His website is something else
Today Doug Melvin announced the signing of Gregg Zaun, a Type B Free Agent catcher from the Rays organization who was offered arbitration. Terms are decent, $1.9M in 2010 with $600K in bonuses based on starts and a $2.25M club option with a $250K buy-out ($2.15M guaranteed). At first, I was kind of happy and proud of Doug. We now are 100% Kendalless, having a decent catcher allows us to non-tender Rivera to save some money (~$1M) and we can have Salome/Lucroy back him up. Not a horrible plan hatched.
But then I read this by Tom H at the JS blogs.
“(GM) Doug (Melvin) and the Brewers separated themselves from the rest of the pack pretty quick. They really stepped up. Plus, they said it’s a starting job.”
Not many clubs offer starting jobs to 38-year-old catchers but Zaun, who has played more than 110 games in a season just once, said he’s up to the task.
“Most people don’t look past the first line on the media guide (where age is listed),” said Zaun, who started 74 games last season while splitting time with Baltimore and Tampa Bay. “I spent my first eight years as a backup. I didn’t get to start until I got to Toronto (in 2004).
“I’m in better shape now than I was when I was 28. Obviously, things change in this game quickly. But I’m ready to catch four out of every five starts. That’s the indication I was given.”
Emphasis is mine. Wait.. out with the old Kendall who played 132 games last year and really wore down as the year went on. And in with the new cheaper version of Kendall promised approximately 128 games? For a guy that will be 39 for the 2010 campaign and 3 years older then Kendall… what are you thinking Doug? Since Macha seems to enjoy giving his players chances to earn their incentives (i.e. Todd Coffey), I’m sure we’ll see plenty of Zaun when he’s too worn out to play. What the hell. You will also note that he mentioned it was a starting job. Remember when you didn’t offer Lopez arbitration due to fears of accepting? Did you tell him he’d be a backup? Doug, players want to play.
If you haven’t, check out his website. It’s really something else. I’m pretty sure that we can add this to the list of things Doug looks for in a free agent: A crazy website with a cool catch phrase of “Bring your Z game.” I never looked at Corey Patterson’s site—maybe it’s better then Zaun’s. I use baseball-reference a ton, I even sponsor a page (Go Dave Bush!), because getting them money is a big plus. But if you look at his BBRef page you’ll notice his sponsor is also his agent. Thats like being the kid in grade school who only gets one valentine – and it’s from your mom.
I’ll be happy with a Damien Miller-esque performance.
As long as he doesn’t start 4 out of 5 games I think it’s a fine plan. Reduces catching salary (Even with Kottaras), but come on.. he’s old and can’t grind out that many games.
Patterson was called up because he promised his agent he would, what makes anyone think that Doug doesn’t intend to live up to his 4 out 5 days promise?
» View All Captions» 45 comments Add this to your blog:(Copy & paste code)see more Lolcats and funny picturesNew Kittehs For You To CaptionClick on a photo to add a caption:
Always looking for something new to own. Looks like this might be it.
Hey there, just stumbled upon your blog through Google, and found it to be really informative. I’m gonna keep an eye on this one. Cheers!
you have a good sense of humour.
Heya¡my very first comment on your site. ,I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would completely pop in and drop a friendly note. . It is great stuff indeed. I also wanted to ask..is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?
Hi, great article!! I got you bookmarked. Thanks and best wishes
Ahh sports and baseball. 1 of the things I enjoy most around it is that you is able argue endlessly about it, opinions and stats are never ending.
Just wanted to let you know that images for your site are messed up in firefox but ok in IE8. And as always great blog.
Anybody having problems viewing this in google chrome, it looks all messed up. **Edit** Just opened it up in IE8 and it worked fine.