Tropical Tidbits 34.11 - Hurricanes Get Older, Better?

[udlb58]

In the last week, the Hurricanes parted ways with career Hurricane and 2033 Landis MVP Bertram Hahn, trading him to Vancouver for 21 year old DH Dawit Taji and 17 year old DH Alfredo Luna. Hahn is a late bloomer who made his BBA debut at 25 and played his first full season at 26. Hahn has been a fixture in the lineup over the past 5+ seasons, averaging over 30 HR a season with nearly 100 RBI and 100 BB. He's been underrated on the national scene, but a player who has been a fan favorite in Jacksonville. He has shown a slight down turn in production since his amazing 2032 season, but at just 31 years of age, he should have plenty of quality baseball left in him.

So why was Simmons willing to part with him for very little return? Well, rumors are that Hahn wanted to be paid more than anyone else in Jacksonville and the Canes weren't willing to risk that much on a right handed DH who's coming off a 1.9 WAR season. So, rather than let him walk for nothing, he was shipped out for two lottery tickets. Was it a good move? For the long-run, undoubtedly yes; for 2034....?

While it looked at first like Norris Rutledge would shift over to DH with Arbizo and Bud splitting time at first, just today the team announced that fellow 31 year old Frank Bud would also be shipped out to California in exchange for 39 year old legend, Frank Thomas III. The former Carolina/Rockville great had a storming start to the season, but his bat has cooled a bit of late. If he can show he's still a good BBA DH, Thomas offers something that Hahn didn't, a possible 2035 contract, as the 39 year old has a $4.5m team option for next year. One would think that FT3 will slot in as the primary DH, replacing Hahn (+8 years) while the recently signed Boone Carlyle (age 40) will likely replace Bud as the primary backup and defensive sub at 1B (+9 years). If Carlyle proves incapable, 36 year old Bill Amezaga was picked up on a minor league contract and will split time with Miguel Carrasco at DH in AAA. Boone also adds some more veteran leadership to the clubhouse and players are already commenting on what a positive presence he has been in less than a week at the club.

The Canes have added some instantly recognizable names, but at 39 and 40, are Thomas and Carlyle done as players? Or will this be one magical season for the two wiley veterans?

[RonCo]

A series of interesting moves. Kind of like Ferrari hiring back Michael Schumacher, but better.

[udlb58]

A series of interesting moves. Kind of like Ferrari hiring back Michael Schumacher, but better.

Yeah, save a million this year and possibly have a reasonably priced DH next year. We'll lose a bit of production right now, and maybe Thomas isn't good enough to bring back; but there was only about a 10% chance Hahn was back anyway.