California Dreamin' - The GUBA's California Crusaders

[mikev]

Gray, Sandoval Headed To Baltimore

One small deadline deal is in the books for the Crusaders --

Starter Billy Gray and reliever Angel Sandoval have been dealt to the Baltimore Monarchs in exchange for a pair of AAA prospects: pitcher Katsuyoshi Shinoda and 3B Doran Merrifield.

Gray was inked to a contract during Spring Training and has done nothing but pitch well for California, with an ERA just under 4 and a 1.25 WHIP. A big time ground ball pitcher, he'll likely continue to succeed with the Monarchs defensive infield.

Sandoval moving is the end of an ERA. He's almost certain to be a Hall of Famer, with 100 wins, 300 saves, a 2.86 ERA, and a 1.18 WHIP in his 15 year career. The 35 year old may still have a few seasons left, too, but he's really not helping California or fitting into any long term plans. In Baltimore he'll get at least one more shot at the playoffs.

Neither Shinoda or Merrifield can be considered a top prospect -- Shinoda was a former #2 pick who suffered some talent hits (perfect for the Crusaders!) and has dropped from a potential 2/3 starter to a back of the rotation innings eater. Merrifield is a 1b/3b who has the potential to be a gold glove caliber defender. He doesn't have a lot of power, but could hit for a decent average and get on base. His ceiling isn't that of a prototypical corner infielder, but there is potential for him to be a solid contributor as well.

In short, this pair of players is better than the return that Sandoval (nothing) or Gray (maybe a comp pick?) would have netted if they simply left via free agency.

There are rumors of other trades in the works, but the Front Office has yet to finalize anything and is waiting on return correspondence from several clubs.

[mikev]

Quiet Deadline Passes

Not for a lack of trying, the trade deadline came and went and the Crusaders were quiet.

A single trade was made with Baltimore, but no other trades came to fruition though a whirlwind of trades were made in the 11th hour before the GUBA deadline.

"Is it frustrating? At times, sure." commented Crusaders GM Voelker. "On one hand, we're looking at some things that we're trying to do to move forward, and we've looked at the needs of some other organizations. I think we had matched up with at least a couple of them in ways that would benefit both teams, but we weren't able to get it done. That's the way it works sometimes, I suppose."

There was a flurry of rumors surrounding California, mostly involving pitches Mario Garcia, Bernardo Roman, Ismael Enriquez, and outfielder Kurt Flowers.

Several of those players have been placed on waivers with the intent to make possible post-deadline trades.

[mikev]

Yi-Da FREAKING Wu



Yi-da Wu was drafted without much fanfare, and as we said then he was possibly the hardest throwing 17 year old we'd ever seen.

Guess what?

Stuff Talent Increases from 9 to 10
Velocity Increases from 95-97 to 96-98 Mph
Changeup Talent Increases from 4 to 5
Sinker Talent Increases from 8 to 9
Changeup Talent Increases from 7 to 8
Velocity Increases from 96-98 to 97-99 Mph

Wu is now rated 10/7/4 as an 18 year old, with 15/12/2 ratings (17/12/3 vs righties) and a sinker/slider combination that grades out as "plus plus" potential.

After 14 games with Rookie Fremont after being drafted, in which he was inserted directly into the closer role and saved 10 games in 14 appearances, Wu was moved to Short Season A Citrus Heights where he saved 7 more games in 9 appearances. Over the two teams, he struck out 15 and walked 6 in 22.2 innings -- as a 17 year old.

So far this year, still at Citrus Heights, he's been absolutely dominating. 21.2 innings, 25 strikeouts, 9 saves, a 0.88 WHIP... he's mowing through batters at a rate that's got Crusaders brass raising their eyebrows. For some reason, he's not on the California top prospects list. Uh, okay.

With positive development as he's shown over 2 seasons, Wu is likely to be advanced to Single A Glendale in the hopes that he continues to show the success he's had in the lowest levels of the minors.

When you're flirting with triple digits and don't even throw a fastball, people take notice.

Here's your notice.

[mikev]

More Milestones For Forest



Another milestone for Jakob Forest has passed. The 41 year old slugger clubbed his 400th homer, and now stands at 402 for his career.

