- Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies made their outfield a bit more crowded by signing a member of the St. Louis Cardinals 2006 World Series Championship team; So Taguchi. Taguchi, according to ESPN.com, signed a 1-year contract with the Phils. He gives the Phillies an excellent bat off the bench, as he led all National League pinch-hitters with a .406 batting average, ESPN.com reports. He also gives the Phillies some versatility in that outfield - he played in all three outfield positions in 2007. The Cards released the veteran outfielder on December 5th to clear space on their 40-man roster. Taguchi was one of the heroes of the Cards' championship run in '06, as he hit a game-tying home run off Mets' closer Billy Wagner in Game 2 of the NLCS.
- The Florida Marlins did some last-minute Holiday shopping of their own. On Monday, they signed former Pirates infielder Jose Castillo to a 1-year deal. The versatile infielder was released by the Bucks, and the Marlins swiftly scooped him up. He gives the Fish an option at second or third base. He doesn't give much in offensive production, as he failed to hit a single home run in 2007, but his steady defense could keep him in the Marlins' lineup on a regular basis, as they search for a replacement for Miguel Cabrera at third.
- Mark Prior is homeward bound. On Wednesday, the oft-injured pitcher signed a 1-year contract with the San Diego Padres, after spending the first 3 seasons of his career pitching for the Chicago Cubs. But Prior underwent sugery on his right shoulder last April, and did not throw a pitch in 2007. He was the number 2 overall pick in the 2001 ametur draft, and made his debut in 2003 when he went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA, and was named to the All-Star team. He will start the 2008 season on the DL, but hopes to be back on the mound in May.
- On Thursday, the Houston Astros made yet another move in what has been a very busy offseason for the club. They signed versatile veteran Darin Erstad to a 1-year deal, in hopes he can find the magic that made him a real threat in the lineup back in the late 90's with the Angels. Erstad has also been a fantastic defender over his career. He is the only player in major league history to win a Gold Glove in the infield (first base) and the outfield! But injuries have hurt Erstad's play over the past several seasons, and after spending 11 years with the Angels, he signed on to play with the White Sox in 2007. Of course, he sprained his ankle and missed almost half of the season. He provides the Astros with a versatile left-handed bat off the bench, and a body to play first base or any of the outfield positions - as well as a veteran presence with playoff experience.
- Also Thursday, the Royals signed a veteran of their own - former Marlins' catcher Miguel Olivo. The Marlins non-tendered Olivo a contract after acquiring Mike Rabelo from the Tigers in the Cabrera trade. So the Royals came on and signed him to a 1-year contract with a mutual option for 2009. After spending the last 2 seasons as a starter for the Marlins, he will be splitting time with incumbent catcher John Buck in KC. Olivo made the most of his opportunity in Florida, after spending much of his career as a back up (with the White Sox, Padres and Mariners). He hit 16 home runs in each 2006 and '07, while driving in about 60 runs each season as well.
- Last month, the Astros acquired pitcher Oscar Villareal from the Braves for outfielder Josh Anderson. Well, it looks as if Oscar will be spending at least a couple of years in Houston. On Friday, the 'Stros signed the right-hander to a 2-year contract with a club option for 2010.
And other than former major leaguer Jim Leyritz being arrested on Friday, not much else is happening at the moment in MLB. Leyritz was arrested on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter. I smell a "Where Are They Now: MLB Edition" coming!
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