Odds and Ends: Lugo, Murton, Scherzer
A handful of random links…
- Josh Kalk did a guest post at RotoAuthority, using PITCHf/x data to analyze C.C. Sabathia‘s early struggles.
- Nick Cafardo comments on Julio Lugo‘s unimpressive Red Sox career, noting that Jed Lowrie is nipping at his heels. Is there any chance the Sox consider guys like Orlando Cabrera or Rafael Furcal this winter?
- Christina Kahrl believes leaving Matt Murton in Triple A was the right move.
- White Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley explains that real baseball is different from fantasy baseball.
- The Scherzer Watch begins, especially for fantasy leaguers.
- Joe Sports Fan offers their list of the seven worst baseball contracts.
Bazardo Clears Waivers
23 year-old Tigers pitcher Yorman Bazardo cleared waivers; he’ll head to Triple A.
Bazardo has already spent time in the Florida and Seattle organizations as well. Why is he unwanted? His strikeout rates have been weak in the minors, but his control is solid. Baseball America seems fairly fond of him, though they note he’ll probably top out in middle relief.
Bryan Corey Chooses Free Agency
Nothing earth-shattering here…recently designated Boston pitcher Bryan Corey has opted for free agency.
Who wants a 34 year-old journeyman? A month ago, the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo noted that the Orioles were scouting him. A return to Japan may be another option.
Bonds Continues To Wait
What’s up with Barry Bonds? Not a whole lot. The New York Times’ Jack Curry dug up what he could by talking to a few associates of Bonds. Curry found that Bonds is working out at home and staying in shape, but not hitting. Curry is on board with the speculation that an opportunity for Bonds might open up if a DH on a contender goes down.
This morning, David Chalk made a case for the Rays to sign Bonds. He can’t find a reason why they shouldn’t.
Miguel Tejada Age Discrepancy
The Astros learned today that Miguel Tejada is 33 going on 34, rather than 31 going on 32. Astros GM Ed Wade doesn’t seem bothered by the discrepancy at all. I’m surprised – those two years have to be a big consideration when projecting him for his ’08 and ’09 seasons, which the ‘Stros pretty much own. I guess the Astros can’t have a legitimate beef with the Orioles, if the O’s didn’t know either.
Tejada, by the way, can opt out of his contract after this season. He’s due $13MM in ’09.
Free Agent Stock Watch: Juan Rivera
Angels outfielder Juan Rivera is in a tough situation, fighting for playing time in his contract year. So far he has eight ABs in the team’s first 16 games. He’s just not getting starter consideration at the DH or corner spots.
Rivera seems like an interesting buy-low candidate, whether via trade during the season or free agency after it. The one time he received more than 400 ABs, in 2006, he hit .310/.362/.525. He broke his leg in a winter league game that year and has barely played since. The Angels aren’t in any hurry to trade him, despite interest.
If the ’08 season continues to depress Rivera’s value, perhaps he could be had one a one-year, $5MM deal. He turns 30 in July and could be quite a bargain if he returns to form.
Matt Morris Tough To Move
It’s no secret that the Pirates would love to trade starter Matt Morris. The Dave Littlefield acquisition remains perplexing. The "veteran leadership" angle doesn’t play well when his Pirates’ ERA is over 6.00 in 14 starts. This year, he’s not even getting groundballs.
Neal Huntington would love to see Morris show a hint of value, so that he can trade the 34 year-old and somehow avoid paying all of the $10.5MM still owed to him. How long until Huntington gives up on that idea and cuts Morris? Bryan Bullington and John Van Benschoten seem more deserving of starts.
Website Validation – Help Wanted
My apologies for this post; it’s related to the technical aspects of this website rather than baseball.
I am a novice when it comes to website design, validation, optimization, coding…that’s why I use TypePad. Typically I am able to live in blissful ignorance and just crank out the rumors. However at this point I don’t feel that the website is functioning correctly. It needs to be addressed.
Aside from the slow load time, in recent weeks MLBTR has had an error in IE where the page does not display correctly on the first load. There are probably other issues I don’t even know about. I am looking for some help optimizing the site and cleaning up the errors. (This is not related to the redesign nor am I looking for SEO help). My goal is for the site to load as quickly as possible and to eliminate the error I’ve been seeing recently.
If you have the skills to help out and are interested, please email me at mlbtraderumors2008@gmail.com. Experience using TypePad would help. I am certainly happy to pay for the assistance; we can hammer out the details. Thanks.
Turnbow Unhappy
According to Tom Haudricourt, reliever Derrick Turnbow had his agent contact Brewers GM Doug Melvin about his current mop-up role. Turnbow has been marginalized following this winter’s acquisitions of Eric Gagne, David Riske, and Salomon Torres. He’s not requesting a trade, but he’s not happy.
An uncharacteristic bout of good control in 2005 allowed Turnbow to save 39 games and earn a three-year extension the following spring. He’s paid $3.2MM this season, the last of the deal. If my calculations are correct, he still won’t be a free agent until after the ’09 season. Turnbow has whiffed a ton of hitters over the last two seasons, but he can’t find the plate. The Tigers and Braves are a couple of possible suitors if Melvin decides to shop him.
Heyman’s Worst-Ever Free Agent Deals
SI.com’s Jon Heyman runs down the 13 worst-ever free agent deals.
Do Alfonso Soriano, Vernon Wells, Ken Griffey Jr., or Todd Helton belong? Just asking (and yes, some of them are technically extensions). Bobby Bonilla, J.D. Drew, or Roger Clemens? Do you have any additional suggestions for the list? I’m interested to read your comments on this.