The Marlins are reportedly taking an interesting strategy in their attempts to court Cuban phenom Victor Victor Mesa, according to a tweet from Joe Frisaro of MLB.com. Frisaro suggests that the organization is trying to sell Miami as “home” to the free agent. They’re also hoping that being a component of a rebuild amidst an improving minors system will be additional incentive in bringing the elder Mesa brother into the fold. As Frisaro notes, the Marlins also have one of the highest international bonus pools by which to pay him, second only to that of the Orioles (with whom the opportunity to lead a rebuild is also present).
More items from around the league…
- Cardinals reliever Bud Norris left last night’s game with hamstring tightness, and it’s looking unlikely that he’ll pitch again during the regular season. Indeed, manager Mike Schildt indicated that to be the case yesterday, per Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com. “It seems to be a recurring issue,” Shildt lamented. “It would be surprising if he pitched again the next two days based on what he’s dealing with.” Norris served as the Cards’ closer for much of the season, accruing 28 saves to go along with a 3.59 ERA and 10.46 K/9. It’s uncertain whether he could be ready to pitch in time for a potential postseason berth, though with St. Louis on the brink of elimination as of today, that could possibly become irrelevant soon.
- Maria Torres of the LA Times writes that the performance of right-hander Felix Pena this season has put him firmly in the conversation for the Angels’ 2019 rotation. While he’ll be denied the chance at one final start this year, he’ll head into spring training in March with his eyes on a permanent role as a starter. “We like what we’ve seen and we’re encouraged that he can build upon this season and take it into 2019,” said general manager Billy Eppler. Pena capitalized on the opportunity presented to him by an avalanche of Angels pitching injuries this season, putting up a 4.18 ERA and 4.04 FIP across 17 starts for Los Angeles, racking up 85 strikeouts in 92 2/3 innings along the way. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Cubs last October after being designated for assignment.
- Cubs righty Pedro Strop is progressing in his return from a hamstring injury, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reports. He’s tested the hamstring twice off the mound recently, and while a return during the regular season has been ruled out, the Cubs will certainly be waiting with bated breath to see if one of their best relievers will be available for the NLDS. The next test for Strop will be his ability to cover first base. “I’ve been able to throw,” he said. “My arm is in shape so I don’t have to go through that. It’s going to make the process quicker. Good thing I’m able to throw…I feel it a little bit but nothing major.”
Every time I see Victor Victor’s name all I can think of is Airplane! “What’s our vector Victor?”
LOL
Rodger Rodger
I’m sure the O’s will have their own selling points in their pitch. Hopefully it goes beyond, “Peter Angelos is our owner.”
“Ever seen The Wire?”
All but the final season. Why?
It was a joke. Quoted as their next line in the pitch to entice VV to go to Baltimore…never mind. Not quitting my day job.
Hopefully all we need to pitch is “4 million buys a lot more than 3” We can certainly outbid everyone.
The Marlene’s will sell it like home…until you prove to be a major league talent and they ditch you. They keep running that organization like a AAAA club.
That was the Loria regime. Ole Jeetah and Co. still have time to establish their own identity.
I’m sorry, here I thought they dumped Giancarlo, Osuna, Gordon and others AFTER Jeter came to town…
Yelich too…
Because one they needed to clear out salary commitments that they couldn’t afford to take on, lots of businesses cut costs after change in ownership. Two they had to rebuild an awful prospect pipeline and the only way to do that is to draft, trade, and sign international FAs.
Justifying them going cheap doesn’t mean they don’t run a AAAA operation down there. Shame they fleeced everyone with that stadium.
Selling Miami as a “home” to a….Cuban? Wow why did they not think of this before? lol
Victor victor…..really? What’s the third kid named ?
Victor Victor Loser
Grey victor
Unless he’ll be starting in the Major Leagues right away, they should be “selling” him on Batavia, Greensboro, Jupiter, Jacksonville, or New Orleans since he’ll be in the minor leagues.
Strop better be ready for the Wildcard game or his season is done. Don’t see them getting past dodgers or Colorado. If it’s the Dodgers wouldn’t it be Rich Hill? They can’t hit him.
norris should have been shut down in august
I swear to god if we don’t get V2