Links from the NL Central, before Pirates starter Kevin Correia pitches against his former teammates in San Diego…
- The Reds signed left-handed reliever James Adkins and catcher James Skelton to minor league deals, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America (on Twitter). Adkins, 25, has a 4.76 ERA with 7.0 K/9 and 4.6 BB/9 in parts of five minor league seasons. Skelton, also 25, has a .267/.396/.368 line in parts of seven minor league seasons.
- The Reds also activated Fred Lewis from the disabled list and optioned Jeremy Hermida to Triple-A, according to the Associated Press (via the Boston Herald).
- The father of Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman is involved with a group that has interest in buying the Astros, but Friedman says those dealings don’t impact his job in Tampa Bay, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.
- Andrew McCutchen left no doubt that he wants to continue playing for the Pirates when speaking to Jared Macdonald of The Good Point. "I plan on being here, that's the mindset. This is where I want to be, " he said. "I don't want to go anywhere, and I'm going to be here for as long as they want me to be here." The Pirates are discussing an extension with McCutchen, though no agreement appears imminent.
McCutchen will lead the Pirates to Greatness
If by “greatness” you mean 5th place, I agree.
Hater
I plan on being here, that’s the mindset. This is where I want to be.
I love hearing that from a young blossoming star like Cutch’, despite his team’s ongoing struggles. No matter how badly they might be doing every team needs its stars. It gives the fans something to feel good about no matter how bleak things may be (and since we all know how things stand with the Pirates, yeah, there’s really no need to continue beating that theme to death).
he’s a good player but i doubt he’ll ever be the star the pirates need.
And here i thought a few yrs ago the Hermida was going to break out soon.
Wonder what the Reds are thinking with the catcher signing. I know it’s a depth move but we already have enough catching in the majors and the upper minors. Maybe Grandal gets promoted to AA and this guy fills in at high A.
Dear Mr. Friedman,
I have a team that might be on the block later this month. Give me a ring.
Sincerely,
F. McCourt