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2008 OFF-SEASON
PRIOR COMES TO OREGON
PORTLAND - Aiming to bolster the pitching staff with established veterans, the Oregon Emeralds signed Mark Prior to an 8 year deal worth $132.8 million.
"We're delighted that Mark decided to join the Emeralds in our pursuit of a World Series title", said Dark Cloud at the press conference.
"I couldn't be happier," said Prior. "I've watched this team from afar and I'm more impressed everyday by how this organization takes care of its players. It's going to be a fun ride and I'm hoping that I can be the missing piece of the puzzle that was filled today," he added.
In addition, the Ems signed LF Kevin Millar to a deal and reliever Justin Kaye to a four year deal worth over $24 milion.
This puts the Emeralds atop the leaderboard for the highest payroll club in baseball again. "We recognize that spending over $100 million and getting no results is a difficult pill to swallow. But as long as its my money, why the hell do you care?" said Dark Cloud, at a press conference, when a reporter asked him why he didn't implode the team and start over.
"We're going to continue to be contenders. Few teams, let along expansion teams, EXPECT to contend annually. We're doing things our way. With our prospects and talent, this club will win for many years to come," he added.
OTHER NOTABLE SIGNINGS
OF Austin Kearns - Oakland - 4 years/$30 million
3B Alan Hainkel - Texas - 5 years/$34 million
1B Brad Hawpe - Cleveland - 5 years/$22 million
RP Octavio Dotel - Philadelphia - 4 years/$18 million
OF Ichiro Suzuki - Seattle - 3 years/$2 million
SP Matt Clement - New England - 4 years/$37 million
C J.D. Closser - Louisville - 5 years/$62 million
SS Derek Jeter - Atlanta - 2 years/$1.3 million
RF Josh Hamilton - Los Angeles - 3 years/$6.5 million
NOTABLE OFF-SEASON TRADES
Houston gets :
CF Colin Curtis
P Saul Fernandez
C David Phillips
Raleigh gets :
3B Scott Daniel
Trade between Colorado and Atlanta :
Atlanta gets :
CF Abel Olivares
Colorado gets :
3B Nick Higbee
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