Matt Eddy of Baseball America has the latest minor league transactions. A few highlights:
- The Yankees signed pitcher John Van Benschoten, former eighth overall pick by the Pirates in '01. JvB posted a 6.35 ERA, 7.7 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, and tons of hits allowed in 78 innings for the White Sox Triple A club last year.
- The Astros signed 28-year-old outfielder Jason Bourgeois, who they claimed off waivers from the Brewers in October but designated for assignment later to make room for Brett Myers. Bourgeois hit .316/.354/.401 in Triple A last year while playing all three outfield positions.
- The Rockies added a few familiar names in first baseman Brad Eldred and third baseman Travis Metcalf. Eldred, 29, has made five stops at Triple A, last year with the Nationals' affiliate. Metcalf, 27, has 242 big league plate appearances with the Rangers under his belt but has yet to master Triple A.
- The Dodgers signed Robin Yount's son Dustin, formerly of the Tucson Toros.
- The Rangers signed corner infielder Wes Bankston. The 26-year-old hasn't done much in his four Triple A stints.
Removed Taschner signing, as we covered it in December:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/pirates-sign-jack-taschner.html
John Van Benschoten…CHAMPIONSHIP!
Genius. How long did it take you to think that one up?
You’re creative.
For accuracy purposes, Tucson’s nickname is the Sidewinders.
The Tucson Toros are a Golden League team.
I wonder if Van Benschoten will eventually follow the Rick Ankiel and Brian Bogusevic career path. He was a very good hitter in college.
It’s too bad the Red Sox didn’t sign Van Benschoten. We’d be treated to dozens of posts about how Theo and Farrell will turn him into a top of the rotation starter by June.
Rule of thumb: Never draft a pitcher in the first round if his last name begins with “Van.” He’s bound to be a lemon.
Interesting how the Dodgers signed another son of a former MLB star. They already have the sons of Don Mattingly, Tom Gordon, Andy Van Slyke and both of Tim Wallach’s kids…
Since Albert Pujols is probably really closer to 35 than his listed age, he could have a son that’s around 18. Hope the Dodgers sign him.