Phillies sign Ronny Cedeno to minor-league deal

The Phillies have signed veteran shortstop Ronny Cedeno to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.

Cedeno is the 17th player the Phillies have invited to spring training. The 30-year-old has played nine seasons for six different teams.

Cedeno, a defensive whiz, is a .246/.289/.354 career hitter. He was the Pirates' full-time shortstop in 2010 and '11, hitting .253 with a .657 OPS in 956 plate appearances. He saved 10.0 runs on defense in 2011, according to Fangraphs.

Cedeno is in the mix to compete in spring training with Freddy Galvis, Andres Blanco and Reid Brignac for the Phillies' utility infield job. Cedeno has the most major-league experience of the bunch.

He could also provide depth in the event that the Phillies shop Jimmy Rollins, as they've done for several years. Rollins is owed $11 million this season, which is the final guaranteed year of his contract.

Comments

[Cyclic]

More reliable...

85 AB sample size over 9 years?

69 AB sample size over 1 year?

[LorecorE]

speaking of 2014 tickets, phillies are offering $12 concession credits per ticket when buying 3 games or more, to select games of course.

[LorecorE]

awh: many times when i copy and paste a sentence with pronouns, i usually insert the person's proper name to lessen the confusion. Looks like i did the opposite this time.

[bullit]

speaking of concessions, can someone explain to me the economics of dollar dog night? tmac said that the park sells about 13K dogs on a regular night (not sure of the price). that's about 1 dog for every 3 people. on ddn they sell over 50K, presumably at a loss. is ddn just a loss leader done for it's PR value?

[bullit]

that's what i assumed, lorecore. no offense taken.

[Phillibuster]

MG (in re: Galvis' bat): Why do you think that Galvis can duplicate a .651 OPS, when he's only ever done that in one year (between AA and AAA in 2011, when he was certainly juicing)?

Before 2011, and after 2011, Galvis has never posted a full-season OPS of .650 (factoring in his MiLB PAs in 2013).

[bittel]

I love Freddy's defense as much as anyone, but the guy can't hit . . . so why not trade the guy while he still has "some" value?
*********
Exactly. What is so hard to understand? Freddy Galvis, as Bill Conlin might say, should be graded "KP".

The fact that Ruben is making teeny tiny tinkering moves doesn't mean those are the only moves he will or can make for the rest of he offseason.

[LorecorE]

just a PR move. Not a coincidence that ddn always end up on either a Monday or Tuesday night, and usually in April or September - i.e. their worst selling games.

[bullit]

thanks, LorecorE.

[Phillibuster]

Bullit: I would be surprised if the total cost of purchasing, preparing, and serving a hot dog at CBP isn't in the $0.90-$1.00 range.

Even if it's a little higher (I can't imagine it's significantly above $1.15 even if they use awesome quality dogs), the added ticket sales, plus additional concessions to go with it (you're not going to get away with only one beer if you down 8 hot dogs over a 2.5-hour period) more than makes up for the loss.

I imagine the more common DDNs get, however, the smaller the impact on butts-in-seats, which limits the incidentals as well.

[Cyclic]

Does anyone know if clubhouse chemistry affected the 2013 Phillies?

[bullit]

that's what i suspected, Phillibuster. the loss is often recovered from the same patron. what is the reg. cost? they should buy their dogs from lancaster's kunzlers.

[curt]

cyclic: lol

[Phillibuster]

I wouldn't argue with there, Bullit.

Although I would argue that the Barnstormers are completely dense when it comes to concessions solely because they're based in frigging Lancaster city and they don't have any sauerkraut in the whole stadium!

[bullit]

i remember that you graduated from f&m and remained here for several years after. so you know kunzlers. the barnstormers make a big mistake not offering saurkraut on their dogs. there is no excuse for that, even being in the city.

[awh™]

bullit, if ddn gets another 5-7000 fannies in the seats they'll make a profit.

You can buy 10 Hatfield franks in the market for $3-4, depending on where you shop and the specials they run. Ten(10).

What do you think the Phillies pay when they order and buy 50,000? They probably pay +/-$0.10/frank.

They make money on ddn, though probably not as wide a margin. It's not a loss leader.

[Phillibuster]

Bullit: In fact, I only moved down to Baltimore last Fall.

