All Scott Podsednik does is hit. But no one wants him.
You may remember him from Spring Training this year as he and Juan Pierre were battling for the 25th roster spot for an older, lefthanded leftfielder spot. In Spring Training, Podsednik hit .309 and reached base at a .377 clip. That sounds good enough to make a major league team, doesn't it?
Nope. Juan Pierre hit for a .377 average and reached base at a .433 clip and he won the job. Podsednik was sent to AAA, where he floundered for the Iron Pigs, hitting just .242. A June 1 opt-out loomed and the Phillies traded him for cash to the Boston Red Sox where Podsednik would get a chance to play for a team desperate for outfielders.
The Red Sox immediately placed Podsednik in the lineup and he had a very productive first start, going 2 for 3 with a sacrifice bunt and a home run. He never looked back. For the Red Sox, Podsednik hit .389 with an .893 OPS. But, as outfielder Carl Crawford returned from injury the Red Sox had extra outfielders and traded Podsednik to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with reliever Matt Albers for reliever Craig Breslow.
Problem is, while Albers flew to Philadelphia where the Diamondbacks will take on the Phillies this weekend, they tried to option Podsednik to the minors. With veteran status, he had the contractual right to decline. So, the Diamondbacks released Podsednik today.
Ironically, Podsednik could keep the Phillies from being able to move Juan Pierre. The Phillies don't want to give him away, should he clear waivers, and Podsednik fits the lefty bat/on-base percentage-type veteran that a team like the Cincinnati Reds might want.
Maybe he will get a shot with someone who will let him play.
