Roster Moves (6/20): Chris Sale signs, Jason Castro called up
A humble thank you kicks off this edition of Roster Moves. If you are a regular to this site then you know that I have fallen woefully behind in these daily transaction reports and have been struggling to catch up since I returned from my vacation earlier this month. Thankfully the other writers on staff here are not just talented, they are also very willing to pitch in and help. I was elated when CttP staffer Nathaniel Stoltz sent me a chat message at the end of last week and offered to help me catch up. Naturally I accepted his offer. You will see Nathaniel’s name pop up on the Roster Moves reports from June 11th through June 18th as he works through my backlog while I forge ahead on the current reports.
(moves after the jump)
AL Central:
The Detroit Tigers optioned RHP-Rick Porcello (21) to Toledo.
The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms with 1st round pick (13th overall), LHP-Chris Sale. The Florida Gulf Coast lefty was rumored to be a tough sign, but wound up agreeing to a bonus of just $1.656 million. The Kansas City Royals, who were closely tied to Sale in the days leading up to the draft appeared to turn to Christian Colon because of the rumored financial demands of Sale and his representation. In the end Sale’s bonus is in line with MLB’s 2009 slot recommendations and he will be getting on the mound in short order. It would appear that the Royals, and the several other teams who passed on him, misjudged his signability and may pay for their mistake down the road. That or Sale could blow out his arm and derail his career.
The following comes from the MLB Trade Rumors report on the signing:
Sale’s agent, B.B. Abbott of Jet Sports Management, conceded that deal will be “perceived in the industry” as a victory for the White Sox, but believes that it is in the best interest of his client.“While we felt extremely confident that a larger bonus would be available later in the summer, we think Chris not only has a viable opportunity to pitch in the big leagues this year, but a very good chance to do so. As we did with Zack Wheeler last year, we considered the opportunity, the risk and the reward. As clear as it was that Zack should wait, it is equally clear that this is a legitimate opportunity for Chris to pitch in the big leagues in six weeks or less with a contending team. While this was not an easy decision, we believe it is the right decision,” Abbott said.
AL East:
The Toronto Blue Jays optioned 3B-Edwin Encarnacion (27) to Las Vegas and called up 2B-Jarrett Hoffpauir (27) to take his place on the roster.
AL West:
RHP-Ian Snell (28) cleared waivers and was outrighted to Tacoma by the Seattle Mariners. The team also activated SS-Jack Wilson (32) from the 15-day disabled list and optioned 1B-Matt Tuiasosopo (24) to Triple-A
NL Central:
The Milwaukee Brewers activated RHP-Todd Coffey (29) from the 15-day disabled list and outrighted RHP-Chris Smith (29) to Nashville.
The Houston Astros made a flurry of moves. They designated OF-Cory Sullivan (30), C-Kevin Cash (32) and RHP-Casey Daigle (29) for assignment. To take up the three open roster spots, C-Jason Castro (23), 3B-Chris Johnson (25) and OF-Jason Bourgeois (28) got the call from Triple-A Round Rock and in the process the ‘Stros got a heck of a lot younger.
Entering the season Castro was rated as Houston’s top prospect, but hasn’t exactly been torching PCL pitching this season (0.265/.365/.355 in 244 PA). At his best he profiles to be an average starting catcher in the major leagues. There is certainly nothing wrong with that but his status as the Astros top prospect speaks volumes about the current state of their farm system. Comps to A.J. Pierzynski are wildly optimistic here. To me a better comp might be Jason Kendall (the 30-something version, not the 20-something version) but then again prospects can surprise and I hate making comps.
NL East:
The Florida Marlins designated RHP-Jorge Sosa (33) for assignment and optioned RHP-Jay Buente (26) to New Orleans.
NL West:
No moves to report.
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