Season 15 - Top 10 Prospects

Please keep in mind that my advanced scouting is different that yours. Please also keep in mind that I wrote this for fun and to discuss. Please don't take it personally if "your" guy didn't make the top 10. Originally I wanted to make the list only guys that were called up this season, but there were some entries for guys that were "September callups" last season that are eligible rookies this season that I decided to include. Thanks to everyone for sending in entries!

1.

Ronnie Magee Seattle Huskies Age: 25 B/T: S/R Born: San Rafael, CA Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Seattle drafted Magee with the 11th pick in the first round in Season 11. Love Mr. Magee. I also have a crush on power hitting catchers that won't hurt you too bad defensively. They are ridiculously hard to find (and they should be). I bet there are some teams that drafted before Seattle that wish they had chosen (or seen) Magee. Having Magee in the bigs now also allowed Seattle to trade another top Catcher, Hooks Cheney, to Louisville and acquire a couple good prospects.

What I said about him when he was drafted: "Holding out right now"

2.

Neil McCallum Iowa City Hawkeyes Age: 23 B/T: R/R Born: Glendale, AZ Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

McCallum was drafted with the 37th pick in Season 11's draft by Iowa City. How in the world did he drop so low??? There have to be a ton of teams that wish they had taken the plunge on McCallum. He is probably the steal of Season 11's draft. He is a great hitting, slightly above average defensive catcher. A really nice piece to the puzzle as the Hawkeyes continue to rise from hitting the cellar under the previous regime.

What I said about him when he was drafted: N/A - Didn't review after first round

3.

John Lewis Louisville Cardinals Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Jackson, NJ Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Lewis was the 20th pick in Season 12's draft. Lewis is the first of two starting pitchers in the top 10. He isn't quite a top of the rotation type talent, but will be a solid #2. Good splits and pitches will allow him to do very well for the Cardinals. He will definitely help Lousiville as they try to get to 70 wins this season.


What I said about him when he was drafted: "Really like this pick and am surprised he fell to #20. Really good splits especially his vR and solid control with a couple good pitches in his repetoire. Good piece to keep the rebuild project in Louisville going."

4.

Tony Velez Charlotte Tar Heels Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Fantino, DO Position(s): P (SP5) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Velez was acquired by Charlotte as an IFA in Season 12 to the tune of $13.8 Million. The Tar Heels are pretty excited about Velez. Although his splits aren't fantastic, his combination of control with an absolutely dominating first pitch will hopefully lead him to doing some good things for the Heels. He'll slot in with several other young arms in the starting rotation.

What I said about him when he was drafted: N/A - IFA

5.

Brent Bukvich Chicago Blue Demons Age: 25 B/T: L/L Born: San Antonio, TX Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Buckvich was the #2 pick in Season 11. I really like Bukvich. He is going to be a great closer for a long time. The STA/DUR combo is really solid and he should be able to be one of those "two inning" closers" on some occasions that are hard to find. His control, splits, and pitches are all top notch.

What I said about him when he was drafted: "Shutdown closer who should be ready sooner than later. There always seems to be a debate on if it makes sense to use such a high pick on a guy that will only pitch 100 - 120 Innings or so, but the Blue Demons got themselves a guy that can closer down the last two innings of a game and its hard to pass that up."

6.

Dustin Lefebvre Louisville Cardinals Age: 22 B/T: S/R Born: Rockford, IL Position(s): P (SP5) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Lefebvre was the 22nd pick in Season 11. Lefebvre is the second pitcher from the Cardinals to make the top 10. Not quite the prospect that Lewis is, Lefebvre will still do some good things in the middle of the rotation with solid splits and pitches. Personally, I've had up and down luck with 3 pitch starting pitchers which is one of the reasons he slides down a bit in these rankings. That being said, he'll certainly help a ton as gerald does his best to get to 70 wins as he works to continue turning the franchise around.

