:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28137383/20130952_pjc_su8_078.0.jpg)
It's an even slower news day today than it was yesterday. And no, I don't have any more pizza news for you.
Instead, I have news of two former Cubs signing contracts!
The #Nats have agreed to terms with catcher Koyie Hill on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) February 5, 2014
Indians have signed 1B/OF Bryan LaHair to Minors deal with spring invite. All-Star with Cubs in 2012, played in Japan in 2013.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) February 5, 2014
And just think. Hill could have ended his career in a blaze of reflected glory, because he was the starting catcher for Henderson Alvarez's no-hitter for the Marlins against the Tigers on the last day of the 2013 regular season. But no, he tries yet another comeback.
Hill had the worst offensive season of his MLB career in 2013, and that's saying something. In 18 games covering 61 plate appearances, he hit .155/.183/.190. He was 9-for-58 with two doubles, no home runs or RBI, and 18 strikeouts. His OPS+ was 3, slightly eclipsing the OPS+ of 4 he posted with the 2012 Cubs.
Here's the kicker to the deal:
Source: Koyie Hill's minor league deal with #Nationals includes 7/1 opt-out.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 5, 2014
Somehow, I don't think teams will be breaking his door down come July 1.
As for Bryan LaHair, he hit even worse in Japan than he did for the Cubs in 2012, In 111 games, he had 389 plate appearances and hit .230/.306/.428. The 16 home runs aren't bad, but he also struck out 121 times in 348 at-bats. Not sure what the Indians are thinking here.
Anyway, figured you would all want to know, especially about Koyie, who will turn 35 in about five weeks.
Meanwhile, Paul Sullivan reports the Cubs are likely not in on Korean pitcher Suk-Min Yoon:
Yoon threw a bullpen session for the Cubs and Rangers on Tuesday, according to mlb.com. The 27-year-old right-hander has drawn interest from teams looking for rotation help, but reportedly is seeking a multi-year contract out of the Cubs' range.
Discuss, etc.