Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Josh Bell just got designated for assignment
























Did anyone else notice that?
The guy who was the center piece of the George Sherrill with L.A. and was ranked as the #60 prospect in the game by Baseball America was DFA'd today.

Granted, it was a roster move in order to bring catcher Luis Exposito to the team. It's not like he's being cut. He's not even on the major league roster. He's 3 for 32 in AAA Norfolk and the Orioles want to use Exposito on the 40 man roster ahead of Bell.

If he clears waivers, it will simply be a clerical issue.

But there is the thing.
Why have him clear waivers?

Sure at age 25 he looks like a classic Quadruple A player.
But he's got talent. He was good enough to be a highly regarded prospect coming into this season.

What if a change works out for him?
What if an opportunity with a team that has a need in the infield says "Hey, we'll give you a shot"?

Hell his original organization, the Dodgers, are playing Juan Uribe and Adam Kennedy at third. Each is in their mid 30s and not going to light up anything.

What about the A's? Renato Nunez is years away from taking over third base. Josh Donaldson's OPS+ is currently -42.

The Padres could have spot on their bench. So could the Cubs. And the Mariners.

I'm not saying he is going to be a star. But how many times do you see a talented player (which he evidently is) just need a chance to show his worth?

What's the worst thing that could happen by claiming a top 100 prospect on waivers and forcing the Orioles to make a trade?

Make the move.

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1 comment:

  1. wow really?? I have not realized that or I did not know anything about that designation, but Josh Bell is a great baseball player so it was going to happen sooner or later

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