This one is going to introduce a really novel undertaking for the Independent game, and stands to be a sizeable benefit for players and for major league organizations.
In the meantime, this is a very busy time of year for players who have left the Indy ranks and joined one of the 30 MLB systems. So many players are six-year free agents, as always happens this time of year, and there is the opportunity to try to sign with an organization where the path to the major leagues seems more promising. Of course, it also means the end of the major league dreams (at least for now) if players do not get picked up by their previous farm system or another one.
MICHEL HERNANDEZ GETS NEW DEAL
Catcher Michel Hernandez, whose last major league opportunity was with Tampa Bay, became a free agent for a short time this fall before returning to the Cleveland organization. The onetime Atlantic League backstop (Somerset) is on the Columbus, OH roster.
SIX-YEAR LIST IS LENGTHY
Onetime Chicago Cubs standout Mark Prior is, arguably, the best known of the group of players who became free agents by virtue of their lengthy playing history. The right-hander, who got back on the baseball map after lengthy sidesteps with injuries when he pitched for Orange County (Fullerton, CA) of the Golden League, was in the New York Yankees' farm system this summer.
Other prominent names with major league experience who now are free agents include third baseman Pedro Feliz (Camden) and pitchers Nelson Figueroa (Long Island) and Scott Patterson (Lancaster). The latter just finished a stint with Team USA.
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