Firbal glad to be gone

via Minas Morgul Courier

MINAS MORGUL - Firbal was making all kinds of waves when the team picked up Denihil. The reason is because he lost his 1B slot to a catcher, Clubwalker. His morale immediately went into the toilet. While understandable, it would seem that his reaction was extremely sudden and sources wonder if something else was going on. Perhaps it would explain why he had such a poor season last year.

Of course, the Slayers were probably going to have to move him at some point, if only for the cap. Well, Firbal got his wish and now plays for Erebor.

"Glad that's over. We don't need distractions on this team. We have young players that are trying to make a difference and their job will be hard enough." K.L. spoke.

It seems the Slayers might be fine now, after a few releases, to get under the salary cap. That makes anyone else on the trading block, especially the unlikely-to-be-cut folks, more likely to not be traded it would seem.

Overall, Firbal is about the only major piece that's gone. In return, the team brought in a nice young catcher, two potent hitters, a young infielder with a chance, and one young reliever to hopefully help the bullpen pull together. The team is lacking at least one SP and reliever, however, and that might be a problem. Especially in the middle innings if the starters can't get the game to Buxton and Smoothflower.

Still, it seems the Slayers have held it together enough to be competitive this coming season. Whether that will be enough to get them out of the basement of their division remains to be seen.

The team is having some debate over where to apply the bonus points for this season. Everything would point to a pitcher, but the best two pitchers are aging and there's not many young players worth the expense at this point. Gandillias, the youngster brought over in trade, would be the best talent, although Frodo Goodbody, the team's lone pitching prospect in their top 20, is also a good candidate for a few years of dedicated focus.

There's more options on the hitting side to be sure. Denihil and Elylith stand out as two young hitters that could be ripe for such an improvement. Focusing on either one over the years could give the team a top level hitter in the making in a couple more seasons. Dividing between them could have them develop into solid hitters (likely for average) while contributing good defense at key positions.

There's always Silkpetal and her 20 points off from her power potential. Pushing up her power would give the team another 90 Power hitter in the lineup in a park that loves homeruns. Gandir could take a few points to join Ruano at bordering 100 Power. Silkpetal could get her contact potential up to 85 and threaten to become one of the better all-around players of all time. Perhaps pushing one of Clubwalkers 80 potential ratings to 100 would be appealing. Then next season, move up the other and give him three 100 potential ratings. Plenty of options.

"I'm likely to want to go with a young player since they will be around the longest. This team, as it stands, probably has just a few years left. Then it will be up to the young players to develop. Who knows what the salary demands will be for a Clubwalker or Gandir in a couple year's time. But we know Denihil and Elylith will likely be low." K.L. spoke.

Elylith also looks to have great signability. His loyalty is above average and his greed is low, according to sources. A focused effort on him could be very, very attractive.

Next year will be the debate over the next created player. Rumors are that the team will create a non-pitcher for the first time, though no one would confirm the truth of that rumor or any other details.

Posted at September 6, 2008 08:24 AM | more from Minas Morgul