Week in Review: 4/26 – 5/2
April is in the books, and it came with its fair share of surprises. Did anyone predict the Blue Jays to be leading the AL East, or Brandon Inge to be the Tigers' most productive hitter? And how about the Pirates' pitching? Here's your look at the past seven days:
- There's been a lot of talk about who could be on the move this summer. J.P. Ricciardi made it pretty clear this week that Roy Halladay is unlikely to be a candidate. If he was, the Blue Jays would ask for a "boatload" in return, according to Ricciardi. It'll be interesting to see how the division plays out as the year goes on. Can the Jays stay in the race?
- From a current ace to a future ace, the Nationals have every intention of drafting and signing Stephen Strasburg, according to Buster Olney. Strasburg has continued to be absolutely phenomenal this year, posting nearly a 10:1 K:BB ratio and an absurd 16.7 K/9 at San Diego State. The Nationals' offense has been getting this job done this season; they'll be a team to watch in the coming years if they land Strasburg and another solid arm.
- Speaking of the Nats, they acquired Logan Kensing from the Marlins this week for minor league reliever Kyle Gunderson. Kensing was designated by the Fish last week.
- Another reliever making his way to Washington is Mike MacDougal. MacDougal was released by the White Sox earlier this week and signed a minor league deal this morning. The Nationals have had bullpen problems all season, and it looks like they'll continue to dig through the scrap heap to find some useful parts.
- The Mets released Freddy Garcia this week, following two Triple-A starts that resulted in an 8.18 ERA. Garcia was topping out at 85mph. His agent says that Garcia is "way too young to retire" at age 32, but he hinted that it could be time. Good luck either way, Freddy.
- Scratch the Brewers from the list of teams who are interested in Pedro Martinez. Doug Melvin said that he hasn't even spoken to Pedro's agent. The Nationals are still the only team that has publically expressed any interest in the future Hall of Famer, but they're not willing to pay $5MM.
- Tim's 2010 Options series this week included the White Sox and Indians.
- Tim takes a look at some free agents who are off to a great start and those that aren't living up to their contracts yet.
Chacon Signs With Newark Bears
Former MLB right-hander Shawn Chacon has signed with the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League.
He was 45-61 with a 4.99 ERA as a major leaguer, and went 2-3 with a 5.04 ERA last year in Houston.
Nats, MacDougal Agree To Minor League Deal
According to the Associated Press, via the Miami Herald, the Nationals have agreed to terms on a non-guaranteed minor league contract with right-hander Mike MacDougal.
Shell, M’s Agree To Minor League Deal
Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune reports that the Mariners have signed right-hander Steven Shell to a minor league contract.
Owens Opts For Free Agency
According to the Chicago Tribune, outfielder Jerry Owens has opted for free agency rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A Charlotte.
The Asking Price For Doc Halladay
Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi told Jon Heyman of SI.com on Saturday that his club isn't actively shopping Roy Halladay and would need a "boatload" in return if a deal was made.
Graffanino Designated For Assignment
According to an MLB.com press release, the Indians have designated infielder Tony Graffanino for assignment.
The move essentially cleared roster space for highly touted outfield prospect Matt LaPorta, who was acquried from the Brewers in last year's CC Sabathia trade. Graffanino, 37 in June, was 3-for-23 in seven games with the Indians this season. He could get a shot elsewhere as a utility infielder.
Astros Sign Brendan Donnelly
The Astros signed Brendan Donnelly and assigned him to Triple-A, a month after the Rangers released him. He joined Round Rock earlier in the week, but it was an under-the-radar signing found on the team's transactions page so it didn't surface right away (Hat Tip to this blog). Donnelly, now 37, debuted as a 30-year-old rookie on the World Champion Angels team in 2002.
Olney On Strasburg
ESPN.com's Buster Olney heard that the Nationals "fully intend to draft and sign" Stephen Strasburg. Former Nats GM Jim Bowden made similar comments earlier in the week. Some rival talent evaluators expect the Nationals would shut Strasburg down if they can't sign him early. He has pitched 78.1 innings so far this year and no team would want to risk overusing an arm that valuable.
Yankees Sign Casey Fossum
According to Chad Jennings of the Scranton Times Tribune the Yankees signed Casey Fossum; he will start for AAA Scranton today. Fossum pitched in three games for the Mets this year before they designated him for assignment. The 31-year-old veteran of 237 major league games pitched well in the minors this April, striking out 12 in 11 innings and allowing ten baserunners.