Tiger Land Catcher in Trade with Rangers

Thanks to an overabundance of catchers in their organization, the Rangers were able to move catcher Gerald Laird to the Tigers in exchange for two pitching prospects.

The move frees up some money for the Rangers, with Laird expected to make around $3 million in salary arbitration.

According to ESPN.com, the Rangers acquired right-handers Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo from the Tigers.

Moscoso, 25, was 5-4 with a 2.70 ERA in 21 games at Class A Lakeland and Double-A Erie last season. Melo, 17, played in the Dominican Republic's summer league.

Prospect Analysis: Eric Hurley

Name: Eric Hurley
Organization: Texas Rangers
Position: Pitcher
Born: 9/17/1985
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Drafted: 2004, 1st Round


Eric Hurley, for the second consecutive season, was named the top prospect in the Rangers organization. Oddly enough, Hurley was passed on for a late 2007 September call up.
Hurley throws a fastball that averages anywhere between 94-96 mph, and is developing a slider and a changeup, both being good candidates for out-pitches in the major leagues someday.
Hurley started last season in Double-A, posting a 7-2 record with a 3.25 ERA. He was promoted to Triple-A where he struggled a bit (4-7, 5.52 ERA). His strikeout to walk ratio also dipped with the move, but was still consistent (he walked 27/28 in AA/AAA).
What Scout Magazine likes most about Eric Hurley is his mound presence; "The former first-round pick never appears flustered in any situation, and refuses to back down to any hitter."
We're not sure what to make of Hurley; his numbers fluctuate whenever he is initially promoted to another level, but eventually level off after spending another season at that level. Evidence located here courtesy of First Inning.

Baseball Roundup: 2/6/08

Spring training is right around the corner and here's a look at some early February activity around the league;

The Phillies are looking into signing Kris Benson to a one year deal, according to MLB.com. While remaining quiet about the possibility of adding Benson into the rotation, the Phillies have scouted him on two different occasions, liking what they saw in the 33 year old right hander.

The reigning National League Champion Rockies signed Scott Podsednik and Victor Zambrano to minor league deals and invited them to spring training.

The Detroit Tigers have pulled off a minor trade with the Rangers to add depth to their farm system, acquiring right-handed pitcher Armando Galarraga from Texas in exchange for outfielder Michael Hernandez.

Remember me? Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press reports that Randy Keisler will be in line to compete for a shot at cracking the Twins Rotation.

The Pirates avoided arbitration with Freddie Sanchez, giving him a new deal that could net him up to $19 million for three seasons.

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.