1/17/08

Baseball Roundup: 1/17/08

As the week is coming to an end we like to take a look back on any wheeling and dealing from the front offices of Major League Franchises around the country.

In an interesting move that could be a huge pickup, the Yankees signed ex-Astro outfielder Jason Lane to a minor league contract. Lane is expected to compete for the first base as well as a spot as a reserve outfielder. Lane was pushed out of the Astros' outfield with the signing of Carlos Lee to a long term deal and with the emergence of rookie sensation Hunter Pence. He might be a great insurance policy in case Matsui, Abreu, or Damon begin to show signs of old age.

The Cubs took 3.5 million dollar, one year gamble on right hander Jon Lieber. Lieber last pitched for the Cubs during the 2001 season, winning 20 games. Last season Lieber was plagued with injuries that led to inconsistent performances and a demotion to the bullpen.

The Tigers and left handed pitcher, Nate Robertson, avoided arbitration by agreeing on a three year contract extension with a nice raise tacked on. Robertson was eligible for free agency after the 2009 season. His contract averages out to be about 7 million dollars per year, pretty impressive for someone whose best season was a 13-13 record.

The Texas Rangers lassoed free agent Jason Jennings in with a one year, $4 million offer. Jennings returns home (he's a Dallas native and pitched for Baylor University during college) after a dismal performance in Houston. An injury shelved Jennings for the remainder of the season, after piling up a 2-9 record for the Astros. This was Texas' second move in as many days; they signed Marlon Byrd on Wednesday.

The Devil Rays continue to piece together a pitching staff, signing Mark Hendrickson and Dan Wheeler and added Jonny Gomes to their lineup; again.

Doug Mirabelli re-signed with the Red Sox, allowing Nation Fans and Tim Wakefield to breath a collective sigh of relief. Theo also receives a Smiley Sticker for not having to re-acquire him in a trade that loses the Sox valuable young talent.

Ancient Arthur Rhodes signed a minor league deal with Seattle.

He'll be my third pick in our upcoming fantasy baseball draft.

0 comments:

Post a Comment