What's the Buzz? 3/24/06
Big weekend for drafts this week and next so let’s just get to it…
The Reds are now shopping catcher Jason LaRue. Problem is, he signed a 2 year, $9.1 million agreement in December and a price tag like that is just too high. Exactly why Bengie Molina lasted so long in free agency. If LaRue does get traded, then Javier Valentin’s value jumps as he becomes the primary in Cincinnati.
The flip-flopping on Angels OF Garrett Anderson continues as his recovery timetable has been pushed back again. The chances of him starting the year on the DL increase proportionally to the value of Juan Rivera. If Anderson avoids the DL, he will start as the DH putting Rivera into left field. If he starts on the DL, then they Angels may keep 3B Dallas McPhereson up, throw Chone Figgins into the OF and have Rivera act as the DH.
The Juan Gonzalez saga gets a little kooky here as reports are coming in that there was never an agreement with the A’s and Gonzalez never even showed up to Boston’s camp after agreeing to a minor league deal. Today though, he is trying out for the Rockies. Clear as mud? Not that any of this matters…he is worthless in all leagues.
Speaking of Boston, Keith Foulke has officially been named the closer to start the season. Watch this one closely as Foulke’s recovery hit a few snags along the way. If he gets hurt, Mike Timlin would step in again and maybe Dave Riske and/or Julian Tavarez.
Also in Beantown, the Sox have claimed 1B Hee Seop Choi off waivers today. He becomes a solid insurance policy for the unproven Kevin Youkilis and the ancient J.T. Snow.
In St. Louis, the MRI came back on Larry Bigbie and it was announced that he would be out for atleast 2-3 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot. With Bigbie out, So Taguchi takes left field with John Rodriguez staying up as the 4th outfielder.
It looks like DH Erubial Durazo may not make the Rangers come April. It all depends on how many relievers they want to start the season with. Either way, Durazo is no longer worth a pick in your draft. Maybe on the waiver wire come mid-season, but that’s about it.
And the Cleveland Indians’ third base job goes to…….Aaron Boone!!!!! Future star Andy Marte was sent to AAA today.
Things just got ugly in Seattle as OF Jeremy Reed will be out for atleast 6 (possibly 8) weeks with a broken wrist. Candidates to fill in are Matt Lawton (who still has to serve out a 10 game suspension) and Willie Bloomquist (he of the non-existent bat). Look for the Mariners to start shopping for some OF help soon.
Hot prospect Justin Verlander was just named the Tigers’ 5th starter today. I think he should do fairly well in Detroit. Very favorable ballpark and he has the right mechanics. He just needs to stay healthy as he was shut down after a shoulder problem last year.
More news out of Cincy as the Reds sent down OF Chris Denorfia today. With Tony Womack leading the 2B competition, it frees up Ryan Freel to act as the 4th outfielder and utility guy; a job he has done quite admirably the past 2 years. Keep your eyes on Denorfia though, as there is still a chance that someone in the OF (like Ken Griffey) gets hurt, or Womack just starts to suck again.
Probably more later but enjoy this for now…..good luck this weekend to all that are drafting.
Catch you next time…
The Reds are now shopping catcher Jason LaRue. Problem is, he signed a 2 year, $9.1 million agreement in December and a price tag like that is just too high. Exactly why Bengie Molina lasted so long in free agency. If LaRue does get traded, then Javier Valentin’s value jumps as he becomes the primary in Cincinnati.
The flip-flopping on Angels OF Garrett Anderson continues as his recovery timetable has been pushed back again. The chances of him starting the year on the DL increase proportionally to the value of Juan Rivera. If Anderson avoids the DL, he will start as the DH putting Rivera into left field. If he starts on the DL, then they Angels may keep 3B Dallas McPhereson up, throw Chone Figgins into the OF and have Rivera act as the DH.
The Juan Gonzalez saga gets a little kooky here as reports are coming in that there was never an agreement with the A’s and Gonzalez never even showed up to Boston’s camp after agreeing to a minor league deal. Today though, he is trying out for the Rockies. Clear as mud? Not that any of this matters…he is worthless in all leagues.
Speaking of Boston, Keith Foulke has officially been named the closer to start the season. Watch this one closely as Foulke’s recovery hit a few snags along the way. If he gets hurt, Mike Timlin would step in again and maybe Dave Riske and/or Julian Tavarez.
Also in Beantown, the Sox have claimed 1B Hee Seop Choi off waivers today. He becomes a solid insurance policy for the unproven Kevin Youkilis and the ancient J.T. Snow.
In St. Louis, the MRI came back on Larry Bigbie and it was announced that he would be out for atleast 2-3 weeks with a stress fracture in his foot. With Bigbie out, So Taguchi takes left field with John Rodriguez staying up as the 4th outfielder.
It looks like DH Erubial Durazo may not make the Rangers come April. It all depends on how many relievers they want to start the season with. Either way, Durazo is no longer worth a pick in your draft. Maybe on the waiver wire come mid-season, but that’s about it.
And the Cleveland Indians’ third base job goes to…….Aaron Boone!!!!! Future star Andy Marte was sent to AAA today.
Things just got ugly in Seattle as OF Jeremy Reed will be out for atleast 6 (possibly 8) weeks with a broken wrist. Candidates to fill in are Matt Lawton (who still has to serve out a 10 game suspension) and Willie Bloomquist (he of the non-existent bat). Look for the Mariners to start shopping for some OF help soon.
Hot prospect Justin Verlander was just named the Tigers’ 5th starter today. I think he should do fairly well in Detroit. Very favorable ballpark and he has the right mechanics. He just needs to stay healthy as he was shut down after a shoulder problem last year.
More news out of Cincy as the Reds sent down OF Chris Denorfia today. With Tony Womack leading the 2B competition, it frees up Ryan Freel to act as the 4th outfielder and utility guy; a job he has done quite admirably the past 2 years. Keep your eyes on Denorfia though, as there is still a chance that someone in the OF (like Ken Griffey) gets hurt, or Womack just starts to suck again.
Probably more later but enjoy this for now…..good luck this weekend to all that are drafting.
Catch you next time…
posted by Howard Bender at
5:32 PM
