More Camp Invitees

by craig on Feb 7, 2006 7:34 AM EST in News and Rumors

According to Larry Beinfest the Marlins have invited their final acquisitions to Spring Training.

The Marlins signed right-handers Matt Herges and Eddie Gaillard to minor league contracts and invited them to spring training. Gaillard has made 30 major league appearances over three seasons (1997-99) with the Tigers and Devil Rays. A veteran of seven big-league seasons, Herges split 2005 with the Giants and Diamondbacks.

I don't know much about Eddie Gaillard other than he is a relief pitcher who had some knee problems last year.

Herges, if he can return to form, could vie for a setup role out of the pen. He also has some experience closing. Plus, he has the advantage of playing for Montreal the last year when Loria was the owner of the club. So if worse comes to worse, he can explain to the younger players that Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico may be in their future.

Welcome aboard guys.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Hiram Bithorn

Ah yes, the "twenty-two-'home'-games-in-San-Juan" thing should kick in any year, right? Anyone actually seen Hiram Bithorn Stadium? I'll try to check it out this weekend.

by Dr F on Feb 7, 2006 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Vacationing in San Juan?

by craig on Feb 9, 2006 12:34 AM EST up reply actions

Conference

At the Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico. I consider it compensation for dragging my carcass to academic conferences in such glamourous places as Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Columbus, Ohio.

Hiram Bithorn Stadium is not impressive. The Marlins (or any other desperate team) would do well to avoid that. A rather beat-up looking facility. (I guess you can see it for yourself if any WBC games are broadcast from there.)

San Juan itself, as a likely place for major league players to live over half the year, is also hard to figure. This is mid-February, and the weather was muggy with highs in the 80s. One of my students, who is from Puerto Rico, insists it's much hotter and muggier in the summer. Hardly seems a good move, even temporary or part-time, for a franchise already getting worn down with the heat and humidity. Plus, I repeatedly had to be told that I wasn't really seeing the slums of San Juan, and in many cases this made me wonder how those could be any worse. I'm sure there was some super-ritzy section where the players would live, but I can't help but think the area would have serious economic problems supporting an MLB team over a six-month haul.

I'm no expert, but that was my impression.

by Dr F on Feb 13, 2006 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

Welcome back

That is a very interesting recount of your trip. Thanks.

Puerto Rico suffers from the same problems as most Caribbean islands - most of the population lives in abject poverty while a select few live in opulence.

by craig on Feb 15, 2006 1:00 AM EST up reply actions

Caribbean islands...

...some American cities...even some Florida cities...

by Dr F on Feb 15, 2006 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

Good point Dr. F

Maybe a bit overstated when you compare the magnitude of the disparity, but good point nonetheless.

I smell like dead people

by fishfan24 on Feb 15, 2006 9:28 PM EST up reply actions

Dr F

You will get no argument from me.

by craig on Feb 16, 2006 2:59 AM EST up reply actions

I have a new favorite euphemism

"Also battling for bullpen duties: Borowski (who saved 33 games for the Cubs in 2003 but has battled injuries and ineffectiveness since)"

"Battling... ineffectiveness"... I like that one. How does one exactly battle one's own suckage? It's a rhetorical question, of course. You can't battle your own suckage, and Wiggins is entirely too familiar with, though I'm sure he's tried (haven't we all?).

I smell like dead people

by fishfan24 on Feb 8, 2006 9:39 PM EST reply actions

My suckage is way too massive

But I battle it every day, nevertheless. There is a nobility in the struggle, I believe.

Taking the fun out of it - for everyone.

by wiggins on Feb 8, 2006 10:59 PM EST up reply actions

Apology in advance

If we previously agreed to a truce about changing each other's signatures, I apologize. But sometimes I just can't help myself.

At least this one doesn't out you for your love of men.

"Cherish the time." -- R.A.M.

by mike42 on Feb 9, 2006 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

There was no truce

I just don't want to mess with R.A.M.

I also think it is funny that the signature that I use is one you forced on me a long time ago in the first place! I leave it because I think it is funny still, and you just can't leave well enough alone...

Taking the fun out of it - for everyone - as I battle my massive suckage, everyday.