What I said about him when he was drafted: "Another solid SP prospect goes off the board. The only question mark is sometimes SP's that only use three pitches can struggle from time to time, but there are plenty of examples of it working."

7.

Einar Chavez Boise Broncos Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Donna, TX Position(s): 2B/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Chavez was the 9th pick in Season 12. If Chavez was a better defender, than he would be higher on this list. As he currently stands, he is extremely borderline as a 2B, but if Boise tried to move him to the OF, that would really dilute the lineup because his bat isn't that good. Sticky situation. I think abes will "live" with sub par defense at 2B so he can have a "plus" bat for that position.

What I said about him when he was drafted: "Solid selection and will be ready in a season or two. Always nice to find a solid 2B defender with some pop in his bat that can also make some noise on the basepaths."

What abesmem said about him when he was drafted: "Very, very happy with Chavez at number 9. I had him rated as 2 overall. He basically can do it all. He should hit for both avergae and power and can deal with lefties and righties. He should be in the majors within 2 seasons."

8.

Wandy Reynoso Seattle Huskies Age: 22 B/T: L/L Born: Lynn, MA Position(s): P (SuA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Reynoso was selected with the 18th pick in Season 12's draft. If his splits were higher, he'd skyrocket up this list, but everything else looks really good to be a great reliever for Seattle. He is a similar prospect to Bukvich, but Buckvich's splits are higher.

What I said about him when he was drafted: "Pretty good relief prospect here. Should be able to eat up a good amount of innings and still be efficient with his projections. Would be a great closer prospect if his second pitch was a bit better."

9.

Chico Melo Detroit Wolverines Age: 24 B/T: R/R Born: Changuinola, PA Position(s): 3B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Melo was signed as an IFA in Season 9 for $12.7 Million and has spent the last 6 seasons in Detroits farm system. His vR isn't great and will hurt his production at the plate. That being said, he has solid power, his splits aren't awful, and will field the position extremely well.

What I said about him when he was drafted: N/A - IFA

10.

Fred O'Neill Iowa City Hawkeyes Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Cicero, NY Position(s): RF/1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

O"Neill was originally drafted with the 26th pick in Season 11's draft by Huntington, but has since been traded several times. I went back and forth on whether to include him in the top 10, but in the end think he'll make a big enough impact to warrant being included. He has a ton of power, hits righties slightly above average, and a solid batting eye. He won't hit for a good average, but I think his slugging pct and OBP will give him a solid OPS.

What I said about him when he was drafted: "Hmmm...interesting selection. Great contact and power, but an awful lefty split and average righty split, but then a great batting eye. Can't wait to see what happens with him."

Also Receiving Votes:

Luis Martin
Raymond Hausmann
Charles Dickerson
Fernando Segui
Casey Gorecki
Carlos Carrasco
Geraldo Arias
Juan Nieves

Team Previews - AL

AL North

Fargo Bison

The bison expect and will compete at a high level this season. we will lead the major league in runs scored again and have an above average defense...our pitching will need to be better than last year and frankly, it should be...the talent is much better than the way theyve performed. if we can get out team ERA someone around 4-4.25 then we will win alot of games and make a strong run in the playoffs.

AL East

Philadelphia Owls

Players Added : RP Trent Clark, RP Bo Clark, utility Joe Campbell and C Benito Goya.
Key Players Lost : None.

Key Transactions : None

Rookies expected to contribute: None.

After another season under .500, we tried very hard in the offseason to improve our team on the FA market and in the trading market too but without success, we hope minor adjustments will help Owls coming back in playoff.

New pitching and fielding coaches should help.
Young guys like 3B Danny Smoltz, SP Brandon Gragg and RP Phil Worrell should be better.
No star have been added to the team but C Benito Goya should help the offense and both Clarks should help the bullpen.

For the rest, our 5 starters are back. And all position players are also back except for the new guy behind the plate..

