Chasing The Storm 11-21-11 (Counts towards 2012 PP count)

[njherdfan]

[tab=30]With the bitter taste of the loss to the eventual champion Montreal Blazers still fresh in the mouths of all of Seattle’s players, November has been a fairly quiet month. While some teams appear primed to make splashy free-agent acquisitions, Seattle’s goal appears to be simpler: to duplicate the team’s offensive success from last year, while hoping that the pitching improves.

[tab=30]So far this off-season, the most noteworthy transactions have consisted of arbitration hearings which have resulted in significant raises for several Storm players, notably Trey Williams, whose 500,000 salary has jumped to over 5 million dollars. As Seattle GM Nathan Eagan notes, “this is just the first of many big paychecks for Trey, if all continues to go well. We’re prepared to pay him whatever it takes to keep him in Seattle for the rest of his career. The other significant decision Seattle has made has been extending Roman Empire’s contract for two years, with a team option for a 3rd season, for a total value of slightly below 43 million dollars. Although some MBWBA insiders had speculated that Empire was likely to become a free agent and to take his services to the highest bidder, Eagan insists that was never the case. As he explains, “we knew what a special offensive talent Roman is, and we think that our team will be significantly better with him on it.” Empire was similarly happy to remain in Seattle. “It was obvious that Seattle is in the process of putting together something special, and I wanted to remain a part of it. I can’t think of a better way to finish out my career than in Seattle, mentoring some of the young guys on this team.”

[tab=30]Although Seattle fans were thrilled with Empire’s extension, Empire did not come cheaply. Eagan is quick to point out that Seattle’s budget is significantly higher than it has been in years past, and that Seattle’s entire front-office is committed to building, and maintaining, a winning franchise. Although some people might have questioned those words, the fact that Seattle’s payroll has now jumped to over 91 million dollars seems to prove the validity of that statement.

[tab=30]As Eagan and the rest of the Storm attempt to recover from their bitter defeat, there is an obvious feeling in Seattle that the 2012 season can’t come soon enough. In the interim, Seattle is likely to attempt to fortify its bullpen, either through free agency or a trade, but beyond those smaller moves, expect Seattle’s 2012 roster to closely resemble its 2011 version. As Las Vegas attempts to rebound from missing the playoffs and Long Beach gears up for another run, fans on the west coast can look forward to another terrific battle next season.

[agrudez]

Wakefield and Empire both posting .400+ OBP sitting in front of Garnier-Ritchie-Bowers-Stephens would have made sweet music in Nebraska... grats on a very good (imo) signing.

[njherdfan]

Wakefield and Empire both posting .400+ OBP sitting in front of Garnier-Ritchie-Bowers-Stephens would have made sweet music in Nebraska... grats on a very good (imo) signing.

Thank you! I'm hoping that Kengos and Empire can do the same for my lineup.

[recte44]

Kengos would have to stay healthy for a full season in order for that to happen!

[njherdfan]

Kengos would have to stay healthy for a full season in order for that to happen!

Oh don't be silly. I just meant that I'm excited for the 60 or so games Kengos plays, because the offense will be great during those weeks!

[agrudez]

Shit... if he can give you 3 WAR in 100 games then he's worth every penny - just make sure he's healthy come postseason time!