Kunzler's would be a solid choice, but I figure they might charge more than some of the lesser-quality options. Whether or not that cost could be recouped by ordering direct from the source, and trucked in from only 70 miles away, is another story though.

I miss Central Market so friggin' much. The big farmer's market here is only open April-December.

[Phillibuster]

awh: You can get 20+ franks for $5 at CostCo most of the time. The bulk rate the Phillies get is probably closer to $0.15-0.20 per dog (especially since they're of the basic, Hatfield variety).

Using Hatfield's "Profit Calculator," if the dogs are $0.80/lb, weigh about 3 ounces, and the incidental costs (buns/condiments/napkins) come out to about $0.25/dog, they're making 60 cents on the dog.

Odds are good the meat costs less, but that's not factoring in the cooking/service/cleaning costs, which probably add up to another $0.50-0.60/dog.

[bullit]

according to this article the barnstomers do serve kunzler's dogs. $1.25 for a jr dog and $3.50 for a jumbo. the jumbo is considered a "ripoff."

http://pictureperfectbottledrage.wordpress.com/tag/lancaster-barnstormers/

[can_of_corn]

Quick question....has anyone ever done the Phillies Charities 5K run? If so, would you recommend it?

I just got the email and while it is pricy, it sounds like it might be a way to re-connect with baseball in the off season and also get free tickets for some (admittedly meaningless) games. I'm a relatively slow runner, but trust it isn't a race full of speedsters.

Any thoughts?

[awh™]

Buster keep in mind that Hatfield uses their relationship with the Phillies for marketing also. There is value in being the "Official Hot Dog of the Philadelphia Phillies", real or perceived.

Thus, the Phillies probably get pricing that no other organization gets - not even Costco. IMHO $.15-.20 sounds a little high, but you're probably right about the other stuff.

In any event, it's not a loss leader. Lesser margin, but not a loss.

[Phillibuster]

Bullit: Yeah, they throw the Kunzler's "hex" logo up on the menu all over the place.

Also, I'm not sure I can trust a Ducks fan. Especially one wearing a Skeeters uni.

[bullit]

thanks, guys. i appreciate the feedback.

[Hanzawa]

I guess no chance that i sniff the majors this years...Rube why keep signing these utility players im right here...

[Phillibuster]

awh: True, although I don't know if that factors into cost/product, or if they just pay the Phillies a certain amount (which is almost the same thing, except any other purveyor-of-dead-mammals-and-fowl would probably have to pay the same amount or more, so it's a wash as compared to any other brand - assuming the sponsorship doesn't factor into the cost/product).

I also imagine the ubiquitous Dietz & Watson ads might detract somewhat from whatever the "official" label is worth (Mama Dietz isn't about to let some whippersnappers come in and steal her radio spots).

[Phillibuster]

It's possible Amaro thinks that Hanzawa is actually the German kid he signed: Hans Awa.

[The Truth Injection]

I don't think a dollar dog is going to get me to pay 15 dollars + parking to see the dogs on the field.

[Phillibuster]

TTI: Sure, but what about twelve dollar dogs?

Also, while I generally park in the lots as well, if I were smart I'd park near my folks' place and take the broad street line.

[MG]

Philibuster you make some fair arguments and awh makes a decent point it is possible that Cedeno for some reason is a better PH.

Just prefer to see if Galvis can play and if he has a future at the MLB level over the next 2-3 years a utility bench player.

Cedeno is fine as a minor league signing and AAA player. I just don't hope that the Phils go with a bunch of veteran journeyman to start the season on the bench which is exactly what is increasingly likely to be the case. Frandsen, Nieves, and Mayberry are locks and that leaves only 2 spaces for another INF who plays SS and an OF.

Amaro has shown a very strong preference for established MLB players and has proven to be a poor judge of roster management/evaluating fringe talent.

[MG]

I doubt the Phils lose that much on $1 hot dog from a revenue standpoint and easy make up even for it on a revenue basis from a fan attending a game (say average at least $50/fan between ticket, other concessions, parking revenue share)

[ColonelTom]

oogie: Does anybody REALLY think the Phils sign ANY of the top 5 or 6 SP left on the market?

I think the Phils are still in the hunt for a SP but don't want to commit long-term dollars to anyone but Tanaka. If we don't get Tanaka, RAJ is probably hoping that one of the remaining decent-to-good starters is willing to take a one-year "pillow" deal and hit the market again next year. Given that we're not likely to contend this year, avoiding yet another long-term albatross contract to a guy on the wrong side of 30 would be the right strategy.

