The Other Fifteen

Eighty-five percent of the f---in' world is working. The other fifteen come out here.


Odds and ends and odds

SI's John Heyman has the latest Brian Roberts rumor:

There is now a feeling in Orioles land that Angelos may be balking at the negotiated haul for Roberts, which according to sources, is a very fair three-player package of young pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielder Matt Murton and infielder Ronny Cedeno.

We'll leave that without further comment.

The New York Times has a very nice profile of Kosuke Fukudome.

Phil Rodgers previews the season. Some midlights:

The trade of Jones to Detroit opens center field for second-year man Felix Pie, who hit .215 as a rookie. The other options include the diminutive Sam Fuld, who was an MVP in the Arizona Fall League, or moving DeRosa to right field and Fukudome to center

...

Keep an eye on Bobby Scales. Signed to a minor-league contract, the 30-year-old switch-hitter can play all over the field (primarily second base and the outfield) and had a .373 on-base percentage in Triple A last year.

...

Carmen Pignatiello: The left-hander from Providence Catholic made his big-league debut in 2007, appearing in four games. He could play a significant role this season, with Will Ohman having been traded to Atlanta, but faces competition from Neal Cotts and a deep cast of right-handed relievers. He'll almost certainly get back to Chicago this season, even if he opens the year at Iowa.

My desire to see Carmen Pignatiello in the bullpen is well known. Scales seems interesting in a "not Mike Fontenot" sort of way. And, well.. I would like to think that Murton would move to right if Fukudome moved to center, rather than opening up a hole at second base. But what do I know?

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I think you understate your case here, Mr. Rodgers

You have to give Phil Rodgers credit for this little gem:

Ten years after his pro career began, Jeremy Affeldt finally had a breakout season in 2007. He made 75 appearances out of the bullpen for the Colorado Rockies and then pitched in seven of 11 postseason games for the National League champs.


So naturally, the Cincinnati Reds signed the left-hander to be one of Dusty Baker's starting pitchers. It's the kind of move you make when you are starting to pack for spring training and haven't filled the wish list you made out around Halloween.

Go ahead and feast your eyes on Affeldt's impressive stats. Ayup.

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