Four More Free Agents Join Pharaohs
And Two New Rule 5 Draftees
By Khepri Quraishi, Egypt Today Sports
January 1, 2048
Happy New Year!!
Four more free agents have been signed by the Pharaohs to join new catcher António Ruíz as players calling Cairo home:
- The prize catch for Cairo in free agency was 31-year-old relief pitcher Ramón Sánchez who inked a three-year deal worth $2.0 million per season, the last being a team option. Sánchez has a lights-out fastball (98 mph) and curveball. He spent the last four years in the BBA with four different clubs – San Antonio, Twin Cities, Boise, and Rockville. Now he travels to the Middle East where he is expected to become the Cairo closer. Jorge Fuentes, last year’s closer, will likely move into a setup role.
- Ron Ritchie signed a deal that will pay him $1.7 million for this year and next. While he can play second, short and third with dexterity, he is expected to supplant Francisco Hernandez as the starter at the hot corner. Ritchie disappointed with Yellow Springs in the BBA after a nice rookie campaign in 2043. He was claimed off waivers last year by Las Vegas where he won a Landis ring before becoming a free agent. Besides being a superb fielder, Ritchie is noted both for his work ethic and his lightening speed.
- David Guerra plays brilliantly on defense anywhere in the infield except at shortstop where he is adequate at best. He has signed on for two guaranteed years plus a team option year at $4.6 million per year. He’s been in the BBA since 2038 with Charm City, Madison, El Paso, and Hawaii. He might end up starting anywhere in the infield except at shortstop or maybe become the designated hitter. Like Ritchie, he too has blazing speed.
- Chase Walter signed a minor league deal that will become a $900,000 major league contract should he advance to the Pharaohs or the 40-man roster. If not promoted by May, he could opt to return to free agency. Expect Walter to get a shot in the starting rotation in Spring Training. Almost all of his BBA experience with El Paso was out of the bullpen, but he has three pitches including a world-class change-up.
- German Evdakov is just 22 years old. Originally drafted by Beirut, Evdakov has consistently been named one of the top 30 prospects in UMEBA. That ranking has slipped to #81 with his lack of advancement. Starting in A ball, he only advanced to AA mid last season. He can throw six different pitches including a knuckle curve. He is an intriguing possibility.
- Fassil Maundu is 23 years old. Originally drafted by Jerusalem in 2043, Maundu was in the rotation with their rookie league team for three years. In 2045 he posted an 11-11 record and a 3.4 WAR. The following year he moved to AA ball and became a swing man and did quite well. He worked strictly out of the bullpen last year in AA posting a solid 2.73 ERA. With only two pitches (save for a forgettable change-up), he is expected to be a bullpen only candidate with the Pharaohs.
Wrap It Up for Now
