I'm at a loss for words....Adrian Beltre (.265, 8HRs and 77 RBIs) has signed a 1yr/$10M contract with an option for another year with the Red Sox. Why did we go after a hitter who was mostly noted for his horrendous slump last year? How will we dump Lowell might be the better question. On top of that, the Sox announced CF Jacoby Ellsbury will move to left and Mike Cameron will take his place in center. Are you kidding? This is a guy{Ellsbury} who was knocked for being a poor CF (.994% FLD) last season and he's gonna play the Monster (his last left field numbers were 1.000% in 24 games in 2008) ? Where's the logic? Ellsbury is far more athletic than Mike Cameron now. I don't see Cameron in CF working out very well. To add to my debate, Elssbury's fielding was .04% higher than Cameron's fielding. There's a talk of trading 1B Casey Kotchman to the M's for UTL Bill Hall and possibly minor league catching prospect Hassiel Jimenez. This deal is fairly stupid as far as I'm concered because of Bill Hall's $8.4M contract to basically be a reserve and Jimenez has even reached Single-A ball yet.
The Cards officially have the NL Central wrapped up and possibly a World Series appearance(I'm re-thinking my Phillies prediction) after coming to terms with OF Matt Holliday on a 7yr/$120M contract.
The Phillies lost another bullpen arm as of yesterday. Clay Condrey (6-2; 3.00ERA) has agreed to terms with the Twins. Condrey pitched 42 innings because of an oblique strain last season, but his 55.2% groundball is a best among free agent relievers. this is quite a shot to take after Scott Eyre retired Wedensday for Philadelphia.
The Braves signed UTL Eric Hinske(is this guy always on the move?) to a 1yr/%1M contract. Hinske hit a combined .242 with the Yankees and Pirates last season. It's a solid option for the Braves offensively and defensively, but there maiun problem is pitching.
The Mariners have re-signed OF Franklin Guiterrez to a 4 year, $20M extension. Guiterrez was phenomenal after coming over from Cleveland hitting .283. His CF defense was the best in the najors last season. Seattle is back baby!
The seemingly quiet Rays have signed C Kelly Shoppach to a 2yr/$5.5M deal. Shoppach hit .214 last season in a shortened seasoned, but his overall numbers are very productive. I wish the Sox never let him go. Shoppach proveds a solid option at the plate over Navarro, but Navarro has a better defensive skills.
A team I literally forgot about (Sorry to your fans) was the Indians. They signed OF Austin Kearns to a minor league deal. Kearns was abominable last season in the time he got to play. His career numbers go up and down consistently, but 2009 was an all-time low for him. Thankfully, there's a bright spot Indians fans--Shelley Duncan. This is the smartest move the organization has made towards rebuilding. I've gotten the pleasure( or maybe displeasure) of watching Duncan with the AAA Yankees. The guy has a nice swing and is insanely productive. His fielding isn't bad either. It's going to be a long road in Cleveland, but Duncan will be a fixture there in the years to come.
Another move that makes me wonder why is the A's re-signing Jack Cust. The team, opposing hitters and fans alike know this guy can't play D worth a dime. Offensively, he's consistently low-mid .200's and has a huge number of strike-outs. So why did he get a 1yr/$2.5M? Ask Billy Beane or your Prozac bottle.
Rumors and Notes:
Jose Valverde has four offers to choose from (Tigers,D-Backs and two mystery teams).
The Rangers offered DH Vlad Guerrero a 1yr/$7M contract. My guess is he turns it down.
Russell Branyan most likely will not return to the M's with the impending Kotchman-Hall deal.
John Smoltz is drwaing interest from 3/5 of the NL East(Phils, Nats, and Mets). i wish he'd hang it up already. Speaking off, congrats to Randy Johnson on a fantastic career.
Congratulations to Andre Dawson for making the HoF.
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