Raptors Bolster Sagging Pitching Staff

After 2026's surprising run into the playoffs, Antelope Valley is determined to go even deeper this year.  After locking up All Pro 2B Rick Bryant for 7 years and adding some bench depth with veteran 3B Ronald Quijada, the Raptors have bolstered a perennially underachieving pitching staff by adding pitchers Harry Wagner and Mark Blanton from the Highland Admirals.   Wagner will slot into the starting rotation, taking the place of beleaguered SP Jermaine "The Christmas Tree" Earp while Blanton may work as a starter, allowing Knowles to move to the pen where he is better suited.    Hopefully working long relief out of the pen will allow Earp to regain his form.  It is suspected that Chiang and free agent disaster Robles will be DFA'd.  The acquisition of Robles hadn't worked out as planned, but the emergence of Rule 5 pick Mark Fields has prevented the Raptor's bullpen from being a complete 'gasoline alley'.  Former starter Lucas Sweeney has also adapted well to his move to the bullpen.

The Raptors paid a heavy price to acquire the Admiral's pitchers, giving up minor leaguers MR Carlos Velazquez (AAA), 3B Craig Clayton (AA), MR Luis Quinones (AA), SP John Manning (AAA) and a 3rd round pick.  After years of stocking up minor leaguers and a few good drafts, AV felt they could sacrifice the youngsters in order to strengthen their run this year.