Lost in Transactions 2/23/09-2/29/09: Nationals’ Bowden resigns

The Atlanta Braves finally got a hitter to come to Turner Field while the Washington Nationals started step one of moving past the Esmailyn Gonzalez scandal with the resignation of general manager Jim Bowden. Unfortunately, whoever takes over will find a logjam at first base and center field. Read on for this past week's transactions...



2/24/09

Atlanta Braves signed OF Garret Anderson to a one-year contract.



The Braves had to make this move to add more offense to their club. After losing out on Rafael Furcal and Bobby Abreu, the club finally got a hitter. Anderson isn't as bad a hitter as he's been made out to be. Certainly, he was overpaid, but most players who get out from under the six years' service time tend to be overpaid. Last year in 557 plate appearances for the Los Angeles Angels, Anderson hit .293/.325/.443 with 15 home runs while also stealing seven bases, the most since 2001's 13.



Anderson has been rather consistent over the last four years in his rate stats. While he's certainly at high rate to fall off due to being 37, all of the projection stats (PECOTA, Bill James, Marcel, CHONE, Oliver) project Anderson to be just fine in 2009. That's definitely something the Braves need if they hope to contend.



Washington Nationals released LHP Odalis Perez.



I'm torn about this. On one hand, I do feel that Perez, the Nationals' best starter last year, deserved better than a non-guaranteed minor league deal from the Nationals. And technically, Perez did not sign any contract. (Yes, yes, I know about the offer sheet. It's not a contract.) On the other hand, he needs to realize what his market is in this economy, and it's doubtful he can do any better. He's also harmed his chances of getting an offer from another team, who will want to send a message to him and other players that they can't back out of a deal.



Of course, all it takes is one desperate team, and if Perez can turn in a solid showing in the World Baseball Classic, he'll likely end up with a job.



2/25/09

Cleveland Indians outrighted 3B Andy Marte to Minors.



Marte certainly has fallen a long way since being the centerpiece of the Edgar Renteria/Cco Crisp trade. He hasn't been able to put together a season with any type of success in the majors. He'll head back to Triple-A and will hope to rebuild his value. One way to do that, Andy, is to start getting hits. That means stop swinging at pitches outside the strike zone. He makes solid contact with the ball inside the strike zone, but only sees balls in that area roughly half the time due to his propensity to go after (and make poor contact with therein) pitches outside the strike zone.



2/26/09

Atlanta Braves placed RHP Tim Hudson on the 60-day disabled list.



Cincinnati Reds signed LHP Ron Flores to a minor league contract.



Los Angeles Dodgers signed LHP Brad Halsey and 1B Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor league contract.



Mientalphabet has a chance to take over for Nomar Garciaparra in the role Nomar served in last year. Mientkiewicz can now play first, left field, third base and pinch-field at other positions such as second base. Just make sure Carlos Delgado isn't playing when Doug plays second. The club may elect to carry more of a true outfielder, however, than Mientkiewicz as its infield bench situation is already rather crowded.



2/27/09

Kansas City Royals LHP Neal Musser cleared waivers and was released.



New York Mets signed LHP Ron Villone to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.



This is a nice signing by the Mets. For all their fifth starter and end-of-the-game relief acquisitions, they could use some depth in the middle innings. Left-hander Villone does that, as he's been a solid reliever ever since converting from starter after 2002. He'll have to battle for a spot, but even if he has to report to Triple-A originally, he'll definitely see time in the majors at some point.



Philadelphia Phillies released RHP Adam Eaton.



What a disastrous signing. How many people saw this coming? Say "yes" out loud if you did. Whoa—I just heard over a million people say "yes." Pretty cool. Eaton was passable in San Diego from 2004-5 and then was part of a very ill-advised trade by the Texas Rangers in which he headed to the heat for Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young. An ineffective and injured season later, he signed a lucrative deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Three years later, the Phillies cut bait. (How much do you want to bet the World Series year allowed the Phillies to escape derision—except from me, of course—for releasing Eaton?)



Reportedly, the Baltimore Orioles have inked Eaton to a minor league deal. I suppose that's fine, as long as they're not paying him tens of millions of dollars like the Phillies did. Eaton's only 31, so he'll stick around for a while, but if he has any hope of turning things around, he's got to figure out how to reduce his walks, an issue that has gotten progressively worse year by year.



Boston Red Sox signed RHP Steve Green to a minor league contract.



Chicago White Sox signed 1B Brian Myrow to a minor league contract.