In what is likely his final season in the GUBA, Forest has eclipsed the 500 double mark, 1500 runs scored, 1500 walks, and has amassed a career VORP of nearly 900.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool to pass those kinds of numbers," said Forest. "It's been a long time here, it's been awesome. I"ve gotten so much from the Crusaders, the fans, everybody. I want to savor this last 6 weeks. I think everybody knows this is it, and that's fine. I don't know if the fire is there anymore, but I never say never."

When asked about a further contract extension for the big righty, California GM Voelker was unsure. "We've got some things to look at, some decisions to make within the organization about how we want to move forward and how the existing roster gives us that ability. Jake was the first draft pick I made in the GUBA, so it would be a lie to say there's not a connection there, but it's something that we will address after the regular season."

So far, no rumors have circulated about a potential extension, and at this point there's usually been some sort of inside source that would leak a rumor or two. We can only assume this means that Forest is in his final season as a Crusader, and the most fitting end to his career would be to retire without playing for another club.

[mikev]

Roman To Rotation?



Bernardo Roman has been a workhorse this year for the Crusaders. 63 appearances, a 5-5 record, 3.19 ERA and 1.27 WHIP as the primary reliever for the team.

Now he'll be given his opportunity to be a starter.

The 28 year old has has several multiple-inning appearances this year, and looks to be capable of starting, so the rest of the season will be an audition of sorts for Roman.

"Yeah, I think I can be effective starting games. It's different, for sure, but you know when you'll be pitching and you can get set in a routine. You don't come to the park every day wondering if you'll be throwing or not."

The team has decided to give him the shot after several negotiations at the trade deadline, several teams looked at Roman as a potential starter, and after no deals were consumated Crusaders GM Voelker decided to see what he could do starting for California.

"In a rebuilding season, it seems to make the most sense to give him the opportunity now, and explore the possibility of him remaining a starter in the future or if it's a better idea for him to return to the bullpen," said Voelker. "He's been great for us, and I think he's earned the right to give it a go."

Some think that the big (6,6, 232lb) Puerto Rican's spotty control may be the limiting factor in his ability to succeed as a starter, but if he can harness it a little there's a good chance that he can succeed. Primarily a fastball/curveball pitcher, Roman also has a "show me" changeup that he will have to learn to rely on a bit more as well.

[mikev]

Dominic Voigt, Folks...

After being selected with the #5 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Domenic Voigt disappointed the organization when his stuff lumped from 10 to 8 barely two months into the season.

Things are changing for the big New Zealander.

"I looked at the other guys starting, and they all threw some kind of off speed pitch. They had something to throw off a hitter's timing." said Voigt. "So I asked some of the guys, I asked Coach, and they showed me the circle change grip. It's a little different but I think I can figure it out."

Voigt has mainly gotten by with his fastball, which can now touch triple digits again, as well as a very good splitfinger. However both of them are thrown very hard, and the addition of the changeup is huge. He's now got a pitch that looks like the fastball but comes in 12-15mph

"I think it's great," said Crusaders GM Mike Voelker. "The kid has the drive to succeed. He wants to start games, and is doing what he can to ensure that. It's showing me something, and we'll continue to let him start games until shown otherwise. I want competitors like him."

So far in Short Season Citrus Heights, Voigt is 3-7 with a 2.85 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts in 75 innings pitched. He's likely tickets for Single A Glendale next season.

[mikev]

oops

[mikev]

Pair Of Extensions For Vets

The Crusaders announced a pair of contract extensions, keeping two players on the team for a little while longer.



First, Carlos Guzman was signed to a 3 year extension paying him $2,100,000 over the life of the contract.

The lefty veteran has is in his fifth season with the Crusaders, and has been a solid rotation presence the entire time. The 33 year old is not much more than a 4th starter at this point is his career, but his slider is still death to left handed hitters, and he is a workhorse who will throw 200 innings every season no matter what with an ERA around 4.50 or so.

To get three more years of that production for $2M was a no brainer.



The second signing: Jakob Forest will play one more season with California and will be paid $570,000 to do so.

In what is likely his final season, Forest will be around to mentor the younger players on the team, pinch hit, and have a bit of a GUBA Farewell Tour. As a hitter he is a shadow of the monster he used to be, and his playing time will be limited. However, the big Canadian has earned the right to call it quits on his terms, and if he wants to spend one more season in the clubhouse we're not going to tell him no.

[mikev]

Glad This Season's Over

50-112.

A new low for this franchise.

Our HR leader was traded. Everybody was on the trade block all season. A few deals got done, but a few other arms we had that could have helped teams didn't move.