[Phillibuster]

MG: I just have no faith that Galvis will ever be anything more than the defensive version of Cedeno - especially since he was putting up sub-.600 OPS years until his "breakout" 2011. On a number of teams, that's a very useful piece (Wilson Valdez being an excellent example of what that can do on a team that's set offensively).

However, the defensive upgrade at SS from Cedeno to Galvis is likely negated by the offensive downgrade. Possibly more so, since the utility infielders will likely PH/PR even when Rollins is healthy/starting.

I'd be happier with neither making the MLB roster, but I'd prefer we "see if Galvis can play and if he has a future" in AAA. We already know he can play defense, now he has to prove he can hit even MLB SS average. So far he hasn't done that, and his inability to play 3B well makes it a tough decision to keep him around as the "all-glove" super-sub.

Of course, if we don't pick up another outfielder, then I guess I'd prefer him being the backup there... But then we'd absolutely need a Matt Stairs-esque player to stroke 15 PH HRs.

[ramsey]

oogie: Does anybody REALLY think the Phils sign ANY of the top 5 or 6 SP left on the market?

No.

I think they are not interested in spending right now given falling revenue and a big payroll. I expect scrap heap pickings from here on out.

[awh™]

"Just prefer to see if Galvis can play and if he has a future at the MLB level over the next 2-3 years a utility bench player."

MG, I prefer NOT to find out Galvis is still using PEDs (like ARoid has) when they change the drug testing protocols, as I believe they will.

If he's only this good now, what happens if a) they catch him again, he's suspended, and then has to come back PED free, or b) he doesn't get caught but has to drop the PEDs because of new testing protocols?

Galvis is fun to watch on defense, and I wish he'd make offensive advancements, but I'm with Buster on this one.

Plus, I'm not sure it's even worth the risk keeping him if they can get something of value back for him now.

[awh™]

I don't mean to sound draconian regarding Galvis and PEDs. Maybe he's NOT using anymore, but it's also possible that he is, and, thus, there's risk there.

[clout]

Phillibuster: The cost of a hot dog, including prep time, for the Phillies is almost certainly less than $1.

[awh™]

MG, that said, I'm in agreement with you on r00b and the FOols ability to evaluate/manage the fringe talent. AAMOF, I have serious reservations about their ability to evaluate talent period. As evidence I point to their track record in the draft the last several years.

[Phillibuster]

Thought: would the Orioles be interested in Galvis, considering they just signed Alexei Casilla to a MiLB deal? He's actually better offensively - especially in the power department - and with Machado's injury, and Flaherty's underwhelming MLB numbers (thus far), Galvis might be a solid backup option for them.

Not sure we'd get much of value for him, but 7 of their top 10 prospects are pitchers, which we happen to need.

[Phillibuster]

Clout: I agree, but then you also have to factor in the added cost of napkins, condiments, the packaging, cleaning up the packaging when it gets discarded in the concourse or seating areas, the cost of keeping it warm, paying the cashier/concessions employees to take your money and give you the dog...

Overall, still probably less than $1, but I wouldn't say much less.

[awh™]

Buster, et al., keep in mind that the Phillies got back a mid-tier reliever for Wilson Valdez. That's probably the most you can expect back for Galvis.

[awh™]

Buster, the cleanup crews don't change whether it's DDN or not. Napkins? At the Phils cost, probably not very much, and they probably go through the same amount every game.

The question is whether or not concession sales go UP on DDN. I raise it, because I have gone to games with nothing but a bottle of water and have purchased nothing at the ballpark, having eaten beforehand. On DDN, I make sure I'm hungry.

[ColonelTom]

I doubt Baltimore's a fit for Galvis, as they traded for Jemile Weeks to cover second until Jonathan Schoop is ready, and Machado sounds like he may be ready for Opening Day or shortly thereafter.

Most teams are set for now at shortstop, which is where Galvis has the most value. To maximize his trade value, we'd be best off playing him every day in AAA and hoping he gets hot at the plate. Then you wait for a contending team to suffer a long-term injury at SS.

[MG]

If you look at the overall offensive numbers for Galvis, he actually improved a bit overall because he showed a bit more power. Also, despite swinging at a higher percentage of pitches he also walked a bit more.

