[PilotMan]

5. OF Jose Blanco; 27; 7yr/2.74 M from Tacoma of the PCB.

The big splash of the offseason. Blanco was the best OF available and we paid for him. He actually came up in the Napa system out of Cuba and was a millionaire from his initial signing. Considered the #2 prospect in the PCB in '79 he lit the league on fire grabbing a Glove Wizard award in LF and finishing 3rd in voting for ROY. He was on the last Napa team to win the title in '81 when he won his second Glove Wizard award, this time for RF. A speed merchant with a good glove, he has 213 career SB and was a career .300 hitter when he was traded at the deadline in '82 to Tacoma for what amounted to our #1 minor league prospect. He slumped in '84 only hitting .257 in 374 AB and 21 SB. He adds defense and top of the order production, but injuries have derailed his once bright career. We have a bunch of 2 star OF's and Blanco should be the anchor in the OF provided he can stay healthy.

6. RP Dewey Mahoney, 36; 1yr/$188,000 from Honolulu of the PCB.

A late spring addition Mahoney had put together a reputation as a fearsome closer for most of his career. He started his career in Washington of the ABL before signing with Hololulu and being the closer there for the next 5 years. He blew out his elbow and had Tommy John in '83. When he came back he went right back to his old ways saving 27 (giving him 247 for his career) and posting a 1.99 ERA in '84. I'm not sure how, but I feel like we got him for a steal. He knows full well that his career is winding down and he wasn't looking for a big money cash in. He won't be a closer here. The coach has already decided that one of our young pitchers are going to take over that roll, but a solid arm in the pen is always needed. He only throws 2 pitches but he still has good stuff and keeps the ball down well.