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Monday, February 16, 2009

PHILS SIGN CAIRO

But the N.L. doesn’t have the DH…

The Phillies have signed utility infielder Miguel Cairo to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, which means he’ll be in camp by Tuesday for the first full-squad workout. Cairo, 34, batted .249 with 23 RBIs in 221 at-bats last season for the Mariners. He’s a .266 career hitter in 13 seasons with the Blue Jays (1996), Cubs (1997, 2001), Devil Rays (1998-2000), Cardinals (2001-03, 2007), Yankees (2004, 2006-07), Mets (2005) and Mariners (2008).

So, where, exactly, does Cairo fit in? Well, he’s a right-handed hitter, and he can play nearly every position. Last year, he played 70 games at first base, 19 at third base, five at second base, two in left field, one in right field and one at shortstop.

Repoz Posted: February 16, 2009 at 12:42 AM | 10 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: awards, phillies

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1. Crashburn Alley Posted: February 16, 2009 at 12:55 AM (#3077777)

This is a signing for AAA as far as I can tell. There's no way Amaro thinks Cairo is their answer to a right-handed bat off the bench, after trying to get Moises Alou, Nomar Garciaparra, Rich Aurilia, and Mark Grudzielanek.

2. Esoteric Posted: February 16, 2009 at 12:58 AM (#3077780)

I love Ruben Amaro, Jr. He's bringing both the Raul Ibanez AND the Miguel Cairo Experiences to Philadelphia.

You guys are in for some good times!

3. Bitter Calculus Instructor Posted: February 16, 2009 at 01:09 AM (#3077786)

There's no way Amaro thinks Cairo is their answer to a right-handed bat off the bench, after trying to get Moises Alou, Nomar Garciaparra, Rich Aurilia, and Mark Grudzielanek.

Aren't all those guys still available?

4. Crispix Attacks Posted: February 16, 2009 at 01:39 AM (#3077810)

One thing about Ed Wade, his benches weren't filled with retreads, unlike both Gillick and Amaro. I would be happier seeing a hungry player like Mike Cervenak or Brad Harman in a backup infield role. On the other hand, Cairo was a DH for a large portion of the season last year, for a team that had a winning record the year before!! How bad could he be?

5. JJ1986 Posted: February 16, 2009 at 01:41 AM (#3077813)

Aren't all those guys still available?

Aurillia's in San Francisco and I think Moises Alou might be dead. Either Nomar or Grudzielanek would be a nice signing for Philly, though.

6. Crispix Attacks Posted: February 16, 2009 at 01:46 AM (#3077818)

Grudzielanek would be pretty great as the backup second baseman. But why would he come to the Phillies and battle for the role of "guy who plays until Chase Utley returns from injury, which could be very early in the season, and then never plays again"? Especially since we've already got Marcus Giles, Pablo Ozuna, and Jorge Velandia in addition to an actual prospect (Brad Harman) battling for the same thing. And Bruntlett to back up every other position.

[edit: Jason Donald is probably more of an "actual prospect" than Harman is. So they have him too]

7. Crashburn Alley Posted: February 16, 2009 at 01:51 AM (#3077822)

Aren't all those guys still available?

Aside from Aurilia, yes. Nomar's contemplating retirement, though. But what I meant with my comment was that I don't think Amaro's stupid enough to think Cairo is their answer for a RH bench bat. I hope he's still pursuing Alou and Nomar.

Especially since we've already got Marcus Giles, Pablo Ozuna, and Jorge Velandia in addition to an actual prospect (Brad Harman) battling for the same thing.

Jason Donald, too.

8. Rough Carrigan

Posted: February 16, 2009 at 04:39 AM (#3077913)

Are we sure Amaro didn't stumble into a Hammett novel and sign Joel Cairo? Or maybe signed some useful player while on vacation in Egypt? At least it's just a minor league deal.

9. Exploring Leftist Conservatism since 2008 (ark..) Posted: February 16, 2009 at 05:04 AM (#3077934)

I know I didn't follow baseball that closely last season, but even so, how did I miss the Mariners playing Cairo at 1b for 414 innings? How could this have been?

I see an unhappy sponsor on Nomar's BBRef page.

10. JJ1986 Posted: February 16, 2009 at 06:22 AM (#3077957)

Grudzielanek would be pretty great as the backup second baseman. But why would he come to the Phillies and battle for the role of "guy who plays until Chase Utley returns from injury, which could be very early in the season, and then never plays again"?

The market for free agent 2Bmen is always low and combined with the market for mid-range free agents being low, Grudz might not be able to get a starting job anywhere. The Rockies and Cardinals don't appear to be looking for a 2bmen, so that means the teams with starting spots left are the Royals and maybe the White Sox. And he's worse than Orlando Hudson and now Adam Kennedy is available basically for free. Grudz could wait around for an injury, but if he wants to sign next week, the Phillies would be a decent choice.

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Monday, February 16, 2009

PHILS SIGN CAIRO

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