The New York Yankees have announced that they have signed Russ Canzler to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. If this name sounds familiar it is because last season we signed Canzler only to designate him for assignment later. This time he will not require a 40 man roster spot so the stock piling of minor league infield depth continues. I am actually pretty excited about this because the guy can hit and has to be given a shot eventually one would think. Canzler kills lefties, albeit at AAA, and plays primarily first base and left field but has also seen some time at third base as well. He gives us unlimited flexibility and roster depth and saves money, considered me extremely excited much like I was last year when we signed him and almost brought him back.
Daniel....Ellijay, USA.
ReplyDeleteI follow LOHUD, and River Ave also. Fine sources.
Re: Russ Canzler : I remember him, sort of, from last winter. Here is some more for you.
The Book on Russ Canzler
Prospect Info and Scouting Report
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Russ Canzler / 1B, PIT
Born 4/11/1986 (27 yrs old)
Berwick, PA, USA
Height 6-2
Weight 220
Bats/Throws R/R
431 | 7/31/2013
Experience Ranks
R A AA AAA MiLB MLB
262 1166 588 1413 3429 96
Total professional at-bats: 3525.
A late-blooming right-handed bat who rose to attention last year as the International League (AAA) MVP while a member of the Tampa Bay system, Russ Canzler has already been through four major league organizations in the last year alone, though he's only taken at-bats with two of them. Originally drafted the Cubs back in 2004, Canzler is a versatile player who can handle any corner position, infield or out, though he's performed best as a first baseman to date.
With a good all-around grasp of the game, Canzler is no slouch, but buyer beware: that award-winning 2011 (.314/.401/.530) he enjoyed with the Durham Bulls was his best at any level of professional play, bolstered in large part by an improved walk rate, but even then, he still struck out almost exactly once per game. Still, as a poor man's Matt LaPorta, he's ready for a real shot in MLB, and could provide some much-needed support for a team looking for a little extra offense in 2013.
He's either reached his max, or there is more to come. Nice addition to a nondescript farm system.
nice addition, thank you buddy.
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