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| Reserve outfielder So Taguchi has been released by the Cubs. |
Our View: The North Siders didn't want to have to pay him arbitration. At 40 years of age, he could be at the end of the line.
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| So Taguchi has been recalled by the Chicago Cubs, according to the Chicago Tribune. Taguchi was brought up to fill-in for the injured Sam Fuld. |
Our View: Taguchi is a versatile outfielder who can play all three positions, but he doesn't figure to make much of an offensive impact. He will likely be more of a defensive specialist when he does play, so don't expect to see a whole lot of him this season.
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| ESPN.com reports that the Cubs have signed So Taguchi to a minor league contract with a spring training invite. |
Our View: Taguchi did a lot of nothing for the Phillies last season. He managed just 91 at-bats and hit only .220. He plays sound defense, but his speed has declined substantially. His chances of making the Cubs roster next season appear to be slim at this point.
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| The Red Sox aren't interested in So Taguchi as their fourth outfielder, according to the Boston Herald. |
Our View: Taguchi's performance dropped off a lot in 2008, only batting .220 in 91 at-bats for the Phillies. His defense also took a hit, which used to be his biggest appeal due to his strong fundamentals. He may just not have the legs to make it in the majors anymore.
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| So Taguchi has been released by the Phillies, according to MLB.com. |
Our View: The 39-year-old only hit .220 over 91 at-bats in 2008, and his career in the majors is nearing an end.
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| So Taguchi will receive his second straight start on Friday, as the Phillies are facing southpaw Johan Santana. Taguchi is replacing Geoff Jenkins in right field and will bat leadoff, the Philadelphia Daily News notes. He started at center on Thursday in place of Jayson Werth. |
Our View: This is nothing more than the simple plan of not having the left-handed Jenkins in the lineup. Taguchi isn't expected to see regular at-bats over the long haul.
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| The Phillies signed So Taguchi to a one-year, $1.05 million deal Sunday. The deal includes a club option for 2009, and the 38-year-old can make more in performance bonuses. |
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| The Cardinals released So Taguchi Thursday. The move was made to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Brian Barton, who the team took in the Rule 5 draft. Taguchi hit .290 with three homers and 30 RBI in 307 at-bats with the Cards in '07. |
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| The Cardinals have declined a $1.1 million option on So Taguchi for next season, instead electing to pay him a $100,000 buyout. "We wanted to give ourselves as many options as we can, and by doing this we maintain a greater degree of flexibility," new GM John Mozeliak told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Which is not to say we couldn't do something down the road. But for right now, this gives us flexibility." |
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| So Taguchi received treatment after fouling a ball of his left leg in the eighth inning of Friday's game, the Cardinals official site reports. Taguchi didn't play in Saturday's game. "He's had some swelling where he got bopped," said Tony LaRussa, who said Taguchi could have played Saturday if needed. |
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| The Cardinals inked So Taguchi to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2008, according to Sports Network. He batted .266 in 316 at-bats with the Cards last season. |
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