2038 Johnson League FA Review Podcast Part 1, The Atlantic

[Ted]

Randy Weigand, Stephen Lane, and Ted Schmidt Review the 2038 Johnson League Atlantic FA signings. This was recorded prior to Spring Training and does not include any signings after that time. I decided to break these into division based segments this year as all six divisions would be nearly four hours of content. Some are longer than others, but division based segments seemed more natural than time based ones.

Also, I realized during editing we did a poor job of actually giving the contract info. So it is listed below. Sorry for the format. It's copied and pasted from my notes.

Atlantic City 05:02
Brooklyn 16:12
Charm City 17:01
Montreal 25:08
Rockville 27:55




Justice League of America
Atlantic City (Mobsters) 91.6, 112 05:02
SP Andres Georges 11, 6.5, 5, 4 PO
LF Victor Geurra – 5, opt out, 4.7, 4.5 PO
RP Luis Flores – 3.6, 3.6 PO
C Allan McHugh – 3, 4 PO

Brooklyn Robins 104.4, 100 16:12
No signings, still over budget. LOL. Good job Alan. So much fun.

Charm City Jimmies 69.65, 104 17:01
OF/2B Carlos Garcia – 5, opt, 5 TO
RP Jason Morris – 8, opt, 8 TO.
SP Luis Soto – 3 –
1B/3B Chris Workman – 2-

Montreal Blazers 98.9, 128 25:08
None

Rockville Pikemen 108.5, 150 27:55
None

[bcslouck]

All were fan interest signings. Had enough money to pay guys to basically just show up to the ballpark and bring fans. FI is 80 which I think is pretty good for a shit team. So that was it all the way.

And personally, I know we aren't there yet so I'm not dishing out money unless it's someone I think can help up when we are. Stephen brought up Rios. I put in an offer. Not what he offered. But I had no interest in a deal like that for him. He isn't worth that to me. If we were going for it, I'd make that move. But I'm not going to throw long term money for the sake of it right now. Now Compton is someone I was also in on but I should of offered him more long term money. 2/3 of his deal would of been before 30 and we needed a 2B. I think I had a lot of offers out so I was timid.

I've done this rebuild thing before. Felt like I had too after putting the pedal to the floor trying to win a Landis. We had nothing when the bottom fell out as was mentioned. We still haven't even had a Top 10 pick. I'm okay with taking my time and having talent everywhere in the system and not leaving it bare when I want to make a move. I think it's important to note too this is really year 3 of this. That first losing season wasn't a rebuild at all. That was bad play and realizing it was over, getting what I could, and just trying to get my ducks in a row for the next phase of the franchise.

[Ted]

All were fan interest signings. Had enough money to pay guys to basically just show up to the ballpark and bring fans. FI is 80 which I think is pretty good for a shit team. So that was it all the way.

And personally, I know we aren't there yet so I'm not dishing out money unless it's someone I think can help up when we are. Stephen brought up Rios. I put in an offer. Not what he offered. But I had no interest in a deal like that for him. He isn't worth that to me. If we were going for it, I'd make that move. But I'm not going to throw long term money for the sake of it right now. Now Compton is someone I was also in on but I should of offered him more long term money. 2/3 of his deal would of been before 30 and we needed a 2B. I think I had a lot of offers out so I was timid.

I've done this rebuild thing before. Felt like I had too after putting the pedal to the floor trying to win a Landis. We had nothing when the bottom fell out as was mentioned. We still haven't even had a Top 10 pick. I'm okay with taking my time and having talent everywhere in the system and not leaving it bare when I want to make a move. I think it's important to not too this is really year 3 of this. That first losing season wasn't a rebuild at all. That was bad play and realizing it was over, getting what I could, and just trying to get my ducks in a row for the next phase of the franchise.

Always love to get the feedback. I'm more with your side on staying away from long term deals when you are as far out as you are. Like if I'm not going to be "using" the player for 2-3 more season at least, I tend to stay away. I can see Stephen's approach working too. I'm just super risk adverse in FA.

[bcslouck]

Also, Randy mentioned overpaying for backup C or something. I don't see a problem paying $3M for a backup C if you're not paying a lot for your starter and the guy can crush LHP. This is just a general statement. I like having a C platoon just to keep guys fresh. If I can have one. That is if I don't have a stud C.

[usnspecialist]

Also, Randy mentioned overpaying for backup C or something. I don't see a problem paying $3M for a backup C if you're not paying a lot for your starter and the guy can crush LHP. This is just a general statement. I like having a C platoon just to keep guys fresh. If I can have one. That is if I don't have a stud C.

I guess I should have said that there is a difference between a platoon situation and a true backup.

[bcslouck]

That I can agree on then. Though in my situation and looking for FI boost this offseason, I would of signed a backup C on a 1 year deal if he was popular. Even if he was making more than my "starter."

[RonCo]

Every time you give a player like Victor Guerra an opt out/player option (especially when the pay is in the right spot), you grant him the opportunity to gift you with a comp pick. I like the deal Joshua signed quite a bit.

[aaronweiner]

Twenty seconds, guys?

Oh, wait, I didn't do anything. Nice of you to mention me at all.