Let's be honest. At this point, is anyone really stunned that Portland threw a bunch of money at one of the big free agents on the market, likely overpaying for a talent that could, and most likely will not, help the team win anymore baseball games than the year before? But Portland had money to spend, and with Korbel on a steep decline with the turn of the calendar, and with a hole at a key position the team spent some green to get a shortstop. And they landed the big fish with this week's signing of Lucas McNeill.
McNeill is coming off a season where he produced 2.8 WAR for a pair of division rivals in San Fernando and Long Beach. He did that in just 110 games played due to injury. In fact, it is likely his age (31) and the recent injury history that likely scared most teams off. 110 games played last season was the most he'd played in a single season since 2055.
"Money burns a hole in my pocket" said GM Chris Wilson. "We need a boost. We need players. Who better to go out and grab that Lucas McNeill. Hopefully he follows in the footsteps of Ernest McBride and can lead this team to some post-season appearances."
McNeill signs a 6 year guaranteed deal worth $13.7 million a season. The contract will take him through his age 37 season. There are no opt-outs or options. He'll be a Lumberjacks player either until the contract expires or he's traded.
"What's old is new again in Portland" added new team assistant General Manager Sandy Mounds. In her first press conference since being hired last week, Mounds touched on the team's approach with the McNeil signing. "I know he's a good defender. That's been made apparent. So is Morely in Centerfield and Uecker behind the dish. You could say we have 3 of the top defensive players at key positions up the middle. The Master Plan is back in effect here in Portland. We'll be pushing that narrative a lot this season. Now, to use that concept to get some pitching to come here. Dear Pitchers" Sandy exclaimed, "you come and play here and we'll guarantee you an elite defense behind you. It is our Master Plan!"
An area of criticism is however that Portland has over $24 million tied into two guys listed as shortstops. Neither Wilson or Mounds commented on that.
