Omaha makes a splash internationally.(38.9)

[niles08]

Omaha was pretty well strapped from making any big moves with BBA Free Agents, however they showed no hesitation on making a big splash outside of the country.

The club spent a total of $32,030,000 in a matter of a just a few days this week.

It’s one thing if it was spent on a fantastic shortstop or a player who is going to make a guaranteed impact, however instead, Omaha gave it to a bunch of children who have nothing but big shoes to fill now.

Not to say the group of 5 signed by Omaha don’t have potential to someday make a big impact with the BBA, it’s just that it’s going to be a while before hand.

Let’s just consider for a second that maybe that’s what Omaha wanted? They seem to have a decent team fielded now, and the front office recently announced the reshuffling of 1/3rd of the players in their organization along with new minor league guidelines based on age.

Maybe this was the jumpstart the minor league system needed?

Let’s take a look at who, could, eventually make an impact with the club.

The player with the highest upside, ironically, isn’t the one Omaha spent the most money on. Third baseman Chuck-Yan Lian looks to have the ability longterm to stay at third base. The 16 year old is expected to have an above average approach at the plate if things go well. The club gave Yian a signing bonus of $5,950,000.

Next up, the player with the highest signing bonus was actually outfielder Arvin Duggan. Duggan was gifted $10,500,000, which is nearly double any other player. Duggan projects to have the tools to roam center field once he matures and also should steal upwards of 40 bases each season. Duggan is probably a 20 home run or so guy at the plate, although many scouts believe 40 home runs is a true possibility if his power develops. He could also pair that with a .270 batting average or so according to most scouts.

Duggan was just one of 3 center fielders signed however as the club also agreed with a CF Angelo Galindo. Galindo was given $3,320,000 as a signing bonus and is probably better off at one of the corner outfield spots. Although unexpected to set records, he should develop into a good solid hitter and after he matures is probably more of a role player.

The other center fielder was Pablo Caporoz. The 16 year old received $5,800,000 as a signing bonus and should form into a solid participant towards the top of a lineup. His exceptional speed is nearly unmatched across the sport and his ability in the outfield should allow him to be a key player for a playoff contending team as a 2-3 WAR athlete.

Omaha did add one pitcher to it’s farm system in Soichiro Abe. Abe has a 4 pitch arsenal right now, but will more than likely forget about his changeup as he matures. He has great potential to pitch 200+ innings each season as his health checks out very well. While he is not thought of as ace material, Abe should slot in towards the back end of a rotation in the BBA eventually. Abe was given $6,460,000 as a signing bonus.

[RonCo]

It'll be interesting to see where these guys are in five seasons. Nice collection right now, though.