PROTECTED LIST ANNOUNCED

The Yuma Firebirds have designated OF Ryan Braun as there new franchise player. Braun was ecstatic to here the news, "I love this organization. This is the only one I've ever known since they drafted me out of college. I've been blessed to be a part of an organization that is not only committed to winning, but has been winning ever since I've gotten here. Heck, I've been part of two championship teams, and I'm glad im going to be around for while, because we are not done winning championships...I guarantee that." Owner Chris Melkonian explained, "Ryan represents this ball club well. His enthusiasm, his dedication to improving his craft, the attitude he brings to this club everyday...its infectious, let me tell you. He's done great work in the community and on the field, and I expect him to continue representing the franchise well, because he has done that ever since he's gotten here."


The Yuma Firebirds have official protected lists for the upcoming 2011 BARB Player
Draft.

Franchise Players:

OF Nick Markakis
OF Ryan Braun

Keepers:

3B Ryan Zimmerman
LHP C.C. Sabathia
RHP Rafael Soriano

Protected:

1B Joey Votto
2B Martin Prado
SS Yunel Escobar
RHP Matt Cain
RHP Clay Buchholz
LHP Matt Thornton
LHP Hong-Chih-Kuo

OFFSEASON NEWS: FIREBIRDS DEAL!!!!

YUMA TIMES: HALLADAY OUT

The Yuma Firebirds have announced a stunning trade that has sent shock waves throughout the local community. Ace hurler Roy Halladay was traded to bitter rival Arizona in exchange for righties Matt Latos, Tommy Hanson, and 7th overall pick in the first round. "We had about twelve and a half million reasons as to why you did this deal," said owner Christopher Melkonian. "Roy is a fabulous pitcher, one of the games best. He helped bring us a pair of titles. Our organization and city is forever grateful. Yet, we were offered two outstanding, young, projectable arms who have already established themselves among the 25 best pitchers in the game. Given there youth, upside, and salary....it was a sweet two for one deal, not to mention, we can add another impact player with that draft pick. It was a no brainier for us." GM Billy Beane was quoted as saying, "We added two youngsters who have already established themselves in the big leagues, and who are only going to get better. We deepen a rotation that is not only one of BARB's best, but probably has the most upside as well. We've cleared up enough cap room to afford some of the future contract extensions of our younger players (such as Braun, Zimmerman, Cain). We love Roy, but we didn't like the dollar amount and age, and as one of my idols Bill Walsh once said...I'd rather trade a great player a year early instead of a year too late."




STRAIGHT UP: PRADO TO BIRDS

In a separate move, the Firebirds acquired INF Martin Prado for Arizona in exchange for OF Adam Jones. "Given the uncertainty of both Robert's health and roster status, we needed an insurance policy, and boy, we got a good one," said owner Chris Melkonian. "Prado is just a pure hitter with good versatility and his glove plays well anywhere. We always liked Adam's potential, but we feel with his inability to control the strike zone, he would never live up to the expectations that we set for him, and he was not a good fit for our line-up." GM Billy Beane added, "We gave up a upside for a finished product....we filled a serious need."




FRANCHISED NO MORE

The Yuma Firebirds shipped off former franchise player pitcher Jake Peavy to the newly christened Central California .45s in exchange catching prospect Travis D'Arnaud and the .45s' 5th round selection. "We cannot express how much we appreciate Jake's work both on and off the field. He represented the franchise well during his time here, and we hope he continues to have success elsewhere," stated owner Chris Melkonian. GM Billy Beane offered his thoughts, "The recent injuries to Peavy were why this deal was done. He has had trouble staying healthy. Some of money spent has been sunk cost. Eventually, you have to cut the ties. Travis is a very well rounded catcher with plenty of upside, and we believe he can develop into a quality catcher, not to mention, we believe strongly in our player development and scouting staff, so draft picks are gold to us." Beane went on to say, "This is a team in transition. Ownership has sent a clear message; we want to have a team that is young, affordable, and deep, and we are almost towards the finish line with that goal." Beane states that he does not anticipate anymore major movements from the club. "We are happy where we are at. We will continue to build of our success, and we will be a major force to be reckon with; now and in the future," said Beane as he parted from journalists.



YUMA TIMES POLL: THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN

The people have spoken. The Firebirds are Arizona's teams. As part of the state census data in Arizona, a whooping 94% of the public considered themselves fans of the Yuma Firebirds. Another 4.5% said they were fans of the well-traveled Arizona Rattlesnakes, and the remaining 1.5% said they were fans of other teams. "Yeah, we are the people's choice. Given our success on the field, plus our philanthropy exploits throughout the state, its a privilege to be considered Arizona's team. Success and loyalty go a long way. Others should take note

TAKE TWO!

In thrilling fashion, the Yuma Firebirds once again were the toast of the baseball world, defeating the Pottslyvania Creepers in a thrilling six game series that saw the Firebirds jump out to there traditional strong start by winning the first two games with aces Jake Peavy and Roy Halladay silencing the creepers bats. In games three and four, southpaw C.C. Sabathia and right Matt Cain were rocked as the Yumans failed to put the series away. The Firebirds gambled starting Halladay in a crucial game five, and he delivered, although the Birds shaky bullpen nearly lost it. In game six, Jake Peavy delivered in a huge way and once again OF Vladimir Guerrero, regulated to part-time duty, sealed the win by driving in what would be the winning run as the Firebirds won there second title in three seasons. OF Denard Span was the catalyst for the Firebirds offense, creating magic at the plate, on the base paths, and in the field. He was named World Series MVP over aces Roy Halladay and Jake Peavy. "The organization labeled me as a franchise player, and i WAS NOT gonna let them down. i wanted the ball. i wanted the game. and we did it!" exclaimed Peavy. "Nothing feels better than this!" exclaimed Firebirds owner Chris Melkonian, "This was a tough year for the organization, our pitching staff and offense were once again devastated by injuries, but through some astute moves (adding Cordero, Madson, Blanton) and clutch performances, we were able too reach the pinnacle of success. Its unfortunate because last year we had a championship caliber team, but we couldn't overcome our injuries and we missed the playoffs for the first time, but we weren't gonna let this happen again."

GO YUMA!

The Yuma Firebirds, in there third attempt to win the BARB World Series, finally got the monkey off there back with another nail-biting game seven win against the Darwin Finches. The Firebirds won 1-0, thanks to a solo home run by Vladimir Guerrero, who had struggled throughout the series. "Wow, we finally caught a break!", exclaimed GM Chris Melkonian. "Losing last years series in extra innings was tough, but we made up for it this year." Manager Ron Scott was elated,"We finally got what we were looking for. Our pitching staff really carried us in the postseason, Roy,C.C., and Will were money, and despite all the controversey surronding Roger, he pitched a hellva game and if this is his final season, we are glad to send him off on top." C.C. Sabathia was named the Series MVP with two impressvie victories against Darwin, edging Yuma hurler Roy Halladay and catcher Russell Martin.