Balls and Strikes

Tribe brings up Jackson to start finale with Rays

2009-05-27T12:23:00.003-04:00

The Cleveland Indians today re-called left-hander Zach Jackson from Triple-A Columbus.

Jackson, who will start for the Tribe tonight in place of the injured Anthony Reyes, went 3-2 with a 3.09 ERA in seven appearances, including four starts, for the Clippers. He also pitched twice in relief with the Indians last month and allowed three runs over a 4 2/3-inning span.

The 26-year-old, acquired from Milwaukee as part of the CC Sabathia deal last year, made nine starts for Cleveland last season and compiled a 2-3 record with a 5.60 ERA.

To make room for him on the roster, Cleveland optioned righty Rich Rundles to Columbus.

Orioles make some moves

2009-05-27T11:38:00.000-04:00

The Baltimore Orioles have placed right-hander Koji Uehara on the 15-day disabled list, replacing him on the roster with outfielder Luke Scott, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Uehara exited Saturday's 2-1 win against the Washington Nationals after three innings with soreness in his left hamstring.

In nine starts this season, Uehara is 2-3 with a 4.09 earned run average.

Scott had been on the disabled list since May 11 with a strained right shoulder. He went 3-for-4 with a home run in a two-game rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Delmarva and has batted .303 (30-99) with five home runs and 15 RBI in 29 games for the Orioles this season.

In other Orioles news the team plans on calling up top prospect catcher Matt Wieters, who is expected to make his big leage debut this coming weekend. The fifth overall pick in the 2007 draft, batting .305 with 5 home runs and 30 RBIs at Triple-A Norfolk. He's heated up lately, with 18 hits, including four homers and 18 RBIs, in his past 46 at-bats (.391 batting average).

Of course, should Wieters stick with the Orioles the rest of the way he'll accumulate just 129 days of service time this year and won't have enough experience to become a Super Two until after 2011.

Pujols, Brewers dominate early All-Star voting

2009-05-26T20:16:00.003-04:00

St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols is among the leaders in the first National League balloting update for the 80th All-Star Game, which will be played on July 14 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. His Cardinals' teammate, catcher Yadier Molina is also among the leaders.

A seven-time All-Star and a two-time MVP, Pujols leads all vote-getters with 842,058 votes.

Milwaukee was well represented after the first round of balloting updates, as two Brewers, outfielder Ryan Braun and shortstop J.J. Hardy, led at their respective positions, while six of their teammates were second in the voting.

Other leaders include Phillies second baseman Chase Utley, who was the NL's top vote-getter for last year's event, and New York third baseman David Wright. The other leading outfielders were Chicago's Alfonso Soriano and New York's Carlos Beltran.

Curiously, Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez, who is tied for the league lead with 17 home runs and tops the NL with 43 RBI in addition to hitting .345, was sixth in the voting. Also Los Angeles' Manny Ramirez, who is currently serving a 50-game suspension for his involvement with performance enhancing drugs, is fourth in the voting.

An American League balloting update will be released on Wednesday.

Montanez headed to DL

2009-05-26T14:01:00.001-04:00

The Baltimore Orioles have placed outfielder Lou Montanez on the 15-day disabled list with torn ligaments in his right thumb. Montanez will undergo surgery to repair the tear and could miss the next two months.

Montanez hurt the thumb making a diving catch in Toronto three weeks ago, but has been playing through the pain. He is hitting just .204 with a home run and six RBI in 18 games this season.

Taking Montanez's place on the roster will be righty Jason Berken, who will make his major league debut tonight against the Toronto Blue Jays. Berken, 25, had been 2-0 with a 1.05 ERA in five starts for Triple-A Norfolk this season.

Beltran to undergo MRI on knee

2009-05-26T12:28:00.004-04:00

Carlos Beltran will have an MRI performed on his ailing right knee. The knee, which apparently has been bothering him the last week, caused Beltran to serve as the team's designated hitter against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend.

Beltran ran before Monday's win over the Washington Nationals and told manager Jerry Manuel he could play the field. He finished 2-for-3 with an RBI.

The 32-year-old Beltran leads the Mets with a .367 average, six homers and 31 RBI.

Cards minor leaguer suspended

2009-05-15T19:40:00.002-04:00

St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguer Kenny Maiques was suspended for 50 games on Friday by Major League Baseball for a positive drug test, the commissioner's office announced this afternoon.

Maiques tested positive for a "drug of abuse", according the official release.

The righty, who was once considered the best junior college pitcher in the country, had been struggling for Double-A Springfield, where he had allowed seven runs (six earned) with 13 walks in 3 2/3 innings this season.

NL East: Zimmerman brings some excitement to Washington baseball

2009-05-15T19:34:00.001-04:00

Check out Mike Rushton's weekly NL East roundup here .

Jermaine Dye suspended

2009-05-15T14:12:00.001-04:00

The league has suspended Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye two games for his inappropriate actions after being called out on strikes to end the top of the sixth inning during his team's loss to the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

Here is the release from MLB:

WHITE SOX OUTFIELDER DYE DISCIPLINED

Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye has received a two-game suspension and has been fined an undisclosed amount for his inappropriate actions after being called out on strikes to end the top of the sixth inning during his Club’s game against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Unless appealed, Dye's suspension is scheduled to begin tonight, when the White Sox play against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. If appealed, Dye's suspension will be held in abeyance until the process is completed.

Bedard scratched from Saturday start

2009-05-14T13:04:00.002-04:00

Left-hander Erik Bedard has been scratched from his scheduled start on Saturday versus the Boston Red Sox with a tight hamstring.

Garrett Olson will get the start in his place.

