Today's minor deals include a number of former Major Leaguers…
- The Nationals re-signed Ron Villone, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America (on Twitter). As Eddy points out, the 18-year veteran has been traded for Greg Vaughn and Andy Benes.
- The Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League signed Mike Lamb, Toby Hall and Jason Johnson, according to Mike Ashmore of the Hunterdon County Democrat (on Twitter). Lamb, 35, was a pinch hitter for the Marlins last year after missing the 2009 season; Hall, a nine-year veteran, hasn't spent time in the majors since 2008 and Johnson, a 37-year-old right-hander with 11 years of MLB experience, has been out of the majors for two years as well.
- The Dodgers signed right-hander Steven Jackson to a minor league deal, according to Eddy (on Twitter). He appeared in 11 games for the Pirates last year, but got much more exposure in 2009 when he posted a 3.14 ERA in 40 relief appearances despite walking more batters than he struck out.
- The Reds signed right-hander Tyree Hayes, the son of former MLB third baseman Charlie Hayes, according to Eddy (on Twitter). Hayes, 22, has yet to advance past Class A in five pro seasons.
- The Twins signed former Royals prospect Joe Dickerson, according to Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus (on Twitter). The 2005 fourth rounder didn't play last year.
- The Angels signed former A's prospect Jeff Baisley, according to Goldstein (on Twitter). The 28-year-old played in 14 games for the 2008 A's and posted an .845 OPS in the upper minors of their system last year.
Ron Villone rising!
positive proof that a lefty can pitch forever- Oh no! Ollie Perez is a lefty!!!
Well, Ollie doesn’t really pitch, so I think we’re safe there.
Steven Jackson is the worst pitcher that I have ever seen.
What, You’ve never laid eyes on Ollie Perez?
I don’t know man… I watched 120+ games of the Tigers in 2003. Let me tell you, Franklin German was god awful. No command of his fastball, not enough K’s for how hard he throws, high walk rate, and the worst split fingered pitch I’ve ever seen. Admittedly, Steven Jackson is probably a “similar player” to German on baseball reference.
Is there a team Ron Villone HASN’T played for?
18 of them by my count.