SB Nation - Jerry Owens

Washington Nationals: Free Agent Chatter: Aroldis Chapman?

Ed Chigliak — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:40:26 -0000

More photos » by Peter Morgan - AP

22-year-old Cuban-born left-hander Aroldis Chapman threw bullpen sessions for MLB scouts and even a few GM's today in Houston, Texas. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)

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The Washington Nationals signed six free agents, or re-signed in three of six cases, but it was the fact that they simply "watched" an unsigned free agent that had some of the DC Faithful talking, and wondering if the Nationals could once again make the sort of splash in the international market that they did when they signed one Esmailyn "Smiley" Gonzalez back in 2006. At the same time the team was announcing, or in some cases confirming the signings of, "...right-handed pitchers Joel Peralta, Logan Kensing and Ryan Speier, catcher Jamie Burke, infielder Pete Orr and outfielder Jerry Owens to minor league contracts," in an official team press release, reports coming out of Houston, Texas identified the Washington Nationals as one of 15 teams in attendance at a bullpen session thrown by Cuban-born left-hander Aroldis Chapman for the sake of the scouts, and in two cases, GM's, of teams the international free agent hopes to sign with this Winter.

ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure, Jr., in an article entitled, "Scouts watch Cuban lefty throw", reports that DC GM Mike Rizzo was one of those there to see the 22-year-old, 6'4'' left-hander in action. According to Mr. Arangure, Chapman's working with a slider, change, and most impressive of all, a fastball that was, "...mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topp(ed) out at 96 mph," (though his heater has hit triple digits in international competition). In addition to the article Mr. Arangure, Jr. wrote, he was tweeting about the story as it broke, and twice tweeted about the Nationals' presence at the throwing session:

• "Had two sources confirm #Nationals GM Mike Rizzo attended Chapman's workout..."

• "Rizzo was the only out of town GM to attend the workout. Wade attended but obviously he lives in Houston."

Are the Nationals serious suitors for the most coveted free agent pitcher still on the market? (Sorry, Ben Sheets). Two problems: 1) The price tag - According to Mr. Arangure, Jr., "...the only team known to have made an offer for Chapman," is the Boston Red Sox, who have had a $15.5 million dollar deal on the table for some time, but Mr. Arangure Jr. also notes that Chapman's agent, "Randy Hendricks confirmed there are offers on the table for Chapman but did not disclose details," which leads us to problem No. 2) Hendricks? Randy Hendricks? The Hendricks Bros.? Hendricks Sports Management? Any of this ring a bell? That's right, Aroldis Chapman and Aaron Crow share agents. Luckily, it will be DC GM Mike Rizzo dealing with them this time if the Nationals are actually interested.

Six Free Agents Signed:

Logan Kensing, Jamie Burke and Pete Orr we already know, and the signings of Jerry Owens and Ryan Speier were already public knowledge, but the one new name among the six free agents the Washington Nationals signed today was Joel Peralta, a 33-year-old right-hander who was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Oakland Athletics back in 1996, and has since pitched for 3 Major League teams, the LA Angels, Kansas City Royals and Colorado Rockies, posting a combined (4-11) record with a 4.61 ERA in 221 games and 273.1 IP over which he's allowed 140 runs, 43 HR's (1.1 HR/9) and 76 walks (2.5 BB/9), while recording 213 K's (8.0 K/9) in his 5 MLB seasons.

LINKS:

• Washington Nationals: Official Press Release - "Nationals sign six players to minor league contracts".

• Washington Post - Chico Harlan - "Rizzo in attendance to watch Chapman."

Washington Nationals: Winter Meetings Checklist.

Ed Chigliak — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:22 -0000

More photos » by Charles Dharapak - AP

Jerry Owens, a 2003 Montreal Expos' draft pick, who signed with the Nationals Tuesday, visiting the White House on Monday, April 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds).

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• Nationals Sign Jerry Owens - OF.

When the Washington Nationals acquired OF Alex Escobar in February of 2005, then DC GM Jim Bowden told MLB.com's Bill Ladson in an article entitled, "Nationals acquire Escobar", that he believed the one-time can't-miss Mets' prospect was, "...capable of hitting 20 to 25 home runs and driving in 80 to 90 RBIs," as was every player he signed, "But (Escobar)," to that point in his career, had, "...had problems with injuries and lack of opportunities," that had held him back. In exchange for Escobar, Bowden sent the Montreal Expos' 2nd Round pick from 2003, outfielder Jerry Owens, (who was taken 57th overall that year behind only Chad Cordero and a pick ahead of Kory Casto), to the White Sox. Owens, then 23, told Mr. Ladson that it was nice to go to a team that wanted him, since, in his own words, "I don't know what my future would have been with the Nationals," where a crowded outfield of Brad Wilkerson, Jose Guillen, Terrmel Sledge and Endy Chavez blocked Owens path to the majors.

(cont.)...

Escobar, who continued to have injuries set back his development, would play a total of 33 games for the Washington Nationals, hitting for a .356 AVG, .394 OBP, .575 SLG and a .969 OPS with 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR's and 18 RBI's before finally being released in the summer of 2008 after several injury-filled seasons...Owens played a total of 129 games for the White Sox in four seasons, with 93 of the games coming in 2007 when the then-26-year-old outfielder hit .267 with 9 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR and 18 RBI's in 356 AB's. Now 28, Owens hit .323 with 126 hits in 100 games and 390 AB's at Triple-A Tacoma in Seattle's system last season, and Tuesday he was signed by the Washington Nationals to a minor league deal and given an invitation to Spring Training where he'll compete for a job in a crowded Nationals' outfield.

Wednesday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:51:04 -0000

by Keith Birmingham - AP

Another day, another picture of Randy Wolf.

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Some things to read while making your pitch to Gatorade.

It's been roughly 24 hours since we were told the Brewers were "very close" to a deal with Randy Wolf, but said deal has yet to materialize. Both Tom H. and Buster Olney are saying the Brewers are expecting a response today, now that Arn Tellem has had a day to shop the offer around, but reportedly hasn't found anyone willing to match it. Other notes on Wolf:

Tom H. says he "gets the feeling that the Brewers are suprised that Randy Wolf hasn't accepted their three-year offer yet."
Jayson Stark heard that the Brewers' offer to Wolf was bigger than the three year, $28 million deal the Braves recently gave Tim Hudson.
Jon Heyman tweeted that the Mets don't appear likely to land Wolf, and while MLB Trade Rumors lists them as showing interest in five other pitchers, Heyman says the price of mid-level pitching might drive them to spend a little more in pursuit of John Lackey.
The Junkball Blues has a look at the average return teams get on three year contracts to starting pitchers. There are some good ones (Greg Maddux, Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett), but also some disasters (Adam Eaton, Jason Schmidt, Carl Pavano).
Jorge Says No! wonders about the wisdom of offering Wolf a third year, but says the Brewers' willingness to do it implies they don't think they can sign Prince Fielder to a long term deal.

By the way, over two months ago Jorge Says No! predicted Wolf would get three years, $31 million on the open market. Impressive.

I feel the need to clarify my position on the Wolf rumor a bit, because I feel I was a little hard on the front office in this one act play last night. I still don't think Wolf wants to play in Milwaukee, which is why Arn Tellem has spent the last 24 hours searching for anyone on a coast willing to match the Brewers' offer. With that said, I'll give credit where credit is due to the front office for finding the guy they wanted and being aggressive in an attempt to get him here. If it turns out that the scenario I laid out is true and Tellem was just using the Brewers to raise the price for someone else, so be it. At least we're talking about the Brewers making an effort, and not hearing the reasons why they can't.

Meanwhile, the Brewers are close to a deal to bring Claudio Vargas back for another season, and are just waiting for formal acceptance from Vargas and his agent (FanShot). Conversation on the deal is probably complicated a bit by the fact that Vargas is currently in the Dominican Republic pitching in winter ball.

They're also expecting an answer sometime today from Craig Counsell, who may or may not be seeking a two year deal for next season. It sounds like Counsell and his agent spent the day yesterday checking out other options. Don't be surprised if a deal gets done relatively quickly.

Ken Macha told reporters yesterday that Yovani Gallardo and Manny Parra are the only pitchers guaranteed a spot in the Brewer rotation next season, implying that Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan will have to compete to earn an opportunity (FanShot). Open competition should be good for all involved, especially if the Crew manages to bring in some high-upside pitchers to compete.

Tom H. has all of those notes (and a terrible headline) in his roundup piece today, along with this note: The 40 man roster is starting to fill up, so don't be surprised if the Brewers decide not to take a chance on a Rule 5 pick in tomorrow's draft. I think that's a poor decision. Among others, Tim Dillard and Luis Cruz could probably pass through waivers without much notice. Passing on a cheap lottery ticket to protect one of those guys doesn't seem to make sense.

