Jared Mitchell Rumors

Odds & Ends: Cordero, Murphy, Red Sox, Griffey

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [June 3, 2010 at 5:55pm CST]

Links for Thursday, as Armando Galarraga receives a new Corvette (but no perfect game)...

Reliever Chad Cordero has been called up to the Mariners roster, according to a team news release. Cordero hasn't pitched in the majors since undergoing labrum surgery in July 2008. He signed a minor league deal with Seattle last winter and has a 4.12 ERA and 5.50 K-BB ratio in 17 appearances for Triple-A Tacoma this season. In six seasons with the Expos/Nationals organization, Cordero posted a 2.78 ERA and racked up 128 saves, including a league-best 47 in 2005.
2009 first rounder Jared Mitchell told reporters that he is recovering well from his ankle injury. The White Sox prospect, who will represent the team at this year's draft, does underwater drills and is progressing towards baseball activities.
Daniel Murphy will miss four to six months with an MCL tear, so the Mets have reduced infield depth, according to Newsday's David Lennon (via Twitter). Murphy, who has not played in the majors this year, has missed significant time because of his right knee.
MLB.com's Ian Browne wonders if the Red Sox will have to trade Boof Bonser.
The A's claimed Triple A infielder Adam Heether off of waivers from the Brewers, according to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy (via Twitter). Heether, 28, was hitting .245/.343/.440 in Nashville.
J.D. Drew and Jason Varitek told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com that agent Scott Boras does not pressure them to return from injuries any earlier or later than they want to. Boras says he does not draw medical conclusions for any of his clients, including Jacoby Ellsbury.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wonders if Ken Griffey Jr. felt pressure from Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu to retire. Wakamatsu says it was "Ken's decision."
Stephen Strasburg, who debuts against the Pirates next week, pitched five shutout innings at Triple A and even got a hit, writes MASN.com's Ben Goessling.
Strasburg's a star now, but college coach Tony Gwynn says the phenom was "sweating like a hostage" before his San Diego State debut, according to Tom Krasovic of AOL FanHouse. The entire piece is worth reading.

White Sox Close To Inking First-Rounder

By Drew Silva [June 27, 2009 at 1:30pm CST]

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox "are expected to agree to terms soon" with first-round draft pick Jared Mitchell.

Mitchell, taken 23rd overall, stole headlines this week when he blasted a three-run homer in the College World Series title game, leading his LSU Tigers past the Texas Longhorns. Here's what the Tribune had to say about the kid on draft day:

"Mitchell, a 6-foot, 200-pound left-handed hitter, is regarded as one of the best athletes in the draft and played wide receiver for the Tigers' football team. He is projected as a leadoff hitter. [As of the June 9 selection], Mitchell [was] batting .325 with 12 doubles, four triples and nine home runs."

He's expected to receive a bonus well over $1MM. Randal Grichuk, selected 24th overall by the Angels, was handed $1.225MM. Jiovanni Mier, 21st to the Astros, landed $1.358MM. For an up-to-date list of all first-round signees, check here.