We need their contribution to win:

3B Danny Smoltz, 2B Miller Kotsay, 1B Julio Nunez, SPs Domingo Servet, Daisuke Suzuki and Brandon Gragg and RPs Bo Parker and Howie Grim.

In the minors, 1B Aaron Scelfo, SP Lew Whitaker, C/DH Everth Manzanillo and RP Julio Andrus are preparing to make an impact in a few seasons.

Our goal is to make the playoff.

Charleston Cougars

Charleston made a number of moves this offseason in an effort to build upon last season’s unexpected trip to the ALCS. John Kramer was acquired from Charlotte and will likely fill the #2 slot in the rotation. Charleston gave up highly touted prospect Louis Cortez to acquire Kramer. The bullpen was bolstered by the signing of Michael Sutton. To help the offense, Charleston signed Max Peterson who the team hopes will produce in a new environment. The Cougars will again rely on last season’s Cy Young Award winner Eswalin Sierra to anchor their pitching staff and Odalis Velasquez to lead the offense.

Charleston allowed consistent hitter Damian Chang to depart via Free Agency and released catcher Juan Diaz

AL South

Nashville Commodores

Expectations are high this season in Nashville. The Commodores are coming off a world series appearance with the core of the team still intact.

Youngsters Willie Izturus and Trent Keefe combine with veterans Randy Tyson and Jimmie Jodie to complete a solid rotation. The bullpen is lead by Ronald Berger.

All fielders return this season, with the exception of 3B, where Tomas Navarro takes over looking to improve the position defensively. Vin Horton lead the offensive charge last season with 39 Hr and 87 RBI. Harry Minor contributed a .302 batting average and young catcher Alex Pimentel is a rising superstar.

Additions
3B Tomas Navarro
RP Harry Moya
RP Lyle Nieman

New Orleans Bayou Bengals

The New Orleans Bayou Bengals have had only one winning season in the last ten, going 83-77 in Season 12. So to surpass the breakeven mark will be a challenge for the new ownership who made no major moves in the offseason.

The franchise made a few attempts to upgrade the pitching staff but was unable to secure any help. The staff has some young pitchers that should show some improvement but must be mamaged well. 23 year old Alberto Valentin has the most talent on the staff and veteran Julio Lira will be counted on to hold the starting rotation together. Closer Bart Pellows was traded away and Miguel Montanez is being asked to head the bullpen. The pitching staff will have to hold their own for the team to have any success.

CF James Hernandez was lost in free agency as the franchise apparently did not see the value in him. Former New Orleans minor leager CF Bonk Benard was signed and will be patooned.The remainder of the regulars from last season returns. There is some young talent and veteran 1B Carlos Molina will be asked to lead them. 3B Matty Bohannon will try and prove everyone wrong, New Orleans for trying to trade him and the rest of the league for not dealing for him.

Looks like New Orleans will look to play good defense, be aggressive offensively and hope the pitching staff improves enough to be competitive.

With a core of good young players and a few moves during this season and next offseason New Orleans should be able to compete in the post season hunt soon.

Jackson Rebels

I had no free agent signings or trade acquisitions for this season.

I let 1B Rick Daly go in free agency (actually an arbitration release)...SS Orber Rosado left for free agency..no big loss there.

Half of my "Fab Four" will be making their major league debuts this season. 1B/LF Charles Dickerson, my first round pick from season 11 and SS Fernando Segui (an IFA from season 12) make the jump to the big leagues. Dickerson will occupy first base this season before moving to his normal position in left field to make room for Lyle Daly's big league debut next season. Segui will anchor the infield until his "wonder twin" 2B Dee Thompson arrives next season as well. Segui and Thompson will make a potent 1-2 punch in the lineup with Thompson fulfilling a long time need at the lead-off spot.

Along with veteran mainstays DH Andre Martinez (30 HRs, 141 RBI, .328 avg) and Torey Vallarta (27 HR, 110 RBI, .315 avg), the Rebel lineup should be able to score runs in bunches. With Daly and Thompson joining the mix next season...whew...look out!

