Trail Droppings 2041-3 Calgary's IFA Outfield

[indiansfan]

Calgary’s IFA Outfield

Calgary shocked many team’s by spending $40+ million on the mediocre 2040 International Free Agent pool. While it was a down year, the team knows that it is one of the best ways to build the farm without giving up anything but cash. One of the benefits of running a financially successful team is that you can afford to gamble on the IFA market. To show the benefits, take a look at Calgary’s all IFA outfield as an example.

Juan Karyabwite is the granddaddy of the group, signing with Calgary in January 2029 for a $6 million bonus as a 16 year old. He broke into the BBA in 2032, won the batting title hitting .338 and won the Gillstrom Award. His best year was 2035 when he set the club record of 242 hits while batting .353. He also led the league in 2036 hitting .336. The owner of 4 Zimmers, 2 Pucketts and 3 playoff MVP awards, he has certainly earned out his bonus. Currently sitting at 1999 career hits, he will be one of youngest players to break 2000 at the age of 29. He has averaged over 100 runs and 98 RBIs per year. His 627 stolen bases are the most in team history.

Francisco Medina is maybe the best of the trio. Medina signed in January 2032 with the team for a $320,000 a bonus as a 16 year old. With 5/5/2 potential he didn’t look like anything special. In 2036 he bumped to a 6/9/6 potential and became a serious prospect. He is now a 7/9/6 actual and one of the top power hitters in the league. He has hit 173 homers over the past 4 seasons and over 100 RBI’s each year. He is on track to have his best year and has a real shot at 50 homers. Not bad for $320,000.

Jose Figueroa is the youngster of the group, signing in January 2036 for a $6.4 million bonus as a 17 year old. He was immediately named as the #35 prospect in the league with 9/8/5 potential. He broke in last season and had a solid rookie season hitting .311, 25 HR, .881 OPS. His numbers aren’t quite as good this year, but still solid. The team wishes his glove was a little better, but he is not embarrassing himself in CF.

Man-Keung Sui is the only other true outfielder on Calgary’s roster and yep he is an IFA too. He was signed by Rockville out of China in 2037 for $4.3 million as a 16 year old. He made it to the BBA this year as ironically a Rule 5 selection by Brooklyn before being dealt to Calgary. So Sui represents 2 of the ways a player can be acquired without giving up talent.

There is one more batter on the Pioneers with an IFA pedigree. He was a discovery in the summer of 2035 and does not play outfield. He has however been a 2 time All Star and won a Puckett Award in 2039. One of the best hitters in the league, he generally goes by his nickname, "The Chairman".