Hickory Fire Sale Commences

Well, the decaying carcass of the most depressing playoff season in league history has begun to rot; Hickory management would like to extend a gracious invitation to anyone who’d like to pick at the remains.

Hickory will be entering full rebuilding mode effective immediately. Everyone on the roster, except for first baseman Jesus Flores, is at least theoretically available. (George Labarre has a no-trade clause, so I can’t really offer him, either). Please feel free to browse our catalog below and contact me at ferrarafc@comcast.net if there are items in which you are interested. I’m looking for picks and prospects exclusively – level of pick/prospect requested is obviously tied to the quality of the player(s) in which you are interested.

I’m listing the major items for sale below, but if there’s someone else on the roster that catches your eye, feel free to include him in negotiation; again, the only player who is not available is Flores.

STARTING PITCHERS

James Turner (4.5/4.5 RHP, 32 years old)

Won 16 games last year on a Hickory team that won only 74 overall. He’s only 32, and his ERA of 3.05 is right in line with his remarkable consistent numbers for the last decade. If he’s your number one, you can make the playoffs; if he’s your number two, you can win there. Very pricey, and signed for two more years, but a very useful piece for a contender.

In 2020: 16-11, 3.05 ERA, 95K and 58BB in 233.1 IP

Contract: Through 2022, @16.4M/per plus incentives

John Okane (3/3 LHP, 39 years old)

Coming off a down year, and aging fast. Still, if you’ve got the budget to absorb his contract – which expires after this year – he has the capacity to be a useful back-of-the-rotation kind of guy and the potential to be more with a little luck. Can be had for modest return.

in 2020: 12-12, 4.34 ERA, 123 K and 60 BB in 209.1 IP

Contract: Through 2021, @13M/per plus incentives

RELIEF PITCHERS

I have five that may be of interest: Donald Castanon, Forrest Powell, Ray Lewis, Joel Riojas, and Tomas Ramirez. All have experienced some degree of success over the last few years. I am unlikely to deal both Lewis and Riojas, but would part with one or the other in the right deal.

POSITION PLAYERS

Paul Shunk (4/4 RF, 33 years old)

Paul’s no longer the 50+ VORP superstar he was three years ago – mostly because his batting average has dropped over the last few years – but he’s still a solid bet for 30+ home runs, has a cannon arm in right field, and deserves a chance to chase 500 home runs in a place where a championship is at least a possibility. Has a mutual option for $13.5M that Hickory will pick up; trade negotiations involving Shunk will obviously be dependent on whether he picks up his end of the option.

in 2012: .264/.351/.484, 33HR, 86RBI, 78R, 6 of 9 in SB, 19.5 VORP)

Contract: Through 2021 (mutual option), @13.5M

Carlos Pais (1.5/1.5 SS, 30 years old)

This guy’s pretty straightforward – he’ll give you top-of-the-league defense at any of three infield positions, while hitting 25-30 home runs and giving you very little in terms of AVG or OBP. He’s very cheap and, if used properly, could contribute on a good team as a defensive specialist with surprising power.

in 2012: .212/.301/.470, 31HR, 73RBI, 85R, 4 of 5 in SB, 9.6 VORP)

Contract: Arbitration eligible for 2021 (estimate = $324,000)

Richard Campion (2/2 IF, 29 years old)

Nothing spectacular, but has potential value. Hit .341 as recently as 2019, and managed 11.1 VORP in 2012. Basically free to a good home willing to take on his unfavorable contract.

in 2012: .293/.345/.435, 10HR, 57RBI, 63R, 4 of 8 in SB, 11.1 VORP)

Contract: Through 2023 @6M/per

Tim Combs (1/1 OF, 26 years old)

Strictly a bench player, with speed (81 speed, 100 Stealing, stole 52 bases in 2011 and 28 in an injury-shortened 2012) and respectable defense in center field.

in 2012: .252/.277/.325, 0HR, 23RBI, 50R, 28 of 42 in SB, -15.7 VORP)

Contract: $300,000 (renews)