SB Nation - Chad Cordero

All Assumptions-Are-Dangerous Minor League Free Agent Team

Jeff — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:07:19 -0000

Dave at Fangraphs passed along a link to this year's crop of minor league free agents. A popular thing to do with this information is pick out a handful of guys that would make interesting and potentially worthwhile pick-ups. This is not that. This is a full team made up of guys who, years ago, were supposed to go on to do some big big things, only to end up on the fall 2009 list of mlFA's. Consider this just another reminder that you should never ever ever take a prospect's future for granted.*

C: JR House
1B: Ryan Shealy
2B: Josh Barfield
SS: Antonio Perez
3B: Dallas McPherson
LF: Wes Bankston
CF: Joe Borchard
RF: John-Ford Griffin
DH: Josh Phelps

BENCH-C: JD Closser (does Ben Davis still count?)
BENCH-INF: Eric Duncan
BENCH-OF: Dave Krynzel
BENCH-UTIL: Donnie Murphy

SP: Jerome Williams
SP: Greg Miller
SP: Kenny Baugh
SP: Humberto Sanchez
SP: Bobby Brownlie

RP: Jose Capellan
RP: Wes Littleton
RP: Casey Fossum
RP: John Van Benschoten
RP: Chad Orvella
RP: Clint Everts
RP: Andrew Brown

If there were a 26th spot, I'd give it to Dee Brown, but it would just be so damn easy to include him that I had to find an alternative. Also among the free agents are formerly established Major Leaguers like Chris Capuano and Chad Cordero, along with the astonishingly driven Jolbert Cabrera. Jolbert just wants to win. Come on, Yankees. Take the plunge. Win one for Jolbert.

If there were a 27th spot, I'd give it to Mark McGonigle, because, really? McGonigle?

* never take any player's future for granted

Diamondbacks seek veteran reliever?

Eli Greenspan — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:19:39 -0000

More photos » by Tony Avelar - AP

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GM Josh Byrnes told the Arizona Republic that he would like to add a veteran reliever this offseason. Byrnes needs to figure out what to do about Brandon Webb and Doug Davis, because otherwise they will have serious holes in their rotation.

Despite some established veterans in the bullpen this season, some were traded to clear payroll and others have injuries and off-field issues. Adding a proven veteran could bring some stability to the bullpen, who own a 4.65 ERA in 150 appearances this season.

So who could they bring in? Dannys Baez is up for a free agency, along with Bob Howry, LaTroy Hawkins, or even Chad Cordero.

Diamondbacks looking for bullpen help

Eli Greenspan — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:34:59 -0000

More photos » by Ross D. Franklin - AP

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The Diamondbacks are in serious need of some bullpen help. They are 25th in the league in bullpen-ERA, 3rd for high opponent batting average, and 7th in the league in runs surrendered.

"I think we do have a lot of talent and a lot of numbers and flexibility," GM Josh Byrnes said. "I think the question will be: Do we maybe want to try to add a veteran who fits into our budget to stabilize things? We'll probably consider it."

Who could the Diamondbacks add? They have a closer in Chad Qualls, but could probably use a more effective set up man. Players like LaTroy Hawkins, Chad Cordero, and Danys Baez would be cheap additions to your team.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - LaTroy Hawkins	1-4	50	0	0	0	11	3	48.2	43	12	11	5	13	35	2.03	1.15

The Diamondbacks younger players are still putting everything together, but the Diamondbacks should consider trading Brandon Webb. Putting him out on the market to see what they could get in return might be a smart long-term move, even if they do not intend to move him.

Washington Nationals/Stephen Strasburg: Signing Deadline Roundtable. Pt. 2 of 2.

Ed Chigliak — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:30:09 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

6 months ago: FILE - In this April 3, 2009, file photo, San Diego State pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during a game in San Diego. The Washington Nationals selected Strasburg with the No. 1 overall pick in the baseball draft on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

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Stephen Strasburg/Signing Deadline Roundtable...Pt 2 of 2.

Featuring:

Ed Chigliak: (Moderator): The man behind the mask at Federal Baseball.com, Ed Chigliak has been writing aboot/lamenting the sorry state of the Nationals since 2006. That will all change...next week.

Dave at Nats News Network: Proprietor of NatsNewsNetwork.blogspot.com and "The Voice of Doom and Gloom"™ for Federal Baseball.

Graysnail: Erstwhile college football blogger dumb enough to get stuck following the Nats back in 1994. Those were the days.

