The Lumberjacks have stated most of the off-season that they'd be primarily looking for role players and players to just boost the back end of the roster. Some of that work began this week as the front-office acquired two pieces it hopes will bolster the bullpen in 2062. Those pieces come in the form of Vonne Baloloy and Jim Thompson.
Baloloy spent the last two seasons with San Antonio where he logged 94.1 innings over the last two seasons, posting an ERA of 4.19 and 4.56 respectively. His 0.3 WAR isn't anything spectacular nor was his WHIP much to admire, but the Portland front office felt Baloloy would be a nice addition.
"We think coming over here into the Frick League might do him some good" said AGM Sandy Mounds. "He's spent most of his career over in the Johnson League where offense sometimes reigns supreme. We think he has good movement on his pitches and throws plenty hard enough to get batters out. I'm going out on a limb and predicting Baloloy has one of his better seasons this year."
The 36 year old Baloloy inked a 1 year deal worth $1.9.
Signing a similar 1 year deal worth slightly less at $1.8 is reliever Jim Thompson. Similar to Baloloy, Thompson has spent his entire career in the Johnson League and will participate in the Frick for the first time in his 13 year career. The 36 year old Thompson may also be a steal in Portland's eyes.
"How often do you get a guy who saved 36 games a year ago for such a good price tag" said Mounds, ignoring the elephant that was a 1-9 record and 4.55 ERA in the room. "Granted we won't be using him in the closers role, but adding a guy who can handle the pressure in the middle innings could be a huge boost. We expect both of these guys to see 50 or so innings in 2062, making them additions that Portland fans need to get to know."
