2050.01 - The Long Beach Independent - Surfers Offseason Review

[Lane]

THEY...MIGHT BE GOOD?

April 1, 2050
Long Beach, CA

After a disappointing 2049 season that saw the Surfers finish in 6th place with a record of 73-89, fans in Long Beach are anxious to see an improvement in the upcoming season. Preseason predictions around the league speculate that the team could have an outside shot at at Wild Card position. What did they do to get there?

Retained
Catcher Hsin Mei was brought back for a fourth season with the Surfers after posting a 2.5 WAR season in his age-38 season. The front office must be confident in his ability to hold off old age for one more season, but color us skeptical.

Heading Out
First Baseman and Future Hall of Famer Mark Simpson declined his $7.5 million offer to test free agency more more (last?) time. He's probably regretting the decision as he signed for just $5 million for 1 year with the Louisville Sluggers. He will be missed in LBC, as he led the league in walks for the fourth time in his career as a 40 year old. He posted "just" 1.7 WAR last year but his eye is as good as ever...we keep waiting for the retirement announcement but it hasn't come yet.

Bryce Emery, perennial underperformer, Seghada Suji, Harry Ackland, Chet Dickinson, Eric Hughes, Raul Alvarez all became free agents. No significant losses here, though Emery and Suji once held some promise.

New Faces
Luis Equivel, was signed to a 4 year, $12.8 million contract to be a star in the Surfers' bullpen.

Bobby Horne was brought on to bolster the lineup against lefties, and he can hit righties just fine as well. He's on for 3 years, $10.5 million.

And finally, just this morning it was announced that old fried Gonzalo Martinez will return to the club on a 3 year deal worth $26.25 million. He'll also help the team against LHP while providing good offense against RHP as well.


Summary
A bit of talent out, but on balance it looks like wins were added to the team this offseason. With the core of the rotation returning in Tchekanov, Delgado, and Rutgers, look for contributions from Ron Smith and maybe even prospect Barry Short later in the year.

They'll need a solid year from SS Steveland Morris, and a repeat performance from Todd Rice, but we do see some potential on this roster. If not 2050, then perhaps 2051 is the year that we see your Surfers return to the playoffs.