The Wrong Trousers: Continuing Careers in 2018

[Edgy MD]

Fman99 wrote: Donning a Newman University practice jersey is Mike Pelfrey, who's hanging up his MLB cleats and is off to become a college pitching coach.

This is more a "Mets in Retirement" post.

Pelfrey, the Mets' top pick in the 2005 amateur draft, becomes the latest Mets top pick to ride into the sunset.

While three post-Pelfrey top Mets picks are currently free agents, only one top pick more recent than Mike has hung it up. Name that pick.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Edgy MD wrote: Fman99 wrote: Donning a Newman University practice jersey is Mike Pelfrey, who's hanging up his MLB cleats and is off to become a college pitching coach. This is more a "Mets in Retirement" post. Pelfrey, the Mets' top pick in the 2005 amateur draft, becomes the latest Mets top pick to ride into the sunset. While three post-Pelfrey top Mets picks are currently free agents, only one top pick more recent than Mike has hung it up. Name that pick.

Reese Havens?

[Edgy MD]

Reese Havens, top pick of 2008, 2017 inductee into the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame, and probably a name Omar Minaya didn't want bring up when the Mets interviewed him about returning to the organization.

Never officially retired but totally out of baseball is 2007 top pick Eddie Kunz and 2008 supplemental first rounder Brad Holt.

The first of the three first-round 2008 picks, Ike Davis, spent 2017 with the Dodgers organization, and got to head to the Arizona Fall League to begin an attempt to switch to pitching. While he allowed no runs in 5 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking four, surrendering only three hits, he currently remains unsigned for 2018.

[Fman99]

Bartolo putting up a 1.04 spring ERA with Texas and looking to lock himself into a rotation slot. Odds on #4/5 starter down there. Easy guy to root for.

[nymr83]

He wont go away, love that guy

[smg58]

Dilson Herrera was outrighted to the Reds’ AAA affiliate after clearing waivers.

[Edgy MD]

That's surprising. He's been hurting and unable to play the field. I thought they'd use that as a pretext to give him a rehab assignment.

[G-Fafif]

For all the wiseacres who blithely predicted Jordany Valdespin would someday be a Long Island Duck, Jordany Valdespin is a Long Island Duck.

“Jordany adds a lot of versatility to our ballclub,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “His ability to play multiple positions in both the infield and outfield is an important asset.” Valdespin is a four-year MLB veteran, having spent two seasons with the New York Mets (2012-13) and two with the Miami Marlins (2014-15). He totaled 15 home runs, 52 RBI, 52 runs, 14 doubles, three triples and 15 stolen bases in 214 big league games. The Dominican Republic native burst onto the scene in 2012 when he broke the Mets’ franchise record for pinch-hit home runs in a single season with five. He also collected his first Major League hit, home run and RBI in the same at-bat when he launched a ninth inning three-run homer off Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon on May 7 of that year. In doing so, Valdespin became the first player in MLB history to record his first home run off a player with 200 or more career saves. The 30-year-old spent the 2017 season with Olmecas de Tabasco and Leones de Yucatan in the Mexican League. He combined to play 72 games and posted a .332 batting average with four homers, 37 RBI, 48 runs, 13 doubles, four triples, 15 stolen bases and a .418 on-base percentage. The lefty hitter was previously named a 2011 Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star with Binghamton (AA, Mets) when he batted .297 and set career-highs in nearly every offensive category. He was also selected as a Rising Star during the 2010 Arizona Fall League when he compiled a .355 batting average with the Mesa Solar Sox. Valdespin was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Mets in 2007.

[MFS62]

Anthony Recker!
Go on down.

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/diamondbacks-anthony-recker-reassigned-to-minors-camp/

Later

[Valadius]

Endy Days - Endy Chavez signs with the Somerset Patriots:

https://www.baseballprospectus.com/news/article/38581/guarding-lines-fake-real-transaction-analyses/

[G-Fafif]

September 2014 Met callups Erik Goeddel (let go by the Rangers) and Dario Alvarez (let go by the Cubs) have reunited as Mariners.

The unchoosy Diamondbacks have selected the contract of Fernando Salas.

