Potential roster callups of interest

As mentioned yesterday, Monday is the day when DMBL rosters expand to 30 players. Here are some of the players that may get a promotion.

Paul Konerko, Carolina - Why he's even still on this team is anyone's guess, but once the deadline passed, there was no reason to cut the veteran. Konerko is in his 5th year in Carolina, though this season has seen Konerko mostly in the minors. He's only played in 21 games and compiled a .688 OPS in those games. He probably won't return next year, so the Cats may as well call him up and give him a proper sendoff.

Jason Giambi, DC - Another veteran languishing in the minors, Giambi actually has a good shot at being kept for 2009. It couldn't hurt the Slappers to have an extra power bat on the bench. Giambi did hit 2 homers in 22 at bats in limited action this year.

Scott Linebrink, Hillsborough - Linebrink can provide some extra bullpen depth for the playoff contenders. You never know when that long extra-inning game will strike you, so it's to the Hitmen's advantage to not tire out that bullpen, especially since they only have 5 active arms on the current roster.

Alex Gordon, Las Vegas - Gordon got a brief cup of coffee earlier this year when Chone Figgins was injured. Gordon actually fared pretty well, hitting .300 with an .812 OPS and 16 runs scored in 70 at bats. Vegas may also recall Johnny Gomes, who was a disaster earlier this season. Then again they may have been so disgusted with his play earlier in the season (.187/.320/.346) that they may let him languish. That .320 OBP is actually not that bad, given his average, but he did strike out 41 times in 107 at bats.

Brian Giles and Mike Mussina, Marietta - Two favorite veterans of owner David Landsman rejoined the team this year. Giles was re-acquired from Hoboken earlier this year after the Mighty Men seemingly gave up on him. But owner Landsman "couldn't quit" him and wrested him away from Hoboken again. Meanwhile, Moose was signed as a free agent back in May. Mussina also played with the Mighty Men last season. Hmm perhaps Landsman is trying to reassemble last year's World Series team? Wes Helms, don't leave your phone!

Corey Hart, New Jersey - Hart has been Jersey's biggest disappointment this season, hitting only .170 with 5 HRs and a .492 OPS before being sent down. Hart has been tearing it up in AAA hitting .287 with a .822 OPS, so he seems to be in the plans for 2009.

Mark DeRosa, Newark - You just know that the Sugar Bears are going to recall everyone from their reserve squad and DeRosa is certainly a favorite with the front office. DeRosa only hit .216 with a .647 OPS in limited action this season, but he was a valuable member of last season's World Series winning team. Also look for David Bush and Joe Saunders to perhaps get another start each.

Yovani Gallardo, Philadelphia - With such high expectations placed on the youngster, Gallardo was a bit of a disappointment this year (9-8, 5.84 ERA). But Gallardo has the talent to be much better, and the Animals know it. Aaron Harang has been pretty shaky since being acquired from Blue Ridge (1-1, 5.82 in 4 starts). If Harang continues to struggle, Gallardo or perhaps Jason Bergmann could get another chance.

Johnny Damon, Tampa Bay - Damon only got into 4 games so far this season, but he could probably still help this club off the bench. With the Plunkers fading farther and farther from the playoff spot, maybe it's too late though. Damon's been a major cog in the Honolulu Sharks machine the past 4 years, so you can bet he's itching to get back in the lineup.