Did you know?: During a game that carried into the dusk hours, Clarkson once pitched a lemon to the plate to persuade the umpire, Jack Kerins to call the game due to darkness. Kerins called the lemon a strike, and when shown by Boston’s catcher that he had called a lemon a strike, Kerins finally called the game.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Offseason News and Notes

With offseason owners meetings wrapping up this weekend in Orlando FL., let’s take a look at some news and rumors from around the league:

Word out of the Jackson Marvels camp is that their brass is looking to make a big splash in the free agent market this year. No word on who they are targeting specifically, but word on the street is that they may be looking to free up SP Curt Wood. Wood has been somewhat of a disappointment in Jackson, but there is no doubt he has raw talent and is young.

In New Orleans, rumors have emerged that Mob officials are looking at letting utility man R.J. James go to the free agent market instead of signing him to a long term contract. Scouts have been giving positive reviews about minor league SS Bill Morrow, who had a good year in season 17 at AAA. With James looking to go to arbitration and most likely expecting more money, Mob brass may be looking at the younger, and cheaper, Morrow.

In Philly, word has hit the market that several of their players are being made available for trade. Alex Polonia, Al Johnson and Preston Creek have hit the market in recent days. It remains to be seen if this is a full blown rebuild mode, or if the Flame Throwers are looking to improve their stock in order to take down powerhouse New York.

Finally in trade news, the Toronto Northmen have put hard-hitting CF Kirk Curtis on the trade market. Curtis, a former Gold Glove center fielder is sure to command a lot of attention, as he is entering his last year of a five year deal. The Toronto masher would be a good power bat to add to any lineup. When asked for comments about the trade rumors, Curtis responded “You never like being involved in trade rumors, but I will just try to focus on my play on the field, and not worry about that unless it happens.”

MILESTONE WATCH

Also this year, there are a handful of players looking break some major career milestones:

In Las Vegas, as crowds celebrate their World Series win from last year, the great Vincenzo Wakeland has arrived at the door step of the 3000 strikeout milestone. With only 170 strikeouts to go until 3000, he will undoubtedly reach this vaunted milestone this year, barring injury, making him only the second player in Clarkson history to enter this exclusive club.

Vincenzo Wakeland
Las Vegas
Gamblers
Age: 33B/T: R/R
Born: Andalusia, AL
Position(s): P (SP1)
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Free agent Closer Juan Cervantes is close to the 400 Save club, however it remains to be seen if he will be given the opportunity to reach the 400 club. In the past two seasons, he has only logged 7 saves, the same number he needs to reach 400, but it is unclear if he will get a chance with another team at age 37. Still, a great career for the longtime closer.

Juan Cervantes
none
none
Age: 37B/T: L/L
Born: Chitre Herrera, PA
Position(s): P (P)
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In Toledo, speed demon Pep Thurman is closing in on the all time stolen base record, currently held by Free Agent Felipe Johnson. Thurman, who is only 13 stolen bases behind Johnson, but 6 years younger, will undoubtedly pass and shatter Johnsons record when his career is finally over. At only 31, Thurman will put the record far out of reach of any of the current SB career leader.

Pep Thurman
Toledo
Holies
Age: 31B/T: R/R
Born: Sedona, AZ
Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH
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And finally in New York, LF Joaquin James looks to become just the 4th player in Clarkson history to reach the exclusive 3000 hit club. The 36 year old Villa Clara native will need to stay healthy all year, but barring injury, he should reach this historic milestone late in the year. The veteran has shown little signs of slipping, so we fully expect him to reach the 3000 hit club.

Joaquin James
New York
Bombers
Age: 36B/T: R/R
Born: Villa Clara, CU
Position(s): LF/CIF/2B/OF/DH
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