Orcin Returns

[Orcin]

First Day of the Off-Season

The following items are on my “To Do” list today.
• Address open personnel positions
• Make decision to exercise or decline team options
• Offer arbitration (or not) to potential free agents
• Submit arbitration offers to eligible players or decide not to tender them
• Consider offers to potential free agents, including minor league free agents

Budget Considerations

The budget is $130 million. I need $25 million for operating expenses, leaving $105 million to cover player and personnel salaries. Using current arbitration estimates, I have roughly $88 million committed for next year without signing any free agents.

For the third consecutive season, I will evict my highest-paid player: Eduardo Sanchez, Rafael Valdez, and now Duncan Bland. Of course, I did not have to trade Bland and he is still in the organization. (For those who haven’t been paying attention, Bland signed a five-year contract at $500K per year to manage our Class A affiliate, the Evansville Aces.) Thus, I am left with a nice cushion that could be used for one superstar player (Longoria?) or several mid-level players.

Who… where… how much? These are the questions that are about to be answered.

Next: Roster analysis

[Orcin]

Preliminary 2017 Planning: Roster Analysis and Depth Chart

The road map for next season’s roster follows. Francisco Longoria is inexplicably not compensation eligible. This really complicates the decision. This analysis will assume no Longoria, even though the door is still open for him to return.

Starting Pitchers

Edgardo Ordonez was on his way to a great season (19GS, 11-3, 3.05 ERA) on July 15 when he went on the 60-day D/L for Tommy John surgery. He is due back in early May, but we have no idea how his 32-year-old arm will respond. He has two years left on his contract at $14M each, so we have to hope that he will recover without degradation.

Ignoring Longoria and Ordonez for the moment, our opening day starter will be right-hander Nathan Graves (18-8, 3.73). Three other pitchers are sure things in the rotation: LH Chao Yang (12-7, 3.88), LH Michael Bowles (11-10, 4.48), and RH Domingo Lopez (4-5, 4.00). The four pitchers are all young and the latter two still have room to develop.

Mauro Acevedo, obtained from Philadelphia in the Trauttmann trade, was 10-1 with a 2.14 ERA in AAA, and he is a leading option for the fifth starter until Ordonez returns. Jerome Clark is another possibility although he is out of options and might be trade bait. Clyde Fuller, another good prospect, will be added to the 40-man roster but he is a long shot to make the rotation. Top prospect Dean Daniels will begin at AAA this season, and I prefer to leave him there. There is budget room for a veteran starter as insurance, and Trauttmann himself is available after Philadelphia did not exercise his $6M option.

Obviously, this rotation is a lot stronger with Longoria at the top.

Bullpen

Left-hander Jeff Jennings will be a free agent. The bullpen is significantly younger than the group that opened last season. Santiago Flores will be the closer. Charles Jackson (5-1, 1.87 ERA, 5 SV, 62 IP) will pitch in high-leverage situations. Daniel Carlson (2.77 ERA, 62 IP) will also pitch a lot of key innings. Bruce Irvine (3.03 ERA, 32 IP) will take over for Jennings as the primary LOOGY. Arturo Hernandez (age 21) has the highest potential of anyone except Flores, and will likely get a long look at a spot. Jackson (age 30) is the only pitcher over 26 in this group.

Rookie right-hander Ray “Electric” Forrest (2.70 ERA, 44 SV in AAA) will be added to the 40-man roster, and he is a strong candidate to be with the big club on opening day. His stuff inspired teammates to give him the nickname. Left-hander Salvador Felix was our first-round draft pick in 2016 out of Florida. He rocketed through the organization and finished at AAA with a 1.59 ERA and 37 K’s in 22 innings. Felix could be eased into the majors as our second LH reliever, or he could stay at AAA for only his second year of pro experience. There are several strong, young arms on the secondary roster to compete for the remaining spots.

Catcher

Gary Arkle (.237/.290/.355) had a terrible year and now ranks as the #25 catcher in the CBA. Other GM’s around the league consider him to be an “overpaid veteran” and want no part of him in trade. Arkle has a rocket arm, yet he only had a 23% CS ratio. He has a $7M arbitration estimate and his unwillingness to sign a reasonable contract extension is well documented. Ben Holcomb is a really good backup catcher, but I do not expect him to be an all-star. He would be a good RH platoon catcher to go with the LH Arkle.

