We finally made it to March. Spring Training games start tomorrow. But first, let’s take care of some housekeeping with a look at the transactions from the past two weeks, as reported by Baseball America:
• Signed RHPs Burke Bandenhop, Matt Belisle, J.C. Gutierrez, and Connor Porter
• Released C Edward Trejos
Bandenhop and Belisle are the prototpyical veteran signs who are in camp for a look-see as the big club – like all do this time of year – looks to shuffle and solidify the bullpen. Neither has spent significant time in the minors in the past five seasons.
Gutierrez is a re-sign, having made nine appearances for Syracuse last August and September. Gutierrez last appeared in the MLB during the 2014 season.
Porter has the kind of stats and specs that scream “project” – a 54.00 ERA and 6.00 WHIP in one (1) appearance in the Frontier League in 2015 and a 4.40 ERA, 1.53 WHIP in 29 appearances in the 2013 and 2014 seasons for the University of Memphis. The 22-y.o. is listed at 6’8″ and 202 lbs.
Trejos appeared in just 29 games as a 17- and 18-y.o. backup catcher for the DSL and GCL Nationals and posted a career OPS of just .613.