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According to Patrick Newman's NPB Tracker, former Colorado hurler Jose Contreras is considering pitching in Japan next season.
Our View: Apparently Contreras has contacted the Hanshin Tigers and will be visiting Japan next week. He's entering his 16-year-old son in an exchange program, but will likely reach out to some pro clubs while overseas. The 37-year-old finished last season with a 4.92 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in his 23 starts, so he likely won't be fantasy relevant even if he stays stateside. |
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According to the Houston Chronicle, the Astros have signed right-hander Jose Valdez to a minor league contract and added him to the 40-man roster.
Our View: Valdez compiled a 3.43 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A last season, but it was the first time in his seven minor league seasons that the 26-year-old reached Triple-A. The former Yankee farmhand was added to the 40-man roster so the Astros can protect him from the Rule 5 draft, but don't count on him to make much of, if any, impact on the 2010 season. |
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According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Nick Johnson may be on the Giants wish list this offseason.
Our View: The Giants are a team full of free swingers, so they could certainly benefit from a patient hitter like Johnson (99 BB, .426 OBP). Manager Bruce Bochy loves him apparently, and he won't cost an arm and a leg this hot stove season like Matt Holliday, Jason Bay and John Lackey certainly will. |
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Updating a previous report, number-one overall pick Stephen Strasburg will not need surgery on his injured left knee, according to MLBlogs.com. Strasburg injured his knee shagging fly balls on Thursday.
Our View: This injury wasn't believed to be serious, but you never know when it has to do with the knee. Strasburg will need to rest the knee and get therapy, but there is no reason to think he won't be ready for spring training. |
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ESPN.com is reporting that the Florida Marlins and ace Josh Johnson are not close to a contract extension. Johnson's agent told ESPN that negotiatons with the team have reached an impasse.
Our View: Johnson will likely play under a one-year deal for next season before entering free agency in 2011. If Johnson and the Marlins can't get talks resumed, look for the team to try to trade him before the deadline next season. |
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The Red Sox are believed to be interested in Matt Holliday, according to the Boston Herald.
Our View: The club will reportedly consider the elite outfielder as an alternative if they do no re-sign Jason Bay. The Cardinals would also like to keep him in St. Louis. |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates have designated catcher Robinzon Diaz for assignment. Diaz played in 41 games for the team last season.
Our View: Diaz was in an unfortunate situation in Pittsburgh, as he was behind Ryan Doumit and Jason Jaramillo on the depth chart, and out of minor league options. He filled in admirably while both catchers were down last season, as he hit .279 with 19 RBI in 129 at-bats. |
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated pitcher Jeff Karstens for assignment, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Karstens was 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA in 39 appearances (13 starts) last season.
Our View: It looks like Karstens isn't in the future plans for the Pirates next season, which is a bit of a surprise. He is out of minor league options, which could have been a major reason why this move was made, but he will be in someone's plans next year. |
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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates have claimed right-handed pitcher Chris Jakubauskas from the Mariners. Jakubauskas was 6-7 with a 5.32 ERA in 35 appearances for Seattle last season.
Our View: Jakubauskas struggled through injuries for much of last season, and he wasn't great when he did get on the mound. He made eight starts, so he could work out of the rotation or bullpen for the Pirates next season. |
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Catcher Paul Phillips has signed a one-year contract to stay with the Rockies, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: It's a minor league contract that will pay him $450,000 if he's added to the major league roster. Chris Iannetta will be the Rockies starter in 2010. |
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