Enriquez is still willing to talk extension for 2 more years, but we'll probably be able to get a comp pick for him if he walks.

Aucoin and his gigantic contract will be off the books, as will one year guys Harrison, Edwards, Fukuda, Smith, and Liu.

The rest is a collection of guys who aren't very good, as we wait for the next round of prospects to try and get this rebuild back in motion.

I'm thinking it's going to get worse before it starts getting better, but there's like... 35 million bucks in salary coming off the books for next year so we should get solidly into the black in 2024.

We'll be in the position to absorb some bad contracts and pick up other assets, which is nice.

The lottery balls fell, and we moved up to #3 in the draft. Also nice, because with the reports of new draft classes having significantly better and more developed players, we could really use another stud prospect in the system.

So yeah, here's to another season or two of treading water and paying more attention to prospects than GUBA players.

[mikev]

Arbitration Recap

A real quick arbitration recap -- we only had a few guys, and none of them were world beaters anyway:

3B Haytham bin Salim received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $570,000.

A dreadful season at the plate for the 29 year old resulted in a league minimum arby award. We're not gonna be good next year, though, and he's got a solid glove and SHOULD be a much better hitter than he showed last season.

MR Andy Brennan received a 1-year contract through arbitration worht a total of $570,000.

I thought I hit withdraw. Whoops. Brennan sucks, but he's not getting paid anything.

RF Jose Miranda received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $640,000.

In 118 games and only 352 ABs, the 24 year old outfielder was decent, putting up a .776 OPS against right handed pitching. He doesn't really have any power, but good defense and good speed along with a solid contact rating gives Miranda some value. I'll probably trade him.

SP Belchyor Gramachoto received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $570,000.

I need pitchers next year. Doesn't get much cheaper than this.

1B Alejandro Bruno received a 1-year contract through arbitration worth a total of $950,000.

In limited time, Bruno was a solid hitter, posting a .290/.354/.414 line. The 31 year old sticks around for another season in which he'll probably be the primary first baseman, unless he's traded.

[mikev]

Enriquez Signs Two Year Extension



Ismael Enriquez seems like he's been around forever. The 31 year old has been in the GUBA since he was 20, and he's been very, very good aside from ONE season (2019) out of his 11.

The soft tossing righty has signed a 2 year extension to remain with the Crusaders through the 2025 season, and will be paid just under $7 Million for the duration of the contract.

"I just want to play," said the lanky Dominican. "I know how it works. Maybe I stay, maybe I trade. It's okay whatever happens, but if I am the closer right now for Crusaders than that's what I am."

OVer his career, Enriquez has amassed 123 saves with a 3.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He's been rumored to be traded for several seasons now as the Crusaders continue the rebuilding process. Whether a trade is consumated remains to be seen, but with the lack of high level bullpen arms available through free agency, this could be the offseason that finally sees Enriquez donning the 3rd GUBA uniform of his career.

[mikev]

Bruno Headed To Los Angeles

After being on the trade block for what seems like half of his career, Alejandro Bruno will be heading down I5 and joining the Los Angeles Riot after being traded by the Crusaders.

The 31 year old Bruno will be LA's primary DH for the 2024 season.

Coming back to the Crusaders in exchange for Bruno are a pair of minor leaguers: infielder Erjan de Beeld and veteran outfielder Ivan Grimard.

The centerpiece is clearly de Beeld, an 18 year old lefty with immense potential. Good contact, gap, and avoid K abilities (he only struck out 4 times in 93 rookie ball ABs) basically mean that de Beeld was born to be a #2 hitter in a lineup.

"Erjan was a guy that we looked at quite a bit in the draft," said Crusaders GM Mike Voelker. "After we drafted Craig (Knapp, infielder drafted #9 overall) we had quite a few discussions about trading back into the first round, and being able to grab a guy like Erjan de Beeld was high on the list if we had actually made a deal. Once he was off the board, we pretty much ended the talks we had about moving back into the first round."

Along with Knapp, Chong-su Pang, Claudio Garcia, and Christian Melton, the future of the Crusaders infield now looks a lot better than it did just 2 seasons ago.

[mikev]

Pair Of Minor Moves Kick Off Free Agency

A few minor additions as free agency has gotten underway in the 2023/2024 offseason:



Relief pitcher Lien-ying Bo, a 26 year old right hander from Taiwan was signed to a 3 year deal paying him $3.2 Million.

