The latest minor moves from around MLB…
- The Reds have signed Joey Gathright to a minor league deal according to the CBSSports.com transactions page. The 31-year-old outfielder was hitting .240/.348/.365 in an independent league. He appeared in seven games for the Red Sox last season.
- The Dodgers announced that they have signed or are in the process of signing more than 20 Latin American players. The group includes at least 10 position players and 10 pitchers and reflects a new approach to the international market from the one adopted under the ownership of Frank McCourt. “With our renewed resources in that area and the upcoming first-year player draft next month, we look forward to adding many talented young players to the Dodger family,” GM Ned Colletti said.
- The Blue Jays acquired catcher Paul Phillips from the Brewers for cash, according to Mike Vassallo of the Brewers (on Twitter). Phillips had been playing at Triple-A Nashville and owns a .269/.317/.369 batting line in 13 minor league seasons.
- The Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League signed former MLB closer Armando Benitez, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. The 39-year-old has 289 career saves in 15 MLB seasons. He last appeared in the Major Leagues with the 2008 Blue Jays.
It’s about time the Dodgers returned to signing foreign players. They were at one time one of the best at it.
It was really shift was from Latin America to Asia. I’m not sure if the Dodgers’ camp in the DR survived McCourt but it was considered to be one of the best at one time. Still, they’ve signed some great players in Japan and Taiwan in recent years. No matter where the players come from, finding them requires more and better scouting. The signals coming from ownership about rebuilding the farm system is good news. Finally!
Ned wasn’t 100% forthcoming in that quote, Dodgers actually signed 10 position players, 10 pitchers, and 3 GM candidates.
Over/under on how many weeks it will be until Benitez is closing for a major league team?
Closing? I doubt anyone is that desperate.
Disagree.
Signed,
B. Cashman
Because Soriano has never closed before right?
Did the Blue Jays acquisition of Paul Phillips today herald the call up of Travis d’Arnaud?
Maybe. but JP is playing too darn well…
Why call up d’Arnaud when Arencibia is playing so well recently? They don’t want them splitting time, and Arencibia was Player of the Week last week, so I doubt they’ll be sending him down.
Unless they want to trade him while his value is super high and then call up D’Arnaud.
Though I’m not saying I think it’s likely or it won’t be sad to see JP go…
No. It means that Gomes will be sticking around for a while.
Absolutely Splendid
wow Silent Assassasin, AA himself fleeces another gm!
If Gathright knew how to play baseball; oh the possibilities.