A bunch of roster moves have come to our attention, so here’s a rundown on the ones that are new to us…
DESIGNATED FOR ASSIGNMENT
- Matt Chico
Presumably, the first of few more to come to make room for the likes of Rick Ankiel, Chien Mien Wang and Ryan Mattheus.
SIGNED
- C – Carlos Maldonado
- RHP – Harvey Garcia
- 3B – Alex Valdez
The 26-year-old Garcia was released by the Dodgers in May, but has made some noise in the VWL, striking out 28 and walking 20 in 38IP through Dec. 18. The switch-hitting Valdez, also 26, spent 2010 with AA with Midland, posting a .262/.317/.422 line in 574PA. He’s currently hitting .306 in 41G in the DWL.
RELEASED
- RHPs – Martin Beno, Dustin Crane, Zach Gerler, John Santiago, Shane Zellers
- LHP – Randy Mower
- OFs – Marcus Jones, Nick Moresi
Presumably, Beno’s injury is career-threatening but the giving up on Santiago at 22 is a bit curious (any insight VladiHondo?). The rest of the pitchers fit the mold of unimpressive at the lower levels whereas Jones and Moresi were career journeyman, clearly pushed out by the Hagerstown crew of outfielders. As is always my hope for guys like that, let’s hope they can hook on in an indy and experience some success before hanging it up.
I expect to post later with a story on the Baseball America Top 10 Washington Prospects.