09.04: A MBBA Prodigal Son Returns - Maselli to Omaha

[agrudez]

Entering the ’08 offseason with one of the largest gaps under the 100M payroll cap (with over 47M available after arbitration hearings concluded) it was expected that Omaha would try to make a splash as they continue re-tooling for the ’09 season. As expected; however, the internal MBBA FA pool looked weak – enter Bernard Maselli, a prodigal son to the MBBA whom had spent 4 seasons in the EBA, but suddenly found himself without a contract with Brussels and back on the market.

In 1060 career games in the MBBA (’97-’04) with 2 different teams (CAL and SEA), Maselli had posted an impressive .324/.378/.473/.851 batting line. In the ’04 offseason; however, “Mo” was allowed to leave for different pastures overseas where he played 574 careers games in the EBA (’05-’08) all with Brussels, posting an equally impressive .354/.427/.552/.98 batting line. At 34 years old, the switch-hitting infielder has finally come ‘home’, though, to the NA shores of the MBBA – to play with his 3rd team in the league, Omaha.

The terms of the contract (4 guaranteed years with 1 team option at 15.5M each season) makes the grizzled veteran by far the Barnstormers’ highest paid player (with Eric Rouse in a distant second at 8M per for 1 more season) and also the 6th highest per year salary in the entire league.

GM Stever; however, would have you believe that his new infielder is worth every penny, “We needed stability in the IF. We needed stability in the lineup. We needed stability in revenue generation. Only one player fits every aspect of our most pressing offseason needs, Maselli. As an extremely popular household name that players solid defense at all 3 IF positions and is good for .375+ OBP and .850+ OPS in the MBBA, he is going to earn every dollar he just received – there is no doubt in my mind.”

When asked about any plans he may have for the remaining 30M under the league cap, Stever continued, “We see ourselves being much improved entering the ’09 season, but we don’t see ourselves being a truly legitimate postseason threat until next season [when top SP prospects Allen Kennedy and Tomas Hill are with the big club] so we may make a few moves here and there, but I prefer to keep my financial flexibility for the future intact… particularly since we already scooped up by far the biggest impact FA on the current market.”

You heard it here first, Barnstormer nation… start reserving playoff tickets for the 2010 season now.

[Greeney03]

I hope he does well...He's such a STUD!

[recte44]

Welcome back to the MBBA. One of a small handful of players that should have never left for the EBA (that issue is now resolved).

[Greeney03]

Welcome back to the MBBA. One of a small handful of players that should have never left for the EBA (that issue is now resolved).

I agree with this 1000000 %.

[felipe]

I hoping for back to back 11 month injuries...

[agrudez]

I hoping for back to back 11 month injuries...

Maselli just got put on the DL for hurt feelings.

[Manny]

Great signing.