Slayers Extend Key Players
via Slayers Press Release
The Slayers are looking to keep their team together in their waning years. The ballclub has not nearly been as strong as in years past, a sign that the team is in decay as age creeps in. However, in an effort to avoid tearing the team apart, the Slayers extended a couple key veterans.
The first was Niara Smoothflower. She signed a 2-year guaranteed contract at 14 million per year and there's a team option for a 3rd year, also at 14 million in value. The 31-year old closer had a very rocky start to her career. Between season-long injuries and underachieving, her best ERA was 3.40 in her rookie year.
That changed in 2013 when the closer figured out what was wrong with her mechanics. Since then her ERA has varied by just 5 points between 2.34 and 2.39 the prior three seasons and compiled 109 saves in that span. This year, the consistency is still there. Her ERA is 2.41 and she's picked up 22 saves.
"There was some thought that she might be difficult to please, but the negotiations went very smoothly, and for that we are grateful." K.L. spoke.
Reports are that she wanted just a one year contract initially, but agreed to the potentially three year long pact. 'This team has put up with me and has stuck with me over the years and I felt I should stick it out with them and see where this goes.' --A statement from Smoothflower.
The other veteran has been great since day one of arriving in a Slayers uniform. Denaumir 'Iceball' Deneadur agreed similarly structured deal as Smoothflower: 2 guaranteed years with a 3rd at the team's option. Each of the years is worth 12 million per. The 35-year old starting pitcher impressed the franchise since arriving from Moria. That same season, he went 8-1 with the Slayers while posting a 2.17 ERA. This would be a sign of things to come as he then posted what would be his highest ERA thus far in a Slayer jersey - 2.79. He was 43-16 with a 2.35 ERA in the last 2 1/2 seasons with the team.
This year is more of the same. He is 14-5 with a 2.18 ERA.
"This was an important signing for us. He's be steady as a rock for our pitching staff and we feel he can still be a solid or better pitcher through the duration of this contract." K.L. spoke.
That duration would have him at 38 in his next free agency year. It will be interesting to see what the team does with him then if he decides to keep playing. K.L. doesn't see the uncertainty, however.
"We will retain him. He would have to play completely awful or have completely unreasonable demands for us to part ways with him. If he's playing well still - what is there to think about?" K.L. commented.
Lastly, the team signed a younger pitcher, this time Leopoldo Grillo agreed to terms with a 2-year, 4.6 million per year contract. While the price may be high for a middle reliever, Grillo could be worth it as he has been excellent for the Slayers since arriving from Carrock. Grillo is interesting in that he has no real good skill aside from his nasty movement.
"It is near impossible to hit the ball hard off him. He has the seemingly required movement ability to make the team. It's almost like you have to have a minimum score - like the SATs or something." Pitching coach Brandewyn Arostegui commented.
What this does to next year's salary cap situation is anyone's guess as arbitration looms for quite a few players. Still, K.L. seemed pleased with the signings, saying, "We've secured a big part of this team's last attempts at a run with these signings. I look forward to their continued success and crucial skills for our franchise."
Posted at February 15, 2008 01:07 PM | more from Minas Morgul