It's that time of year. Teams are cutting dead-weight players by designating them for assignment. In many situations these players aren't worth much, but sometimes these players simply just need an opportunity to succeed.
Players are often designated for assignment when they do not fit into a team's lineup or future plans.
Edwin Encarnacion
The Blue Jays traded for the 27-year-old third baseman just one year ago, giving up Scott Rolen in the deal. Rolen has been just what the Reds needed, but Encarnacion, despite some success, has not fit in with the Toronto club. The Blue Jays will most likely absorb most of Encarnacion's salary for any interested team, who would probably pay him the league minimum from here on out. Encarnacion is still a young player with plenty of potential. Look for a club to sign him and use him as a utility player for the rest of the season or potentially send him to Triple-A to regroup.
Greg Dobbs
The utility-man has been a key pinch-hitter for the Phillies in the past, but today they decided to cut ties. Dobbs has hit just .152 on the season. He can play all corner infield and outfield positions and the change of scenery might do him well. Dobbs had no place on the Philadelphia bench this season, despite being a productive presence there for the past several years. Look for Dobbs to be signed as a super utility player by a contending team.
Gary Matthews Jr.
Matthews Jr. was released a week ago by the New York Mets. Coming off of an All Star season in 2006 with the Rangers, he signed a five-year contract with the Angels. Since, he has underachieved and has bounced around, with the Angels footing most of the bill. Matthews Jr. is now reportedly close to signing a Minor League deal with his eighth team, the Cincinnati Reds. Matthews Jr. has been in a steady decline, but if he can somehow turn it around in the Minors, he could be a valuable veteran presence amid a young Reds club that is in playoff contention.
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