FREE AGENCY RECAP

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Most teams have different ways to improve their ball club. While a good chunk attempt to get better via trade, there's another group who prefer to go the Free Agency route. The mere thought of not having to give up ML talent/prospects for somebody you are after might seem like the better way to go. Bid smart though, or you'll end up being cash strapped for this season, or many seasons to come. There have been some interesting signings so far in S11. Here's a couple of them:

Cozy Murphy, TRE

We start with a man who virtually overnight, nearly tripled his old salary. The Trenton Jokers signed Murphy to a hefty contract, a 5 yr/99.1M deal, including a 10M bonus. Murphy's addition gives the Jokers a dynamite 1-2 SP punch, along with Hal Bynum. Big dollars bring big expectations along with it. Trenton fans won't be happy unless these two will lead the Jokers up to first place in their division.

Ewell Bierbrodt, NY

The New York Nippers added more punch into their lineup with the addition of Bierbrodt. Ewell made it official as he signed a 4 yr/28.6M contract. New York led the ML in team HR's, and Bierbrodt should only help those numbers grow. With over 450 HR hit total in his career, Ewell hopes to reach the 500 HR milestone wearing NY pinstripes.

Jaime Jefferies, BOS

The Boston Stricken Gods improved their bullpen as they came to terms with the former Salem Light, agreeing to a 5 yr/55M contract. Jefferies decided to leave the Lights after spending the last 6 seasons in Salem, compiling a 46-32 record in the process. Boston's World Series trip ended abruptly with their bullpen failing to hold onto leads throughout the playoffs. Jefferies' presence could finally change all that.

Curt Humphries, SD

It's very rare to see a player with the collective offensive and defensive talents that Curt Humphries has on the Free Agency market. But it happened in S11, as the Seattle Fish Mongers failed to resign the former All-Star. That's when the San Diego Padres swooped in and signed Humphries to a whopping 4 yr/75.5M contract, with a 10M bonus. This isn't the first controversial sign SD has made. A couple seasons ago, SD received criticism for signing then-FA James Katou to a 5 yr/70.2M deal. Katou has produced so far for SD, averaging 37 HR, 102 RBI, and 97 runs per season. Will the Humphries sign be just as successful?

Toby Blasingame, CIN

The Cincinnati Blue Darters made major headlines last season by picking up some major offensive talent. Any team that picks up Billy Fitzgerald, Bill Barkley, and Zack Hernandez is sure to be scoring some major runs. Now, they focus their sights on pitching. Meet Mr. Blasingame. Cincinnati and Blasingame agree to a 5 yr/77.5M contract, and gives Cincinnati a solid arm for their rotation. Blasingame went a combined 14-4 in S10 with a 2.67 ERA, as he split time between the Pawtucket Fire Cats and the Oklahoma City Redhawks. If Cincinnati has a big season in S11, you can be assured that Blasingame will have a lot to do with that.


OTHER KEY FA SIGNINGS

...... Javier Montanez (5 yr/30M), Donovan Cole (4 yr/22.8M), Vance Franco (4 yr/20M)
................Michael Kobayashi (5 yr/28M)
...... Will Barkley (3 yr/20.4M)
...... Leon Ray (4 yr/33.6M), Mitch Hermsen (3 yr/12.3M)
...... Guy Fyhrie (4 yr/23.6M)
...... Al Lopez (5 yr/66M)
...... Teddy Hubbard (5 yr/51.5M, 6M bonus)