Bedard, who missed most of last season with various injuries, has been impressive for the Mariners this season, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.53 earned run average.

Time for MLB to hitch its wagon to Longoria

2009-05-13T17:56:00.002-04:00

Check out my latest column here.

Scott Proctor done for the season

2009-05-12T14:43:00.002-04:00

The Florida Marlins will be without Scott Proctor for the remainder of the year, as the right-handed reliever has opted for season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Proctor signed a one-year, $750,000 free agent contract with the Marlins this offseason, but never threw a pitch for them in either spring training or the regular season.

He was 2-0 with a 6.05 ERA in 41 games for the Dodgers last season. He also spent 2 1/2 months on the disabled list a year ago and had surgery in October to repair a partially torn flexor tendon in his right elbow.

Worst first pitch ever?

2009-05-11T10:30:00.002-04:00

Here is radio producer Gary Dell'Abate throwing out the first pitch before the New York Mets win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

The best and worst of the first month

2009-05-06T14:01:00.002-04:00

If there was any doubt on who or what the story was in Major League Baseball through the first month of the season, Kansas City Royals right-hander Zack Greinke answered that question in a resounding way on Monday with yet another brilliant performance on the hill.

On Monday against the Chicago White Sox, Greinke improved to a perfect 6-0 in six starts, tossing his second shutout of the season to lower his earned run average to a mesmerizing 0.40.

In 45 innings this season Greinke has allowed just two earned runs, both of which by the way came in the same start.

The progression of Greinke has been fascinating to watch.

Heralded as the Royals best pitching prospect since Brett Saberhagen when he came upon the scene in 2004, Greinke struggled not only on the field, but off of it, as he missed most of the 2006 campaign with a social anxiety disorder.

Armed with all the potential in the world, the Royals treated Greinke with kid gloves -- and rightfully so -- from that point on, slowly bringing him along, even letting him pitch out of the bullpen in 2007 to get him right, both mentally and physically.

However, he made 32 starts last year and his finish last season served as a sign of things to come. With wins in four of his last five starts, the Royals showed even more faith in their ace, locking him up to a four-year, $38 million extension.

Now he is quite simply the best pitcher in baseball and like Saberhagen before him, he has fans in Missouri thinking about the postseason, even if we are only a month into the season.

With Greinke leading the way, though, the Royals are surprisingly atop of what at the moment looks like a very winnable AL Central.

Of course, the Minnesota Twins played the whole month of April without catcher Joe Mauer and the Detroit Tigers have the firepower to win a division, but Cleveland and defending champion Chicago don't appear to be real contenders.

Anyway, with all that said let's hand out some awards to the players and teams that had the best and worst first 30 days of the league's season:

BEST PITCHER - (See Above)

BEST PLAYER - ALBERT PUJOLS

When all the Alex Rodriguez steroid revelations reared their ugly heads this offseason, people started to look to Albert Pujols as the next guy to maybe go after Barry Bonds' record the "clean way". Pujols even stated in a Sports Illustrated article that it was OK to believe in him. Hopefully he is telling the truth, because he is off to a scintillating start this season, belting 10 homers with 30 RBI, 26 runs scored, while hitting .337 through 26 games for the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals. Plus he has only struck out nine times this season. Ten Homers and nine strikeouts, unbelievable. He is hands-down the best player in the game.

SURPRISE TEAM - SEATTLE MARINERS

You can go a bunch of ways here. The Royals, Toronto and Seattle can all state
solid cases, but I am going with the Mariners. I still don't believe in Toronto. Honestly, I don't now how the Jays keep winning with that patchwork starting staff. Aside from a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto has yet to play anyone else in the American League East. That means no games yet against the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, or Tampa Bay Rays. Beat them and maybe we will talk.

If Greinke can continue his dominance, Kansas City could very well be the team to win this award at the end of the season, but I thought the Royals were going to be good coming into this season.

So, I am going with the Mariners, the team who lost 101 games a year ago, but as I write this finds itself in first place in the American League West. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who were picked by just about everyone on the planet to win the division, have started to come on of late, but the injuries to their starting staff still concern me.

BIGGEST TEAM DISAPOINTMENT - TAMPA BAY RAYS

While there may be some debate on which team has been the biggest surprise this season, there is no doubt which team has been the biggest disappointment. After 97 wins, an AL East title and a trip to the World Series a year ago, big things were expected from the Rays. While Evan Longoria (.365, 8 HR, 34 RBI) has held up his end of the bargain, a good bunch of the Rays, most notably B.J. Upton, have been miserable. Upton is hitting .157, while catcher Dioner Navarro is batting a paltry .179. Their strong staff has been nothing to write home about either, save for a few strong Matt Garza outings.

David Price anyone?

BIGGEST FREE AGENT BUST - CC SABATHIA/MARK TEIXEIRA

Sure it is probably way to early to judge this sort of thing, but that is what we do, especially when the New York Yankees shelled out $341 million for these two players this offseason. Sabathia, a notorious slow starter, has gotten his 2009 season off on the wrong foot going 1-3 with a 4.85 ERA, while Teixeira has failed miserably in trying to fill the void in the lineup left by the injured Alex Rodriguez. Despite playing a terrific first base and claiming to have a sore wrist, Teixeira has hit just .198 with five home runs, 12 RBI and has failed numerous times in big spots for the Yankees.

Happy Birthday to Willie Mays

2009-05-06T13:57:00.002-04:00

The best living ball player turns 78 today.

Tigers make some roster moves

2009-05-05T16:24:00.002-04:00

The Detroit Tigers today made some moves, as they placed outfielder Carlos Guillen on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation. They also recalled infielder Jeff Larish from Triple-A Toledo.

