Rumor Mill: Piazza a Padre?

by jbox on Jan 25, 2006 9:42 AM PST in News

From Buster Olney's Blog on ESPN:

The Yankees won't carry Piazza as the backup catcher because Joe Torre has long preferred a strong defender in that role, and Piazza is a defensive liability behind the plate. Heard yesterday that San Diego is the front-runner for Piazza if the Yankees decline the chance to sign Piazza (and they are leaning against signing him).

From the Philidelphia Inquirer:

Talking with Piazza. The Phillies have talked with free-agent catcher Mike Piazza about a possible contract, a baseball source said, but it seems Piazza might have better options with the San Diego Padres or Chicago Cubs. Piazza could make a decision before the end of the week.

Pads made an offer?

Piazza, who hit .251 with 19 homers and 62 RBI with the Mets last year, has minimal offers from the Padres, Phillies and Indians to play a reserve role, but none of them are anywhere near his believed asking price of $7 million-$8 million a year.

Former Mariners Pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa might also be picked up by the Pads:

Hasegawa hasn't formally gotten a job -- yet. When he does, it's likely he'll wind up in Southern California. The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in signing him.

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Comments

"Very interesting...but stupid."

My apologies to Arte Johnson. The ONLY way signing Piazza would make sense to me would be as a first baseman, emergency catcher, or veteran leadership/"intangible". I would see he or Klesko as a "wash" defensively at first base, so that would make an interesting righty/lefty platoon at first (at least until Klesko is "moved"). Piazza could definitely do some damage to the Western Metals Supply Building, though.

by ranger31 on Jan 25, 2006 9:52 AM PST reply actions

Would fit right in...

Old? - Check
Past his prime? - Check

by thenerdhater on Jan 25, 2006 9:56 AM PST reply actions

Re: Piazza a Padre?

If you're going to post an intelligent comment like that, there's no need to hide behind the Anonymous Hero label. Well stated.

Future Friars

Friar Faithful

by Richard Wade on Jan 25, 2006 10:32 AM PST reply actions

Anonymous no more

Sorry about that. 1st post ever on here. Didn't realize I had to create an account. Now that that's done, Frank Thomas has just signed with the A's. That scratches one more name off potential Piazza suitors. Also, various sources have the O's as interested in Piazza. Should we assume they intend to trade Javy Lopez? Seems a little logjammed in B'more for Piazza.

by jessemundo on Jan 25, 2006 2:29 PM PST up reply actions

This PI article is shoddy...

"...options with the Cubs?" They have 2 catchers, Michael Barrett is younger...there's no way they'd sign the aging, unable-to-catch-anymore-nor-can-I-throw Piazza...he's better off in the AL as a DH. Pads should steer clear unless they want him for 75 games. This article, I swear is a complete fabrication because the PI needed a baseball story....don't believe this c**p.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Jan 25, 2006 12:27 PM PST reply actions

No problem

I'd take em both.

by mato on Jan 25, 2006 1:30 PM PST reply actions

Above comment

sorry that was me thought that I had logged in

by padresgal on Jan 25, 2006 5:53 PM PST reply actions

Good old Piazza

I'd love to have that guy around. Just keep him away from Klesko. Klesko might be a bad influence.

by Dex on Jan 25, 2006 8:57 PM PST reply actions

Those two

For whatever reason I can imagine those two "hooking up" after games. Not that there is anything wrong with that....might even put some life back into Klesko.

by Jonny Dub on Jan 26, 2006 8:43 AM PST up reply actions

Piazza

Here's a funny link about Piazza

http://www.spitter.com/spitter_piazza_wed.htm

by Nick G on Jan 27, 2006 4:22 AM PST reply actions

Another Piazza story

http://www.spitter.com/spitter_piazza_butch.htm

Good stuff. Unadulturated silliness.

I live close to NY, and I remember the media around here going nuts a few years ago when the story came out. Just made you shake your head. It made for good comedy, though.

I will welcome the addition of Piazza if for no other reason than he will not be facing Trevor. I was at Shea in 1999 when Piazza hit a GW Hr off Trevor. It was not fun.

by Nick G on Jan 27, 2006 6:37 AM PST reply actions