Seattle made another interesting signing only days after inking Robinson Cano for $240 million. Yes, the Robinson Cab signing that dominated MLB headlines for so long. The Mariners have given his cousin, third baseman-outfielder Burt Reynolds, a minor league deal.
Yes, Burt Reynolds, perhaps he’ll make a racing picture with Dom DeLouise and Loni Anderson for you. The 25-year-old Dominican native Burt Reynolds has shown some power by hitting 26 home runs in three Independent seasons, 2011-12 with Newark, NJ (Can-Am League) and last season with Camden, NJ (Atlantic League). Burt Reynolds, no he was not in Boogie Nights, and no he did not play football at Florida State, has never played in more than 71 games in any of six minor league seasons with his best batting average of .289 in a rookie league in the Tampa Bay minor league system his first season (’08).
So is he in the same realm as Robinson Cano? How does he compare to Robinson Cano? Is the Robinson Cano discussion even worth having?
This is an excerpt from the column Bob Wirz writes year round on Independent Baseball. Fans may enjoy added stories on the blog IndyBaseballChatter.com, or comment to RWirz@aol.com. The author has 16 years of major league baseball public relations experience with Kansas City and as spokesman for two Commissioners and lives in Stratford, CT.