Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Dodgers and Jays; More NL East

The Dodgers have finally stared to feel the pressure of the impending spring training report date without a full pitching staff. First, they re-signed Jeff Weaver to a minor league deal worth $900K after incentives. Weaver (6-4; 3.85ERA) wasn't dynamic, but could work out of the bullpen which gives Joe Torre versatility he needs this season. Next, they have made steps to sign UTL Alfredo Amezaga. Amezaga was limited to 27 games and outplayed by Marlins bench last season batting only .217 with 5RBIs. Upside of Amezaga is his career NL numbers are better than AL, but his injuries have piled up over the years. I don't understand why he got more than Weaver (like $400K more), but I'm not Ned Coletti. While Dodgers fans probably aren't ecstatic over the off-season, it most certainly relieves a lot of anguish of putting togehter a team under a tight budget that lost a load of production.

The blue Jays appear to have gotten RP Kevin Gregg. The deal is worth $2.75M but with incentives could total upwards of twelve mil. This deal is preposterous. Yes, Jason Frasor and Scott Downs have been ineffective, but Kevin Gregg is the same thing. His save number have gone down since 07 when he posted 33 for the Marlins with an 0-5 record. While his record improved (5-6), his ERA ballooned to 4.72ERA from the previous 3.41ERA. I'm not saying he's completely to blame because the Cubs didn't exactly have the greatest defense. This is a Jays team trying to build a core of young talent to combat the mighty AL East...Kevin Gregg isn't the answer.


Rumors and Notes:

The Marlins have made a low-ball offer to 1B Russell Branyan according to ESPN's Jayson Stark. Branyan would have to supplant Gaby Sanchez and Logan Morrison for the starting job. I think he could do it.

Bill Ladson of MLB.com says, "Money is holding up 2B Orlando Hudson from signing."

The Phillies auditioned RP Noah Lowery according to The Philly Daily News.

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