BEST INTERNATIONAL SIGNINGS – AL EAST – SEASON ONE

The owners of the Indianapolis Hoosierdaddies and Florida Phoenix aren’t cursing their previous GMs, mainly because neither the Baltimore Terrapins nor the Trenton Titans signed any International players that affect Indy and Florida respectively.

That leaves two of the Morgan originals, the Washington DC War Criminals and the New York Mugger Funk.

1) Best Value

The cheapest Washington signing is arguably one of their best. Pasqual Olivares was signed for $380K and currently sits in DC’s AA rotation. The pitcher’s first three seasons were in Low A, where he went from a starter to a reliever. Olivares compiled an 11-7 record, converted 7 of 8 save opportunities (including a perfect 6-of-6 in his third year), and a 1.34 WHIP ratio while in Low A. Season 4 saw Pasqual promoted to High A, where he joined the rotation and went 6-8 with a 3.97 ERA in 23 starts.

Olivares could possibly end up as a long reliever in the majors if he stays in the rotation, but he might find more success in returning to the bullpen. Either way, Olivares in the majors for that little of a signing bonus would be an impressive feat.

2) Lowest Production Per Dollar

He’s spent the majority of the last two seasons in AAA, sporting a 9-10 record in 57 starts. In 32 starts last year, he had a 4.78 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. He has impressive velocity (97!), but shaky control (56, projected to 66).

He’s Alex Gutierrez, currently listed as a long reliever for the AAA Mugger Funk. He could end up back in the AAA rotation this season and will probably be promoted to the majors if he shows even moderate success.

Why the promotion, you ask?

His signing bonus was $7.2 million.

Gotta get that investment back somehow.


3) Best Overall

Washington SS Orlando Flores has outstanding range, a great glove, and solid power for a middle infielder. After an impressive two years moving from Low A to AA, Flores started Season 3 in AAA and hit .271, 19 HRs, 94 RBIs, and stole 16 bases before being promoted to the majors.

Season 4 saw Flores start 149 games at shortstop with an impressive .971 fielding percentage. He struggled with his average (.241) but hit 17 HRs, drove in 90 runs, and stole 14 bases. If his batting average improves, Flores could be the biggest steal of the Season 1 International class at only $1.9 million.