Gary Goodchild signs with Omaha(2049.1)

[niles08]

A few years ago, Omaha had a knuckleballer come through their system named Leonardo Ramos, who despite not having great scouting reports was actually given the chance to pitch with Omaha in 2043, firing a 3.91 ERA over 4 starts. Since that time, Ramos has made a few appearances in Omaha but without the same success. He did have 24 appearances in 2045(8 starts), where he had a 4.77 ERA over 100 innings pitched. Now 26 years old, Ramos has spent the past few years in the minors, last season going 14-8 with a 3.00 ERA in AAA Lincoln, just 45 miles west of Omaha.

Why are we discussing him at all? Well, Omaha recently signed another knuckleballer. One that they are banking on sticking in the majors. Omaha has just over 66 million reasons why they are banking on that, actually.

Gary Goodchild agreed to a 6-year contract with the Cyclones worth $66,300,000. Goodchild who had spent his career oversees with Jerusalem, now finds his way to the mainland with big expectations. His profile shows above average stuff, with his knockout punch being an excellent knuckleball. Goodchild, whose nickname is “electric” certainly wasn’t given the nickname because of his throwing velocity which will sit in the upper 80s on a good outing.

In the UMEBA, he was 32-20 with a 3.47 ERA and a 3.40 FIP. While Goodchild is likely to slot into the middle of a BBA rotation, something likely overlooked is his ability to go deep into games, as his stamina is rated as a 9 by BBA scouts.

Goodchild will have a little bit of time to get accustomed to things as his contract will pay him $9,500,000 the first year followed by escalating to $12,600,000 in later years. He does hold an opt-out after the 3rd year and a player option for the 6th year, meaning this could be as simple as a 3 year, $33,000,000 pact between the club and Goodchild. It’s worth noting that Omaha does not have a opt anywhere in the contract, so if Goodchild struggles, Omaha is stuck.

[Dington]

What a gamble. Will be fun to watch how this plays out.