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Four early offseason moves you need to know
If you thought Major League Baseball was going to let us catch our breath following an epic postseason and historic World Series, you’d be sorely mistaken. We’re barely two days into the offseason and the hot stove is already burning with a series of signings, trades and waiver claims that have been lost in the shuffle amid the chaos and the Cubs celebration.
Granted, we’ve yet to see a major player change uniform. In fact, the biggest non-World Series news story of the week broke early Friday, when the Arizona Diamondbacks officially named Torey Lovullo manager. But that will certainly change in the days and weeks ahead when free agency begins and general managers begin their posturing.
For now though, we’ll take a quick look back at the more notable moves that you’ll want to be aware of.
JOSH JOHNSON SIGNS MINOR-LEAGUE DEAL WITH GIANTS
Yes, the same Josh Johnson who once starred with the Miami Marlins is attempting a comeback. The soon-to-be 33-year-old right-hander hasn’t appeared in a major-league game since the 2013 season after undergoing a second and then third Tommy John surgery, but he’s hoping to defy the odds and earn a job in San Francisco.
For the Giants, it’s a pure “lottery ticket” signing. If Johnson can’t make it back, it’s nothing lost for them. If he returns anywhere close to his previous form though, they’ll have gained a contributor. When Johnson was healthy, he helped anchor the Marlins rotation by posting a collective 2.99 ERA from 2009-12. He’s only surpassed 200 innings once in his career back in 2009. If the Giants get 100 innings from him, they’d be thrilled.
CAMERON MAYBIN TRADED TO THE ANGELS
With a clear need for outfield depth and offense, the Los Angeles Angels wasted no time adding a player capable of providing both. As FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal reported on Thursday, the Angels have acquired veteran outfielder Cameron Maybin from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for minor league pitcher Victor Alcantara. The team also quickly exercised Maybin’s $9MM club option for the 2017 season.
Maybin, 29, was highly productive for Detroit in 2016, hitting .315/.383/.418 with 14 doubles and 15 stolen bases in 94 games. He served as the team’s primary center fielder when healthy. Unfortunately, he wasn’t healthy often enough due to a fractured wrist and a sprained thumb. He will not be the Angels center fielder, of course. That job belongs to Mike Trout. But he should provide a huge upgrade in left field, assuming he stays on the field.
ASTROS CLAIM NORI AOKI OFF WAIVERS
With Colby Rasmus potentially leaving in free agency, the Astros added veteran outfield depth by claiming Nori Aoki off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. Aoki, 35, has always been a solid contact hitter. That makes up for his power numbers, which are basically non-existent. He hit .283/.349/.388 in 467 plate appearances last season, but only struck out 9.6 percent of the time.
PAT NESHEK TRADE TO THE PHILLIES
With the Phillies hoping to take a step forward in their rebuild next season, they were in the market for a reliable reliever to stabilize their bullpen. Pat Neshek certainly fits that bill. The 36-year-old right-hander with the unusual pitching motion was acquired from the Houston Astros on Friday for a return yet to be determined.
Since 2012, Neshek has posted a 2.75 ERA over 266 appearances and 229 innings. Many of those have come with postseason contenders, such as Houston the last two seasons. He carries a $6.5MM club option for 2017, but will be well worth it for Philadelphia if his success continues. He could also serve as a valuable trade asset.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
