Slugs Make Moves to Improve Team

The flurry of off season moves seems to have died down as the Slugs roster inches closer to becoming complete.

In what must be considered their signature move, the Slugs acquired veteran right-hander Hong-Chih Yoshii, the 34 year old sinkerball. The Slugs signed him to a 3 year deal valued at 46 million dollars.

“Did we overspend for him?, yeah probably a little. But in this market, with this team I felt we had to,” said first year GM Jim Kneeneighbor. “He gives us that one two punch with (Dean) Lange that gives us a shot at the division.”

There are concerns that Yoshii may be hitting the down slop of his career. The contract carries him through age 37 and at 15 million a year it could be an expensive contract should he break down.

“I would like very much to pitch into my forties,” said Yoshii thru his interpreter when asked about his age and injury concerns at his age.

Staying with the veteran theme the Slugs also signed veterans Lynn Crosby and Albert Pujols, both left-handers, to one-year deals for a combined 3.6 million.

“Good value,” said Kneeneighbor.

They are expected to battle for spots in the rotation with AAA pitchers Luther Ballboa, Ivan Hayes, and Milt Helton, all right-handers.

“You don’t just want to hand a kid a job in the show,” said newly acquired pitching coach and former Santa Cruz Slug himself Frank Perez. “I would say the final three spots in our rotation are up for grabs.”

In other news the Slugs added 37 year old Al Ortiz to their outfield. Ortiz should give the team a decent bat off the bench and at under a million dollars for the year he was a risk worth taking, especially considering the lack of depth in the Slugs outfield.

“If I get a chance to start great. If I am pinch hitting late in a game that’s fine too,” said Ortiz. “I have been around this game a long time and am ready to contribute.”

A lot of veterans would be looking for a chance to be a starter but Ortiz caught the Slugs eye because of his willingness to be a role player and his leadership in the club house.

“Here is a guy who spent 10 years in the minors before making it to the show,” said Kneeneighbor. “He knows its all about hard work and dedication and I think he will be a great influence on all of our young guys, especially in spring training.

In other outfield news the Slugs also picked David Canseco off the waiver wire. It is believed Canseco will be the starting CF on opening day.