Free-agent righty Colby Lewis bid adieu to the Rangers organization in a statement to reporters, including Anthony Andro (Twitter link). Though he has still yet to sign, it seems that there’s now no possibility of a reunion with Texas. Lewis, 37, did not suggest that he’s planning to retire, though he has yet to find a roster spot with camps opening around the league. The veteran right-hander posted a solid 3.71 ERA in 116 2/3 innings last season, but he struggled upon returning from a lat strain that sidelined him for nearly two months. Beyond that, ERA alternatives like FIP, xFIP and SIERA all felt he was fortunate to get through the season with that 3.71 mark, as he posted an abnormally low BABIP while his strikeout, walk and home-run rates each trended in the wrong direction.
A few more notes on the waning market for arms…
- If there was any doubt, former Angels righty Jered Weaver made clear recently to teammates that he won’t be back with the Halos, as Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register reports (Twitter links). Right-hander Garrett Richards told reporters that Weaver recently sent out a group text telling his now-former teammates what a pleasure it was to play alongside them. Said Richards of receiving the text: “After that went out, everything was put into perspective that he wasn’t coming back… It’s going to be weird.” Weaver has been connected to the Padres on multiple occasions, though a union between the two sides has not yet commenced. It’s possible that he could latch on there or with another club, as multiple teams are still seeking depth, and injuries are sure to continue to arise as Spring Training gets underway.
- Justin Masterson worked out for eight teams in Phoenix, Ariz. earlier today, per ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (Twitter link). He’ll pitch again for some clubs on Friday, Crasnick adds. The Twins were reportedly in attendance for today’s session, though it’s not clear which other clubs were present. Masterson’s last productive MLB campaign came back in 2013, as injuries have hampered his results in recent years. He struggled with Pittsburgh’s Triple-A affiliate last season, but at age 31 (32 in March), he’s hardly old enough to doubt the possibility of a successful comeback effort.
- The Cubs passed on matching the Royals’ offer to Travis Wood and on matching the recent commitments made to Jerry Blevins (by the Mets) and Boone Logan (by the Indians) in large part because they’re saving their resources for the summer trade market, writes CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney. “There were some relievers who became available on shorter deals late that we were interested in early on (with) those types of deals,” said president of baseball ops Theo Epstein. “But they weren’t really ready to commit yet to the shorter deal. And then by the time it rolled around late in the offseason, we kind of spent our money.” Epstein specifically cited a desire for “flexibility for in-season moves” and added that the baseball operations department had some “self-imposed limitations” late in the winter. As such, it doesn’t sound as if Cubs fans should expect much in the way of significant additions to the roster between now and Opening Day.
gonna miss weave man
Texas just needs to resign Colby. We’re already this far into the off season and he’s still unsigned. I’m sure he’d sign for dirt on a 1 year pact to stay with the Rangers. Can’t have enough capable SP’s, and he’s just overall a good clubhouse presence there.
agreed…he’s better then a few of the bullpen arms we have…I wonder if he’d be willing to come out of the pen…
agreed…he’s better then a few of the bullpen arms we have…I wonder if he’d be willing to come out of the pen…id take Colby over Lincecum 4 sure..
Reports stated the Rangers only offered Colby a minor league deal and camp invite. I think he wants a guaranteed deal and can’t blame him.
That may be true. He’ll land somewhere this year. It’s unfortunate, but a solid SP in someone’s rotation will more than likely get injured during spring training, or early on in the season. When that happens, Colby will get the call.
Weaver to the Padres would be good for both – also would like SD to take a flyer at one more veteran starter like Lincecum or Peavy – Padres aren’t going anywhere soon and having a rotation with veterans with possible gas still left in the tanks is better than rushing young arms with maximum innings or fragile egos out to the mound too early
Its sad that the angels did not bring back weaver, its gonna be weird not seeing him in the rotation.
Then people hate players that want longer deals. Weaver took less money to stay with the angels! A lot had to do with his older brother Jeff (he played for a lot of different teams) but I wish weaver the best. Had a blast watching him.
I wonder if colby would be willing to come out of the pen….?
With Reyes needing TJ, I could the Cards gambling on either Weaver or Lewis.
Masterson may not be OLD enough to doubt a comeback, but his abilities leave plenty of room for doubt. That guy gave me fits when he played for the Sox.
I was happy when the Pirates signed him to a minors deal. He fits the profile of the type of guy they can usually fix perfectly.
The fact that nothing came of it and they don’t seem to want him back….not a good sign.
Weaver to the Expos!