.png){kind=small}
HOT STOVE REPORT: Panthers Re-Add Davis, Zarazee for 2019
The off-season is here and in preparation for the 2019 ORWBL season, we will be taking a look at all the big signings, trades, and transactions from around the league as they happen this offseason.
GRANGER - With the recent news that the Panthers would be without two of their 2018 starters heading into next season (Tony Koch-retirement, Tiki Seroczynski – ACL), Granger has signed a pair of former Panthers in Daivyn Davis and Alex Zarazee.
Granger's front office knew they would be needing to make moves even before news of Koch’s retirement and Serocyznski’s injury after they were swept by the Magic in their first World Series appearance this past season. Granger struggled with depth issues throughout the latter half of the season, so additions like these were expected.
Davis was the first domino to fall for Granger, as his signing was announced just hours after the end of the World Series. Davis most recently played this last season with the neighboring Twin Branch Billy Goats where he hit .301 with 13 HRs and 16 RBIs.
Zarazee was traded by Granger right at the deadline this same season as he played sparingly with the South Shore Silver Sluggers. In just three games Zarazee went 14-20 with 4 HRs but also pitched 2 games, allowing 20 runs and picking up a win for his efforts with the Silver Sluggers. Zarazee wasn’t signed by Granger until later, agreeing to a 2019 contract shortly after winning the Peacefest Classic with Granger.
That tournament victory marked two straight non-league tournament championships for the Panthers with Davis and Zarazee as members of the team (Cody’s Community Tournament was the other). In fact, Davis even managed to win Most Valuable Player of the Peacefest Classic.
With Davis and Zarazee on board for 2019, and 2017 Cy Young winner Griffin Smith returning from injury Granger appears to already have their lineup set for next season. Those three will join All-Stars Seth Campbell and Austin Williams in what should be another potent Panther lineup.
As Granger sets their eyes on World Series revenge in 2019, it appears as though the majority of their off-season is already over. For now they will focus on getting Smith and Serocyznski healthy heading into next season.
