The Outlaw Chronicles 2040-3 San Antonio Signs Zang

[bigmike13]

San Antonio Signs Zang

After losing CF Dax Norris in the expansion draft (because we were stupid and forgot to protect him) the Outlaws went out and signed a potential upgrade to the position with the inking of Yi-ke Zang to a 2 year contract. A solid all around offensive performer, and an exceptional defender, Zang looks like he will fit in nicely with his new team.

The signing of Zang allows the team to officially move Valentin Fitas to a corner outfield slot where he is better suited. The Outlaws played Fitas in CF last season to get his exceptional bat into the lineup but his play in center was average at best and he graded out in the bottom third of Center Fielders.

All eyes won't be on Zang in camp however as the Outlaws have a number of options trying out for backup outfield spots with an emphasis being on their ability to handle CF. Familiar face Fernando Colon is back in camp and has the early edge thanks to his almost 50 games experience in the bigs.

There are some other intriguing options worth taking a look at, one of them being Rule 5 pickup Juan Valverde. Valverde has the skills to play in CF but it will remain to be seen if his bat will catch up since he has never played above Single A.

The other two candidates are two of the Outlaws better prospects getting their first taste of big league camp. 22 yr old Roberto Vega who is a natural CF. He appears to glide through the outfield catching everything even close to him. His bat is still a work in progress and will need to make some significant strides if he is to make a push for a big league job. Then there is 2038, 5th rd pick Mennac Shakes. Shakes has made some very nice improvements since the draft and has possibly passed Vega up on the pecking order. This could prove to be a very important camp for both players and where their futures lie with the organization.

[RonCo]

Nice signing.

[bcslouck]

Really nice. I was in on him the whole offseason. Disappointed to not get him.