In addition, the Tigers recalled outfielder Clete Thomas from the Mud Hens and optioned lefty Clay Rapada to Toledo.

Guillen has struggled mightily this season for the Tigers, hitting hitting .200 with four doubles and six RBI in 24 games for the Tigers. Larish, meanwhile, hit .368 with two doubles, two home runs and five RBI in five games with the Mud Hens.

Larish was 3-for-17 in limited action with the Tigers this season.

Thomas saw action in 23 games with the Mud Hens, batting .236 with seven doubles, a triple, home run, 10 RBI and seven stolen bases.

Rapada had appeared in two games with Detroit after being recalled from Toledo on April 28, allowing two runs in 2 1/3 innings of relief.

Some NL East news

2009-05-05T14:59:00.002-04:00

Mike Rushton breaks down the NL East right here.

By the way New York's Johan Santana has been named the NL's Pitcher of the Month.
Here is the team release:

JOHAN SANTANA NAMED NL PITCHER OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL

FLUSHING, N.Y., May 5, 2009 – Johan Santana has been named the National League Pitcher of the Month for April, 2009 after the lefthander went 3-1 with a NL-best 1.10 ERA in five starts. Over 32.2 innings, the 30-year-old lefthander allowed 22 hits, six runs, four earned and nine walks, while striking out 44. He surrendered two runs or fewer in all five of his starts.

This marks Santana’s second straight monthly honor—he won for September, 2008—and his eighth overall. He was named AL Pitcher of the Month six times while with the Twins (August, 2003; July, 2004; August, 2004; September, 2004; June, 2006; September, 2006).

The Tover Merida, Venezuela native beat the Reds, 2-1, on Opening Day in Cincinnati, and then struck out 13, a personal-best while with the Mets, over 7.0 innings in a 2-1 loss at Florida on April 12th. Santana beat Milwaukee and Washington in consecutive starts on April 18th and April 24th, combining to strike out 13 and surrender just one run. In his final start of the month on April 29th, he received a no-decision at home against Florida, despite limiting the Marlins to five hits and two runs over 7.0 innings.

Santana did not allow a home run until his fourth start on April 24th against Washington, a streak of 60.0 innings that dated back to September 7, 2008 vs. Philadelphia and the second longest such streak of his career (65.0 innings spanning 2004-05 seasons).

After his start on April 24th, Santana had a 0.70 ERA and 37 strikeouts, marking just the fourth time in history that a pitcher had an ERA under 0.75 and 36 or more strikeouts in their first four starts of the season. Fernando Valenzuela (0.25 ERA, 36 strikeouts) accomplished the feat for the 1981 Dodgers and Tom Cheney (0.25 ERA, 38 strikeouts) did it in 1963 with the Senators. The Royals’ Zack Grienke (0.00 ERA, 36 strikeouts) also did it this season.

Posada to the DL

2009-05-05T14:16:00.003-04:00

The New York Yankees are expected to place catcher Jorge Posada on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring strain.

After having never been to the DL in the first 13 years of his career, Posada now finds himself there for the third time since the start of last season following two stints a year ago. Of course, the 37-year-old backstop missed most of last season with a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery.

Posada was hitting .312 with five homers and 20 RBI in 23 games this season.

No word on who will replace him.

Denise Richards butchers Take Me out to the Ball Game

2009-05-04T14:11:00.002-04:00

- courtesy of Awful Announcing

Cleveland activates Dellucci from FL

2009-05-01T15:55:00.002-04:00

The Cleveland Indians activated outfielder David Dellucci from the 15-day disabled list on Friday.

Dellucci, who has made six trips in his career to the disabled list, has been sidelined since March 30 after being scratched from the lineup of March 28 with a strained left calf.

Dellucci began a 20-day rehab assignment at Triple-A Columbus on April 20 and hit .414 (12-for-29) with a double, triple and two RBI in seven games, hitting safely in every contest

He was also 5 for 10 with runners on base and 3 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

To make room for Dellucci on the roster, the Indians optioned left-hander Rich Rundles to Columbus.

Mauer activated from DL

2009-05-01T14:17:00.001-04:00

The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have reinstated catcher Joe Mauer from the 15-day disabled list. He is expected to be in the lineup tonight when the Twins open a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals.

Mauer was placed on the DL with inflammation of the right sacroiliac joint on April 2 (retroactive to March 27). He appeared in five games as part of a rehab assignment with Single-A Ft. Myers, batting .400 (6-for-15) with two walks, two doubles, four rbi, two run scored and a .444 on-base percentage.

The catcher hit .328 last year to win his second American League batting title and also won his first Gold Glove.

Mauer is a career .289 hitter versus the Royals and is also 5-for-15 in his career versus Sidney Ponson, tonight's slated starter for Kansas City.

To make room for Mauer on the 25-man roster, the Twins have assigned right-handed pitcher Juan Morillo outright to Triple-A Rochester. Morillo was claimed off waivers from the Colorado Rockies on April 17 and made three appearances for the Twins.

White Sox make roster moves

2009-05-01T14:09:00.004-04:00

Official release from the team:

WHITE SOX MAKE FOUR ROSTER MOVES

CHICAGO - Prior to tonight's game at the Texas Rangers, the Chicago
White Sox made the following four roster moves:

* Outrighted OF Jerry Owens to Class AAA Charlotte.

* Placed OF Brian Anderson on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique (retroactive to April 30).

* Purchased the contract of OF Scott Podsednik from Charlotte.

* Returned INF Jayson Nix from his rehabilitation assignment at Charlotte and reinstate him from the 15-day disabled list.

