Fungos 12/21

A quick glance at the headlines around the baseball world…

• Like I said yesterday, I am still having a hard time wrapping my head around the Clemens situation. I do know one thing—the media coverage is out of hand. There really isn’t a story until there is proof one way or the other. If he did do steroids, there will be a trail somewhere; there always is someone who has some information. All we should do is wait and see if there is some proof one way or the other. Once that is decided, then we should all pass judgment. I felt the same way about Bonds too. To speculate would be irresponsible. I don’t want to do that. I’ll wait for now and talk about the baseball on the field, or in this case, in the Hot Stove.

• Unfortunately, if you look around the nation’s newspapers there really isn’t a whole lot of talk besides Mitchell stuff and now Grimsley. But, here are a few nuggets.

• The Phillies signed outfielder Geoff Jenkins to a two year, 13 million dollar contract. If Jenkins is platooned, this is a cheap signing for the Phillies. I do wish it wasn’t a two year commitment, but Jenkins is only 32 years old. For his career, Jenkins is a .288/.358/.525 hitter against right handed pitching. He has hit 177 out of his 212 career home runs against righties. It would be reasonable to expect 20 homeruns and 70 RBI in  platoon role. Sharing a role with Jayson Werth could give the Phillies a productive tandem.

• The Kansas City Royals signed 36 year old lefty reliever, Ron Mahay to a two year, eight million dollar contract.  I like the signing by the Royals for a couple of reasons. One is that it is a relatively inexpensive contract. Another is that the Royals have been a bit more active this year. It’s a sign that the organization is actually trying. The last reason is that Mahay is an attractive trade candidate when the trade deadline approaches. Many teams are looking for bullpen help when looking to make that playoff run. While this won’t make the Royals contenders, it is another chip towards respectability.

• The Tigers signed Dontrelle Willis to a 3 year, 29 million dollar contract extension. It seems that most are criticizing the deal as Willis is coming off an incredibly down 2007. The contract buys out his first year of free agency. This is a move the Tigers had to make. After giving up much of their farm system, the Tigers need to ensure that Willis will remain in Detroit. If Willis can be that third starter, the contract will be considered a bargain. As bad as Willis was last season, he is simply a better pitcher than free agents Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva (who just signed a 4 year 48 million dollar deal). This is an excellent gamble by the Tigers.

• Johan Santana–remember him? Yes, he’s still a Twin and most likely will stay a Twin. But, the our friend Hank Steinbrenner did mention that the door is still open. The only way I see the Yankees getting him is if they want to deflect this steroids PR with a blockbuster trade. I still don’t think they should, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

• Lastly, here’s a pitch for the Seattle Mariners. I like their approach the past few off seasons. They have been active, especially trying to add to their pitching. They have the prospects to get Erik Bedard. Do it! A rotation of Bedard, King Felix, Washburn, Batista, and Silva would be a solid, balanced staff. With a good bullpen and the underrated closer in JJ Putz, the M’s could definitely compete with the Angels for the division next season.

That’s it for a real slow news day. Enjoy the day. Fire back!

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