The pitching staff will be anchored by starters Yonder Santos, Bret Hutch and Marc Westmoreland with phenom closer Nash Messmer slamming the doors behind them.

Outlook is very bright for the Rebels, especially next season when my "Fab Four" will attempt to bring glory and success to the franchise.

AL West

Salem Beavers

The Beaver Execs have taken the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" or atleast the "if your not sure it's broke, don't fix it" philosophy for season 15. The line-up card will be essently the same as last; hoping for continued producting from their veteran core. Two veterans starters were quietly signed in the shadows of the Nunez sweepstakes. Nunez and Woodson will sure up the rotation filling the primary weakness identified by the new ownership in Salem.

Team Previews - NL

NL North

Detroit Wolverines

Season 14 went just like we had planned here in Detroit, with the Wolverines hoisting up the trophy at the end of the year. Some owners called us cocky for claiming the title during the offseason but we like to call it being confident. Those same owners might have their revenge this season as Detroit's chances of repeating are about as unlikely as the Colts football team is this year of winning the Super Bowl. We lost three major players that helped bring the title home in Mitch Carter, Erik Haynes, and Nunez. All three decided to take their talents elsewhere after a great run in Detroit which definately changes this team.

3B Chico Melo will get the call up from AAA to take over Haynes spot which was going to happen regardless of Haynes' decision this offseason. However we struck out in bringing in quality players to offset the departure of Carter and Nunez. Gaylord Bonds, Morris Morgan and Don Holt will all be asked to step up and help out the pitching staff that still features Quilvio Lima and Ching-Lung Komatsu.

We've enjoyed 5 consecutive NL North divison champ titles, along with 8 straight trips to the playoffs before capturing our first ever WS title and will try and keep this team together for another season or two to continue those streaks. However if this team starts off slowly you could see the likes of Komatsu, Lima, and Bernie Ortiz on the trade block as the rebuilding begins. Either way management is not declaring anything this season, just enjoying that shiny new trophy.

Dover Fightin' Blue Hens

Speed and Defense. This will be the first team I've constructed in HBD that will try to make a go without much in the way of big bats. Dover signed the following FA's: gold glove SS Jacob Belle, SS/CF Ken Holder, and former ROY Hamlet Darwin, all still younger than 30. Gone are LF Max Peterson, RF Rob Weathers, 1B Mark Starr, and SS Braden Sager, all who showed promising bats but were defensive liabilities.

2nd all-time saves leader Nicky Drew is back to anchor the bullpen. Most of the season 14 pitching staff returns.

Infielders Earl Cradle, Luis Martin, and Javier Mendoza will be the first prospects to get a call in the event of injuries or poor performance by the big leaguers.

Dover still seems to be stuck between total rebuilding and being competitve. Probably around a .500 team once again.

NL East

Charlotte Tar Heels

Key Players Acquired via FA: No one yet

Key Players Lost via FA: Merv Witt, Larry Dixon, Juan Melendez, Buster Wiggins, Philip Larson

Witt is the biggest lost there. He was a very solid bullpen piece that we decided to let go and get a draft pick out of instead of investing in him long term. The other four guys were decent pieces of the puzzle but are all inherently replaceable.

Key Players Acquired via Trade: Haywood Bryant, Luis Cortes (top prospect)

We think Haywood looks phenomenal in Carolina Blue and expect big things out of him this season. 1B was a bit of a hole last season after losing all time Tar Heel HR leader Vin Horton. We have also signed Bryant to a long term deal and look forward to a prosperous relationship. We were also excited to add Cortes to the mix who immediately becomes our top prospect in the farm system.

Key Players Lost via Trade: John Kramer and several prospects.

Kramer was a tough person to move. He has been a rock in the rotation for several seasons. Since we have pretty good depth at SP and some prospects in the minors, we decided to make the move and received Cortes in exchange to bolster our feeder system. It hurt to move several prospects in the deal for Bryant, but also felt it was the right move to make.