Bo is popular around the GUBA, a large part of the contract offer. He's expected to increase the attendance by Asian fans, which will be expected to bring up fan interest overall.

In 96 innings last year in Triple-A, Bo had a 4-4 record with 2 saves, a 2.80 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 66 strikeouts with only 14 walks. He was significantly better against right handers than he was against lefties though.



The Crusaders also claimed catcher Lorenzo Perez from the Los Angeles Riot through the waiver wire. A 24 year old with a cannon arm and spectacular defensive ability behind the plate, Perez figures to be the primary backup catcher as BilL Barnett will likely be optioned down to Triple A.

California are not expected to make any big splash, high dollar free agent signings this offseason, instead utilizing their low payroll to get the team back into financial stability.

[mikev]

Rule 5 Recap

The Crusaders had three names on their list as potential selections in the Rule 5 draft:

1. SP Dave Walters
2. SP Walton Goode
3. OF Rubrem Abrantes

The first selection overall in the draft was Walters, who went to Rome.

After Jose Perez and Benjamin Pillett wend 2nd and 3rd respectively, the Crusaders nabbed Goode 4th in the draft.

With 5/7/6 talents, the 23 year old Goode could be, well, good with some development. His control is a bit less developed than one would like, but he throws mid 90s with good movement. He features 4 pitches, none of which could be classified as above average -- which is strange, because I can't recall seeing a "mediocre" 96mph fastball.

Goode will probably be given the 5th starter role.

In the second round of the Rule 5 drat, the Crusaders picked up Abrantes from the World Series Runner Up Austin Bats. A 24 year old right hander, Abrantes is an above average defender at all 3 outfield positions, and sports rather pedestrian 11/9/3/6/11 ratings overall. However, his value will mostly be derived from his defense and his speed on the basepaths, as well as his very good bunting ability. In a "small ball" style of play, Abrantes' talents can be utilized.

The Crusaders also lost a pair of players in the Rule 5 draft: First baseman Ludwick Breitling and shortstop Enrique Garcia, both of whom were selected by the Jackson Generals.

[mikev]

Small Deal With Taipei As Spring Training Approaches

A relatively minor trade has been made with the Taipei Tigers as Spring Training is set to get underway in 2024.

25 year old outfielder Jose Miranda is headed to the Far East in exchange for 19 year old 1B/DH prospect Henning Fallmerayer.

The big (6'2, 245lb) German was a bit of a statistical oddity in Short Season A ball last year. Aside from the fact that he did not draw a walk in 218 at-bats, he DID have a sac fly, giving him 219 plate appearances. In short, his OBP was actually lower than his batting average.

With good contact and power potential, but (obviously) some questions about his plate discipline and control of the strike zone. However, a teenager who didn't competely embarass himself being above Rookie Ball is nothing to sneeze at, and we're okay with that return on a fairly light hitting corner outfielder.

There are still several names on the Crusader trade block, notably pitchers Mario Garcia and Bernardo Roman.

Honestly though, I'm surprised that nobody has even asked about junkballer Ismael Enriquez, who has just simply put up really good numbers his entire career and is signed to a very reasonable two-year contract.

[mikev]

SHEEHAN!

Another one of those low dollar, increase fan interest signings..

SHEEHAN!



Hard to believe that he's only 24, isn't it?

In what could have only been described as soul-crushing, the former first round pick was released by Bogota this past offseason after an extremely disapointing 3-7, 5.30 campaign in which he only pitched 86.2 innings.

The 6'4, 200lb righty from Bryn Mawr (hah, more like Bryn /RAWR/), Pennsylvania accepted a $2.5 Million dollar contract to come and pitch for the Crusaders in 2024. One of the bigger names in the GUBA, reports during Spring Training are showing that the arrival of Sheehan has increased the team's fan interest significantly, and the salary will be more than offset by the increased revenue.

Sheehan is expected to be at the back of the Crusaders rotation, if not relegated to mopup duty and promotional hand outs during the season.

The team is also planning to retroactively hold a "SHEEHAN!" day, which will celebrate any game that he happens to actually win this year.

[mikev]

Third Overall Selection In The Draft

With the third pick in the 2024 GUBA Amateur Player Draft, the California Crusaders select...

