Several released today....

After the trade dead-line several players who didn't have enough value to be traded were designated for assignment or released out right. Players who were DFA without options, the team has 10 days to make a trade or the player has the option of accepting the assignment or becoming a free agent. A player who is released can be signed by any team and the former team is still on the hook for the original contract.

The Twins are reported to have DFA Livan Hernandez and OF Craig Monroe. While I feel the Mets need a true long man, a former starter who can give three quality innings or spot start and prior to the season I thought Livan would be a good fit with his half brother. After the little I've seen of Livan this year, I don't want to see him coming here. As much as we need an outfielder, Monroe isn't the answer. Monroe after hitting around .270 over three years ( .293 in 2004) has struggled to hit .200 for the last two years.

The Twins plan to cut ties with Livan Hernandez and Craig Monroe today, clearing space for Francisco Liriano and Randy Ruiz to join the roster from Class AAA Rochester. source Startribune.com

Meanwhile the Nats are reported to have given Paul Lo Duca, Jonny Estrada and Felipe Lopez there outright release. I think Paulie will catch on somewhere probably the Marlins. Lopez as my fellow blogger at Metsmerized online argued might be worth a look, he is slumping but nobody is hitting in Washington so there's no protection and he can play almost any position. Lopez is a 28 y/o switch hitter with a lifetime BA of .256, he is only hitting .234 but has hit .291 in 2005. He has a much better glove and even if he continues to hit .234 would be an up=grade over Anderson.

Late Thursday, the Nationals gave infielder Felipe Lopez and catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada their unconditional releases. source MLB.com