AUG: 24: The Diamondbacks have released Laird, per the club’s transactions page at MLB.com.
AUG. 20: The Diamondbacks announced that they’ve reinstated catcher Gerald Laird from the 60-day disabled list and designated him for assignment.
As Zach Buchanan of the Arizona Republic points out (Twitter link), the move allows Laird the opportunity to latch on with another club where he’ll have a better opportunity for playing time prior to the end of the season. Laird opened the season with the D-Backs, but since his injury earlier this year, Arizona has added catcher Welington Castillo and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, lessening the need for Laird’s presence on the roster.
The veteran Laird has a lifetime .243/.305/.353 batting line in 2734 plate appearances but came to the plate only twice in 2015 before landing on the disabled list due to a back injury.
$1 million for 2 plate appearances?? Ouch. That’s worse than the Brewers sinking $10 million into Eric Gagne back in 2008.
What do you think Steve?
It’s really not though. $1 million for 2 plate appearences is a horrendous ROI, but it’s still only a million dollars. $10 million, especially back in 08, hurt the Brewers much more.
I disagree. He still contributed 10 saves that year, and after he blew enough saves we turned to Salomón Torres to close games. Traded for CC, and made the Postseason.