Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter
The Gazette is starting a new series where we build a team based on the current Free Agents.
I present to you the Gazette Tanks. The team will consider it a win if they wind up with the top pick in next year's draft. We tried to pick up players that have a likely hood of being signed, and not just your typical minor league free agent whose demanding a major league contract after all those years twiddling around the lower levels. Also don't want to spend too much, to save that money for IFA spending.
- Catcher: Larry Darwin
- Defensive catcher with a 90 PC. His bat says I'm not trying to tank but I call a great game and my pitchers love me.
- First Base: Jose Pena
- Power bat who mashes lefties but has limited range and not as great versus righties.
- Second Base: Boomer Cornely
- We don't want anyone complaining about us tanking, so we'll take the high contact bat with speed, who will hit around .250-.270
- Shortstop: Deven Aceves
- Nobody can argue with going all defense for my SS, though if he gets pricey as they seem to be lately, we'll have to go look elsewhere. Perhaps Thumber Treinen, he fits the bill and has a cool name.
- Third Base: Jandel Mullaney
- 70s splits, 50 contact and power, but lacks eye; so he'll give opposing pitchers a few free outs.
- Left Field: Dane Castilla
- Just 34 and should start the season well, but considering the drops he's had in recent seasons (91 to 79 in power) he adds some power to my roster but hoping he slows down as the season goes. He'll show that I'm willing to spend money as well; as painful as it is for my IFA pocketbook.
- Center Field: Dayan Nieves
- Aging, who had a really down year, let's hope for a rebound...but not too much as it defeats the purpose. Middle of the road defender.
- Right Field: Geovany Rios
- Another power bat if I can get him cheap enough. But everything with him relies on the power. He won't set any strikeout records but he might come close.
- Starting Pitcher: Joshua Reames
- Ate 400 innings the past two seasons combined with ERAs of 5.55 and 4.37; just the type of guy I need. Isn't completely awful but should see lots of innings.
- Middle Reliever: Trent Law
- Not as great as he reads on paper, will give up his share of HRs closing out games but shows some strikeout power too.
Next is the Gazette Winners, they will change the Pittsburgh Yinzers for overall payroll, money is no object with this team. Let's hope they don't end up like the New York Mets.
- Catcher: Larry Darwin
- In a twist, they are going with the same catcher as the Tanks but for different but the same reasons. Somewhat decent bat and adds defense and pitch calling for what will likely be a weak pitching staff.
- First Base: Omar Gonzales
- The real S54 NL MVP, will by the #3 hitter without a doubt.
- Second Base: Shea Crowe
- One of the best bats on market and S54 NL MVP*. Quality bat at a much needed defensive position.
- Shortstop: Nefi Brogna (vL) / D'Angelo Estrada (vR)
- Going for the splits here, and will use the other as a defensive replacement late in games.
- Third Base: Al Rosario
- Not a ton of good options, but he'll get the job done. Not much speed, not much power; but hopefully gets on base enough.
- Left Field: Sidney Houston
- After moving all over the place last season, let's find this guy a home.
- Center Field: Joey Kubitza
- Listed as a SS, but we'll shift him over to CF where I think he'll play better positionally.
- Right Field: Denny Hill
- All RF FAs considered, he has a good eye and provides more power. With limited speed on this team, we might move the walls in and let this be a hitter's park the next season.
- Starting Pitcher: Rico Bonilla (L) / Max Abreu (R)
- Two headed monster, we'll hope their ages don't catch up to them this year and they lead us into the post-season.
- Middle Reliever: Ted Torres (L) / Jayson Roof (R)
- Almost went Troy Houston but that's enough old guys with our starts. Going younger and hoping Jayson Roof recaptures his Fireman of the Year form. Torres isn't a great option, but not many lefty bullpen pieces on the market. Thought about Ron Streenstra but he's kinda old too. Old guys, yuck...am I right Houston?
Let's see where all these guys land, or even if they all get contracts. Good luck with Free Agency!