With the Free Agency period coming to a close this off-season, the Valencia faithful was hoping for a bigger splash than what it seems like they are going to get. While the Stars' front office did make a $131M bad in the Blair Peyton sweepstakes, it fell far short of the prize and there were no other major players that they front office wanted to go after.
A few pieces were picked up along the way. While it is not the kind of stuff to make the ship turn around to its desired heading, the Valencia brass is hoping it is enough to keep the ship afloat until the 2065 launch.
One name that will be added to the bullpen this season is that of Cade Miller. Cade agreed to a one-year/ $2.4M contract for this season. The boisterous 33 year-old went 3-2 in 26 games out of the pen for the Sacramento Mad Popes last season with a 2.51 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP that worked out into a 0.7 WAR. That production was about half of Cade's production for 2062 when he gained 32 saves as the closer for Brooklyn. Word around the league is that Cade may have some trouble with left-handed batters, but the Stars are hoping that they have enough other options in the pen to help mitigate that issue should it be true.
The other free agent signing is also on the mound side of the ledger with Valencia signing pitcher Tony Hollar to a one-year/$900K contract. The front office is taking a chance on Hollar as he missed the last shalf of the 2063 season with a torn meniscus. Prior to that Tony pitched in 17 games in AAA where he had a 3.11 ERA but a high WHIP at 1.46. Upon hearing the news of the extremely popular 31 year-old's signing, the fan interest increased by 4 points which may have also been part of the motivation to give Hollar a chance. Should Tony work out this season, he is eligible to go through arbitration the next three seasons.
Other signings that currently are in the minor leagues include:
SP Dave Hill OVR-40 POT-40 STU-4 MOV-5 CON-6
Dave went 7-3 between two different AAA clubs last season with roughly a 3.00 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. The lefty has the stamina to eat a lot of innings and he is a Mozart at conducting the affairs in the clubhouse. While his 94 mph fastball may not be impressive, his leadership skills may be enough to earn a spot on the roster and get him that $1.1M payday.
RP Charlie Egan OVR-40 POT-40 STU-11 MOV-4 CON-2
To help the GM get his flamethrower fix, Valencia brought in this 23 year-old who tops out at 101 mph with the gun. As with many flamethrowers the control is lacking. Charlie has a sinker and curveball to go with his heat so we will see how it goes in spring training for this one. Charlie did have a 1.95 ERA and 1.17 WHIP over 41 games in AAA last year. Should Charlie make it on the BBA team he will get an $850K salary.
RP Philip Gillespie OVR-40 POT-40 STU-7 MOV-5 CON-4
Another guy who can bring some heat at 100 mph and also 23 years old, Phillip had a 2.49 ERA/1.12 WHIP in A ball last season in the Sacramento farm system. While jumping to the big-league club is not probable, he would stand to make $800K. Do not be surprised with a good spring training if he starts in AAA waiting for his opportunity.
RP Pedro Soto OVR-40 POT-45 STU-6 MOV-5 CON-5
Pedro was signed to a $900K deal if he can make the big-league club. Despite being a Flyball pitcher and a 4.65 ERA with the Des Moines AAA club last season, the Valencia front office decided to throw a flyer in his direction. Look for Pedro to occupy a AAA spot this season.
1B Luigi Canavan OVR-45 POT-45 CON-5 POW-6 EYE-6
Luigi spent 2063 in AAA of the Las Vegas organization where he hit for a .320 average and a .369 on-base percentage while hitting 14 homers. His defense is well below average and he is zero threat to steal a base (as in zero attempts all last season). He is a local celebrity however with an extremely popular rating must be the Aussie accent - and will get a $1.2M salary if he makes the big-league club.
1B Taisuke Kamimura OVR-45 POT-45 CON-6 POW-5 EYE-5
Taisuke is a similar player to Luigi. Taisuke hit .328/398 for the Toledo Liberty in A ball with 18 homers and also hit .240/.313 in Phoenix during his limited stint that included 75 at bats. His defense and speed are also lacking, but he is also extremely popular in Valencia and is a leader in the clubhouse. Luigi also stands to make $1.2M this year if promoted.
CF Otis Kolokotronis OVR-40 POT-40 CON-5 POW-5 EYE-3
Picked up as part of the 'trying to find a true centerfielder' effort, Otis was signed to a minor league deal. While the 26 year-old has above average range he is still better suited to a corner slot when all is said and done. While his AAA batting average was decent with the Calgary AAA club at .332, the free swinger never saw a pitch he didn't like. He had 10 homers and 19 steals, but the smart money is on Otis not making it to the big-league club. Otis' contract does have a major league option worth $1.4M.
