Re: This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats
Posted: Sat Aug 26, 2017 2:43 pm
This Team Bites: Blog of the Crystal Lake Sandgnats
Notable Transactions Off Season Transactions
By: Stephanie Dole
December 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
11/25/25 - Sandgnats Void Contract Option and release CL Ramón 'Doberman' Contreras
CL Ramón 'Doberman' Contreras
Given that there is some stability to the Crystal Lake roster the next couple of seasons, there were still a couple of needs that have been addressed quickly this off season. Crystal Lake's bullpen was inconsistent blowing over 7 saves this season and losing many one run games, despite respectable statistics. Notable was Doberman's outspoken feelings that he did not feel like he fit in Crystal Lake's squad. Hard to believe he could be upset given that the last 2 seasons his team won the championship, made the finals game 7 and he had the largest contract for a closer in PEBA. Well, GM RJ Ermola did him a favor and voided his $17.8M team option and released him to free agency. Then, quickly made two deals acquiring Bakersfield's young closer Joshua Hall for prospects and draft picks. Kentucky reliever Jonathan Francis was acquired for a prospect and pick. CL Ramón 'Doberman' Contreras
Hall had an outstanding 2025 season converting 37 of 39 save opportunities, 1.69ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .235 BABIP and no home runs surrendered, which has been a Crystal Lake weakness over the past 2 seasons. Francis is a skilled veteran that will likely replace the departing RP Roberto Bustamente. Francis has a life time 3.31 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, .09 HR/9, 2.9 BB/9, 10K/9 over 6 seasons at the PEBA level. He has entered his last arbitration contract for 2025 with a $3.5M salary, lower than the $9.8M that the aging Bustamente had been making last season.
Veteran CF Jeffery Wolfe's team option was voided and he will see free agency. The center fielder was brought to Crystal Lake in the 2023 season to start at the position. His strong defensive skills were helpful to over look his average offensive performance. After a disappointing 2024 riddled with injuries, he ended up being regulated to a bench role in 2025 to come in as a defensive substitution in the 8th or 9th innings. His offensive contributions became a liability and not worth the $7.5M salary he was scheduled to make next season. Crystal Lake will either be bringing up some of the depth they have at outfield or looking for a defensive specialist in free agency.
Lastly, in an interesting move the Sandgnats claimed Patrick Hansen off waivers from Amsterdam. The 3rd baseman, has defensive skills to play each infield position with competency, even at shortstop. Joining the 40 man roster, he will probably start the season at AAA following spring training. The 26 year old will need to prove he can hit at the PEBA level as he has only put up average numbers at AAA. After being called up last season he did bat a .250 average with a .280 OBP over 101 plate appearances.
With free agency quickly approaching questions regarding depth in the outfield will continue.
GO GNATS.