Changes, Changes:
Well, as you probably realized, our veteran scouting director decided to call it quits after the season and we went out there and signed 45-year old Julio Valera as new scouting director. He is outstanding in every scouting category but has little experience.
In addition to that, we decidedto make a change at the pitching coach position. Jason Knight has done a fine job with us but expressed interest to work with younger players, so he was happy to be assigned to All-Year Rookie League Newark, and in turns, we signed 55-year old former
Rays pitching coach Tony Garcia on a 3-year deal.
Potential Free Agents/Arbitration Candidates:
RHRP
Jordan Walden(25, 2.5/3*) 1-2 1SV 5.59 56.1IP -0.2WAR
We offered a 1y/$775k deal. Was a disappointment last year, but is cheap with experience.
RHCL
Addison Reed(24, 3.5/4*) 2-5 20SV 2.88 65.2IP 1.2WAR
We are in preliminary talks with him and may try to sign him for a 4y/$16M contract once we cleared some salary.
Roster Chatter:
Our owner has set our focus to "rebuilding"... We are open for business.
We are over budget if we fill out the roster and have no money to add a good #5 starter and a bullpen arm to bolster this team. We desperately need to clear salary… I will do it. I will. Keep an eye out for the baseball news.