2015 Around the League News

[Matt]

BLB News: Free Agents File: Today marks the start of the BLB free agency period.

Players who were unable or unwilling to negotiate contract extensions with their current teams will be filing their papers to become free agents today. It's a period of rejuvenation for some teams, moderation for others. The players on the market are hoping to find greener pastures and certainly some will hit paydirt.

Meanwhile, the media and fans will stoke the rumor mill together, generating energy that will carry them forward to Opening Day. In cities across The United States, fans will hope for that key signing, the one that could propel their club to a championship.

Among the more notable free agents hitting the market today are:

1. Jerrod Dapson, 35 year-old center fielder
2. David Santoyo, 35 year-old second baseman
3. Al Moon, 32 year-old starting pitcher
4. Henry Rodriques, 32 year-old third baseman
5. Willie Castellanos, 36 year-old starting pitcher
6. Felipe Vega, 34 year-old starting pitcher
7. Dave Porter, 34 year-old starting pitcher
8. Napoleon Mendoza, 31 year-old right fielder
9. Alejandro Ruedas, 31 year-old starting pitcher
10. Edgar Mejia, 36 year-old starting pitcher


International Free Agents Enter Market: League officials have been informed that the following international free agents have indicated interest in playing in the Brewers League Baseball next season, and are now visible in the free agents list:

P Hong-ryul Park out of South Korea
3B J.R. Johnson out of Mexico
P Cody Jones out of Australia
P Richard Waddingham out of Australia
P Bill Frausto out of Nicaragua
P Ta-kai Liu out of Taiwan
P Danny Gutierrez out of Costa Rica
CF Wu-han Lao out of China


<table class="data sortable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="968px"><tbody><tr><td class="dl wrap">SP Tyler Garner of the Maine Guides honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at P. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> C Mike del Rio of the Denver BC honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at C. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> 1B Tom Smith of the Toronto Canadians honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at 1B. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> 2B Danny Romero of the Dallas Sharks honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at 2B. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> 3B C.J. Genuario of the Los Angeles Dinos honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at 3B. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> SS Chris Lerma of the Maine Guides honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at SS. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> CF Alex Leanos of the Los Angeles Dinos honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at LF. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> CF Nelson Herrera of the Maine Guides honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at CF. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> RF Zachary Oldham of the Syracuse Slammers honored: Wins the 2014 BLB DL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at RF. </td></tr></tbody></table> <table class="data sortable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="968px"><tbody><tr><td class="dl wrap">
SP Jamie Combs of the Batavia Muckdogs honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at P. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> C Abraham Santana of the Baltimore Bulldogs honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at C. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> SS Alex Otero of the Washington Bats honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at 1B. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> 2B Jimmy Douglas of the Morgantown Mohawks honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at 2B. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> 3B Ling-lai Pang of the California Kodiaks honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at 3B. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> SS Roberto Jaime of the California Kodiaks honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at SS. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> CF Oscar Sanchez of the Philadelphia Freedom honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at LF. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> CF J.R. Lowe of the Batavia Muckdogs honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at CF. </td></tr><tr><td class="dl wrap"> RF Ernie Arbini of the California Kodiaks honored: Wins the 2014 BLB IL Defense With Integrity (DWI) Award at RF. </td></tr></tbody></table>


Stuart Signs for 7 years: Media analysts hailed Syracuse's signing of Ethan Stuart, one of Brewers League Baseball's brightest stars, as a pivotal move.

While the deal is certain to raise a few eyebrows, Stuart is expected to earn every bit of the $165,000,000 promised him over 7 years.

His lifetime stats show Stuart has batted .275 and collected 850 hits, 180 home runs and 501 RBIs.


Wine Connoisseur Herrington Purchases Vineyard, Plans to Open Winery: Millers shortstop Seth Herrington has long considered himself a wine aficionado. Last month, however, he took his love to a whole new level; he purchased a 30-acre vineyard in Northern California. "It's always been a dream of mine to own a vineyard," said Herrington. "This just seemed like the perfect time. When the opportunity arose, I jumped all over it."

The site, covering a rolling meadow an hour northeast of Sonoma, contains a building Herrington plans to open to the public as a winery next year, as well as a two-story house that may eventually be converted to a bed and breakfast. "I have no delusions about this becoming a second career for me," said Herrington. "Right now, it's just a hobby. When I retire, though... who knows? I think I could get used to spending most of my time here."

