Here’s the latest from around the American League…
- In an interview with Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (partial audio link), agent Dave Stewart said he had spoken to “four or five teams” about client Chris Carter, including the Rangers and Orioles. The Athletics haven’t been in touch with Stewart, as the A’s gave the impression that they have moved on from Carter, who played in Oakland from 2010-12. Stewart doesn’t anticipate Carter signing within the next week or so, as the market for first base/DH types is still rather unsettled, even a few weeks after Edwin Encarnacion signed with the Indians.
- The Twins have had a fairly quiet offseason, though chief baseball officer Derek Falvey expects more activity for both his club and others as Spring Training approaches, Phil Miller of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes. “If an opportunity presents itself, we’ll be ready to strike,” Falvey said. “The reality is, we’re standing here today with players still available in free agency that I don’t think any of us would have predicted in October. Things change.”
- With Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto saying that his team’s major offseason moves are complete, Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune looks how Seattle’s 25-man roster could break down, with relatively few spots still available to be decided in Spring Training battles.
- The Rangers’ $110K signing of Cuban infielder Luis Yander La O could end up being a bargain, Baseball America’s Ben Badler opines. La O spent almost a full year in free agency before “signing for far less money than other Cuban players who have received bigger bonuses despite having less talent,” Badler writes. Multiple changes in representation could be one reason for La O’s longer-than-expected stint on the open market, though Badler notes that many scouts see him as a utilityman rather than a potential everyday player. Still, at the cost of just a $110K bonus, the Rangers are taking little risk in La O’s future.
Mariners look like they will be in the hunt for October.
I agree, but I’m biased being an Ms fan! We’ve improved our complimentary line-up surrounding our core hitters, speed on the bases/ at the top of our line-up and outfield defense. I’m most excited about our bullpen. It’s loaded- Diaz, Scribner, Altavilla, Cishek, Miranda, Scrabble then an all out bare knuckle brawl for the 7th spot between Simmons, Vincent, Pazos and Zych could give us our best bullpen in over a decade.
Ha Dave Stewart. I know it’s a different one, but still.
Actually, I think it’s the same one.
No, same one. Now works for agency headed by his wife.
Oh wow. Huh. Didn’t know, my bad.
Braves should sign some dave stewart clients, they owe him
Carter would fit well with the white sox, they need a DH. If you sign him for 1 year, there isn’t really any risk.
Baltimore will sign Carter and he’ll hit 45HRs.
Hope we get him
45 HR’s but batting .174!