Steven Biel: Writes the blog formerly known as Fire Jim Bowden, now simply FJB.

Jim: 25 year fan of the franchise with a background as a fantasy baseball columnist. Believe me when I say that there have been plenty of (down) years when fantasy baseball has been the diversion that's kept me interested in baseball.

Mezza: Mad Australian baseball fan who latched onto the Washington Nationals bandwagon because he was always told to buy stock when its low.

John Quinn: Northern Virginia fan, recent college grad, follower of all DC sports teams... unfortunately. (ed. note - "Writes at Federal Baseball.com")

Doghouse: Official writer of half-informed, statistically-based foolishness for Federal Baseball.

(READ PT. 1 Of 2 HERE...)

(continued...)

• Federal Baseball.com: How much does signing Stephen Strasburg mean to the Nationals as a franchise? Do you think he'll defy the well-documented odds and actually emerge as the kind of pitcher who can change a franchise?

John Quinn: Signing Strasburg will be huge for the Nationals. As I said, this is bigger than just Strasburg -- if the Nationals decline to sign their first pick for two years in a row, disillusionment with the ownership will run wild. Why did they bother drafting him if they aren't going to sign him? They knew he was a Boras client and they knew that it would be a hard negotiation, so there really shouldn't be any surprises for the Lerners.

Dave at Nats News Network: It's obviously huge for the ownership group and for the product on the field. I think -- barring injury -- there's no doubt the player is going to be a difference-maker on the field. He's this franchise's Alex Ovechkin!

But Young Mr. Quinn is right; this organization needs this to prove to the fans of D.C. -- and for that matter, all of baseball -- that they aren't satisfied with sitting on their hands and raking in the dough from so many chili dogs.

They have two options: Sign Strasburg and risk infuriating the Commissioner's office and fellow owners with the amount of money it will take; or 2) Don't sign Strasburg and live with the repercussions of an already disenfranchised fan base.

You think things were ugly around here earlier in the season? Wait until it's Aug. 18 and Strasburg hasn't signed...

Continued After The JUMP...

(continued, same question...)

Graysnail: I kind of gave it away a question or two ago, but the natives are severely restless. Those that just saw the franchise for the first time in 2005 think this team isn't far away from being .500; those that have followed it longer know the main difference between the Pirates and the Nats is that the Nats could consistently raise talent before Minaya emptied the cupboards. Quite frankly - and I've said this before - the Nats have their feet in the fire on this one. Sign him, and begin the path forward; don't sign him and begin down the path to relocation. Failing to sign him indicates the Nats aren't willing to spent what's required to field a competitive team; why should a city support them.

Now, if he signs, it's great publicity. Then he just has to succeed, and I think he will. Is he ace material? I'm not as sure.

Jim: I have no arguments with anything else that has been said here. The move is considerably more important to the organization developing (and appeasing what's currently there) their fanbase than it is to their actual performance on the field. Don't get me wrong. I think that Strasburg has a better than average chance of turning into roughly half the pitcher that all of the salivating scouts think he could be (that would still make him an ace). I think that his development within the organization will be crucial to the improvement product on the field. However, I think that baseball is probably dead in DC if the Nats fail to sign him. The need to save the franchise outweighs the need to help the team from ownership's eyes. Ideally, the need to help the team will be the result of the attempt to save the franchise.

Mezza: I think long term he might not mean as much as people think. I'd like him to be a Cy Young winner...and stay for many years to come...but I suspect he'll use the Nats as a way to climb the ladder and move to the Yankees/Red Sox for an insane amount of money. I suspect he'll be looked back on as a mercenary starter who never lived up to his potential...although to be fair, there is a good chance he'll blow his arm out and end up DOA on Dr Andrews floor - like the rest of our good pitchers.

Steven: I think they can ill afford to not sign him, but that signing him won't be much of a boost to the team on its own. They need to win. If they pass on him, that will mean a) a lot of bad PR in the short-term, and b) yet another missed opportunity to build a winner. This team has has so many bad PR mistakes--unforced errors--like the stadium rent, Chad Cordero, Smileygate, all Bowden's blunders... they need to do this and a bunch more smart things just to dig themselves out.

Doghouse: Just like Acta was the man who must be fired (regardless of whether he was bad), Strasburg is the man who must be signed (regardless of whether he'll be good). Signing him is one step on the road back to credibility (with the fans, free agents, and other teams). Will he be Big Train 2.0? Let's hope so, but I'm not expecting to see his Matrix-style statue in the CF plaza any time soon.