Rookies Called up: Timothy Daly P, Juan Aguilera CF, Torey Goya 2B, Gerardo Rijo were all promoted to fill situational roles with the Heels. In the past we have allocated budget to signing "savvy vets" to fill these roles, but decided it was time to supplement our roster with cheaper talent and use that money elsewhere.

Prognosis: Our goal is definitely to win the NL East and compete for a World Championship. I won't say "anything less" will be a disappointment because the playoffs are such a crapshoot. I will say that I hope if we do lose in the playoffs it won't be to our nemesis, the Syracuse Orange.

Syracuse Orange

Key Losses: Luis Villafuerte (rp), Joaquin Ortiz(cf) , Al Cortez (rp), Emmanuel Colome (3b)

Key Additions: Ben Brown(3b, cof), Theo Franco (cf), Matthew Davis (inf, cof)

Call Ups Close: Vicente Berroa(ss) , Matt Aspromonte (cf), Ozzie Lange(rp)

All those losses should actually be referred to as “players departing,” the Orange Administration do not really feel that any of them are key.

The school is happy with the two players that brought in. Theo Franco will be a nice upgrade over Ortiz in center, but the hidden upgrade will be in depth. Last season there was a huge drop off when resting the starters. Brown and especially Matthew Davis will be a very nice upgrade. Phil Yoshi should be mentioned as an upgrade in depth also, he was acquired late last season.

They don’t have any studs coming up soon but they do have some more players that will add to the depth as well. Berroa will probably get the most action based on his strong defensive play. Ozzie Lange is the closer of the future. He heads to AAA and is expected to be on the squad this season.

Much of the Orange’s success will depend on their aging starting staff. If it pitches well they could put some pressure on the Tar heels. I’m guessing about a 95 win season, with a good shot at a wild card but probably not a division title. They also expect good completion from Buffalo and Louisville.

NL South

Texas Red Raiders

When the new ownership group took over the Texas franchise, it took over a team ready to make the step to Championship contender. The team has two bonafide Aces in SP Michael Shumpert and SP Andres Rosario. The lineup was deep, with many players who are base stealing threats. But there was one thing that was needed to make sure everything fell into place: resign future HOFer 1B Adam Seneca. That was the one and only mission of the offesason, and thankfully for Red Raiders fans, $103M later, the mission was accomplished. Now the managment feels the championship recipe is in place. Solid starting pitchers, great defense, a team that will likely lead the NL in stolen bases and a power house hitter. Expectations are indeed high in Arlington.

Huntington Thundering Herd

Key Losses:
C Ron Montgomery, 2B Ben Jackson, LF Clay Lavarnway, CF Tory Vizquel, SP Jose Aybar, SP Julio Johnson, SP Gaylord Bonds, SP Dusty Johnstone, SP Clayton Brunette, RP David Cox

Key Additions:
SP Clyde Jodie, SP Roger Karnuth, RP Darren Caminiti, RP Roy White, RP Gus Martin, RP Al Lopez, 2B Justin Boyd, 3B Kurt Patrick, CF Jolbert Rosado, RF Jerry Seabol

Comments:
This is a transitional year for Huntington as we try to go from the team that spent money on free agents to the team that builds through the draft. We’ve already brought in a solid group of young prospects and with several picks in this season’s draft that number should just go higher. We’re not mailing in this season and management is excited about the team they have put together. We’ve got a solid group of relievers to hopefully pick up the slack that a weaker starting pitching group could cause. Although we lost some talent, management feels that this team is better equipped to compete this season. We have a good bullpen, solid offense, and good defense and improving on last year while building towards the future is not out of the question.

