Purefoods mulls Omanzie trade

After trading Ervin Sotto for Mike Hrabak, Purefoods now sets its sights on FedEx slotman Omanzie Rodriguez to beef up its frontcourt and hopefully gain the right chemistry sthat could trigger the team’s turnaround from a poor showing in the recent PBA Fiesta Conference.

"There’s really the need for a big man and Omanzie is a prospect," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, who is evaluating FedEx’s trade offer involving Rodriguez and Purefoods’ first-round pick in the next rookie draft.

"Naayos ko na ang lahat ng pwesto from one to four except No. 5. We need one center but we have to evaluate if we can afford to give our first round pick," the youthful Purefoods mentor added.

Apparently, Rodriguez became expendable at FedEx after the Lina Group of Companies franchise acquired the services of Homer Se from Red Bull Barako in exchange for Vergel Meneses.

Hrabak made his first appearance in Purefoods’ practice yesterday although the trade won’t be sealed and reported to the PBA Commissioner’s Office until Hrabak and Sotto are given clean bill of health.

Gregorio intends to have the Fil-Am dead-shot alternating with veteran player Rey Evangelista at small-forward spot.

There were reports that Alaska Milk offered Ali Peek for Kerby Raymundo.

Gregorio said several ballclubs have expressed interest on Raymundo but he immediately nixed offers for the young 6-foot-6 center-forward.

"Kerby is non-negotiable," said Gregorio.

Raymundo’s contract is expiring at the end of the year. He’s still negotiating for his new pact with the Hotdogs.

Alaska was reportedly willing to sign Raymundo to a P14.7-million contract in three and a half years.