Owens, 28, was 1-12 (.083) in 12 games with the White Sox since his contract was purchased from Charlotte on April 14. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder has hit .262 (103-393) in 129 games in four seasons with the White Sox.

Anderson, 27, is hitting .288 (15-52) in 18 games with the White Sox in 2009. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, who started 14 of the last 15 games, suffered the injury on April 29 vs. Seattle.

Podsednik, 33, was hitting .262 (11-42) in 10 games with the Knights this season. He signed with the White Sox as a minor-league free agent on April 15 and will wear No. 1.

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder played with the White Sox from 2005-07, batting .270 (336-1,245) with 196 runs scored and 111 stolen bases in 330 games. Podsednik hit a game-ending home run off Brad Lidge in the ninth inning of Game 2 of the 2005 World Series vs. Houston.

Nix, 26, was batting .400 (12-30) with eight RBI in eight combined rehab contests with Class AA Birmingham and Charlotte. He was placed on the disabled list with a strained right quadriceps on March 30 (retroactive to March 27).

The White Sox 40-man roster remains at 38.

Blue Jays overhaul rotation

2009-05-01T11:48:00.003-04:00

The Toronto Blue Jays on Friday overhauled their starting rotation, sending lefties David Purcey and Brian Burres to Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League, while replacing them with highly-regarded 22-year-old southpaw Brett Cecil, as well as right-hander Robert Ray. Reliever Bryan Bullington was also sent to Las Vegas and replaced by Brian Wolfe.

Cecil, the 38th overall selection of the 2007 draft, pitched all three minor league levels last season, but has struggled this year in going 0-3 with an 8.31 ERA in four starts for the 51s. He is scheduled to make his major league debut on Tuesday, May 5 Againstthe Cleveland Indians.

The 25-year-old Ray, who will start on Saturday against Baltimore, has appeared in two games, one with Dunedin (A) and one with Las Vegas (AAA) this season. The 6-5, right-hander tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings in his last start, April 26 for the 51s, allowing two hits, three walks and three strikeouts.

Wolfe, 28, has made nine relief appearances for Las Vegas, posting a 0-1 record with a 3.46 ERA.

Boston Red Sox not interested in obtaining the Boston Globe

2009-04-30T10:12:00.001-04:00

Perhaps they asked for too much...

STATEMENT FROM THE BOSTON RED SOX

BOSTON, MA—In response to media inquiries, the Boston Red Sox today issued the following statement:

“Neither John Henry, Tom Werner, nor any affiliates of the Boston Red Sox are involved in any sales discussions or negotiations with regard to the acquisition of the Boston Globe.”

Can the Mariners be this year's Rays?

2009-04-29T14:45:00.002-04:00

Everyone and their mother wrote a column this offseason on who would be this year's version of last year's version of the Tampa Bay Rays. I guess it is my turn. But I have a month in the books in my back pocket to give me a nice head start.

With all due respect to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Seattle Mariners are my pick. Why? Well for one the Blue Jays play in the ultra-competitive AL East and have yet to play a game in their division. And two, the Mariners are in the West where the Angels are struggling to keep players on the active roster.

Whatever it is just a hunch. So check it out.

We are Tweeting...whatever that means

2009-04-29T14:31:00.005-04:00

We are now on twitter at twitter.com/tsn_baseball. Not exactly sure the purpose of it but people tell me it is the new hotness so check us out. Or don't. I could really care less.

Bush working on a no-hitter against Phils

2009-04-23T14:52:00.005-04:00

Milwaukee's Dave Bush has not allowed a hit through six innings against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. In case you were wondering, the Brewers have not had a no-hitter since Juan Nieves' no-no against Baltimore back on April 15, 1987.

By the way, Milwaukee is the only team this season not to have a starting pitcher throw seven innings.

UPDATE: Bush hasn't allowed a hit through seven. Phils haven't been no-hit since St. Louis' Bob Forsch did it on April, 7, 1978.

UPDATE: Matt Stairs just broke up the no-hitter with a mammoth pinch-hit home run to right.

Blue Jays place rookie Romero on DL

2009-04-23T13:08:00.002-04:00

The Toronto Blue Jays have placed left-handed rookie Ricky Romero on the 15-day disabled list with a right oblique muscle strain. The move is retro-active to April 20, the day after he pitched seven scoreless innings in a victory against Oakland.

Romero has been sensational for the Blue Jays in the early-going, posting a 2-0 mark to go along with a team-leading 1.71 earned run average in three starts. He has surrendered just four runs and 19 hits in 21 innings this season.

The 24-year-old Romero had been the Blue Jays first round selection - sixth overall - in the 2005 first year player draft.

Cubs DFA Vizcaino, recall Samardzjia

2009-04-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

The Chicago Cubs have designated right-handed releiver Luis Vizcaino for assignment, replacing him on the 25-man roster with Jeff Samardzija.

Vizcaino, who the Cubs obtained this past winter from Colorado for righty Jason Marquis, made four relief appearances for Chicago this season and did not allow a run in 3 2/3 innings of work.

The 24-year-old Samardzija, meanwhile, posted no record and a 3.75 ERA (5 ER/12.0 IP) in three appearances (two starts) with Iowa this season. The right-hander limited opponents to a .154 batting average (6-for-39), including a .129 mark by right-handed hitters (4-for-31), and struck out 11 batters in 12.0 innings. Samardzija spent all of spring training with the major league club before being optioned to Triple-A on April 5.

Samardzija made his major league debut with the Cubs last season and turned in a 1-0 record with one save and a 2.28 ERA (7 ER/27 2/3 IP) in 26 relief appearances.

Cecil Cooper fired? (Updated)

2009-04-18T16:55:00.005-04:00

The Houston Astros have called a news conference for 5:45 (EDT). Owner Drayton McLane general manager Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper are all expected to be on hand. No details have been released.