[Matt]

Star MR Signs Extension with Baltimore: Bulldogs fans were divided today as Baltimore confirmed that the front office has signed Fred Evers to a 1-year extension at a rate of $6,700,000 per year.

While many were enthusiastically behind the signing, others worried about Evers's age.

For his career Evers has put together a won-lost record of 34-38. In 625 innings he has produced 800 strikeouts and a 2.82 ERA with 149 saves.


Combs Signs for 5 years: Batavia fans celebrated as word of a signing became reality. Jamie Combs won't be pulling up stakes anytime soon, as he has signed a 5-year extension at a pay rate of $19,960,000 per annum.

Since he is widely seen as an integral part of the club, Batavia officials had to keep Combs from jumping ship.

In his career Combs has fanned 1076 batters and walked 189 in 1321.2 innings of work. His lifetime won-lost record is 84 victories and 66 defeats with a 3.40 ERA and opposing hitters have compiled a .254 against him.


$77,000,000 Lands SP Arce for Sharks: Feedback was positive in Dallas today as the club announced an agreement with starting pitcher David Arce, one of the league's marquee players.

His lifetime totals give Arce 115 victories and 96 defeats with a 3.43 ERA.


Batavia Wins RF Gutierrez Sweepstakes: The Muckdogs today announced that they have come to terms with Hector Gutierrez, a 33-year-old right fielder they've been scouting for a while.

Gutierrez will earn $21,333,333 a year over 3 years and is expected to play a key role with the club.

His career numbers show Gutierrez is hitting .276 with a total of 198 home runs.


Wilmington Inks Star MR to $31,000,000 Deal: The euphoria surrounding a big name deal can sometimes overshadow the deal itself. Occasionally a team will mortgage its future to make a big splash, though no one in Wilmington was worried about that today as the club finalized terms with Ian Byrge.

Byrge will earn $7,750,000 per year over 4 years.

Byrge has a 32-19 won-lost record over his career with a 2.56 ERA. In 550 games he has recorded 48 saves and the 31-year-old has 709 strikeouts in 590 innings of work.


MR Huerta Signs 4-Year Deal with Death Valley: Scorpions officials hailed the signing of Danny Huerta as "an integral piece to our championship puzzle," though fans were somewhat more reserved about the signing.

Huerta will pocket $10,000,000 over 4 years.

At 31 years of age, Huerta has put up these numbers in his career: 507 appearances, a 73-74 record in 1272.1 innings, and 929 strikeouts. He has 49 saves and a career 3.61 ERA.


Pittsburgh Announces Deal for Veteran MR: The Pittsburgh Millers presented a battle-hardened Pat Bryant to the local press corps today as their latest signing. The 40-year-old reliever sealed a 1-year deal worth $868,000 mere hours before the formal introduction.

Bryant has accumulated a 110-56 lifetime record. He has 1538 strikeouts in 1555.2 innings and has made 617 appearances, recording 12 career saves and putting up a 2.70 ERA.

[Delandis]

Hey Matt some of the headlines aren't showing up.

[Matt]

Where?

[umd]

Where?

I think he's been reading that book Carlos didn't write. Again.

[Matt]

I was browsing OOTP leagues sites and came across a novel that this guy wrote on the league. I think it was over 40,000 words. It was fiction involving the league and players as backdrop.

[Ryan]

I was browsing OOTP leagues sites and came across a novel that this guy wrote on the league. I think it was over 40,000 words. It was fiction involving the league and players as backdrop.

Probably one of Carlos's other leagues.

[Delandis]

Baltimore Bulldogs's reliever, LaRocco, Attends Leadership Seminar

Saturday, December 20th, 2014
Some say it's impossible to teach an old dog new tricks, but try saying that to 34-year-old Baltimore Bulldogs's reliever, Micah LaRocco. LaRocco, a major league veteran, attended a Baltimore leadership conference last Sunday, hoping to hone his clubhouse skills. "I'm getting up there in age now and I want to make sure I can serve as a mentor to some of the young guys coming up," said LaRocco, known league-wide for his fostering of young infielders. "I want to be able to more effectively pass down the knowledge I've obtained to the younger guys, so we all get to see some better ball."

[Matt]

Veteran Fajardo Signs 3-Year Deal: In what local scribes are hailing as huge, the Knights inked a $23,000,000 deal with reliever Edgar Fajardo.

Team Officials expect Fajardo to fill an immediate void on the roster and felt the deal would make them an instant playoff contender.

