1975 SPRING TRAINING
The Texas Rangers are looking for a bounce-back year after disappointing in 1974.
With the benefit of hindsight, I know the big news is that free agency is coming next offseason. For that reason, I've worked on locking down my star players to long-term contracts. I originally thought this wasn't possible, but after offering Nolan Ryan a 10-year $3 million guaranteed contract, he accepted. I offered the same $300k/p.a. for fewer years to Fergie Jenkins and Gaylord Perry which they accepted. Perhaps it was fewer dollars for Perry, can't remember.
These deals are player-friendly now, but they will be owner-friendly in a few years. There's also the risk of a career-ending injury, even with recalc on. So I may be gaming the system a little bit, but there's still some risk, and my finances will be bad for the next couple of years, so all-in-all I think it's a reasonable move. Trying to get Buddy Bell locked-down too, but I don't have the money he's looking for now. Even though he had a bad 1974.
My biggest target right now is
Jon Matlack, who's yet another elite pitcher that suited up for the Rangers. Having 4 elite pitchers would put even the 90s Atlanta Braves to shame, but I want to make it happen! The Mets aren't accepting huge offers now, but maybe I can catch them at the All-Star Break if they aren't contending. Also trying to get Al Oliver to the team and even Toby Harrah back, but haven't been able to make a move.
Bump Wills came in as a rookie and he's ready to start at 2B right away. He had a couple years in the minors in real life, but I'm going to put him on the Rangers early. Despite the early start he doesn't have a shot at the Hall of Fame, given that he had a relatively short career and I have recalc/retire history on. That's OK, not everyone can make the Hall and it's nice to have some quality role-players stick around for a while. I'll look to move Frank White as soon as a good deal pops up... his bat just isn't good enough right now.
Also, going by the ratings changes for 1975, it looks like my RF
Jay Johnstone is due for a huge year. He wasn't a Ranger historically, so any great performance I'll try to leverage into a deal for someone... maybe Matlack or Oliver.