Baseball.it added a bunch of reports about rumors in the Italian Baseball League to its website on Friday.
Cariparma Parma
Reigning Italian Baseball League champion Cariparma Parma apparently is contemplating a change at the position of the foreign starting pitcher. It seems that they have already signed the 28-year-old Venezuelan right-hander Jesus Silva. He spent eight seasons in affiliated minor league ball with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Florida Marlins and Oakland Athletics. This winter he wore the jersey of Bravos de Margarita in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he had an ERA of 2.89 in 65 1/3 innings. He would replace the 35-year-old Gustavo Martinez, who had joined Parma last winter.
Montepaschi Grosseto
We haven’t heard anything new regarding their sponsor situation, but they are still looking to bolster the 2011 roster. They are interested in left-hander Jean Carlos Granados, also known as Jan Granado. The 28-year-old Venezuelan pitched six seasons affiliated ball for the Cincinnati Reds and Minnesota Twins organizations between 2000 and 2006 before entering the independent league circuit. He also was part of the Venezuelan team during the 2009 World Baseball Classic. This winter he was taking the mound for Aguilas del Zulia in the Venezuelan Winter League, where he had an ERA of 2.21.
Danesi Nettuno
After bringing back Juan Camilo, Danesi Nettuno is also interested in catcher/first baseman Salvador Paniagua. The 27-year-old Dominican started his professional career with the Boston Red Sox organization when he signed as an undrafted amateur free agent in 2001. He moved on to the New York Mets in 2008 and 2009, but didn’t get above Double-A there either. He played 15 games in the Mexican League in 2010. In seven seasons minor leagues he batted .250/.291/.423.
Novara Baseball
Even though we already look at the calendar and it is January 15, there is still the possibility that there will be some changes of the IBL lineup for the upcoming 2011 season. While De Angelis Godo seems to have figured out its financial problems and will remain in the league, the Catania Warriors are about to leave. A replacement could be Novara Baseball, which also was supposed to be a part of the Milan Expos franchise. We should receive official word by the Italian Baseball and Softball Federation (FIBS) next week after a league meeting on January 22 in Bologna.