In the minors:

Project Prospect has a look at the speed of several Brewers who recently performed in the Arizona Fall League. Jonathan Lucroy appears to be in about the middle of the pack, while Taylor Green rated out way on the low end. They mustn't have had enough data to publish a ranking for Lorenzo Cain.
Angel Salome will be the next Brewer prospect to head out for winter ball: He's reportedly leaving at the end of the week to play for Este in the Dominican League. You can keep up with him and all the Brewer winter leaguers in our Winter League Updates.

We're continuing the effort to put together a BCB All Decade Team, and if you haven't cast your first votes yet, there's still time. Voting at first base will remain open until 4 pm today, and voting at second base runs until 4 pm tomorrow. Check back later today to vote for a shortstop.

Around baseball:

Braves: Designated outfielder Ryan Church for assignment.
D-Backs: Acquired pitchers Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy in a three way deal that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees and outfielder Austin Jackson and pitchers Max Scherzer, Daniel Schlereth and Phil Coke to the Tigers.
Mets: Signed 1B/3B Mike Hessman to a minor league deal.
Nationals: Signed outfielder Jerry Owens to a minor league deal.
Phillies: Signed Ross Gload to a two year deal.
Pirates: Are expected to sign Bobby Crosby to a one year deal.
Tigers: Signed catcher Robinzon Diaz, who was recently released by the Pirates.
Twins: Designated Boof Bonser for assignment.
White Sox: Signed Mark Teahen to a three year, $14 million deal, avoiding arbitration.
Yankees: Will receive the #1 pick in tomorrow's Rule 5 Draft as the PTBNL in the Brian Bruney trade.

Meanwhile, ~~Gritty von Canthitalick~~ Jason Kendall continues to search for work, but there's more suitors than you might think: The Rangers are reportedly strongly considering Kendall, now that Jarrod Saltalamacchia injured his shoulder playing winter ball. The Royals have also expressed interest.

From surprising news to what might possibly be the week's least surprising news: John Lackey is having a hard time finding a team willing to offer him a six year deal.

Actually, this might be the most surprising news: Kudos to the BBWAA for their decision to allow Sean Forman of Baseball Reference to join their organization.

We could have used this days ago, but Dave Cameron of FanGraphs has a guide to deciphering sources in Winter Meeting rumors. Again today, the meetings provide us with some things you might never have known without the internet, and wouldn't have missed:

Michael Tucker, who hasn't played in the majors since 2006, is in Indianapolis and wants to play next season.
Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson heard about a trade offer the Diamondbacks made for him and was offended by it.
C. Trent Rosecrans gave the Meetings' Best Hat Award to Manny Acta.
Blue Jays beat reporter Jordan Bastian gives us a look at the hotel lobby, complete with Christmas tree.
Jonathan Mayo of MiLB.com had to step away from the meetings for a moment to help his mom figure out the TV.

On this day in 1977, the Brewers traded pitchers Jim Slaton and Rich Folkers to the Tigers for Ben Oglivie. The 29 year old Panama native would spend the last nine years of his career as a Brewer, hitting .277/.345/.461, leading the AL with 41 home runs in 1980, and appearing in three All Star games.

Happy birthday today to:

Doc Medich, who made the final ten starts of his major league career for the 1982 Brewers, and turns 61.
Ed Romero, who spent parts of eight seasons as a Brewer in the late 70's and 80's and later served as a minor league infield coordinator and manager. He turns 52.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some snowblowing to do.

Drink up.

White Sox and Leadoff or "Why Podsednik Seems So Good"

shaftr — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:19:05 -0000

More photos » by Nam Y. Huh - AP

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Finding a leadoff man is difficult. It's not a position, but it is a spot in the lineup that requires a certain set of skills. The ability to get on base and run are the two most important skills of a leadoff man. The 2009 Chicago White Sox have had an interesting group of guys try their hand at lead off.

Dewayne Wise

Origins: Before he was the man behind preserving a perfect game, Wise was the Opening Day leadoff hitter for the White Sox. That experiment lasted two games. Coming in to the season Wise was a 31 year old journeyman outfielder who played pretty well late last year for the White Sox. He didn't exactly earn the lead off position, but as you will see, there weren't that many other options.

Stats: .193 BA .235 OBP .312 SLUG 40 OPS+

Currently: Defensive replacement for White Sox.