• Federal Baseball.com: Convince him...Make your pitch for Stephen Strasburg to sign with the Washington Nationals...?

John Quinn: I'm not sure how much of it is really up to Strasburg at this point, but I'll give it a shot. The Nationals are a young team headed in the right direction, you're a young guy, wouldn't you like to have an opportunity to have a huge impact on a building team? Ryan Zimmerman is in the same situation, and he seems to be having a good time here. If you don't want to be forever hated in Washington DC, sign with the Nationals.

Dave at Nats News Network: "Stephen, here's $20 million reasons for you to pick up your entire life off the West Coast and pitch in D.C." If he turns that down, via con dios.

Graysnail: "Do you want to say you've been an ace in a major league rotation for 5-6 seasons? Think about how valuable that'll be. You know this is only the first contract you'll sign, you know there's a spot for you in DC right now, why delay it? You treat us right, we'll treat you right - and hey, if you like it here, we're more than willing to discuss extensions down the line. Ask Ryan Zimmerman if you want to know about that."

Jim: "We drafted you first overall in spite of the fact that everyone knew that you were going to be a nightmare to sign no matter where you landed. We're offering you as much money as any other team is going to offer you this season or next. If you want to sign on the dotted line and guarantee yourself enough money to support your family for the next five generations, we'd love to have you! If not, realize that you're risking tens of millions of dollars by playing independent ball next year."

Mezza: "We've got the best Tommy John man in the business!"

Strasburg: They're certainly being cautious with Zimmermann (don't ask about Chad Cordero though). (ed. note - "Steven talking to Stephen here.")

Doghouse: "It's much better to have Mrs. Doghouse cursing for you than against you. Trust me. Besides, just think how cool your Tony-Plush-style 'gentleman's name' will be!"

• Federal Baseball.com: Yes or no, Does Stephen Strasburg reach an agreement with the Washington Nationals before the August 17th Deadline? Why/Why Not?

Dave at Nats News Network: No, for all the stated reasons above. I don't think the Nats offer gets higher than $12-$15 million. And in the end, Kasten and the Lerners can say "We offered this kid more money than anyone ever offered an amateur draft pick, and he turned us down." And you know what, the 25 of us still around listening after that won't care either.

Graysnail: I don't think so. I've believed that somewhere around $25 - $30 million will get the job done, and I think the Nats blink at $24 million; at the end of the day they're not even close, both sides part ways and throw each other under the bus. Meanwhile, season ticket prices increase by 5% next season due to revenue loss.

John Quinn: No doubt in my mind. The Nationals need him, and they know they need him, it's just a matter of how much they're willing to pay to get him.

Jim: The deal gets done a few hours before the deadline. Strasburg will accept a deal in the $25-30 million range as I stated above. Ownership will make a last ditch effort to save face and Rizzo and Kasten will point to the recent win streak as evidence that the team isn't moving completely backwards. Strasburg will finally see some of the positives about possibly coming to DC and being a part of the building effort. Again, what ever happened to me being the pessimist? (Excuse me.... there's some little bearded guy in a green suit and hat chasing me while I ride away from him on this unicorn with his pot of gold)...

Mezza: Yep. Quote me on it.

Steven: Odds are yes, and overwhelmingly so. The player has too much to lose not to take the big payday he's going to get. The team would have to screw it up with extreme bull-headedness or by simply deciding that they want to use this as an opportunity to make the case for a cap on bonuses. Which may be the real situation here. Kasten wants a hard cap on bonuses (shoot he wants to bring back the reserve clause), and if the Nationals lose their top pick 2 years running that will become a talking point for the owners on why the draft isn't doing what it's supposed to do and encourage parity.

Doghouse: I have no idea. I see strong cases for politics, money, and greed to push the deal either way. I hope that a love of the game and some enlightened self-interest win out in the end. By the way, does anyone want to see my deed to the Roberto Clemente Bridge? This guy sold it to me when I was in Pittsburgh...

(ed. note - "THE END...Thanks to everyone who participated and shared their opinions, with a special thanks to Steven from FJB who checked while on vacation.")

Poll

Will The Washington Nationals Sign Stephen Strasburg? Yes Or No?

Yes. Stephen Strasburg Will Be A National On August 18th.

794 votes

No. The Nationals Will Not Be Able To Reach An Agreement With Stephen Strasburg.