Ramon Baca, LHP, Puerto Rico

Not unlike last year's #1 pick Dominic Voigt, Baca possesses immense talent, throws hard, and gets a ton of ground balls. Both pitchers were even drafted featuring only two pitches -- Fastball/Splitter for Voigt, Sinker/Slider for Baca. Voigt has picked up a third pitch, and the team is hopeful that Baca can do the same. If not, Baca's amazing durability for a reliever would make one believe he can safely throw 125 innings per season with no issue.

Baca is also extremely developed as a 21 year old, and could probably hold his own in the GUBA straight out of the draft. However, he will likely report to Double A Pacific Grove, where he will form the most formidable 1-2 punch in the minor leagues along with Voigt. He'll be groomed as a starter, but look for a quick promotion to Triple-A Oakland if he fares well in his first handful of starts. A September callup is not out of the question for him.

The Crusaders also have the 12th overall pick and will look to add more talent in an extremely deep draft.

[mikev]

Matthams Joins The Fold With 12th Overall Selection

With the 12th pick in the 2024 GUBA Amateur Player Draft, the California Crusaders select...

Archie Matthams, Third Baseman, England

And the rebuild is on.

Along with Baca, the 17 year old Matthams will take his place as the Crusaders newest prospect, and what a prospect he is.

Only 17 years old with 8/7/8/9/5 talents, and already posessing 7/7/2/5/2 ratings, Matthams may possibly be ready for the GUBA as soon as his age 20 or 21 season, if he can manage to avoid injury.

Some have said that Matthams could have been a top 3 hitting talent in the draft, so to get a guy with his potential at 12 after already getting Baca is a huge positive for us as we try to restore this franchise to it's previous 90+ wins per year glory.

Coming out of his senior year in high school, Where Matthams had an absurd .553/.640/.953 slash line in 22 short games, he compiled 47 hits, 23 walks, and only 7 strikeouts in 85 at bats.

Not nearly as advanced as his fellow #1 pick, Matthams will be starting his professional career in Rookie League Fremont, with the expectation that he can advance a level per season and debut in the GUBA at age 21.

[mikev]

Second Round Selection - First Round Talent?

With the third selection in the second round of the 2024 GUBA Amateur Draft, thirty-fifth overall, the California Crusaders select

Catcher Timoteo Rodriguez, Columbia

and that just about wraps up the high end talent we'll be picking up in the draft.

Truth be told, we had hoped to move up and nab Daniel MacKay, a really good looking corner outfield prospect. However, with non-baseball related things going on, GM Mike Voelker was unable to initiate any sort of talks and New York selected MacKay with the 29th overall pick.

That said, Rodriguez is hardly a bad selection. To compare, MacKay's talents are 8/8/2/7/10, while Rodriguez' are 8/9/2/6/9 -- factor in that Rodriguez plays a more premium position and it's closer than you might think. HOwever, Rodriguez is going to have some work to do before reaching the GUBA, even though he's 21 and out of college. He's reasonably developed and will likely report straight to Double-A.

There have been reports on Rodriguez' work ethic, but the team plans on enrolling him in several offseason workout programs as well as helping him further his education after leaving his native Columbia.

While Rodriguez is not projected to hit for a lot of power, he's got the talent to hit .280 with a good OBP and a TON of extra base hits. Coming from a catcher, that's pretty damn awesome.

California's next pick is not until 67th overall, the 3rd pick in Round 3.

[mikev]

Spradbery, Patterson Added To The Mix

Another deal to add talent to the Crusaders farm system -- this time it's Bogota, and pitcher Nealon Spradbery added to the mix, along with third baseman Pat Patterson.

The 24 year old Spradbery burst onto the scene with London at age 21, and has had mixed success since. He'll report to Triple A Oakland, where he's going to be given every opportunity to start. The big (6'8) lefty needs to get his control going, and there's not much sense in using his talents in the GUBA right now.

Along with Spradbery, the Crusaders finally got Patterson, albeit via trade with Bogota and not from Moscow. We'd tried several times to acquire Patterson before, but were unsuccessful. The 23 year old checks in as our #3 prospect overall, and could probably play in the big leagues right now in a platoon situation. His 14/14/5/7/13 ratings against LHP could likely get it done, but we'll be waiting with him as well.

Between guys like Patterson, Dominic Voigt, and Franck Berthier in the pipeline, along with more recent draftees Ramon Baca, Archie Matthams, and Timoteo Rodriguez, the Crusaders definitely have their next core of players on the near horizon.

Oh, and California tok on some guy named Garcia in order to pick up Spradbery and Patterson. He'll sit the bench and play as little as possible.