Giants Designate Roger Kieschnick For Assignment
The Giants have designated outfielder Roger Kieschnick for assignment, reports Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com (via Twitter).
The 27-year-old didn't distinguish himself in 34 plate appearances this spring, hitting just .172/.294/.172, and hasn't managed to hit well in limited MLB action up to this point. He's been more of a force in the minors, however, with a .273/.339/.497 line in Triple-A last season.
Athletics To Designate Michael Taylor For Assignment
The Athletics will designate Michael Taylor for assignment, Taylor told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (Twitter link). The move comes as no surprise, as it was reported on Thursday that Taylor would not make the club and he is out of options.
Taylor is a once-hyped prospect who, at age 28, has never really seen much time at the MLB level. After a strong effort this spring, he figures to draw some interest from around the league.
Royals To Release Ramon Hernandez
The Royals have released Ramon Hernandez at the catcher's request, tweets Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star. Hernandez had already opted out of his contract, so the move is really a formality.
Hernandez did not want to play in the minors and will likely hang up his spikes if he is unable to find an MLB job, tweets Ken Rosethal of FOX Sports.
Chris Nelson Opts Out Of Contract With Reds
Infielder Chris Nelson has opted out of his deal with the Reds and requested his release, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (via Twitter). The 28-year-old hoped to catch on in Cincinnati after shifting between three clubs last season.
Nelson has generally found success in the high minors, and carries a solid prospect pedigree. But last year, Nelson was unable to replicate the .301/.352/.458 mark he put up in a career-high 377 plate appearances in 2012. In 227 total MLB plate appearances, split between the Rockies, Yankees, and Angels, he managed only a .227/.273/.327 triple-slash.
Reaction To Cabrera, Trout Extensions
Two of the game's highest-profile players — two-time reigning AL MVP Miguel Cabrera of the Tigers and 22-year-old Angels outfielder Mike Trout, the man who arguably should have taken those titles — just signed on for significant new extensions. Cabrera inked an eight-year, $244.5MM deal that kicks in after the 2015 season, while Trout sold all three arb-eligible seasons and three of his free agent campaigns for a total of $144.5MM. Here are some reactions:
- We already took a look at a few opinions on the Cabrera contract, which drew some strong negative sentiment. But Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski defends the move, telling ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that he "didn't want to lose" Cabrera. The deal was necessary, said Dombrowski, for Detroit to retain a player that he considers an all-time great hitter who will be able to maintain production for another decade. "Would I love to be able to sign Miguel Cabrera for $22MM a year for the next five years? Of course," said Dombrowski. "But was five years going to get this done? The answer to that is no. And I know that for a fact." Cabrera's interest in staying with the club mattered, but seemingly only went so far. "He did want to be a Tiger," Dombrowski said, "but you've still got to pay him in today's world."
- Turning to Trout, it appears that the sides were negotiating (at least at this stage of talks) with a clear idea that the deal would cover only six years. As Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweets, Trout countered the Halos' original offer of $140MM with a $153MM figure. The final number landed closer to the Angels' preferred figure, of course. By holding to a six year commitment, the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin writes, Trout figures to have a chance at an even bigger payday down the line.
- The Trout contract makes sense for both sides, reasons ESPN.com's Keith Law (Insider link). That sentiment is not exactly shared by Dave Cameron of Fangraphs, who argues that Los Angeles got a huge discount on Trout's free agent seasons.
- Trout has always been linked to fellow phenom Bryce Harper. But that does not necessarily mean that Trout's contract will serve as a template for future negotiations between Harper and the Nationals, as Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports. Agent Scott Boras used some interesting terms in discussing the Trout deal, but left no doubt as to his meaning: "I think [Trout is] a very special cup of tea, for which he is deserving of a completely different brew. While few, I definitely consider Bryce Harper as part of the next generation of elite brand of teas. Certainly as a studied connoisseur, I may hold a differing opinion as to the availabiity, demand and value of tea futures."
Yunel Escobar Changes Agents
Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar has switched representation, moving from Praver/Shapiro to Miami Sports Management, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Escobar, 31, is under team control for 2015 on a $5MM club option. Assuming that is picked up — which would be a given if he repeats his solid 2013 campaign — then his new agents may not have much work to do until he hits the open market before the 2016 season. Of course, another extension is always possible, though it may be difficult to get Tampa to offer up much of a commitment beyond Escobar's age-32 season.
Pirates Outright Andy Oliver
The Pirates have outrighted Andy Oliver off of the club's 40-man roster, the team announced via press release. Oliver is a 26-year-old southpaw.
Oliver has not seen MLB action with the Pirates, and only made brief appearances with the Tigers in 2010-11. In 124 1/3 Triple-A innings last year, Oliver posted a 4.05 ERA with 10.0 K/9 and 8.1 BB/9. Obviously, he'll need to solve those control issues before having a chance at making an impact at the MLB level.
Pirates Designate Vin Mazzaro For Assignment
The PIrates have designated reliever Vin Mazzaro for assignment, reports Travis Sawchik of the PIttsburgh Tribune (via Twitter). A 40-man roster spot was needed for first baseman Travis Ishikawa.
Mazzaro lost out on a spot in a deep Bucs bullpen despite posting a 2.81 ERA in 71 2/3 innings last year. It appears that fellow out-of-options relievers Bryan Morris, Stolmy Pimentel, and Jeanmar Gomez will fill out the back of the Pittsburgh relief corps.
Cubs To Designate Alberto Cabrera For Assignment
The Cubs will designate Alberto Cabrera for assignment, reports Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times (via Twitter). Cabrera lost the competition for the last bullpen slot to Brian Schlitter.
The 25-year-old has thrown 27 2/3 MLB innings over the last two years, all in relief, and posted a 5.20 ERA. He has split his time in the minors in recent years between starting and relieving. Signed as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2005, Cabrera has spent his entire career in the Cubs organization.
Minor Moves: Jason Bulger, Mark Hendrickson
Here are the day's minor moves:
- Jason Bulger, who was trying to return from shoulder surgery, has retired, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes has learned. The former first-round choice saw action in 7 MLB seasons and put up his best year in 2009 with the Angels, working to a 3.56 ERA in 65 2/3 innings.
- 39-year-old lefty Mark Hendrickson has signed with the independent York Revolution, tweets MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko. Hendrickson last saw MLB action in 2011. He threw last year for the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate, putting up a 3.06 ERA in 67 2/3 innings.