Major League Baseball is flush with cash; every team is making a profit regardless of what their P&L’s might be showing. The unexpected signing of Torii Hunter to a 5-year, $90 million dollar contract by the Angels and Scott Linebrink agreeing to terms on a 4-year, $19 million dollar deal with the White Sox further proves the point that teams are making money hand over fist. But will either one of those deals push their new teams to the top? Only time will tell. Over the next few weeks teams will spend and spend and spend in attempt to improve on their team for next season, and beyond. But finding the missing piece is more important than just signing a contract to fill a need or satisfy a fan base. The Winter Meetings are a little more than a week away….
The Cubs signed six Minor League free agents on Wednesday. Cory Bailey (RHP), Mike Smith (RHP), J.D. Closser (C/1B), Danny Fatheree (C), Andres Blanco (SS) and Andres Torres (CF). Closser’s Minor League contract includes an invitation to Spring Training. More on the Six free agent signings….
Mike Smith, for the Van Halen fans his full name is Michael Anthony Smith, turned 30 in September and last pitched at the Major League level in 2006 with the Twins. Smith has also pitched with the Blue Jays (2002) and was with the Cardinals organization in 2007. With the Memphis Redbirds, Smith posted an 11-13 record with a 5.19 ERA.
Mike Smith’s page from the Baseball Cube
Andres Torres is a switch-hitting centerfielder and was the 4th round pick of the Tigers in the 1998 draft. Torres has spent time in the Tigers, Rangers and Twins organizations. In 4 big league seasons his line is…. .210/.258/.256 with 1 home run and 13 RBI’s in 89 games (257 at bats). In 10 minor league seasons…. .268/.359/.382 with 34 home runs and 280 RBI’s….282 stolen bases, caught 95 times.
Andres Torres’ page from the Baseball Cube
- Cory Bailey’s page from the Baseball Cube
- J.D. Closser’s page from the Baseball Cube
- Danny Fatheree’s page from the Baseball Cube
- Andres Blanco’s page from the Baseball Cube
The Latest from the Mill….
The Denver Post said the Cubs and Astros have offered Kaz Matsui more money than the Rockies. The Post thinks Matsui could sign with either the Cubs or the Astros “as early as next week.”
The Brewers have contacted Kerry Wood’s agent according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Doug Melvin also contacted the agent for Troy Percival and agents for other relievers. Melvin said most of the relievers are looking for multi-year deals with high salaries attached. Melvin told the Journal Sentinel he expects both Wood and Percival to sign with other teams.
The Brewers are also speaking with Francisco Cordero. Cordero is “entertaining offers from other clubs.” The Journal Sentinel states Cordero is believed to be looking for a deal in the 4 year, $40 million dollar range.