Friday Night Links..
- While one source told Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram that a trade of Koji Uehara could free up enough money for the Rangers to sign free agent Roy Oswalt, another source said that any money saved would be pocketed rather than be used on Oswalt or Mike Gonzalez.
- The other team involved in the A.J. Burnett talks was the Phillies, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN.com. However, the club would've had to clear Joe Blanton's to make the deal work.
- The Diamondbacks will be on the lookout for catching depth through Spring Training, Olney tweets.
- In his blog for the Detroit Free Press, Jamie Samuelsen writes that the Tigers should stay in-house when it comes to their fifth starter position rather than scour the open market for an affordable arm. The highly-touted Jacob Turner is among the candidates for the backend of the rotation.
Would’ve liked to have seen that deal gone through. AJ’s numbers should improve getting out of the AL East and he at least has some potential.
Getting him back under Doc’s wing could have helped straighten him out too (which is probably what the Phillies were thinking).
I’d take anything over watching Joe Blanton and have to hear Chris Wheeler spout off all season how he goes out there and gives a good effort and puts his team in a position to win…
He’s in decline. He’s a AAA starter at best.
landon powell/josh donaldson/anthony recker to the d’backs makes sense if they just want a backup (although anthony recker could be a useful player)
Blanco is the backup, but they need a minor-league catcher who can hold his own as an everyday starter in case of a Miguel Montero injury. Powell would fit the bill, while I haven’t heard of the other 2 (which doesn’t mean they wouldn’t work.)
Looking at age and statistics, I’d take Donaldson.
What would it take for them to take Mathis off the Jays hands?
A decent prospect in addition.
recker is also a good option (i’d actually take recker over donaldson)
the only reason recker has gone unnoticed because he’s always had the misfortune of being passed on promotions when it came time (said promotions were given to, none other than suzuki and powell, the higher round draft picks).
at this point, recker has nothing left to prove in the minors, unfortunately, age isn’t on his side.
I wonder if the Dbacks are beginning to suspect that they will be unable to bring Montero back after the upcoming season. Several small indicators, along with the arbitration-avoiding contract have certainly begun to suggest it. If that’s the case, the sort of depth they will be looking for will have to be on the young and able to be developed side.
I hope not, that could be the case, but I’m hoping they are looking at this as a move to acquire serviceable depth in case Montero gets injured.
AJ will win the CY Young in Pitt
That is never going to happen. He is used up, and his best pitch is good only half the time. Plus you need offense to have a presentable winning percentage, and control over your pitches to be considered Cy Young capable.
Felix Hernandez would beg to differ on the necessity of a good winning percentage in winning a Cy Young.
But, I’m with you on the necessity of pitch control.
I was just saying that a good winning percentage would be more appealing. In New York, even with all the offense, he was only a .500 pitcher. With no offense at all, those numbers will evolve into something more morbid. The man is just used up.
Yeah, and I’ll win MVP in 2013…
He may not win the CY Young but he just made that starting rotation much better!!!
I would like to see Smyly get a good look at the 5th starter job
I’m a little worried about rushing Smyly or Turner. I think Crosby and Oliver should have equal chance with them for the spot figuring the Tigers aren’t going to add anyone from outside the organization.
I’m still not opposed to the Tigers bringing in Damon or Magglio or someone of that ilk on a 1 yr deal to DH while VMart recovers.
I feel like smyly will be better this season than turner, but either one of them will be better than penny so I can’t complain. I would love the tigers to bring back Damon on a 1 year deal to platoon in left field and DH with Delmon if we do get Damon that would put us over the top, because it would hive us speed towards the top of our order.
Yanks should’ve just cut AJ and signed him to a one year deal. He’s only good when that next contract is on the table. Total headcase. Glad he’s headed to Pittsburgh and not Philly.