The sound you just heard, was those high hopes going "Plop"
Four weeks plus into the Free Agency period, and here's what the Hustlers have to show for it:
Tuesday, December 16th , 2059
Signed free agent SP Júlio García to a minor league contract with a $40,000 signing bonus.
Signed free agent RP Toshiki Kanno to a minor league contract.
That's it. Okyay signed with Atlantic City, Bessi is getting massive offers from the likes of Portland and others, and while the Hustlers currently seem to be the leaders for Clayton's services, it has to be at a number that GM Matt Rectenwald probably isn't comfortable with. "There's a lot of talk about the rich getting richer around the BBA," said Rectenwald. "Not sure that's quite accurate, judging by some of the figures these agents are throwing out there."
Rectenwald has been notoriously frugal when it comes to spending on free agents, and may even be more so after some high profile signings that didn't work out recently, like Jose Barron or even Mahad Einan.
Let's not forget the Hustlers did manage to ink two players, albeit to minor league pacts. Who are they?
Julio Garcia, a twenty-five year old righty, was a tenth round pick in the 2054 draft by the Brooklyn Robins. He has spent his whole professional career in the Robins organization, pitching in the BBA in 2056-2057, and again in 2059. He's been both a starter and a reliever, neither of which he's done with any success to speak of. "He's a depth arm," explained Rectenwald. "And, he's only 25 and he's a big boy (6'5", 200) and maybe we can turn him into something."
Toshiki "Splatter" Kanno has the perfect nickname for an article featuring the word "plop". A 2053 draft pick of the Sao Paulo Pilots, he never made it to the GBC level and he's now 25 years old. "LOOGY candidate, probably a depth guy at best," Rectenwald muttered, almost under his breath.
The fans won't stand for more of this as the offseason moves towards the Winter Meetings. "We need some real players, not these scrubs," said Todd Franciscen (Tim's brother). "Rectenwald needs to pull his head out of his ass and get us back to championship level. These are the g-darned Las Vegas Hustlers, aren't they??"
