After taking a tough loss in Game 7 of the World Series against the mighty Hendersonville Hitmen, there was a lot of uncertainty when it came to Jersey players. A lot of star players with contracts set to be up, a player's option and a few holes opening up. Here's what has happened since that fateful day in Hendersonville.
The day after the season Leon Foster decided to accept his 13.87 Million dollar option he was given in 2013 as part of his 4 year extension. After starting out decent last season Foster strained his hip and missed 3 months. Jersey brass thought it was inevitable he would take the option but I think deep down everyone hoped he would turn it down. Foster should start in CF, at least against lefties, this up coming season. Foster sits 8th on the All-time HR list with 205.
The first two weeks of November had to feel like Christmas for many Jersey Shore fans. On November 4th Jersey announced they bought out 2, possibly 3 years of arbitration and signed superstar 1B Matt Doyle to a 6 year deal worth 39.35 million dollars. The deal will keep Doyle in Jersey through the age of 32. Doyle led the CL in HR last year with 44 and only 2 seasons into his Jersey career he sits only behind Mikey Bryant on the Jersey Shore all time HR list with 77.
Three days later on November 7th, Jersey announced they avoided losing their FA deadline pickup Jerry Burgess by agreeing to a 5 year contract worth 45.29 million dollars. Burgess won 7 starts after coming over from El Paso and was vital in their playoff run winning 3 of his 6 starts and keeping Jersey within striking distance in Game 7.
Five days after the Burgess signing, Jersey announced they had come to an agreement with FA to be and arguable ace of the staff 30 year old Art Ellis to a 6 year contract which will keep him in Jersey for the remainder of his career. Ellis posted one of the best seasons put up by a Jersey hurler, posting a 2.94 ERA and striking out 210.
On November 21st, the league announced that MR Brian White recieved a new contract worth 600K through arbitration, which was no surprise, and Catcher Luis Antonio Duran won his arbitration hearing and will receive $8.75 million this upcoming season. With Duran's number being that high, there is probably a slim chance he will be back for 2017. Regardless he will be starting the season as the team's starting catcher.
Free agency started November 24th and Jersey said good-bye to two players. The first being one of the longest tenured player closer Daniel Morris. With the money going to the starters, there was just not enough to go around. Morris leaves Jersey leading the team in all-time ERA (2.59), Saves (170), appearances (387), BB/9 (2.0), K/BB (4.18), WHIP (1.17), OOPS (.626) and VORP (139.4).
Also departing through free agency is the speedy OF Scott Powers, who spent 3 years in Jersey after a trade from Niagara Falls. Powers a multi-use speedy OF, never lived up to the potential Jersey thought they would get when they made the trade in 2013. His spot on the roster will go to one of the money OF Jersey has stashed away in AAA.
The Rule V draft took place on December 1st and with the 22nd pick Jersey selected MR David Rice with the 22nd pick. Rice of the former Pittsburgh (now Chicago) franchise. Rice will become the 2nd lefty in the pen after new closer Jaime Saenz. Last season Rice pitched in AA and a 3.61 ERA and 140 K's in 124.2 IP.
Jersey also lost a player in the Rule V draft as well. St. Charles selected speedy utility infielder Dave Henson whom Jersey signed to a MLC in 2014 after being released from Vista. Henson hit .270 with 14 SB in 63 AB with Tuscaloosa last season.
Towards the end of Spring Training Jersey made a couple of waiver moves. The first being claiming MR Chris Woodruff from the Jacksonville Jackhammers. Woodruff struggled in Jacksonville last year posting a 6.44 ERA in 50.1 IP, but the Jersey brass must have seen some potential.
On the same day Jersey claimed Woodruff, Boston claimed 1B Edgardo Gonzales. Gomzales who has been with Jersey since the inaugural draft always has played well in AAA but has had trouble cracking the 25-man roster. Gonzales got only 29 AB in the last 3 seasons.
On April 2nd, the day before the season was set to begin Jersey announced another contract extension. One of the best hitters in last year's playoffs 3B Alberto Perez agreed to a 4 year deal buying out his arbitration years worth nearly $8M dollars. Perez is slated to start at 3B this season with Adam Morrow sliding over to SS.
Losses: CL Daniel Morris, CF Scott Powers, SS Dave Henson, 1B Edgardo Gonzales
Additions: MR Dave Rice, MR Chris Woodruff
Extensions: SP Jerry Burgess, SP Art Ellis, 1B Matt Doyle, 3B Alberto Perez
2016 is here! Look for the roster breakdown, coming soon!
GO D-BAGS
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