In recent years, Octavio Dotel has whiffed batters at a ridiculous rate, sometimes approaching 13 per nine innings. While tough to hit in general, Dotel has been prone to the home run and too generous with bases on balls.
The colorful Dotel went down this summer with a strained right elbow, and by June Dr. James Andrews was wrapping a tendon from his leg around that same elbow. Interestingly, the tendon was long enough to be wound three times around the elbow, giving Dotel superhuman strength. Well, I’m not sure about the strength but it was wrapped three times.
Dotel elected for the surgery against Oakland’s wishes, and a door was opened for Huston Street to become Rookie of the Year in 2005. Dotel was one of the first free agents to file, and has declared in the past that he’d be happy to pitch in a setup role if need be. He even volunteered to play for free.
Dotel was ranked 31st on the RotoAuthority Top 50 Free Agents list, and Boston was picked as his likely destination. Now comes word of three other teams interested in Dotel’s services, courtesy of an unusual source. My source’s barber (in New York) is apparently friends with Dotel, as they knew each other back in the Dominican Republic. The barber informed my source that Dotel has been contacted by the Cardinals, Mets, and Indians. The best part, straight from my source:
"He also told me that Octavio is working on a record, not a record for saves or strikeouts or anything, a merengue record. He is supposedly a great singer. Seriously."
There you have it. It might sound a little far-fetched, but have fun with it. My honest opinion is that this report is accurate and truthful. St. Louis seems the most likely choice, as the club has shown great patience and has been rewarded with rehab projects like Chris Carpenter.
Thanks to Dan K.
