Offseason in London

What an offseason it has been for the London Werewolves and their new Owner, Razor777! Through trades, arbitration, free agency, and call ups, the team has gone from a having playoff aspirations to  a real shot at the World Series.

I've done my best to capture all the major moves and provide a little commentary below. Before we get into that, here's what I had to say about this franchise in the Forms a few weeks ago.

Our next Franchise has won the pennant 7 of the last 9 years, but with three Owners in the last 3 years is in danger of falling from playoff contention. This Franchise would be a great choice for a new HBD player or an experienced Owner looking to win now.

The ML squad is headlined by former MVP Philip Benard and a quality pitching staff that makes up for a lack of top end talent with depth. Defensively this team lacks any true SS or CF but does feature a couple defensive wizards behind the plate. Improving the overall lineup, both offensively and defensively, will be necessary to make a playoff run.

Down in AAA it's easy to find a few names that would help the Big League team win now. Last season's prized international signee David Berrios has a chance to be a star.

Financially the Franchise is in good shape, with 7 players making above the minimum all of which are good Big League players. Some tough decisions will need to be made in Arbitration, with 7 players up for a pay day.

Trades

Trade #1

London gets:

• Cliff Jensen (Re-Signed for $21 Million over 3 years)

Cincinnati gets:

• David Berrios
• Arnold Dwyer

Trade #2

London gets:

• Albert Groom

Cuba gets:

• Alberto Olmeda

Reaction

Razor777 gets right to work on revamping his pitching staff. In the first trade two minor leaguers, including prized prospect David Berrios, are moved for a quality starting pitcher in Jensen. Re-signing Jensen to only 3 years was a little surprising, but as we will see this may be part of a larger plan.

The second deal allows the team to move off a more expensive starting pitcher for a quality bullpen arm.

Options

Accepted

• Avisail Diaz ($10 Million)

Declined

• Chul Okajima ($5.2 Million)
• Julian Tejeda ($6.5 Million)
• Alex Villafuerte ($7.2 Million, Player Declined)

Reaction

Diaz is a quality starting pitcher that can throw 200+ innings a years, at that price that's an easy option to accept. I'm a bit surprised to see the Okajima option declined, especially at that price. He's been a good pitcher and can eat up lots of innings our of the pen. Alex Villafuete did this franchise a major favor in declining his option. 

Arbitration Singings

• Polin Santos ($1.6 Million)

Reaction

A solid backup that can play all over the field and at a great price! 

Free Agent Signings

• Adeiny Burgos - 3 Years / $45.8 Million (12.6, 15.6, 17.6)
• Jose Schoop - 5 Years / $110 Million (30.0, 20.0, 20.0, 20.0, 20.0)
• Stu Powell 3 Years / $10.2 Million (2.6, 3.8, 3.8)
• Henderson Cook  2 Years / $19.2 Million (8.6, 10.6)
• Corban Knebel 4 Years / $31.1 Million (7.6, 7.5, 7.5, 8.5)
• Alberto Ogando  5 Years / $38 Million (7.6, 7.6, 7.6, 7.6, 7.6)
• Yoo-Nah Brea 4 Years / $31.4 Million (8.6, 8.6, 6.6, 7.6)
• Bartolo Beltran 4 Years / $31.4 Million (7.6, 7.6, 7.6, 8.6)

Reaction

I'm not sure I've ever seen an offseason quite like this! By my math that's $317.1 Million in contracts this offseason! WOW!!

Let's start with the biggest of these deals in Jose Schoop. The 29 year old, 4 time all-star, is as deserving as anyone of a full max contract. My only question is where will he play on defense. He has primarily played 2B to date but his range is below average for that position, as well as SS and CF.

 Adeiny Burgos, Stu Powell, Henderson Hook, and Bartolo Beltran are all 34 years old. Burgos and Powell have excellent Makeup ratings so the decline shouldn't be sever in their case, but I would be a little worried about how the Brea contract will look in 3-4 seasons. Cook is on a 2 year deal and shouldn't see much decline. That said all four of these guys are great players! Personally, I LOVE the Powell signing.

The Alberto Ogando deal is an absolute STEAL at that price, though he would do well to move to LF or 1B. Corban Knebel is a good ML bat as well for the price.

I have some questions about the Bartolo Beltran contract. Mainly he plays the same position as Stu Powell, forcing the team to either sit Beltran or move Powell to a position he's a bit unfit for.

Overall this has been an incredible transformation! Razor777 has rebuilt this team into a contender this season and next. Looking forward to seeing how this season plays out!