A Rash Of Minor Transactions

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 9:10 AM CST in News Comment 50 comments

Offseason player movement, up to now reeeealllly slow, started to pick up yesterday with a few minor transactions (and two more that are about to happen).

Transaction: Mike Hampton signs a one-year, $2 million deal with the Astros

Comment: Hampton played for Houston a zillion years ago; he had a great year there in 1999, which helped get him his huge free-agent deal after he spent 2000 with the Mets. Among his teammates his last year in Houston were Paul Bako, Daryle Ward and Ken Caminiti. Hampton's 36 and likely on the decline; it costs the Astros little, and that's probably what they'll get.

Transaction: Russell Branyan signs a one-year deal with the Mariners

Comment: If some team had just installed Branyan at DH 7 or 8 years ago, he might have put up a couple of 50-homer seasons. He has hit a HR about every 15 AB in his career, 133 in 2000 AB. He strikes out a ton, which is why most teams won't touch him. He might do OK in Seattle, especially if they DH him part of the time.

Transaction: Cardinals sign LHP Trever Miller to a one-year deal that could be worth $2 million with incentives

Comment: Yawn. Miller has a career ERA of 4.43 and a career WHIP of 1.499. He'll be 36 in May.

Transaction: Cardinals to acquire Khalil Greene for two minor league pitchers

Comment: This one isn't official yet, but apparently will be today. Double yawn. I know a lot of people here salivated after Greene, but he had a really bad year last year before being shut down after July. He's 29 years old and isn't going to be getting any better.

Transaction: Giants to sign SS Edgar Renteria as a free agent

Comment: Another one that isn't quite done yet, but supposedly will happen. What is with the Giants' fetish with older, declining players? Five years ago, acquiring Renteria might have been a good idea. Now -- why bother?

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Only the Giants...

…could sign someone as old as Renteria and still be able to say they got younger at that position!

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Dec 4, 2008 9:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Youth movement!!!

by gocubsgo22 on Dec 4, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What, Minnie Minoso wasn't available?

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Dec 4, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess that's what happens...

…when your shortstop is Omar Vizquel, who, as far as I can tell, has not retired. According to this confusingly titled blog, at least, he’s hoping to play “if not in the U.S. next year, perhaps in Japan.”

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 4, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like he's done in the USA.

Japan? Yeah, I guess I could see that. But you’d think at 41, maybe he’d have had enough.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It would be nice to combine

Khlil Green’s defense and Theriot’s ability to make contact.

If the Giants sign CC for the reported $140 million, 2 of their pitchers contracts would be worth more than $250 million. They have a serious lack of direction.

I'm finally moving on...

by slocs55 on Dec 4, 2008 9:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

At least one of those pitchers would actually be good.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 9:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good until the calendar turns to Oct.

but then again I recall an entire team that has that problem

Derrick Rose-2009 ROTY Tyrus Thomas-2009 MIP...hope I'm at least half right

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Dec 4, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Greene deal is significant.

Considering the stiffs the Cardinals trotted out to short last year, Greene is likely to be an appreciable upgrade.

Miles, Ryan, Neifi, oops, sorry, Izturis, all make Greene look like a stud.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Dec 4, 2008 10:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Upgrade on defense

but not offense. Not looking at stats, but my gut tells me Ryan and Miles had better offensive numbers than Goldilox

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 4, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Three Amigos...........

………in StLu combined for 5 HRs and 65 RBIs (in total, no just while playing short).

While certainly no wizard at the plate, history has shown that Greene is much better than those terms offensively, his abbreviated and horrendous 2008 season notwithstanding.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Dec 4, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Miles did a very good job impersonating Ryan Theriot:

.317/.355/.398/.753, except that he is probably even worse defensively than the Riot.

Ryan wasn’t nearly that good: .244/.307/.289/.596. (For comparison purposes, Jason Marquis managed .598 — and he’s probably a better fielder. Jason also out-homered Ryan 2-0.)

Izturis brought a good glove and a .263/.319/.309/.628 line.

Greene has a great glove, and a career .731 OPS (95 OPS+) playing in a hitter’s graveyard. How can he not be an upgrade?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 4, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

Renteria signs for 2 years and 18.5 mil per Rosenthal. That’s WAY too much.

Can see Greene having a good year in St. Louis. That teams going to hit a lot of home runs.

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Dec 4, 2008 10:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Greene

hit something like 27 homers a couple of years ago playing half his games at pitcher friendly Petco. Last season was an aberration. He was on a sinking ship and the Pads tried to dock his pay after he broke his hand punching a locker (or was it a teammate?)

He’ll never hit for average, but has some pop and a great glove. A huge upgrade for St. Loo.

by Clark Addison on Dec 4, 2008 11:11 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Was last year the aberration?

Or was the 27-HR year the aberration?

Guess we’ll find out next year.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll take the latter.

NOT a 27 HR guy.

Demp and Rich: proof that people that live in igloos and say "eh" can contibute!

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Dec 4, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Disagree on Renteria

Unless Theriot is hitting leadoff, his skills in the 2 spot or 8 spot are as minimal as Renteria’s. Actually, I would rather have Renteria hitting 7th at SS, than Theriot hitting 2nd or 8th at SS. Their range is basically the same, although Renteria has a better arm than Ryan does. What Renteria does at the plate is no more damaging than what Theriot does. Theriot’s numbers say he should be a leadoff guy, or with a real leadoff man in front of him, a decent 2 hitter. Until the Riot’s skills are utilized properly, the Giants are getting the better SS.

