“In a strange coincidence on September 7, 2008, Jack replaced injured teammate Wandy Rodriguez in the first inning at Colorado only hours after his brother Matt replaced injured teammate Tom Brady in the first quarter of the season-opening game vs Kansas City.”

John Van Benschoten.

As a hitter.

He was a hell of a raker in college.

Maybe he could pull an Ankiel.

You’re right, I checked. Never was. There must have been an oversized Italian-name OF in the system I got Pascucci confused with, or something.

And put me on board for bringing back Bazardo, if only because his name is so much fun to say.

He’s seems like a capable utility infielder defensively, having spent time between second and third this season. At one point there was talk that he may have the inside track on the starting 3B spot in Oakland if Chavez couldn’t go. Surprised they released him.

In a similar (yet less productive) vein, the Rays released Joel Guzman.

Maybe it’s just because I’m in the freely-available talent mood, but you know who’d make a fascinating platoon partner with Jimenez? Chris Jakubauskas.

The indy-league vet came on after returning from injury, and K’d almost 21% of opposing batters while walking about 6%. Since he’s another change-up guy, he’s got the same reverse splits – they’re actually even more extreme.
In 46 1/3 IP v. lefties, he k’d 45 and allowed only 9 walks (1 HR allowed) for a 2.68 FIP. He was pedestrian against righties. He’s been very hit or miss in winter league ball so far, but he’s still doing much better v. Lefties. So – if you’d like to maximize your bullpen at no cost, have the RHP Jakubauskas as a change-of-speeds LOOGY and leave the LHP Jimenez to face righties. The M’s of old would never, ever consider this, of course.

I like the Linden suggestion a lot; you can’t get a better AAA insurance policy than this guy.

My list would include:
RHP Marcus McBeth – A’s prospect, traded to Bos/Cincy and never really got a shot last year (23 games with Cincinatti, but still less than 20IP). High velocity, big K guy out of the bullpen.

3b Peter Ciofrone – a vet of the Pads system, he simply went off last year in Portland. Was that a 400+ AB fluke? Quite possible, but…free!

1b/DH Nate Gold – Power hitting 1B… may not be a great player, but we really don’t have many players like this in the system. He’s been regressing, so maybe he’s not any good anymore or maybe he just needs a change of scenery.

Finally, wouldn’t mind giving Yorman Bazardo another shot. Decent GB rates, meh K rates, not great, not bad.

No, I don’t believe Pascucci was ever in the M’s system.

If we sign Doyle and Fruto (also on the list), can we get back the $12 million or whatever we paid Vidro and wipe the past two years from our collective memories?

don’t forget– we got Jose and Pepe for that money and talent.