Fajardo's career stats show a 71-51 record, 995 appearances, 176 saves and a 2.17 ERA. He has 1599 strikeouts in 1088.2 innings pitched.


BNN Stats: The Rich Guys: Who has the richest contracts in the Brewers League Baseball?

Hector Feliciano, MOR,$24,000,000
Katsunori Oto, NO,$20,000,000
Robby Aten, DEN,$20,000,000
Hector Gutierrez, BAT,$19,000,000
Ethan Stuart, SYR,$18,000,000


$44,000,000 Lands SP Ruedas for Whalers: Hartford announced the signing of starting pitcher Alejandro Ruedas earlier today, ending speculation on who they would acquire to fill the void at that position.

Ruedas will earn $8,800,000 per year, and will be with the club for 5 years.

Ruedas's lifetime won-lost record is 79 wins and 64 losses with a 3.76 ERA.

[Matt]

New York Fired up over Signing of SP Mejia: As speculation mounted into the morning, rumors over a final agreement between Edgar Mejia and New York became a reality, with the star opting for a $56,500,000 deal over 3 years.

Lifetime Mejia has a 186-84 won-lost record. His career ERA is 2.62.


World Champion Patriots Visit White House: Members of the world champion Pawtucket Patriots met with the President at the White House today. The President shook hands and posed for photos with players and coaches during the brief ceremony. He also took the opportunity to praise the Patriots for their teamwork and determination in winning the championship. Following the President's comments, manager Elijah presented the commander-in-chief with his very own Patriots jersey. Prior to the ceremony, the team was given a tour of the White House. A highlight of the tour was a visit to the Oval Office, where shortstop, Jimmy Lee, and starting pitcher, Zack Reeves, posed for pictures while seated at the President's desk.


California Inks Star SP to $60,000,000 Deal: The Kodiaks and Felipe Vega appeared before the California media today as the two sides emerged from marathon contract talks.

Vega, a starting pitcher, is poised to make $60,000,000 over 5 years.

Through the years Vega has fashioned a 99-93 mark, 3.97 ERA and thrown 1657.2 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .238 lifetime against him and he has logged 1469 career strikeouts.


New York Wins Lottery for MR Romo: Talk of a deal between New York and Antonio Romo came together today as the two sides inked a deal worth $16,750,000 over 3 years.

Romo is highly regarded around Brewers League Baseball for his talents and is expected to add that extra spark to the Knights roster.

Romo's career record shows a 41-25 record with 28 saves and an ERA of 3.04. He has fanned 829 batters in 778.1 innings and held opposing hitters to a .218 average.

[Matt]

Steve, Marathon Man: Suarez had never been much of a runner but all of that changed this offseason. That's when his wife picked up the runner bug and asked him to join her for their hometown marathon. His Santo Domingo Marathon training not only resulted in a better relationship with his wife, it increased his speed and agility.

Said Steve, "Chasing down fly balls has never been easier and I feel like I am going to tear up the base paths this year. My goal is simple - more doubles, less singles. Along with a few extra steals, that could mean a few more runs crossing home plate."


New York Wins Lottery for 2B Bachleda: Fans in New York ushered in J.R. Bachleda today as their new second baseman. The 29-year-old came to terms with the Knights and will be hauling in $5,166,666 a year over 3 years.

His career numbers show Bachleda has batted .276 and collected 592 hits, 24 home runs and 216 RBIs.


Veteran Krummen, New York Complete Deal: The Knights and Travis Krummen reached an accord earlier today which brings the second baseman to town for 1 year.

Krummen will pocket $1,250,000 total and is widely expected to contribute significantly to the club's playoff drive.

Krummen has a career .254 batting average with a .347 OBP. He has hit 47 homers, driven in 516 runs and scored 677 runs since he came into the league.


Star 2B Salas Settles on Batavia: Feedback was positive in Batavia today as the club announced an agreement with second baseman Mauricio Salas, one of the league's marquee players.

In 618 career games, Salas has put up a .248 average, collected 118 doubles, 14 triples, and 73 home runs, driven in 279 runs, and scored 258 times.

[Matt]

Veteran LF Estes Stays in Death Valley: Tom Estes inked a deal that will keep the seasoned veteran on the Scorpions roster another 1 year. Earlier today team personnel announced that the 34-year-old had settled on a $3,400,000-a-year deal to play at The Sandbox.

It's no secret Estes is getting older, but he could still contribute a lot to the franchise.

