[Pelican]

So, I've advanced to November 11, 1960 - the day when the new free agents declare. As anticipated, the superstars are demanding superstar money. But there are plenty of diamonds in the rough, at least based on potential. And all sorts of guys to fill out the minor league organization.

One bug I have found is that, in negotiations, when a player's demand is met, he claps back with the "I'm sure you can do better" response. The example where it has happened several times is minor leaguers demanding a minor league contract with a major league salary at $21,200 if promoted. I say fine, but no deal happens. If I then offer a $1000 signing bonus, the response is the demand for $21,200 (i.e. less than I offered!). I tried repeatedly to increase the bonus to one guy I wanted, and he kept saying no and then cut off negotiations. There are all "easy" signings, but of course they are anything but.

Am I on a sort of clock here? I can see that the other Continental League teams are slowly - or not so slowly - signing players. Which makes me feel like I need to get my offers out there. I realized that I need to check all transactions every day, to see what is happening. But happily most of the free agents are still out there negotiating. They are in their happy place, with the new league.