September 20th, 1984
Throughout the Heartland Baseball League, fifty-seven players will be filing for free agency following the conclusion of the 1984 season. Some of those players will have a difficult time obtaining a job anywhere, while others will have every GM in the league trying to reel them in with dollars at the end of a fishing line. It's that time of year again -- time to preview the upcoming class of free agents!
SS Bobby Bergeron
After six seasons with Cedar Rapids, the legendary power-hitting shortstop has yet to be signed to an extension with the Rebels, refusing to negotiate new terms during the regular season. Given the opportunity to test free agency, Bergeron could justifiably be regarded as the best freelancer the HBL has seen in years! Bergeron finished the 1984 season with 36 home runs, enough for second in the North League, but a distant mile from Kelvin Green's 51 bombs for Popular Bluff. Bobby will be turning 32 years-old shortly, and still has a decent amount of speed to go along with an impressive glove, which has warranted him two Top Fielder Awards in 1980 and 1982. Though his specific contract demands are unknown, the slugger hasn't historically gained a reputation as a greedy player.
OF Nick Barnstaple
Barnstaple is going to be a HUGE gamble for any team looking to acquire his services in 1985. Despite being known for his electric bat, Barnstaple missed virtually the entire 1984 season after sustaining a torn back in spring training, resulting in just 37 AB's on the year. Being known for his greed, Nick signed the 9th largest contract in the HBL back in 1982 with Duluth, and will likely be pursuing similar compensation this off-season aswell. Though nobody questions his work ethic, it's important to remember that Barnstaple will turn 36 late next year, and there is no telling the impact his latest injury will have on his production. Whoever takes a risk on this kid, prepare for buyers remorse!
CL Gary Martin
Some people view the saves statistic as irrelevant and a poor indication of ability. If you're one of those people, maybe you don't place much emphasis on the fact that Gary Martin finished second in the HBL in saves last season, closing out 34 games for the Dawgs. If you're one of those people, or anyone for that matter, maybe you're turned off by the reality that Martin posted a borderline pathetic 1.47 WHIP last year. However, no matter who you are, it cannot be denied that he has ranked among the most effective relievers in the league on a year-to-year basis since 1978. Having completed four seasons with an ERA resting below 3.00, the 31 year-old closer has posted a career 3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and .234 BAA in 355.2 innings.
C Doug Sullivan
Despite one of the best seasons among HBL catchers in 1984, Sullivan has failed to display consistency in his career, having not truly broken out until now. Nevertheless, the catching position is always thin, and Sullivan should be a viable upgrade for at least half of the clubs in the league. The kid is 28 years-old now, and completed the year with a .304/.346/.566 clip as the starting catcher for the League Champion Twisters. If you're looking for a player that is going to keep runners off the base-paths, you'll need to look elsewhere with just a 25.9 CS% in 1984 from Sullivan in 77 attempts. In summary, his glove is nothing to write home about, his speed is nonexistent, and his power has gradually been increasing the past few seasons.