Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter
A little late, and maybe a dollar short; but let's take a look at the numbers post-arbitration. Let's see who is ready to bank in Free Agency. But first, the top 5 spenders in arbitration (includes claims, promotions, etc) are:
- Washington DC Nations - $35.6M
- San Juan Fudds - $31.9M
- Montreal Fighting Poutine Plates - $30.6M
- Salt Lake City Tabernacles - $28.2M
- Oklahoma City Baron - 26.4M
And for the list. Sorted by highest payroll.
TARRAGA SIGHTING!
Many Cobbfather fans flocked to local Ace Hardware in Buffalo where Tarraga was seen in the lubber section. The latest debate amongst the owners is: will he or won't he receive at least 5 yr / $110M? And secondly, why wouldn't every team be in on him. Now if I believe owners as much as I believe Scott Boras. Alex 'A.T.' Tarraga is the top player in the league, maybe even All Time. Three straight MVPs, 6 in 7 years; you couldn't ask for more. But as one owner brought up, not everyone can afford that max contract. Let's take a quick look at those who can, though don't be surprised if another team sneaks in there and nabs him. All bets are off with Tarraga - except for the bets on the type of season he'll have.
- Scranton Hammers - $41M remaining - Currently has 25 yr old #3 hitter Arismendy Butera manning first base. He doesn't have the glove to move around, but do they sign the stud hitter and move him to a corner outfield spot?
- Philadelphia Harpers - $39M - Are they happy with Wade DeJean at first? But more importantly would they rather save the money to sign another Orlando Lopez (last year's $27.6M signing) in IFA this season? Are they even ready to compete, would Tarraga sign with a non-competitor?
- Los Angeles Summers - $37M - After suffering through the years of bad contracts handed out by the infamous Joey; does the new owner look to make an impact his first year in?
- Washington DC Nationals - $34M - Supposedly looking to move Ordomar Bolivar (1B) due to phlsfan "bringing in another guy with trying to improve on def(ense)". Yeah, and the Texas Rangers were really bidding against a mystery team for Alex Rodriguez. Sure Scott Boras!
- Salt Lake City Tabernacles - $34M - They have challenged OKC for the division the last few seasons, could this be what they need to push them over the top? Could they fit both Omar Gonzales and Alex Tarraga in the same lineup? Imagine home runs leaving Franklin Covey Field. Good luck visiting pitchers! But after claiming Lee Schlitter off waivers from NY Empire earlier this off-season, dare they make another big move? Might require them to move Chuck Brinson to save LF for Tarraga. Last year Brinson hit 36 HR with a .284 average. I'd take it and his $5.2M per contract through Season 51. Maybe SLC could improve some of their pitching.
- Vancouver Canucks - $32M - The third NL West team on the list, I guess everybody is getting tired of OKC sitting at the top of the division. Though rumor has it that Tarraga doesn't want to play America's past time north of the border, but they do have the space and the need as they do not currently have a 1B on their ML roster.
- Chicago Gunslingers - $31M - Has the needs in their lineup, easy to move Collin Price to the bench. I say go sign him Chicago!!!
- Houston Space Cowboys - $30M - Definite rebuilding team that would normally look to sign that big time IFA. But adding Tarraga would more than double his current payroll.
- Mystery Team - less than $30M but transfers money to surprise everyone.