Reviewing Baseball 1/7/15

Happy Hump Day, Brewers fans! Major League Baseball’s 2015 Hall of Fame class was announced yesterday, and four players achieved the 75% threshold for election, the first time since 1955 there have been that many. Our congratulations are extended to Randy Johnson, John Smoltz, Craig Biggio, and Pedro Martinez on their terrific careers and for receiving the recognition they deserve. Mike Piazza fell just short of election with 69.9% of the vote, and former Brewer Gary Sheffield was selected on only 11.7% of the ballots. You can view full balloting results here. Next season Ken Griffey, Jr., Billy Wagner, and former Brewers Jason Kendall and Trevor Hoffman are among first time eligible candidates (who haven’t appeared in the MLB for at least 5 seasons).

More from Reviewing the Brew

• Brewers: 4 Players Who Must Step Up for the Crew to Make the Playoffs
• Brewers: Yet Another Huge Promotion For Top Prospect Jackson Chourio
• Brewers Making Colossal Mistake With Corbin Burnes’ Contract
• Which Players May Be In The Final Month Of Their Brewers Careers?
• Brewers: Where Does Devin Williams Stand In NL Reliever Of The Year Race?

Also announced yesterday was that longtime Brewers’ broadcaster Bill Schroeder will be added to the Wall of Honor at Miller Park. Schroeder is entering his 21st season of Brewers television coverage, and also played in 317 games for the Brewers between 1983-1988. The former catcher’s best season was in 1987, when he posted an OPS+ of 139 in 270 plate appearances. That same year, he was behind the plate for the only no-hitter in franchise history, thrown by Juan Nieves.

Yesterday the Indians announced they have signed lefty Michael Roth to a minor league contract and that they have released righty Tyler Cloyd. Roth was a ninth round pick of the Angels in 2012, was outrighted earlier this offseason and elected free agency. Cloyd will reportedly pursue an opportunity to pitch in Korea, according to the team.

The Tigers have signed lefty Tom Gorzelanny to a one year contract, the club announced yesterday. The 32 year old spent the last two seasons in Milwaukee, posting a 3.30 ERA in 106.1 innings, though was held to only 21 innings last season after shoulder surgery. His departure marks another loss for a Brewers bullpen that has already waved goodbye to Zach Duke and is unlikely to bring back Francisco Rodriguez. In a corresponding move, the Tigers have designated Luke Putkonen for assignment. The 28 year old righty pitched in only two games last season before succumbing to bone spurs in his right elbow.

The Angels have officially announced the signing of Cuban infielder Roberto Baldoquin, according to the team’s website. The 20 year old received an $8 mil bonus, which will cause the team to pay 100% tax on their international spending pool overages of over $5 mil.

The Red Sox have reportedly designated catcher Dan Butler for assignment in order to make space for Craig Breslow. The acquisition of Ryan Hanigan this offseason made the 28 year old Butler expendable. Butler made his Major League debut in 2014, collecting four hits in 20 plate appearances.

The Yankees have reportedly signed shortstop Stephen Drew to a one year contract, pending a physical. The deal is apparently for $5 mil plus incentives which could equal $1.5 mil. Drew struggled last season with the Red Sox and Yankees after not signing until June, but comes with a solid defensive reputation and career .747 OPS.

The Mets have agreed to a deal with Bobby Parnell, avoiding arbitration. Parnell will make $3.7 mil, the same figure as last season, when he pitched one inning before succumbing to Tommy John surgery. The 30 year old righty saved 22 games and posted a 2.16 ERA in 50 innings in 2013.

The Twins have announced they have signed pitcher Blaine Boyer to a minor league contract. The 33 year old righty pitched in 32 games last year for San Diego, his first Major League action since 2011.

The Diamondbacks have reportedly agreed to terms with Nick Punto. The 37 year old was released by Oakland earlier this offseason after just .207/.296/.293 despite achieving a vesting option for 2015.

Around Milwaukee:

Noah Jarosh of Brew Crew Ball reflected on Gary Sheffield’s career and his failure to get elected to the Hall of Fame this year.

The Brewer Nation reminds us that 10-Pack tickets go on sale on Thursday and highlights some notable games coming this season.

Justin Schultz of The First Out at Third offered his thoughts on Wily Peralta.

Nicholas Zettel of Disciples of Uecker provides his outlook for Mike Fiers in 2015.

Around the Site:

Yesterday, we published “Coming to Terms with Scooter Gennett and Lefties” after Scooter was interviewed on 105.7 FM The Fan in Milwaukee.

Earlier this morning, we put out our reasoning on why Carlos Gomez should hit cleanup.

Countdowns:

Pitchers and Catchers Report: 44 days

First Spring Training Game: 56 days

Opening Day: 89 days

Happy Nanakusa no sekku, Japan!