Could McLane be making a managerial move?

More as this develops.

UPDATE: Cooper is safe. In fact the team is picking up his option for the 2010 season.

Phillies lose a legend

2009-04-13T14:43:00.002-04:00

Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away on Monday at the age of 73.

Kalas was found unconscious in the Phillies broadcast booth where he was preparing for today’s Washington Nationals home opener. He was taken to George Washington University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:20 p.m.

Mets, Sheffield close to deal

2009-04-03T13:33:00.002-04:00

The New York Mets are apparently close to signing outfielder Gary Sheffield, who was recently released by the Detroit Tigers.

Sheffield, who is still owed $14 million from the Tigers, was also being courted by the Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds. If he does choose the Mets, he would sign for the league minimum of $400,000.

Injuries to his shoulder and oblique limited the 41-year-old Sheffield to just 114 games for the last place Tigers a year ago, as he batted .225 with 19 homers and 57 runs batted in.

The 2004 MVP runner-up with the Yankees, Sheffield is just one home run shy of 500 for his career. In 21 seasons with the Brewers, Padres, Marlins, Dodgers, Braves, Yankees and Tigers, Sheffield has a .292 batting average and 1,633 RBI.

Ichiro to start season on DL

2009-04-03T13:30:00.002-04:00

The Seattle Mariners announced on Friday that outfielder Ichiro Suzuki will start the season on the 15-day disabled list after suffering a bleeding ulcer. Suzuki had missed the Mariners' last three Cactus League contests because of fatigue brought on by the ulcer, which is not bleeding anymore.

Suzuki is expected to miss the team's first eight games.

Here is the official release:

MARINERS OUTFIELDER ICHIRO SUZUKI TO BE PLACED ON 15-DAY DL
All-Star Outfielder Will Miss at Least Eight Games.

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that All-Star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki will be placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 31, and will miss the first week of the regular season.

Ichiro had been suffering severe fatigue, causing him to miss the Mariners last three Cactus League games (March 30-April 1). He was examined by doctors in Arizona who determined that he had suffered a bleeding ulcer. The ulcer is not bleeding now, but in the interim, doctors have ordered restricted activity.

"It was a very difficult decision to place Ichiro on the disabled list," Zduriencik said, "especially since we know what a fierce competitor he is, and how important it is to him to help the team. However, we determined it was in both his best interest, and the best interest of the club, to place him on the DL at this time."

Ichiro will be eligible to return to Major League games on Wednesday, April 15.

Suzuki appeared in four games with the Mariners in Spring Training, hitting .417 (5-for-12). He reported to camp on Thursday, March 26, after leading Team Japan to its second consecutive World Baseball Classic championship.

Ichiro has played in 197 consecutive games (dating back to Aug. 26, 2007), the 4th-longest active Iron Man streak in the Majors. He has played in 807 of Mariners last 810 games over the last five seasons, and since coming to Seattle in 2001, has played in 1,280 of 1,296 possible games (missed only 16 games in 8 years).

Schilling announces retirement

2009-03-23T10:45:00.005-04:00

Right-hander Curt Schilling announced his retirement this morning, via his personal blog 38pitches.com.

Schilling, who was sidelined all of last season following shoulder surgery, hasn't pitched since going 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA in 24 starts for the Boston Red Sox in 2007. He ends his career 216-146 with a 3.46 ERA and 3,116 strikeouts over 20 years with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Red Sox.

The 42-year-old hurler, though, won three World Series titles and was 11-2 all-time in the playoffs with a 2.83 ERA.

No structural damage for Hamels

2009-03-17T10:53:00.001-04:00

The City of Brotherly Love can exhale now. The Phillies just announced that there is no structural damage to ace Cole Hamels' left elbow.

I still wouldn't bet on him making that Opening Day start against the Atlanta Braves on April 5th, though.

Astros sign Pudge

2009-03-16T14:16:00.004-04:00

The Houston Astros have signed veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a one-year, $1.5MM deal with another $1.5MM in performance bonuses.

Rodriguez, 37, is a .301 career hitter in 18 seasons with Detroit, Florida, Texas and the New York Yankees. He is the all-time major league leader with 13 Gold Glove Awards at catcher.

In 1999, Rodriguez won the American League MVP Award, batting .332 with 116 runs scored, 35 home runs and 113 RBI for the Rangers.

However, last year with the Tigers and Yankees, he hit .276 with seven homers and 35 RBI.

A-Rod out 10 weeks

2009-03-05T11:11:00.004-05:00

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will reportedly need hip surgery and could be sidelined for about 10 weeks.

Rodriguez was in Vail, Colorado on Wednesday to visit a hip specialist after an MRI exam earlier this week revealed the formation of a cyst. He had been experiencing hip tightness during spring training.

According to ESPN, Rodriguez's brother, Joe, told ESPN Deportes.com that surgery was recommended and that rehab would take about 10 weeks. The network also reported that the surgery would take place Monday.

Rodriguez, who recently admitted to using steroids while a member of the Texas Rangers from 2001-03, was set to play for the Dominican Republic during the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Play Ball!

2009-03-05T10:32:00.002-05:00

Well I guess it's time to start updating this thing again since we are basically back full-bore with baseball action. Spring Training games are underway and the World Baseball Classic has started. Thirty-One days until the Phillies raise their World Series Championship banner and kick off the regular season.

I know I am in the minority but I am into the WBC. You can read all about that here.

