Alvin Lewis named assistant GM

When Alvin Lewis was hired as Miami's bench coach last season, it was widely assumed that he was being groomed to replace GM/Manager RJ Duke as the field manager. It turns out he might replace RJ Duke as GM instead. Alvin was named assistant GM and Director of minor league operations. For now, Duke retains both of his titles, although he has not committed to returning as manager, he could still decide to hire someone else for the role.

According to Duke, Alvin has 100% authority in selecting players for the 2006 draft. After taking high school shortstop Brandon Cohen in the first round, Alvin used his back to back second round picks on pitchers. Jason Sanchez, 19, throws 98 MPH but has no idea where the ball is going. Alvin was in attendance for his final high school game, where Sanchez threw a 19 strikeout no hitter, only to lose 6-4 as he issued 14 walks and launced 9 wild pitches.

Jason Curry, 21, was taken next. The lefthander was 10-2 with a 2.43 ERA this past year in the low minors. He has good control and knows how to pitch, but may have trouble at higher levels due to his lack of velocity. Curry throws at 85-87 MPH.