2/28/09

Kansas City Royals signed RHP Juan Cruz to a two-year contract with a 2011 club option. Designated INF Esteban German for assignment.



This is a great deal for the Royals, who have now found the replacement for Ramon Ramirez. (H/T Craig Brown at Royals Authority for that quote.) Cruz often doesn't know where the ball is going (5.6 BB/G last year!) but he flat out throws gas. He gave up only 34 hits and whiffed 71 in 51.2 innings last year. Now that, ladies and gentlemen, is the mark of someone with filthy stuff.



Side note: As much as some of the moves by the Royals may have been met with consternation (Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Jacobs, Willie Bloomquist), I am glad to see that they're ramping up their efforts to contend. I'm not as much a hater for the Jacobs trade than most; while I am a dyed-in-the-wool OBP fan, I understand that teams can win without OBP (generally speaking, of course—the Angels spring to mind). Of course, to have offense, you need to get on base, but you don't need the team to average a .375 OBP to do so.



The Royals seem intent on increasing their power output, which was definitely a cause for concern last year. What defensive issues they now have with Jacobs (possibly) at first is also mitigated by their addition of defensive whiz Coco Crisp in center field, which allows David DeJesus to shift to left field. Don't count this team out as a Cinderella team.



St. Louis Cardinals signed pitcher Mitch Harris to a minor league contract.



Chicago Cubs signed Corey Koskie to a minor league contract.



Koskie spent most of his career with the Minnesota Twins before spending a year apiece with the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins. He was his usual self his entire career—never great, just solid enough. After a debilitating concussion, he retired, or so he thought. Koskie is attempting a comeback with two years off. At 35, the odds are stacked against him, but there is an opening for a backup first- and third-baseman. Marcel is surprisingly bullish on Koskie in 2009, projecting that he could hit .260/.337/.441 with six home runs in 200 plate appearances. If he can actually do that, he will be a great bench player for the Cubs.



2/29/09

3/1/09

Kansas City Royals signed LHP Bruce Chen to a minor league contract.



Washington Nationals announced the resignation of general manager Jim Bowden.



Bowden certainly had his faults, but he was also rather adept at building the minor leagues. For whatever reason, however, he seemed more intent on creating a logjam at first base and outfield. The new general manager, whether it's Tony LaCava of the Toronto Blue Jays or current assistant general manager Mike Rizzo (responsible for the drafts of Stephen Drew and others from the Arizona Diamondbacks), will have enough on his hands trying to move one or even two of the first basemen (Dmitri Young, Nick Johnson and one of either Adam Dunn or Josh Willingham).



The Nationals aren't as bad as people think. They have a few promising players coming up in the minors (and you can add Steven Strasburg to that list come June) and have enough of an intriguing core at the majors to finish .500 in the next few years if they can make some adept pitching moves—a problem that has plagued the franchise for a while. Scott Olsen has regressed, but if pitching coach Randy St. Clair can bring him under control, suddenly the base is there. They'll have to find new a second baseman and shortstop in the near future, sure, but I look at this team and I see potential. Now about clearing up that logjam...

by Evan Brunell

SPRING TRAINING ROUNDUP : Tendinitis slowing Cardinals' infielder

JUPITER, Fla. - Brendan Ryan's pursuit of a starting job with the St. Louis Cardinals is being slowed by tendinitis in his right wrist.

The 26-yearold infielder is among several players seeking the regular role at second base, but he could also see playing time this season at shortstop and third base. He fielded grounders Monday but doesn't expect to swing a bat until Friday at the earliest.

Ryan said the soreness he is experiencing is similar to what he felt at the end of last season, when he hit .244 in 80 major league games. He batted .289 in 2007.

"It's not like I'm worried about a tear or something," Ryan said. "I think it's just swollen, so I'm going to take it easy for a few days."

Ryan has been a utility player in parts of the last two seasons, shuffling between Class AAA Memphis and St. Louis.

The second base job is open after Aaron Miles left as a free agent and Adam Kennedy was waived earlier this month. Among the other candidates is Skip Schumaker, who has spent his entire professional career as an outfielder.

CUBS

Zambrano says shoulder OK

MESA, Ariz. - Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano says his shoulder is just fine and he'd like to look ahead, rather than back to last season.

He is showing no signs of the problems that hampered him last season, although the team is taking a conservative approach with its ace this spring.

"Physically, I feel the best I've ever felt in spring training," Zambrano said Monday after a free-and-easy throwing session against hitters. "I'm not a rookie. I know what to do and I know my job here is to get ready."

