Tweet
SS Xavier Garnett
OSA 5-5-4-4-6, DEF 7-6-7-6, 28-years-old, Three-Time All-Star, 2015 Salary: $13.12M
It’s quite rare to see an infield talent like this available in Free-Agency. Garnett turns 29 in February, while the next best Free-Agent infielders are 34-36. It’s not just age that makes him stand above the rest but also talent, intangibles and versatility.
Take his 2015 season with a grain of salt, however. Garnett had his worst season since 2011 but the situation in Syracuse was far from cohesive. The Slammers were expected to compete for a DL Championship after two 98+ win seasons. With OF Ethan Stuart’s impending Free-Agency looming, the Slammers gave him a 7-year $165M in November and told Garnett (as well as others) to wait their turn. Garnett a lifelong Slammer, who prides himself on Work Ethic and Team Loyalty, was spurned.
He hit at a .669 OPS in Spring Training and .546 in April. The Slammers locker room was a mess after starting 10-12. He didn’t have his first “good month” until August. By that time, he knew he was auditioning for other clubs because that contract was never coming. In Aug-Sep-Oct, he hit .817, .808 and .929!
Garnett is a near DWI-level fielder who can play anywhere in the infield, best at SS. His switch-hitting bat is better against RHP but good enough to stay in both lineups. In 2013, he led the BLB in hits with 198. He’s above average at avoiding strikeouts and on the base paths. He’s also quite popular with the fans. The Minnesota native has proven he doesn’t mind the clod weather, either.
It’s easy to see who some of the big players in Free-Agency will be. The New York Knights, Toronto Canadians and Windy City Playboys, all finished 4th in their divisions and are sitting on a boat load of budget room. They also, all could use an upgrade at SS. Toronto and New York would be an easy move for him, staying in the DL facing the pitchers he is familiar with. While a switch to Chicago is a new league, it does put him only a six-hour drive to his family.
The Slammers still have a couple of weeks to convince him to return. They have the budget room and contract flexibility to let some arbitration eligible players walk but it seems like Garnett has his mind set on a new team.
Prediction: Toronto. A quick jump over Lake Ontario and Garnett gets everything he is looking for. A big pay day. Stays in the DL. Moves closer to his family. And best of all, gets to play the Syracuse Slammers in the Pilsner.
Contract: Six-years, $140
Comment