DeRosa, Guardado Off the Table
According to several reports, superutilityman Mark DeRosa has agreed to a two-year, $12M contract with the San Francisco Giants. Seems like a lot for a 35-year-old coming off wrist surgery, doesn’t it?
Additionally, those pesty Washington Nationals have made another acquisition, signing veteran lefty reliever Eddie Guardado to a one-year, minor-league contract. “Steady” Eddie appeared in 48 games for the Rangers last season, posting a 4.46 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. The 39-year-old has spent most of his career in the AL. No word on the terms, only that it is a minor league, non-guaranteed deal. That said, a good move by the Nats to add a possible LOOGY without much risk.
The suddenly shrewd Nats also signed former Phillies utilityman Eric Bruntlett to a minor league contract. Again, not a bad deal, in that they get a versatile bench man on a non-guaranteed deal. He’s no Alex Cora but he’s not nearly as expensive, either.
Out on the Left Coast, the Mariners have signed catcher Josh Bard and reliever Chad Cordero to minor league contracts. I’ve always liked Bard for his switch-hitting ability, good discipline at the plate, occasional pop, excellent defense, and good reputation for handling pitchers. But, he’s not friendly with Johan Santana so Henry Blanco was a better choice on a guaranteed deal. Cordero is still recovering from shoulder surgery on his labrum — he hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2008, and threw only 14 minor-league innings last season. Ironically, the Mets latest signee Kelvim Escobar is coming back from similar surgery, and threw 15 minor-league innings last season (as well as another 5 in MLB before being shut down for the year).
A healthy reliever — Bob Howry — has been signed to a one-year deal by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Terms were not disclosed, but most are guessing it is in the $2M – $3M range. Howry appeared in 63 games, posting a 3.34 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Luckily the Mets aren’t in need of relief help, having already filled the ‘pen with Escobar and Ryota Igarashi.
About the Author
Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers.
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Mets need to replace Dan Warthen with Leo Mazzone.
I don’t think Warthen got any extra out of his pitchers last year. In the bullpen or in the rotation. He may had success with a couple of guys but really we need a pitching coach that makes all of his pitchers better. Leo Mazzone is that guy.
I hated when Mel went over to the Yankees when he was obviously brilliant and now we have another no-brainer in Mazzone and this time we can be on the receiving end of a great pitching coach looking for a fresh start.
I endorse that idea.