The Colonial Pyramid League Offseason Preview
As we move towards the winter months here on Picon, the focus turns off the field and into the GM offices around the Colonial League. This is where championships are truly won or lost – the offseason. The draft is still a little over a month away, and while teams are formulating their strategies and figuring out their biggest needs, a more pressing matter begins next week – arbitration and free agency. Here are some of the biggest free agents expected to be on the market this year:
SP Carl Conner – Conner is an interesting study of a great pitcher on a bad team. The four time all-star led the league in losses this season, going just 5-13 for the Ersia Elephants. That being said, Conner had the 8th best ERA in the LEAGUE among starting pitchers, at 3.35. He also led the league in strikeouts with 160, and innings pitched with 166. If Conner had gotten any run support whatsoever, he would probably have been a 8 or even 10 game winner. Instead, he played for a team that was in a relegation spot for most of the season, and an offense that averaged just a little over 2 runs a game when he started (which includes an 8-0 and 9-1 victory, making that stat seem higher than it should). Conner should command the highest free agent salary this offseason, at least among pitchers, and hopefully signing with a contending team will allow his win tallies to get back to where they should be.
3B Jim Hoffman – Hoffman finished second in MVP voting behind former teammate Roy Macgowing on the United. Hoffman is a native of Virgon, so it will be interesting to see if he wants to resign with his mostly hometown team in Hadrian. The biggest boost to Hoffman’s free agency value came in the home run column, as he led the Premier League in round trips this season with 25. The hard hitting third baseman slashed .325/.394/.589 last season, and is a career .283/.362/.498 hitter. He’s also a two-time Wings of Nike winner.
1B Brice Brown – Despite not winning the series MVP award, many on Caprica see Brice Brown as the hero of the Colonial Cup. The first baseman seems to have reinvented himself since signing his two year deal with the C-bucs, improving in every stat category from the slump he fell into while playing for Heim. Brown originally signed a 6-year deal with the C-Bucs, but opted out after this last season to try and pull in the big bucks elsewhere. Brown seems to enjoy his freedom of movement around the league, as he will now join his 4th organization in 6 years when he signed with whatever team gives him the best offer.
CL Tom Hopps – The Premier League’s best closer will also be on the market in a few days, as Tom Hopps has declined his player option for the last year of his contract and will also seek greener pastures. Hopps is a 4 time all-star and last year’s Shield of Ares winner. He has recorded 20+ saves every year of the joined Colonial Leagues, 4 times with Ionia and now twice with Itar. Hopps was absolutely lights out this year, allowing just 4 earned runs in 44 innings pitched. Hopps should break the mark for highest salary for a relief pitcher this offseason.
SP Manus Emery – Emery was third in the Zeus’ Lightning award voting for the Challenger league this year. He went 10-6 with a 2.52 ERA, and was a huge reason the Panthers sat at the top of the table for most of the season. At 42 years old, teams may be leery of offering the righty hurler a big dollar long-term deal, but the veteran had the best season of his career this season, and is looking to prove he can still be an asset for a long time to come.
SS Vasil De Brouwer – Despite his team collapsing down the stretch, Vasil was a bright spot for the Tauron City Bulls, hitting .350/.408/.499. He drove in 46 runs. De Brouwer isn’t a huge home threat, but he is a consistent hitter that gives a solid presence at the top of the lineup.
CL Este Della Vedova – Della Vedova had the fifth 20 save season of his career this year, and he did it appearing in about 8 fewer games than normal. The Riders are moving up to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen if Della Vedova comes with them. It would be hard to imagine he doesn’t make it to the big show in some capacity. Della Vedova is a four time all-star, three time Shield of Ares winner, and one time Zeus’ Lightning award winner.
Free agency filings officially happen in one week’s time. The Star will have daily coverage of moves throughout the offseason.