Big Free Agent Signings

Two huge and shocking contracts were signed today.  Top Free Agent Ivan Fernandez, a rare catcher who can field and bat .300 in the middle of the lineup resigned with the Springfield Isotopes for a record breaking contract.  Fernandez will be paid $200 million over the next 8 years, which will take him to age 35.  Fernandez was expected to command 20+ million, but the 8 year deal for a catcher was surprising.

In other signings, Hank Crowell, the top 3B on the market, was courted by both the Boston Beaneaters and the Philadelphia Greys.  In the end, Philadelphia shocked the world by handing the 32-year old former triple crown winner a 10-year contract for $240 million.  The first few years of the deal should yield good dividends for Philadelphia, but given his age (and recent decline in performance), it is very possible that this contract could look like the A-ROD deal in a very short period of time.