J.P. Ricciardi, who serves as a special assistant to Mets GM Sandy Alderson, believes that Jack Leathersich could join the Mets bullpen at some point during the 2013 season.
Leathersich, a fifth-round selection from the 2011 draft, posted a 3.00 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 113/32 K/BB ratio over 72 innings in A-ball last season. His strikeout ability and success against lefties, could make him an attractive option as a left-handed specialist out of the bullpen.
Source: metsblog.com
Tagged as: Jack Leathersich, Mets, news
The Orioles are not expected to sign free agent infielder Fernando Tatis.
The 38-year-old worked out for the O’s last week in the Dominican Republic. He hasn’t played in the majors since the 2010 season, where he suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder that ended his season. It’s unlikely that he’ll land a minor league deal.
Source: twitter.com
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Mets signed OF Marlon Byrd to a minor league contract.
The deal includes an invitation to spring training. The 35-year-old outfielder hit an abysmal .210/.243/.245 with one home run and nine RBI in 153 at-bats between the Cubs and Red Sox in 2012 before being released by the Red Sox. He then had to serve a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The Mets could certainly use additional depth in their outfield, but Byrd is unlikely to be a major contributor.
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Fernando Tatis worked out for the Orioles last week in the Dominican Republic.
Tatis is now 38 and hasn’t played in the majors since 2010, when his season ended following surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The odds of him garnering a minor league deal aren’t high.
Source: twitter.com
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Mets signed RHP LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Hawkins posted a 3.64 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 23/13 K/BB ratio in 42 innings last season with the Angels. He’ll operate in middle relief if he earns a roster spot.
Source: twitter.com
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Mets avoided arbitration with 2B Daniel Murphy by agreeing to a one-year contract.
ESPN New York’s Adam Rubin says the two sides settled just below the midpoint ($2.975 million) of the figures exchanged earlier this month. Murphy, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time, batted .291/.332/.403 with six homers last season while serving as the team’s primary second baseman. He’ll be the team’s starter at second again in 2013.
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According to MLB.com’s Greg Johns, the Mariners have reached a minor league deal with Kelly Shoppach.
Shoppach will be in Seattle on Wednesday for a physical, after which the minor league contract should be made official. The 32-year-old is likely to serve as the Mariners’ primary backup this season behind Jesus Montero. He batted .233/.309/.425 over 76 games in 2012.
Source: mlb.com
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CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that Scott Hairston is guaranteed $5 million as part of his two-year contract with the Cubs.
The deal was agreed to last week and has yet to be officially announced. Per Heyman, Hairston could make an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. Barring a trade, the veteran outfielder will serve on the short side of a platoon with Nate Schierholtz in right field.
Source: twitter.com
Tagged as: Mets, news, Scott Hairston
Mets signed RHP Scott Atchison to a minor league contract with a spring training.
Atchison was non-tendered by the Red Sox in late November after he posted a quality 1.58 ERA and 36/9 K/BB ratio over 51 1/3 innings last saeason. The 36-year-old right-hander pitched through a torn ulnar collateral ligament late in the year, but he should have a good chance at winning a bullpen spot if he shows up to spring training healthy.
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According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Cardinals have reached a one-year deal with Ronny Cedeno.
The financial terms have not been disclosed. Cedeno posted a decent .259/.332/.410 batting line with four homers and 22 RBI in 186 plate appearances last season for the Mets. He could be pushed into a starting role in St. Louis if Rafael Furcal again struggles to stay healthy.
Source: twitter.com
Tagged as: Mets, news, Ronny Cedeno