Heading into the offseason after an up-and-down 2033 season, the Seattle Storm, and their fans, faced a lot of questions. With franchise mainstays Hector Valentin and Jorge Rodriguez entering free agency, would Seattle spend the money to keep them? Would Seattle spend money to upgrade its starting rotation or its bullpen, both of which suffered last year? What was Seattle’s overall plan? While some of those questions still don’t have clear answers, it appears that Seattle GM Nathan Eagan does have an overall plan.
His first order of business was re-signing Jorge Rodriguez on a one year deal. Eagan noted that $7.5 million could be seen as a slight overpay, but avoiding a long-term commitment, and allowing Rodriguez to get to 500 home runs in Seattle, made this a smart choice. Ultimately, Seattle let Valentin leave; while his offensive production will be missed, Jorge Rodriguez and youngster Aurelio Lopez can hopefully fill the DH spot.
Seattle then acquired Mario Murillo, both to provide depth at second base, and to platoon against left-handed pitchers, which is an area Seattle has traditionally struggled with.
Seattle next turned to its bullpen; while the back end of its bullpen was good last year with Axel Angwin and Esteban Velazquez, it was clear that more was needed. As a result, Seattle signed relievers Wally Lopez and Ricardo Valera, in the hopes that they can sure up Seattle’s middle innings.
The most controversial decision Seattle made was declining to pursue any established starting pitchers. As Eagan noted, however, this served two purposes: first, it will allow Seattle’s young starting pitchers to develop. The Storm are very optimistic about their rotation, which consists entirely of pitchers under the age of 30, Second, it will allow Seattle to maintain payroll flexibility. In years past, Seattle has been forced to make some unpleasant roster decisions because of financial constraints. It now appears that Seattle will have the freedom to make decisions on its own terms.
Chasing The Storm 2034-2 Offseason Review
Moderator: RonCo
-
- Ex-GM
- Posts: 2028
- Joined: Wed Jun 19, 2013 5:58 pm
- Has thanked: 8 times
- Been thanked: 66 times
Chasing The Storm 2034-2 Offseason Review
General Manager
Seattle Storm: 2011-Present
1737-1391 through 2029
Frick League, Pacific Division Winner (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2024)
Frick League Champion (2013)
Seattle Storm: 2011-Present
1737-1391 through 2029
Frick League, Pacific Division Winner (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2024)
Frick League Champion (2013)
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests