There are a LOT of remaining "quality" free agents out there

[dew1679666265]

Seriously, if we didn't sign the awful Aaron Miles when we did, would he even get a major league deal at this point?

 

Shockingly, I think yes. He was getting offers from the Cards and somebody else at the time.

 

With guys like Ray Durham and Orlando Hudson still on the market I'm shocked he's employed, though.

 

Well yeah, at the time he had offers. The FA market has tanked since then and I can't imagine Miles could compete in such an oversaturated market.

 

And since he took our offer at the time, I'd have to think he would have taken one of those offers had ours not been out there.

 

In theory, were he available right now, though, no I don't think he'd get more than a minor league deal. At least, he shouldn't.

[cubsfan26]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

[dew1679666265]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

[Cubswin11]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

But Miles Gittiness>>>>>>>>>>>>>>O-Dog's Gritiness, so we got that going for us... :unsure:

[dew1679666265]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

But Miles Gittiness>>>>>>>>>>>>>>O-Dog's Gritiness, so we got that going for us... :unsure:

 

Now that's not even fair, comparing Miles' grittiness to anyone else. Few can equal the grittiness that Miles exudes in his sleep.

 

I hope you're properly ashamed.

[cubsfan26]

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons

 

So is DeRosa at 1y at 5.5m, but if DeRosa really was traded because they wanted Fontenot to get regular AB's. Signing Hudson doesn't make much sense.

 

It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

I think it's harder to find that type of player then you think. Sure they might be able to find a guy with simliar power. But not a guy who can hit for average the way Miles can for 400 AB's. Yeah I know hitting for average isn't everything, but I don't think power is everything for every player either. I personally would rather have a 290/330/700 hitter over a 250/330/710 hitter. But thats just my opinion, from watching baseball for a long time.

[17 Seconds]

but if DeRosa really was traded because they wanted Fontenot to get regular AB's.

 

$$$$$$$

 

I think it's harder to find that type of player then you think. Sure they might be able to find a guy with simliar power. But not a guy who can hit for average the way Miles can for 400 AB's. Yeah I know hitting for average isn't everything, but I don't think power is everything for every player either. I personally would rather have a 290/330/700 hitter over a 250/330/710 hitter. But thats just my opinion, from watching baseball for a long time.

 

Finding a .330 OBP, .700 OPS hitter is not hard to find, and even if he is.. it doesn't matter, because he's not that valuable. Hitting for average doesn't really mean much when you're not getting on base and only hitting singles. He's basically Juan Pierre without the speed. Let that digest for a second.

[Backtobanks]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

All of this coulda, shoulda, woulda talk is based on hindsight. If all of the GMs knew that the asking prices would drop this much, no one would have been signed. I saw on one site that Abreu might have to settle for $3 million/1 year deal. If Hendry had waited until now to sign Dempster, Bradley, and Miles to lesser contracts he probably would be short a SP, RF, and utility IF going into spring training. I can just imagine all of the bashing Hendry would have been getting for being cheap and waiting too long. As I've posted before, people just need to complain about any transaction he makes or doesn't make.

[17 Seconds]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

All of this coulda, shoulda, woulda talk is based on hindsight. If all of the GMs knew that the asking prices would drop this much, no one would have been signed. I saw on one site that Abreu might have to settle for $3 million/1 year deal. If Hendry had waited until now to sign Dempster, Bradley, and Miles to lesser contracts he probably would be short a SP, RF, and utility IF going into spring training. I can just imagine all of the bashing Hendry would have been getting for being cheap and waiting too long. As I've posted before, people just need to complain about any transaction he makes or doesn't make.

 

There's a big difference between being cheap/waiting too long and rushing into things.

[dew1679666265]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

All of this coulda, shoulda, woulda talk is based on hindsight. If all of the GMs knew that the asking prices would drop this much, no one would have been signed. I saw on one site that Abreu might have to settle for $3 million/1 year deal. If Hendry had waited until now to sign Dempster, Bradley, and Miles to lesser contracts he probably would be short a SP, RF, and utility IF going into spring training. I can just imagine all of the bashing Hendry would have been getting for being cheap and waiting too long. As I've posted before, people just need to complain about any transaction he makes or doesn't make.

