Archive for the ‘No. You’re A Slow News Day’ Category

I often think about how helpful it would have been to have some pointed guidance on my way out of high school and into a post-secondary education. I probably would have used all of that money I borrowed for purposes other than having cool new jeans, a massive record collection, and living in a permanently altered state. Anyway, I’m not here to talk about the past, I’m here to talk about the future. If you’re a high school student looking for a career in baseball, then we have something for you.

MLB Trade Rumors is offering guidance in the form of advice via front office executives from 17 Major League Baseball clubs. Tim Dierkes asked general managers and assistant general managers to answer one question: What is one piece of advice would you give to a high school student who hopes to work in baseball operations one day?

The responses range from predictably nebulous (“Play baseball until someone tears the jersey off your back” – Dan Duquette) to pragmatic (“[Do] not get too specific when planning college courses. I believe it is important to be able to write well, speak in front of a group or crowd and be able to articulate your thoughts and compose a defensible argument when discussing any topic” – Rob Antony). For every “follow your passion” clichéd response (seriously, Jerry Dipoto said that) there are two suggestions to develop and focus on analytical skills.

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Taking a break from trading potential franchise cornerstones, Dayton Moore added a few bodies to the fold in Kansas City on Tuesday. The Royals have signed outfielder Willy Taveras and relief pitchers George Sherrill and Dan Wheeler to minor league contracts, via the club’s official Twitter account.

Taveras has not played Major League Baseball since 2010 when he appeared in 27 games for the Washington Nationals, in addition to stints in Triple-A with affiliates of the Rangers, Phillies, and Braves. The speedy outfielder was out of baseball in 2012, having last played with the Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate in Colorado Springs.

Sherrill made just two appearances with the Seattle Mariners in 2012 before undergoing elbow surgery. He holds a career ERA of 3.77 and has struck out 320 batters in 324.1 innings. Wheeler pitched briefly for the Cleveland Indians last season, mostly to disastrous results, but was exiled to the minors and eventually released.

All three are expected to receive invites to spring training. There’s not much here, although, Sherrill could prove to be a nice pick up if he bounces back from Tommy John surgery.