Brewers sign Cesar Izturis

[Invader3K]

Jon Morosi reports.

[PrinceEatMeat]

Seems like a utility IF candidate to me. Wouldn't surprise me to see Melvin sign a few more of these type of players to have compete for the spot.

[patrickgpe]

if nothing else its depth for nashville since they are weak as far as IF prospects in the higher levels of the organization.

[fondybrewfan]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

Minor league deal with spring training invite. Seems like a solid infield depth type move

 

Also signed a random crappy LHP to minor league deal with invite

[djoctagone]

soooooo . . . if they're minor league deals but with an invitation to major league spring training, should the topic appear in the major league forum?

[Hate those Rodents]

Izturis by and large has been on major league rosters and not at AAA. Given that we need a backup SS and don't have much money, I don't see this as a minor league move. Except in the technicality to keep him off the 40 man. This is our backup SS and is a solid move for likely very cheap.

[bjkrautk]

Pretty much our backup shortstop by default, unless another signing is on the way.

(...and if there is another signing on the way, I assume Izturis would end up taking Taylor Green's bench spot, in favor of letting Green play every day in AAA.)

[Hate those Rodents]

I was wondering that too. Since he's pretty likely to be on the big league team and since every thread talking about our bench will include "Izturis", it'd make more sense to keep the thread here since many don't frequent the MILB forum as much.

"

[brettac1]

Well, this would seem to be done with an eye toward having him on the MLB bench, I think.

[Outlander]

I can't see him wanting to play in AAA but I don't really want to see him pinch hitting at the big league level either. Basically another Counsell that is 10 years younger.

[joepepsi]

At one time was maybe the best ss in baseball. Don't know how his numbers bear out the last few years. Good at 2B and ss. Missed almost all of last year to injury, so maybe that explains the minor league deal. If he's healthy he'll make the team.

[Bnowell4evr]

This might as well be a major league deal. I can't see us finding a better backup SS.

[StearnsFTW]

I can't see him wanting to play in AAA but I don't really want to see him pinch hitting at the big league level either. Basically another Counsell that is 10 years younger.

Pretty much. But I'd expect him to be an excellent defender.

[PrinceEatMeat]

This is already being discussed in the minor league forum, maybe these should merge one way or the other.

[reillymcshane]

I think it appropriate for the major league forum. It's not like Izturis is some AAAA guy who's looking for a chance. I would think he's going to seriously be in the mix for the final infielder spot, so I think it works best in this forum.

[reillymcshane]

This is exactly the kind of move I figured the team would make. Bring in a glove first guy who can handle the middle infield slot.

 

I think you next look to acquire a young player who fits the same bill - but with a little upside - maybe an outside chance at starting some day. I'm not talking a major prospect or anything, just a guy with 'utility infielder' written all over him, who might, if given the chance, be a solid starter. Let this guy battle it out with Izturis for the back up spot. If he loses, he heads to Nashville as depth. Not sure who this guy is, but it would be my plan.

[monty57]

Good signing. We needed someone who could back-up SS, and now we have the guy. I hope he's healthy and makes the MLB team.

[RockCoCougars]

I like it. These are the moves that they should make to fill out the squad. Hopefully we see a few more vet position players and a couple of bullpen arms brought in as well. Competition is good for everyone.

[Hate those Rodents]

I had Jack Wilson pegged as the guy Doug would sign for this role, but Izturis is bascially the same provided he can stay healthy. Probably a bit cheaper too.

[JohnBriggs12]

Minor league deal or no, Izturis was signed to fill the backup middle infield role in the major leagues. Has had plenty of injury issues and isn't much offensively, but he should be an improvement over Counsell. Bonus is that he's a switch hitter.

 

Key is whether he's healthy or not. If he is, he might even push Gonzalez.

[The Truth]

This is a good solid move if Izturis can stay healthy.

[MVP2110]

I like the move. My hope is he is the backup at short only really with little time at 2nd and 3rd as I hope Green is the main guy there although I wouldnt mind Izturis coming in for ARAM or Weeks late in a game for defense

[Tbadder]

Good and cheap which is the key. I see nothing wrong with sitting Aramis or Rickie late (with a lead of course).

Beat me to it MVP2110.

I guess it would go Izturis as a late inning replacement at 2B or SS, and Green at 3B or 1st.

[Nader Raider Tim]

Nice get on a no risk move for the Brewers. I am still hopeful the Brewers can get a higher upside middle infielder to act as the backup this year, but Izturis is a nice backup backup plan.

[brettac1]

He also seems to be a nice guy for the situational stuff that RR might like to do (even though a lot of us here don't) like bunting and hit-and-runs. The positive, even for those of us who don't like that kind of play, is that Izturis is good at it unlike some of the players that were miscast in 2011.