Odds to win 2009 World Series

2009-02-05T14:11:00.000-05:00

Here are the odds to win the 2009 World Series:

Arizona Diamondbacks 30/1
Atlanta Braves 35/1
Baltimore Orioles 150/1
Boston Red Sox 15/2
Chicago Cubs 7/1
Chicago White Sox 25/1
Cincinnati Reds 50/1
Cleveland Indians 25/1
Colorado Rockies 60/1
Detroit Tigers 20/1
Florida Marlins 40/1
Houston Astros 40/1
Kansas City Royals 150/1
Los Angeles Angels 11/1
Los Angeles Dodgers 17/1
Milwaukee Brewers 35/1
Minnesota Twins 25/1
New York Mets 7/1
New York Yankees 5/2
Oakland Athletics 55/1
Philadelphia Phillies 11/1
Pittsburgh Pirates 200/1
San Diego Padres 200/1
San Francisco Giants 40/1
Seattle Mariners 100/1
St Louis Cardinals 30/1
Tampa Bay Rays 12/1
Texas Rangers 60/1
Toronto Blue Jays 60/1
Washington Nationals 150/1

Sheets may need surgery

2009-02-05T13:51:00.001-05:00

Well at least Ben Sheets has a reason why he hasn't been signed yet. Apparently he and the Texas Rangers agreed to a deal last week, but a physical revealed that he has a torn flexor tendon in his elbow that might require surgery.

Varitek staying with the Red Sox

2009-01-30T14:50:00.002-05:00

No surprise here. Jason Varitek and the Boston Red Sox have come to terms on a one-year, $5 million deal which includes an option for 2010. The Boston Globe has the details:

"Varitek will earn $5 million in 2009, with the club holding a $5 million option for 2010. If the Red Sox do not pick up that option, Varitek has the choice of remaining with the club on a $3 million deal. In '10, he can earn another $2 million in incentives based on playing time, beginning at 80 games started.

Thus, the potential total value of the deal increases from $8 million-$10 million to $10 million-$12 million. The incentives apply to both the team and player options for 2010."

The only other choice for Varitek would have been retirement or sitting out a year. Nobody was going to sign him and forfeit a draft pick for a .220 hitter. He is the lifeblood of that Red Sox team, though.

Braves add Lowe

2009-01-13T11:19:00.000-05:00

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly agreed to terms with right-hander Derek Lowe on a four-year contract.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the deal is worth $60 million and will become finalized once Lowe takes a physical on Wednesday.

Lowe, who will be entering his 13th season, went 14-11 with a 3.24 earned run average last year, his fourth with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also made three postseason starts last season, posting a record of 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA and 12 strikeouts to only three walks.

The 35-year-old Lowe, who earned $10 million in 2008, was particularly solid down the stretch, winning six of his last seven decisions for the NL West champion Dodgers.

Lowe has averaged 15 wins, 208 innings and nearly 34 starts over the past seven seasons. He is 126-107 lifetime with 85 saves and a 3.75 ERA in 533 games (255 starts) for the Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox and Dodgers.

Lowe has been solid in the postseason over the course of his career, going 5-5 with a save and a 3.33 ERA in 21 games (10 starts). However, he is 4-1 in his past eight playoff games.

During Boston's memorable 2004 World Series championship run, Lowe was 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA in four postseason games, with decisions in three series- clinching wins.

The news comes on the same day that long-time Braves right-hander John Smoltz officially signed with the Boston Red Sox.

In addition to Lowe, Atlanta also acquired right-hander Javier Vazquez earlier this offseason and is expected to announce the signing of Japanese right- hander Kenshin Kawakami on Tuesday.

Henderson and Rice get into the Hall

2009-01-12T12:54:00.003-05:00

Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice were elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame on Monday. Henderson was named on 94.8-percent of the ballots, while Rice, whose induction is long overdue, just made it, as he was named on a little over 76-percent of the ballots cast.

Here is the official release:

Henderson, Rice elected to Hall of Fame

Rickey Henderson, baseball's all-time stolen-bases and runs-scored leader, and power-hitting outfielder Jim Rice have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America in balloting verified by Ernst & Young. They will be inducted into the Hall on July 26 at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Henderson and Rice will be honored along with former New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians second baseman Joe Gordon, who was elected last month by the Veterans Committee. The July 26 Induction Ceremony will also include the presentation of the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting to Tony Kubek and the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for baseball writing to Nick Peters.

In the BBWAA election, 539 ballots, including two blanks, were cast by members with 10 or more consecutive years of service. Players must be named on 75 percent of ballots submitted to be elected. This year, 405 votes were required. Twenty-seven votes were needed to stay on the ballot.

Henderson was listed on 511 ballots (94.8 percent) to win election in his first year on the ballot. He becomes the 44th player to be elected by the BBWAA in his first year of eligibility.

Rice was listed on 412 ballots (76.4 percent) in his 15th and final time on the BBWAA ballot. He becomes the third player elected by the BBWAA in his final year of eligibility, following Red Ruffing (1967) and Ralph Kiner (1975). Rice received seven votes more than the minimum needed for election.

This marks the 24th time the BBWAA has elected two Hall of Famers in the same year. The two new Hall of Famers bring the total number of elected members of the Hall to 289. Of that total, 202 are former Major League players, of which 108 have been elected through the BBWAA ballot. Henderson and Rice are the 20th and 21st left fielders elected and the first since Carl Yastrzemski in 1989. No other position had gone longer without a new Hall of Famer.

