Jonah Keri of Grantland lists out the National League non-roster invitees who could have the greatest impact. In addition to a series of highly-touted prospects with a chance to break out this year, Keri says to keep an eye on Roger Bernadina (Reds), Mark Reynolds (Brewers), Bobby Abreu (Phillies), and Jamey Carroll (Nationals). Here's more from the National League:
- Jaime Garcia of the Cardinals is set to receive a second opinion on his ailing left shoulder after undergoing an MRI on Monday, reports Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. Though declining further comment, GM John Mozeliak said that the preliminary review by the Cards' team doctor showed that "early indications have been encouraging." Nevertheless, any visit to Dr. James Andrews causes alarm bells to go off, and that is particularly so in the case of the 27-year-old Garcia, who missed most of last year due to a labrum tear.
- Reliever Clay Hensley, 34, is looking to make an improbable comeback with the Nationals after a series of injuries derailed his career, reports MASNsports.com's Dan Kolko. Though he could barely crack 80 mph just half a year ago, a weighted ball program commended to him by former big leaguer Tom House has allowed Hensley to regain the low-90s heat that he carried earlier in his career. Of course, Hensley faces quite another uphill battle in gaining a place in a Nats bullpen that has several arms competing for few openings.
- Much has been written about the Phillies' controversial involvement with the collegiate career of former draft choice Ben Wetzler, but Tony Blengino of Fangraphs provides an excellent new perspective on the issue. The former scout explains that the role of the scout is to eliminate as many variable as possible, making things as black and white as possible. But uncertainty will never be removed from the equation entirely, and Blengino opines that players should be permitted to utilize an agent/advisor without fear of repercussions.
- Justin Turner, who was designated for assignment by the Mets this offseason before landing with the Dodgers, talked about the shock of the DFA with Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. Turner says he has nothing but fond memories of New York, though he was particularly stunned to hear that the team had concerns with his level of hustle.
Can’t see you getting much out of Jamey Caroll. Abreu could be a DH/PH for the Phillies in interleague player. Don’t want him anywhere near the OF. Reynolds should kill the LH pitching in that division. Isn’t a great-over-the-top lefty in that division.
Watching the Mets through these post- Madoff years has led me to witness many eyesores, but Turner was not one of them.
He was the least of the team’s problems. If he had a little more range to be a viable shortstop option he would still be on the Mets and not Ruben Tejada.
He was a good role player.
The reports supposedly from the Mets’ front office of him not hustling are an absolute farce. His work ethic is not what should be questioned, it should be the Mets’ front office. How long can they pull off this charade. Maybe the team should change its name to the Tampa Bay Mets.
He’s horrible. Terrible defender and he ruined Santana’s career because he can’t pick up a grounder. It’s laughable that he was shocked to be cut. Everyone else was shocked it tome that long for him to be released.
His biggest value to the team was hitting someone in the face with a pie after a walk off. Glad he’s gone
The pies really irked me, especially that the Mets used it to abuse one player. However, I did appreciate Turner’s ability to give lengthy pinch-hit ABs. He would never get a hit, but in a big spot he would make an opponent’s closer throw him double digit pitches.
I am pretty sure injuries ruined Santana’s career.
Essentially a league-average OPS+ for a bench middle infielder is not by any means ‘horrible’. I’m not the biggest Turner fan, but you have to view him with respect to his role, and in that sense, he was solid.
I wish the dislike button worked
The Mets have problems but Turner wasn’t one of them. He was a team guy and a decent bench player – as a Mets fan I wish him nothing but the best and I am sorry the Mets let him go.
I don’t really have a huge problem with them cutting him, as he’s an expendable bench/role player. I do, however, take issue with the fact that this is yet another thing from the Mets FO that should have been kept in house. I can maybe understand publicly trashing Tejada’s work ethic if it’s from a misguided motivational standpoint. Ditto on very publicly trying to trade Ike. (again, disagree with both, though)
But this? You’ve already released the guy. What is the point in assailing his character and work ethic now? Let the guy try to find work and maximize his pay day. Just unprofessional of them to do this.
This I agree with completely, and it’s the real issue here. Whether Turner should or should not have been DFA’d, there is no reason for the Mets to throw him under the bus unless Turner had been publicly displaying unprofessional behavior.
jaime garcia was smart to lock that extension in when he did.
As a marlins fan, I wish Hensley the best.
I think if Ervin Santana is still on the market after the draft the Phil’s should pick up if they are countered about the pick he would make a nice spot in the rotation
When everyone thinks it’s crazy that players sign pre-free agent deals that look so team friendly and can’t figure out why….Jaime Garcia is a perfect example of why those deals are enticing for young players.
Cortisone shot. He’s day-to-day.
I’m not so sure ‘breakout’ is the right term to be associated with Abreu and Reynolds.
…and that, my friends, is why the Cardinals didn’t trade from their pitching wealth to acquire a shortstop.