813 votes

1607 votes | Poll has closed

Washington Nationals: Minor League Minute - Potomac Nationals' Boomer Whiting Breaks SB Mark!!

Ed Chigliak — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:16 -0000

More photos » by Gerald Herbert - AP

"Your New Flat-Brimmed Closer, Drew Storen." Washington Nationals assistant general manager and vice president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo, right, introduces pitcher Drew Storen, the team's first-round draft pick and 10th pick overall in the baseball draft during a news conference at Nationals Stadium in Washington, on Wednesday, June 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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Washington Nationals: Minor League Minute...

Breaking News:

The last time we talked with Anthony Masterson (Broadcast/Media Assistant with the Class-A Carolina League's Potomac Nationals), he had an interview with P-Nats' OF Boomer Whiting, who was, as of then, just 2 steals away from breaking Potomac's franchise mark for stolen bases, which until Sunday was held by SS Ian Desmond. Whiting stole two bases Sunday to break the franchise mark in the P-Nats' 9-6 win over the Kinston Indians.

Check Out: Anthony Masterson's Interview with Boomer Whiting.

MINOR LEAGUE MINUTE AFTER THE JUMP...(including Ed Chigliak asking "Acting" GM Mike Rizzo about Drew Storen)...

...The Syracuse Chiefs(AAA) beat the Columbus Clippers 5-2 on Sunday with a 4-run seventh inning the difference in the game. Pete Orr hit a bases-clearing double and scored on a wild pitch with Jorge Padilla at the plate, and Chiefs' pitcher Andrew Kown improved to (2-0) with the win...The Harrisburg Senators(AA) were shutout 7-0 by the Altoona Curve. (LHP) Matt Chico threw 5.0 scoreless innings in which he allowed just 3 hits...The Hagerstown Suns (Class A) hammered the Asheville Tourists 15-3 on Sunday. The Suns combined for 24 hits, with everyone's favorite catching prospect Derek Norris (DC's 4th Round pick in 2007) going 3 for 4 with 2 walks, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI's...The Vermont Lake Monsters beat the Aberdeen IronBirds by a slim 1-0 margin on Sunday, with Monsters' third baseman Jack Walker's two-out solo shot the difference. 4 Vermont pitchers, Mitchell Clegg, Shane Erb, (W, 1-1-0), Gary Amato and Clayton Dill (S, 5) combined for the shuout.

BIG STORY:

• Nationals promote fast-rising Storen | nationals.com: News - Bill Ladson

Nationals Minor Leauge right-hander Drew Storen is an inch closer to the big leagues. He learned on Sunday that he's been promoted from Class A Hagerstown to Class A Advanced Potomac.

• NOTE: I used the opportunity to talk to "Acting" DC GM Mike Rizzo during the Nationals Bloggers Day a few weeks back to ask Mr. Rizzo about Drew Storen and whether or not we'd see him rise through the system like one of Storen's role models Chad Cordero had been able to...Mr. Rizzo's response:

Mike Rizzo: "Can I consider him a quicker-to-the big leagues, you know, college relief pitcher...Cordero's situation was ultra-ultra-quick to the big leagues, I don't see him pitching in the big league this season like Cordero did..."

• You can hear my quick ? for Mike Rizzo...HERE

This concludes your Minor League Minute and a half...

GameThread: 2009 MLB All-Star Game...Featuring: Washington Nationals' Third Baseman, Ryan Zimmerman.

Ed Chigliak — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:01:34 -0000

2009 NL All-Star Ryan Zimmerm-- THE KIDS CALL HIM ZIM!!!

#11 / Third Base / Washington Nationals

Height: 6-3

Weight: 230

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Sep 28, 1984

'09 Stats - 100 for 347, .288 AVG, 22 2B, 14 HR, 52 RBI's, 37 BB, 70 K's, .354 OBP, .473 SLG, .827 OPS, 117 OPS+, 16 GIDP, 12 E's, UZR/150 - 16.8, WAR - 3.2.

Origin Story - Washington Nationals' 1st 1st Round Pick, 4th overall in 2005.

Washington Nationals - All-Star History...After the JUMP...

Washington Nationals - All-Star History...

(continued from 7/7/08 All-Star Post)...

In 2005, for Detroit's All-Star Game, there were two Nationals selected as reserves, with DC's Flat-Brimmed Closer Chad Cordero, who entered the Break in '05 with a (2-1) record, 31 saves in 46 games, and 47.2 innings pitched over which he'd allowed just 37 hits, 6 ER, 4 HR's and 12 walks with 42 K's and a 1.13 ERA, and Livan Hernandez, the former Mr. National Himself, who was, at the time of his selection, (12-3) in 19 starts, with a 3.48 ERA and 78 K's in 134.1 innings on the mound for the relocated franchise.

