Sticking Points 2039.6: Zang, Xuan Re-Signed
Posted: Tue Jun 11, 2019 9:18 am
Yi-ke Zang and Jin-Song Xuan have been an essential part of the Rockville Pikemen's run over the past several seasons. Last week, they each signed a one-year extension with a second-year option that will keep them with the team until at least the end of 2039.
"We are pleased that both Yi-ke and Jin-Song will be in a Rockville uniform for a while longer," said GM Aaron Weiner. "We're thrilled they both decided to re-up."
Rockville could have garnered a pair of S2 picks for the outfielders, both of whom had outstanding 2038 seasons well above their recent norms. However, the Pikemen have no minor league outfielders ready to step into a starting role, and with starting left fielder Lorenzo Palacios set to take over at DH, the Pikemen were faced with the possibility of having virtually no major league ready outfielders in place for 2039.
"We couldn't afford to have our entire starting outfield disappear," said Weiner. "It wasn't a situation that would have been tenable for us."
Rockville would have been faced with two much worse possibilities if the two didn't re-sign: either the idea that they would have to pursue outfielders on the open market, or use players like last year's #1 pick Julio Barajas and developing center fielder Manuel RIvera. This move buys them a year to figure out their next step.
"We have a lot of outfield prospects in the minors right now, Barajas, Rivera, Ledezma, Falchonelli, Ruela, Sui, lots of guys in the pipeline," said Weiner. "We've made this a priority because we knew it would be a big deal right now, but none of them are really ready to come up and get major reps for a potential title contender."
The Pikemen did have to shell out some major bucks to make this work, as both players were interested in free agency and the team was cap strapped. Rockville had to guarantee second year team options for both players, and it is highly possible that both will be free agents in 2040.
"We were both pleased with the contract situation that was offered to us," said Zang. "We felt valued as players and people and with guaranteed options it takes the pressure off to perform in 2039 so we can both do our best."
"We are pleased that both Yi-ke and Jin-Song will be in a Rockville uniform for a while longer," said GM Aaron Weiner. "We're thrilled they both decided to re-up."
Rockville could have garnered a pair of S2 picks for the outfielders, both of whom had outstanding 2038 seasons well above their recent norms. However, the Pikemen have no minor league outfielders ready to step into a starting role, and with starting left fielder Lorenzo Palacios set to take over at DH, the Pikemen were faced with the possibility of having virtually no major league ready outfielders in place for 2039.
"We couldn't afford to have our entire starting outfield disappear," said Weiner. "It wasn't a situation that would have been tenable for us."
Rockville would have been faced with two much worse possibilities if the two didn't re-sign: either the idea that they would have to pursue outfielders on the open market, or use players like last year's #1 pick Julio Barajas and developing center fielder Manuel RIvera. This move buys them a year to figure out their next step.
"We have a lot of outfield prospects in the minors right now, Barajas, Rivera, Ledezma, Falchonelli, Ruela, Sui, lots of guys in the pipeline," said Weiner. "We've made this a priority because we knew it would be a big deal right now, but none of them are really ready to come up and get major reps for a potential title contender."
The Pikemen did have to shell out some major bucks to make this work, as both players were interested in free agency and the team was cap strapped. Rockville had to guarantee second year team options for both players, and it is highly possible that both will be free agents in 2040.
"We were both pleased with the contract situation that was offered to us," said Zang. "We felt valued as players and people and with guaranteed options it takes the pressure off to perform in 2039 so we can both do our best."