Hold My Log - 55.03 - Vidaca Leaves Money and Runs

[7teen]

Many times players will seen the green and opt-out of contracts eyeing the bigger payday. It happens quite often actually. Rarely do you see a player leave millions, UPON MILLIONS, of dollars on the table and bolt to free agency. Well that's exactly what former Portland pitcher Felix Vidaca did this off-season.

Vidaca, one of the highly touted arms the Lumberjacks acquired in the blockbuster Menzies trade with Charlotte in 2044, had a solid big league career in Portland. The 29 year old veteran was a pivotal cog in the Portland juggernaut pitching staff for many seasons. In 7 seasons, he posted a 73-55 overall record with a 4.25 ERA and 21.0 career WAR. He had also recorded over 1,000 strikeouts during his time in Portland. His time here allowed him to rank in the top 5 in wins, games started, innings pitched, and strikeouts in franchise history.

Last season, the franchise signed him to a 6 year, $54.5 million deal that would have paid him over $10 million for many of the remaining time left. However, Vidaca had an opt-out clause after year one which was this season in 2054, which he exercised.

"It didn't make a lot of sense, to be honest" said Portland assistant GM Kate Fiscus (you fellas have missed her, haven't ya!?) "He was going to make some serious bank with us over the next few years. But he felt higher of his abilities I guess than he had shown on the field and felt he was worth more. I guess he was wrong."

Finishing off an 8-13 season with a 5.67 ERA, Vidaca blamed the Lumberjacks organization for his poor performance and sought a better pay day. One that did not come. This week, Vidaca signed a 5 year deal with Atlantic City that will pay him just under $20 million total over the span of the deal.

"I guess we save some green" laughed Fiscus. "We wish Felix the best, I guess."

[Jwalk100]

The Tropics are glad Vidaca is out of Portland.

[RonCo]

Ah, Kate.