Hold My Log - 54.07 - More Signings as Roster Starts to Shape

[7teen]

The Lumberjacks made four more signings this past week as the ever evolving roster in Portland begins to take shape. The signings this week gave some clarity to the corner infield spots as well as some outfield assistance.

Ricardo Yanez signed the more lucrative of the deals this week by signing a 5 year, $28 million contract. As is always the case in Portland, the deal is loaded with options and opt-outs. Yanez will make only $7 million in guaranteed money for 2054 before a variety of roller coaster options take hold. Yanez will likely be the starting 1B in Portland's lineup in 2054. He's posted over 8 WAR in his last 4 seasons with Louisville and London in the GBC. It'll be his second stint with the Lumberjacks. His run in 2048-2049 didn't go so well.

"We might have given up on Yanez a little too early years ago" commented team AGM Kate Fiscus. "We're glad to have him back and hope he can produce some solid numbers in the bottom half of our lineup. After the big signings last month, we are looking for contributors like Yanez to round out our lineup."

The team also signed Chris Mann who will add depth off the bench and spell Yanez some at 1B in 2054. Mann signed a modest $1.5 million deal for this year. Mann produced 1.7 WAR last season in Madison."You can't pass up a guy who's a perennial .300 hitter when he's willing to join your team for that price tag" added Fiscus. "We'll just have to find him som ABs."

Signed to play 3B for Portland is Rafael Gutierrez. "Gutierrez is another guy who can easily hit .300 for us this year. And again, another guy we could get at a reasonable price tag to hit in the bottom of the order."

Since a 2.8 WAR season in 2050, Gutierrez hasn't exactly produced eye popping numbers. Of course, saying the word "eye popping" may cause Gutierrez to get injured. The oft-injured former Mad Popes player 120 games total over his last 3 seasons in large part due to his injuries.

The final signing was for a universal outfielder who can play all 3 positions. The team signed Jorge Lopez back to be that guy. Lopez has been out of the BBA for 2 years now, enjoying the championship runs that are Toledo Liberty tradition in the stocked Single-A division. The last time we saw Lopez in the BBA, he struggled through a year in Madison. But this will be Lopez's 3rd stint of his career in Portland where he's had some solid success in his career. He'll likely compete for the starting job in CF and also spell guys all around the OF in Portland.

[Dington]

Shaping up pretty well.