Brian Lawrence wants to pitch for the Rockies, and they’ve attended his private workouts. The Nationals acquired Lawrence for Vinny Castilla on November 3rd of last year, only to learn in February he’d be out for the season with a labrum tear. Lawrence is a pitch-to-contact guy with good control. His heavy groundballing style could fit in Colorado.
The same Denver Post article mentions that Javy Lopez’s agent has had discussions with the Rox. Teams don’t like to turn rotations over completely to rookie catchers, so Chris Iannetta may unfortunately have some company for a season or two. The Rockies previously hoped to sign Rod Barajas.
Tracy Ringolsby writes that the Orioles still want to sign Shannon Stewart on an incentive-laden deal. Seems pointless to me. Ringolsby also says the Padres are the frontrunners for David Wells, who wants $3MM. That makes sense for any NL team, but Wells wants to pitch in California.
Mark Mulder returns from Tahiti soon and will decide whether to become an Indian, Ranger, or Cardinal. For his career’s sake, he should probably go back to St. Louis.
One way or another, the Yankees will import a lefty reliever. Ron Villone and Scott Schoeneweis are being discussed.