For all of the talk about Cedeno being the better offensive player, he has had one year in the last 4 that was better than Galvis last year (2012). The real reason for his improved '12 season was a higher outlier in his amount of BBs which lead to a real improvement in OBP.

Defensively, Cedeno has also better rated as below average the last 2 years and it is highly likely he is at best an average fielder anymore. Maybe slightly below.

The question with Galvis is how good his defense is especially at 2B/SS and what kind of value that can provide to the Phils.

Galvis is going to be the 3rd or even 4th PH option off the bench and I don't anticipate the utility infielders getting more more than say 20-25 PH ABs during the season.

Orr got 11 last year. Galvis had 14. Mini-mart had 8. The lion's share went to Frandsen (61 Abs) and Nix (53 ABs).

Rather see what Galvis can do over what a completely known quantity like Cedeno can do especially when Cedeno is almost certainly on the decline defensively and that is where any utility middle infielder almost always derives his greatest value.

[Phillibuster]

MG: Galvis played in AAA last year as well. When you couple his MLB numbers with his MiLB, his OPS drops below .650.

[Chase Trillo]

Awh, you are entitled to your opinion. I'd rather not have a guy like Cedeno on a major league or minor league roster. He's the type of player you can pretty much pick up anytime should a regular go down. How many shitty backup players can we bring to spring training. I guess Brignac and Blanco weren't good enough. Big picture my ass.

[Phillibuster]

awh: Over time, the contract with the cleaning service changes based on how long it takes to clean up. By this point they know what to expect from DDN, but the people doing the actual cleaning get paid by the hour, which increases if there's lots of addition detritus. That's also the case if the DDN actually increases butts in seats, since more attendance always equates to more trash.

I agree, the costs for the napkins, condiments, buns and packaging are not major, but they might be more than you'd think. I used to be an inventory manager in food service, and those 'incidentals' can eat into your margin hard. Overall, I'd say the non-dog physical cost (not counting labor, the electricity to run the rollers, etc.) per dog likely averages out to be in the 15-20-cent range. On normal nights, that's negligible, but on DDNs it becomes more of an issue - especially since you have to have extra on-hand, which means a higher initial investment those nights.

You also have to account for the reduced spending on the other, higher-margin concession items as well (not nearly as many cheesesteaks sold, for instance), though I haven't been factoring that into my numbers.

Again, they're not taking a loss on the dogs, but when all is said and done I'd be surprised if the dog on a DDN didn't run the organization about 85 cents at least.

[Phillibuster]

Chase: It's a MiLB deal. You can hate it as much as you like, I guess, but he costs the MLB team literally nothing unless he makes the MLB roster - and if he gets cut instead of stashed in the minors then he doesn't even cost them down there.

As such, it seems pretty silly to hate it.

[Chase Trillo]

Fair enough. Just tired of the rather crappy off-season so far.

[aksmith]

If the Phillies do what it looks like they're doing, and ignore Tanaka until he signs with a better organization, then they should sign Garza. No draft pick lost and he'll probably take a three year deal with an option. The only question is health with him. So, he'll fit right in.

But here's the stupidity of the Phillies hanging back on Tanaka. Even if they give him 110/6 plus the 20 mil posting fee, they'll probably see a surge in season ticket renewals and new season ticket requests that they don't have a prayer of seeing the way they're currently operating. All this fan base needs to see is the team making a serious effort to improve and they'll come out in droves.

But Phillies management has always been insanely shortsighted and we have no reason to expect anything else.

[Phillibuster]

Also, if Galvis isn't getting PH opportunities, and he's not starting, then how are we learning anything about him other than how warm the bench feels when he stands up after taking a nap?

If he's starting... He's not doing well with the bat. Period. He's not even doing as well as the average SS. In fact, he's likely performing in the bottom third of starting shortstops.

His MLB/MiLB OPS in 2013 was .648. In 2013, among SS with at least 100 PAs, that would have put him 31st (out of 56). Behind Mike Aviles, and ahead of Jonathon Villar (amusingly).

Even if you use his .668 strictly-MLB OPS, he would have been 25th (.001 ahead of Rollins).

