Fungos 12/12

Here’s a tour of what some hometown papers are talking about…

• The Mitchell Report should be released to the public on Thursday. Supposedly there will be 60-80 names in this report.  It will be interesting to see if a report that is rumored to be built around a somewhat shady locker room attendant will generate a significant impact. Also, can you really believe that only 60-80 players used these drugs? Check out our feature on the impact of this report.

• Now, onto the real news…The Nationals signed Paul LoDuca to replace Brian Schneider on the roster. The Nats did want to give Jesus Flores many at bats this year so LoDuca does seem to get in the way of that. They’ll probably be somewhat of a platoon, but it doesn’t seem like a good fit as LoDuca is one of the more durable catchers in the game.

• The Detroit papers discuss Brandon Inge possibly going to the Pirates. Hopefully this is just another rumor as Inge, while a useful player, is a poor fit for the Pirates. He’s exactly the type of player the Pirates should avoid–middle age, expensive, and sub-par hitter.

• Rant alert—Come on Dodgers, go after a big pitcher. Johan Santana can be had, especially with your prospects. The Andruw Jones deal allows you to trade Matt Kemp along with your quality minor league pitchers and position players to get Santana or Bedard. You play in the LA!! You are not a small market team. With one move, the Dodgers would be the favorite to win the NL West in 2008.

• Shrek was designated for assignment on Monday. Kevin Mench never really got a chance with the Brewers, but he could provide a productive right handed outfield bat for some team. He’ll never be a superstar, but he can be a valuable role player on a good team.

• Two names generating alot of buzz are coming from Japan. Pitcher Hiroki Kuroda and outfielder Kosuke Fukudome (I can’t wait to hear how that name is really pronounced) are said to be close to signing with a major league team. Kuroda seems to be going to the Dodgers or Mariners while Fukodome has agreed to a 4 year, 50 million dollar deal with the Cubs. I’m always leery about older Japanese league players coming to the U.S. We’ll take a more in depth look at both in the future.

• Aaron Cook was signed to a four year, 36 million dollar deal with the Rockies. Cook is one of those guys that performs well in Colorado. He has a good sinker which is the pitch that all Rockies’ pitchers should have in their repertoire. It may seem like a lot of money, but it is a good match  for the Rockies that will result in them being competitive in 2008.

 That’s it for today. Enjoy the day and fire back!