Cardinals GM John Mozeliak tackled a variety of topics in a two–part interview with MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch. Looking back to the last offseason, he said that the team identified Pat Neshek as an option because he offered a different look from the club’s other relievers, and said that the David Freese-for-Peter Bourjos trade would not have been made without the inclusion of prospect Randal Grichuk.
Here’s the latest out of the National League …
- The Mets have, as expected, decided not to bring back hitting coach Lamar Johnson and assistant Luis Natera in those roles, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. Johnson stepped in mid-season after his predecessor, Dave Hudgen, was fired. Meanwhile, Triple-A skipper Wally Backman will not be elevated to the big league staff, but will be offered the chance to keep his position.
- As the Braves continue to make their own staff changes, scouting director Tony DeMacio has been re-assigned, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Atlanta is still waiting to hear whether interim GM John Hart will take the job full-time, Nightengale adds.
- If the Pirates are unable to bring back catcher Russell Martin, another impactful transaction that could have PR benefits would be a Neil Walker extension, writes Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. With a $5.75MM arbitration salary to build off of over his next two seasons of eligibility, and coming off of a .271/.342/.467 slash with 23 home runs, he will not be cheap.
- The Padres had a private workout today with Cuban free agent Yasmany Tomas, tweets Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. Tomas officially hit the open market yesterday.
If the Padres want to prove they are serious about adding offense Tomas would certainly be a great start. Unfortunately the pessimist in me is certain this is all for show.
Hopefully the Preller can prove me wrong.
It would be the impact bat the Padres GM said he wants to pick up this offseason. Can the Padres afford the 7 years and $100 million they are talking about Tomas will get? Especially if Tomas turns out to be good, but not great.
the length of the contract could also be a blessing. The way the market has been skyrocketing over the years even a good player at 14 million per year might be solid.
The Mets had a hitting coach?
why doesn’t Backman get any love? He’d be better than Collins IMO
A history of lying, DUIs and emotional instability perhaps?
Walker is above average, but not great, and will turn 30 shortly. Not exactly prime extension material. IMO, Pirates would be best served by moving him to 1b where his switch hitting could eliminate need for a platoon roster spot. Alen Hanson should arrive next year to take 2b, or Bucs could trade for a 3b (e.g. Plouffe), move Harrison – a better athlete – to 2b.
Mets front office on phone: “Hey, Wally (Backman)!”
Backman: “Yeah, what is it? These cheese puffs ain’t gonna eat themselves!”
“Mets: We have a job opportunity for you! Same one you have now. We think you’ll like this new challenge.”