Brooklyn Legend Lends Enthusiasm in Firesale
Robins will beat any free agent deals.... our prices are INSAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNE!
If you grew up in the north east United States from the late 70's-early 90's. Crazy Eddie needs no introduction. But I know there are a lot of folks in the league who are not from that place and times. Crazy Eddie was a cult classic television commercial for a local electronics bargain store that originated in Brooklyn, New York and had stores throughout all 5 boroughs, as well as north and central NJ. It essentially was a meme before memes were a thing. A good 10 years before anyone even knew what internet meant. Whenever a new commercial came out, it would be all the buzz at school the next day.
Crazy Eddie, who is probably pushing 100 years old here in 2037, is obviously a lifelong Robins fan. So when it came time for the big firesale, who better to be the voice of it then the greatest auctioneer in the history of Brooklyn?
"You know.. I've watched this Brooklyn team for quite some time. Not impressed the least. This Ehlers kid? He's a real cavone who has made some piss poor trades. A now a firesale? Fuhgeddaboudit. The kid is in over his head. So I walked out there, waved my right arm in the air, wiggled two fingers, and called in the closer. That's me, Crazy Eddie. If anyone knows about liquidating hot product in Brooklyn... it's Crazy Eddie. So I told him I'd handle the firesale... and it would be.... insane."
So with that, Crazy Eddie made a youtube video and sent it out to the 29 other BBA owners. It was enthusiastic to say the least. He made Cisco Guerrero sound like he was 24, not 34 and may have even finally convinced someone that Mario Balderas is a future Hall of Famer. They say when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. But when you are Crazy Eddie, you take those lemons and make some Gin Shandy.
One trade has already been leaked to the public. It looks to be a blockbuster that was fair on both ends. Edmonton received Fernando Cruz, one of the most clutch hitters in the history of the BBA. Holder of not one, not two...but 8 playoff MVP awards. I can tell you first hand that when Cruz is on, he can single handedly carry a team on his back. Also dawning a Jackrabbit jersey next year will be Brooklyn favorite Francisco Ruiz. Ruiz was one of the infamous scrap heap projects the Robins were able to successfully cultivate. Once a minor league free agent signing and now a legitimate Nebraska threat. Both players will join a star studded Edmonton team. One that has to be in the discussion for the next big super team.
Coming the Robins way is a lot of financial relief and some much needed pitching prospects. Taking Cruz and Ruiz of the ledger frees up at least $22 million in cash and cap space for next season. When taking into account future salaries and the cash that changed hands in the deal, Brooklyn is saving about $85 million total. That financial swing is crucial for a team that is currently in an avalanche of debt.
The prospect haul was a little lack luster. You would think that in trading away two players such as Cruz and Ruiz in one deal, you would get at least one sure fire future star. But with the Robins financial situation and current system depth, they feel very comfortable with this deal.
Pjor Eland- While 20/80 ratings say he is the best player in the deal, that is likely untrue. Eland is a 23 year old undeveloped closer who struggles against left hand hitting. It's no secret that Brooklyn values RP more then most. And Eland fits the Robins mold of flame throwers. So we'll see how he does. If he fills out his stuff and slider then he should be a solid bullpen hand.
Juan Rodriguez- He was one of the keys to the deal and could be one of those players that are better then they look. His potential has him at 7/9/6 VS LHB. As a 19 year old who throws 95mph, a stuff bump is not out of the question. He could figure to be the first piece to our "future team" or we could flip him to a team that over values lefty movement as he is a rock star in that category.
Ivan Meerkerk- A two pitch high stamina pitcher who will work well in the cyclone if we continue to go that route. He also has good splits and would make for an decent righty specialist. We really needed to add pitching depth to the minors and getting righty RP's like Meerkerk as throw ins seems like a fairly efficient strategy to check that box.
Larry Good- Jumble the letters of his name and what is the first word to pop into your head? If you said Loogy then you play way too much fake baseball. But that is what he is. Projected out to be 10/8/7 VS LHB he should be a good one. Pun intended.
Po-Sin Shi- Another key piece in the trade. He could play as many as 7 different positions(though I'll probably pass on SS) and has 7/8/4/8/8 potential VS RHP. Also has bumped in the past and is only 21. So he could get even better. Not to mention he's got a great walk up song.
The wheel'in and deal'in is far from over folks. Crazy Eddie is hard at work coming up with incentives to buy from us. This includes rebates, door busters and BOGO's. Our prices can not be beat. Accept no immitations from waky nu nu competitors. Our prices are insaaaaaaaaaaane.