[ColonelTom]

Chase, my guess is that RAJ has been trying to deal J-Roll and/or Galvis. If either of those guys gets traded, Cedeno is a better hitter than Brignac or Blanco, and thus stashing Cedeno on a minor-league deal now is a smart move. If both J-Roll and Galvis stick around, you have the option of starting Galvis in AAA rather than giving him sporadic playing time on the big club. In addition, you have viable 2B options for Lehigh Valley if Cesar Hernandez makes the big club out of spring training.

[aksmith]

Ronny Cedeno? Reid Brignac? Freddie Galvis?

Aye Aye, Sir. Deck chairs rearranged, just as you ordered. Now let's get this unsinkable ship underway.

[Chase Trillo]

I understand Colonel. Just need to vent sometimes.

[Meyer]

I hope Darin Ruf and Freddy Galvis kick royal ass in Spring Training.

[MG]

Only minor league signings that have made much sense so far are the one for CF given the FA alternatives available this offseason.

Davis' deal was ridiculous and I'm really glad the Phils didn't sign him. Gutierrez wanted to stay in Seattle supposedly and has had a list of medical ailments on almost every part of body the past 2 seasons.

Sappelt and Gwynn are fine to bring as guys to compete for a 5th OF spot and can actually play CF tolerably. Hopefully the Phils can stash one of them at Lehigh.

Still prefer a guy like Torres if he would accept a spring invite/minor league deal.

[Cyclic]

Meyer, I hope they kick ass in MLB during the regular season. Kicking ass in ST will be utterly meaningless.

[Ronny Cedeno, Defensive Whiz]

Don't worry about my skills. I got this, bitches.
I am going to save the season for the Phils- literally at 3rd base.

[Meyer]

My hope is that Darin and Freddy find meaningful starting positions on a ML team.

[awh™]

" He's the type of player you can pretty much pick up anytime should a regular go down."

Actually, Chase, that's not entirely accurate.

Most of these guys get tied up by other organizations before ST, especially the better UT players, because other orgs want them as depth too.

And, this is the season for that, when most teams have filled out their primary roster spots and are looking to add that kind of depth.

Just go take a gander at MLB Trade Rumors. The site is littered with updates on minor league signings - by lots of different teams.

So, if the Phillies want to have decent depth in their org in the high minors, these are exactly the kind of signings that they need to do - as every team does.

As Buster stated above - nothing to hate, and they have more flexibility.

ME, I'm holding out hope (<1% chance IMHO), that the Phillies are a dark horse contender for Tanaka. I did, however, read on mlbtr yesterday, that his wife is leaning towards the West Coast, which could impact where he winds up.

[awh™]

Look at the Tanaka situation this way:

They may have checked in with his agent and been told that they're welcome to submit a bid, but that Tanaka really doesn't want to play in Philly so he'd have to be blown away.

So, they could be getting used by the agent to drive up the price, or, it could be a case where he "would" come to Philly, but it would cost the Phillies significantly more than the Dodgers or Angels.

In other words, they might have to overpay the way Washington overpaid to get Werth.

Does anyone think they should do that?

[awh™]

Proposed trade on the mlbtr live chat:

"Dom Brown for Casey Fien, Vance Worley and Alex Presley. Who hangs up first?"

[Cash or Coll]

"$170 Million may be an overpay but some SOB GM kept raising the stakes."

[Phillibuster]

There's also rumors of Suk-min Yoon being available this off-season. He wouldn't be as good as a Tanaka, but it sounds like (assuming health, which apparently is unsafe to do right now) he'd be a solid #3/4 on most teams.

Also likely to cost less than Tanaka.

[Phillibuster]

Eh. Further fouling the waters in moving Galvis to Baltimore is their signing of Brock Bond.

[clout]

awh: Rube should laugh out loud at that proposal.

[Phillibuster]

I wonder if Twins BL is having the Kyle Kendrick debate about Worley right now.

[Ronny Cedeno, Defensive Whiz]

F-ck this Rollins, F-ck Galveez, there is only the Cedeno.
I am the Mike Wiznewski of the left side of the infield.

[aksmith]

As per usual, the Phillies are not involved at all with Suk Min Yoon. Don't know if this guy is any good. But if there's an Asian pitcher who isn't some fat load in line for a spot in low A ball, the Phillies are nowhere to be found.

Rube is fast becoming a legend. Or at the very least, a cautionary tale.

[Harry Callous]

Would you bring back "the retiring" Michael Young for this team?

[aksmith]

I see names like Bruce Chen and Jason Hammel on the horizon for the Phillies. But almost unbelievably, I seem to be aiming too high?

