Francisco Medina has had a great BBA career. After putting in eleven seasons with the Calgary Pioneers and hitting 430 homers, Medina found himself still unsigned as the season began. The Hustlers were able to sign him for a song ($2.4M/1) to add some left-handed power to their lineup. He is off to a slow start with the Hustlers (2 for 17 in 6 games), but has the track record to become a part of the team moving forward rather than a short term fill in.
Another veteran player with plenty of history behind him is 37 year old Lionnel Crepin. After spending the last two years with Beirut in the UMEBA, Crepin returns to North America as a platoon bat and pinch-hitter with the Hustlers. He has 438 combined home runs over fifteen seasons in the BBA and UMEBA, and hopes to help the club against right-handed pitchers.
While addressing one issue on the roster, the Hustlers decided to upgrade another. Geoff Combs was fine as a backup catcher, but the opportunity to sign John Hale was too good to pass up. At just $1.4M for the year, he was a cost effective clear upgrade behind the dish.
Rudge is expected to be cleared for play in about a week, with Gabriel following in two weeks. Carlos Santillan is looking at about three more weeks before his return. When those three players return, there will be more players than roster spots which is a "problem" to be dealt with later.