Chris Getz

Origins: Getz won the starting 2nd baseman job out of Spring Training. He profiled as a light hitting 2nd baseman with a good eye. He primarily hit lead off for Chicago during April & May, but eventually was replaced by Scott Podsednik.

Stats: .266 BA .323 OBP .369 SLUG 79 OPS+

Currently:He lost his spot on top of the lineup, but has continued starting at 2nd as a Rookie.

Brent Lillibridge

Origins: Lillibridge joined the White Sox as part of the Javier Vazquez trade to Atlanta. He is a former top prospect that hasn't panned out due to his lack of hitting ability.

Stats: .162 BA .260 OBP .191 SLUG 20 OPS+

Currently: He was just called up to Chicago after Alexei Ramirez was hurt and the Peavy trade opened up a Roster spot. I don't believe he left the airport, since he was sent right back down before appearing in a game.

Jerry Owens

Origins: Jerry Owens was a former football player who has one skill: speed. The problem is you can't steal first base and he wasn't able to find other ways to get to first. He only lead off once.

Stats: .083 BA .267 OBP .083 SLUG -3 OPS+

Currently: He was out of Options so after being sent down, he was claimed by the Mariners. He is currently stealing bases in AAA.

Brian Anderson

Origins: Anderson is a former top prospect who has never lived up to his potential. He wasn't able to win the job in Spring Training over Dewayne Wise and wasn't able to produce after Wise lost the job in the regular season. He only hit lead off once, the game after the Owens attempt.

Stats: .238 BA .322 OBP .319 SLUG 67 OPS+

Currently: He is playing in the Boston Red Sox Organization on their AAA affiliate. He asked to be traded after he was sent down, so the White Sox traded him for Mark Kotsay.

Jayson Nix

Origins: The White Sox signed Nix in the Offseason. He was previously a former first round draft pick for Colorado. He's only lead off 5 times, in various spot starts during the season. He was in a competition with Getz for 2nd during Spring Training, but now he is a super-sub.

Stats: .225 BA .294 OBP .442 SLUG 87 OPS+

Currently: He is playing in the Infield during off days for the starters and has been a nice bench player. He has brought a solid glove and some good pop to the White Sox.

Scott Podsednik

Origins: A former World Series hero for the White Sox, Podsednik wasn't with an organization when the Season started. After trying out the above, Chicago signed him and he eventually became their leadoff man.

Stats: .298 BA .354 OBP .387 SLUG 92 OPS+

Currently: He continues to be productive in the leadoff spot for Chicago. He can still get infield hits, but he is a liability in the field.

Mark Kotsay

Origins: Former solid regular for the Oakland As, Kotsay bounced around to Atlanta and Boston. He started the season as a reserve for Boston but was demoted. He was acquired by Chicago for Brian Anderson.

Stats: .221 BA .253 OBP .279 SLUG 36 OPS+

Currently: He was just acquired but has started leadoff one time already. He'll likely be a bat off the bench and even though he doesn't have a hit for the White Sox yet, he has been making good contact.

That is quite a group of players listed above. If you gave me that list before the season started, I would have assumed Chicago was at the bottom of the AL Central. Podsednik's 92 OPS+ isn't amazing, but it is a lot better than any of the above could provide. It's also surprising of all the players listed above, it was a washed out veteran off the street that would be the most productive. If Chicago makes the playoffs this year, Podsednik might be more of a hero then he was in 2005.

This is a repost from rmlumley.com. Follow shaftr on Twitter @rmlumley.

White Sox Should Opt for Center Field-less Lineup

The Cheat — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:21:45 -0000

More photos » by Matt Slocum - AP

When Brent Lillibridge hits puberty he might be able to make that play

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A majority of this post was written while watching the Texas Finale Sunday night

So I'm not exactly able to recap Sunday's game in a timely manner. But as I'm sitting here watching John Danks struggle with his location and lamenting a lineup full of 2007-esque roster-fodder, I wonder if trying something crazy might be the Sox best option in center field. And by crazy I mean Jayson Nix.

