Off-Season Free Agent Movement

Many teams dabbled in the free agent market this season, with a few willing to sacrifice a high draft pick in order to sign players in the top 20% at their position group in the big leagues. Washington signed two Type A free agents with Charlotte, New York (NL) and Louisville signing one each. Whether looking to turn around a losing trend, like NY, make a push to return to the playoffs, like DC or take the next step by going deeper into the playoffs, like Charlotte and Louisville, each team hopes these signings will help them reach their season's goal.

Morgan Tyson - CF - 35 and Ray Gilmore - SP - 32 - Washington D.C. Snipers
GM Dunndada was not pleased to be on the outside looking in on the playoffs in season 5, so he took matters into his own hands signing two top free agents. Tyson should help with the Snipers most pressing problem last season, scoring runs. With Honolulu since season 1, Tyson had 3 seasons with at least 30 homers and 100 RBIs. Defensively he is an asset as well, averaging 4 plus plays in CF per season while commiting only 10 errors per season in a key defensive position. Known to steal a base or two as well, the Snipers hope the aging Tyson can keep his production up for a few more seasons, sigining him to a two year contract worth $5 mil per season.

His new teammate should bolster an already impressive pitching staff. Ray Gilmore was a major contributor on the back to back World Series Champion Baltimore Orioles, but left to test the free agent market. Contracted to play for $6.8mil per season for 3 years, Gilmore and the Snipers are looking for a repeat of his career best Season 5. Splitting duty between the pen and the starting rotation, Ray tallied 11 wins, a 1.08 WHIP and a 2.76 era. DC did lose the 19th and 64th picks in the upcoming amatuer draft, but the talent gained should be worth the prospects lost.

Bart Rusch - 3B - 33 - Louisville Pack Mules
The young Louisville Pack Mules are looking to make a deep playoff run in season 6. Coming off their 1st division title and a 2nd round playoff series loss, GM Luisemilio decided it was time to pull the trigger on an offensive juggernaught. Bart Rusch was the guy, inking a deal worth $9.5 mil in season 6 and $10.5 mil in seasons 7 through 9 including a mutual option in season 9 and a no trade clause. Rusch was a terror at the plate his first two seasons, reaching 40 HRs both seasons. A serious shoulder injury derailed his third season, and Bart has been attmepting to reach his prior production ever since. His most recent seasons have netted a .300 average, 28 HRs and 100+ RBIs. The Pack Mules hope to relieve Bart's glory days during his tenure in Louisville.

Socks Stynes - SP - 36 - New York Baseball Giants

Taking over as GM for the New York franchise, GM Warswics is looking to make an impact. With a young team, some elder leadership was necessary in the pitching staff, leading to the signing of Stynes. Despite his age, Stynes has done an excellent job continuing his high level of performance season after season. Signing on for 3 years in New York, $10.5 in season 6, $8.5 in season 7 and $7.5 in season 8, Stynes will look to match his career best season of 15 wins and a 3.29 era in season 4 with DC. The Baseball Giants were in a good spot to sign a type A free agent, only losing the 54th overall pick.

Vern Cole - RF - 35 - Charlotte Greener Pastures
Much like the Washington DC Snipers, the Greener Pastures were a team with a strong pitching staff who lacked punch in their offense. GM Jimmyof looked to the free agent market and found the 35 year old Cole. A steady offensive performer, Vern has never hit less than 25 HRs or 96 RBIs while getting on base at a clip of .405 for his career. Cole will not impress with his defense, but the price was right on the aging star, signing for just $5 mil per year for two seasons.