NALB - 2012 Offseason

There were a number of important trades, signings, and other roster moves prior to the start of the 2012 season.

The Brooklyn Knights made several offseason moves:

• Brooklyn retained the services of the following players through arbitration: Francisco Jimenez, Flavio Marquez, Ron Deluna, Michael Duhon, Martin Swader, Carl Gwinn, Zhu-Ian Xian, Carlos Cardenas, Ralph Kerfoot, Bernard Gastelu, José Arisa, Lonnie Bennett, and Rigo Hurtado.
• The Knights placed second baseman Ramon Rodas on irrevocable waivers. He was claimed by the Cornfield Axemen.
• Brooklyn lost starting pitcher Adney Buntain in the Rule 5 Draft to the Richmond Slam.

Notable offseason signings:

• The Rattlers signed one of the most coveted free agents on the market. After eight straight seasons in Brooklyn, Phoenix landed catcher Ted Pollet. He will be hauling in $13,480,000 a year for three years. Pollet is coming off of a fine season with the Knights, in which he hit .344.
• Richmond fans were overjoyed when the Slam signed starting pitcher Hap Bedford. The long-time ace for the Axemen joins Richmond after twelve seasons in Cornfield. Bedford was signed for $44,360,000 over four years.
• Free agent Paul Lyons, one of the league’s marquee talents, opted to sign with the Washington Allies. The 37 year old received a two year, $21.4 million offer from the Allies.
• The Nashville Firecats used free agency to sign right fielder Dan Kelly. The $31,330,000 contract will keep Kelly in Nashville for three years.
• Cornfield came to terms with veteran second baseman Ted Rambo, locking up the 39 year old to a $17.9 million, two year deal.
• 36 year old center fielder Jim Stoneman committed to a $26,840,000, three year deal with the Stade organization.
• Closer Jeffrey Hallman accepted a lucrative three year, $26,100,000 offer from the Richmond Slam.
• The Allies added a veteran to their rotation. They signed William Rambo, a 35 year old battle-hardened lefty. The two year deal is worth $13,940,000.
• Star shortstop Larry Arceniaga was given a $6.86 million, one year contract extension with the Crusaders.
• The Cornfield Axemen extended the contract of their superstar closer, Joe Pendarvis. The extension is for three years and $18,270,000 in pay.
• Luisville announced a deal to keep third baseman Mahlon Torres in a Beasts uniform for another year. Torres will earn $6,090,000 as part of the settlement.
• Moray Williams signed a one year extension with the Las Vegas Luck. The 25 year old third baseman will make $6,000,000.
• Star left fielder Shayne Kimpel decided to stay in Stade for another year. The 27 year old will make $6,000,000 for the season.
• A contract extension between center fielder Oscar Barrientes and the Mudcats was reached. Barrientes will pocket $6 million over the next year.
• Former Brooklyn pitching star Tracey Corkhill landed in Phoenix. The free agent will earn $10,210,000 per year over two years as part of the deal.
• The Grizzlies signed 31 year old outfielder Aleck Stella for $3,780,000 per year for three years.
• Second Baseman Pete Chavez agreed to a one year extension from the Firecats. Nashville offered him $3,620,000 for another season.
• The Slam retained the services of reliever Walt O’connell for another season. Richmond agreed to pay him $3,270,400.
• Rip Sukeforth came to terms with the Key West for a two year, $6,280,000 deal. Sukeforth is expected to bolster an already strong bullpen.
• The Crusaders signed catcher Rube Genins to a two year extension at a rate of $2.21 million per year.
• Relief pitcher Hugh Rossiter opted for a $1,460,000 single year contract with the Nashville Firecats.
• The Grizzlies signed 38 year old outfielder Ariel Cadore to a contract worth $2,860,000 over two years.
• Reliever Ray White signed one year with Stade for $1,960,000. White is expected to be the closer for the Maples.
• Stade extended pitcher Brian Hanson’s contract for another year. The 42 year old reliever will make $1,947,131.
• Chris Nelson and the Maples came to an agreement, keeping the reliever in Stade for another two years. The deal is worth $3,776,804.
• Nashville re-signed Mike Conigliaro for an additional three years of bullpen work. Conigliaro will pocket $3,390,000 for the deal.

• The Dayton Grizzlies got a new closer when they signed 38 year old veteran, Mick Vanzandt. The Grizzlies will pay him $940,000 for one year.

Notable offseason trades:

• Quebeck sent 25 year old right fielder Miguel Gaytán and 21 year old minor league third baseman Chris Bowmer to St. James in exchange for 27 year old first baseman Rogélio Corhera.
• 26 year old second baseman Joshua Ridings was traded by the Corals to the Beasts for 26 year old reliever Gervasio Díaz.