First let me say I wouldn't even bring up such a crazy suggestion if the Sox hadn't already backed themselves in the first place. I'm sure you're already aware of the circumstances, but allow me to review (I'm bored):

They entered spring training with three players who should have been competing for bench spots in a 3-way race for the starting center field position.
They traded away 4 center fielders – or 4 players much more capable of playing a major league CF than their spring training options – in the last 4 off-seasons.
When spring was over, they waived Jerry Owens, handed the incomprehensibly-linked CF/Leadoff duties to Dewayne Wise, who posted a sub-.300 OBP in his breakout '08 season, and went with Brian Andersonas the primary backup at all 3 outfield positions.
They carried Brent Lillibridge, who, despite drawing an inexplicable number of walks in his first 20 at-bats, is woefully unprepared to hit major league pitching. Lillibridge, who played CF at the University of Washington was their de facto 5th outfielder.
They failed to stash a journeyman AAAA Cfer (or much of anything else) at AAA Charlotte.
Jerry Owens, gone for good. Scott Podsednik, back for more of the same, which, and I'm sure you're aware, isn't good.

So that's how we got into this unpleasant situation. There were other factors as well. It's not like the Sox front office didn't realize they were thin at CF. The economic climate and the significant talent/opportunity cost of a trade had the Sox hoping rather than believing that one of their in-house candidates would step up his game to become a below-average major league player.

But Jayson Nix in CF? He's never played a single professional game at the position. Note: I wrote that Sunday night. Monday night he saw his first ever action in the outfield as a professional.

I'm not denying that it sounds like a bad idea. But that's kind of the point, the Sox only have bad options at CF. Why not give Nix an opportunity to prove he's a worse option than the ones we already know are bad, namely Scott Podsednik and Brent Lillibridge?

Obviously, I would prefer a seasoned outfielder in center field, but without spending talent and or money there just isn't a palatable in-house option.

Now if you remember the first week of spring training, I carried a not-so-subtle anti-Nix bias. I felt like I had to provide a counter-opinion to the beat writers who were ready to hand Nix the starting 2B job after 2 games. And as I touched on at the time and in the Statisctical Prospect series, Getz had the best minor league track record of the 2B candidates.

But a funny thing happened after I got to see Nix play a couple of games. I actually liked his approach at the plate. I couldn't be sure that what I was seeing wasn't just a hot streak, but I was impressed by his swing. Injuries shortened his spring and stopped me from making a full-throated endorsement, unless you count my more pointed criticisms of Lillibridge as an endorsement. But I'll say it now, after ~~one~~ two major league game(s) in a Sox uniform and maybe 3 or 4 spring training contests; Jayson Nix can play some baseball. Nix can be that below average center fielder the White Sox so desperately need right now, maybe more.

Why not move Alexei or Getz?

Nix is not a permanent solution, and might not even be an upgrade on the bad options the Sox are already running out to CF. So for the two weeks, or one month, or whatever time the Sox are without their replacement-level options I'd put Nix out there instead.

Alexei Ramirez was the opening day center fielder for the '08 Sox, why not move him? The truth is I might. I'd certainly think about it. He's made some great plays at SS, but he once again seems to be a little deficient on rangy plays to his right.

More than his defensive abilities, however, his contract status and my confidence in Gordon Beckham (in the long term) and Nix (in the short term) at SS should determine the decision. I've never heard any confirmation or denial on whether Ramirez would become a free agent at the end of his 4-year deal. If he is a free agent in just 3 years, I'm moving him to CF. If not, I'm more reluctant. I might move Getz instead.

In simpler terms, if Alexei's not sticking around too long, open up the SS position to be filled when Gordon Beckham is ready. If he is sticking around for a while, move the lower-upside yet still productive Chris Getz and clear 2B for your top prospect.

I know all of this sounds as if it's predicated on a group of rather inexperienced middle-infielders can step right in and play a major league center field. But I don't expect any of them to actually be a plus defender in CF. When the current options are Podsednik and Lillibridge, it's not like the Sox have much to lose by giving Nix a shot.

Monday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:03:53 -0000

More photos » by Darren Hauck - AP

7 months ago: Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder, left, is congratulated by Mike Cameron, right, after hitting a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks' Yusmeiro Petit in the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, May 3, 2009, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Darren Hauck)

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Some things to read while getting an early start.

The Brewers overcame what Tom H. called a loud belch in church yesterday to salvage a split of a four game series with the Diamondbacks. As if a belch in church wasn't bad enough, Trevor Hoffman followed it up by messing with the D-Backs' heads in the ninth. It was game one of a rare four-opponent week: The Brewers open a two game series with the Pirates today, then another with the Reds on Wednesday, and will see the Cubs this weekend.

Carlos Zambrano will likely miss his scheduled start this weekend against the Brewers after leaving yesterday's game with a hamstring strain. Randy Wells is expected to be called up from AAA Iowa to make the start in his place. Wells pitched in four games for the Blue Jays and Cubs last season but has never made a major league start.

