| Bard becomes free agent | Monday 10/6, 7:00 PM CT |
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Josh Bard cleared waivers on Monday and decided to become a free agent, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Bard missed about two months due to an ankle injury and later in the year also missed time due to a strained right triceps. At the plate he was atrocious hitting just .202 in 178 AB, this after hitting .305 in 2006-07. He should rebound somewhat with health, but playing time could be hard to come by. |
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| Estes becomes a free agent | Monday 10/6, 6:57 PM CT |
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Shawn Estes cleared waivers on Monday and decided to become a free agent, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Estes only made it out to the hill for 43.2 innings due to a couple of injuries, and even when healthy his performance was less than ideal (4.74 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). He will likely latch on with someone because he is left-handed, but don't look for anything more than you saw from him this season. |
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| Wade performing exceedingly well | Monday 10/6, 4:16 PM CT |
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Cory Wade doesn't get the press of Takashi Saito and Jonathan Broxton but he has done a tremendous job nonetheless, according to Fox Sports. "He never tries to do more than what he can do," one scout says. "He knows that if he keeps his fastball out of the middle of the plate, he can pitch up and down with his curveball and get hitters out all day long."
Our View: Wade posted a 2.27 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and a 2.83 K/BB ratio this season and was a tremendous source of production out of the bullpen in NL-only leagues. Keep his name in mind in '09. |
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| McLouth to remain with Pirates | Monday 10/6, 4:13 PM CT |
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Nate McLouth will not be be traded to the Yankees for Robinson Cano as reports have been speculating, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Our View: The Pirates are more likely to move Nyjer Morgan given that they would easily replace his production with youngser Andrew McCutchen. The team could also look to move Adam LaRoche, but McLouth is almost certain to remain put. |
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| Votto named NL Rookie of Month | Monday 10/6, 3:41 PM CT |
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Joey Votto has been named the NL Rookie of the Month for September, according to the AP. Votto batted .309 (29-for-94) with nine home runs and 20 RBI over 25 games in the month.
Our View: Votto hit .297 over 151 games, with 24 homers and 84 RBI, and has a bright future ahead of him in Cincinnati. He should challenge .300 and 30 homers in 2009, potentially making him a solid starting first baseman for mixed-leagues. |
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| Sheets may leave Milwaukee? | Monday 10/6, 12:49 PM CT |
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Ben Sheets will keep the option open, but ultimately does not expect to remain in Milwaukee when he enters free agency, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Our View: Sheets has put in eight year's of service with Milwaukee, while maintaining a 3.72 ERA. He is dealing with a muscle tear near his elbow, but will still likely generate solid interest on the free agent market. |
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| Weeks undergoes surgery | Monday 10/6, 12:08 PM CT |
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Rickie Weeks underwent surgery today to remove torn cartilage from his left knee, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. The doctors said he had a "debridement" of the meniscus in that knee.
Our View: The procedure was performed by team physician William Raasch at Froedtert Medical Center. Weeks will begin therapy at home later in the week and is expected to be ready to go by spring training.
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| Backe arrested | Monday 10/6, 9:56 AM CT |
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Brandon Backe has been arrested early Sunday morning (along with at least a half-dozen bystanders) after a fight broke out in Galveston, according to MLB.com. Backe was accused of resisting arrest, search and transportation by using force against an officer. He was released on bail and released the same day. The Astros stated, "We're aware of an incident involving Brandon. We have spoken with him regarding his his version of the event. Seeing this is a legal matter, any further comment on our part would be inappropriate."
Our View: Backe was attending a wedding celebration at the H2O bar in San Luis Resort when an incident involving a 19-year-old reportedly turned into an altercation between police and bar patrons. Backe struggled through a poor season with a 9-14 mark over 31 starts, with a 6.05 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. |
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