Afternoon Tea (61.2) Free Agents File

[Narwhal_McClaren]

Now that the free agents have filed, we in the front office have hunkered down and started crunching the numbers. Powered by a steady stream of Earl Grey and powdered donuts, we have filled many a whiteboard and excel spreadsheet with statistics and all relevant details. Keeping with my promise to prioritize transparency, I seek now to elucidate (a little) this process.

In general, our discussions (and, yes, our arguments) have ricocheted continually between the desire to “make a splash” and the desire to exercise patience. As mentioned in the previous Afternoon Tea, we understand that, right now, we need to proceed with restraint and care. 

The immediate objectives are 1) to continue building our farm system and 2) to bring in veterans who can be good pieces to lead our prospects into the future. The danger, however, is bringing in a decent piece prematurely who might contribute empty wins that will hinder future draft picks. 


Much discussion, for example, has revolved around Roosevelt Davis. This 26 year old right fielder boasts a powerful bat with a decent eye and contact ability. He had his best season last year for the Montreal Blazers, swinging his way to 27 dingers and an OPS+ of 113. 

While it looks like he lacks the pop to be the biggest bat in a lineup, he could be a serviceable number 5. At 26, he also has the potential to contribute to a team for at least the next half-decade  at a reasonable price. 


At the moment, the top name on our boards is Jonathan Sobers. This 21 year old right hand pitcher possess a blazing fastball and two decent secondary pitches (change up and sinker). He was drafted 30th overall by the Mexico City Aztecs in the 2060 amateur draft, named the 80th prospect in the BBA in April 2061, and mystifyingly (after a couple disappointing cups of coffee on the big league ball club) released in November. 

While scouts project his ceiling to be at the back end of the rotation, this may shift if he can add an adequate breaking ball to his repertoire. His age also makes him an alluring case. We are thus pleased to announce that, apart from a few MIL offers, he is our first real target. 

Please, stay tuned. 

[Jwalk100]

Both players should tear it up in the GBC.

[Narwhal_McClaren]

That's another thing that I need to get a better understanding of--the talent differences in both leagues. This is my first season, so I don't know how significant it is.

[Dington]

That's another thing that I need to get a better understanding of--the talent differences in both leagues. This is my first season, so I don't know how significant it is.

We don't use relative ratings, so what you see is what you get.

[ae37jr]

Sobers is interesting. He was given a $8.5 million dollar contract instead of a signing bonus. It auto renewed last season for an additional $8.5 million and was about to do the same this season. With only 32 days service time, it would have done the same next season. It was smart for Mexico city to cut their losses. Tough pill to swallow though.

[BaseClogger]

On the bright side for Mexico City they had two first round picks in 2061.

[Narwhal_McClaren]

Ah, I didn't pick up on those contract details. That makes sense then--that's too much money to dish out for him.