MLB Roster Cuts: Seasoned Vets Who Are Back on Open Market

One team's garbage is another's seasoned veteran that may or may not have one more productive season left, or so the saying really should go. 

Opening Day is around the corner, and that means some elder statesman are now looking for work. Some solid production from yesteryear is now chilling at home and waiting for the phone to ring. 

Here is a breakdown of the players that have been released but still have some use as experienced veterans of the game that would add depth to most any roster.

1. Casey Blake

There will be room on someone's roster for a grizzled vet that can man the corners and deliver timely hitting. 

He may have taken a huge dip in the 2011 season, but this 38-year-old is just one season removed from a 2010 campaign that saw him hit .248 and slug 17 home runs and 64 RBI. 

The SportingNews reports the Rockies opted for a younger tandem at the hot corner than take up a spot by an aging slugger. 

While the Rockies may have eyes firmly affixed on youth, there may be another team that could use a solid locker room presence. I wouldn't be surprised if he does indeed suit up this season. 

2. Joel Pineiro

The Phillies are just too stacked with arms to take a chance on a pitcher that lost the bite on his sinker and saw his ERA balloon from 3.84 in 2010 to last season's 5.13. 

NBC Sports reported on the release and noted that there is a decent chance that Pineiro catches on somewhere else. 

With injuries a major part of the MLB marathon, I'm sure that there is a team that will take another chance on the right-hander. 

3. Zach Duke

Well, we can hardly say that we didn't see this one coming.

None of these vets are going to look like fantasy sleepers ready to breakout, but there is a good chance that Duke does dupe another team into taking a flier on him figuring things out in their uniform.

Duke struggled through the spring and showed no signs of shaking off the last few years wherein he has posted bloated ERA's north of 4.00 and a strikeout rate that is on the way down. 

Out of all the vets released, I am most cynical of Duke catching on. 

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