Angels Sign Langerhans, Hurley, Diaz
The Angels have signed outfielder Ryan Langerhans, right-hander Eric Hurley, and catcher Robinzon Diaz according to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). All three players received minor league contracts.
Langerhans, 32 in February, hit just .173/.317/.346 in 64 plate appearances for Seattle in 2011. He did post a monstrous .311/.437/.573 batting line in 426 plate appearances split between the Mariners' and Diamondbacks' Triple-A affiliates, however. The left-handed hitter has always been adept at drawing walks (13.0% of his career plate appearances), and the advanced metrics generally like his glovework.
Hurley, 26, returned to the mound in 2011 after missing all of 2009 and 2010 due to major shoulder surgery. The former Rangers' top prospect pitched to a 5.55 ERA with 4.9 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 in 84 1/3 innings across 16 starts for Texas' Triple-A affiliate this past season. Hurley made five starts for the Rangers in 2008, allowing 15 runs in 24 2/3 innings.
Diaz, 28, also spent last season in Texas' minor league system. The backstop hit .318/.352/.444 in 211 plate appearances while throwing out just ten of 51 attempted basestealers (19.6%). Diaz hasn't appeared in the majors since 2009, and he's perhaps most famous for being the guy the Blue Jays traded to the Pirates for Jose Bautista back in 2008.
Epstein On Pitching, Sean Marshall, Matt Garza
The Cubs completed the Sean Marshall trade today, sending the lefty to the Reds for three young players. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein spoke to reporters after the deal was finalized, discussing a few different topics. Let's recap…
- "I don't think we are done," said Epstein according to Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago. "I do think we still need to build more depth on the starting pitching front, both in the big leagues and minor leagues."
- "[The Marshall trade] fits our general direction," said Epstein while citing the new collective bargaining agreement as one reason behind the deal, according to Paul Sullivan of The Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). The Cubs could have lost Marshall to free agency after next season without getting draft pick compensation under the new agreement.
- "[Matt Garza is] exactly type of pitcher we want to build around" said Epstein according to Gordon Wittenmyer of The Chicago Sun-Times (on Twitter). He added that his current mode is "to listen on everybody."
- "We're not rushing into anything with [Garza]," added Epstein according to Wittenmyer (on Twitter). They're still weighing the right-hander's trade value against a possible contract extension.
- Yesterday we heard that the Cubs were planning a "complete and total rebuild" and will attempt to trade "most of their valuable assets" before Spring Training.
Reds Claim Josh Judy Off Waivers
The Reds have claimed Josh Judy off waivers from the Indians, reports MLB.com's Jordan Bastian (on Twitter). Judy was designated for assignment last week to clear room on the 40-man roster for the recently acquired Aaron Cunningham.
Judy, 25, was a 34th-round draft pick for the Tribe in 2007. He made his Major League debut last season, posting a 7.07 ERA in 14 innings out of the Cleveland bullpen. Judy has some impressive numbers over five seasons in the minors (career 2.81 ERA, 10.4 K/9 rate, 2.4 K/BB ratio), so it's not surprising he was claimed. Cincinnati's 40-man roster is now at 37.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Darvish, Latos, Gio, Danks
On this date in 1975, arbitrator Peter Seitz made his landmark ruling that allowed baseball players to become free agents upon playing one year for their team without a contract. The decision — made with regards to pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally — effectively eliminated the reserve clause and ushered in the age of free agency. Seitz's decision changed baseball forever, and without it, sites like MLB Trade Rumors wouldn't be nearly as interesting.
Here's a holiday-sized collection of links from around the web…
- Did The Tribe Win Last Night? spoke to Nick Hagadone about his goal of making the Indians' bullpen next year.
- Bernie's Crew wrote about Ryan Braun and recent reports about his failed drug test.
- Lone Star Ball looks at the potential impact Yu Darvish will have on the Rangers.
- The Outside Corner wonders who will be a better investment: Darvish or C.J. Wilson.
- Redleg Nation wrote about what Mat Latos means for the 2012 Reds.
- Call to the Pen says the Latos trade is a poor fit for both the Reds and Padres.
- MLB Reports tries to figure out who's San Diego's first baseman of the future.
- Gaslamp Ball wonders if the Padres really are loaded at first base.
- District on Deck believes the Nationals gave up too much to acquire Gio Gonzalez.
- FanSpeak says the Gonzalez trade showed desperation on Washington's part.
- Federal Baseball thinks the Nats should go get a bat now that they have Gonzalez.
- Drunk Jays Fans wrote about the Blue Jays continued pursuit of pitching.
- Two Points on a Compass tries to figure out what Prince Fielder is worth.
- South Side Sox says John Danks' contract extension raises some questions about the White Sox.
- Giants Nirvana says it's hard to see both Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain signing extensions before they hit free agency.
- Rox Pile thinks Michael Cuddyer was a good pickup even if he won't fix all the Rockies problems.
- Puckett's Pond looks back at Cuddyer's five greatest moments as a Twin.
- Lasorda's Lair said goodbye to Casey Blake.
- Redbird Rants believes the Cardinals should pursue Roy Oswalt on a one-year deal.
- BoSox Injection says it would be too costly for the Red Sox to acquire Matt Garza.
- Camden Depot thinks the Orioles have little to gain with their scouting department restructuring.
