Flash Make a Trade Splash

The Philadelphia Flash wasted no time making some noise at the Winter Meetings this year, negotiating a deal with the Los Angeles Stars that brings both RF Cozy Thomas and RP Rod Duvall to the Flash. In return, the Flash gave up one of their top pitching prospects, SP/RP R.J. Manuel, and former compensation round pick 2B Victor Furcal. Completing the deal was RP Mark Ming, who the Flash acquired from the Atlanta Mad Dogs near last season's trade deadline.

Surrendering R.J. Manuel meant the Flash wanted big returns, and they believe they got just that. Cozy Thomas has the makings of a big-time bat in the Philly lineup. He is a career .260 hitter, but the Flash think his swing will really benefit by moving to Philadelphia's more home run prone ballpark. More importantly, if he can make the shift from outfield to infield, he fills the void left by 3B Ramon Martin, who is set to become a free agent in the morning. The potential starting lineup for the Flash is now an intimidating blend of power hitters and on-base guys.

Duvall is not an electric reliever, but he certainly has big league stuff and will help fill one of the holes vacated by all of Philly's free agent relievers. Getting Duvall on top of a solid offensive player sealed the deal for the Flash.

The Flash were reluctant to give up Furcal since they like to build through the draft, but his inability to hit left-handed pitching led the Flash to believe he would only become a platoon player some day. "There's a lot to like in Furcal, but if he only gets to play part of the time, his value becomes quite a bit diminished," said general manager Sour Surfer.