Double Down v98.5 - Luna Re-signs

[braveheart]

All season long, the Gamblers and Flavio Luna went back and forth discussing a possible extension. Luna, now 33, was having a heck of the year, hitting mostly out of the 2 spot for the Gamblers.

Luna tied a career high by hitting 31 homeruns. He also batted 306 on the year. Most importantly for Atlantic City, was the 402 OBP Luna put up from the 2 spot. Thanks to 89 walks and only 77 strikeouts on the year. Luna's .943 OPS was a big part of the Gamblers division title run.

When the Gamblers and Luna became discussions in spring training, Luna wanted over 15 million a year for 4 years. The Gamblers were not paying that. They worked on 4 year deals and 1 year deals. Ultimately, Luna signed an extension days before the 1998 deadline. The two sides agreed to a 3 year deal, worth a total of 32.975 mil. That average of just shy of 11 mil represents a slight increase over the 9.5 mil that Luna got paid in 1998. However that only scratches the surface of the deal. The fact is that the Gamblers will pay Luna a huge salary in 1999, and pay him less in 2000 (if the world doesnt end) and 2001. Luna will make 15 mil next season, which would be tops amongst the Gamblers in 1999. He will then make 9.8 mil in 2000, followed by 8.1 mil in 2001.

The Gamblers feel that they have enough salary cap space next season to afford the big up front cost - with Luna's 15 mil salary, and all but 2 minor league pitchers returning, the Gamblers payroll only goes up 5 mil to 62.9 mil. Given their huge profit this season, of over 50 mi, the Gamblers will be able to add pieces if they desire and still make a huge profit for ownership. The decreasing salaries allow Gamblers mangement to invest in future years without substantially increasing the bottom line.

And if Luna can post another OBP of .400, it will be well worth the 15 mil.

[cramsey51]

LOL, I read it that Luna had 'stepped down', 'resigns' not re-signs! I was thinking, wow, what FA catch he will be!

[braveheart]

Fixed to avoid confusion.

[KCCardinalFan]

A great hitter, although you might be better off just having him stay on the bench when your guys take the field and hope for the best.

[recte44]

Lost in the "confusion"....

How sick is it to have Flavio Luna batting SECOND?