT --

SP -- Roy Halladay
SP -- Adam Wainwright
SP -- Dan Haren
SP -- Anibal Sanchez
SP --
RP --
RP --
RP --
RP --
RP --

BN --
BN --
BN --
BN --
BN --
BN --
BN --
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Squirrels Winter Meeting Preview

As the 2013 Winter Meetings and Draft approach, the Springfield Flying Squirrels of Republic are loaded up for a run at their first eMLB Championship. The team returns an outstanding core that led the team to a surprising 3rd place finish in 2012.

The offense features a talented group of young stars in Robinson Cano, Freddie Freeman, Mike Moustakas, Josh Willingham and 2012 eMLB MVP Mike Trout. Unconfirmed reports say that the team may already have an under the table deal for a contracted impact OFer as well.

The SPing, which was the downfall of the 2012 Squirrels team, returns four quality arms headlined by Adam Wainwright and Roy Halladay. GM Adam Anson expects Halladay to return to form in 2013 after battling an injury for most of 2012 and expects Adam Wainwright to be even better than he was in 2012, now a full season removed from Tommy John surgery. Dan Haren and Anibal Sanchez both seemed to find their old form towards the end of the 2012 season, and if they can continue to build upon that success, the Squirrels' rotation could be one of the best in the league. "Our top four guys are all capable of 200K's and they all play for solid teams. It's a stretch, but four fifteen game winners all topping 200K's isn't out of the realm of possibility with these guys," said Anson.

Looking to the Winter Meetings, the Squirrels will look to be aggressive in any opportunity to move up in the first round, and would likely package their first round pick with picks or players, likely a pitcher, to do so. "I'm not saying I want to trade one of my arms, but if the right deal was there, we'd definitely consider it."

Here is a brief rundown of available players in easy to understand categories:

"Blow Me Away"

Mike Trout- 2/13 He's the MVP. He's the man. Think of your best offer...then throw in an extension and your first round pick. :)

Robinson Cano- 5/16 Best player at his rather scarce position and a top 5 player overall. Perfect age to make every year of this contract worthwhile.

"Come Big or Don't Come At All"

Freddie Freeman- 3/13 Had a solid sophomore campaign, and I expect about the same this year with better average and more walks. .280/25hr/95rbi/80r/60bb is pretty solid from you1B.

Mike Moustakas- 2/13 Excellent power numbers and an extension worthy guy at a scarce position.

Adam Wainwright- 2/13 Really came on at the end of 2012, and looked like the Wainwright of old.

Roy Halladay- 3/13 Should be back after battling an injury for most of last year.

"Let's Make a Deal"

Anibal Sanchez- 2/13 Really turned it on late last year after he finally figured out the AL. If he dominates, extend him, if not, let him go...that's the beauty of an expiring contract.