Warehouse Wire 2046.01 - Team signs Sousa

[bcslouck]

The team has signed 1B Ernesto Sousa to a 1 year $2,400,000 deal.

Once a Top 25 prospect in the BBA, Sousa hasn't quite lived up to lofty expectations. Even so, Sousa managed a 0.849 OPS and 149 HR's in 6 seasons in Nashville. Sousa has a career 0.850 OPS, and it's expected he will see limited AB's against LHP if the organization can help it.

"We're still look to round out our lineup," said the GM Brandon Slouck. "We still have some work. We've been on the phone with other teams and have some offers out in FA. Hopefully, we can get something done soon."

Sousa wasn't offered arbitration by Nashville and it makes sense. His numbers are solid, but not good enough and considering his salary was $4,800,000 last year with them, chances are his salary would of been pushing $6,000,000. The fact the Jimmies got him for half the price he was paid last year represents a potential huge buy low breakout for a player who needs to prove he can hit enough to get paid next offseason.

While not the flashy move the CCJ offense probably needs, it could really give a boost if he comes in hungry to get recognition as the top 1B he was projected to be only a few years ago.

The move also keeps salary obligations flexible. Some big names are set to hit free agency after this year and with plenty of money available, it wouldn't be wise to chew that up now with negotiations beginning on a few big names.

[Dington]

Good pickup for the price. Arb estimate like $5.8 or something and past two season didn’t support that whatsoever.