The Aftermath

There was surprises, mishaps and of course a few max contracts the past few days. While many questioned his tactics, GM Flytekk of the Austin Stunners went out and locked up Chad Lamb, the youngest of the Ace's on the market. Lamb and his three rings left the Anaheim Pepperchuckers for Free Agency and left town because the club could not match the offer that Austin put out. To lure Lamb the Stunners made Thurman Linebrink the highest paid coach in league history. Rumor's sorounded Lamb through the winter that whoever landed Linebrink would have the inside track to landing Lamb. A few franchises headed the advice, as you can see with the $11.5 million salary he commanded. True to the rumor Lamb went ahead and signed with Austin shortly after the hiring of Linebrink was announced.

Also making big news this week in Free Agency was the Kansas City Black and Blue Brachiosaurus. Kansas city GM indiansrck27 went out and re-signed last year's MVP LF Ted Wilson to smaller deal after letting him go just days prior. Wilson was joined by COF Omar Campos, who fits KC's player pattern very well. KC also landed one of the 3 Ace's on the market in Pat Politte, which was some consultation for losing All-Star 2b Philip Cashman, who the team did not even offer a contract to and signed with the Pittsburgh Pranksters for a less then max deal - which surprised many.

The Salem Witch Doctors stuck out on priority number one in Cashman due to an accounting error which left the team with less money then expect and therefore they could not offer a full max deal. Instead the club signed 2b Larry Carver, who is a better offensive player the Cashman is and came cheaper then a full max offer.

 After acquiring Ryan Carr early in Winter Meetings the and declaring their offense the "Best in the League" the Wichita Black Lightning added a key piece to their title hopes in Max Free Agent Ace, Oscar Baumann. Many teams were scared off by his age, 32 and giving him $60 million guaranteed money after he turned 35 but even after the Joe Cohen incident the team was ready to do what it takes to make themselves a contender again.

The Tampa Bay Waves made a push to get back into contention by signing the leagues all time Home Run leader in 3b Achilles Cohen. This should give them a good boost to their offense, Cohen is moving to a slightly less hitter friendly park so his power numbers may fall a bit but non-the-less it was a good signing by the club.

Lastly the Vancouver Giants went out and got another good starter after getting Galahad Dale last season, who they still hope can have some good recovery in a month when he returns. The club signed Len Knott to a hefty contract, which GM Kreller131 did say he might have overspent but said he would do whatever it took to make Vancouver a winner and this was one of those steps.

In this unprecedented free agent class, one that some had been looking forward to for seasons, things may not have shook out exactly as expected, reigning world champs Syracuse Tyrants were unable to secure either of their stud Ace's from last years title run, it brings a whole new look on how this season and seasons to come will play out. After the dust settles I would contend that the Kansas City Black and Blue Brachiosaurus, Wichita Black Lightning and the Salem Witch Doctors come out as the top three teams in the League, followed by the Austin Stunners.