Joplin Blasters Jive: March Update
Entering their inaugural season in the American Association, the Joplin Blasters have methodically been building a team that should be competitive. February and into March has seen the club sign some quality arms, and add two hitters that should help the Blasters live up to their nickname.
On Friday the 13th, Joplin signed OF Yasser Gomez. Gomez played 11 seasons (1997 to 2007) in the Cuban National Series where he was a star. In 2009, he played in the Dominican League, and in 2010 was signed by the Atlanta Braves where he played for their AA-Mississippi club. The last three seasons he has been playing independent baseball, with the last two in Camden of the Atlantic League. Last season he played in 78 games, where he hit .308 with a homer and 28 RBI. He also stole 12 bases. He should be a real asset to their lineup.
On February 16, the Blasters inked RHP Jorge Martinez to a deal. Martinez is another former Cuban star, who played eight seasons in the Cuban National Series before playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League in 2013. Last year the righty pitched for York of the Atlantic League, where he was 11-8 with a quality ERA of 3.21. Martinez has great command of his stuff, and should be a big time starter for the Blasters’ rotation.
Three days later RHP Rob Tejada was signed to a deal. He is trying to make a comeback after spending three years out of professional baseball, but he looks good and has a real shot at making this team. The right-hander had his best season in 2008 when he was 4-2 with a 3.54 ERA. That season he struck out an impressive 87 batters in 73.2 innings pitched.
On February 24, former Sioux City Explorer Oscar Mesa officially signed after being acquired on October 13. The outfielder had an outstanding season last year, hitting .327 with 18 stolen bases and 45 runs scored in 73 games. The outfielder posted an incredible .414 on-base percentage last season making him the ideal guy at the top of the team’s batting order.
Mesa is another former Cuban National Series guy (2004-2006). He has played in the American Association the last two seasons, including in 2013 when he played for El Paso. The Chihuahuas are no longer part of the American Association.
On March 3, Joplin signed two right-handers: Matt Swilley and Mike Fabrizio. Swilley is battling his way back from injuries that kept him off the field in two of the last three seasons. In 2013, he pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays rookie league team, making three appearances.
The Joplin Blasters are putting a lot of faith in guys returning to form following absences from baseball but, if they pan out, there is no doubt this club could have a real tough pitching staff. Adding Mesa to their lineup, as well as Gomez, will give them some real punch in their batting order.
With 17 players now under contract, the Joplin Blasters roster is starting to take shape. They need to find themselves two catchers and add depth in the infield and outfield, but with 10 weeks left until the season begins there is plenty of time to find a few men gems to make this a great year for baseball in Missouri.
By Robert Pannier