Last season he had a stint on the disabled list in June - his first trip to the DL in six years - and needed an injection in early September for a sore shoulder. But later that month, he pitched a no-hitter against the Houston Astros in Milwaukee.

Zambrano spent the off-season strengthening his shoulder, and the Cubs sent a trainer to his native Venezuela to work with him.

"It's important," he said. "I won't want that to happen to me again this year."

Zambrano went 14-6 with a 3.91 ERA last season. He was 10-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 18 starts before the All-Star Game - in which he pitched two innings. But after the break, he was 4-3 in 12 starts with a 5.80 ERA. He also was the loser in Game 2 of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers when shaky Chicago fielding led to four unearned runs.

BLUE JAYS

Outfielder hurts hamstring

DUNEDIN, Fla. - Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells injured his left hamstring during drills and could be sidelined for most of spring training.

It's the same hamstring that kept Wells out for a month last season. The two-time All-Star was scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging.

Wells missed 52 games because of injuries in 2008. He broke his left wrist making a sliding catch early in the season, then returned to the disabled list July 10 with a strained left hamstring.

A three-time Gold Glove winner, Wells hit .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBI in 108 games last year. He spent the off-season working with a personal trainer, hoping to strengthen hamstrings that have bothered him for years.

RED SOX

Penny feels fine

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Boston Red Sox right-hander Brad Penny felt fine after throwing batting practice for the first time in spring training.

Penny threw 30 pitches Monday and said the session answered a lot of questions for him, both mentally and physically. His 2008 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers was cut short by shoulder problems, and Boston signed him as a free agent.

"I felt great," Penny said. "Today, for me, answered a lot of questions, mentally and physically. I didn't even know what to expect going out there the first time facing hitters, but everything felt great."

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell said Penny would have two days off between batting practice sessions instead of the one day off for most pitchers. But Farrell said that barring a setback, Penny will be ready for the start of the regular season. He's scheduled for his first spring training start March 5. After consecutive 16-victory seasons with the Dodgers, Penny finished at 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA. He went 1-7 after May 2.

NATIONALS

Pitcher released

VIERA, Fla. - The Washington Nationals released disgruntled pitcher Odalis Perez on Monday, a day after he failed to show up at spring training by the mandatory reporting deadline.

Perez, 31, signed a minor league contract with Washington on Feb. 5 that would have paid him $850,000 if he made the team. In recent days, however, the left-hander said he wanted a better deal.

Perez was 7-12 with a 4.34 ERA in 30 starts for the Nationals last season.

WEDNESDAY'S GAMES - All times Central

NY Mets vs. Baltimore at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Florida vs. St. Louis at Jupiter, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Washington vs. Houston at Kissimmee, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Atlanta vs. Detroit at Lakeland, Fla., 12:05 p.m. NY Yankees vs. Toronto at Dunedin, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh at Bradenton, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Cincinnati vs. Tampa Bay at Port Charlotte, Fla., 12:05 p.m. Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels at Tempe, Ariz., 2:05 p.m. Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs at Mesa, Ariz., 2:05 p.m. Oakland vs. Milwaukee at Phoenix, 2:05 p.m. San Francisco vs. Cleveland at Goodyear, Ariz., 2:05 p.m. Seattle vs. San Diego at Peoria, Ariz., 2:05 p.m. Kansas City vs. Texas at Surprise, Ariz., 2:05 p.m. Arizona vs. Colorado at Tucson, Ariz., 2:10 p.m. Boston vs. Minnesota at Fort Myers, Fla., 6:05 p.m.

Originally Published at: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Sports/253340/

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies Look To Repeat

The past two years, the National East has been the most exciting divisions in all of baseball. Just like the past two years, the outcome of this division won't be decided until the final week of the regular season.

The Philadelphia Phillies believe they are the team to beat, while the New York Mets believe that they're the team to beat. I agree with the New York Mets. Here are my NL East predictions.

1) New York Mets 92-70

I'm going to be honest with you, this is the third straight year that I have picked the Mets to win the NL East. I've obviously been wrong the past two years, but I think that will change in 2009.

The Mets starting rotation is led by the best starting pitcher in the NL East, and arguably the best starting pitcher in the National League.

Johan Santana finished the 2008 season with a 16-7 record and a 2.53 ERA. If not for a horrible bullpen, Santana would've won 20 games.

Mike Pelfrey will be the Mets number two starter. The 25-year old Pelfrey is coming off his best year. Pelfrey racked up 200 innings going 13-11 with a 3.72 ERA.

