We’re in the thick of the 1995 DBL offseason, and if you’re looking to move salary, your options are limited. If you’re trying to add salary? You're one of a few. The financial landscape has taken shape—and it's not particularly kind to those who overspent or who haven't yet made their roster cuts. Right now, we can sort the league into four camps: Teams in great shape Teams in good shape Teams in okay shape And teams that need to make...
As the DBL Draft nears, the rumor mill is loud. Here's what I've picked up heading into one of the league’s busiest weeks: 🛫 San Diego's Selling Spree: Baldwin Next? The San Diego Padres have already overhauled half the roster—and word is, they aren’t done yet. Sources say that James Baldwin, one of the more intriguing young arms on the staff, may be the next piece to move. The 24-year-old comes with a manageable salary, and his...
Without fanfare of excitement, the league calendar took a turn yesterday, which means a mad scramble to team development pages, wishing and praying for no damage or no regret for players already resigned, extended, or traded for. Your esteemed Graham Wexler, doing the work that no one else does, is saving you lots of clicks today in compiling a list of who got screwed the most as we head deeper into the offseason: C/1B Dave Nilsson - Cincinnati...
The 1995 DBL Draft is shaping up to be one of the more interesting drafts in league history. Not quire as dire as the 1993 draft, the latter part of this 1st round, plus all subsequent rounds, will provide depth and little else for teams. Particularly on the pitching side, this humble writer suggests that teams look to the trade market for their arms as opposed to anyone outside of the first round in this. While trades will still impact the...
It’s the dead of the DBL offseason, which means it’s time for something even more entertaining than a blockbuster trade: wild speculation. Fortunately, you—our dear readers—have delivered once again, flooding my inbox with a mix of honest questions, long-shot theories, and pure chaos. I’m here to sort through it all. Let’s get into it. Q: Will the Mets re-sign Dave Magadan? -Hank Bellinger, President of the Dave Magadan Fan Club...
With front offices still licking their wounds from October—or emboldened by success—trade season is fully underway across the DBL. Here's what I'm hearing on the Whisper Wire: 🔄 More Movement in Round One? The first round of the 1995 DBL Draft isn’t quite locked in yet. Sources tell Whisper Wire that the Chicago Cubs, currently holding the 20th overall pick, have had discussions with at least three teams about flipping that pick...
Senators Bet on Bullpen Future, Acquire Troy Percival from Blue Jays for '96 First-Round Pick WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just days after falling to the Kansas City Royals in the World Series, the Washington Senators front office has wasted no time reloading for 1996. The club announced late Saturday night that it has acquired hard-throwing right-hander Troy Percival from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for one of its 1996 first-round picks — a...
For weeks, executives across the Diamond Baseball League have spoken in hushed tones. Text messages are erased. Conversations are held behind closed doors or over static-filled payphones. The trade market is jammed up. The offseason feels quieter than a Sunday in January. That ends today. The DBL has opened a new anonymous submission line — dblrumors@gmail.com — where league officials, players, agents, interns, clubhouse attendants, and...
Adam Rabel, the most outspoken owner in the DBL, has been complaining about a lack of analysis on what he considers to be the blockbuster trade involving Jim Edmonds. To pacify even the most annoying of owners, here are my humble thoughts: San Diego Padres receive: CF Jim Edmonds (ML, Age 25) St. Louis Cardinals receive: 1995 Kansas City 1st round pick 1995 Detroit 4th round pick 1995 Toronto 4th round pick This is the kind of trade that could...
At some point, “patience” turns into “paralysis.” That point may have arrived for a growing number of DBL franchises. With the calendar growing deeper into the offseason, and most teams having little to show for it, there’s an emerging question being asked by fans, agents, and even some within front offices: Is anyone actually trying to get better? So far, the answer, outside of a couple of teams, seems to be “not really.” The...