Astros Sign Richard Hidalgo
UPDATE: The deal is done.
Astros GM Tim Purpura is optimistic about signing Richard Hidalgo to a minor-league deal soon. Hidalgo, 31, is hitting well in the Venezuelan Winter League. He'll compete for the right field job. He boasts well above average defense, so he just needs to put up a decent offensive showing.
Last offseason was interesting. Hidalgo tried holding out for a Major League deal, but could only get a minor league one with Baltimore. In spring, he left camp to be with his ill wife. Later in March, the O's released him to pursue offers in Japan. He resurfaced in May auditioning for the Yankees, but that didn't pan out either. Hidalgo ended up playing 32 games in the Gulf Coast League and did not fare well.
Now they say he got himself into shape and is looking good. The Astros could have a nice bargain on their hands, and risk is minimal.
Great signing. Out of all the comeback-wannabes, I think Hidalgo's got the most potential and the best chance at reaching it.
Posted by: WHIPit | January 12, 2007 at 04:29 AM
...that being said, Luke Scott will still be the starter and Jason Lane is gone.
Posted by: WHIPit | January 12, 2007 at 04:44 AM
I hope he does well enough in ST to secure the Right Field spot. The Astros need a RF. Scott is a minimally functional defensive LEFT fielder, at best, and Hidalgo is one of the best defensive RF in the game.
Posted by: Marvel | January 12, 2007 at 06:52 AM
The GCL Richard Hidalgo is a 19 yr old Dominican Nats prospect, not the 30+ Venezualan ex-Astro.
Posted by: VladiHondo | January 12, 2007 at 07:29 AM
No lose situation, at worst he'd be worth a roster spot as a defensive replacement if he could hit .250. He's only 31. Best case scenario for Hidalgo is a platoon situation with Scott. Even that is unlikely.
Justice claims it's the inability to hit an inside fastball that did Hidalgo in, I think it could have been the weight, the shooting, and personal issues that just killed his game and passion.
Posted by: OPERATIONSHUTDOWN | January 12, 2007 at 09:10 AM
If you click on Hidalgo's name is goes to Baseball Cube, are you saying that they have combined the veteran Hidalgo's career stats with the 19 year-old's?
Posted by: RotoAuthority | January 12, 2007 at 09:22 AM
I didn't realize it when I first read the post but GCL is a rookie league.
It does appear that Baseball Cube screwed up. If you go to the official minor league website, it lists the 19 year old as playing for the GCL Nationals.
Posted by: Marvel | January 12, 2007 at 09:39 AM
They signed him. The 31 year old, not the 19 year old.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/4465555.html
Posted by: Marvel | January 12, 2007 at 01:05 PM