We Got Wood - 43.39 - Minor League Reinforcements

[7teen]

You don't win minor league championships without making some moves. At least that's what Portland General Manager Chris Wilson believes. After claiming a pair of farm titles last season, Wilson wants to add more to the latest win of the Portland Lumberjacks Museum and Hall of Fame. And he made a few moves this past week to try and boost the team's odds. Wilson and the front office announced today that the organization has come to terms with Chris Limon, Gabriel Talamante, and George Lee Anderson, V to help bolster the roster at the club's Triple-A site in Quincy, Washington.

All three signed a minor league contract with a 30-day clause that if they aren't called up the Portland, they can re-join the free agent pool and head back onto the market. Limon, a 14 year veteran who spent most of his prime career in Twin Cities, has a BBA career total 29.7 WAR. Talamante, a 12 year veteran and pet project of a guy referred to as the "genius", has a total WAR of 18.8 in the BBA. Anderson, a 13 year veteran, is an on-base specialist, posting a career .380 OBP in 1,237 BBA games. Wilson commented on the signings.

"These guys just want to play baseball" commented Wilson today on the signings. "They had hoped to get big league deals but no one has offered that to them yet. We gave them a minor league deal with a major league option and they all agreed. They'll all have the right to pursue their career elsewhere towards the end of May if they choose. But if history suggests anything, they'll stay happy being with us here in Portland playing for a shot at a minor league title."

Wilson is referencing that fact that last season the organization signed six guys to a similar deal. All but one of those guys remained in the system and five of the six won a championship with the club's Double-A team in Alpine Valley. The trio of signees this year will all report to Triple-A Quincy.

"We put these guys in a place where we know they aren't stealing a job from one of our prospects" added Wilson. "This trio of guys will play and play everyday. We also hope they help by adding some veteran leadership for our younger, developing guys. Not to mention they'll help our younger pitchers by helping the team score more runs and produce wins. And who knows, maybe another title."

[Fat Nige]

Talamante and Anderson, roommates in the well worn Louisville to Wichita route march. Hopefully they’ll enjoy rooming together in hot minors Chris