"How's your mother?"
"She's on her way out."
"We all are. Act accordingly."

by louslovechild on Dec 4, 2008 11:17 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have a solution for those of you with a Dunn fetish

Petition MLB to switch leagues with the White Sox

Install Dunn as DH and let him bat for Fukudome when Zambrano is pitching

We get rid of those pesky Cards, Brewers, and Astros and gain the Royals.

by leothelip on Dec 4, 2008 11:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

The AL Central is better than the NL Central.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 4, 2008 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I was joking, obviously

by leothelip on Dec 4, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

FYI -- Plus, the DH now HAS to hit for the pitcher

Used to be, he could hit for anyone else in the lineup.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 4, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

Was the DH ever used for someone other than the pitcher in the American League? I can remember a pitcher, Rick Rhoden with the Yankees, being used as the DH in a game.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Dec 4, 2008 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not that I can find

But it is possible that it happened.

According to Wikipedia (I know, I know), you’re right about Rhoden.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Designated_hitter

(Link icon isn’t working for me right now.)

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 4, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

June 11, 1988.

Here is the game in which Rhoden served as DH, but did not pitch.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.

The Cubs are a BASEBALL team.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Dec 4, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"A Rash Of Minor Transactions"

….rash is a very good way to describe these deals!

New sig currently under construction

by JB 23 on Dec 4, 2008 1:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Who else is hoping Ted Lilly gets a start against the Giants?

Look out, Edgar!

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 4, 2008 1:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Probably not Mike Fontenot.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 4, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If it means Alfonso hits three jacks in five ABs, Fontenot can learn to like it

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Dec 4, 2008 2:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he could learn Ju-Jitsu or something.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 4, 2008 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And in other news...

It’s 16 degrees and snowing here…

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 4, 2008 2:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Brrr.

It’s 29 here, sunny but cold.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It was 60 yesterday, and it's supposed to be 40 tomorrow.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 4, 2008 6:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm...

San Diego trades underacheving SS to St Louis…hmm…seems I’ve heard of this type of trade before….something about the Hall Of Fame……what’s that about not remembering history….hmm….let me see if I can remember his name…..Ozzie-something….

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 4, 2008 2:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

LOL...

That thought did cross my mind, although I don’t see this one with the same ending.

I do think Greene will prove to be a decent player for them though. Now if we can just get the Phillies to trade us an underacheving infielder…

by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 4, 2008 2:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You really want Pedro Feliz?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 4, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...

No. A Ryne reference. Comparing Green’s trade with the Phils for Ryne to the Father’s and Cards Ozzie deal.

by Tangled Up In Blue on Dec 5, 2008 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And

64 and PC here.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Dec 4, 2008 3:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

sigh...

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This quote at the bottom of the Renteria link....

The Giants also are believed to remain definite contenders for the services of left-hander CC Sabathia, one of this offseason’s top free-agent prizes. But Sabathia is still considering other options, mostly notably the New York Yankees’ reported six-year, $140 million offer.

I can’t figure out the Giants. At what point do you concede that your team is horrible and you have no business spending tons of money on free-agents like this. You would think they would be looking for young talent that is cheap and try and build a team. Instead they spend every dollar they have and end up with Barry Zito and Edgar Renteria.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Dec 4, 2008 3:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

oops...can't figure out that dang blockquote thing.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on Dec 4, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al

was wandering if you could get an answer maybe from the guy who runs VEB why the cards are doing what their doing. 6 million for greene and traded 2 prospects?? geez I dont get it. crapturis last year.

trevor miller for 2 million +incentives when beimel could be had for 4 million??

41 million for lohse when their are several studs on the market??

wow maybe my baseball judgement sucks but this offseason thus far has me mind boggled to say the least.

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 4, 2008 4:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The guy who used to run VEB...

… who I knew well, turned the site over to others.

Why don’t you sign up for VEB and ask them yourself?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand Lohse

But the Greene gamble is worth it. The one “prospect” that they announced is already 26. Greene is basically free for the Cardinals. He’s cheaper than Renteria so unless they want to go back to Miles/Izturis, resign Eckstein or who knows what, I like the Greene gamble. He may not hit 27 HR’s again but if he hits .250-.260 with 20 HR’s and decent defense I suspect they’ll be happy with that.

by rlpete on Dec 5, 2008 8:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

20 HR?

Greene has hit 20 HR once — his 27 HR season. His career high other than that is 15. I’d be stunned if he hit more than 15 homers.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 5, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes but he's had numerous 15 HR seasons

Moving to StL and the more friendly HR parks in the Central, I would see .250 and 20 HR’s as a reasonable possibility.

by rlpete on Dec 5, 2008 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al: no mention of the MAJOR deal of Howry signing by the Giants?

were you too sad to put it into words?

I assume you will have a good-bye blog for Bobby…

"When you are in a hole, stop digging." - anon.

by LAcarl519 on Dec 4, 2008 5:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I figured we discussed it to death yesterday.

Howry was a class act. He didn’t perform well, but never made excuses. I wish him well, except when he faces the Cubs.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 4, 2008 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My feelings about Howry exactly.

As bad as he was this past season, he didn’t keep the Cubs from winning 97 games. And he was a nonfactor in the postseason. He also never lashed out at the fans or the media. Compare that to, say, Latroy Hawkins. Now that the smoke has cleared, I urge all Cubs fans to let go of their Howry hate and wish him the best.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 5, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with both of you

I have no anger about Howry and wish him well (except against the Cubs, of course).

I will always believe that Howry was overused in Dusty’s last disaster season and that Howry’s arm has never been the same since that year. Look at how dead Howry’s arm was at the beginning of that next year…remember? Anyway, I wish him well. The ghost of Dusty lives on!

It just seems that every Cub pitcher is “touched” by the managerial skills of Dusty.

"When you are in a hole, stop digging." - anon.

by LAcarl519 on Dec 6, 2008 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs