Athletics signed RHP Carlos Fisher to a minor league contract
Fisher had a 4.61 ERA in 52 appearances with the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate this past season. While he’s struggled with his command in the majors, he should compete for a bullpen spot with the Athletics in spring training.
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Athletics signed LHP Pedro Viola to a minor league contract.
Viola failed to appear in the majors in 2012 and was released by the Orioles this offseason. The 29-year-old left-hander will continue to serve as organizational depth.
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Athletics manager Bob Melvin said he plans to give Grant Green “a hard look” at second base in spring training.
A 2009 first-round pick, Green batted .296/.338/.458 with 15 homers and 13 steals at the Triple-A level in 2012. While the Athletics have had trouble finding him a position, he should have an outside chance at cracking the Opening Day roster and will likely make his major league debut at some point in 2013.
Source: twitter.com
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The Athletics’ second base job “will be an open competition” between Jemile Weeks and Scott Sizemore.
Weeks dealt with health issues and struggled with effectiveness in 2012, but he’ll enter spring training as the slight favorite for a starting role. After missing all of last season due to injury, Sizemore is also a candidate for playing time at third base with Josh Donaldson, and could be a potential fantasy sleeper if he can find his way into an everyday job.
Source: twitter.com
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Chad Jennings of the Journal News reports that the Yankees aren’t interested in George Kottaras.
Kottaras was designated for assignment by the Athletics last week following the acquisition of John Jaso. While there was some speculation that the Yankees could have interest, they appear poised to open the season with a catching tandem of Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart.
Source: twitter.com
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Athletics minor league right-hander Gary Daley was suspended 50 games for testing positive for Methylphenidate.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant used to treat ADHD. Daley, 27, had a 5.11 ERA and 79/71 K/BB ratio over 118 innings last season with the A’s Double-A affiliate. His suspension will be begin at the start of the season.
Source: twitter.com
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Athletics avoided arbitration with LHP Jerry Blevins by agreeing to a one-year contract.
The financial terms aren’t available. Blevins, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time, has posted a 2.97 ERA over the last three seasons for the A’s. He’ll be used as a lefty specialist again in 2013.
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Athletics avoided arbitration with 1B Brandon Moss by agreeing to a one-year contract.
The financials of the deal aren’t yet known. Moss, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time as a Super 2 player, belted 21 homers in just 84 games for the A’s last season but is certainly a regression candidate.
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Athletics and DH Seth Smith avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract.
Smith was arbitration-eligible for the second time in his career. The 30-year-old batted .240/.333/.420 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI in 125 games last season for Oakland while earning a salary of $2.415 million.
Source: twitter.com
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Athletics and C John Jaso avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract.
Jaso was acquired earlier this week from the Mariners as part of a five-player, three-team swap headlined by Michael Morse. The 29-year-old catcher posted a cool .276/.394/.456 batting line in 2012 with Seattle.
Source: twitter.com