- Camden Crazies believes the Orioles had a good chance to come out ahead in a Adam Jones–Jair Jurrjens/Martin Prado trade.
- Wareworthy Worthy doesn't think Jeremy Guthrie will be traded this offseason.
- Royals Review makes a case for the Royals trading Billy Butler this winter.
- Steel World Order considers this to be a successful offseason for the Pirates.
- Cleveland Indians Perspective isn't a fan of the Aaron Cunningham pickup.
- Shutdown Inning compares Derek Holland to one of his former teammates.
- Blogging Mets wonders if the Mets have another Generation K on their hands.
- We Should Be GMs doesn't think Jimmy Rollins is Hall of Fame bound.
- South Side Sox ranks the White Sox's top ten prospects.
- Cubs Billy Goat Blog put together a composite list of the Cubs' top ten prospects.
- Rays Colored Glasses takes an early look at some catchers that will be available in next year's draft.
- MLB Draft Insider listed the twelve best high school position players available in the draft next June.
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Rockies Seek Pitching; Kuroda, Saunders Unlikely
The Rockies continue to seek pitching help according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter), but they're unlikely to land either Joe Saunders or Hiroki Kuroda unless their asking prices come way down. Troy Renck of The Denver Post adds (on Twitter) that they did call the Athletics about Gio Gonzalez before he was traded to the Nationals, but they were unwilling to surrender four top prospects for the left-hander.
Colorado acquired Kevin Slowey from the Twins and Tyler Chatwood from the Angels earlier this offseason, who figure to compete with Jhoulys Chacin, Alex White, Drew Pomeranz, and Esmil Rogers for rotation spots in Spring Training. Jorge De La Rosa will return from Tommy John surgery at midseason, and Juan Nicasio has recently started throwing bullpen sessions after a batted ball fractured his C-1 vertebrae in August. After spending big on Michael Cuddyer, the Rockies figure to have some spending limitations going forward.
NL East Links: Marlins, Vazquez, Braves, Nationals
Twelve years ago today, the Mets traded Octavio Dotel, Roger Cedeno, and Kyle Kessel to the Astros for Mike Hampton and Derek Bell. Hampton pitched to a 3.14 ERA in 217 2/3 innings during his one season in New York, then signed his monster eight-year, $121MM contract with the Rockies that winter. Here's the latest from continually improving the NL East…
- The Marlins were willing to part with top minor leaguers to acquire Gio Gonzalez, but MLB.com's Joe Frisaro says they weren't willing to move anyone from their everyday lineup. Both Logan Morrison and Mike Stanton are considered "off limits."
- Within the same piece, Frisaro says that Javier Vazquez continues to maintain that he is retiring. The Marlins do not expect him back and are looking elsewhere for pitching.
- In a comment on one of his blog posts, Dave O'Brien of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explains why the Braves have less money to spend this winter than many believe.
- Baseball people keep waiting for Nationals GM Mike Rizzo to "bail out" Scott Boras on one of his free agents according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter). Unsigned Boras clients include Prince Fielder, Edwin Jackson, Johnny Damon, Carlos Pena, and Ryan Madson.
- Mark Zuckerman of Nats Insider takes a look at the far-reaching implications of yesterday's Gonzalez trade for the Nationals.
- Amanda Comack of The Washington Times tries to sort out the Nationals pitching staff following the Gio trade.
Prince Fielder Rumors: Friday
Yesterday we heard that Scott Boras is "gunning for" an average annual salary of $25.5MM for free agent Prince Fielder, which would be just above the $25.4MM annual payout Albert Pujols received from the Angels. Fielder also wants a ten-year deal, though a number of clubs are interested in a six-year pact. We'll keep track of any news about the slugger right here today, with the latest up top…
- The Orioles do indeed have interest in Fielder according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter), just not at his current asking price.
Minor Moves: Brian Esposito
We'll keep track of today's minor league moves right here, with the latest up top…
- The Reds have signed catcher Brian Esposito to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training, reports Stephen Goff of Examiner.com. The 32-year-old hasn't appeared in the big leagues since 2010, and hit .197/.227/.255 in 168 plate appearances in the Astros' farm system this past season. Goff notes that Esposito has a reputation of working well with young pitchers and essentially serving as an extra coach.
Mets Sign Rob Johnson
The Mets have signed catcher Rob Johnson to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training, the team announced.
Johnson, 28, hit .190/.259/.285 in 199 plate appearances for the Padres last year and owns a .197/.275/.297 career line in parts of five big league seasons. He's thrown out 28% of attempted basestealers and is a .272/.328/.385 career hitter in nearly 1,400 Triple-A plate appearances. Johnson gives the Mets some veteran depth behind Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas.
Angels Still Exploring Relief Options
The LaTroy Hawkins signing got understandably overshadowed during the winter meetings, but the Angels are still exploring bullpen options according to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez. Gonzalez says they've been in touch with Darren Oliver's representatives and had scouts watch Joel Zumaya's recent showcase.
The Halos have Jordan Walden, Scott Downs, Hisanori Takahashi, and Hawkins slated for the bullpen at the moment, plus they have Kevin Jepsen, Rich Thompson, Bobby Cassevah, and Jerome Williams on their 40-man roster as well. Gonzalez says the Angels can't afford Francisco Cordero, and he adds that GM Jerry Dipoto has not reached out to free agents Luis Ayala and Dan Wheeler either.