Transparent Transactions: 2054-2055 Off-Season, Part 1

1) Re-Signings

Most of the guys let go were players that I signed mid-season to fill in the gaps. Ron Byer and Brent Thomas were guys I figured to retain, but after receiving ratings drops during the season, they became chopping block material.

The only 3 retained players were Ron Levin with trade acquisitions Dave Gilpin and Jason Clapper. Levin is someone that could be traded this off-season. He has much better vitals than his overall indicates. He’d be a nice 5^th starter for many teams.

2) Sent RP Thomas and cash to OAK for prospect SS Lansing

Lansing was a guy that I targeted in the draft. I thought he was one of the few worthwhile middle infielders. His defense should be very good and I think he’ll have some value at the dish as well. Once Young gets his feet wet, I think he’ll be a fine reliever and though he could help us out after the rebuild is complete, getting a viable SS prospect is a big need filled.

3) Acquired LF Woodcock and prospect SP Foley from CHC

Both players are guys that I specifically sought out with the Cubs. Foley, an older prospect making the transition to starter and Woody, a free agent addition thought to prove to be a good platoon partner. I figured Jason might be interested in saving $13M and I was right. Foley will continue to make the transition to starter and hopefully I’ll get an arm to help the MLB squad in a couple of years.

4) Bought C Glilpin from CHW

I needed a backup catcher and prefer buying an arbitration player that isn’t be re-signed rather than fighting it out in FA. Gilpin will platoon vs LHP. He’s fantastic defensively and has shown signs of crushing LHP in the past. He’s also only heading into his age 25 season, so he could be kept around after his arbitration years are up.

5) Bought RP Clapper from SEA

He’s a guy that I traded for while I was in Seattle. His numbers are terrible, but I think once given more of a chance to pitch, he’ll improve. He’s definitely got the vitals to succeed.

6) Sold LF Whiteside and SP Ineiry to OAK

Whiteside would be a solid platoon candidate, but I signed Jim Daugherty late in the season and he has great splits vs LHP, so he’ll get a shot. Ineiry would’ve been my long man, but he’s terrible and I can sign a replacement in free agency.

7) Sent prospects CF Younger, SP Hanford, and RP Wood to SDP for prospect RP Spitzer

Admittedly, I was comparing prospects in old files and when I checked Younger, I was in the file where he was in the mid 70s or else I wouldn’t have included all 3. But I didn’t catch my mistake before Decker agreed, so I honored my offer. I’m a big fan of Spitzer. He should hit his career window this spring, which will give him 88 movement. That and his low, low HRs make him a nice Closer/Setup candidate. I think I may rue the day that I traded Hanford. His vitals and repertoire look great for his overall. He has the chance to turn into something very good. The other 2 are solid, but nothing that I think I’ll regret losing. Just wish I would’ve held onto 1 of the 3.

8) Bought prospect OF Evillatoro, 4^th Round Pick, and OF Dan Owens

I really don’t have the room for another outfielder, but I’ll chance being able to move 1 of them this off-season. With picking up Owens, I get a decent prospect plus a pick. Evillatoro already has a great eye and promising power. If his contact comes around, he could be a viable starting option. Even if it doesn’t, he’s a nice platoon option.

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