WHIV 2049.2- The Bargain Bin

[recte44]

It's a Las Vegas tradition! Every offseason the Hustles sift through the available players and try to sign as many interesting free agents as possible. Last season, Russ Sandhoff (3B) actually went straight into the Hustlers Top 10 Prospects (he's now #8).

Who do we get this year?

Monday, November 30th , 2048
Signed free agent 2B Julián García to a minor league contract.
Garcia is a depth infielder at best.

Signed free agent SS Robert Franklin to a minor league contract.
We all remember Franklin, right? In 2046 he was a utility player for the Hustlers and had his best BBA season. He's now back on an MLC and becomes a top contender to fill the utility position now vacated by Luis Cruz (FA).

Signed free agent C Ramón Camacho to a minor league contract.
When I was with Nashville, I always thought he'd be a pretty darn good backup catcher. He batted .138 for Portland last year. Clearly, he has not attained the levels I thought but yet here he is. We can't quit this dude.

Signed free agent C Blair Costello to a minor league contract.
He's not a big league candidate. He's a minor league backup type who is Captain material (we actually value this on our Minor League squads).

Signed free agent SS Rafael Clemente to a minor league contract.
Only 99 at-bats above AA ball and they weren't pretty, but it's easy to see why you could squint and see a legit backup guy.

Signed free agent SP Rhys Rae to a minor league contract.
In the Brooklyn system since 2041 (undrafted FA), Rae is a high stuff, great control, low movement pitcher. He has a stuck changeup too. Will serve as upper level minors rotation depth.

Signed free agent CF Joshua Zorn to a minor league contract with a $10,000 signing bonus.
Zorn may be the prize. Like Sandhoff last year, Zorn gets a prominent spot on the Hustlers top prospect list (#11). It's expected to be a close call whether or not he'll be ready to go for Spring Training as he recovers from a broken bone in his elbow. Off the charts leadership, and a premier defensive outfielder. Sounds like a Hustler to me.

Monday, November 23rd , 2048
Signed free agent RP Tyler Lawman to a minor league contract with a $40,000 signing bonus.
Only 23 years old, a 10/6/6 guy who might still have a chance as a starter, but could make his way through the system quicker as a reliever. Has not pitched above Class A ball yet.

Signed free agent SP Bradley Ottaway to a minor league contract with a $40,000 signing bonus.
A fully developed 23 year old righty starter. He's a guy to fill an upper level minor league starting slot, and who knows, maybe he'll bump. Realistically he's an organizational replacement for Weston Hand.

Saturday, November 21st , 2048
Signed Assistant GM Steve Upgraade to a 5-year, $335,000 per year contract.


Signed international amateur SP Chee-hwa Hua out of China to a minor league contract.
Yawn.

Tuesday, November 17th , 2048
RP Bob Woodger was claimed off waivers from Boise.
One option year left. Has been a starter. Kinda tempted to relief convert him, but we won't.

C Cris Cordero was claimed off waivers from Boise.
C Jorge Campos was claimed off waivers from Louisville.
Two backup catcher candidates. Both on MLC's. Cordero has a better glove, Campos a better bat. They'll contend.

[Jwalk100]

"I like money."

[recte44]

"I like money."

I can't believe you like money, too. We should hang out sometime.

[7teen]

Signed free agent C Ramón Camacho to a minor league contract.
When I was with Nashville, I always thought he'd be a pretty darn good backup catcher. He batted .138 for Portland last year. Clearly, he has not attained the levels I thought but yet here he is. We can't quit this dude.

Good luck with him. He looks like a guy that should be able to produce a decent platoon split but he was hot garbage last season. Hoping Combs is better in that spot this year.

[chicoruiz]

Yeah, you beat me out for both Zorn and Lawman. Fortunately, I’m much too big a person to be bitter…

[woods]

RP Bob Woodger was claimed off waivers from Boise.

Woodge is young enough that he can turn it around, but I couldn't spare the roster spot anymore waiting for him. Hope he has better luck with you.