Henderson, 50, is Major League Baseball's career leader in stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295) and is second all time in walks (2,190). He was named to 10 All-Star teams and was the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player with the Oakland Athletics, with whom he won a World Series title in 1989. Henderson, who played for nine teams over 25 big league seasons, also won a World Series ring in 1993 as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. He holds the Major League Baseball record for steals in a season with 130, which he set in 1982 with the A's, and he holds the big league record of 81 home runs leading off games. Henderson received the 13th-highest voting percentage ever, finishing right behind Babe Ruth (95.1 percent) and just ahead of Willie Mays (94.7 percent)

Rice, 55, spent his entire 16-year big league career with the Boston Red Sox. The 1978 AL MVP finished in the top five of the MVP voting five other times, finishing second to teammate Fred Lynn in the 1975 AL Rookie of the Year voting. He led the AL in homers three times, hit .300 or better seven times and was selected to eight All-Star Games. He is the only player in history to post three straight seasons of 35 or more home runs and 200 or more hits. He finished his career with a .298 batting average, 382 home runs and 1,451 RBIs.

Andre Dawson (361 votes, 67 percent) and Bert Blyleven (338 votes, 62.7 percent) were the only other players listed on more than half of the ballots. Rounding out the top 10 were: Lee Smith (240 votes, 44.5 percent); Jack Morris (237 votes, 44.0 percent); Tommy John (171 votes, 31.6 percent); Tim Raines (122 votes, 22.6 percent); Mark McGwire (118 votes, 21.9 percent) and Alan Trammell (94 votes, 17.4 percent).

Players remain on the ballot for up to 15 years provided they receive at least 5 percent of the vote. Players who will return to the ballot next year are: Dawson, Blyleven, Smith, Morris, Raines, McGwire, Trammell, Dave Parker, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy and Harold Baines.

Tommy John, who received 31.7 percent of the vote in his 15th-and-final year of BBWAA ballot eligibility, will be eligible for Veterans Committee consideration in the fall of 2010.

Of the 10 newcomers to the ballot, Henderson was elected and the other nine did not receive sufficient support of 5 percent or more to stay on the ballot.

The vote: Rickey Henderson 511 (94.8 percent); Jim Rice 412 (76.4 percent); Andre Dawson 361 (67.0 percent); Bert Blyleven 338 (62.7 percent); Lee Smith 240 (44.5 percent); Jack Morris 237 (44.0 percent); Tommy John 171 (31.7 percent); Tim Raines 122 (22.6 percent); Mark McGwire 118 (21.9 percent); Alan Trammell 94 (17.4 percent); Dave Parker 81 (15.0 percent); Don Mattingly 64 (11.9 percent); Dale Murphy 62 (11.5 percent); Harold Baines 32 (5.9 percent); Mark Grace 22 (4.1 percent); David Cone 21 (3.9 percent); Matt Williams 7 (1.3 percent); Mo Vaughn 6 (1.1 percent); Jay Bell 2 (0.4 percent); Jesse Orosco 1 (0.2 percent); Ron Gant 0; Dan Plesac 0; Greg Vaughn 0.

2008-12-18T22:01:00.001-05:00

Will Ichiro be in play?

2008-12-05T14:49:00.004-05:00

Every year at the Winter Meetings there is one guy that becomes available that you never would have guessed in a million years. This week, don't be surprised to hear Ichiro Suzuki's name come up in trade discussions. Suzuki has worn out his welcome with teammates in Seattle, which needs to go in a new direction anyway. With a new general manager at the helm, it is not crazy to think he may move Suzuki.

Would the Mets bite? They need a closer and an OF. Maybe they could land Putz and Suzuki in a blockbuster.

2008-11-20T12:44:00.000-05:00

The Philadelphia Phillies got some bad news on Thursday, as it was announced that second baseman Chase Utley and third baseman Pedro Feliz both need surgery.

Utley will have his right hip looked at and could be out up to six months, while Feliz will undergo back surgery and be sidelined up to four months.

Here is the release from the Phillies:

UTLEY, FELIZ TO HAVE SURGERY

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley and third baseman Pedro Feliz will each have surgery, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Head Athletic Trainer Scott Sheridan jointly announced today.

Since the end of the World Series, Utley, 29, has had several diagnostic studies in regards to right hip symptoms that he had during the 2008 season. He has been evaluated by Phillies team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

Based on the diagnostic studies and examinations, it has been recommended that Utley have surgery on his right hip, which is scheduled for next week. The procedure will be an arthroscopic evaluation with treatment of any labral or bony injury. The recovery will allow for the initiation of baseball activities between three and four months, however, the total recovery time may require four to six months.

Feliz, 33, will have low back surgery on November 20. He was on the disabled list during the 2008 season for 26 days in relation to a low back injury and had intermittent symptoms at the end of the season that deemed off-season follow-up necessary. Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles will perform the surgery, which is scheduled to be a lumbar discectomy. After surgery, Feliz will complete an eight-to-12 week rehabilitation program.

Mike Mussina makes it official

2008-11-20T12:37:00.002-05:00

To nobody's surprise, New York Yankees righty Mike Mussina announced his retirement on Thursday.

He ends his career at 270-153. 638 career winning percentage is sixth-best all-time among Major Leaguers with at least 500 career starts and ranked second among active pitchers (Randy Johnson-.648), according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

So, is he a Hall of Famer?

Giants sign Affeldt

2008-11-17T14:53:00.001-05:00

The San Francisco Giants signed left-handed relief pitcher Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year contract on Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Affeldt went 1-1 with a 3.33 earned-run average in a club-high 74 appearances for Cincinnati last season. He struck out 80 batters in 78 1/3 innings and posted a 2.23 ERA over his final 34 outings.

"Though just 29, Jeremy brings a solid veteran presence to our bullpen," said Giants general manager Brian Sabean. "There is no doubt he has been able to shoulder a heavy workload. He has been to the post-season and will help bridge the gap between our young and talented starting staff and our closer, Brian Wilson, who is one of the best in the game. We are excited to have Jeremy as a Giant."