[aksmith]

Bring back Michael Young as what? A player? HELL no.

[Ronny Cedeno]

Surprising to see Ak talking about "fat load", I heard that TTI and clout are usually the "fat load" lovers.

[aksmith]

Wow, Ronny Cedeno really is versatile. He's a mediocre hitter, fielder and awful poster. A true triple threat.

[bay_area_phan]

"Most of these guys get tied up by other organizations before ST . . . because other orgs want them as depth too."

Not this year, they don't. RAJ has made sure of that by signing every last utility infielder on the FA market.

[Phillibuster]

Hey, Amaro's just trying to make sure we can trade from a position of strength. He's willing to move, 3, 4, even 5 utility players if he gets the right offer!

[Hugh Mulcahy]

Is john MacDonald available?

[Hugh Mulcahy]

I think he's under 40

[Meyer]

This quirky RAJ/SS/Utility IF fetish is more than likely just a tribute to his father.

[bay_area_phan]

As I have done before, I must again take issue with the idea that a minor league contract can do no harm. It can do no harm if the guy has some upside or you've got a lack of depth at the position. But if the guy has no upside, and you've already got about 8 backups who play the same position, you'd better believe a minor league contract can do harm.

First, it opens up the possibility that the minor league signee -- who we know to be terrible -- could win a job over a player like Hernandez or Galvis, who actually has a plausible upside. Second, if you invite a million utility infielders to spring training, you need to give them all playing time -- which takes away playing time from guys like Franco, Hernandez, and Asche, who need all the ABs they can get. Third, once ST ends, you need to find minor league roster spots for all these crappy utility infielders, which: (1) eats into playing time for players who might actually have some future value to the Phillies; and (2) eats into the team's resources, including available minor league roster spots, thereby making the Phillies less likely to take a flier on someone who might actually have some possible upside.

When your team already has enough infield versatility to field backups to the backups to the backups at 2nd, SS, and 3rd, giving a minor league contract to yet another no-hit utility infielder is not a no-harm move. It's bizarre. How about taking a couple of those minor league roster spots that are being used on no-hit utility infielders, and giving them to a couple minor league outfielders who have shown an ability to hit?

[Biggs]

At 8:49 Lorecore wrote:

Franco hit 31 HR across A+/AA as a 20 yr old last year. I'm not sure what else power you could realistically expect.

Most people considered Miguel Sano as the #1 power hitting prospect in the majors. He happens to share the same age/position/level as Franco, and totaled 35 HR in the same season.

What's interesting to note that while Sano had a higher OPS for the season across both levels (.992 vs .926), once promoted to AA Franco's OPS remained stable at .926 while Sano dropped .164 from his A+ number. Sano also dropped .094 on his BA (.236) and .080 on his OBP (.344) after being promoted while Franco's BA (.339) went up .040 and his OBP (.363) went up .014. Their power numbers at AA were similar with Sano having a small edge across the board, but overall Franco outperformed Sano at AA.

[Meyer]

Alfredo Amezaga may be available from the Mex League. Super Duper Utility Guy.

[Cyclic]

Test.

[MG]

'Tony Plush' is available and is supposedly the Phils are interested. One guy I would love to see on a minor league deal.

[Phillibuster]

BAP: There's a logical fallacy in that line of thought, however, which is that - for some reason - the MiLB player won't get released. Every year there are plenty of players on MiLB contracts (even on the Phillies) who get released during, before, or slightly after Spring Training.

In March of 2013, we released Joe Mather, David Newmann, Rodrigo Lopez, Yuniesky Betancourt and Aaron Cook. We also DFA'd Quintero, and Traded Michael Cisco. None of our MiLB contractees were recalled in April either.

At Lehigh Valley, we released Juan Morillo, Brendan Lafferty in March. At Reading, we released Ryan Duke, Jordan Whatcott, and then in April we released Edgar Garcia. At Clearwater, we released Tim Kennelly, Christopher Duffy and Garrett Claypool in March. Lakewood's March releases included Gauntlett Eldemire and Moises Rivas, while the Crosscutters released Luis Gonzalez and Matt Sisto.

