Player Acquisitions


Tuesday, August 14th, 2007

Pitcher with coolest name signed by Nationals

Seriously, if you were hoping to become a major league pitcher wouldn't you just love to have the last name, Smoker?!With just one day left before the deadline to sign players from this year's Draft, the Washington Nationals announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Josh Smoker on Tuesday, the 31st overall pick in the First-Year Player Draft. Smoker, … Read more »

Wednesday, August 1st, 2007

Trade deadline fall out

Morris to the Pirates!? Who saw that one coming? I admit that I was a little dissappointed with this year's trade activity at the deadline. I was hoping to see more big names on the move. Nonetheless, there were some suprises and coups that emerged as the 4pm EST deadline was reached, let's run through a few of those… … Read more »

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

Padres deal Linebrink to Brewers

The Brewers have sent three minor leaguers to the Padres for reliever Scott Linebrink. When I first read this news, I wondered why the Padres, who are very much in contention, would deal Linebrink away for three minor leaguers. But then the pieces of the puzzle started to come together…Firstly, Linebrink has been struggling this year. Read more »

Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

Belliard gets extension, Young wants to stay

The Washington Nationals wisely extended the hot-hitting, work horse 2B, Ronnie Belliard, on Monday. I like this move. Belliard is surprisingly affordable and reliable. He's got a great attitude in the clubhouse, and can play decent 3B, SS and 1B. Belliard is also valuable off the bench. The Nationals don't have much to back up this … Read more »

Wednesday, June 20th, 2007

Padres pull a fast one on Cubs' Hendry

The Padres have sent catcher Rob Bowen and minor league OF Kyler Burke to the Cubs in return for catcher Michael Barrett and cash (possibly more than $1M).This is no blockbuster trade–we're swapping mediocrity for mediocrity here–but the Padres appear to be on the better side of the deal, at least for now.Rob BowenRead more »

Tuesday, March 20th, 2007

Welcome back Gonzo!

Former Toronto Blue Jay infielder Alex Gonzalez has emerged from his short retirement with a renewed excitement for the game and will be making his signature diving stops on the field for the Kansas City Royals in 2007. Gonzalez, who entered the 2006 season as a backup infielder with the Phillies, retired last May after racking … Read more »

Tuesday, January 30th, 2007

Blue Jays bet on another injured arm, sign V-Zam

The Blue Jays added yet another pitcher with a recent history of injuries to their staff, signing former Devil Ray and Mets righty Victor Zambrano on Tuesday to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. In addition to Zambrano, John Thomson and Tomo Ohka will also limp into camp next month and try … Read more »

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

Jays go with Clayton up the middle

Just as I was typing out this statement in my previous post, "[Counsell] could have provided excellent mentorship for the Jays' young infielders", a press release was being written on the other side of the continent to inform the baseball world that veteran shortstop Royce Clayton was signed by the Blue Jays today. A hat tip … Read more »

Wednesday, November 29th, 2006

Bad day in the press for agent Lozano

It hasn't been a great day in the press for sports agent, Dan Lozano. Both Rod Barajas and Tony Graffanino reportedly have lost deals due to Lozano's efforts. Barajas apparently signed a 2-year deal with the Jays only to back out shortly before his physical. The defensive catcher made the agreement while under the advisement of his former … Read more »

Friday, October 27th, 2006

Barry Bonds opts for free agency

Barry Bonds' agent made headlines today when he informed the press that Bonds will file for free agency following the World Series. Where might Bonds wind up in 2007?With his declining speed, it's safe to assume that more than a few American League GMs will be thinking of dropping Bonds into the lineup as a DH. Assumming Oakland … Read more »

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