The latest minor league transactions include a number of familiar names. Matt Eddy of Baseball America has the details:
- The Braves
 re-signed Brent Clevlen and signed independent leaguer Beau Torbert, who posted tremendous numbers in the American Association this year. Earlier in the week, Torbert told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he's excited to be joining the Braves.
- The Astros signed right-hander Casey Fien. Fien has appeared in 11 games for the Tigers, but the 27-year-old has not proven himself against big league hitters.
- Former Yankees lefty Royce Ring elected free agency.
- The Pirates released Chris Jakubauskas and saw Brandon Moss elect free agency. Moss arrived in Pittsburgh in the Jason Bay trade, but he hit just .228/.295/.373 in parts of three seasons for the Pirates.
- Former Mariners catcher Guillermo Quiroz became a free agent.
- The Rangers signed Kevin Cash. The 32-year-old backstop posted a .483 OPS for the Astros and Red Sox last year and threw out an uncharacteristically low percentage of would be base stealers.
Middle of the 2011 season: Rangers trade Kevin Cash to the Red Sox for cash considerations or player to be named later.
Isn’t he the greatest emergency catcher ever…? This guy doesn’t hit to save his life, throws out few runners, but every organization loves him, as I do.
The guy’s a grinder and is always ready to play.
Probably the only reason the Rangers signed him. Figured they could make a profit.
Man, i have to applaud the Pirates. They did so great in that Bay/Manny trade…great haul…oh wait a second…………………………they got hansen, moss and laroche
Yea…thats just horrible.
And Bryan Morris, who was an intrical part in getting the Curve a championship along with the other 3 lefties…But Morris had an 0.60 ERA in Bradenton and did a fine job in Altoona, and looks to be one of the 4 really good pitching prospects in AA who will get a look in Spring Training and get a chance to pitch in the Majors in ’11 and be a crucial part of their ’12 rotation.
…Bryan Morris, who was an intrical* part…
* integral
Meanwhile, I can barely spell Infeld Flie, mind you 😀
i forgot him…again, what a great haul
In my opinion, the failures of the Bay trade are offset by the triumphs of the Nady deal. The Pirates acquired Ross Ohlendorf and Jose TABATA, who, mind you, will play integral parts in the success of future Pirates teams.
Although, it would have been nice if the Pirates had gotten Jeff Niemann and Brignac from the Rays
How does Cash keep getting work?
Beau Torbomb. As in hitting them.Hopefully.
And how does anyone with a .430 OPS sign a contract anywhere in anything remotely related to baseball? Especially a 32 year old. If you’re over 30 and can’t hit 18-20 year olds better than that, then maybe you should consider quitting your day job.
I took a look at the list that Eddy compiled and would love to see Brandon McCarthy
sign with the Pirates.
I like the Fien signing for my Astros. Sure, he hasn’t gotten ML hitters out on a consistent basis but he’s only been given 14 ML innings. His minor league numbers are quite good: he fans a batter an inning and has terrific control–uncommon for high strikeout pitchers.
Also, did Jaku-sasquatch pitch at all after his horrendous injury at the hands of Lance Berkman? That comebacker he took square off the forehead was nastier than anything I’ve seen in a Rob Zombie flick.