Josh Bard Rumors

Nationals Content With Catching Depth

It was revealed Tuesday night that Nationals catcher Jesus Flores will miss at least three months, and possibly the entire season, with a stress fracture in his right shoulder. It's terrible news for a Nationals team that has dealt with far too many negatives this season, but, as Zach Berman of the Washington Post writes, don't expect acting GM Mike Rizzo to bring in a catcher from outside the organization. "Rizzo pledged confidence in the current tandem of Wil Nieves and Josh Bard," writes Berman. "Plus, Flores remains the Nationals' long-term catcher, and it would not be worth sacrificing a...   Continue Reading

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Nationals Overhaul Bullpen

According to Chico Harlan, the Nationals have made some major changes to their 25-man roster. Here's a quick synopsis of the moves: Josh Bard: Optioned to AAA-Syracuse Saul Rivera: Optioned to AAA-Syracuse Wil Ledezma: Designated for assignment Steven Shell: Designated for assignment The quartet was replaced by pitchers Jordan Zimmermann, Garrett Mock, Jason Bergmann, and veteran Kip Wells. Following today's loss to the Marlins, which completed the second three-game sweep of the Nationals this season for the Fish already in 2009, Manny Acta was not shy about the bullpen: I think it's embarrassing. I think it's unacceptable. I think our...   Continue Reading

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Nationals Sign Josh Bard

10:04pm: Jack Etkin at Inside The Rockies has some details on the Bard signing. He writes that the Red Sox "decided to keep George Kottaras, 25, who was out of options" as a back up for Jason Varitek. Etkin continues: "By releasing Bard on Wednesday, the deadline for paying a player 30 days termination pay, the Red Sox owed him about $279,000. Had they waited one more day to release him, they would have owed Bard 45 days termination pay or about $418,000." 7:42pm: Chico Harlan of the Washington Post writes that Bard will join what Nationals GM Mike Rizzo...   Continue Reading

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Giants Seek Catcher, Reliever

According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News: Scouts are buzzing that the Giants are actively looking to upgrade at backup catcher and long relief. One possibility is catcher Rob Bowen, whom the A's released Tuesday. Baggarly suggests the Giants' trade chips include pitchers Luis Perdomo and Merkin Valdez, as well as outfielder Eugenio Velez. A handful of catchers remain on the free agent market, including new member Josh Bard. Tracy Ringolsby wonders if the Rockies will renew their interest in Bard. The Marlins, however, don't appear interested according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. The free agent market also...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Release Josh Bard

According to the Boston Herald's Michael Silverman, the Red Sox have parted ways with catcher Josh Bard. It appears that 25-year-old George Kottaras has won the backup catching job. It probably had something to do with his ability, and Bard's inability, to catch Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. Kottaras is also out of minor league options and the Red Sox didn't want to risk losing him. Bard, 30, was 6-for-14 this spring with one home run, five RBI and two doubles. He finished with a line of .202/.279/.270 in 178 at-bats last season.   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Catching: Bard, Montero, Kottaras

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe has a wrap-up of the Red Sox' catching situation heading into the beginning of the 2009 season. Even after signing Jason Varitek, the Red Sox were rumored to have been continuing their pursuit of a trade for a young catcher. In today's article, Massarotti writes that at the beginning of Diamondbacks camp, Miguel Montero was informed that "no deals were imminent." Instead, it appears the Red Sox will stick with Josh Bard for now. However, Massarotti also mentions another interesting in-house option for the Red Sox in George Kottaras. Massarotti summarizes Kottaras' situation: Kottaras...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bard, Cubs, Guardado

Links for Friday (feels like a Monday)... Boston's deal for catcher Josh Bard is official. Bard had offers from the Cubs and Nationals as well. SI.com's Jon Heyman ranks the top 20 remaining free agents. RotoAuthority asks readers to name their #1 sleeper for 2009. The Marlins reportedly have interest in reliever Jesus Colome. MLB.com's Barry Bloom explains that the arbitration filing period begins Monday. He gives a nice primer on the arbitration system for those that need to brush up. Ryan Howard is due for another big raise. Buster Olney does not like the Cubs' recent moves, particularly the...   Continue Reading

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Details On The Bard Signing

Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe confirms that catcher Josh Bard signed with the Red Sox for $1.7MM. He says there's another $800K or so in incentives, though most of the contract is non-guaranteed. Massarotti adds that the signing "in no way eliminates the chance of Jason Varitek returning to the club in 2009." We still haven't heard a clear suitor for Varitek, who'll cost a draft pick to sign.   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Reach Deals With Bard, Penny

9:59pm: Ian Browne of MLB.com weighs in on Bard. He discusses the catching situation, and in particular, how the Red Sox will use Bard if free-agent Jason Varitek returns to the franchise. SI.com points out Penny's Interleague numbers: 7-11 with a 5.08 ERA in 24 appearances against American League opponents. Penny has spent his entire career in the National League. 8:41pm: Rob Bradford of WEEI.com spoke with Brad Penny, who confirmed his deal with the Boston Red Sox. From Bradford: “There were a lot of teams involved,” said Penny in a phone conversation. “But I wanted to go somewhere where...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Rule 5, Beltre, Schmidt, Bako

Stray links I've collected over the past few days... John Manuel and Jonathan Mayo get us ready for the Rule 5 draft. Manuel has a second post on it here. Sarah Green looks at A.J. Burnett's possible commutes. LEN3 suggests the Twins might be part of Adrian Beltre's limited no-trade clause. K-Rod signing analysis from Dave Cameron, Jesse Spector, and Keith Law. Also check out the usual solid analysis over at Ken Davidoff's blog. Law also takes on the Edwin Jackson, Ramon Hernandez, J.J. Putz, and C.C. Sabathia moves. The Red Sox are likely to non-tender Kevin Cash. Josh Bard...   Continue Reading

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