Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Rumors and Signings

The Jays have re-signed SS John McDonald to a 1yr/$1.5M deal. McDonald (.258BA) could be the starting SS opening day with the uncertainty of Marco Scutaro drawing interest in other clubs. He {McDonald} was mostly a reserve the past few seasons. The Jays will actively pursue a starting SS as of tonight. The Jays are interested in bringing C Yorvit Torreabla in for the departing Rod Barajas. The Jays aren't ready to hand the reins over to prospect Buster Posey. Torrealba would get very significant playing time while teaching the kid the ropes. Mike Polishuk of MLBtraderumors.com says "There is a 90% chance Lyle Overbay will be traded by winter meetings."

The Red Sox, one club looking at Scutaro, is also interested in Kelvim Escobar. Why? I know the front office loves to gamble on guys (Penny, Smoltz, etc), but Escobar's best days are behind him. He's a career .526 in the W-L column having his best season in 2007 with the Angels going 18-7 with a 3.40ERA. Last season, he went 0-1 with a 3.60ERA in only 5 innings and missed the whole 2008 season. Not a good gamble here. Better luck trading Buchholz and Kelly for Halladay. Rumor has it, the Sox would rather sign Matt Holliday than Jason Bay. If they couldn't offer up more than $60M for Bay, how do they plan to get Holliday? Rumor has it that the Sox are actively persuing SP Justin Duchsherer. Duchsherer missed last season with elbow & hip woes as well as clinical depression. This doesn't sound like guy that will last under the microscope in Boston. The Sox have acquired Tug Hulett (.194BA) from the Royals for cash.

The Royals have signed P Josh Rupe (15.43ERA in 4 appearances) and OF Buck Coats(.193 in AAA). When I saw this deal get done, I was totally excited (hint of sarcasm). The Royals seem to be filling slots fast since partially blowing up a core of the team. The only problem is they're not UPGRADING. You can't win games without talent.

The Yankees have parted ways with reserve Shelly Duncan. I got the joy of seeing Duncan play at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and can say he's a solid pick-up for any team and has the potential to start immediately at 1B/OF in ML. He never really had a chance with the Yankees being blocked by Giambi and Texiera. He was an IL all-star.

The Mets are said to be close to bringing back RP Elmer Dessens. He went 0-0 3.31ERA last season. Wilson Valdez signed a minor league deal with the Phillies today, so he won't be back in New York. The Phils grabbed DeWayne Wise off the White Sox today. The Phils bench is quickly taking shape after letting the 5 walk last week. The Phils are said be to be targeting 3B Adrian Beltre. With all the guys left on the market, Beltre is one you want to let slip down as close to your last resort. He's lost a lot of his power and from 2008-2009 was half the hitter he was.

Lastly, the Padres claimed Radhames Liz off the O's today. Liz was 0-0 with a sky-high era, literally.

Coco Crisp make not be a White Sock after all. The club signed OF Andruw Jones today. Jones caught on with the Rangers last season batting .217 with 17HRs and 43 RBIs after being dumped by the Dodgers.

Happy Thanksgiving to all! There may or may not be a post over the weekend because I will be in Florida for the UF-FSU game. Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net

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