Odds And Ends: Coste, Turnbow, Blackley, Burrell
A few things I didn’t get to over the end of the week:
- The Phillies may be baiting Chris Coste.
According to MASN (via MLB.com), the Orioles are showing interest in the Phillies backup catcher. Makes sense, considering the Phils traded for Ronny Paulino over the Winter Meetings. And considering Carlos Ruiz can handle pitching, and Paulino seems competent at the plate, there’s no reason not to try for insurance pitching or a prospect for Coste.
- The Phillies are rumored interested in reliever Derrick Turnbow.
Turnbow, originally drafted by the Phillies, had an awesome 2005 (thank you, HGH), then dropped off in 2006. He returned with some quality in 2007, but hasn’t really been a great arm. Other teams interested include the Marlins, Pirates, Rangers, Giants, Rays, Rockies and Tigers. The two best teams in baseball and a bunch of the worst. He’ll go to one of the worst teams.
- The Diamondbacks signed Travis Blackley to a major league contract.
Blackley, 26, went 5-10 with a 5.41 ERA for AAA Lehigh Valley last season. The lefty was on the short list of finalists for the 25-man roster in Spring Training 2008, but lost out to Adam Eaton. It’s a little surprising Arizona gave him a major league deal.
- It’s looking possible Pat Burrell will suit up in Tampa Bay.
Jon Heyman is reporting the Rays and Burrell are talking, and it’s a “real possibility” Burrell will go to Tampa. Hey, it’s a great fit for both parties. Would be odd seeing Pat in that kooky Rays logo, though (ha, we beat them in the World Series).
