A Busy First Cycle

A mere 8 hours are in the books for season 5 of Sharkey's World, and already activity is through the roof.

14 players have already been signed to longterm contract extensions.

"This shows a commitment to winning by our owner, and proves to me and all my teammates that this is the only spot we want to be for the remainder of our careers," pitcher Matt Henry of the Charlestown Rebels said. Charleston also resigned Braden Maxwell & Jumbo Montegomery, as well as second baseman Darrell Cardona and catcher Dustin Walker. "Keeping the core of us here ensures we'll be players in the AL for years to come."

Defending champion Pawtucket resigned three key contributors from last years team to 5 year deals, avoiding arbitration with starter Charles Randall, closer Frank Harris & second baseman Victor Martin. They were also involved in the first trade of the season by adding former allstar outfielder Frank Douglass and a prospect in exchange for a prospect.

Cleveland resigned two good young bats in Bryce Davis & Fred Lorraine.

Other's resigned include Norfolk's Ariel Estrada, Huntington's Orlando Rosa, Memphis' Jerome Stein, and Atlanta's Quinn Johnstone.