Hopefully Mike Cameron will still be this hot at that point. Cameron led all NL hitters in Value Runs in April. Tom Zeimer of the Wisconsin State Journal has a profile of Cameron, discussing his hot start.

Mike Rivera should be back before too long. He's expected to be activated on May 14, just in time to catch Dave Bush's start on that day.

Manny Parra still hasn't won this season, although he did get a no-decision over the weekend after losses in his first four starts. While many people are blaming Parra's lack of control and/or mental toughness for his struggles, In-Between Hops also notes that Ken Macha seems to be playing the bench players much more frequently on Parra's day.

A couple of minor notes:

The Huntsville Stars, never really a big attendance draw in the first place, are now dealing with a new problem: swine flu. The new hysteria has them struggling to draw 1000 fans to games.
Mark Rogers started Saturday for Brevard County but threw just one inning. The team is taking it slow with his rehab, and expects him to throw two innings next time.

Around the league:

Astros: Signed Brendan Donnelly to a minor league deal.
A's: Placed Eric Chavez on the DL with elbow discomfort.
D-Backs: Tom Gordon had to be carried off the field after suffering a hamstring strain, and will be placed on the DL.
Dodgers: Hong-Chih Kuo has been placed on the DL with elbow trouble.
Indians: Designated Tony Graffanino for assignment.
Mariners: Placed Brandon Morrow on the DL with biceps tendinitis. They also designated catcher Jamie Burke for assignment and signed reliever Steven Shell and outfielder Jerry Owens to minor league deals.
Mets: Oliver Perez has been moved to the bullpen, with the official explanation being a knee issue.
Nationals: Signed reliever Mike MacDougal to a minor league deal.
Orioles: Placed Dennis Sarfate on the DL with a circulatory condition causing numbness in his right middle finger.
Yankees: Signed Casey Fossum to a minor league deal.

In case you had forgotten, it's still not a very good time to be a newspaper writer. With more layoffs over the weekend, there are now just two full time beat reporters covering the Dodgers.

At this pace, baseball players could become Japan's biggest export: the Biz of Baseball takes a look at what the Seibu Lions did with the $51+ million they received from the Red Sox for the right to negotiate with Daisuke Matsuzaka. Those may be the nicest ballpark toilets on Earth.

Oh, and after a slow start, the Mets would like permission to fire Willie Randolph again.

Drink up.

Jack Zduriencik has a Quick Trigger Finger

Matthew — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:33:26 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Chiu - AP

The only known photo of Jerry Owens (left) shows him hiding his inferior hitting skills behind Carlos Quentin.

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A day after adding Steven Shell on a minor league deal after he was cut loose by the Nationals, Zduriencik added outfielder Jerry Owens with a minor league deal after he refused assignment with the White Sox and became a free agent. Owens was DFA'd for Scott Podsednik, which... yeah.

Story Link

Owens' StatCorner Page

Owens is a left-handed speedy outfielder who takes some pitches and pounds the ball into the ground.

Carlos Quentin Powers Same Ol' Sox to Victory

The Cheat — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:05:13 -0000

More photos » by Charles Rex Arbogast - AP

Carlos Quentin is powerful

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The more things change, the more they stay the same.

The White Sox rebounded from a pair of series losses and a lackluster doubleheader by returning to what they do best, hit homers.

AJ Pierzynski got things started with a solo-shot in the second to put the Sox up 1-0. That's were things stayed until the 5th.

Gavin Floyd wasn't particularly sharp. He couldn't throw his curveball for strikes. But he found his slider and was good enough to keep the Sox in what was a pitching duel for the first 4 innings. In the 5th inning, however, things got away from him.

Ichiro led off the inning with a routine groundball down the first base line. Paul Konerko had a bead on it, but it hit the top of the first base bag and bounced over his head. Konerko made a strong effort on the play, but he has the vertical leap of banana slug. With Ichiro, one the game's most efficient base-stealers, sitting on first in a 1-run game, Floyd became a bit preoccupied with the runner and forgot to focus on just getting outs.

The slide-stepping Floyd allowed a single to Jose Lopez on what we've come to know as a routine play with Joe Crede at third. But Wilson Betemit was manning the hot corner on this day. A still-distracted Floyd then gave up a deep fly double to General Soreness before finally reverting to his long windup and retiring the next three batters.

