MLB Daily Transactions: 1/30/14

Orioles all in on A.J. Burnett

According to Peter Gammons of MLB Network, the Orioles are “all in” on free agent A.J. Burnett. This week Burnett said he will not retire and will instead open himself up to offers from all major league teams.  He makes his offseason home in Maryland, so signing with the O’s seems like a fit. Gammons says the Rays also have serious interest. Burnett posted a 3.30 ERA, 1.215 WHIP and 209/67 K/BB ratio in 191 innings last year for the Pirates.

Royals re-sign Bruce Chen

FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Royals have re-signed left-hander Bruce Chen. It is a one-year contract (worth $4.25 million in guaranteed money) and includes a $5.5 million mutual option for the 2015 season. Chen, 36, posted a 3.27 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 78/36 K/BB ratio in 121 innings last year for the Royals.

Michael Young has opted out for retirement 

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that infielder Michael Young has chosen to retire rather than continue playing in 2014. Young was considering suiting up for the 2014 season, preferably for the Dodgers, but chose to retire. The 37-year-old will end his 14-year MLB career with a career .300 average and 2,375 hits.

Casey Crosby Moving to Relief Roll with Tigers 

Casey Crosby will compete for a job in the Tigers’ bullpen during spring training.  All 93 of Crosby’s appearances between the minors and majors have been in a starting roll, but the Tigers have decided to shift him to a relief role. He has a big arm but has struggled to throw strikes throughout his pro career. With Ian Krol and Phil Coke already locked into relief roles, Crosby will surely begin the season in Triple-A. In time,  he then could develop into a bullpen weapon.

Who is the next Jose Fernandez?

Jose Fernandez had a remarkable rookie season for the Marlins and dominated the playing field. Fernandez won numerous awards including NL rookie of the year. But have you ever wondered who the next Jose Fernandez could be?

Well it just might be Archie Bradley. Archie Bradley is the number one pitching prospect in the Minor Leagues right now. Archie was 12-7 and had a 1.97 ERA in Double A last year. Bradley has numerous of pitches like a knuckle curve, 12-6 curve, and fastball. His fastball averages 92-95 mph with it clocking out at 97 mph. Bradley has great potential and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes the D-Backs number one or two man in their rotation in years to come. The 21 year old will be working in the spring to get a spot on the rotation but will likely be in Triple A to start the year. I expect him to spend majority of the 2014 season in the major leagues. Bradley was drafted 7th overall in the 2011 player draft. He is a RHP out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He is 6’4 and weighs 225 pounds.

How Good is Masahiro Tanaka?

Recently the New York Yankees signed Japanese star, Masahiro Tanaka to a 7 year, 155 million dollar contract. Tanaka was a wrecking force in Japan putting up strategic numbers. The Yankees overpaid for a pitcher who hasn’t thrown one MLB pitch. Is he the next money burner? Igawa? How good is Masahiro Tanaka? Well we’ll find out.

Sure Tanaka has been the best pitcher in Japan but the MLB is much more skilled. Time and time again old retired MLB players go to Japan and tear it up. For example Casey Mcgee.
As well as that the surroundings and conditions are different. In Japan the ball is smaller and the laces are bigger.
There are also many concerns about his arm. He has pitched many innings in Japan.  Many questions about the Yankee ”hiro”. In Conclusion Masahiro Tanaka won’t be as good as he was in Japan. When Tanaka settles in and gets used to his surroundings, I can a sure you this wont be the last time you here of ”Makun”, Masahiro Tanaka.