BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: Nyjer Morgan going to Japan; Shaun Marcum signs with Mets

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Nyjer Morgan going to Japan; Shaun Marcum signs with Mets

Tony “Takitani” Plush?

A pair of players who played for the Brewers the past two seasons have found new homes for the 2013 season.

Outfielder Nyjer Morgan has agreed to a $1.6 million contract with the Yokohoma BayStars of Japan’s Central League, and right-hander Shaun Marcum reportedly has signed a one-year deal with the New York Mets.

Morgan, 32, had a big year for the Brewers in 2011, batting .304 over 119 games. Morgan also delivered one of the biggest hits in franchise history when he delivered a game-winning single in the 10th inning of Game 5 of the NLDS against Arizona, putting the Brewers in the NLCS against St. Louis. But he fell off badly in 2012, batting only .239 over 122 games and eventually losing playing time to Carlos Gomez in center field…

Marcum missed two months of the 2012 season with an ailing elbow and was limited to 21 starts, going 7-4 with a 3.70 ERA. The Brewers were concerned about his health going forward and opted not to offer him a contract for 2013, allowing him to go on the free agent market.

Marcum’s deal with the Mets is contingent upon passing a physical and was first reported by CBS Sports.com and FOX Sports.com.

The District Attorney Posted: January 24, 2013 at 12:09 PM | 11 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: brewers, japan, mets, nyjer morgan, shaun marcum, transactions

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1. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 24, 2013 at 12:30 PM (#4354042)

Surprised Marcum couldn't get more than a 1 year deal even with an injury, and could only sign with the Mets. Was the market that dry for him? I'd love him in KC over Ervin Santana and his $12 million contract.

I'd love to see how Tony Plush plays in Japan. I bet he becomes a big time fan favorite.

2. Crispix Attacks 2: Swag Airlines Posted: January 24, 2013 at 12:47 PM (#4354057)

Nyjer Morgan seems like he has the perfect skillset to play in Japan. In that his major-league performance made you think "He's great to watch, but there's something missing that I thought I was promised. Oh right, that thing is any semblance of power."

3. Jose Can Still Seabiscuit Posted: January 24, 2013 at 12:55 PM (#4354067)

Marcum may have felt it was a better strategy to sign a one year deal this winter and then hope for a 3-4 year deal next year rather than sign a 2 year deal this winter.

I think he's a great signing though. I really wanted the Red Sox to be in on him.

4. RMc and His Roster of Rubbish Posted: January 24, 2013 at 01:04 PM (#4354074)

5. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: January 24, 2013 at 01:26 PM (#4354089)

I'm surprised nobody in the US wanted Nyjer as a backup CF. He didn't hit much last year, but he can still go get 'em.

6. RJ in TO Posted: January 24, 2013 at 02:39 PM (#4354187)

Marcum is a fun pitcher to watch. He doesn't have great stuff, but he has very good location, and enough pitches to keep hitters off balance. He'll be a good fit for the Mets.

7. Petunia inquires about ponies Posted: January 24, 2013 at 03:17 PM (#4354252)

I'm surprised nobody in the US wanted Nyjer as a backup CF. He didn't hit much last year, but he can still go get 'em.

I'd imagine he got multiple offers on the order of minor league deals worth six figures if he makes the team or low-six figure incentive-laden contracts - nothing in the neighborhood of $1.6MM.

8. boteman Posted: January 24, 2013 at 03:45 PM (#4354278)

Nyjer is a bit of a loose cannon and it doesn't seem to take much to set him off. Maybe his reputation is catching up to him in the States. I'm not sure how that will go over in Japan, but I suspect it will wear thin on them pretty quickly. They'll probably write him off as just another Gaijin who's not worth their time and attention.

9. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: January 24, 2013 at 04:05 PM (#4354293)

Nyjer is a bit of a loose cannon and it doesn't seem to take much to set him off. Maybe his reputation is catching up to him in the States. I'm not sure how that will go over in Japan, but I suspect it will wear thin on them pretty quickly. They'll probably write him off as just another Gaijin who's not worth their time and attention.

I have no idea what kind of scouting Japanese teams do on the Americans they sign, but even some perfunctory background on Morgan would tell about his various (mis)adventures. They must know what they're getting into.

10. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: January 24, 2013 at 04:06 PM (#4354296)

FWIW, he was actually very well-behaved last year. Maybe he's finally growing up?

11. Bob T Posted: January 24, 2013 at 04:15 PM (#4354306)

Yokohama is a pretty bad team and not very popular so they might enjoy Morgan's shenanigans for a while.

Yokohama Stadium is a nice little park to watch a game at. It's easy to get to and there really aren't any bad seats. It's like going to a tiny, single deck version of Three Rivers/Veterans/Riverfront/Busch.

It's just 387 feet to dead center.

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Thursday, January 24, 2013

Nyjer Morgan going to Japan; Shaun Marcum signs with Mets

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