Crawdad Chronicles 49.02 - New Orleans Faces Tough Decisions

[JimBob2232]

New orleans made the Cartwright Cup this year - which by any measure - is a successful season in the big easy.

But looking forward to 2050 - the Crawdads are going to have to make some key decisions.

They already resigned Donestavez to a monster deal. But 2B Jose Sanchez is slated to hit free agency. Sanchez just shy of his 29th birthday hit .334 with 37SB and is a dominant force in the Crawdads lineup. his agent is likely looking for Donestavez type money - but its unlikely he will get that from the Crawdads.

SP Don Smith was a huge surprise/success after being picked up on waivers from Boise going 10-3 with a 2.54 ERA in an abbreviated season in New Orkeans. no doubt they would like him back, but its not clear what that will take, or how much the 'dads want to invest in him.

1B Raul Fernandez - who has been with the club since 2042 is likely gone. A power bat, but has struggled to get on base as much as necessary to keep on - especially when he is demanding 9M/year on a long term deal.

1B Alejandro Oritz - Signed to a monster 10M one year deal - its unulikely New Orleans will lead off with that kindof cash in 2050. He played quite well, but didnt live up to his 2048 numbers.

C Rainer Sheffer - He hasnt quite fit in in the dugout and with Tatlock looking like maybe he is finally ready - I just cant see them brinign him back.

So New Orleans is going to clear out $34M in salary and 11 WAR. They will only have about 20M under the cap. Thats where things get interesting.

SP James Browning is on the last year of his deal, and with his injury history has earned nearly $1M per start in New Orleans. Worse, he has been average at best during those starts. He could be moved to free up some cap room.

Also look for New Orleans to decline the Team Option for Jean_Francois Hamon and free up another $4M.

[Joshua Biddle]

Congrats on the deep playoff run