Sunday, October 7, 2012

Offseason Recap

The biggest name on the market this year was also likely one of the most controversial.

What is 39 year old Ace Pat Politte worth? How many years does he have left in the tank? And most importantly, does he put your club into the World Series? Because than it's worth it.

Those are the questions GM davecallahan had to answer, stating "I didn't think Pat was a bad signing. 13 mil for 5 years but I've got a team option for year 5, so it's really 13.75 for the next 4 years for a guy who's won the Cy Young award the last 2 years."

While some may disagree on the price tag, nobody would argue the fact that adding Politte increases the Montreal Mounties chances of playing in the World Series this year, and winning there would make it all a moot point.

Another 39 year old starter was on the market, Doc Hunter. While Doc isn't nearly as accomplished as Politte, he is one of the 200 win club members. Hunter received much less interest than Pollite, he did receive a $15 million 2 year deal - with a mutual $8 million option for next season with the Kansas City Royals. The signing the Royals are more excited about is starter Vasco Santana, he received a $52 million, 5 year deal with a mutual option for the final $12 million on the contract and a no trade clause. The Royals hope that Santana and Hunter can help stabilize their rotation and get them back to the playoffs.

The Austin Stunners had a complete change of gear this offseason, spurred by GM flytekk's announcement that, "So i tried to trade the 25 year old's to get younger to better get my franchise in the same direction but couldn't find anything that fit. So i tried the opposite. Trade the youngin's for guys to win now. Gonna promote all AAA guys. I'm back!"

The Stunners signed the 3rd 39 year old starting pitcher in former Cy Young winner and 200 game winner Bruce Dougherty. At this point in his career Dougherty looks to be a long reliever, helping to stabilize the bulllpen. But Dougherty wasn't the only former Cy Young pitcher that Flytekk signed, strike out queen Rod Young who is only 4 K's away from being the all time leader, hopes to give the Stunners a deeper rotation, likely being the clubs 3 or 4 starter. Alex Kelly was signed to be a setup reliever.

But we're not done with the Stunners yet.

They also went out and signed arguably the most coveted position player on the market this year in CF Delino Rodriguez, signing a $96,000,004 5 year deal. Rodriquez is a Gold Glover in CF and a potential 40/40 player.

Moving to the trade market, where Austin was one of two clubs who had dealt early and often. The club closed a deal with the Boston Sajoma for closer Keith Bold. In four seasons of mostly spot closing duties, Bold has 61 Saves in 83 opportunities. Austin also acquired future Ace Anibal Vazquez, veteran middle rotation starter, Merv Newman and another potential Ace in Morgan Flier.

While Boston gave up quite a talent, they got back some very solid prospects. Austin gave up many of their top prospects, including SS Pedro Cabeza, SP Dolf Christiansen, SP Julian Robbins, closer Cookie Suzuki, setup man Charles Pan and SP Charlie Clark. Completely restocking their farm system in a matter of minutes.

The Stunners also made a late deal with the Los Angeles Tempermental Samurai. Getting SS Rich Swann, IF Damian Howard and SP Ivan Lopez, who will battle for the 5th starter spot this spring.

The Samurai continued their trend of restocking their farm system, getting lefty starter Chacin Oliva, RP David Moss and COF Max Velazquez.

This is one of the many trades that Samurai GM zhawks has made this offseason, acquiring setup/closer prospect Dustin Kennedy  from the Nashville Knights for 1b Hank Jones who many may remember hit for the cycle last season. The club also got another bullpen arm in Merkin Long and C Norberto Callaspo from the Charlotte Available Franchise and saved over $32 million in salary for SP's Ricardo Blasco and Roger Reed. The Samurai also received IF prospect Connie Simpkins when they took on the salaries of Ryan Carr and Jimmie Lugo.

The Charlotte Available Franchise continued their go for it now strategy by paying Silver Slugger CF Johnny Powell $55.5 million over 5 years. The team also signed P's Orber Lee, Damion Black and Clay Wigginton who will battle for a rotation spot this spring. The club was also active in the trade market, adding more pitching depth with Andrew Dresden and Paul McLouth, along with the previously mentioned Ricardo Blasco and Roger Reed.

The Pittsburgh Pranksters added SP Howard Reagan and 2b Alejandro Liriano to a club that has won eight straight division titles and recently accepted a trade with LA for SS Tex Perez.

With the offseason winding down today and spring training just around the corner only time will tell which of these clubs made the best moves. While some may have been controversial moves, others were expected.

Play ball!

Around the League:

No comments: