Misc. Free Agent News

[Elwood]

Although he was terrible last year, Kevin Slowey has shown flashes and is still only 27. If he was for sure healthy, I'd be interested in giving him a shot.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Although he was terrible last year, Kevin Slowey has shown flashes and is still only 27. If he was for sure healthy, I'd be interested in giving him a shot.

 

Of all of the pitchers in the group, the one I'd take is Volstad without question. I really don't see him being NTd though. I don't really see any of the starting pitchers in the group being NTd. Even back of the rotation guys have decent trade value.

[Guest]

Stewart, Volstad and Kuo.

[dew1679666265]

Any interest in Manny Parra? He's 29 years old (had no idea he was that old, was thinking he was 26 or 27) and hasn't been good in the majors, but he had pretty stellar minor league numbers. If he could quit walking people in the majors, he could be an interesting back of the rotation guy if non-tendered.

 

Stewart, Volstad, Kuo, Pelfrey interest me as well.

[Clem Fandango]

Why did Parra only pitch 8 times this year? He have a bad injury?

[sweetpeteman]

Why did Parra only pitch 8 times this year? He have a bad injury?

 

 

Back followed by elbow.

[Guest]

Manny Parra, the homeless man's Sean Marshall.

[Clem Fandango]

Why did Parra only pitch 8 times this year? He have a bad injury?

 

 

Back followed by elbow.

 

Should've googled it but I was lazy. Looks like he's got issues with TJS related symptoms, but they weren't serious enough for the actual surgery. That's kind of scary, but if he can be had for a cheap price he might be an interesting reclamation project. And if we do in fact hire Mike Maddux he might be useful to help right the ship on his career.

[Bryants Disco Ball]

Manny Parra can't, and will not be, successful due to the mental side of the game.

[Guest]

lol at the Mets

 

Mets executives tell Sherman closer is the only position at which the team is willing to exceed a one-year contract.

[Clem Fandango]

Not really free agent news, but thought this was worthy to note...

 

According to FOX Sports, the Padres want to trade either Jason Bartlett or Orlando Hudson.

The Friars are on a cost-cutting mission this winter and are prepared to hand regular playing time to some of their younger backups. Bartlett makes $5.5 million next season with a $5.5 million option (or $1.5 million buyout) for 2013. Hudson is set to earn $5.5 million in 2012 with an $8 million club option (or $2 million buyout) for 2013. The San Diego front office should get some phone calls from clubs desperate for infield depth.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://deadspin.com/5859724/meet-the-minor-leaguer-and-scam-artist-who-sold-a-pittsburgh-pirate-to-australia

 

this is somewhat miscellaneous

[UMFan83]

http://deadspin.com/5859724/meet-the-minor-leaguer-and-scam-artist-who-sold-a-pittsburgh-pirate-to-australia

 

this is somewhat miscellaneous

 

Check out this article written by his hometown when he signed with the Yankees. They make it seem like he's their next star and ready to play at Yankee Stadium after signing a minor league deal. And they keep calling the Rangers "Dallas" which pisses me off.

 

http://www.nola.com/west-bank/index.ssf/2010/12/harvey_resident_signs_with_new.html

[Little Slide Rooter]

The Astros announced they've signed infielder Scott Moore to a minor league deal. The 27-year-old hit .295/.380/.444 with nine home runs in 425 Triple-A plate appearances this year, playing mostly first base, second base, and third base for the Iowa Cubs. The Astros have also signed Brad Snyder, Nick Stavinoha, Travis Buck, Brandon Barnes, Alberto Arias, Jose Valdez, and Xavier Cedeno to minor league deals this offseason. They've added Brian Bixler and Craig Tatum through waiver claims.

 

They'll probably make the team out of ST and be the Astros 3-4 hitters.

[Guest]

Albert (Los Angeles)

 

 

Hi Bruce, I'm curious about how the Cubs catching position shapes up. Will Koyie Hill be on the Cubs roster in 2012? Do you see Castillo or Clevenger breaking camp with the Cubs? Will Epstein look to Jason Varitek as a back up? Thanks.

Bruce Levine

(1:06 PM)

 

 

Varitek is presumed to be a future backup catcher with the Cubs due to the fact that he brings a solid culture with him and would be a steady influence to the young players. At this point he is a 30-40 game catcher which would make Hill's position vulnerable. All that said, you would presume Soto to be traded under that scenario. It's time to get one of those young catchers up to the major league level.

 

Not sure where Levine is getting that Varitek is presumed to be a future backup catcher with the Cubs, as this is the first I've heard of it, but I sure hope not unless he's making league minimum.

 

And yea, let's trade Soto so that we can go younger. Or not.

[SouthSideRyan]

Hhaa, that entire exchange is hilarious.

[apete6]

Hhaa, that entire exchange is hilarious.

 

If Jason Varitek is anywhere near the Cubs this year, I'm punching someone. That guy has suuuuucked the last few years and has 0 business in the Cubs dugout unless he's a base coach.

[davell]

He does suck. But he could be a guy Theo trusts enough to help him measure some of the stuff inside the lockerroom. I'd take him over Hill anyway. But, if Soto is still here on opening day, then Castillo should be our backup and if not, it's because he's been dealt.

[dew1679666265]

Hhaa, that entire exchange is hilarious.

 

If Jason Varitek is anywhere near the Cubs this year, I'm punching someone. That guy has suuuuucked the last few years and has 0 business in the Cubs dugout unless he's a base coach.

 

Varitek will be 40 years old next year and has averaged a .85 WAR the past 6 years. Honestly, I'd rather bring Koyie back than sign Varitek. And I have no interest whatsoever in even considering bringing Koyie back.

 

EDIT: Upon looking at Koyie's stats again, I may have been exaggerating that I'd take him over Varitek. I still stand by my agreement that neither should be on the team next year.

Edited November 16, 2011 by dew

[treebird]

if jason varitek is a good clubhouse guy, why didn't he scream in john lackey's face until his whip went down by a third or give all the beer in the clubhouse to a local girl scout troop in order to keep it out of the hands of people who shouldn't have it?

[dew1679666265]

He does suck. But he could be a guy Theo trusts enough to help him measure some of the stuff inside the lockerroom. I'd take him over Hill anyway. But, if Soto is still here on opening day, then Castillo should be our backup and if not, it's because he's been dealt.

 

We really don't need to be wasting money on Varitek or Hill. Keep Soto and make Castillo the backup on the cheap.

[XZero771679666304]

He does suck. But he could be a guy Theo trusts enough to help him measure some of the stuff inside the lockerroom. I'd take him over Hill anyway. But, if Soto is still here on opening day, then Castillo should be our backup and if not, it's because he's been dealt.

 

We really don't need to be wasting money on Varitek or Hill. Keep Soto and make Castillo the backup on the cheap.

 

Castillo or Clevenger, whichever. I can't conceive of a reason Hill would be on the team next year with Jimbo out.

[JimSorgi]

So Bruce Levine thinks the Cubs need to give the younger catchers a chance... and sign a 40 year old catcher. K then.

[davearm2]

if jason varitek is a good clubhouse guy, why didn't he scream in john lackey's face until his whip went down by a third or give all the beer in the clubhouse to a local girl scout troop in order to keep it out of the hands of people who shouldn't have it?

Varitek was instrumental in ridding the clubhouse of meth and strippers.

[Brian]

Theo now meeting with Sydney Ponson's agent according to CST's twitter.... Uh what, he's got to represent someone else right?