On this date in 2010, Bengie Molina signed a one-year deal with San Francisco. The Giants sent the backstop to their eventual World Series opponents once Buster Posey forced his way into an everyday role. Now, Molina is the lone noteworthy free agent catcher remaining and he's without an obvious suitor. Here's the latest from around the major leagues…
- Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik told MLB.com's Greg Johns that he is aware that Milton Bradley was arrested and is monitoring the situation as he awaits more information.
- A baseball insider tells John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that the Reds can't afford a $20MM player. That could make it difficult for the club to retain Joey Votto and Jay Bruce when their current extensions expire.
- Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com hears that Odalis Perez is nearing a $300K deal with a Korean team (Twitter link). The 32-year-old left-hander last appeared in the majors for the 2008 Nationals, when he posted a 4.34 ERA with 6.7 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 159 2/3 innings.
- The Yankees appear to be focused on Andruw Jones, but Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suggests it's too early to rule them out on another Scott Boras client, Johnny Damon (Twitter link).
Poor Bengie. Read the market wrong. Should be backing up his brother in StL.
Why did he read the market wrong? Wasn’t he going yo retire?
that’s what I thought! I didn’t think that Bengie was trying to be this year’s Jermaine Dye lol
yep. Milton’s career is over. Nobody will touch him now.
definitely over after this season, might we still see him pencilled in a few times this year though?
“yep. Milton’s career is over. Nobody will touch him now.”
Careful. You will get people angry with you saying it is not Milton’s fault.
Cub fans (and probably fans of about 6 other teams) could see this coming from miles away. While some “experts” were gloating about Milton’s numbers and chiding the Cubs for trading him for Silva — we knew that this was addition by subtraction regardless of what Silva did on the mound. That he was an effective pitcher before he got hurt and the Cubs used the saved money to sign the more productive, more clubhouse friendly Byrd was just gravy. Milton has real issues that don’t go away with a change of scenery.
True. I also remember people saying it was the Chicago Cubs that caused Milton’s issues. Some M’s fans and baseball fans thought Hendry was the reason. Hendry may be guilty of being swooned at a dinner and signing a multi year deal when no one else did previously, but Milton’s issues are long recorded before and now after Chicago.
From a human standpoint, I don’t wish ill will on anyone. I hope the man gets his life straight and is at peace with himself someday.
Agreed. You just hope he learns to manage his personality issues and bring peace not just for himself but for all the people in his life.
Yes, peace to those in his life, too. I left that out, but should be included.
Odalis Perez… oh man. Didn’t know he was still pitching anywhere.
I like the thinking on Jones but then I look at Damon and say he is the better fit. He has played ther before, he plays hard, I think he has alot left and while Jones gives you more pop, Damon is a better overall hitter at this stage, probably a better fielder and has been more consistent the last few years.
One issue I see the Yankees having is Posada- he hit .248 with 18 homeruns last year- even at DH with him being 40 I dont see those numbers getting any better and he may hurt them if he has to DH everyday. Damon is a better option than Jones to split time at DH. He gets on base more and will hit for a much better average. Arod, Tex, Cano, Swisher, Granderson, Posada and Montero are all home run threats- power is not the issue and if it is power vs a guy who gets on base more I think getting on base more often is a bigger factor.
Molina will find a job- if not with the Redsox an injury will cause a team to sign him or a team will realize you probably wont find a better backup catcher.
Poor Bradley, Im sure he just ran into Larry Vanover in the local Walmart and just had to get some things off his chest.
Maybe he also saw Lou Piniella at the same Walmart–Lou always brought out the worst in Milton
Milton brought out the worst in Milton.
Milton always brings out the worst in Milton.
I wish the Mariners could get out of paying the 12MM Milton is due in 2011
With a criminal charge could they not void the contract?
It depends, there needs to be a specific clause in the contract that cites an ability to void the contract in the case of a felony or legal offense.
Unfortunately, considering it was Hendry who signed him to that contract, the chances of such a clause are probably pretty low.
Good question. Does it have to be in a contract? Can documented team policy dictate any fallout without specifically in a player’s contract? MLB might have different rules on the issue, so I would only be guessing.
People like Milton Bradley made me sick.. All the God given talent in the world.. people forget because they hate his attitude, but this guy has had some monster seasons.. Always had a great ability to get on base.
Just really really sad how people waste their talent
Eh, his year in Texas was his only notable season. Yes he has great talent, but that’s the only year he did it for a full season.
OR you could be completely wrong
He’s had 3 full seasons of OPS over .900 I’d say those other years we’re fine seasons as well.
Ummm where are you getting those numbers from? In ’07 he played in 61 games. In 2003 he only played 101. So hes had ONE FULL SEASON (that being with Texas) with an OPS over .900…good try though.
Hell, even his year in Texas he only played in 126 games. So again, nice try, but you are the one who is completely wrong.
I feel sorry for Milton Bradley. The guy obviously cannot control himself.
It’s easier to feel sorry for him from a distance, but anyone who has encountered someone with bipolar disorder (as I presume Milton has) or any anti-social disorder knows how destructive they can be to those close to them. I do hope he eventually learns to manage his personality issues, for his sake and for the sake of those around him.
If a guy is jailed and can’t show up to play, he still gets paid?????
Double post