Recent reports indicating that right-hander Joel Hanrahan will host a showcase for multiple teams today are not accurate, agent Mike Dillon of Reynolds Sports Management tells MLBTR:
"Reports of a showcase workout with Joel Hanrahan are inaccurate. Teams that have been interested in watching his light bullpens have been welcome and the Mets are watching him today. We do not anticipate Joel throwing for multiple clubs in a 'showcase' type of workout until early March when he will be closer to 100%. Having said that, we are excited and very encouraged with Joel's progress."
Hanrahan underwent Tommy John surgery last May and also had the flexor tendon in his right elbow repaired. The 32-year-old pitched just 7 1/3 innings for the Red Sox in his lone season with Boston, and the eight runs he allowed on 10 hits (four homers) and six walks were proof that something wasn't right with his health. The two-time All-Star had posted a 2.59 ERA with 10.4 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in 229 1/3 innings for the Pirates in three-and-a-half seasons leading up to 2013, saving 82 games along the way.
In addition to the Mets, Hanrahan has also been connected to the Orioles in recent weeks. Baltimore has been eyeing free agents with closing experience and recently watched as Fernando Rodney signed a two-year deal with the Mariners.
Huh? Hanrahan to Orioles?
How does anyone reasonably expect him to pass his physical with them? They might as well give him a token $50MM contract, then just void it at the physical.
“Reports are inaccurate” – Fitting, just like his pitching.
He’s a guy I’d take a 1 year deal with a club option for year 2. Pay him $1M this year and set the option at $4M. If he comes back strong he’ll be a decent value for his new club. If he doesn’t come back you burned $1M.
I have to think that is preferable to Hanrahan vs getting a minor league deal this season.
I hope the Mets can get him, Bailey, Madson, Myers, or another closer coming off inury (I know there are more that don’t come to mind) on a minor league deal, along with K-Rod
Scratch that, I just saw the Brewers signed K-Rod
Wouldn’t mind any of those guys on a minor league deal we really could use a veteran to help in the bullpen and as insurance in case Parnell isn’t full healthy right away at the start of the season.
Yea, my whole philosophy right now is that the bullpen could probably survive as is, but you don’t want to thrust guys like Black and German into the 8th inning or possibly even closer role. The list of guys who are coming off injury and would take minor league deals is still long but there aren’t many guys that are sure things. I wanted K-Rod. Now it looks like the best option is Betancourt. Gregg hasn’t been good for a while and I don’t want anything to do with a reunion with Frank Francisco or Brandon Lyons. Maybe Gonzalez on a minor league deal. There’s also the option of seeing what starters would be willing to make a transition to the bullpen. This is a bit out-of-the-box but Oswalt’s name has been thrown around as a closer in recent years. Johan and Hanson may even be able to do some work out of the pen