 

I've never said he should have waited on Dempster and Bradley. He got pretty good deals there and I'm mostly happy with them.

 

The problem I have with the timing of the Miles signing is that he's not particularly special. What does he do that is extremely difficult to find? He hits singles 28% of the time and gets on base at a very barely decent pace. There was no reason to hurry into signing him - especially with better options still out there. What would we have lost that we couldn't replace if Miles had signed elsewhere?

[dew1679666265]

It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

I think it's harder to find that type of player then you think. Sure they might be able to find a guy with simliar power. But not a guy who can hit for average the way Miles can for 400 AB's. Yeah I know hitting for average isn't everything, but I don't think power is everything for every player either. I personally would rather have a 290/330/700 hitter over a 250/330/710 hitter. But thats just my opinion, from watching baseball for a long time.

 

Mark Grudzielanek has posted a .760 OPS in his career against lefties. That's with a .348 OBP (.297 BA).

Ramon Martinez has posted a .740 OPS in his career against lefties. That's with a .345 OBP (.275 BA).

Both are currently still free agents.

 

Chris Burke has posted a .748 OPS in his career against lefties. That's with a .347 OBP (.274 BA).

Mark Loretta has posted an .806 OPS in his career against lefties. That's with a .393 OBP (.307 BA).

Burke signed a minor league deal with the Padres and Loretta is playing this year with the Dodgers for 1 yr/ $1.25 million.

 

They all get on base at close to the same rate as Miles (.284 BA and .352 OBP) against lefties (Loretta far better) and all were cheaper than Miles. What sets him apart from them?

 

And I've said numerous times I'm not that obessed with power. But I want players to have distinguishable skills - Miles doesn't have very many.

[E.J.]

Sullivan thinks the Astros might sign Dunn to a 1-year deal.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-08-rogers-whispersfeb08,0,6701151.story

Houston is planning a sneak attack on the Cubs and might improve its chances of success if it signs Adam Dunn to a one-year deal before camp starts. Dunn, a 40-homer man for five straight seasons, would allow the Astros to move Hunter Pence to center field and Michael Bourn to the bench. That would mean a huge lift to run-production. Dunn has multi-year offers on the table, including one from Washington, but clearly isn't crazy about them. …

[inari]

With Dunn, the Astros could have a very good offense if a few things fell their way (particularly the performance of Towles and Pence). The pitching should still be a mess, though.

[ConstableRabbit]

Count me as someone who's not looking forward to facing Dunn and Carlos Lee back-to-back 40+ times per year.

[RedFlash]

Count me as someone who's not looking forward to facing Dunn and Carlos Lee back-to-back 40+ times per year.

 

Same here. Two Cub killers on the same team.....NO THANK YOU.

 

But alas I don't see Houston pony up enough money to make it worth it for one yr. Personally I think Dunnis waiting for Manny to sign, but the problem is Manny is having trouble drumming up interests considering his past.

[Backtobanks]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

All of this coulda, shoulda, woulda talk is based on hindsight. If all of the GMs knew that the asking prices would drop this much, no one would have been signed. I saw on one site that Abreu might have to settle for $3 million/1 year deal. If Hendry had waited until now to sign Dempster, Bradley, and Miles to lesser contracts he probably would be short a SP, RF, and utility IF going into spring training. I can just imagine all of the bashing Hendry would have been getting for being cheap and waiting too long. As I've posted before, people just need to complain about any transaction he makes or doesn't make.

 

I've never said he should have waited on Dempster and Bradley. He got pretty good deals there and I'm mostly happy with them.

 

The problem I have with the timing of the Miles signing is that he's not particularly special. What does he do that is extremely difficult to find? He hits singles 28% of the time and gets on base at a very barely decent pace. There was no reason to hurry into signing him - especially with better options still out there. What would we have lost that we couldn't replace if Miles had signed elsewhere?

 

Maybe you are talking about the Miles signing and not Dempster and Bradley, but I've seen other posters who said we should have waited on Dempster and signed him at a lower price (we actually would have probably lost him). They posted that we overpaid on Bradley and could have signed someone else (Abreu, Dunn, etc.) at a bargain price. Obviously, Hendry (and Lou) think Miles is what they need and the paid the going rate at the time for him.

