2061-2 Pioneers Release Ludeman

[indiansfan]

Pioneers Release Ludeman

The Calgary Pioneers released longtime starter Leon Ludeman as the season came to a close. The 35 year old was in his 10th season in Calgary after starting out in the GBC.

"We had to do it now for financial reasons," GM Kevin Dickson said. "We are over the cap for 2062 and we can't even negotiate with our arbitration eligible players."

Ludeman had a $12 million player option for 2062 which he had informed the team he would execute. With his diminished skills and age, the team was not going to keep him so releasing him now cleared the cap space they needed to get under it for 2062.

This allows the team to negotiate extensions and spread the cost of his contract over 2 years. It is still a sad time for the fans whenever a long time star leaves town.

Ludeman posted a 108-114 record in 317 starts with the Pioneers. He was selected to the All Star Game twice and started over 30 games during 9 out of his 10 seasons here. His demise came as a surprise after having his best seasons in 2059 and 2060, when he was 15-10, 4.10 ERA and 19-7, 3.35 ERA respectively. In 2060 he finished 4th in the JL Nebraska voting after placing 5th in 2059.

Ludeman is one of the players that was hit with the V25 virus and he will find difficulty getting another shot in the BBA.

[ae37jr]

He'll probably end up going back to the GBC. I'd give him a shot in the bullpen, but not for the money he is looking for. In the GBC he is probably still a solid starter.

[BaseClogger]

Ludeman had a couple of his best seasons after the v25 transition. Your team is just old lol

[RonCo]

Ludeman's leaving is a sign of the old guard changeover. The salary cap change certainly didn't help Calgary any.

[trmmilwwi]

That 2060 season was unreal... definitely his high point.