Thursday, January 27, 2011

RELIEVER GREG BURKE GETS ANOTHER MAJOR LEAGUE LOOK; LANE, EASLER SIGN

Two winter trades which cost San Diego four relief pitchers may be very good news for right-hander Greg Burke, who started his professional career with the 2005 Atlantic League Surf, then in the Atlantic League.

Burke, 28, has been invited to the Padres' major league spring training camp next month. He was with San Diego for much of 2009 (3-3, 4.14 in 48 outings), but was back in the minor leagues last season, struggling to a 5.68 ERA (2-2) in 53 appearances at Portland, OR.

ODDS LONGER FOR BLUE CRABS' MIKE O'CONNOR

Meanwhile, the competition onetime Southern Maryland lefty Mike O'Connor faces in trying to work his way up from a non-roster position with the New York Mets likely got tougher when the National League team signed another southpaw and Independent grad, Tim Byrdak. This onetime Northern Leaguer (Gary, IN and Joliet, IL) has extensive major league experience including 64 appearances last season for Houston (2-2, 3.49).

I expect another Atlantic League lefty, Alberto Castillo, to be among the invitees when Baltimore finally announces its full spring training roster. Castillo (Camden, Newark, Road Warriors) got a new deal with the Orioles recently. He was up and down between the parent club and Triple-A Norfolk last season.

LANE, EASLER SIGN NEW DEALS

Anther recent signing involving a former Atlantic Leaguer was that of outfielder Jason Lane, who was at Southern Maryland for a time last summer, back with Toronto on a Triple-A agreement.

And, Mike Easler has moved from the Dodgers to the Mets to teach hitting. He will be the hitting coach at Triple-A Buffalo.


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