[dew1679666265]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

All of this coulda, shoulda, woulda talk is based on hindsight. If all of the GMs knew that the asking prices would drop this much, no one would have been signed. I saw on one site that Abreu might have to settle for $3 million/1 year deal. If Hendry had waited until now to sign Dempster, Bradley, and Miles to lesser contracts he probably would be short a SP, RF, and utility IF going into spring training. I can just imagine all of the bashing Hendry would have been getting for being cheap and waiting too long. As I've posted before, people just need to complain about any transaction he makes or doesn't make.

 

I've never said he should have waited on Dempster and Bradley. He got pretty good deals there and I'm mostly happy with them.

 

The problem I have with the timing of the Miles signing is that he's not particularly special. What does he do that is extremely difficult to find? He hits singles 28% of the time and gets on base at a very barely decent pace. There was no reason to hurry into signing him - especially with better options still out there. What would we have lost that we couldn't replace if Miles had signed elsewhere?

 

Maybe you are talking about the Miles signing and not Dempster and Bradley, but I've seen other posters who said we should have waited on Dempster and signed him at a lower price (we actually would have probably lost him). They posted that we overpaid on Bradley and could have signed someone else (Abreu, Dunn, etc.) at a bargain price.

 

Yeah, I've seen those arguments and disagree. Dunn isn't signed yet because he doesn't play defense and an oft-injured Bradley is still probably close to better (if not better) than a fully healthy Abreu. I wouldn't have minded Dunn over Bradley from the start, but I don't question Hendry's timing on either of the big moves.

 

Obviously, Hendry (and Lou) think Miles is what they need and the paid the going rate at the time for him.

 

And I disagree with them. Unless they see something that I don't see and the stats don't tell, Miles is a very replaceable player that isn't much better than most of the crappy backup middle infielders out there. The same ones who aren't signed yet or signed minor league deals.

 

Miles doesn't provide anything particularly important so I would have preferred Hendry wait on that signing (and I'd have been fine with losing him) to see how the market was going to play out. Especially with the early suspicions that it would be slow.

[SouthSideRyan]

If Houston signs Dunn, they'd probably do something stupid like bench Pence. Of course with Dunn and Lee in the corners, it might be even stupider to have Pence patrolling CF between them.

[dew1679666265]

If Houston signs Dunn, they'd probably do something stupid like bench Pence. Of course with Dunn and Lee in the corners, it might be even stupider to have Pence patrolling CF between them.

 

Bourn is so bad offensively, I'd be shocked if his defense would make up the difference between him and Pence.

 

Bourn's career OPS+ of 62 is pretty despicable. I think the Astros have to start Pence in center if they sign Dunn - which I hope they don't.

[The Other 15]

Keep in mind Jerry Hairston, Alex Cora, Felipe Lopez, Nick Punto and others signed for 2m plus this offseason as well. Craig Counsell also got 1m even though he's turning 39 this year. Back up infielders had no problem getting paid this offseason. From what I heard Miles had a two year deal on the table from the Cardinals, and a bunch of one year deals with simliar salary to what he will make this season. We can all think Miles is crap, but alot of major league teams find him valueable for whatever reason. Orlando Hudson hasn't signed with anyone yet because, he's probably unwilling to accept 2-3m per season. He wants 5-8m, for probably at 3-4 years, but might have to accept a 1y at 5-6m. Now Ray Durham is harder to understand, maybe he still wants to start everyday, and thats what he meant not getting any starting offers. Otherwise I don't understand why so many teams would be staying away from him.

 

My main point is, had we waited instead of rushing to sign Miles, we might have been able to wait out a Hudson or a Durham and gotten significantly better production for the price.

 

Hudson at $5 million for one season is incredibly more valuable than Miles at $4.5 for two seasons. It's most definitely a risk, but Miles' production isn't that difficult to find off the trash heap.

 

All of this coulda, shoulda, woulda talk is based on hindsight. If all of the GMs knew that the asking prices would drop this much, no one would have been signed. I saw on one site that Abreu might have to settle for $3 million/1 year deal. If Hendry had waited until now to sign Dempster, Bradley, and Miles to lesser contracts he probably would be short a SP, RF, and utility IF going into spring training. I can just imagine all of the bashing Hendry would have been getting for being cheap and waiting too long. As I've posted before, people just need to complain about any transaction he makes or doesn't make.