The number three and four spots will go to Oliver Perez and John Maine, Perez and Maine combined for 20 wins in 2008. Freddy Garcia, Tim Redding, and Livan Hernandez will battle it out for the No. 5 spot.

The Mets bullpen appears to be much improved. New York welcomes Francisco Rodriguez and his 62 saves. The Mets also acquired JJ Putz from Mariners. Putz recorded 28 saves in 2008, but he will be the Mets setup man.

The Mets offense is expected to score a lot of runs. Jose Reyes will be at the top of the order. Reyes batted .297 with 56 stolen bases and 16 home runs in 2008.

Carlos Beltran is back patrolling center, but left field and right field appear to be questions marks for the Mets.

Despite the Mets having another question mark at second, The corner infielders are anything but a question mark. Thee corners belong to David Wright and Carlos Delgado. They combined for 71 home runs and 239 RBI in 2008.

2) Philadelphia Phillies 90-72

The Phillies are trying to become the first team since the New York Yankees to win back to World Championships. I just don't see it happening.

It's hard to not like Cole Hammels, but after Hammels the Phillies lack starting pitching depth. Jamie Moyer is coming off his best year since 2003. The 46-year old went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA. I think this is the year where age catches up to Moyer.

Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, and Kyle Kendrick make up the rest of the Phillies rotation. All three have an ERA well over four.

The Phillies pen will miss their left-handed specialist JC Romero. Romero will miss the first 50-games for failing a drug test. Ryan Madson and Brad Lidge return to make up a very strong back end of the pen.

The Phillies offense is once again arguably the strongest in the league. The World Champions made just one move. Gone is long time Phillie Pat Burrell and his 33 home runs. In is Raul Ibanez and his 23 home runs.

3) Atlanta Braves 85-77

The Braves are much improved this year, but they still find themselves behind the Phillies and Mets.

The Atlanta Braves added 26 wins to their rotations. The biggest addition for the Braves was the signing of Derek Lowe. The 35-year old Lowe is coming off another solid solid season where he had and ERA of 3.24 while pitching 211 innings.

The Braves also added 12 game winner Javier Vazquez.

The Braves also added Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami. Kawakami was the 2004 Central League MVP. Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavin will also return to the Braves.

The most important thing for the Braves bullpen is the health of Mike Gonzalez. Gonzalez will be asked to close for the Braves. If Gonzo can't stay healthy, the Braves will find themselves in a similar situation as they were last year.

The Braves offense received a boost with the signing of Garret Anderson. The three-time all start hit .293 with 15 home runs in 2008. Anderson will play left, with Jeff Francoeur in right. Josh Anderson appears to be the front runner in center.

The Braves have a very strong infield. Chipper Jones hit .364 in 2008 but he once again battled injuries. Yunel Escobar is back at short, and Kelly Johsnon is at second. Case Kotchman who was acquired in the Teixeira trade is back at first and Brian Mccann is back behind the plate.

4) Florida Marlins 84-78

The Florida Marlins surprised a lot of people in 2008 with a 84-77 record. I don't see them catching to many people off guard in 2009.

The Florida Marlins have one of the most underrated starting rotations. Rick Nolasco led the Marlins rotation in 2008 with a 15-8 record. Nolasco struck out 186 in 212 innings.

Josh Johnson returned from injury in 2008 and was outstanding going 7-1. Rookie Chris Volstad had a solid rookie season going 6-4 in 2008. The No. 4 and 5 spot is up in the air for the Marlins. Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez appear to be front runners.

The lack of bullpen depth could cause issues for the Marlins. Matt Lindstrom appears to be the front runner to replace Kevin Gregg as closer.

The Marlins offense is led by Hanley Ramirez. The 25-year old Ramirez is one of the best young players in the game. Ramirez is a 30-30 guy. He hit 33 home runs with 35 stolen bases and a .301 average in 2008.

Due to the Marlins lack of run producers, Ramirez will be asked to move out of the lead off spot, and will likely bat third for the Marlins.

5) Washington Nationals 70-92

I am going to be blunt, I don't see much changing with the Washington Nationals in 2009.

While Odalis Perez holds out, John Lannan appears to be a pretty solid prospect. The 24-year old Lannan had a very solid rookie season going 9-15 with a very respectable 3.91 ERA.

The Nationals big free agent pickup was Adam Dunn. If nothing else, Nationals fans will get a chance to watch one of the most powerful hitters in the game. Dunn is coming off another 40 home run season, and will likely have another big year. The same can't be said for the Nats, they will once again struggle in 2009.

Originally published at: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/128233-nl-east-phillies-look-to-repeat