Reviewing Recent Transactions
Here is a look back at the transactions that took place this week. From here on out, you can expect a weekly transaction report on Thursdays where we will recap the transactions that occurred during the previous week. With that being said, lets get started reviewing the week of transactions.
The Washington Nationals have re-signed pitcher Ron Villone to a minor league contract, and Villone will continue his progress in extended spring training. In 48.2 innings with the Nationals last year, Villone had a 5-6 record while posting a 4.25 ERA. […]
The Seattle Mariners have agreed to terms with utility man Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez, was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the end of march. The 33 year old struggled last year with the Pirates, hitting .230/.335/..279. Vazquez, who can play both middle infield positions including third base, will participate in extended spring trainings before being assigned to a minor league.
The Baltimore Orioles have signed former Cubs top prospect Corey Patterson, and have him currently in extended spring training. Patterson never quite lived up to his hype as for his career he has hit .252/.290/.404 while hitting 104 home runs. Given the recent injury to Felix Pie, Patterson could see some time as the starting center fielder for the Orioles, The Orioles also claimed Pitcher Pedro Viola off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
In a flurry of moves for the Kansas City Royals, they have outrighted Roman Colon, released veteran reliever Juan Cruz, and DFA Luis Mendoza. Here is what one of our Royals writers, Mike Engel had to say about the moves.
"Mendoza appeared in four games for the Royals in 2010, compiling a 22.50 ERA and surrendering four homeruns. His departure is neither surprising nor disappointing. The Royals acquired him in the last weekend of spring training from Texas. He has a career 8.43 ERA in the majors. By being designated for assignment, the Royals have ten days to trade him, release him or send him to the minor leagues. My guess is he’ll simply be released.Juan Cruz being released is a bit more surprising. While not dominant, Cruz had a 3.38 ERA in 5 appearances for the Royals, striking out 7 in 5.1 innings. Cruz was it the second year of a contract signed before 2009 after two strong seasons in Arizona, though injuries and walks prevented him from repeating his success in 2009, as he finished the year with a 5.72 ERA. KINGS OF KAUFFMAN"
The Florida Marlins have signed Jorge Sosa, in hopes of fixing their bullpen. However, the last time Sosa enjoyed any type of success in the Majors was in 2007, when he was a member of the New York Mets, and posted a 4.47 ERA in 112.2 innings pitched.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed veteran catcher Mike Rivera to a minor league deal. Rivera, who will be considered as an insurance policy, hit .228/.326/.342 with the Milwaukee Brewers last season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with Cuban defector Wagner Mateo. Mateo, who plays the outfield, was originally signed by the St Louis Cardinals, but the deal eventually fell through, Making him a free agent once again.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have DFA’d outfielder Brandon Jones. Jones, who was originally claimed from the Atlanta Braves, will in all likelihood accept a role in the minor leagues. He has never really stayed in the major leagues on a regular basis, as he has a career line of .257/.313/.365 in 166 plate appearances.
The Boston Red Sox have acquired outfielder Jonathan Van Every from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for a player to be named later. At the most it gives the Red Sox some much need outfield help as Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron are on the disabled list. For his career, Every has hit .276/.344/.448 in 32 plate appearances.
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