[NYY #23]

The Dodgers began the offseason with a last minute extension with RF Mike Williams, signing him to a seven year $140 million contract. We'll at least get one draft pick when Aaron Ruffin declined the qualifying offer.

Matt Mills and Mike Williams each received a Silver Slugger Award, while Gordon Baird finished third in Cy Young voting.

The Red Sox sent Rob Adams in exchange for 2B Bennett Ferguson, 1B Jerry Cramer, and pitching prospect Felix Gonzales. The Red Sox will cover 65% of Adams salary, and he's capable of playing all three outfield positions, and both corner infield positions.

The Dodgers agreed to a one year $3.2 million contract with catcher Brian Bailey, with a team option for a second year. Bailey hit .241 with 6 home runs and 28 RBI last year for Vancouver.

Next on our agenda was signing closer Weldon Johnston to a three year $49 million contract. Johnson was 6-12 with 33 saves and a 3.67 ERA last year, and I'm wondering if I made a mistake letting Ruffin walk.

Outfielder Augusto Gonzalez was signed to a one year $1.1 million contract. He hit .239 with 15 home runs and 61 RBI last year.

Then finally we made our big move, signing shortstop Carlos Vargas to a six year $123 million contract. He'll result in the loss of a draft pick and was worth 5.5 WAR last year, hitting .258 with a .351 on-base percentage and hitting 14 home runs. That will again push Delaney to second base.

It definitely feels different as a big market team with a high payroll. Hopefully free agents can get us over the edge.