News And Notes On Black, I Mean Blue Friday

I expect everyone to be in the midst of their respective turkey hangovers by now. So on the night of Black Friday, or as I should call it Blue Friday, here are some minor news and notes for you guys to read while you’re digesting your turkey dinner.

The Dodgers signed infielder Osvaldo Martinez to a minor league contract earlier today. The announced contract’s financial terms were not released, according to Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times. The minor league deal also included an invite to the Dodger’s major league spring training camp. Martinez has played in the big leagues before but only for a cup of coffee in two separate seasons for the Marlins. In 2010, he played in 14 games, and batted .326 (14 for 43(. The following season in 2011, Martinez played in 20 games for Miami, and batted .130 (3 for 23). Martinez is 24 years old, and from Puerto Rico. He was drafted by the Marlins in the 11 round of the 2006 amateur draft, and the Dodgers acquired him this season. He played the entire season in the minors, splitting time between the Charlotte Knights of the International league, and the Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast league. He played in 60 games for Charlotte batting .178 (38 for 214), and then played in 39 games for the Isotopes, batting .255 (26 for 102). He played most of his games at shortstop, but also saw some time at second and third.

Osvaldo Martinez while he was with the Marlins.-Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

In other news, former Isotopes third baseman Josh Fields has signed am minor league contract with the Phillies. According to Matt Eddy of Baseball America. The third baseman has not played in the major leagues since 2010. At one time he did hit 23 home runs for the White Sox back in 2007, but hasn’t done much since then, and has bounced around in the minor leagues. This season he played the entire year with the Isotopes. If you remember, Fields competed for a bench spot with the Dodgers last spring, before being placed in triple-A, and was never called up to the majors. The 29 year old right handed batter. Fields played in 133 games as a third baseman, first baseman, and corner outfielder. He batted .322 (158 for 490), with 13 home runs and 71 RBI for the Isotopes in 2012. Fields was originally drafted in the first round of the 2004 amateur draft by the Chicago White Sox. Fields was once considered a top 50 prospect according to Baseball America.

Josh Fields.-Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

And finally, Clayton Kershaw has switched agents. Kersh is now being represented by Excel Sports Management. Former Dodger J.D. Drew is also represented by Excel now. Kershaw had previously been represented by Hendricks Sports, before switching over to Excel. It seems Kershaw may be preparing to receive a much deserved contract extension. Kershaw will earn 11 million dollars in 2013, on the final year of his two year contract. Kershaw has one more year of team control arbitration before eh can be a free agent in 2015. The Dodgers are expected to lock him up well before that point. Kershaw as you know is the greatest pitcher we have seen since Sandy Koufax. Kershaw is a direct descendant of Sandy Koufax, a true Ace destined to lead the Dodger pitching staff back to greatness. Kershaw’s amazing talent has garnered him a Cy Young award in 2011 for his complete and utter domination over all opponents, and a second place finish in 2012. This season Kershaw finished with a 14-9 record, 2.53 ERA, and 229 whiffs. Kershaw led the league in ERA, WHIP, and was second in whiffs. He has also earned two all-star selections, a gold glove, and many other awards recognizing his achievements on and off the field. Of course what Stan Kasten should do, is just hand Kershaw a blank check and allow him to fill it out, giving Kershaw anything he demands.

Clayton Kershaw has switched agencies.-Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

Have a god weekend everyone! Try not to eat too much turkey.