San Francisco catcher Manuel Ortiz (age 31) is a free agent, and he would be a big upgrade (ranked #4) over our current options. I can afford him if I do not offer arbitration to Arkle. There are two other top catchers on the free agent market, Cleveland’s Brian Campbell (rated #1 but age 34) and New York’s Don Woods (rated #12, age 31). There are no comparable top 10 young catchers available in trade (you are kidding, right?).

I must offer arbitration to Arkle and hope that he rebounds, or let him become a free agent and pursue one of the three veterans. My gut tells me to stay with the 25-year-old Arkle for another year rather than commit big dollars to a high-mileage veteran catcher.

First Base

Jose Martinez (.283/.370/.502, 29 HR, 89 RBI) came to us in a mid-season trade and ended all ideas of converting Bryan McConnell or Phil Gillespie into a first baseman. Martinez is rated #8 among CBA first basemen. Backup Ricky Allen (.321/.417/.616 in AAA) looks ready to step in if needed and he has two options remaining. Pinch-hitter deluxe Frank Carson can play first base or third base, and substitutes defensively for Martinez. Sometimes, a position is so thoroughly covered that we just need to forget it and move on to bigger issues.

Second Base

Lance Morrison (.274/.329/.396) did a great job last year, making veteran 2B Jonathan Kelley expendable to be included in the trade that brought in Graves, Acevedo, and Allen. He is the #18 second baseman in the CBA. I am hopeful that 21-year-old Paco Morales will push Morrison to the bench and take over the leadoff spot next season, allowing our best LH contact hitter Luis Vargas to bat second. Morrison might also be a candidate to leadoff, but his on-base percentage is not ideal for that position. If Morales can win the job, Morrison will become our infield reserve and a key RH pinch-hitter. If Morrison is forced into the lineup, veteran Richard Griffith will be the likely utility man.

Third Base

This time last year, I was not sold on Phil Gillespie (.278/.302/.486). I came around in 2016 and I am now very glad that he is signed for another four years. Gillespie is rated as the #5 third baseman in the CBA. He contributes a consistent .800 OPS to go with 30+ stolen bases and outstanding defense. You can write him down for 25 HR and 90 RBI, and he scores 90+ runs no matter where he is in the lineup. Frank Carson is the backup, but we really don’t need one because Gillespie plays 155 games a year. The guy is just solid.

Shortstop

Luis Vargas (.300/.353/.370) was healthy last year, but he did not have his best season. Still, the CBA’s #4 shortstop hit .300 and played defense at a Gold Glove level. I expect a better offensive year from Vargas in 2017 if he plays 150+ games again. We need him to stay healthy because Lance Morrison is the only real alternative in the system. Griffith is on the 40-man roster, but he is out of options and will need to clear waivers (again).

Left Field

Hector Castro (.275/.300/.440 in 200AB) showed enough promise to make me trade Dennis Bennett and Joe Young. He is rated as the CBA’s #6 left fielder. Think about that for a minute… left field is a premium offensive position and this guy has yet to play a full season. Yet, he is already rated #6 ahead of proven players like SF’s Chris Price and LA’s Fraser Stevenson. I have alternatives in my back pocket, but for now I plan to put Castro in the lineup batting third and enjoy the results.

Center Field

Bryan McConnell (.263/.310/.384) joins Arkle in Otto Orcin’s doghouse. McConnell is rated as the #21 center fielder in the CBA after a very poor season for a player in the $8M salary bracket. Jose Diaz and Norberto Garcia are the other center fielders on the 40-man roster, and they are both coming back from serious injuries. This spot is a huge concern. McConnell has little trade value right now and we just have to hope he comes back to form in 2017. Diaz (.217/.277.359) will have to start in AAA and convince me that he deserves another shot after nearly 400 major league at bats with little success.

