Options Declined: Taguchi, Gordon, Counsell, Embree
Alright, time to lump today’s remaining options together in one post.
- The Pirates declined Jason Michaels‘ $2.6MM option. He could re-sign for less.
- The Phillies declined their options on So Taguchi ($1.25MM with a $150K buyout) and Tom Gordon ($4.5MM with a $1MM buyout). The moves may have been Pat Gillick’s last as GM.
- The Brewers declined Craig Counsell‘s $3.4MM option, paying a $400K buyout.
- The Athletics declined Alan Embree‘s $3MM option. As a Type B free agent, the A’s could offer him arbitration. Susan Slusser spoke to Embree, who didn’t mind having the option declined.
Phillies Sign So Taguchi
The Phillies added some outfield depth today, signing So Taguchi to a one-year deal for around $1MM with an option for ’09. There had been a rumor that the Cubs were eyeing Taguchi.
The Phillies’ outfield will consist of Pat Burrell, Shane Victorino, Geoff Jenkins, Jayson Werth, and Taguchi. They’ve also got Chris Snelling as an option if he can stay healthy.
Cubs Considering So Taguchi?
Trusted reader Alex writes in with a George Ofman report on 670 The Score out of Chicago. Apparently the Cubs are considering signing free agent outfielder So Taguchi, which may be related to the Kosuke Fukudome signing. The is much less damaging than signing Kaz Matsui would’ve been, at least. But it could lead to Matt Murton being traded for less than he’s worth.
Rule 5 Action: Cards Take Barton, Cut Taguchi
The Rule 5 draft isn’t my cup of tea, but I’d like to direct you to Baseball America for coverage. By the way the Cardinals took Brian Barton. To open up a spot for him, they released So Taguchi.