NL West

Boise Broncos

The Boise Broncos hope to continue to build off of last season’s success. The key for remains the pitching staff anchored by Jack Daley and solid defense. The addition of a proven vet like Turner Evans gives our staff even greater depth. One other significant addition was catcher Juan Diaz, who I believe will really help to solidify our catching tandem. This year we will bring up 25 year old Einar Chavez who’s good bat and glove work will make him an asset at a couple of positions. Down at AAA we have several players that could get at shot this year, but LF Everth Sanchez might be the most promising. I’d like to give all of our AAA prospects another year at that level and the strength of our ML roster should make that possible. I hope that even with some tough division rivals, the Broncos can win the division again and make it to the Series. Like with all teams, baring significant injuries, I think the Broncos can go all the way.

Arizona Sun Devils

After years of trying to hold onto former glory the Sun Devil management has finally decided to rebuild. Nunez wasn't resigned with that money being reallocated to prospect budget. The ML team is solid at position players but the pitching just isn't there yet. Another season at the bottom of the division is likely, but once Heathcliff Guerrero and Ismael Martinez develop the Devils will be back.

Helena Grizzlies


Acquisitions – SP Julio Johnson (Trade), RP Hulk Vaughn (Trade), RP Bart Pellow (Trade), 2B Jumbo Jimenez (FA), RP Justin Ward (FA)

Losses – 1B Dante Thompson (waived), UT Hamish Reynolds (FA), RP Walt Evans (FA), SP Royce Sexson (FA)

Impact Rookies – Danny Sheffield

Outlook – We are coming off our first winning season since I took over the franchise. After 7 seasons of losing baseball, it felt good to get above .500. Now the goal is to get into the playoffs. Pitching was the downfall of last seasons team and with that in mind I was focused on making significant upgrades in that area. Julio Johnson was brought in to join our young ace Nakano Efrain at the top of the rotation. In addition I acquired Bart Pellow via trade to help bolster our bullpen. Roosevelt Loux, who was acquired via trade near the end of last season will shift to the bullpen where he has spent most of his career to ensure we have quality depth down there.

Offensively we basically return the same team with a few minor additions. Former first round pick Danny Sheffield will come up and play 1B after the 20 game mark and Jumbo Jimenez signed as a free agent to be our utility wiz. I really like our infield with Gold Glover Marino Gomez and Marc Everhart at 2nd and 3rd, but they both have durability limitations, so Jimenez was brought in to ensure we are able to rest our starters as needed throughout the season so that they are fresh if we do end up making the playoffs. As a side note, look out for youngster Yorman Costilla. He was a mid-season call up last season and it took him a while to get a feel for the major league game.

I am looking for a big improvement out of him this season and his ability to set the table at the top of our line up could be the key to our success.

The Joaquin Nunez Trade: A Look Back

From Arizona's Perpective...

As you remember the Nunez deal created quite a bit of chatter. Some people were upset. Now that the dust has settled I have compiled a recap for posterity.

ARI - had nunez originally, he wouldn't resign, they weren't wining the WS that season
- traded him to DET for 2 former first rounders (18th and 23rd)

DET - traded two first rounders for nunez
- won a WS ring
- received a sandwich pick and a 5th rounder (50th and 163rd) for type A compensation

LRR - signed nunez to a max deal
- forfeited a later round pick


wrapup: Arizona did well comparing what they got to what DET got ( two first rounders instead of a sandwich and a later rounder). good deal

Detroit won the WS in exchange for two former first rounders
. worth it!

The final point of interest was whether ARI could have gotten more for Nunez. From the shopping I did noone was willing to trade a top prospect for a half season rental on Nunez so I went with the two first rounder offer. I doubt I could have gotten more for him.

From Detroit's Perpective...

Easy trade for us to make given our playoff appearances the past few seasons. We inquired about him and was surprised when they agreed to talk about him. Obviously there was some owners not too happy with the trade but we gave up two 1st round picks for 1/2 season with Nunez. He was a major factor in us winning the world series so yes, I'd do the trade again. Not happy with only receiving a supplemental and later round pick for him but that was the risk of the trade and Arizona should be happy with two 1st rounders now that they see what I'm getting. Win win for both teams after seeing how it all worked out in my opinion.