Right Field

Jason Harmon (.309/.379/.418) is the #18 right fielder, and he is extremely versatile. He can play both corner outfield spots and first base at a very high level. Unfortunately, he has no experience in center field. I have strongly considered putting him there in spring training anyway to see how it goes. Harmon has the range, glove, and arm to pull it off. Brian Ferguson (.253/.356/.406) remains a viable option in right field, and rookie Miguel Bustamante (.307/.424/.485 in AAA) has all the tools to be a star player.

Conclusion

There is no obvious weakness, other than catcher, that could be improved via free agency. So the question of whether to sign Longoria remains open. Fortunately, I still a couple of weeks to ponder it before the free agency deadline.

[Slugger]

Loving the story from beginning to end (but really hoping that the end of this story isn't even close).

I will be using some of your methods and ideas for my own game. Learning from the master is the best way

[SurfRat61]

Couldn't agree with Slugger more.
An opinion on your catcher dilemma from a defensive standpoint. A little "SurfRat Sabermetrics" here:
Looking at his personality traits, what are Arkle's Work Ethic and Intelligence ratings? Also his Catcher Ability as opposed to his San Fran counterpart?
Arkle may have a cannon for an arm but if Ortiz calls a better game behind the dish, he might be worth pursuing. Furthermore, your taking the pitcher's best friend away from the team that beat you with pitching. Money isn't the only thing as you know. Me thinks you need to upset the Seals a little and turn over their applecart! Just a thought there. Best of luck.

[gehrig38]

Originally Posted by Orcin

CBA 2016 Hall of Fame Class

This year’s class features two players that were drafted by and starred for the Louisville Colonels.

3B Jonathan Thomas (1989-2011)
Thomas played for nine different teams and only made the all-star team five times in 19 seasons as a regular player. However, he was a very consistent player that always seemed to be around 25 HR and 100 RBI. He finished with 490 HR (#12 all-time) and 1,562 RBI (#5 all-time). His career WAR of 67 is #15 all-time among position players. Defensively, he was quite versatile and played almost 900 games as a middle infielder.

SP Todd Fletcher (1996-2011)
Todd Fletcher was a six-time all-star and won the Best Pitcher Award in 2001 when he was 24-5 with a 1.72 ERA. He threw two no-hitters, one a perfect game. Fletcher was 213-128 in his career with a 3.44 ERA. His career WAR of 69 is #30 among pitchers.



I traded Fletcher to Charlotte for a young pitcher named Antonio Luna. Fletcher was a lot more expensive, and my budget would not support him. Luna was pretty good, but he won’t make the Hall of Fame. I did a lot of talking to justify the trade at the time, but I now view it as a mistake. I should have found the money to keep Fletcher.

One of the last pieces that I envy you on, still have yet to induct anyone, but I think I am going to try and make my HOF like it should be, with HOF players ONLY, no fringy guys, if possible.

[gehrig38]

Originally Posted by Orcin

Preliminary 2017 Planning: Roster Analysis and Depth Chart

And this, I've wondered often how you got yours far more personal than mine, in addition to the obvious back stories you do this very very well.

Going to try to get this done this winter as well.

[Orcin]

Thanks for all the kind words and support. I am glad that so many people seem to enjoy this. I assure you that you aren't having more fun than me. I told someone the other day that the game itself is great, but the game plus a fictional dynasty report is fantastic. I don't enjoy the "unreported" leagues that I try nearly as much.

[Orcin]

First Day of the Off-Season

Task 1: Fill open personnel positions

The pitching coach at AA Dayton, Ramon Gonzalez, unexpectedly retired due to illness in his family. This led us to promote newly-hired Evansville pitching coach, Bill Edgar, to the important AA post. Kenny Hughes, long-time AAA pitching coach in the Cleveland system was offered the Evansville job. Hughes has developed a lot of excellent young pitchers for the Rockers, even though his ratings are only “good”.

The Owensboro manager position was offered to 59-year-old Patrick Ross on a 3-year contract, after current manager Jerome Talley was re-assigned to pitching coach. Ross is a legendary communicator, especially with very young players, but his teaching skills are rated only decent. There were no exciting hitting coach candidates available, so the position was offered to a newbie, Andre Samuels, on a low-dollar, two-year contract.


