The Offseason Free Agent Frenzy is complete for Cobbfather season 3, and of course the Gazette has something to say about it. Let's get into to reviewing the type A Free Agent signings
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Contract: 4 years, 26 million
The Rat Bastids signed the 31 year old sharp fielding shortstop this offseason. He should be able to maintain his trusty fielding skills through the 4-year deal. Paulson hasn't had a great deal of success with the bat in Cobbfather to date, but his ratings show there may be upside for some slight improvement at the plate. For any other team, it may be questionable whether the signing was worth giving up a first rounder; however, with ploppie's tendencies for poor drafts, may as well go for it.
Gazette conclusion: thumbs up - I'd say the price was right for Paulson, and it's not like the Bastids were going to put the pick lost to good use any way!
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Contract: 4 years, 30 million
Syracuse landed the hard-hitting former all star, with a solid glove. With deteriorating range, it's uncertain how many more seasons Concepcion can man CF or 2nd base, but his strong bat will still be a plus to the lineup, no matter what position he plays. Tremendous batting eye and contact, plus solid power and splits, makes Concepcion a force to be reckoned with, having upside to even top the numbers from seasons 1 and 2.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, great signing, his bat will boost Syracuse's lineup
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Contract: 3 years, 40 million
Aguilar is a nice arm, and is a major innings eater with superior control, and a great curveball. His splits are mediocre, but he has shown he can have success in the league, despite the average splits, although he did have a slight fall off last season from his all-star season one. Nonetheless, the 33 year old should be a staple in the Memphis rotation for the next three years.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle - Aguilar is a great signing, but the price was very costly, and may limit Memphis from making other signings over the next few seasons.
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Contract: 4 years, 29 million
Memphis added a second big contract pitcher in Curtis Strickland, a 33 year old innings eater, with nice splits and 5 good pitches. Being such a workhorse, it's like Strickland can be a starter for the entire length of the contract. His one downside is shaky control. His .269 opponents average the past two seasons isn't bad, but add in all of the walks, and it's a bit troublesome. Still, when on he should be able to go extremely deep into games, and eat up a lot of innings.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs slightly down. Memphis only had to give up a 2nd rounder to get him, so it's not a terrible signing. Still, I don't think Strickland is worthy of a type A free agent and if I got two picks for him, I'd be ecstatic. He has some good qualities, but it remains to be seen whether they can overcome his shaky control.
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Contract: 1 year, 6.06 million
Boise inked the 33-year old to a one year deal, and he should prove to be an asset in the field. He has decent range, a great glove, and a nice arm with stellar accuracy. He'd be solid at 2B or CF, and possibly could be a backup a shortstop, if needed. He's also a tremendous baserunner succeeding on 110 of 118 stolen base attempts the last two seasons. He hasn't gotten it done at the plate batting wise, but decent ratings across the board show there is upside for improvement.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs up, the price is right, and with a one year contract, if he doesn't work out, they can cut him loose, and maybe someone else will pick him up and Boise gets their picks back.
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Contract: 3 years, 15.6 million
Savage is 34-year old crafty reliever, with a great sinker and change, and excellent control. Also has a great RH split, and LH split is good enough. After an all-star season 1, he had a rough season 2 and ended up losing his closer's role. Whether or not Savage closes for Monterrey, he should be solid, and boost the bullpen. With his great durability and solid stamina for a reliver, he should be a great asset to the bullpen throughout his 3 year contract.
Gazette conclusion: Thumbs in the middle, leaning slightly up. Monterrey had to give up their first round pick to get Savage, which was a steep price, but if he can return to season 1 form, he'll be well worth it.
BEST OF THE TYPE B FREE AGENTS
Here's some Type B free agents we liked:
Dom Lazzeri - Syracuse - solid all around, can start or be a great long reliever.
Denny Chiba - Memphis - nice power bat, and can hold his own at 3rd base
Ralph Michaels - Monterrey - solid reliver, great pickup for the price
Jonathan Nicholson - Chicago - another nice reliever, good value
Charles Neal - Philadelphia - good guy to have for a 4th or 5th starter
Manuel Bravo - Syracuse - another good value starting pitcher, who would be a good enough 4th or 5th starter
That's it for the Free Agency review, hope you enjoyed it - we'll be back soon with a season 3 preview and predictions!