Season 15 Free Agency Recap (Type A's and B's)

Below is my analysis of the Season 15 type A and B contracts handed out. I took into account age, stats, ratings, contract, etc. Hope you enjoy!

Memphis

Erik Haynes - $35.8 million over 4 seasons. That is pretty much where I thought he'd end up. Its a great "risk" as Haynes has fantastic makeup so his decline will hopefully be delayed and also gradual. Good fielding 3B with a great bat are difficult to find. Memphis also didn't lose their 1st round pick because its protected.

Little Rock

Mitch Carter - $15 million over 3 seasons. I really like this signing and love the de-escalating contract so the Razorbacks will be paying more early for better production. Also like that the contract ends at 3 seasons because past that he should be in major decline. Nice value.

Dwight Dempster - 11.6 Million over 2 seasons. Mutual option in this contract was key because Dempster is 37 and could fall off the map after this season ratings-wise. He is still a decent SP to throw out there at least or this season.

Joaquin Nunez - $110 million over 5 seasons. The biggest FA signing of the season and I believe the largest in world history. Nunez is the top pitcher in the world and has to rank as one of the top pitchers in HBD. He has very good makeup so hopefully his decline won't happen until late into the contract. Little Rock is remaking their roster big time. The National League is also breathing a sigh of relief...have fun with him AL!

Harry Moya - $13.6 Millions over 3 seasons. Might get a little hairy in the last season of the contract, but should be a solid ROI over the first couple seasons. Another nice bullpen piece for Little Rock. The Razorback fans couldn't be happier looking at their new and improved team.

Alex Rivera - $4.6 Millions over 2 seasons. Decent reliever who will slot in as a setup guy, probably setup B. Mutual option was attached to decline in case he doesn't live up to the contract in the first season. Smart move.

Anaheim

Ron Montgomery - $8 million over 2 seasons. I have a soft place in my heart for Montgomery as I drafted him, developed him, and had some good seasons with him. He has a great bat. Will be interesting to see if ajwalton uses him as a C or DH. AJ should not have a problem getting an ROI on this deal.

Nashville

Tomas Navarro - $23.7 million over 4 seasons. This is the first contract I'm not a huge fan of. His production just doesn't seem to merit this type of deal. However, Nashville made the World Series last year and cctigerfan has been pretty savvy so maybe he sees something I don't. He must have targeted this position as something to get them over the hump.

Salem

Joe Newfield - $13 million over 2 seasons. 2 season contract, I like it. For a 35 year old it would be been very risky to go higher than that. Obviously the new owner in Salem targeted SP as a major need and has moved quickly to fill it with some stop gap FA to keep them in the playoff hunt. Daddiothree will need Newfield to return to form as he was used sparingly last season.

Ebenezer Woodson - $18.75 million over 3 seasons. Another SP to settle down the rotation in Salem. Woodson hasn't been spectacular in his career but could be a decent middle of the rotation piece. But should a "decent middle of the rotation piece" be paid so well. Time will tell...

Louisville

Miguel Concepcion - $58.25 Million over 5 seasons. Concepcion gets paid! Louisville is obviously moving aggressively as the GM has been put on probation by the owners and needs to hit 70 wins to retain his GM role. Good fielding, good hitting CFers are hard to come by so this could be money well spent as long as he is able to play CF. Since he is a lefty, once he starts declining, this contract could become an albatross.

Jumbo Jimenez - $17.4 Million over 3 seasons. His stats definitely are worth the contract, but it seems like he may be playing a bit over his head. At the same time, he has been very consistent so maybe he isn't. Solid pickup.

Detroit

Don Holt - $5.4 Million for 1 season. Holt is clearly just a stopgap for this season to eat some innings. His production has been sub par the last few seasons, but that could change in Detroit's pitcher park. He didn't deserve to be a type B because of production, but his ratings won out.