Task 2: Make decision to exercise or decline team options

There were no team options to exercise.


Task 3: Offer arbitration (or not) to potential free agents

The following potential free agents are not compensation eligible, and will not be offered arbitration:
• SP Francisco Longoria
• MR Jeff Jennings

I have no idea why Longoria is not compensation-eligible. It is shocking, really. It is useless to offer him arbitration because he will not accept it anyway. I must sign him before free agency begins, or compete with other teams for his services, or ignore him and pursue a different strategy. Time grows short.

[Orcin]

First Day of the Off-Season (continued)

Task 4: Submit arbitration offers to eligible players or “no-tender” them

There are eight players eligible for arbitration, and all of them will receive offers unless we can agree on contract extensions first.

C Gary Arkle wants a three-year contract worth $24 million. He has a $7M arbitration estimate and is asking $7.2M for the first year of that 3-year deal. I am going to risk the wrath of both player and arbiter by offering $6.5M in arbitration. It’s a gamble but he had a really poor year.

RF Jason Harmon is in his final year of eligibility. He had a nice year and his $6.3M estimate seems quite reasonable. In fact, I will offer him a 1-year, $6.5M contract with incentives in order to avoid arbitration. I want him in a good mood going to spring camp.

SP Nathan Graves has been estimated at $5.04M. He is eligible for the first time. I like Graves and I am willing to invest in him for the long-term. I will tender a $5M offer, and simultaneously work on a long-term deal starting at $5M for next season.

1B/3B Frank Carson had a stat line of .404/.458/.558 as a pinch-hitter last season. He plays first base exceptionally well and third base adequately. His $3.2M estimate is high based on his strong year, and I hope to get him signed to a multi-year deal at slightly lower numbers. If he won’t agree, I plan to take my chances with a $3M offer.

LF/RF Brian Ferguson is going to arbitration for the first time with a $2.8M estimate. I will offer the estimate and hope that is enough to win. I have yet to decide if he is starter material or trade bait.

2B Lance Morrison had a good year as the starting second baseman. He probably sees himself as a starter, but I hope to have a lineup that forces him to the bench as an excellent utility infielder. Like Carson, I want to negotiate a 3-4 year contract at slightly lower numbers than his $2.4M estimate.

The final two players are pitchers that will be offered the estimate after average years:

MR Bruce Irvine ($800K) is a good left-hander that can pitch more than one inning if needed.

MR Burt Newell ($700K) is one of many young right-handed relievers with a live arm that has yet to put it all together. Newell was a super-2 qualifier.

[Orcin]

First Day of the Off-Season (conclusion)

Task 5: Make offers to potential minor league free agents

There are 14 potential minor league free agents. It is time that I clear out some of the non-prospects from the organization in order to give plenty of playing time to developing talent. I offered minor league extensions to 1B Gonzalo Rodriguez (age 26 and rated as my #10 prospect), shortstop Matt Hardwick (age 29) because of depth issues, and AAA Pitcher of the Year Josh MacDonald (age 28).

I will let the other 11 players go, including several players that have been on the 40-man roster in the past 2-3 years. I may sign some of them later if I need minor league depth. They will still be there.

I also released 25-year-old 3B Felipe Ortiz, who was barely playing at AAA and taking up valuable space on the 40-man roster. He was also out of options.

**********

So, Francisco Longoria is not compensation-eligible. Can I just let him walk and get nothing for him? Let’s analyze his standing among starting pitchers in the CBA.

He is one of 30 starting pitchers rated 4 stars overall or higher by Phil Green, a group that includes fellow free agent Robinson Luna. Of that group, only 14 are rated higher (there are 16 rated at 4 stars). If I expand the list to include starting pitchers with 4-star potential, I still only get 37 including Longoria.

Going about it another way, I built a list of starting pitchers rated 7 or higher in every key ratings category. I get 16 pitchers using Green’s ratings and 15 using OSA. Longoria appears on both lists. Longoria has one of the highest control ratings (9), and that is an attribute that I value highly.

Ignoring ratings and focusing on results, I looked at the top statistical pitchers over each of the past three seasons. Longoria is always near the top of the list in every metric.

