Quick Hits: Martinez, Zaun, Nationals, Mota

by Eli Greenspan on Jan 11, 2009 1:11 AM EST

Quick Hits:

ESPNDeportes.com is reporting that the Marlins and Pedro Martinez are engaging in preliminary contract talks. Martinez, 37, would provide the Marlins with a veteran in the rotation, someone who could mentor Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, and Andrew Miller. I'm skeptical, considering Martinez told papers that he wants to return to the Mets. It could be a ploy to bring up the price.
The Orioles have found their back up catcher. The Orioles and Gregg Zaun have agreed to a one year deal, according to the Baltimore Sun. Zaun will back up for Matt Wieters, assuming he has a good spring. The Orioles were better off waiting to see if Ivan Rodriguez's price came down, but Zaun is a decent signing nevertheless.
The Nationals have inquired about Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher, according to MLB.com. If the Nationals can land one at a low price, they could then spin one of their current outfielders in another deal for better prospects.
The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that the Dodgers are close to signing free agent reliever Guillermo Mota, who had a 4.11 ERA in 57 innings for the Brewers last season.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Tweet Comment 2 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I understand why you removed what you said about reports coming out of the DR tend to get lost in the translation, meaning they are likely false...but you were dead on.

the miami herald is reporting that the ESPN report is false.

your blog is one of the best on the web - the writing has gotten better- but your instincts are top notch.

keep it up.

by Anonymous on Jan 11, 2009 12:16 PM EST reply actions

Zaun is going to start in Baltimore on opening day pretty much regardless of what Wieters does.

If they keep Wieters in the minors until like early May, they prevent him from hitting arbitration for another season, which has huge value. So Wieters will be the starter in Baltimore this season by mid-May or June, but not before then.

The reason Zaun was a clear choice over Rodriguez is because it wasn't evident that Pudge would be okay with backing up Wieters once he was ready to take over, because Rodriguez still wants a starting job.

by Anonymous on Jan 11, 2009 5:25 PM EST reply actions