[mikev]

So Long, Raffy. You'll Be Missed

At the end of the season, as the 6'4" infielder came toward the dugout, fans stood and cheered. Loudly. They didn't stop, and didn't let him duck into the dugout, for nearly 15 minutes. After countless tips of the cap, applauding back to the fans, and a mini victory lap up and down the baseline complete with handshakes, high fives, and even a couple of hugs from female fans, he disappeared into the dugout to head into the locker room.

Everybody knew it was coming. Rafael Lopez had played his last game as a California Crusader.

The 33 year old infielder, former all star, and two time member of Crusader playoff teams, knew that when his contract was up, he would not be offered an extension. He'd moved from shortstop to third base as his career in red pinstripes moved into his early 30s, and was then moved to a backup position in his final season.

"Hard feelings? Hell no, man." said Lopez. "We had a good run, yeah. It's time to move on, that's OK. Maybe I sign somewhere, maybe I don't. I can be realistic, you know? I'm thirty three years old, I've been a big leaguer for 10 seasons. I'm not letting one season show who I am. I know it's a business, I know they still have Nicky and Bernal is coming back. Time to move on, but man, California is always gonna be home."

Along with Lopez, Brian Beard will be leaving the team and testing free agency. Beard, acquired at the trade deadline from Dublin, had been having a bit of a career resurgence with the Shamrocks this year but saw his numbers suffer with the Crusaders. His final numbers on the season combined were .250/.331/.383, with 16 homers and 16 doubles.

Aside from those two and a few random minor leaguers, the Crusaders aren't losing any notable free agents this offseason.