I would say Longoria qualifies as an ace. If Ordonez comes back strong, that would give me two pitchers to rival Maurin and Costello in San Francisco. Graves would be a darn good #3 starter on any staff. That’s the kind of rotation that can take a team deep into the playoffs.

Maybe I should take one last run at Longoria before free agency begins. What do I have to lose? The worst he can do is say no. I will lay out my best possible offer and see what he says. There is always a first time to sign a contract worth over $100 million.

[Orcin]

November 10, 2016 (BNN)

Subject: Star SP Signs Extension with Louisville

Happy times in Louisville as the Colonels and star starting pitcher Francisco Longoria put the finishing touches on a $104,000,000 contract extension that will keep the 29-year-old in town 6 years longer.

The signing is great news for Louisville because players of this caliber are hard to come by. Fan interest in Louisville jumped 3 points to 95 on the news.

During his career, Longoria has fashioned a 110-80 mark, 3.45 ERA and thrown 1,758 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .240 against him and he has logged 1,374 career strikeouts to go with 300 walks (4.58 K/BB ratio). Longoria is #5 all-time with only 1.5 walks per 9 innings pitched.

Colonels GM Otto Orcin said, “We are thrilled to be able to get this deal done before the free agent signing deadline. Both sides were highly motivated to finish an agreement. Our fans can now look forward to a strong starting rotation for years to come. Longoria will combine with Edgardo Ordonez to form the best 1-2 starter combo in the CBA.”

**********

Note: The deal calls for the sixth year to be a team option at $20 million with a $2 million buyout. The guaranteed portion of the contract is only $86 million for five years. Thus, I technically still have not signed a $100 million contract and Robert Westaway remains the highest-paid player in Colonels history at 5 years, $95 million – at least until 2022.

[Westheim]

Originally Posted by Orcin

Note: The deal calls for the sixth year to be a team option at $20 million with a $2 million buyout. The guaranteed portion of the contract is only $86 million for five years. Thus, I technically still have not signed a $100 million contract and Robert Westaway remains the highest-paid player in Colonels history at 5 years, $95 million – at least until 2022.

I'm sure by then you will find a neat prospect to trade him for.

[SurfRat61]

Way to go GM Orcin! See, now that wasn't so bad, was it?
Now get your catcher situation resolved. I know you prefer Arkle because of his youth and other variables us fans are not privy to, but I am secretly rooting for Arkle to be impossible to deal with and you get Ortiz from SF. Call me cut-throat, but I play to win not just on the field, but psychologically with my opponent. Just like when the Yankees got into Pedro's head with "they're my daddy!"
You seem to have that in you based on previous posts and if you don't like the term "cut-throat", you can be politically correct and say "competitive spirit!"

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by SurfRat61

You seem to have that in you based on previous posts and if you don't like the term "cut-throat", you can be politically correct and say "competitive spirit!"

Just for the record, I have nothing against cut-throat. Ah well, except when I am sitting in Sal's chair.

[Orcin]

2016 CBA Post-Season Awards

Most Valuable Player:
Patriot – CF Duane Bowen, New York Monarchs (.312/.345/.638, 41 HR, 127 RBI)
Federal – SS Ray Schultz, Salt Lake City Bees (.312/.384/.538, 32 HR, 124 RBI)

Best Pitcher:
Patriot – SP Justin McCall, Philadelphia Firebirds (21-6, 2.96 ERA, 185 K’s)
Federal – SP Cristo Rodriguez, Milwaukee Eagles (18-5, 2.23 ERA, 236 Ks)

Rookie of the Year:
Patriot – 2B Juan Dominguez, Orlando Sharks (.330/.415/.495, 4 HR, 45 RBI, 22 SB)
Federal – 1B Arnie Boyd, Los Angeles Vipers (.279/.386/.560, 41 HR, 107 RBI)

Manager of the Year:
Patriot – Cade Brown, New York Monarchs (93-69, CBA Champion)
Federal – Matt Bader, San Francisco Seals (101-61, FL Champion)

Gold Glove:
3B Phil Gillespie, Louisville Colonels (his 2nd GG)
SS Luis Vargas, Louisville Colonels (his 4th GG)


Off-Season Center

11/05/2016: I had to raise our offer to prospective Owensboro hitting coach Andre Samuels. The competition for mediocre coaching talent is apparently fierce.