Texas

Dave Ramsay - $4.2 Million for 1 season. I love this signing, but I am also a sucker for picking up "legends" on the downside of their career who still have a little bit left in the tank and it looks like Ramsay could be a steal here for one season at that price.

Adam Seneca - $103 million over 5 seasons. The second richest contract in HBD history was handed out. Red Raiders fans rejoiced that their star will be in Texas for another 5 seasons. One of the best pure hitters in NCAA, Seneca deserves this contract.

Oakland

Ben Jackson - $27.6 Million over 4 seasons. Seems like a lot to pay for a guy that doesn't hit too much. Might be worth it if he could play SS, but would probably be below average there and definitely will be once he starts declining.

Merv Witt 0 $9.6 Million over 2 seasons. I like this deal a lot more than Jackson for Oakland. Witt was stellar with the Heels in a setup role and may get a chance to close for the Bears.. Very good reliever when utilized correctly.

Ichiro Kwon - $2.9 Million over 1 season. Low risk signing here as Kwon will so a serviceable job at catcher for the Golden Bears. Don't expect anything crazy either.

Iowa City

James Hernandez - $28 million over 4 seasons. Another contract that seems a bit pricey. He is barely going to be acceptable at CF and then will have to be moved to 2B.

Pablo Estrada - $26.4 Million over 4 season. This contract makes me scratch my head a little bit as well. What is his position? He makes a good amount of errors and minus plays at SS so I'm guessing CF or 2B? Does he hit enough for that kind of coin?

Boise

Turner Evans - $31.4 MIllion over 4 seasons. Evans got paid! The Boise GM must have targeted SP as a need behind his two aces. After making the playoffs for the first time in team history, abesmem is capitalizing on the momentum. Still seems like a lot to shell out for Evans, but it looks like other were bidding on him as well.

Philadelphia

Bo Clark - $4.4 million over 1 season. I like this deal. Nice stopgap relieve for one season who gets the job done at a good price. Should fit in well in Philly. If he doesn't, then he'll get batteries thrown at him. No big deal.

Trent Clark - 5.8 Millions over 2 seasons. This contract would make a bit more sense if the Owls could have attached a mutual or team option. Clark should be able to produce enough for the contract to make sense in the first season, but since he is already 35, his decline might be significant by next season. Still, its not a ton of money to be stuck with if that happens.

Charleston

Max Peterson - $8.6 Million over 2 seasons. The Cougars swoop in and sign Peterson after his price drops a good amount because no one was interested. Peterson is an interesting case because his ratings suggest he should have produced more. Maybe a change of scenery is what was needed for him.

Michael Sutton - $50.5 Million over 5 seasons. Very rich contract awarded to Sutton who was head and shoulders above the rest of the relief pitching free agents out there. A long term deal for a 32 year old is always worrisome, but he has unbelievable makeup rating so his decline should be gradual especially considering the Cougars wisely invsted the max in training.

Richmond

Kimera Quinn - $5.8 Million over 2 seasons. Not much to see here. Quinn is a decent player who will fill out a roster at a cheap price. The Spiders negotiated in a mutual option so they can cut bait next season if the contract doesn't make sense anymore. He shold produce enough to live up to the deal.

Huntington

Darren Caminiti - $3.1 Million over 1 season. Nice little contract for a solid reliever to help the Herd stay competitive as they officially enter a rebuilding cycle.

Helena

Justin Ward - $2.5 Million over 1 season. Very similar player and contract to Caminiti although his performance has declined the last couple seasons. Low risk, low reward.

Syracase

Ben Brown - $4.2 Million over 2 seasons. The Orange are on record as being frustrated at not finding a decent player for their last bit of cash and apparently decided to throw some at Brown. The second season is a little perplexing as his decline is already evident. Not a lot of money to be tied up in one player, but doubtful he'll live up to even that amount by next season.