In his career Estes has hit .277 with 1115 hits, 189 doubles, 22 triples and 48 home runs. His totals also include 370 RBIs and 525 runs scored.


Star 2B Signs Pact with Scorpions: The Death Valley Scorpions have finished a deal with All Star-caliber second baseman Troy McCarley that will extend his stay in Death Valley at least 2 years and will pay out $26,600,000.

In 1016 career games McCarley is hitting at a .294 pace with 1205 hits with 273 doubles, 48 triples and 82 homers while scoring 607 runs and racking up 457 RBIs. He logged 280 walks and owns a .339 on-base percentage.


Pittsburgh Wins CL Gerlach Sweepstakes: The Millers today announced that they have come to terms with Travis Gerlach, a 28-year-old closer they've been scouting for a while.

Gerlach will earn $10,840,000 a year over 3 years and is expected to play a key role with the club.

In his career Gerlach has appeared in 440 games, saving 101. His record is 23-17 and he has struck out 577 in 455.1 innings with a 2.53 ERA.


Batavia Inks Star C to $5,000,000 Deal: In what local scribes are hailing as huge, the Muckdogs inked a $5,000,000 deal with catcher Todd Robideau.

Team Officials expect Robideau to fill an immediate void on the roster and felt the deal would make them an instant playoff contender.

During his career Robideau has played in 1027 games, batted .233 with 139 home runs and 880 base hits.


Star SP Moon Settles on Washington: A wave of jubilation swept over Washington today as fans and team officials celebrated the signing of Al Moon.

Despite the fact that the Washington Bats will have to pay out $55,000,000 over 3 years, he will certainly draw fans to the park. Let's just hope they don't crank up ticket prices!

During his career Moon has recorded 116 wins and 69 losses with a 3.28 ERA and limited other teams to a .249 average.


$9,000,000 Lands 3B Rodriques for Bulldogs: Word of a huge deal between Henry Rodriques and Baltimore broke on BNN minutes before a deal was officially announced.

The premiere third baseman will play for an estimated $9,000,000 per year. He is definitely capable of putting together big money campaigns, which is exactly what the Baltimore owners needed to enhance their portfolio.

Rodriques's career batting average is .285. In 1119 games, he has gotten 1164 hits, 221 home runs, 739 RBIs and scored 612 runs.


Maine Announces Deal for Veteran CF: Rumors of a deal between Fred Schubert and Maine finally bore fruit today as the two sides faced a packed press corps. Guides officials looked very pleased as they outlined the terms of the new deal.

Schubert will earn $4,500,000 per year for 1 year, and is expected to make a solid addition to his new club.

During his career Schubert has chalked up 1468 hits and a .278 average with 230 home runs and 796 RBIs.


It's Official: CF Dapson Signs with Scorpions: Jerrod Dapson and Death Valley put the finishing touches on a $4,000,000-a-year deal that will keep the 36-year-old in a Death Valley uniform for 1 year.

Team officials reportedly held their breath at the last moment, since Dapson had second thoughts mulling over other offers.

His career numbers show Dapson is batting .234 with a total of 182 home runs.


Bulldogs Win Sweepstakes for RF Caplan: The euphoria surrounding a big name deal can sometimes overshadow the deal itself. Occasionally a team will mortgage its future to make a big splash, though no one in Baltimore was worried about that today as the club finalized terms with J.J. Caplan.

Caplan will earn $12,000,000 per year over 1 year.

Caplan has a career .294 batting average with a .365 OBP. He has hit 324 homers, driven in 1109 runs and scored 1032 runs since he came into the league.


Indianapolis: 2B Santoyo Coming to Town: Ending months of speculation, the Clowns finalized a deal with David Santoyo earlier today, making the second baseman a very happy man. He'll be making an estimated $12,500,000 a year for 1 year.

During his career Santoyo has hit .237 with 1348 hits, 160 home runs, 641 RBIs and scored 830 runs.


Pittsburgh Fired up over Signing of CL Mileski: The Millers and T.J. Mileski appeared before the Pittsburgh media today as the two sides emerged from marathon contract talks.

Mileski, a closer, is poised to make $5,500,000 over 1 year.

Mileski has a lifetime record of 88 wins and 55 defeats with 351 saves. He has made 968 appearances, registering a 2.33 ERA and 1510 strikeouts in 1059 innings.

[Matt]

That's quite a FA splash. Old faces in new places.

[Z]

I'm really happy with how the adjusted expectations impacted the league.

[Ryan]

Pittsburgh's bullpen...