The Morning Glory 2059.01: Fountain to the Mountains

[bcslouck]

After having his team option voided, Mal Fountain became a free agent for the 2nd time. This time, he didn't end up back in Louisville.

As the page turned from 2058 to 2059 and most of the country nursed their New Year's hangovers, the Oysters signed the longtime Slugger to a 2 year $24,000,000 deal. Year 2 is a team option.

"We went into this offseason with an effort to improve the defense without sacrificing offense," said GM Brandon Slouck.

"And we know Malik (bin Mazin) is more comfortable at 1B at this point. So Fountain was an immediate target to take over the hot corner. He still holds his own very well over there and with the stick. We were very happy to land him."

"Very happy to be here," said the newly signed 3B.

"Really looking forward to batting behind bin Mazin. Hopefully he doesn't hit too many home runs so I can drive him in here and there."

Fast forward to mid-April and early on, it appears to be a good move. His ZR at 3B is -0.3 but has an efficiency of 1.034. For comparison sake, bin Mazin was a -5.6 ZR and 0.967 efficiency at 3B last year. At 1B, his ZR is -0.1 with a 1.029 efficiency. So far, the infield corner defense has improved. Fountain has also produced with his bat, producing a OPS+ of 117 and +wRc of 123. There hasn't been much power year but the team isn't concerned.

The team is off to a good start at 10-7 and Fountain has been one of the reasons why, helping them improve the offense and defense.