Links for Thursday…
- Josh Johnson's agent Matt Sosnick is now "cautiously optimistic" about a potential long-term deal with the Marlins for his client, according to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez. However, the two sides still have differing thoughts on the proper comparables to use for Johnson's 2010 salary. I'd say Ben Sheets, Carlos Zambrano, and Zack Greinke might be used in that discussion, but given Johnson's $1.4MM salary in '09 he probably can't expect much more than $4.2MM.
- What do Tupac, Sandra Bullock, and MLBTR have in common? They're all favorites of Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia.
- Scott Lauber of The News Journal tweets that the Phillies signed righty Jason Standridge to a minor league deal. The former Rays first-rounder pitched only 12.6 innings for the Marlins' Triple A club this year.
- Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports wrote last night that the Twins, Brewers, Mets, and Nationals have interest in free agent lefty Doug Davis. Davis suggested to MLB.com's Bill Ladson that the Nats are more focused on adding a second baseman.
- Roch Kubatko of MASN says Joe Crede "appears to top" the Orioles' free agent list.
- The Mets signed lefty Bobby Livingston to a minor league deal, tweets MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. The 27-year-old southpaw logged 156 innings of 4.15 ball at various minor league stops in 2009.
- Dave Cameron of FanGraphs says players of Adam LaRoche's caliber should take note of his new deal, because "the offers aren't going to get any better."
- Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post runs through Yorvit Torrealba's suitors, while also noting that Miguel Olivo's $2.5MM option for 2011 can become a player option with 110 games in '10.
- Catcher Mike Rabelo is a new name among the Tigers' 17 minor league deals announced today, writes MLB.com's Jason Beck.
Nice move for the Mets to sign Bobby Livingston. I had the chance to see him pitch for Indianapolis last year and he looked good. I wonder why the Pirates didn’t promote him? If Livingston doesn’t make the opening day roster, ‘expect’ him to showcase his talents in New York later this year. Looking forward to it.
Wigginton, Atkins and Crede WOW that’s kind of a lot of thirdbasemen for 1 team don’t you think??
Wiggnton and Atkins both are also firstbasemen and nothin special defensivelyat third. Wigginton also can play some corner outfield I believe.
I imagine it would be:
1B: Atkins
3B: Crede
Wigginton to fill either spot if Crede gets hurt again or Atkins continues his downward trend.
Then they would be sending the message to Michael Aubrey (1st round pick) that they have no confidence in a guy who hit .289 with power for them in 2009. Why would they sit Aubrey when he’s clearly ready to play in the pros? It wouldn’t be a money move cuz Aubrey plays for the league minimum. They ONLY thing I could think of would be a Crede/Atkins platoon at third (expensive platoon) and Wigginton being a situational pinch hitter/bench guy.
Crede will play and be good when healthy, Atkins will play when good, and Wiggington will play the rest of the time. He may play more than either of them in the end…
So you’re saying that they don’t plan on giving Atkins a starting nod?? Why pay 4.5 million then?
I was kind of joking. (If I end with an ellipse it’s usually a sign that I’m being droll.) But if they sign Crede (a big if) then yes, Atkins won’t start full time. They’ll platoon more than likely, and Crede will break down at several points. I’m sure Atkins will start full time whenever Joe’s down, but I’m not of the opinion that the $4.5m was a good idea and before long Wiggington will get the call.
I see that the loser of the three will get released. Then a team who need a 3rd baseman will sign that player. Spring Training will show who will need a player from injuries and trades.
I see that the loser of the three will get released. Then a team who need a 3rd baseman will sign that player. Spring Training will show who will need a player from injuries and trades.
So I assume Bell gets another whole year in the minors. For shame..
Bell could use some time in Triple-A, a level he’s yet to reach. If he’s mashing come July, I imagine Atkins will see fewer at-bats for the O’s.
Where’s this chat?
In 5 minutes as scheduled…
I would be more than thrilled to see Crede leave the AL Central.
Dustin Pedroia”Musical group/singer: I like Tupac.”From the what the **** files comes this little tidbit.
At least the man enjoys quality rap.
x_x
Quality rap? Oxymoron of the week.
you probably think leonard skinnard is still cool
Quality rap? Oxymoron of the week.
When Joe Crede tops your free agent list, you are the Baltimore Orioles.
Dumb.
Because there are just so many quality free agents left they should be targetting, right?
Ok, who else is quality? Not many other teams can say that they have THE best young core in baseball. Markakis, Wieters, Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, Reimold, Jones, Pie, Arrieta, Bell, Snyder…need I go on?
Ok, who else is quality? Not many other teams can say that they have THE best young core in baseball. Markakis, Wieters, Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, Reimold, Jones, Pie, Arrieta, Bell, Snyder…need I go on?
First off vivagermany your an idiot.
Second if you could actually read, and had read the actual blog, you would know that Roch said the Orioles are likely looking for a first baseman if any corner infielder because of the sorry list of options at 3rd. HE (Roch) speculated, (and rather tongue in cheek) that HE would think Crede would top HIS list of the sorry bunch of available candidates at third!
RE: What do Tupac, Sandra Bullock, and MLBTR have in common?
– Pedroia loves all of the above.
– Pedroia’s wife gets angry when you mention any of the above.
– All of them are googled late at night by people trying to kick back and relax.
– They are each the focal point of many rumors.
– and 99% of the rumors are untrue.
Crede doesnt have a whole lot of options because no one wants to take a chance on a dude with a bad back. Especially playing the hot corner. I dont see the Orioles getting him unless they plan to move Atkins to first. Micheal Aubrey will definitely get some AB’s but he is a career minor leaguer that had a little hot spell. Nothing to get your panties in a bunch over. Think the Mets’ Omir Santos. There future is that Bell kid and Snyder. Not Crede, Atkins, Wigginton or Aubrey. I think Crede either signs with Minnesota or possibly with St. Louis for real cheap. Not sure who else needs him though. Maybe to Cleveland but probably not since Peralta moved there. Wherever he lands he needs to make nice, stay healthy and hope he can get an extension because every other team is set at third. Maybe the A’s can get him and people can place bets on whose back gives out first Crede or Chavez.