Codgers avoid arbitration with cornerstone pitchers

[Codgers]

The Palm Springs Codgers avoided arbitration today with three cornerstone pitchers they hope will lead their resurgence. The signings were also a statement by GM Rob Sullivan that the team will be aggressive in building a contender. James McCoy, Shigochiyo Yamaguchi, and Takashi Yamamoto all inked two year extensions. All three were under team control for another season but Sullivan decided to buyout their last year of minimum salary for a more reasonable amount in year two.

When asked about the contracts Sullivan explained, "I look at it as betting on these three players. McCoy's 2041 arbitration estimate was $7.7MM, we think after the 2040 season that number would have been significantly higher so we gave him significantly more in year one (2040) than was his $4.9 estimate, and slightly more in year two (2041). The James McCoy we got after the trade is a Golden Arm candidate, when he reaches those heights we will have one of the top pitchers in the PEBA locked up for two years at a very reasonable rate."

"It is basically the same bet on Yamaguchi and Yamamoto. We think both are going to be outstanding pitchers in this league. Yamaguchi may also be a contender for the Golden Arm award as early as next season. He was dominant from June forward and Yamamoto pitched extremely well for us all season," added Sullivan.

McCoy signed a two year - $15.5MM extension with the team. He as dominant after a trade brought him over from Arlington going 4-1 with a 2.05ERA and 0.92WHiP. McCoy threw 185 innings on the season finishing with a 3.11ERA and 1.10WHiP to go with 207 strikeouts. He is expected to anchor the Palm Springs staff for the foreseeable future.




Yamaguchi signed a two year - $9.5MM extension with the Codgers. The hard throwing right hander was outstanding in his rookie season going 11-8 with a 3.34ERA, 1.05WHiP in 180 innings of work. He struck out 181 batters while posting a 2.5BB/9 rate. Yamaguchi was a second round pick in 2036 and will batter McCoy for the title of staff ace.




Yamamoto signed a two year - $6.25MM extension just hours before arbitration filing was submitted. The rookie righthander was the Codgers first round pick in 2035 going fourth overall. He threw 182 innings going 13-10 with a 2.77ERA and 1.24WHiP. Known for his huge Tik Tok following due to his unusual facial hair, provocative pole dance routines and colorful thongs, Yamamoto is a fan favorite. But don't let his easy demeanor fool you, this guy is an assassin on the mound.

The Codgers philosophy is clear and it centers around a dominant pitching staff. Sullivan has added defensive pieces to enhance that vision with a strong focus on the middle of the field. The pitching staff is not just these three, it has several young arms who have already pitched well in the PEBA with rumors of the team pursuing a veteran arm to add to the staff.

Dominant pitching, pray for runs - The Codger Way