14-Apr-53 -- Jacksonville Forecast #3: Free Agent Splash to Kick Off Season

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14-Apr-53 -- Jacksonville Forecast #3: Free Agent Splash to Kick Off Season

Post by pandan » Fri Dec 02, 2022 7:34 am

Just as the season was underway, GM Dan Rigatoni went on a modest spending spree, picking up 3 free agents for Jacksonville.

"There were, and still are, plenty of major league caliber guys waiting for a call. There are more baseball players than teams that can field or pay them," Rigatoni shared.

Rigatoni, however, also highlighted that going into the season his team ranked 32nd in payroll expenditure and had north of $30 million dollars in cap space, the envy of many competing teams. After reading a scathing critique of his team's spending in this year's media guide, Rigatoni sought to quash any notion that he doesn't want to win despite his earlier moves and commitment to rebuilding.

"Typically, when you're rebuilding, it's because you don't have the talent at the major league level to compete, and it becomes smarter to develop prospects to fill those gaps. However, that doesn't mean we shouldn't spend to fill immediate gaps and put a more competitive product on the field. Especially if it makes fiscal sense and there isn't anyone up and coming ready to grow at the major league level."

Let's break down some of these signings:

RF Norihisa 'Knuckles' Yokoyama signed a 2-year deal for $9 million. The 32-year-old is an 11-year veteran of the BBA. While his sole accolade is an all-star in 2046, he's put up 2.3 WAR in each of his past 2 seasons and has been a regular started for most of his tenure. A household name in the BBA, Knuckles was a surprise signing for a team looking to rebuild, adding an immediate power and on-base threat to a lineup sorely lacking in threats. If he can maintain his .286/.354/.537 slashline and surpass the 20 homer mark again, this could be a nice deal for both teams. The question insiders have is if he will start to decline during this contract, and if he does, how far will he drop? Only time will tell.

IF Jack 'Junkyard' Nichols is a 34-year-old who spends most of his time between 2B and 1B. He signed for $5.2 million for 1-year. Nichols profiles as a strong defender with an elite eye, boasting a 16% BB rate in 121 games last season, good to boost his OBP to .389. Nichols will likely hold down 2nd base, forming a strong defensive pairing with SS Wagaw Fariki. Nichols is an interesting case, having bounced around between the BBA and GBC for parts of his career, with no major league appearances in 2051. He roared back last season with 2.7 WAR, which Jacksonville seems bullish he can repeat this year. As a player who has faced adversity and floated on the razor's edge of employment in baseball, he brings good leadership and work ethic to a younger club and should be a welcome addition to their clubhouse.

LHP David Bates is the last of the trio to get signed at the start of the year. The 33-year-old lefty has similarly bounced around between the minors, the BBA, and the GBC, coming off a resurgence in 2052 and being part of the GBC championship squad. With his newfound success, he was able to find a job in Jacksonville's bullpen. A veteran lefty who is good at keeping the ball in the park (.8 HR/9 last season), Bates profiles as a swingman who can provide flexibility. While far from an ace, he adds the sort of depth and experience that can help round out a bullpen. He signs for 1-year on a $950K deal.

Do these moves make fiscal sense? None of these contracts are high risk, and none of them are long-term. While all of the players are getting on in years, Jacksonville can feel good about none of these contracts turning into premature pensions. In addition, depending on how the season goes, if any of these 3 perform well, they could find themselves in a trade deadline deal to a contender.

Jacksonville made a surprising 8-4 start to the season, good for 2nd place in the Atlantic. While fans seem happy with the strong start, Rigatoni was more reserved.

"There's a lot of baseball to play. We're off to a good start, but let's see if we can keep up the momentum. We have nothing to celebrate yet."

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Re: 14-Apr-52 -- Jacksonville Forecast #3: Free Agent Splash to Kick Off Season

Post by Trebro » Fri Dec 02, 2022 4:52 pm

Great start to the season! Hope it keeps up!
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Re: 14-Apr-52 -- Jacksonville Forecast #3: Free Agent Splash to Kick Off Season

Post by Jwalk100 » Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:25 pm

There are no bad one-year deals.
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Re: 14-Apr-52 -- Jacksonville Forecast #3: Free Agent Splash to Kick Off Season

Post by pandan » Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:30 pm

Trebro wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 4:52 pm
Great start to the season! Hope it keeps up!
Let's hope so! These ERAs are giving me nausea, but I think I am also getting used to the numbers in this league.
Jwalk100 wrote:
Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:25 pm
There are no bad one-year deals.
Yeah this is largely my feeling too. Yokoyama is 2 but I have so little money tied up and if he's any good it'll be worth keeping him around anyway.

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