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I have tried my best to not take advantage when the AI makes no sense, whether that be in trade offers or now in free agency. But this off-season, I had to sign someone who should have asked for at least double what they asked for.
David Rusco is a fictional 28 year old SS who has averaged 5.5 WAR in his 7 years and is a very good fielder. He was the MVP 3 years ago with a 8.2 WAR season. He is an OBP machine, career .250/.373/.359 averaging 105 walks per season.
The Phillies let him walk and I got him for $250,000 a year for 4 years. Top FA's are getting $700,000 and up and he's a 4 time All-Star SS at 28 years old. Crazy. He's also a great 2B, so I am shifting him there until 36 year old Jim Fregosi becomes a UFA in 2 years. Last seasons 2B, Ivan DeJesus will back up each position.
My other plan to deal Roy Howell for pitching help is on hold as I was able to deal 24 year old Tony Armas for 32 year old Steve Carlton, who has 1 year left in his deal. Armas had a good rookie season after I took him in the Rule 5 draft, hitting .305 with 12 hr's in part-time status, but he would be our 5th OF this year. Carlton isn't IRL Steve Carlton, but he's still a 2-time all star who eats innings.
Blue Moon Odom, coming off his Reliever of the Year award, wants a raise from $150,000 to $900,000 next year, which is totally fair. But I am not paying that. Instead, I am shifting him to the rotation and moving Dick Drago to closer.
After dealing for Carlton at $510,000 a year and signing Rusco, I have a grand total of $20,000 left in our budget. I think I am done. For now
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