Comments on: Minor League Free Agents

By: Rickey Branch

Rickey Branch — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:50:20 +0000

Looks like half of the “10″ AAA infield, Tracy and Valdez, are in action tonight for the Gigantes in the DWL. And Sellers probably will be at third for the Iron Pigs. Thompson, Wise, Taylor, Mayberry, and Berry look to be the outfield candidates with Taylor and Mayberry doing the DHing.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:14:42 +0000

Thanks to BA.

“Philadelphia Phillies
Signed: RHP Jason Anderson, RHP Alexander Concepcion, 1B Andy Tracy, SS Wilson Valdez, OF Rich Thompson, OF Dewayne Wise

Valdez and Wise, a pair of minor league free agents who had notable big league playing time in ’09, signed early and provide quality insurance for the Phillies to stash at Triple-A.

Wise, who will be 32 next season, appeared in a career-high 84 games for the White Sox, batting .225/.262/.366 but serving mostly as a defensive replacement. He single-handedly saved Mark Buehrle’s perfect game in July, and in ’08 he started three playoff games for Chicago, belting a double and a homer against the Rays.

Valdez, 31, served a similar role for the Mets in ’09, garnering playing time mostly as the result of being the only ambulatory shortstop in New York after Jose Reyes and Alex Cora went down with injuries. He batted .256/.326/.337 in 86 at-bats. ”

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=7288

Wise and Thompson in the same outfield will give a nice boost to our AAA pitchers.

By: Confidence Man

Confidence Man — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:01:51 +0000

Why would the Phillies not exercise the option on Chacin? Seems like he’d be a cheap emergency starter option. And, now they have to go find someone else to fill out the IronPigs pitching staff. Someone that won’t likely provide even any hope for major league help.

By: Gregg

Gregg — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:15:16 +0000

The Philliea did in fact hold a team option on CHacin for a second year, in a very unusual type of minor league contract.

By: Gregg

Gregg — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:14:21 +0000

Gradoville was a coach who was forced into duty as a backup for the last couple of weeks of the season due to injuries in the minor league system. I would expect him to be back in the organization as a coach.