Dawsonville, GA – In one day owner Gray Ulery filled the last two remaining question marks in the starting lineup of the Season 16 Dawsonville Highway 9ers. Ulery completed a trade with Atlantic City to bring on 2B George Collins just minutes before selecting CF Luis Shears of Orlando with his second round pick in the free agent draft.
To acquire Collins, Ulery traded his 1st round pick in next year’s amateur draft. Along with Collins, the 9ers received Atlantic City’s 2nd round pick in the free agent draft at the end of next season.
Dawsonville’s second round pick this year hinged on the trade negotiations with Atlantic City. “After securing our shortstop and designated hitter in round one, second base was our top priority,” said Ulery. “We were hoping that Collins would have fallen to us in round two, but also had our eye on Joe Hines of Memphis.” By acquiring Collins, Ulery was able to turn his sights on other options for his second round pick. “We took a good look at the pitchers available, and weren’t confident in any of them. Shears, however, is projected to be a .300 hitter at center field.” Center field has been patrolled by Keiunta Span for the last few seasons. Span is expected to be used as a pinch runner and backup outfielder this year.
The addition of Shears and Collins puts players at all spots in the batting order who should be above average hitters, including four or five legitimate threats to bat .300 or better.
Defense is still a concern for Dawsonville management and fans. Snake Miller is an improvement over Clint Barmes at shortstop, but Collins does not have as good a range at second as either Doe Loan or Davey Benton, Dawsonville’s two second basemen currently on the roster.
The pitching staff is the biggest opportunity the team currently has. The team lost starters Jack Blair and Sap Pfeffer to free agency, and did not replace either during the draft. The expectation in Atlanta is that rookies John Maine and Jonathan Mikrut will be on the opening day roster to try and stop the opposing hitters. Also look for the 9ers to look for available pitching all season long.