In '06, Washington, (and baseball fans everywhere, who voted him a starter), sent reluctant DC outfielder Alfonso Soriano to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's PNC Park as the Nationals' (thus far) lone "elected" All-Star representative. After 81 games that season, Soriano had collected 93 hits in 338 at bats, for a .275 AVG, with 24 doubles, 21 HR's, 56 RBI's, 10 stolen bases, and (in one of the rare instances where the term "irony" could, possibly, be correctly applied), a League-leading 12 outfield assists, though most of those were because opposing coaches continued to test his arm throughout his first season in the outfield.

Last season, Washington first baseman Dmitri Young was a surprising selection when he was added as a reserve for San Francisco's turn as the ASG host city in July of 2007. DY had been written off by many after he'd flamed out in Detroit and actually been released by the Tigers a year earlier, but then Da Meat Hook hooked up with Washington and set about rejuvenating his Major League career. At the time of his selection, DY was hitting .339, with 96 hits in 283 at bats over 81 games, in which he'd collected 23 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR's and 43 RBI's.

Chad Cordero struck out the only batter he faced in the '05 ASG. Earlier in that game, Livan Hernandez, (who had been selected in '04 as an Expo, but did not pitch), gave up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk in 1.0 inning of work for the NL squad. Alfonso Soriano was 1 for 2 with a single in the '06 All-Star game, and DY was 1 for 1 in his only at bat in '07. In 2008, Cristian Guzman, representing Washington in NY, was called upon to pinch run in the ninth, much to the delight of the DC Faithful, and then to our horror he was caught stealing on a strike'em out, throw'em out, but he stayed in the game, (for six innings), playing third (by neccessity, for the first time in his career) and going 0 for 3...

?'s For The DC Faithful...

• Will The Kid Get In The Game?

• Do You Think We'll See Zim At Third, Or Just A PH Appearance?

• Should Zim Have Been The Nationals' All-Star?

• Do You Think Being Amongst All-Stars Might Kickstart Zim's 2nd Half?

• DP or E? Will Zim Ground Into Or Commit One?

• Livan, Chief, soriANO!, DY, Guz, Zim? Who Was The Most Deserving DC All-Star?

Chad Cordero to the M's

Adam J. Morris — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:57:23 -0000

Chad Cordero is heading to Seattle.

The Rangers were interested in him, and apparently offered him more money than the M's did, but the M's told him he'd be their closer when he was healthy, which apparently was the difference.

Friday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:59:32 -0000

Some things to read while preparing for Pi Day.

On the field yesterday it was more of the same for Jeff Suppan, who gave up eight baserunners and five runs in three innings of work, raising his spring ERA over 7 and his spring WHIP to ~~1.64~~ 1.73. There's a new poll on the sidebar asking if this performance has changed your mind at all about expectations for 2009. Meanwhile, Brewed Sports is ready to add Seth McClung to the rotation and The Brew Town Beat wonders how many times we'll see the headline "Tough Day for Suppan" in 2009.

Eduardo Morlan pitched two scoreless innings yesterday, keeping the Brewers in the game. That performance wasn't enough to help Ken Macha learn his name, though, as demonstrated in Adam McCalvy's profile:

Brewers manager Ken Macha is speaking purely in the baseball sense when he says that, "the Rule 5 guy is an interesting guy."

Padre hitters certainly had a good day yesterday, but not everyone enjoys coming to Maryvale. Before the game, MLB.com Padres beat reporter Corey Brock called the Brewers' spring training home his least favorite ballpark in Arizona.

I've got several minor league notes today:

Victor Wang of The Hardball Times ranks the Brewers' farm system tenth in baseball.
John Sickels of Minor League Ball lists Cody Scarpetta as a player who could have a breakout season in the minors in 2009.
I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere else, but Joshua Kusnick, agent for several Brewer minor leaguers (including Jeremy Jeffress), reports Jeffress retired all six batters he faced in a minor league intrasquad game yesterday, including breaking a bat wielded by Bill Hall.

How under appreciated is the career of Mike Cameron? Eric Seidman of FanGraphs is inducting him on the first ballot into the Reggie Sanders Club of Boring Stars along with Ellis Burks, Luis Gonzalez, Shawn Green and Ray Lankford.