Floyd's stuff just isn't the same from the slide-step. In close games his best course of action might be showing a few different moves to first, varying his set time in the stretch, and going to the slide step sparingly; focus mainly on the guy in the batter's box.

The M's only stole one bag off Floyd, but they always seemed to be in his head; and perhaps the rest of the Sox. Brian Anderson and Alexei Ramirez teamed up for the one of the most frustrating innings in recent memory. They reached base consecutively, Anderson with a walk and Ramirez with a single. But both decided to make feeble steal attempts and be thrown out easily. Anderson's effort was particularly frustrating not just because of his small lead and poor jump, but because Alexei's seeing-eye-single through the right side could have put runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. Instead, no Sox runner got more than 85 feet past first base in the inning.

The Sox offense that started to get to get to Erik Bedard in the 5th but couldn't push across a run, finally broke through in the 6th. Wilson Betemit had his first meaningful hit of the season with an RBI double and Alexei added to his good day at the plate (2-2, BB, SF) with a sac fly to pull the Sox even.

That's when the Sox offense of old took hold. Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye teamed up to go back-to-back in the 7th. Quentin added an RBI single in the 8th to give Bobby Jenks a 3-run cushion and an easy save opportunity.

Roster in Flux

The Sox seem to have weathered an early injury bug with Jim Thome and Chris Getz on the bench, with both hopefully avoiding the DL. Thome is due to test his heel Thursday when the Sox will make a decision his status, and Getz should back in the lineup this weekend. But as those two come back, the Sox could be getting even thinner at the weakest position, center field.

Brian Anderson apparently tweaked his right oblique in his second at-bat, and was pulled from the game after fouling off a pitch in the 7th inning. Anderson was said to have been in "obvious discomfort" after the game, leaving the Sox with a series of poor options in center.

Jerry Owens would have figured to have been one of those options, but Owens seemed to make a special effort to shake his teammates hands as he was leaving the clubhouse with his bags in tow. The Sox will not make an official announcement about any roster moves until sometime on Friday, which should give the beat guys ample time to write their Scotty Pods profiles.

But Jayson Nix' return from the DL seems like a much more obvious option to me. Nix would seemingly allow the Sox to further hide Brent Lillibridge's not-ready-for-prime-time bat by shifting him to defensive replacement duties on the middle infield and replacing Owens as the 4th outfielder option in the outfield; all of which depends on a healthy Anderson. So unless you like the thought of a Lillibridge/Podsednik platoon, root for Anderson and the magical healing powers of Herm Schneider.

The USCF Pitch F/X speeds were inflated by a few MPH for the entire M's series.

Three-Sub Saturday: White Sox' Secret Weapon

The Cheat — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:20:42 -0000

I was idly browsing through the White Sox splits last night when I noticed that the #9 spot (.412/.492/.471 entering Saturday's game) has been the most productive spot in the order. Maybe Ozzie Guillen noticed too.

Because before the game, Ozzie penciled in the slow-starting Alexei Ramirez at the very bottom of the Sox lineup.

Then Ozzie might have remembered that the Sox were 2-0 on the previous 2 Three-Sub Saturdays. So Chris Getz would be a late scratch, something about a finger, with Brent Lillibridge, Corky Miller, and Jerry Owens filling the 3-sub requirements. Ramirez would move back to his usual 8th spot, but hit like the Sox usual #9 hitter.

Ramirez hit his 5th career grand slam, his first homer of the year, when Shawn Camp hung a 3-2 slider in the Sox 6-run 5th inning. There were lots of virtual Alexei's Back! high-fives in the gamethread, but that was a brutal pitch by Camp. As Stone said in the first series, if you can't hit that pitch you're selling cars somewhere. Credit Ramirez for hitting a pitch he probably wouldn't have last week, but it's a ball we should expect him to crush.

Things didn't start out well for the Sox. It appeared to be more of the same from Friday night's shellacking, as the Blue Jays sprayed hits to all fields in the first two innings. But Mark Buehrle seemed to pick up on the Fastball In The Zone Equals Line Drive phenomenon, and worked his secondary stuff over the plate with his fastball out of the zone to pick up his 3rd victory in 4 starts. He was pulled after just 92 pitches thanks to an 8-run cushion and a well-rested high-leverage end of bullpen.

Corky Miller and the Three-Sub Saturday lineup are now averaging nearly 8 runs a game.

