Topic: Crusaders
Vernon Wells signed a seven-year contract extension with St. Jack's on December 15, making him a Demon through 2014. The move can be potentially problematic, considering that Grady Sizemore is just 24 years old, signed to a similarly monstrous deal and is the centerfielder of the future for St. Jack's. However, Sizemore is also left-handed and so far has shown a glaring need to be platooned. Wells has historically mashed left-handed pitching throughout his career and is a three-time Gold Glove center fielder. He fits a "need" perfectly, but now he has to fit that need for the next eight years. There was some thought that Wells might be left unprotected in an expansion draft, but that is not likely to happen. A seven-year deal means nothing to a fledging franchise going into an expansion draft with virtually no long-term commitments. Wells just turned 28 last week, so the contract ends in his Age 35 season. St. Jack's certainly doesn't want to lose a good centerfielder for nothing because of fear that he may be in albatross down the road.
The Demons are only carrying two center fielders this year - Sizemore won't have an injury on his card and will always play against righties, limiting Wells to 15 to 20 starts and maybe 100 PAs in 2007. The 2008 Draft will be particularly important for St. Jack's, who will have to get a centerfielder with star potential who will not need a platoon partner. Since that player would be joining Sizemore and Wells for perhaps the next five seasons, there would be little room for a fourth center fielder on the 40-man roster.
Posted by nylistratleague
at 3:38 PM EST
Updated: Friday, 15 February 2008 11:47 AM EST