The Rangers gave up on Jon Niese. Texas also cut Bartolo Colon but are reportedly negotiating to send him to Triple A where he can stand by for more pitching.

The Phillies released Frankie Rodriguez and sent down Collin Cowgill and Pedro Beato.

[Edgy MD]

St. Louis announcers giddy over the defensive skills of Cardinal camper Wilfredo Tovar.

[G-Fafif]

Braves release Scott Kazmir, beset by arm fatigue.

[MFS62]

G-Fafif wrote: Braves release Scott Kazmir, beset by arm fatigue.

He is owed the $16 million remaining on his contract,
He says he didn't know he was supposed to pitch today, and threw 100 pitches (not in a game) on Wednesday.
https://www.yahoo.com/sports/reports-braves-release-16m-former-star-scott-kazmir-bizarre-circumstances-230807432.html

A team signing him would only have to pay him the major league minimum and the Braves would still be on the hook for the balance of the contract.
This is how the Mets signed Reyes last year.
Hmmmmmm

Later

[Benjamin Grimm]

And Adrian Gonzalez this year.

[MFS62]

Ho-Jo
Rangers' hitting coach - gets hit:
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/rangers-hitting-instructor-howard-johnson-hit-face-foul/story?id=53991780

Later

[G-Fafif]

Carlos Torres cut by Cleveland.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Poor Duda. What a great guy.

https://www.pe.com/2018/03/22/postcard-from-arizona-lucas-duda-and-a-sensitive-subject/

[G-Fafif]

Bartolo's gonna pitch for the Rangers after all. Reportedly one start and we'll see...but we'll see.

[MFS62]

Josh Smoker blew a save for the Pirates today, in a game they won in extra innings.
Later

[Frayed Knot]

Josh Smoker blew a save for the Pirates today, in a game they won in extra innings.

Yeah, but seemingly everybody blew a save in that game, or at least contributed to the blowing of leads.

Pitt led 4-2 until giving up 4 in the 7th
The Tigers took their newly found 6-4 lead and promptly gave up 2 in the 8th to tie the game ... and then 4 more in top 9th
Not to be out-done, the Pirates gave up 4 in the bottom of the 9th as the home Tigers re-tied it
Pirates finally put up a 3-spot in the top of the 13th and managed to hold on although not before Detroit got the tying run to the plate with just one out

Somebody named Steven Brault pitched the final three innings for the win, so ultimately there was no save in the game.
Oh yeah, and a potential walk-off run was erased by a replay review in the 10th inning; Tiger players had already had the on-field dogpile and sunflower seed showers and everything.
Objecting to the reversal got Gardenhire ejected in his Detroit debut. I bet that's something even Earl or Leo never did.

Nothing like a 5:27 minute opening day game (they had been rained out on Thursday) outdoors, in Michigan, in March.

[G-Fafif]

G-Fafif wrote: Carlos Torres cut by Cleveland.

Signed by Nats to minor league deal. Traitor.

Torres called up by Nats. Double traitor.

Edited March 31, 2018 by Guest

[G-Fafif]

Speaking of distasteful transactions, the MFYs have signed Oliver Perez to a minor league deal.

The tasteful version would be the MFYs signing 2010 Oliver Perez to a major league deal.

[G-Fafif]

Carlos Torres called up by Nats. Double traitor.

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

Tyler Pill sold from DDaggs to Dodgers, assigned to AAA

[G-Fafif]

K-Rod joins Jordany on the Ducks.

[G-Fafif]

The Dodgers have claimed Erik Goeddel off waivers from the Mariners.

[Frayed Knot]

G-Fafif wrote: The Dodgers have claimed Erik Goeddel off waivers from the Mariners.

Transactions:
5/17: The Dodgers sign Tyler Goeddel to a minor league contract
5/18: The Dodgers claim Erik Goeddel off waivers from the Mariners
5/19: The Dodgers activate Erik Goeddel*


It's been a very Goeddelian week for LAD




* he's in the game now

[G-Fafif]

Nationals DFA Carlos Torres.

[G-Fafif]

Tribe signs Ollie Perez to a big league contract.