So Taguchi Rumors

Cubs Release So Taguchi

According to MLB.com's transactions log, the Cubs have released outfielder So Taguchi. The 39-year-old Taguchi spent most of the 2009 season with Triple-A Iowa, hitting .248/.347/.333 in 304 plate appearances. He got into six games for the Cubbies in September, picking up three hits in 12 trips to the plate. As the first Japanese-born player to win the World Series with two different teams, Taguchi will one day be the answer to a trivia question. He was on the 2006 Cardinals, and last year's Phillies.   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Kikuchi, Dye, Varitek

Links for Monday... Yakyu Baka translated a recent Yusei Kikuchi press conference. Kikuchi has yet to decide between the U.S. and Japan. The Mets and Tigers attended the conference. Baseball America's Jim Callis has the 2010 draft order, and he also explains which picks are protected from Type A free agent signings. Jermaine Dye talking to Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald on possibly finishing his White Sox career: "I don't really have a feeling." Talking to WEEI's Alex Speier, Jason Varitek would not address next season (he has a $5MM team option and $3MM player option). Manager Terry Francona...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Sign So Taguchi

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Cubs signed outfielder So Taguchi to a minor league deal potentially worth $900K. Taguchi, 39, hit .220/.283/.297 in 103 plate appearances for the Phillies in '08.   Continue Reading

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Astros Not Interested In So Taguchi

8:28pm: Alyson Footer says the Astros are not interested in Taguchi. 12:44am: According to Kyodo News, So Taguchi's agent Alan Nero says the Astros are interested in his client. He's talked to five teams about the free agent outfielder.   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Payton, Taguchi, Bard, Paulino

Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald has a few new Red Sox rumors: The Sox are not interested in Jay Payton or any Craig Landis client (he also reps Jon Garland). They're also not in on So Taguchi. Josh Bard could be a Plan B or C at catcher. Ronny Paulino has also been discussed.   Continue Reading

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Phillies Rumors: Burrell, Moyer, Howard

Let's round up the Phillies links. By the way, I am hoping to get to their Offseason Outlook on Friday. The first issue is Pat Burrell, to whom the Phillies will probably make a two-year offer (according to Buster Olney). It is true that Burrell added a Philly-based agent (Ed Hayes), but he's also keeping Greg Genske. The confusion with agents is one reason negotiations haven't begun with the Phils. Burrell would love to return. If he doesn't re-sign, the Giants may be interested. Keep in mind that Burrell does not want to DH. If Burrell leaves, the Phillies hope...   Continue Reading

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NPB Rumors: Tazawa, Iwase, Iguchi

Some Japanese baseball-related rumors, courtesy of Patrick Newman at NPB Tracker: Seven teams have surfaced in Japanese media reports as suitors for free agent amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa: the Red Sox, Braves, Mariners, Pirates, Tigers, Cubs, and Phillies. David O'Brien of the AJC says the Braves are "legit players" for Tazawa. The Red Sox are seen as the frontrunner, according to Paul Hoynes. Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald agrees that Boston is in the lead, and adds the Marlins to the mix. Reliever Hitoki Iwase will remain in Japan. Shortstop Tomohiro Nioka is a free agent, but may not...   Continue Reading

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Options Declined: Taguchi, Gordon, Counsell, Embree

Alright, time to lump today's remaining options together in one post. The Pirates declined Jason Michaels' $2.6MM option. He could re-sign for less. The Phillies declined their options on So Taguchi ($1.25MM with a $150K buyout) and Tom Gordon ($4.5MM with a $1MM buyout). The moves may have been Pat Gillick's last as GM. The Brewers declined Craig Counsell's $3.4MM option, paying a $400K buyout. The Athletics declined Alan Embree's $3MM option. As a Type B free agent, the A's could offer him arbitration. Susan Slusser spoke to Embree, who didn't mind having the option declined.   Continue Reading

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Phillies Sign So Taguchi

The Phillies added some outfield depth today, signing So Taguchi to a one-year deal for around $1MM with an option for '09. There had been a rumor that the Cubs were eyeing Taguchi. The Phillies' outfield will consist of Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, Geoff Jenkins, Jayson Werth, and Taguchi. They've also got Chris Snelling as an option if he can stay healthy   Continue Reading

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Cubs Considering So Taguchi?

Trusted reader Alex writes in with a George Ofman report on 670 The Score out of Chicago. Apparently the Cubs are considering signing free agent outfielder So Taguchi, which may be related to the Kosuke Fukudome signing. The is much less damaging than signing Kaz Matsui would've been, at least. But it could lead to Matt Murton being traded for less than he's worth   Continue Reading

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