Monday, December 17, 2018

After the Meeting Notes: SS Search Heats Up; Pitching Adds; Other Signings & Final Payrolls 2018

The afterglow of the winter soiree...

  • The signing of RHP Jordan Lyles, announced on the 11th to kick off the winter meeting, was made official today after he passed his physical. he seems most likely to be a bullpen piece, but NH said "...he will have a legitimate opportunity to earn a spot in our rotation in 2019," so we'll see how that works out in camp.
  • The Padres sold RHP Cristofer Melendez to the Pirates. He's a 21-year-old starter who had a lights-out 2018 Dominican season, doing 4-4/1.54 with 93 K in 70-1/3 IP after three meh prior seasons. The Friars had just claimed Melendez from the White Sox during the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft; they had an early pick, so perchance this handover was pre-arranged. One thing for sure - the Pirates are into some serious refurbishing of their lowel level pitching.
Anyone seen a shortstop? (Panda clipart)
  • George A King III of the NY Post wrote that the Bucs have "big interest" in Freddy Galvis, ex of the Phils and Padres. Meanwhile, Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle speculates that the Bucs could be kicking Tulo's tires; there are six unidentified clubs sniffing around. We guessing the Nick Ahmed talks have hit a speedbump. Shortstop could get interesting for a season or two.
  • Per the Washington Post's Thomas Boswell, J-Hay is in the hunt for a second base gig for the Nats, though the market and options are glutted. Boswell opines that "The safest option, and maybe wisest, too, could be (Marwin) Gonzalez, whom the Nats seem to prefer over Harrison, who has similar utility skills."
  • Chase d'Arnaud, soon-to-be 32-years-old, signed a minor league deal with an invite to camp with the Rangers. The Bucs 2008 draft pick has suited up for six teams in parts of seven seasons with a .222 BA and has played every position on the field except for catcher.
  • The AP has an article on 2018 payrolls and the team rankings. Pittsburgh is 27th, slotted between Miami and Oakland.
On a final note, Jordy Mercer tweeted his farewell to the fans after signing with Detroit:


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