Bobby Beat 2003 v1: FA Update: Washington signs Mike Clarke!

[jiminyhopkins]

Washington, DC--

Bobwhite fans throughout the Beltway got some good news when they opened up the local paper. The first thing they did was read about the Bobwhite's big free agent signing of superstar right fielder Mike Clarke. The second thing they did was call the Bob's home office to inquire about ticket plans. "We've seen the fan interest literally skyrocket overnight," GM Sean Marko said. "Fans are excited because not only do we have an improved pitching staff, now the club will showcase one of the best lineups in the JL. Plus, we have a slew of picks in this upcoming draft. Things are looking up in Washington."

Clarke is known as one of the better hitters in the league, and has a decent chance of recording his 3000th career hit in a Bobwhites uniform. He missed about three weeks last season, but still managed to hit .380 in 134 games. "We were also intrigued that his nickname is apparently 'OBP Jesus'", Marko said. "We really aren't sure what that means. Well, I guess Ivan De Jesus had a pretty decent career in Major League Baseball, so maybe it's in reference to him. But De Jesus' career OBP was .323, so that doesn't make much sense."

In any case, the conventional thinking is that last year's RF, 37 year old Terry Blass, will be relegated to bench duty or possibly traded. Blass hit .273 with a career high 29 home runs last season, so he may be traded. In fact, with the signing of free agent Don Robinson as the club's 4th outfielder, playing time for the veteran power hitter Blass looks to be very limited.

In other free agent news, the Bobwhites missed out on free agent starting pitcher Andy Nebraska, who signed a $60 million dollar deal with Carolina. The club was reportedly hard after the pitcher, but in the end the Bobs couldn't get it done. As long as Jan $tarr and his $15 million deal are on the books, it will be hard to bring in anyone else to shore up the starting rotation, and have a chance to compete in 2003.

The 'Whites aren't done this offseason, so stay tuned for further updates!

[Greeney03]

I thought there were only 2 teams bidding for Nebraska. I guess a lot of teams missed out on him.

[mrbornac]

Clark is a solid addition to any team. Would have enjoyed seeing him bat infront of Hunter, but didn't really have the money to make it happen....

[Al-Hoot]

Yup, Clarke's a great addition.

HAW was bidding for Nebraska in the early stages, when his asking price was about half of what he got. I just didn't like his numbers vs right handed hitters, which is the majority he will face.