 

I've never said he should have waited on Dempster and Bradley. He got pretty good deals there and I'm mostly happy with them.

 

The problem I have with the timing of the Miles signing is that he's not particularly special. What does he do that is extremely difficult to find? He hits singles 28% of the time and gets on base at a very barely decent pace. There was no reason to hurry into signing him - especially with better options still out there. What would we have lost that we couldn't replace if Miles had signed elsewhere?

 

Maybe you are talking about the Miles signing and not Dempster and Bradley, but I've seen other posters who said we should have waited on Dempster and signed him at a lower price (we actually would have probably lost him). They posted that we overpaid on Bradley and could have signed someone else (Abreu, Dunn, etc.) at a bargain price.

 

Yeah, I've seen those arguments and disagree. Dunn isn't signed yet because he doesn't play defense and an oft-injured Bradley is still probably close to better (if not better) than a fully healthy Abreu. I wouldn't have minded Dunn over Bradley from the start, but I don't question Hendry's timing on either of the big moves.

 

Obviously, Hendry (and Lou) think Miles is what they need and the paid the going rate at the time for him.

 

And I disagree with them. Unless they see something that I don't see and the stats don't tell, Miles is a very replaceable player that isn't much better than most of the crappy backup middle infielders out there. The same ones who aren't signed yet or signed minor league deals.

 

Miles doesn't provide anything particularly important so I would have preferred Hendry wait on that signing (and I'd have been fine with losing him) to see how the market was going to play out. Especially with the early suspicions that it would be slow.

And I disagree with them. Unless they see something that I don't see and the stats don't tell,

Come on, you can't really believe that someone can see something that stats don't tell, can you? You're coming awfully close to saying that having scouts still matters.

[dew1679666265]

Come on, you can't really believe that someone can see something that stats don't tell, can you? You're coming awfully close to saying that having scouts still matters.

 

Yeah scouts definitely serve a large role in assessing talent. That's why I threw in the caveat that he might have seen something the stats don't show. There's very little evidence showing that Miles could improve upon his career year, but if Hendry proves me wrong I'll be thrilled.

 

Just because I disagree (vehemently in this case) with a move he makes doesn't mean that I don't give him credit elsewhere. He's done a decent job overall, I just fail to see the logic in this move.

[MixmastaMiguel]

That's a NASTY 1-5 they would have:

1) Hunter Pence

2) Miguel Tejada

3) Lance Berkman

4) Carlos Lee

5) Adam Dunn

[17 Seconds]

That's a NASTY 1-5 they would have:

1) Hunter Pence

2) Miguel Tejada

3) Lance Berkman

4) Carlos Lee

5) Adam Dunn

 

A nasty 3-5. Tejada sucks now and Pence sucked last year.

[17 Seconds]

Adam Dunn's quest to find a home in 2009 apparently will not be taking him back to his native Houston.

 

Astros general manager Ed Wade denied a Chicago Tribune report that the club might be planning to offer Dunn a contract before the start of spring training. Dunn, 29, remains unsigned despite five consecutive 40-home run seasons.

 

"It was never an item of discussion for us," Wade said. "And even if we had greater resources available, we would have continued to be working the starting pitching market.

 

"We have MVP-caliber players in left field and at first base, and we think Michael Bourn deserves the opportunity to play on an everyday basis [in center field]."

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3895075&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

[E.J.]

Orioles sign Ty Wiggington. Rotoworld:

 

Ty Wigginton-3B-Orioles Feb. 10 - 3:48 pm et

 

Orioles signed infielder-outfielder Ty Wigginton, who had been with the Astros, to a two-year, $6 million contract.

Wigginton was awfully productive last year, but his play at third base has dropped off and he's only been a real asset against left-handers over the course of his career. He would have been a poor option had he gotten the two-year, $12 million contract he seemed poised for when the Astros non-tendered him. However, he should be worth $3 million per year as long as the Orioles don't look for ways to squeeze him in against righties. It'd be for the best if plays only against lefties until injuries strike.