Minors Stuff - early Tuesday Morning

Josh Thole:

I'd be surprised if Thole were not returned to the big leagues in September, but not before then unless a desperate need develops. A left-handed-hitting catcher who makes contact has some appeal. But receiving and overall defense are his primary duties. If I made the decisions, he would catch as often as physically possible at Double-A or Triple-A next season after spending Spring Training in big league camp. And he should essentially live with Sandy Alomar Jr. and make himself a sponge. Assessment would be made after the 2010 season. But I believe catchers, in particular, ought to be over-ready to play in the big leagues
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674124&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym&partnerId=rss_

nym

Benji Molina:

The Giants are unwilling to offer Bengie Molina more than a one-year contract, though they will offer him arbitration - http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Pedro Martinez:

Pedro Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, told FOXSports.com Monday that his client intends to pitch a full season in 2010. Martinez joined up with the Phillies in late July of 2009 and compiled a 5-1 record, 3.63 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in nine starts. He also made three postseason starts. The 38-year-old hasn't thrown more than 110 innings since 2006, but is still likely to draw interest as a low-risk, high-reward veteran hurler. It wouldn't be shocking to see him back in Philadelphia. Source: FOXSports.com - http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=1741&sn=t


Fernando Martinez:
And right now, Martinez is closer to becoming another Alex Escobar than an Alex Rodriguez.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674124&vkey=news_nym&fext=.jsp&c_id=nym&partnerId=rss_ nym

Ruben Gotay:

A second baseman for most of his career, Gotay spent more time playing third base in Reno this year, and that position may be a better fit for his particular skill set. He’ll never win a gold glove, but his bat is interesting enough to get him back to the big leagues.

While playing for the Diamondbacks affiliate in the PCL, Gotay racked up a .272/.429/.450 line that shows off a strong ability to control the strike zone. He drew 102 walks and struck out just 69 times, and unlike some minor league walk aficionados, he actually flashed some power – 42 of his 101 hits went for extra bases.

As a switch-hitter with plate discipline and power, Gotay has a good enough bat to play in the majors. His defense is the question mark, but teams with an opening at 3B or a willingness to sacrifice some range at 2B should be willing to give him a shot. Heading into his age 27 season, his best days may still be ahead of him.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/minor-league-free-agents


Albert Pujois:

Albert Pujols에 대해서는 별다른 설명이 필요하지 않을 것이다. 다만.. 초인적인 공격 스탯 외에도 주목할 부분은 바로 16 SB/4 CS이다. Albert Pujols가 팀내 도루 1위라니...!!! 그것도 80%의 성공률로..!!! 그는 그다지 발이 빠른 편은 아니지만... 메이저리그에서 아마도 가장 aggressive한 주자일 것이다. 때로는 지나치게 공격적으로 베이스러닝을 하다가 홈에서 아웃당하는 경우가 있긴 하지만... 상대의 허를 찌르는 도루 솜씨는 정말 훌륭하다 - http://birdsnest.tistory.com/

Chone Figgins:

One could hear the echoes of another Angels player who some argue the Mets should acquire: Chone Figgins. However, Figgins is a similar fit to Fregosi -- a player who will need to be moved from his primary position, will be joining the Mets after his prime, and will cost entirely too much for the privilege -- though this time, it will be dollars, rather than Nolan Ryan.

Let's start with the basics: Figgins is rumored to want somewhere in the neighborhood of five years, $50 million. Now, I do, too, but unlike me, Figgins is drawing interest from a range of teams, so his wish may actually come true.

Now what do you get for 5/50? Well, Figgins will be entering his age-32 season, so you'll be getting the ages 32-36 seasons of a player with a career OPS+ of 99, or below league average.
http://web.sny.tv/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7672248&oid=36018&vkey=9