If you're used to using the guardrails on the staircases at Miller Park, do a quick check to make sure they're still there before you fall on your face in 2009: this Newsday article says the Brewers are removing some railings to eliminate some obstructed view seats at the ballpark.

I think some fans would deal with an obstructed view if they could have The Chalet back: Viva Cerveceros tells the sentimental tale of a crazy man who sat on top of the scoreboard at County Stadium, how it led to Bernie's Chalet and where you can find the Chalet now.

Rankings/projections/predictions:

The Junkball Blues thinks Mike Cameron will hit .240/.337/.470 in 2008.
All World All Sports Blog has the Brewers fifth in the NL Central.
The Ted Lilly Fan Club thinks the Brewers can compete for the Wild Card if their pitching holds up.

A quick reminder of how far the Brewers have come: There have been years when we would have been pretty excited to report that Dugout Central's voting for the worst team in baseball came out yesterday and the Brewers didn't appear on a single ballot.

Meanwhile, in other camps:

Mariners: Signed Chad Cordero to a minor league deal.
Mets: Reliever Tom Martin broke his wrist falling down a flight of stairs at home.

Sometimes life has a strange symmetry to it. Jorge De La Rosa and Valerio De Los Santos probably appear right next to each other on a list of historical Brewers, and today I have stories about De La Rosa getting hit by a line drive and De Los Santos being sent to Mets minor league camp on the same day.

The NL Central continues to take a beating over at FanGraphs. Today, the Reds check in at #24 in their organizational rankings, putting three NL Central teams in the bottom 6.

Here's something you don't see everyday: Derrick Goold of Bird Land has a picture snapped at just the right moment to see a baseball bat slightly bent as it passes through the zone. Cool stuff.

Oh, and Charlie Brown would have been completely different if drawn by Frank Miller. (h/t 6-4-2)

Drink up.

Morning Prowl: Tigers Corner, C-Mo, Rhymes, and Cordero

Ian Casselberry — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:08 -0000

Some of you may have noticed there's no "Tigers Corner" annual this year (as there was in 2007 and 2008) - and believe me, those of us who wrote something for it notice - but the editors of what would've been the 2009 edition have started a website (now in beta) that will run some of the articles that unfortunately didn't see print this spring.

Several Tigers bloggers that you're familiar with contributed material, and hopefully you'll get to read it online soon.

Say that again? Who hit three home runs yesterday? Craig Monroe?

Post-Gazette Pirates beat writer Dejan Kovacevic mentions that Monroe is two homers away from the team Spring Training record. (Craig Wilson hit eight in 2005.)

Matt Watson previews the 2009 Detroit Tigers over at Fanhouse. We love his description of Nate Robertson's 2008 season.

Will Rhymes let Jim Leyland's recent compliments get into his head. He seems to have shaken that off, however, and gotten back to business. (Leyland has a couple of funny quotes in the article.)

I don't think there was much need for the Tigers to pursue Chad Cordero anymore, as the bullpen looks pretty full (along with prospects ready to step in, if needed). As it is, he's now off the market, after signing a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners.

Here's a follow-up story on Monroe in today's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Working with Rudy Jaramillo to get rid of his leg kick is apparently paying dividends with his swing.

Will Ohman and Chad Cordero still a possibility

craig — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:15:18 -0000

The Marlins are still looking at Will Ohman and have added Chad Cordero to the list.

Florida continues to have interest in left-handed reliever Will Ohman, who looks like he will not return to the Braves.

Speculation that Ohman could sign with the Marlins surfaced recently on ESPN.com. For the right price, the lefty could wind up in Florida.

Early reports said Ohman is seeking $1.5 million, but the thinking is he could be obtained for less.

---

The Marlins also recently attended a workout to watch right-handed reliever Chad Cordero. About 15 teams observed Cordero, who is battling back from a right shoulder problem. The reports are Cordero likely won't be ready until perhaps the second half. His fastball was clocked around 80 mph...

Man, times are tough when a good situational lefty like Ohman is having to drop his price in order to find a job. The only problem with Ohman is that it will likely be a one-year stint with the team, but in order to make room for him the Marlins are either going to have to trade an out of options reliever or risk losing one on the waiver wire.

Cordero, hopefully, isn't a real possibility. Shoulder surgery is a hard thing to come back from and by the above report he looks far from ready. But there is nothing wrong with sending a scout out to take a look. With any luck they have seen enough for now.