The point of that list is that we dumped a lot of MiLB-y players, and even though we also stashed a lot, they didn't seem to take away playing time from any of our prospects at even scarce positions (like Asche, Franco, Rupp). That's because unlike MLB contracts, most MiLB ones aren't guaranteed, so there's literally (as compared to the "virtually" if they're on a cheap MLB deal) no loss on release.

Also, while players like Galvis and Hernandez have possible upside, the upside is small, and the possibility is fairly remote. Odds are high that they won't outperform the invitee, and probably 50/50 that the invitee is the one who outperforms them. You can then stash the Galvnandez-type in AAA (although we'll see if we can do that with Hernandez) or AA, using any other utility guys you held onto as their backups.

[Harry Callous]

"If you have 24 utility guys on the roster you can change the line-up like 234,566 gazillion ways, Marshall!"
-Ricky Bo during the July 20th 2014 TV broadcast

[LorecorE]

bigs: no argument here, Franco had an amazing year. Combination of high contact/low K while also hitting for power is extremely rare. Just gotta pray that the hitch in his swing isn't something more advanced pitchers find a way to exploit. I

[LorecorE]

MG: Plush to Indians

[Nyjer Morganize]

My new name is Tony Kemosabe

[bay_area_phan]

Philli: Fair enough. I still don't see the point of signing 8 zillion utility infielders who can't hit. If Chase Utley gets injured, we have Cesar Hernandez. If Cesar gets injured too, we have Frandsen. If Rollins gets injured, we have Galvis. If Asche gets injured, we've got Frandsen and Galvis and Franco. If Utley, Rollins, Asche, Frandsen, and Galvis all get injured, we've got Cesar, Brignac, and Orr. If one of them gets injured, we have Blanco. Now we need Ronny Cedeno too?

RAJ has done very little to address the team's pathetic offense and starting pitching, and he has done next to nothing to address the league's worst bullpen. But if there ever comes a time during the 2014 season when we find ourselves in need of an 11th string 2nd baseman, we'll be in great shape.

[Meyer]

Hah, Bobby Abreu another VWL HR off his old trade pal Carlos Monasterios. Bobby's in the best shape of his life.

[NEPP]

If I were an AL GM, I'd probably at least take a flier on Abreu to see if he can break camp as a DH/bench PH bat.

I wouldn't give him a guaranteed deal of course.

[Meyer]

I did notice he's playing RF whilst some 23 year old is DH'ing. Bobby found the fountain of youth.

[aksmith]

As long as the fountain of youth isn't injectible, I wouldn't mind them picking up Abreu for a lefthanded bat off the bench. As a pinch hitter who could actually work a pitcher, he'd be a nice change of pace. And if I didn't have to see him try to play in the outfield much, that's an added bonus. (Not because he's shy of the wall since that was always a bit overrated. But because he is, after all, getting older and slowing down.)

[Meyer]

He'll be 40 by April. Should make Rollins, Utley, Howard, Byrd feel like young guys again.

[NEPP]

I would never give him a guaranteed deal given his final couple seasons and decline...he'd have to win a spot in camp regardless. The last time he was a good hitter was 2010 and he has zero value outside of his bat.

[Chase Trillo]

Well said bay_area_phan. I feel the same way, I just didn't put it quite as eloquently as you.

[cut_fastball]

Bobi Abraaaywho... What are the chances he's "...in the best shape of his life..." with gummies, and any other magic candy that's available?Just to get a little taste of the big leagues again?

I can't blame him. Not one bit. I'd also love to see him at the top of the Phillies order - as long as his OBP stays well north of .350. He was always a nice player when contemplated stat by stat.

I take that back for defense. How the !@#$ did he ever win a Golden Glove?

[NEPP]

***How the !@#$ did he ever win a Golden Glove?***

Derek Jeter won 5...its a meaningless award.

I'd love to have Bobby Abreu in his prime atop our lineup (if he were actually willing to do that instead of demanding to bat 3rd that is).

The current Abreu? No, not really.

[Agente de Beisbo d' El Comedulce]

Any team signing my client must agree that he hits leadoff.

[bittel]

I think it's fairly clear that Amaro's hands are tied at the moment, b_a_p. The proof is that he hasn't made any bad signings: he's just made very FEW signings (of major leaguers at least). On balance, nothing's wrong with signing Byrd. Not even he is so daft that he scans the FA horizon and concludes, "You know, what we really need here is Ronny Cedeno!"

He's feeding off the very bottom, almost certainly by instruction.