Mormon Baseball

I’ve neglected following the transactions and changing status of the Mormon players for the past several months — a bit of a vacation, I suppose. But with spring training rapidly approaching, I thought I should get the status up to date and start following where everyone is. Today’s update only includes the players who played in the Majors last year.

There are still a couple of players who have played in the majors in previous years whose status is uncertain—Kyle Farnsworth and Brandon Lyon both had strong enough years in 2012 that I think they are likely to be picked up by someone.

It appears that the Red Sox now have the most Mormon players (3), with the recent addition of Mitch Maier, and that the Rays and perhaps the Blue Jays (if Brandon Lyon remains there) are next with two each.

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Current Roster Players:

• Darwin Barney—second base—Chicago Cubs
  Pre-Arb Eligible. Arb eligible in 2014, Free Agent in 2017.
  Should play for the Cubs next year, unless traded.
• John Buck — starting catcher — New York Mets
  Under contract thru 2013. Free Agent in 2014.
  Ended 2012 with Marlins. Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays as the Marlins cut payroll, and then traded again to the New York Mets.
• Jacoby Ellsbury — starting outfielder — Boston Red Sox
  Under contract for 2013. Free Agent in 2014.
  Signed to a 1-year, $9 million deal with the Red Sox.
• Kyle Farnsworth — closer — Tampa Bay Rays
  Free Agent in 2013.
  Unknown. Some rumors expect Farnsworth to sign with another team, perhaps the Brewers, others believe the Rays will re-sign him.
• Jeremy Guthrie — starting pitcher (right handed) — Kansas City Royals
  Under contract through 2015. Free Agent in 2016.
  Signed 3-year $25 million deal with the Royals.
• Roy Halladay— starting pitcher (right handed) — Philadelphia Phillies
  Under contract through 2013 with option for 2014. Earliest Free Agent 2014.
  Given an off year, a trade is conceivable, but unlikely.
• Bryce Harper — left field — Washington Nationals
  Under contract to 2015. Arb eligible 2016. Earliest Free Agent 2019.
  Should be with the Nationals next year, baring a trade, which is very unlikely.
• Elliot Johnson — infielder — Tampa Bay Rays
  Pre-Arb Eligible. Arb eligible in 2014, Free Agent in 2017.
  As a backup infielder who got a lot of playing time due to Evan Longoria’s injuries, Johnson has little trade value will likely stay with the Rays next year, but return to a backup role.
• Josh Johnson — starting pitcher (right handed) – Toronto Blue Jays
  Under contract to 2013. Free Agent 2014.
  Ended 2012 with Marlins. Traded to the Toronto Blue Jays as the Marlins sought to cut their payroll.
• Matt Lindstrom — right handed bullpen pitcher – Chicago White Sox
  Under contract for 2013. Free Agent in 2014.
  Ended 2012 with Diamondbacks. Signed a 1-year deal with the Chicago White Sox.
• Brandon Lyon — right handed bullpen pitcher — Toronto Blue Jays
  Free Agent.
  Unknown. Current rumors see interest from San Francisco Giants.
• Mitch Maier —  outfielder — Boston Red Sox.
  Signed with Boston Red Sox after the Royals gave him free agency.
  Was with Kansas City Royals in 2012. Will likely begin the year in AAA.
• Clayton Mortensen — right handed bullpen pitcher —Boston Red Sox
  Pre-Arb eligible. Arb eligible 2015. Free Agent 2018
  Likely will remain in Red Sox organization, but could begin the year in AAA.
• Adam Rosales — 2B — Oakland A’s
  2nd year arb eligible. Free Agent 2016.
  Likely will remain in A’s organization, but could begin the year in AAA.

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I will post an update of those playing in the minors and in foreign leagues tomorrow.

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