Roster Moves (6/2): Danny Duffy returns, Dontrelle Willis to Arizona
By Wally Fish
Back with another edition of Roster Moves a the game of catch-up continues. Several of the moves listed below actually happened on June 1st, but since I failed to include them in that day’s report, they are included in this version. Just one of the pitfalls of falling behind.
(Recap of the moves after the jump)
Trade:
The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired LHP-Dontrelle Willis (28) and a ton of cash to cover the remainder of his $12 million salary from the Detroit Tigers. In return the Tigers received former Royals 1st round pick, RHP-Billy Buckner (26). Venom Strikes lead writer, Scott Allen, has published some thoughts on the trade. Personally, I’ve never been impressed by what Buckner brings to the table, but we have all seen the D-Train have a great deal of success in the past. Since Arizona is only on the hook for a very small portion on Willis’ salary, this is a perfect low-risk, high-reward move to make. There is a decent chance that both players flame out with their new teams but if one guy is going to produce it’s going to be Willis. Advantage = D-Backs
AL Central:
The future just got a little brighter for the Kansas City Royals fans with the news that LHP-Danny Duffy has returned to baseball. Entering the 2010 season Duffy was ranked as the organization’s 8th best prospect by Baseball America, but he walked away from baseball during spring training. He has now reported to the team’s complex in Surprise, Arizona where he will remain for the time being to knock off the rust. Before the season began, the expectations were that Duffy would open the season in the Double-A of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. It seems logical that he will wind up there at some point this season. For more on Duffy, click here.
The Cleveland Indians claimed RHP-Shane Lindsay (25) off waivers from the Yankees and assigned him to Kinston (High-A). Cleveland also transferred OF-Grady Sizemore (27) from the 15-day to the 60-day DL.
AL East:
The New York Yankees activated C-Jorge Posada (38) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned 1B-Juan Miranda (27) to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
AL West:
The Texas Rangers placed LHP-Derek Holland (23) on the 15-day DL with rotator cuff inflammation. The move was made retroactive to May 31st. RHP-Pedro Strop (24) was called up from Oklahoma City to take Holland’s place.
NL Central:
The Cincinnati Reds made a number of moves. They placed RHP-Mike Lincoln (35) on the 15-disabled list with a strained side and optioned RHP-Carlos Fisher (27) to Louisville. To fill the open spots on the roster, the Reds called up RHP-Enerio Del Rosario (24) and RHP-Logan Ondrusek (25) from Triple-A.
The St. Louis Cardinals optioned OF-Allen Craig (25) to Memphis and called up 2B-Aaron Miles (33) from Springfield (AA).
RHP-Brian Bruney (28) signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Pittsburgh Pirates optioned RHP-Steven Jackson (28) to Indianapolis and activated LHP-Jack Taschner (32) from the 15-day disabled list.
NL East:
OF-Dewayne Wise (32) opted out of his minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, and is now a free agent. All hail the existence of out-clauses in minor league deals. He will most likely land at Triple-A in another organization unless he has suddenly learned how to hit major league pitching.
The Florida Marlins outrighted LHP-Dan Meyer (28) to New Orleans after he cleared waivers.
2B-Eric Bruntlett (32) was released by the Washington Nationals.
NL West:
The San Diego Padres optioned OF-Luis Durango (24) to Portland and activated OF-Scott Hairston (30) from the 15-day DL.
The Colorado Rockies optioned RHP-Esmil Rogers (24) to Colorado Springs and activated LHP-Franklin Morales (24) from the 15-day disabled list.
For more candy coated, chocolaty transaction goodness, Baseball America published a list of Minor League transactions covering the week of May 26th to June 1st.
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