Jeremy Bonderman hasn’t pitched at the MLB level since 2010, but he’s ready to return to the big leagues, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports. Bonderman lost 35 pounds and his arm feels good following reconstructive elbow surgery. He’ll be ready to throw for teams by January and hopes to sign a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training. Here are more of Olney’s notes from around MLB…
- Teams checked in about the availability of Brian McCann before the Braves exercised his $12MM option for 2013, Olney reports. The Braves would have wanted a decent return in a trade, but other teams were looking to acquire the catcher cheaply.
- Some Atlanta executives are realistic about their chances of signing Michael Bourn. It doesn’t look like the center fielder will re-sign with the Braves.
- Many executives assume the potential trade that would have sent Dan Haren to the Cubs blew up because of health issues, Olney writes. This means CAA Sports, the agency that represents Haren, will have to convince teams that the free agent right-hander is healthy.
- The Yankees like Russell Martin a lot, but won’t overpay to keep him, Olney writes.
Many executives assume the potential trade that would have sent Dan Haren to the Cubs blew up because of health issues, Olney writes. This means CAA Sports, the agency that represents Haren, will have to convince teams that the free agent right-hander is healthy.
I am sure it didn’t have anything to do with it possible being a baloney rumor or Mike Scioscia walking into Dipoto’s and politely asking him why *#@* in the world are they trading for Carlos Marmol.
Messing with someone’s reputation (Haren) should be a no no!
If anything, Scioscia was the guy recommending the trade for Carlos Marmol. This is the manager that threw Mike Napoli under the bus and insisted on playing Jeff Mathis (worse batting average than most NL pitchers) on a regular basis due to better “intangibles”.
Pulling for Bonderman to land a job and come back strong. Despite his perpetual first inning struggles, I was always a fan.
Bonderman is exactly the type of player the Rays like. Hope they sign him to a minor league contact with ST invite.
I could see the Royals or Twins definitely trying to land him too. He pestered them for enough years so they are certainly familiar with what he has to offer and they both need the pitching.
I think his 4.89 career ERA pestered the Tigers more than the Royals or Twins, but I still think he’s worth that minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
Mark Prior #2
If they do, he’ll probably end up with 48 saves and a 1.08 ERA.
Not sure why clubs would think that they could pick up McCann cheaply. Since 2005 only one catcher (Mauer) as accumulated a higher WAR than McCann, and he leads catchers in HR’s since then. Even coming off of an injury McCann is still one of the better players at a premium position, that is far from someone you can acquire “cheaply”.
Seems like the only players teams pay a fair price for are young, controllable arms.
I’m intrigued by the scrap heap pitchers out there this year. As a Giants fan I’d love to see Bonderman work out with the club as a potential insurance policy for Lincecum/Zito. Wilson is San Francisco’s own scrap-heap type guy, but if he’s allowed to walk due to cost, Soria is an intriguing option as well. Love the low risk, high reward potential of these types.
Maybe the facts on the failed Haren/Marmol trade will come out some day.
Here’s hoping Jeremy Bonderman and Javier Vazquez (who will be pitching for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic) both get the opportunity to make a comeback.
Would like to see em both get a shot.
Bonderman always had so much potential, but never seemed to consistently deliver on it.
Anyone remember DIPS? I remember baseball forums getting in big fights over DIPS and Bonderman. Bonderman supporters would use to DIPS to argue that he was a better pitcher than Johan Santana.
Not as disappointed as most Braves fans about not re-signing Bourn. He’s going to command a ton in FA, his primary talent is one that does not typically age well, and he strikes out a lot for a leadoff hitter.
hasn’t pitched at MLB level since 2010? Sounds like a guy the Braves would take a flyer on.