"Second Coming" Coming to Chicago
Veteran 1B signs two-year deal.
But now things are finally picking up with word that veteran first baseman Manuel 'Second Coming' Aguilar, Jr. is coming to Chicago! The 35-year old Aguilar signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Black Sox, the second year being a player option.
Aguilar will replace 1B Aarnoud Budding, who opted out of his contract after a stellar '51 season. Aguilar is in the twilight of an outstanding career and is not going to match Budding's power. But he might make up for with improved on-base percentage and better defense. Here's a side-by-side comparison of Budding's (right) and Aguilar's (left) 2051 numbers:
Aguilar is also described as "very popular' both locally and nationally. A first round draft pick of Hawaii (9th overall) in 2034, Aguilar has also played for Long Beach, Charlotte, Edmonton and then last season in Portland (where the gossip columns had him hooked up with Portland Assistant GM Kate Fiscus). He is a two-time All Star, but not since 2040, and clearly his best days are past him at age 35. Critics say $8M/year is a vast overpay, but the Black Sox front office is said to value his durability ("He's an Iron Man") and his still-solid defense at first. Combined with his local popularity and decent bat, the Second Coming is coming to Chicago at just the right time," said one front office source. "Plus, he'll provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse."
GM Dunn is said to be still shopping around for another starter or two, though he did sign SP Juan Guzman out of the GBC to a low-end, two-year deal for back-of-the-rotation depth, and CF Manuel de los Santos for a 5th outfielder/defensive sub/pinch runner role. The front office also nabbed three, count 'em, three players in the Rule 5 draft, though at least two of them are likely to be returned fairly quickly to their original teams.
We here at the Black Sox Baseball Blog are glad to see things finally getting interesting!
