DeRosa claimed, won't be moved
TORONTO -- Mark DeRosa was reportedly claimed by an unknown team this week, but it appears he won't be packing his bags anytime soon.
Toronto had the option of trading DeRosa to the claiming team or allow that organization to claim his services free of charge, but instead the Blue Jays pulled him off the revocable waivers.
DeRosa was aware of the move but said Toronto didn't approach him about the process. He added he's curious, just like everybody else, about which team put in the claim.
"I take it as a compliment to be claimed, and I take it as a compliment to be pulled back," DeRosa said. "That's the way I look at it. I don't know who the team was that claimed me, I look forward to finding out just for my own curiosity.
"I looked at it, if it's a chance to get back to the postseason and Toronto gives me that opportunity, then it's something I'd have to seriously consider. But that wasn't the case, so I'm here and I'm getting ready for [batting practice]."
The Blue Jays have a team option on DeRosa's contract for next season valued at $750,000. This was originally expected to be the 38-year-old's final year in the Major Leagues, but after a successful run as a part-time player in Toronto that could change.
DeRosa, who popped out in his only at-bat of a 14-6 loss to the A's on Friday, remained non-committal when asked if he will retire after the season, but made it clear that the Blue Jays' disappointing season won't impact his decision either way. Instead, the final call will be based off a conversation he has with his family during the offseason.
"I go back and forth on it every day and I think my family will play a huge part in that," DeRosa said. "In the offseason, we'll sit down and discuss as a family. I've been gone a long time and my wife always has the line, 'Do you want to raise 24 men or do you want to raise your own son?'
"It's a little below the belt to tell me those things, but I wholeheartedly understand. It will be a family decision, but I still feel like I can compete."
DeRosa is hitting .230, but he has seven homers and 29 RBIs in 63 games. DeRosa has been particularly useful against left-handers as evidenced by his .841 OPS against them, and despite a lack of range, his defense remains steady at both second and third base.
DeRosa was signed in the offseason to provide a veteran presence in the Blue Jays' clubhouse. He played a major role in a pair of closed-door meetings earlier this season and was singled out by manager John Gibbons on Friday afternoon as making a positive impact on the career of third baseman Brett Lawrie.
Lawrie is a highly energetic infielder that has experienced more than his fair share of ups and downs over the past three years but there has recently been a noticeable change in his on-field demeanor. Lawrie always will be a fiery type, but he's appeared a little more calm of late, and the belief is that he is finally starting to listen to DeRosa and others who have been attempting to provide the right type of guidance.
"He was great in Spring Training, but he was set in his ways, was going to try it his way," DeRosa said. "I get that, he's young, he's full of energy and he has an abundance of talent. I think he has realized that stuff doesn't always necessarily mean you're going to play great ... The one thing I always tell him is that your energy and passion is what makes you great on defense, but I think it's your Achilles' heel on offense.
"He's a totally different hitter now, he's relaxed, he's more upright, he's using his hands, he's studying video. He is getting more mature in the game, brighter and realizing it's not just about God-given ability. There is a mental side to this game."