42's Offseason Report

Retirements - Sad to some very useful players to go

Anthony Booker none none Age: 29 B/T: R/R Born: Elizabethtown, NC Position(s): DH/C/1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Booker was a former 21st round draft pick who played 7 season in the 42's system as a DH and spot duty as a catcher. Booker certainly had the ability to platoon against lefties as a DH in the majors but alas Washington is in the NL. Booker put up a career line of .329, .415, .712 with 174 home runs. Booker was the 2003 LoA NL ROTY and an All Star.

Vasco Montanez none none Age: 29 B/T: R/R Born: San Isidro, DO Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Vasco played one season in a 42's uniform, in HiA, but it was a memorable one. .326, .442, .894 with 114 walks, 139 RS, 66 Home Runs, 179 RBIs and an MVP Award.

Francis Jackson none none Age: 24 B/T: L/L Born: Ralston, NE Position(s): P (LRA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This one hurts. Why Francis Why! GM schuyler101 had great hopes for this wild man down the line, including squeezing him onto a playoff roster down the line. A classic overachiever, Jackson was an UFA signed to fill out the low level pitching staff. After 3 solid seasons Jackson broke out in 2008 in HiA, going 17-5, saving 11 of 14 games, and recording a 3.60 ERA and 1.35 WHIP and winning the Cy Young. Plus his hair is awesome.

Arbitration - Team leader and elder statesmen Bernard Hammond lost his case, being forced to settle for 5.5 million while seeking 8.5. This may clinch his bolting for free agency next season.

Andy Jennings, Donnie Milton, and Ewell Poole all sought arbitration but were instead released.

Options - "Sudden" Sam Morris had his option picked up and will earn 2.8 million dollars this season to anchor the 42's rotation.

Coach Hiring - A Solid offseason for the 42's, they were able to bring in the best coaching staff money could buy and feel good going forward with this group. Giomar Javier will skipper the 42's, taking 3 million to defect from Ottawa, who he headed for the prior 8 seasons. Dale Jefferson will go straight from retirement into his role as pitching coach for the 42's rookie league team.