Cafardo’s Latest: Stetter, Catalanotto, Pedro
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo has a few bits of information…
- The Red Sox scouted Brewers left-hander Mitch Stetter last week. The 28-year-old reliever has held lefties to a .170 average and rigthties to a .151 mark this season. The Sox, who scouted him last week, are simply being thorough and exploring options in case they come to need anothery lefty in the pen, writes Cafardo.
- Free agent outfielder Frank Catalanotto has received interest, but is holding out for the right fit.
- Jacque Jones and Frank Thomas have been working out together in Las Vegas and are both hoping to land MLB roster spots at some point this season.
- As Cafardo writes, "The Brewers may be emerging in the hunt" for free agent Pedro Martinez. The Blue Jays, Astros, Rockies, A's, Orioles, Indians and Pirates are also thought to have some level of interest.
Angels DFA Daniel Davidson
According to Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times, the Angels have designated left-hander Daniel Davidson for assignment. The 28-year-old reliever had allowed one earned run and three walks in 1 1/3 innings this season. He projects as nothing more than a mediocre middle reliever, but it wouldn't be surprising to see another club claim him.
Logan Kensing Designated For Assignment
According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, Marlins reliever Logan Kensing was designated for assignment after last night's game. The 26 year-old had given up runs in four of his six appearances on the young season. Kensing had Tommy John surgery back in September of 2006. He throws around 93 mph, so the Marlins should be able to find a trade partner.
Royals DFA Brayan Pena
According to Greg Schaum of KCSP 610 radio in Kansas City, the Royals have designated catcher Brayan Pena for assignment to clear roster space for Jose Guillen. Pena, 27, was 2-for-7 this season with one RBI. With Miguel Olivo and John Buck splitting most of the time behind the plate, he was a bit of a misfit.
This information was obtained in an e-mail.
Yankees Release Humberto Sanchez
According to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, the Yankees have released right-hander Humberto Sanchez.
The move opened a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Mark Melancon. Sanchez, 25, was unable to make the big league roster this spring after developing forearm tightness early on. He pitched two innings for the Yankees in 2008, allowing one earned run.
Sanchez was traded from the Tigers to the Yanks back in 2006 as part of a package for Gary Sheffield. He underwent Tommy John surgery in April 2007 and hasn't been healthy since. We'd expect another organization to pick him up and give him a shot at Triple-A.
Odds And Ends: Sanchez, Strasburg, Big Unit
Links for Saturday…
- Baseball America's John Manuel reports that 22-year-old Twins first base prospect Henry Sanchez has been suspended 50 games for violating minor league baseball's drug policy. Sanchez was the 39th overall pick in the 2005 draft.
- John Maffei of the North County Times reports on Stephen Strasburg's latest start, one in which the top prospect struck out 14, though he did allow a home run (hat tip to Buster Olney). His strikeout to walk ratio now exceeds 10-1.
- Ever wonder how much Japanese teams spend on their players? Ryo Shinkawa of NPB Tracker has the figures and their payrolls range from $18-45MM this year.
- ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski reviewed some old scouting reports on Randy Johnson with the Big Unit himself.
- And there are more injuries piling up: Chien-Ming Wang and Cody Ransom for the Yankees and Brian McCann and Garret Anderson for the Braves.
Byrd Would Pitch For Angels
Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times reports that Paul Byrd is interested in pitching for the Angels. Byrd's agent spoke with the Angels recently and heard that they're going to find pitching within their organization until John Lackey and Ervin Santana return. Earlier in the week GM Tony Reagins acknowledged contacting the agents for Byrd, Mark Mulder and Pedro Martinez.
Miller To Undergo Major Surgery
According to MLB.com's Stephen Ellsesser top Indians pitching prospect Adam Miller will undergo season-ending surgery that will put his career in jeopardy. The tendons in middle finger on his pitching hand need to be repaired, so Miller will have surgery Tuesday. The Indians' head athletic trainer said it's a "career threatening" procedure.
Mets Sign Mike Lamb
According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News the Mets signed Mike Lamb; he'll likely join their AAA affiliate in Buffalo. Lamb, 33, played in 92 games with the Twins and Brewers last year. He was released by Milwaukee earlier in the month. Like the Wily Mo Pena signing, this move gives the Mets extra depth.
Figueroa Returns To Mets
According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News Nelson Figueroa has re-signed with the Mets. Earlier in the week he refused his assignment to AAA Buffalo, choosing to become a free agent. Rubin expects Figueroa to be assigned to Buffalo.