Hold My Log - 54.09 - Minor Signings Could Add Depth As Season Progresses

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Hold My Log - 54.09 - Minor Signings Could Add Depth As Season Progresses

Post by 7teen » Sun Feb 26, 2023 8:51 am

While the major signings of Pedro Bustamante and Pedro Guzman are typically the ones that grab the headlines and a majority of the stories over the off-season and as we approach opening day, Portland made several other low key minor league signings that Portland fans should be happy about and keep their eyes out for as the season progresses. Some of these names are very familiar ones around the league.

"It wouldn't be the first time someone we signed to a minor league contract makes their way up to the big league team" commented team GM Chris Wilson. "Last season, Takechi Eida played in over 100 games in Portland after we signed him to a minor league deal. Of course there is always Jose Benavidez. That guy went from a minor league off-season signing to playing in the Landis Series for us. While some franchises eye the next prospect who will make an impact, we aren't shy around keeping our eye on a veteran just looking for another shot at the big leagues that no one else wants."

It appears this season, moreso than some of those other occasions, Portland has gone out and added a lot of veteran depth to the farm system in case of untimely injuries. Assistant General Manager gave the press and fans an inside look at some of the guys that could fit the bill of the next Eida or Benavidez.

"It's a pretty long list this season" commented Fiscus, "but I'd start with Mark Smith. We don't have a spot for Mark on the opening day roster, but if injuries hit, don't be surprised to see him here before the year is over. He looked good in Spring and he had a 2.4 WAR for Seattle last season and a total of 5.1 WAR over the last 3 seasons. Those guys typically go for millions of dollars in free agency, but he'll cost us nothing more than league minimum if we need him. There is also fan favorite and former Lumberjack Gusby Pinkerton. No one seemingly wanted the guy who put up 2.1 WAR last year with San Fernando, so here he his. Back with us. We know he isn't the same guy he was when he nearly won the Gillstrom with us back in '44, but 2.1 WAR isn't nothing to ignore. I mean if you want to be technical about it, Smith and Pinkerton had good enough WARs last season to be our #4 and #5 starters this season but, again, we don't have the roster room now but don't be surprised to see them later."

When asked where Smith and Pinkerton will start the season, Fiscus just shrugged and said "they'll be at a level that keeps them sharp and focused for if and when they do make it. They'll have to compete day in and day out to stay sharp."

Wilson concluded by stating there weren't as many hitters this year the team expected. But they are keeping their eye on a few outfielders as injuries have hit early this season. "We may need to use the likes of Motoshige Saito or Julio Uribe if the injury to Jioa-long Ma lingers for too long."
Chris Wilson

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