11/06/2016: Louisville SP Nathan Graves signed a 5-year contract extension worth $35M. The contract calls for escalating salaries of $5M, $6M, $7M, and $8M. The fifth and final year is a team option for $9M with a $1 million buyout.

11/06/2016: RF Jason Harmon agreed to a 1-year contract with Louisville at $6.5M plus incentives for MVP and All-Star status. Thus, the two sides avoid an arbitration hearing. Harmon was said to be very happy with the contract.

11/11/2016: Samuels signed, so all of the Louisville organization’s coaching vacancies are now filled.

11/12/2016: Denver traded 29-year-old SP Kevin Morse (5-12, 5.41) to Seattle for two prospects. Morse, a former Colonels prospect, put together 6 solid seasons for Houston but struggled in his first year after signing a $69M/4-year free agent contract.

[Orcin]

November 23, 2016 (BNN)

Subject: CBA Arbitration Hearings

The CBA salary arbitration hearings will be held today. For a few fleeting hours, general managers, players and their mouthpieces will conduct a risky game of verbal tug-of-war. Players, used to settling their scores on the field, could make millions or find their paychecks slashed summarily. When the decisions are announced tomorrow, general managers will have a much better grasp of their budget in the upcoming free agent market. One thing is for certain -- when the results go public tomorrow, someone in Continental Baseball Association won't be happy.

Salary Arbitration Decisions in Favor of the Louisville Colonels:
• C Gary Arkle was awarded $6,500,000. The player demanded $8,750,000.
• 1B Frank Carson was awarded $3,000,000. The player demanded $4,250,000.
• MR Bruce Irvine was awarded $800,000. The player demanded $1,125,000.
• MR Burt Newell was awarded $700,000. The player demanded $1,125,000.

Salary Arbitration Decisions Against the Louisville Colonels:
• LF Brian Ferguson was awarded $3,416,000. The team had offered $2,800,000 (same as the estimate).
• 2B Lance Morrison was awarded $3,000,000. The team had offered $2,400,000 (same as the estimate).

Ferguson and Morrison were fairly priced at the estimates, in my opinion. They are very expensive reserves. I need to make a decision on these players this year. They are both competent starters, but they are not going to be stars. The tendency is to “shoot for the stars” at every position, especially on a team that often struggles to score runs. Unfortunately, small market teams can’t afford stars at every position. Maybe I should be happy with a few players that are steady and affordable.

Arkle is really full of himself, isn’t he? He thinks he should be paid almost $9M after that season? I should have submitted a $6M figure. I probably would have won. He will be a free agent after this season. Good year or bad, it is hard to see us agreeing on a new long-term contract. I must sign a free agent or trade for a relatively young replacement, because I don’t think Mr. Arkle and I will be together much longer.

[SurfRat61]

Do like your off-season routine and how meticulous you are in following steps. I wrote them down for my own use when I ever get out of the reserve clause era. As usual, keep up the great work!

[Orcin]

November 26, 2016 (BNN)

Subject: Free Agents File

The stroke of midnight signaled the arrival of the often wild and unpredictable free agent filing period. Most GMs across the CBA already have an iron or two in the fire, and the players are well-prepared for negotiations. The only participant to get a true head start was the rumor mill, which has been heating up over the past several weeks.

