Yes, it's true...Ardolis Chapman has landed with a MLB team. The thing is I don't think most people realize who he signed with or the fact the team spent the money to get him. Chapman signed a deal today worth five years and $25M with a sixth year option with.....catch your breath.....seriously, I'm not responsible for heart attacks....the Cincinatti Reds. Yes, the team that is like the god-father of "fire-sales," the team that doesn't spend much money, the team that trades away anyone decent for a bunch of prospects that never produce. I'm stunned. Chapman was expected to sign with the Red Sox, Yanks, Mets, Blue Jays, or any other big market team you can think of. Is this an upgrade for the Reds? Totally. Even if this guy tanks (see Jose Contreras), the Reds can still be better than they are with the sad rotation they have. If they could just get some run support! Rumor has it Chapman may see the big leagues with the Reds and could be a good reason why he signed with them because the other suitors projected starting him in AAA first.
The Giants and 1B/DH Aubrey Huff (.241, 15 HRs and 85 RBIs) have come to an agreement on a 1yr/$3M deal pending a physical. The move doesn't make a whole lot of sense becasue the Giants have 1B covered(unless Sandoval figures to be the starting catcher) and a plethora of bench players for reserves and DH. Sure, his more than likely means Adam LaRoche isn't coming to town, but how does this upgrade the Giants?
The Dodgers came to terms with SS Nick Green on a minor league deal. Green (.236, 6HRs, and 35RBIs) was servicable for a good portion of the season with the the Red Sox batting and fielding wise. He slumped towards the end and had surgery on his back in November. Green will probably be the back-up for Rafael Furcal.
The Royals have signed reliever Matt Herges to a minor league deal. Herges was (3-1 ;3.38ERA) between the Indians and the Rockies last season. Can't say this is much, but for the Royals I guess it's something. Let's hope he doesn't have an abysmal decline at age forty.
The Pirates have agreed to a deal with oft-injured OF Ryan Church. He'll get a one year deal plus an arbitration option for 2011. Church hit .273 with 4 HRs and 40 RBI between New York (NL) and the Braves.
Rumors and Notes:
The Orioles are said to be interested in 1B Adam LaRoche. Mets may get in the mix, too.
The Mariners may be interested in 1B Ryan Garko.
Reliever Doug Davis has interest in joining the Nationals. I believe the Phillies need him desperately and can't afford to let him sign with the Nats. Rumor also has it that 2B Orlando Hudson would be willing to accept a two year deal if "the money's right".
J.P. Morosi says "Indians have not shopped Jhonny Peralta". The club signed INF Mark Grudzielanek (.299) as well to a minor league deal. Grudielanek's physical play should add some backbone to the struggling Indians.
The Cubs are making a run at SP Ben Sheets.
The Dodgers and Mets are making pitches to SP Joel Piniero. The Mets have offered 2yr/$15M.
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