Olerued Released

[CrespoBlows]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb...s_mlb&fext=.jsp

[trot4mvp]

Do the Sox make a move? Would we have to pick up his old Mariners contract, or can we sign him to whatever? I see him as a great defensive upgrade at first, but I wouldn't pick him up unless we can be certain that he'd have greater offensive production than McCarty, which is possible. It'll be interesting to see where he ends up...I doubt he sits out the rest of the season or retires.

[elsrbueno]

Maybe I missed it, but where does it say they officially released Olerud? All I saw was "on the way out"

 

EDIT: Above was my original post. I'll leave it...

 

It surprised me to learn that the Mariners had already released Aurilia, AND that they had attempted to deal Olerud to San Fransisco.

 

I think (please correct me if this is incorrect) this is how it works:

 

They can designate him for purpose of his release. That gives all 30 teams a chance to claim him (in order of worst to best) and pay the rest of his contract. If someone claims him, he goes to that team.

 

If nobody claims him, he becomes a free agent. Seattle must have to pay some sort of buyout fee (unless they did already?)

 

This could be off the wall...I'm just guessing from what I've heard in the past.

 

Regardless, we know at least 2 teams will be interested in Olerud's services...San Fransisco and Boston.

 

The Red Sox have been looking for an upgrade at first for a month now (or more) and Olerud's name has popped up many times.

 

I would imagine he decided he didn't want to play in San Fransisco (because he vetoed a deal) so if he becomes a Free Agent, why would he then sign there?

 

For that matter, why would he want to come to Boston? (maybe he likes the AL?)

 

This is interesting. I expect Theo to at least look into it.

[elsrbueno]

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/news/sea...r_sea&fext=.jsp

 

From this article, it says the Mariners have 10 days to trade, assign to the minors, or release John Olerud.

 

I really doubt they'll pay him to play in the minors...

 

Expect San Fransisco to make another offer, and maybe since Olerud realizes he's not wanted...maybe he'll go to SF just so he can play....

[schillingouttheks]

i agree, does anyone really care about olerud? im happy with mccarty and the seldom ortiz at first base. the sox would make millar a pure starter at first base before olerud was signed. im gunna say it now. I DONT CARE ABOUT OLERUD.

[element1151]

We shouldn't get this guy. His offense sucks. Red Sox would be stupid to pick him up. 5 HR, and batting .245.

[elsrbueno]

His numbers are poor that's true. The guys on WEEI last night were saying John Olerud's been struggling this year, some scouts (again they didn't say who) think he'd pick it right back up on a contender...

 

He would DEFINATELY be better with the glove than anyone we have (he's a GOLD GLOVE first baseman. McCarty is good, but Olerud is better.

 

If he DID turn around with the bat...he'd be worth it. Who knows if he would though.

 

Again, this would probably be a low-risk move if he ends up getting released. If the Sox have to pay the rest of his salary...it's a costly gamble (money wise) but either way the Sox probably won't give up decent prospects for him, and Seattle will likely move him for very little.

[Ortiz34]

i think he would be a solid pickup, and maybe we could trade millar away afterwards.

[schillingouttheks]

hey, thats actually a really good point i didnt think of. a change of scenery for olerud may help him, but u never know, we can try him out a few games, and he may sign for little so he can just play the game. it would be great if we had mccarty and olerud at 1B with ortiz DHing, and not millar in sight. that would really pick up on the defense at first base, and theres one of many problems solved. at least thats one problem solved and less problems to be solved.

[elsrbueno]

We'll see how it plays out. I certainly wouldn't be upset if Olerud replaced Millar on the roster.

 

The problem with Millar is that he makes $3.3 million. So finding someone else to take him would be hard.

 

Although, Olerud makes 7.7 mil. Think the Sox could do a 1 for 1 swap of Olerud for Millar? Seattle would still save money....