General Managers have the whole offseason to work the free agent market, but the big explosion will probably come quickly as these hot properties hit the market today:

• C Brian Campbell, ex-CLE, 4.5*/35/R, 7x AS, career .275/.366/.485, $24Mx5
• SP Robinson Luna, ex-DET, 4*/30/R, 3x AS, career 120-87 w/3.48 ERA, $21Mx7
• SP Jorge Gonzalez, ex-CHI, 4.5*/35/R, 10x AS, 2x BP, career 189-108 w/2.74 ERA, $20Mx5
• C Manuel Ortiz, ex-SF, 5*/31/R, 1x AS, career .263/.354/.405, $19Mx8
• SP Bill Beasley, ex-NY, 3.5*/31/R, 2x AS, career 141-104 w/3.36 ERA, $17Mx6
• LF John Jackson, ex-PHX, 2*/28/L, 1x AS, career .285/.344/.456, $17Mx8
• SS Ron Reynolds, ex-MIL/ORL, 3*/32/R, 3x AS, 4x GG, career .298/.342/.391/489 SB, $16Mx7
• SP Antonio Tares, ex-HOU, 2.5*/29/L, career 56-47 w/3.56 ERA, $13Mx6
• SP Scott Carter, ex-IND, 2*/30/R, career 57-50 w/3.92 ERA, $12Mx8
• 2B Steve Griffith, ex-HOU, 2*/31/R, career .297/.349/.388, $11Mx5
• 3B Jose Valentin, ex-CHS, 4*/29/S, 1x AS, career .257/.348/.448, $11Mx4
• SP Dursun Kapkin, ex-HOU, 2*/29/L, career 41-56 w/3.98 ERA, $11Mx5
• CL Antonio Gonzalez, ex-SF, 5*/29/R, career 132 SV w/2.94 ERA, $8Mx4
• CL Klaus Kleimen, ex-ORL, 4.5*/28/L, career 227 SV w/2.64 ERA, $5Mx4

Legend: position, name, former team, overall rating / age as of April next year / handedness, # all-star selections, awards (if any), career stats, salary desire

[Orcin]

November 26, 2016

Subject: Budget and Off-Season Planning

Eligible players filed for free agency today and arbitration is also out of the way, so this is my first look at a clean budget picture for 2017. I typically assume a full 40-man roster on major league contracts to be conservative. Using that assumption and adding $25M for expenses, total salaries are $2M under the budget set by owner Gordon Cooper.

However, my economizer owner will not allow any contract extensions because 2018 is projected to be over budget. Gary Arkle and Jason Harmon do not have contracts and I am still $4M in the red. I will need to find minimum-salary replacements for both of those players, and I will still have to cut one of the mid-level players like Ferguson or Morrison. But that’s next year’s problem. Fortunately, I am pretty well set for the upcoming season and don’t need to wade into the free agent pool. That’s not to say that I couldn’t improve the team, but I don’t feel a need to force something.

In preparation for the winter meetings, I will be shopping some players that will probably not make my final 40-man roster. I am looking for quality affordable players at positions of need. I will go into the winter meeting looking to move a higher-priced player for young talent. I am also searching for young players that will accept minor league contracts to replace some of the minor-league players that were released.

[Orcin]

November 27, 2016 (BNN)

Subject: Louisville, Nashville Close Deal

Newspapers in Louisville and Nashville report that the Colonels have reached a deal sending 29-year-old starting pitcher Jerome Clark to the Tigers for 28-year-old second baseman Patrick Guillaume.

In his career, Clark has fanned 41 batters and walked 16 in 78.1 innings of work. His lifetime won-lost record is 4 victories and 3 defeats with a 3.45 ERA and opposing hitters have compiled a .241 against him. Clark pitched for Lexington in AAA last season, posting a 13-5 record with a 3.45 ERA.

His career numbers show Guillaume (pronounced GEE-yohm) is currently carrying a .259 lifetime batting average with 16 home runs and 108 RBIs. Guillaume is a speed merchant with 120 stolen bases in 288 career games. He was the regular second baseman for Nashville last season, batting .268 with 61 stolen bases. Guillaume is a good defender at second base and can also play shortstop with a very strong arm.

Colonels GM Otto Orcin declared that Guillaume would compete for the starting second base job with incumbent Lance Morrison and top prospect Paco Morales. The winner will be the player with the best leadoff skills. Orcin explained that the Colonels intend to move SS Luis Vargas to the #2 spot in the order, taking advantage of his left-handed contact to move runners along and drive the leadoff man in from second with a single.

Fan reaction to the trade of the popular Clark was negative in Louisville, with the BNN fan interest index dropping 3 points overnight (to 92).