Monday, January 22, 2007

Marlins Want Darin Erstad, Who's "Cautiously Optimistic" That He'll Actually Play Again

'The Marlins, who have failed in their attempts to land a young center fielder this off-season, want Erstad to be their regular in center.

'The White Sox could use Erstad, a left-handed hitter, in a center-field platoon with Brian Anderson and also as a backup to Paul Konerko at first base.

'Erstad turned down a one-year offer from the A's, Genske said; other baseball sources say the A's withdrew their bid. The Angels, Genske said, have made a "competitive" proposal. But Erstad would get more at-bats with the Marlins or White Sox...

'Erstad, who played only 40 games last season due to a chronic right ankle injury, underwent surgery to shave down a bone spur in the ankle and remove scar tissue last October.

'He recently said that he is feeling well enough to center field every day.

'"I believe in my heart I can do that," Erstad told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm cautiously optimistic. There's still some stuff I need to do to get back to full strength, but I'm happy with the way it's going. It's nice to know this isn't a career-threatening thing."' (FOXSports)

AND THE WINNER IS...???: Erstad signs with the Pale Hose. (BaseballMusings)

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