The Nationals released Brian Bruney, according to a team press release. They called catcher Carlos Maldonado up in a corresponding move. The Nationals designated Bruney for assignment last week and the reliever refused a minor league assignment after clearing waivers. The Nationals are responsible for Bruney's $1.5MM salary unless another team signs him, in which case the Nats will save about $300K.
Bruney, 28, had serious control problems in his 19 appearances this year, walking more than a batter per inning. He has never been a control pitcher, but had an acceptable walk rate as recently as 2008, when he posted a sub-2.00 ERA for the Yankees.
The hard-throwing right-hander could sign with a team looking for minor league depth. The Brewers, who signed Jeff Bennett earlier today, would make some sense. Bruney still considers himself a major leaguer and hopes his time in pinstripes will help him find a big league job, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson (via Twitter).
Maybe a second try with the Dbacks on a minor league deal? He can’t be any worse than what we have.
Plus, apparently Josh Byrnes has a new thing for ex-Nats. And if he sucks, he’ll fit right in with the rest of the bullpen.
The Nats certainly obtained him cheap, even if they took on a $1.5M salary. The price for him was only a Rule 5 draft pick. The next team can get him for money alone. Here’s hoping he goes to a team that can beat up on other NL East teams for the Nats. Then again, if he continues to stink, I hope he stays in the NL East.
Well i hope someone does sign him. i wouldnt mind saving 300k 🙂 especially if Mr. Rizzo plans to try to pursue oswalt.
So that’s who they kicked to make room for Stevie.
No, they’ll probably be sending down Luis Atilano. He appears to be the odd-man-out in the SP rotation.
Seems like he could help some teams if he could get his control straightened out. Brewers, Cubs….? Stick him in the minors, let him work through his problems and get him back to being a productive pitcher? Wonder why the Nats didn’t try that, maybe there’s an injury?