Russ Canzler put on waivers (update: Indians acquire Canzler)

[.500_OR_BETTER]

International League MVP Russ Canzler was placed on waivers from Tampa... should the O's be interested?

This hasn?t been a good couple weeks for Russ Canzler.

Last season he won the International League MVP award after hitting .314 with 18 homers, 40 doubles, and a .930 OPS for Durham, made his big-league debut in September with a handful of at-bats, and for a while at least it looked like the 25-year-old first baseman might get a chance as the Rays? starter.

Then last week Tampa Bay signed Carlos Pena, ruling out that possibility, and now they dropped Canzler from the 40-man roster altogether to make room for Jeff Keppinger. From atop the depth chart to on the waiver wire in less than a week.

Keppinger, who was non-tendered by the Giants last month, finalized a one-year, $1.525 million deal with the Rays and they designated Canzler for assignment. It'll be interesting to see if Canzler is claimed off waivers, because while certainly not a top prospect he?s had back-to-back big seasons in the minors and would seemingly be a nice bench bat at worst.

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/27/rays-make-room-for-jeff-keppinger-by-dropping-triple-a-mvp-russ-canzler/

[NewMarketSean]

Absolutely we should.

[stef]

Have we reached our allotment of former Cub prospects? If not, bring him on.

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=8265&position=DH

[Babypowder]

I don't see any reason why not...

[oriole]

I'd like to see him picked up. He is a step up from some people on the roster now so why not?

[weams]

I'd like to see him picked up. He is a step up from some people on the roster now so why not?

Who would you drop to claim him?

[sportsfan8703]

I'd say see ya Josh Bell. Then Rapada.

[clapdiddy]

Who would you drop to claim him?

You say tomato...and I say Rapada....

[.500_OR_BETTER]

I'd say see ya Josh Bell. Then Rapada.

Either or.

I would really like to see the O's jump on this since we could really use some corner infield depth.

Bell was given multiple chances at the MLB level and couldn't get it done.

[incubus]

Why did they put this guy on waivers? .401 OBP last yr in AAA.

[LookitsPuck]

Absolutely!

[Orioles fanatic]

At this point I'd like to see them add anything that resembles a ML player. I'm not even confident that Duquette could sign Canzler if he wanted to. It's pretty sad when I'm actually starting to see AM in a different light.

[Richmond Bird 9]

Does he have any options left ??? Could be one one the reasons he got cut.

[SammyBirdland]

Why did they put this guy on waivers? .401 OBP last yr in AAA.

Wondering the same thing. I googled for dirt, but couldn't find any. If this is a rare mistake on Tampa's part, we need to capitalize on it.

[Bluerocksfan]

I am so confused why they dropped him but let's go for it.