Transaction Update
The latest transaction post from Baseball America is in and it’s the beginning of comings and goings to/from the farm. First, the additions:
- RHP Ross Ohlendorf
- LHP Sean West
- C Joe Witkowski
Ohlendorf, a former stalwart in the Pittsburgh Pirates rotation, has been largely ineffective since suffering a shoulder strain in 2011. He began 2012 with the Boston Red Sox, opting out of his contract and signing with the San Diego Padres, where he was pounded for a 7.77ERA (yes, even in Petco Park) over 13 appearances last summer.
West was the 44th pick overall from the 2005 draft by the Florida Marlins and made it to the majors in 2009 but has been frequently injured, not pitching at all in 2012, and spending most of 2010 and 2011 in AAA New Orleans.
Witkowski was signed as an NDFA by the Houston Astros in 2011, playing in the GCL for 18 games and released last June, shortly after the draft.
Now, the subtractions…
- LHP Bobby Hansen
- 2B Hendry Jimenez
- C Jeremy Mayo
- 1B Brett Newsome
- OF Tony Nix
- LHP Joe Testa
Some familiar names here, with three of these six having spent five (or more) seasons in the system (’07 IFA Jimenez, ’08 draft pick Hansen, and ’08 NDFA Newsome), Mayo an inaugural watchlister, and Testa coming via the Matt Capps trade in July 2010.
Some eyebrow raisers in the release section.
I remember you said once to be kind, as for many of these players it is the end of their dream.
Newsome had to see this coming, but at 26 he was ancient for Low A. Hope he enjoyed his 5 year ride in the system.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t Hansen been injured. He’s only 23, but another one with 5 years in the system.
Looks to me like the losses were greater than the gains. I always thought Hansen and Jimenez had promise and both were young. As for the acquisitions, there doesn’t seem to be anybody worth getting even a little optimistic about.
Hansen had back surgery in ’11 and though his control faltered last season, I would have thought his age and dexterity would have bought him more time.
on Hansen, do we know it was the clubs decision? recalling Atwood and Willems just walking away, maybe he asked for his release.
Doubtful – when players ask for their release to retire, they often get put on the restricted list in case they change their minds.
thx Luke, I agree that on the surface it is surprising. he was a guy I had on my watchlist, along with Atwood I might add.