Saturday, April 19, 2008

Where Are They Now?

A look back at the top 5 most expensive International Free Agents from Season 1...how have they faired since cashing in?

Pat Tamura
Cheyenne
ChilliPeppers
Age: 23B/T: L/L
Born: Seoul, KR
Position(s): LF
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Signed by Cheyenne for $12.5 million Tamura has earned his paycheck thus far. He made his big league debut in season 3 at the age of 21 and made his first All-Star appearance in season 4. 119 career HRs and a career average over .300. Tamura will be a star for years to come and barring a career-ending injury might find himself in the Hall of Fame when his career is over.

Jose Tavarez
Memphis
Hound Dawgs
Age: 23B/T: R/R
Born: Moca, DO
Position(s): 2B/CIF/OF/DH
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Signed by Richmond for $10.2 million, Tavaras has since moved with the team to its new home in Memphis. He was a minor league all star in season 3 and 4 before having a cup of coffee in the Bigs for 32 games in season 4. In his first full season in the ML he has a .294 batting average and 51 steals near the end of season. He is currently 4th on the ballot for NL rookie of the year.

Jose Tarasco
San Francisco
Sourdoughs
Age: 23B/T: S/R
Born: Nizao de Bani, DO
Position(s): P (SP5)
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Signed for $10.0 million Tarasco saw action in 7 games during season 4 for San Francisco before getting full time action this year. He currently has an 8-4 record with a 1.25 WHIP while splitting his time between long relief and spot start duty.

Domingo Gonzales
San Antonio
Border Jumpers
Age: 22B/T: L/R
Born: Nigua, DO
Position(s): C/DH
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Signed by Kansas City for $9.7 million at the young age of 18, Domingo was traded to San Antonio in Season 2 in part of a blockbuster deal. He hopes to make his big league debut for SA next year having accomplished nearly everything he can after being named the AAA All-Star game MVP this year.

Del Lee
Cleveland
Steamers
Age: 25B/T: R/R
Born: Tokyo, JP
Position(s): LF/RF
View Hardball Dynasty Profile


Signed for $9.1 million at the age of 21, Del was the most big league-ready of all the signings in season 1. He saw ML action in 7 games that very year and has been playing ball at the highest level since season 2. He made his first all star team in season 3 and has an incredible 131 steals so far in season 5 with about 20 games to go! Nicholas Bryant will likely retire as the all-time steal leader but Del Lee has already been quoted as having his eye on beating the record since at only 25 years old and 280 career steals he has at least 8 more years to roam the basepaths.

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