Javelina, Alex Gordon Ink 3-Year Deal

In what some team officials are calling a "calculated risk", the Julian Javelina announced they've agreed to terms on a new three year agreement with outfielder Alex Gordon. Some might say Gordon has something left to prove before getting such a deal, but the team felt his all around production warranted the commitment. Regardless, Gordon joins Ryan Zimmerman and Adrian Gonzalez as cornerstones of the rebuilding franchise.

"Alex is just the type of player we look for," said GM Jamie Hoyle. "He has a great deal going for him. He just entered his prime, he helps in all six offensive categories, and we think there is still some room for improvement."

Gordon, who has been a punchline for jokes about top prospects for the last several years, is coming off his best season as a professional. After struggling through injuries for the last two years, Gordon posted a slash line of .303/.376/.502 to go with 23 homers, 87 runs batted in, 101 runs scored and 17 steals in 2011. While that is a big jump over his numbers from his injury-riddled 2009-10 seasons, it does fall in line with what he did in 2007-08.

While the team does anticipate a slight down-tick in Gordon's batting average and home runs in 2012, they feel he will prove capable of meeting or exceeding what he did in 2011 with continued development over the course of his contract. One thing is for sure, Gordon is loaded with talent and just entered his prime.

Javelina, Gonzalez Finalize 3-Year Contract

In a move that should come as a surprise to no one, the Julian Javelina and All-Star 1B Adrian Gonzalez have reached an agreement on a new 3-year contract that will keep Gonzalez with the team through at least the 2014 season, and probably beyond. Both sides had plenty to say about the pact.

"I'm just glad to be back," said Gonzalez. "[GM Jamie] Hoyle was the first person to recognize my talents and give me some long-term security. Now I'm back with the team I won my only Championship with; I can't complain."

Hoyle expanded on that.

"Adrian is back home, plain and simple," said Hoyle. "Not only is he an outstanding and special player, but he's a leader. We never expected to have a shot at drafting him, but we're happy we did. He's an important building block for us."

The Javelina are expecting Gonzalez's power to rebound some now that he's a year removed from shoulder surgery. While it seems unlikely he'll return to hitting 40+ HR again, it's not unreasonable to expect him to approach 35 home runs and 100+ RBI, all while posting above average average, run and walk totals.

Projections: .335, 105, 32, 115, 80