Bauer Loses Trade Virginity (Hoppy Endings, offseason pre-arby sim) [PP:2052.01]

[neugey]

Just prior to the 2051-2052 BBA arbitration hearings and free agency window, Jackrabbits GM Mike Bauer agreed to not just one, but two trades. Prior to joining Edmonton, Bauer had never gotten into serious trade discussions in his brief time with the GBC London Monarchs. That same trend had continued with the Jackrabbits, with Bauer intending to fill lots of holes in free agency and Rule V while eschewing the trade market. But things suddenly changed, and Bauer's innocence with BBA trades was swept away.

"I was nervous about my first time, but (Nashville GM Chad Nason) Dington has a way of making you feel comfortable," said Bauer. "Then I got real excited when he showed me outfielder Matt Garrison. It was too much to resist, and I couldn't help myself. I felt pretty satisfied after the whole experience the over."

"The next night I had a conversation with Justin Niles of Omaha. I was tingling with anticipation. He offered to give some money and that made things even more exciting. I guess I must have a weakness for cold hard cash and young assets."

BBA talent expert Lem Piker Sr. gave the Jackrabbits a B- for the Nashville trade, and a C- for the Omaha trade, and explained his reasoning as follows:

"It was good to see the Jacks add a proven corner outfielder and DH in Matt Garrison who can hit for power. Bauer seems concerned about improving the offense and isn't wasting any time. Edmonton also obtained AAA SP Kaden Umair, who throws hard and could find a spot in the back of the major league rotation. Or might even operate better as a long reliever. AA 2B Jarrod Nelson provides nice farm depth for the upper minors that Edmonton needs, but would be a reach to ever make the majors. Edmonton had to give up a very solid pitching prospect in AA SP Jimmy Fisher and a project hitter with upside in Joe Winters. But considering the woeful offensive performance by Edmonton last year and the need for a guy like Garrison, this trade wasn't a bad place to start."

"But I'm not feeling as positive about the Omaha trade. The Jacks should have gotten more bonus money in return for a proven young closer on a cheap contract in Juan Santana. 3B Ray Hoskins is a nice young contact hitter from both sides of the plate and should do fine in the Edmonton system. But I worry the major league bullpen will be set back a lot by this trade. Time will tell, but Edmonton probably lost this trade unless Hoskins builds on his hitting profile and becomes a weapon as a contact hitter in the bigs."

[Dington]

You’re lucky I didn’t show you my Quirke Roddis, but that’s a little too much for your first time.

[ae37jr]

I like the Santana trade for you. For $3 million you can easily get just as good of a free agent RP who is not a negative clubhouse influence.

Or since you are rebuilding, forget about the bullpen for now and throw that money at international FA or even the young-ish GBC FA.