The Difference Between Mixed Leagues And Single Leagues

faketeams — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:08:51 -0000

More photos » by Paul Beaty - AP

8 months ago: Minnesota Twins' Brendan Harris throws to first base after tagging out Chicago White Sox A.J. Pierzynski at second base in the eighth inning during of a baseball game in Chicago, Sunday, April 12, 2009. White Sox Alexei Ramirez was safe at first. Chicago won 6-1. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

Browse more photos »

I have a queasy feeling in my gut. In the off-season, that could be the result of any combination of fried food, ice cream, cookies and Splenda sweetened diet soda, but, in April, it is typically the result of a move I made, or decided not to make, in one of my single league format fantasy baseball leagues.

For this particular case of April agita, I had to make a decision on using some of my Free Agent Acquisition Budget (FAAB) on Chicago White Sox CF Jerry Owens. In addition to using 10% of my 2009 FAAB, I would have to waive Minnesota Twins utility infielder Brendan Harris.

With eligibility at 2B, SS and 3B along with a $1 salary in a league with heavy in-season trading, bailing and an in-season salary, Harris has some value. Jerry Owens? A 28-year-old who couldn't beat out a 31-year-old DeWayne Wise for the starting centerfield job despite a season as recent as 2007 where he swiped 32 bases in 93 games and provided everything White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen likes in a centerfielder - the threat of speed at the top of the order.

For the vast majority of the fantasy baseball participants, the energy devoted to making this decision is meaningless as neither player merits any energy beyond that it takes to scroll past the news update that Owens was recalled. Why? Because the fantasy hoards play 12-team 5x5 mixed league fantasy baseball.

I play in a 12-team AL-Only 4x4 keeper league, and Jerry Owens represents that most valuable of in-season commodities - the undrafted hitter with speed who gets the opportunity for regular ABs.

Now, my mental anguish that is manifesting itself physically as agita comes from the fact that Owens didn't win the Spring competition against an older player with no discernable lead-off skills. Wise's OBP in parts of six previous major league seasons topped .300 once - in 2006 with the Cincinnati Reds when he had six plate appearances. Owens is no Juan Pierre with a .321 career OBP, but he may as well be Ricky Henderson compared to Wise.

Additionally, adding Owens would mean waiving the aforementioned $1 Brendan Harris and spending a large chunk of my FAAB nine days into the 2009 season. Harris was a league average hitting shortstop in 2008 with a 265/327/394 slash stat line versus the average AL SS line of 266/319/375. With an injury-prone Joe Crede blocking Harris' ability to get full-time ABs, the buck plus multiple position eligibility makes Harris a potential contributor at some point in the 2009 season.

So what I am stuck trying to guess is whether Owens' potential for 20+ SBs is more valuable that Harris's potential to be SS-average and accumulate enough ABs to boost his counting stats to the point where their value surpasses that of the stolen bases from Owens. To do this, I can easily plug a projection of each player's 2009 stats into an equation that calculates the overall dollar value of each. Assuming all inputs are valid, this makes the decision easy.

Brendan Harris' projected 2009 dollar value is $7 and Jerry Owens comes in at a mere $3. The decision is easy. Despite a projected 26 SBs, Owens cannot overcome the ground he loses in HR, RBI and AVG to Harris. I'd also preserve 10% of my FAAB and retain the player with more value and better position flexibility.

Intuitively, though, this result doesn't make sense. In the auction, a player expected to get full-time ABs and steal 20+ would go for $15-25 while a utility infielder without any special hitting skills or full-time ABs would go for a $1. While this market-based valuation could just as easily be wrong, there could also be a GIGO component working in the projection of stats, the calculation of marginal standings gain points and/or the category values of each standings gain point.

My projected stats came from a reputable outfit and had both players receiving a similar number of ABs with Harris hitting .263 versus Owens .211. The question whether intuition wins or the GIGO rule (Garbage In Garbage Out) is applied comes directly from the determination of whether the expected AVGs are realistic because the difference in calculated value arises from the negative dollars Owens's "earns" hitting so poorly over so many ABs.

Will Owens receive more than 400 ABs if he hits .211? Not likely. He has already lost the job once for less damage than 400 ABs at .211 would cause. I doubt anything has occurred to erase that decision from the minds of management. Additionally, Owens has never hit worse that the .250 he hit last season in his brief stint with the White Sox. This included all his minor league seasons, too.

If I accept the GIGO explanation for this particular decision, I can also soothe my dissonance by relying upon the expected market value of a player with Owens skill. Armed with this, I will bid the $5 on Jerry Owens and waive a $1 Brendan Harris. So goes the life in a single format league.