Brower makes the team, Grissom retires, more

by Scott Christ on Mar 28, 2006 5:47 PM EST in News & Rumors

Jim Brower will be heading north with the Orioles after posting a 6.75 ERA this spring. Perlozzo is "tickled" to have him. Me, not so much. But who else is there? The Todd is going to start the season on the DL and Rakers is out for the year. Napoleon Calzado, Howie Clark, Vic Darensbourg, Eddy Garabito, Andy Mitchell, Esix Snead and Fernando Tatis were all cut and assigned to minor league camp. Aaron Rakers is officially on the 60-day DL.

Javy Lopez will be starting at first base next Monday.

Marquis Grissom retired after 17 seasons in the majors. He stole 76 bases in 1991, 78 in 1992, 53 in 1993 and had 36 when the strike came in 1994, and never stole 30 again. His last five seasons he tried to hit an occasional homer for the Dodgers and Giants. He played for Montreal, Atlanta, Cleveland and Milwaukee as well. He had a bit of an odd career.

Erubiel Durazo was released by the Rangers.

The Royals claimed Tony Graffanino off waivers from Boston.

The Astros' attempt to recoup $15.6 million of the $17 million they owe Jeff Bagwell this season was denied.

The Indians signed Felix Heredia.

Josh Barfield is the Padres' starting second baseman.

David Wells plans to retire after this season. David Weathers may do the same.

Mariners outfielder Jeremy Reed's wrist isn't broken after all. It's just a sprain.

The Cubs traded RHP Todd Wellemeyer to the Marlins for Lincoln Holdzkom and Zach McCormack.

The Expos put Cristian Guzman, Luis Ayala, Robert Fick, Ryan Drese and Brian Lawrence on the DL.

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Brower?

His last appearance on Saturday was an unmitigated disaster. He blew the lead after Bedard pitched 6 innings of a gem.
We all know that the easiset way to destroy a young staff's confidence is to hand the ball to the likes of Brower and watch your lead go up in smoke..or bases on balls.
If Sam is tickled to have him, especially after watching that meltdown last Saturday, I shudder to think how he'll feel next Monday after Rodrigo goes six strong, is beating Kasmir by a couple, and the pen melts down.
I have really bad feelings about our pen. It will be our worst part of the team, and could lead to many many other problems.

"What's my secret for winning? That's easy. Pitching, defense, and three run homers" Earl Weaver

by elktonfan on Mar 28, 2006 7:14 PM EST reply actions

Me too

I think our runs scored will be fairly close to the runs given up by our starting pitching, leaving us with a lot of close games and chances to win. But our bullpen has me scared. Our inexperienced closer is the least of our trouble. How are we going even going to get to him? I think if we can trade Newhan to the Angels for bullpen help, it'd be worth it. I have the feeling we're going to blow a lot of leads and nothing is worse to watch than a crappy bullpen, whether it's from your couch or the dugout.

by BleedingOrange on Mar 28, 2006 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

That is true

I just go crazy evertime we have a lead and the pen screws it up, and that will happen ALOT this year. Damn Rakers injury.

"We're so bad right now that for us back-to-back home runs means one today and another one tomorrow" Earl Weaver

by Larry Bigbie3 on Mar 28, 2006 8:40 PM EST up reply actions

The Bullpen...

...is frightening. I'm guessing Brower is being brought on as long relief for when we're way behind...and hoping Perlozzo's "tickled" comment means that he's having a little laugh at bringing this dude up to start the season in the bigs. Hopefully Williams gets well ASAP.

"You'll get better. I promise." - Cal Ripken Jr.

by Jonnypops on Mar 28, 2006 8:55 PM EST up reply actions

Matos for Releivers

The Reds might be our best bet on trading Matos for a OK releiver. Currently the Reds have Griffey, Dunn, freely and Kreans and one of those guys for sure will hit the DL sometime this season. As for their releif pitchers I'd like to get Coffey or Weathers for Matos, but the reds arent dealing

PLay like you want it, Live like you need it

by merdon1332000 on Mar 29, 2006 5:18 AM EST up reply actions

Bring Back Jesse

Anyone know what Jesse Orosco is up to these days??? You think we could break him out of the old age home? I'm betting even at 65, he'll still be able to get outs.

And how didn't old man Orosco make the top 40 team? Just by playing until 45 or however old he was has to get you on that list.

by BirdFanInPhilly on Mar 29, 2006 10:45 AM EST up reply actions

Matos

No one is all that crazy about Matos. Newhan has more trade value as a lefty coming off the bench, pinch runner, and utility infielder/outfielder. He's also batting over .400 this spring. Either way, we've got a lot of mediocre outfielders and not enough arms in our 'pen...

by BleedingOrange on Mar 29, 2006 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

Durazo

I think Durazo could make a great sleeper pickup for someone, possibly a Tampa Bay-Kansas City-etc. team. He's had a couple of down years that COULD turn out to be flukes... he didn't hit great in Texas' camp, but they basically brought him in to challenge Nevin, not to be part of the team. And he hit pretty well for Mexico in the WBC. I could see him making an impact for someone.

As far as Brower goes... what choice do we have? He HAS put up some good years, and he's done well with Mazzone, so maybe he'll be a serviceable mop-up guy once he breaks in.

by punkrawka on Mar 28, 2006 9:44 PM EST reply actions