Omaha picks up Chavez & prospect(2039.40)

[niles08]

Omaha has no salary cap room, but that has not stopped them swinging big and acquiring Vicente Chavez and the $36,000,000 owed to him over the next 3 seasons.

In a bit of surprising news, the team put out the press release last night notifying the league, media, and fans that they had come to an agreement with Jacksonville to receive Vicente Chavez and minor league player Rafael Gonzalez.

Going to Jacksonville in the deal would be utility player Jesus Rojas. Another somewhat surprising move as the club had just resigned Rojas to a 2 year contract extension over the off-season worth $4,600,000. Rojas had a down year last season finishing with a -1.6 WAR, and appeared to be on the same projector this season with a current -0.2 WAR and a sluggish .204/.235/.429 triple slash.

Back to who Omaha is acquiring and where they probably plan to play them.

Vicente Chavez, who is 30 years old, came on very strong this year with a current .362/.397/.449 triple slash line which he surely isn’t expected to keep. He also plays above average defense in the outfield along with being able to cover 1st and 2nd base on the infield. Our best guess is that the club uses him as a 4th outfielder as that is essentially the role that Jesus Rojas was playing for Omaha. $36,000,000 is quite a load of money to throw toward a 4th outfielder however.

Let’s also not forget that the club is now over the salary cap unless word comes down that Aubrey Anderson has been claimed on waivers. If Anderson is not claimed, one would imagine the club would release him over Chavez, with the main reason being Anderson is only due roughly $20,000,000 through next season compared to the $36,000,000 owed to Chavez through the season after next.

If Anderson is claimed, all is well, if he is not, expect him to be given his final walking papers this week.

Also coming to Omaha is prospect Rafael Gonzalez. The 22 year old currently is sitting at AAA and was just recently added to the 40 man roster at the beginning of the season. He has great pop in his bat, especially against righties, although he may struggle in the field and have to settle for designated hitter responsibilities when his time comes. I would expect Gonzalez to remain at AAA this season, but as he is currently on the 40 man roster, his call up could happen at any time.

[RonCo]

Interesting. Gomez may be the real get here. I would expect him sooner than later.

[niles08]

Interesting. Gomez may be the real get here. I would expect him sooner than later.

To be honest, the deal came along very quickly(as in I made an offer and Jacksonville agreed immediately) which made me a bit nervous that I was being bamboozled lol. Anyways, when I sent the offer, the entire deal for me revolved around Gonzalez. My minor league system is still pretty weak and Gonzalez is still just another piece I can add there until I call him up.

Rojas wasn't performing as a 4th outfielder anyways and I think I can handle the dead salary if need be.

[RonCo]

For Tyler it was an easy yes--a way to move a big contract at a position he already had a probably better player ready at.

[niles08]

For Tyler it was an easy yes--a way to move a big contract at a position he already had a probably better player ready at.

Hopefully Chavez can just contribute. He also is kind of a secret backup plan for the inevitable(?) injury coming to Jimmy Starks.

[RonCo]

While I wish you the best, I'd be happy if he didn't contribute at all.