A Myriad of Minor Relievers Sign

by
February 12, 2009

All are minor league deals.

Marlins sign Kiko Calero

Calero disappeared from the baseball map due to rotator cuff issues, causing him to miss multiple months. There’s not a ton to base Calero’s potential moving forward on, he did see some time in the Rangers farm system, pitching poorly but at least showing the ability to strike batters out. Historically, Calero is a slight flyball pitcher, and at such a low-risk, why not?

Rockies sign Scott Munter

2008 is exactly what you expect from Munter. A 4.25 and 4.05 FIP split between the Giants and Rays Triple-A team comes close to matching his major league totals. The key difference being an inverse in walk and strikeout rates for the better. Munter’s key to the majors is continuing to produce groundballs.

Tigers sign Ruddy Lugo

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Well, there were rumors of a Lugo landing in Detroit, just not this one. Ruddy went from a moderately successful reliever to a decent starter within one off-season. After flashing extreme control problems, Lugo’s peripherals looked a lot better, even in extended work. The only problem seemed to be with the homerun. Lugo can fake being a slightly above replacement level starter and a decent reliever, assuming he doesn’t become walk happy again.

Red Sox sign Brad Wilkerson

Wilkerson’s homerun rates were down while his infield fly and groundball rates were up. That’s generally a bad combination and suggests Wilkerson was either fouled, has a slowing bat, or was the victim of random chance. For the second time in three years Wilkerson was worth negative value, I don’t know if this is his last chance, but filling in for Mark Kotsay should allow for some playing time early on, we’ll see if Wilkerson is truly done, or simply playing possum.

Rays sign Morgan Ensberg

See Wilkerson, Brad. Both were sky scrapers not long ago, and now latch on to minor league deals with invites to spring training. Ensberg has said he’s willing to play all over, including the corner outfield and second base. Over the last few years Ensberg hasn’t rated too well defensively at third base, but perhaps his skillset lends better to second? He’ll earn 650k if he’s on the roster come opening day.





 

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