That's What Cheesehead - 99.2 - Wilson Makes First Move

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After taking a few days to get acquainted with his new team, General Manager Chris Wilson wasted very little time in making his first contractual decision. Wilson announced today that a deal was struck last week that will keep outfielder Bolt Vanderhugen in Madison for another 3 seasons. Bolt's deal will reportedly pay the slugger slightly under $14 million a season, nearly 2 million more per season than the slugger is currently being paid.

"Bolt has been a premier offensive force over the past several seasons" stated GM Chris Wilson. "Former ownership felt the need to acquire the slugger last season from Montreal. We're not sure of what our predecessor had in mine with Bolt long term, but I felt it was a must to keep him in a Wolves uniform beyond this season."

In 134 games played last season, Bolt hit .319/.382/.586 with 36 homeruns and 102 RBI. Those numbers are fairly consistent with what he has done at the plate for the past several seasons. He is off to another solid start in 1999, hitting .319/.369/.535 with 7 homers and 23 RBI in the club's first 35 games. You extend that out over a 162 game schedule and Bolt is expected to produce another 30+ homerun season and 100+ RBI. At age 30, it seemed like a no-brainer to extend his contract for another 3 seasons.