Kuzul

November 15, 2010 PHOENIX—The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed utility infielder Geoff Blum to a two-year, $2.7-million deal. New Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers wanted to strengthen the bench for 2011 and he did so with a familiar face. "The signing of Geoff Blum is the first step in identifying how we can improve Kirk Gibson's options off the bench next season," Towers said in a statement. "Geoff is a veteran that can play nearly every position on the field while also having the experience of contributing to key situations late in the game as a pinch-hitter off of the bench." Let it be known that Blum was a player on the San Diego Padres from 2005-2007, and during that time the Padres had won two division titles and were a slide away from a third consecutive playoff appearance. Towers clearly knows the formula to having a good bench. "It's hard for young guys to be effective pinch-hitters ...

  The Houston Astros have been beyond busy lately. Less than a week after trading two of the biggest franchise players to ever don an Astros uniform, Houston had won seven games in a row—culminating with an 18-4 beat-down of St. Louis—before the Cardinals finally ended that streak with an 8-4 win over the Astros last night at Busch Stadium. But wait, there’s more! In addition to the seven-game win-steak that ended Wednesday night in St. Louis, the Astros have made a couple other major moves as well. That includes finally signing first-round draft pick Delino DeShields to a Major League Baseball contract and activating infielder Geoof Blum . For Astros fans, this latest news has to make them excited. Plus, there are rumors floating around that Lance Berkman would like to return to Houston following his second-half stint with the New York Yankees . As hard as it may be to see, the future appears bright for ...