The 29-year old Affeldt broke into the majors in 2002 with Kansas City, and has also pitched for the Colorado Rockies. In seven major-league seasons he has compiled a 26-28 record with a 4.55 ERA in 360 appearances (42 starts).

So much for Cuban buying the Cubs

2008-11-17T12:00:00.002-05:00

Mark Cuban can kiss his chance at owning an MLB franchsie goodbye. Cuban was charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday with insider training.

The SEC alleges in a civil action that Mr. Cuban sold his entire 6% ownership stake on June 28, 2004, after learning that Mamma.com was raising money through a private investment in a public entity, or PIPE. The next day, on June 29, the company announced the PIPE financing and shares of the company dropped by more than 10%. By selling his stake, the SEC alleges, Mr. Cuban avoided more than $750,000 in losses.

For the full text of the SEC complaint, click here.

Salomon Torres announces retirement

2008-11-11T15:42:00.001-05:00

SALOMON TORRES ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Salomon Torres announced his retirement today.

Torres, 36, was a veteran of 12 Major League seasons spent with San Francisco (1993-95), Seattle (1995-97), Montreal (1997), Pittsburgh (2002-07) and Milwaukee (2008). He owns a career record of 44-58 with a 4.31 ERA and 57 saves in 497 appearances, including 64 starts. He is coming off one of his best seasons in the majors as he went 7-5 with a 3.49 ERA and a career-high 28 saves in 71 relief appearances in 2008.

Torres issued the following statement:

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved who helped make this season a memorable one for me and my family, everyone from the fans to Mark Attanasio to Doug Melvin, the Brewers staff and front office. Milwaukee is a wonderful city with great fans and people. I will always cherish the opportunity I had to play here. While I still have great passion and energy for the game of baseball, I feel that the time has come to redirect that passion and energy to my family and God.”

Marlins-Nationals deal official

2008-11-11T11:16:00.002-05:00

The deal is done. I think Florida probably could have gotten more from that package of Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen. But, then again I know nothing about the two minor leaguers they got in return.

With Emilio Bonifacio going to Florida, does that mean Dan Uggla could be moved? Plus there is now a huge logjam in the outfield in Washington.

Anyway here is the release:

NATIONALS ACQUIRE LEFT-HANDED STARTER SCOTT OLSEN AND OUTFIELDER JOSH WILLINGHAM FROM MARLINS

The Washington Nationals today acquired left-handed starting pitcher Scott Olsen and outfielder Josh Willingham from the Florida Marlins in exchange for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio, minor-league second baseman Jake Smolinski and minor-league right-handed pitcher P.J. Dean. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

The 24 year-old Olsen—who stands 6-foot-5—teams with southpaw John Lannan (3.91 ERA in 31 starts in first full big league campaign) to give the Nationals a pair of left-handed starting pitchers currently 24 years-old or younger. Among pitchers currently under the age of 25, Olsen’s 31 wins rank fifth behind only Scott Kazmir (47), Felix Hernandez (39), Cole Hamels (38) and Chad Billingsley (35).

In the last three seasons (2006-08), Olsen’s 30 wins rank second in baseball among pitchers 24 or younger, as only Kazmir (35) has more. In the same three-season span, Olsen ranks among NL left-handed pitchers in wins (tied for fifth, 30), starts (first, 97), innings (second, 559.0), strikeouts (fourth, 412), quality starts (tied for fifth, 46), ground-ball double plays induced (seventh, 45) and batting average against (eighth, .269) despite being burdened by a big league-leading 45 unearned runs. He has eclipsed the 30-start plateau each of the last three seasons and Olsen’s quality-start percentage of 47.4 percent in that span ranks 11th in baseball among left-handed pitchers (minimum 90 starts).

A two-time double-digit winner (12 wins in 2006, 10 in ‘07), Olsen finished 8-11 with a 4.20 ERA in 33 starts for Florida last season, when he walked a career-low 69 in a career-best 201.2 innings. He was one of just 18 National League pitchers to reach the 200-inning plateau in 2008. Olsen’s average of 15.4 pitches per inning—which was a career-best effort—would have paced the 2008 Nationals by nearly one pitch per inning (Lannan, team-leading 16.2 pitches per inning). For his career, Olsen is 31-37 with a 4.63 ERA in 102 games (101 starts) for Florida from 2005-08. Originally Florida’s sixth-round selection in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Olsen has never been placed on the Disabled List.

Sporting a career big league on-base percentage of .361, Willingham is known for his power and patience during his three seasons as an everyday player with the Marlins, during which he blasted 62 home runs—one every 22.2 at-bats—and saw 4.03 pitches per plate appearance to rank among the NL’s top 15 in that span. Willingham has never posted a sub-.350 on-base percentage during his nine-year professional career.

After posting consecutive 20-homer seasons (26 in 2006, 21 in ‘07), Willingham hit 15 long balls in 102 games last season, averaging a home run every 23.4 at-bats.

By joining the Nationals, Willingham will play his home games at Nationals Park—where he blasted three long balls in just five games in 2008—as opposed to pitcher-friendly Dolphin Stadium. Willingham is a career .266 (374-for-1422) hitter with 82 doubles, 11 triples, 63 home runs and 219 RBI in 416 big league games. He was drafted by Florida in the 17th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of North Alabama.

Herb Score dead at 75

2008-11-11T10:46:00.000-05:00

INDIANS MOURN THE PASSING OF THE LEGENDARY HERB SCORE

CLEVELAND, OH --- The Cleveland Indians and Team President PAUL DOLAN have issued the following statement regarding the passing of legendary HERB SCORE. The 75-year old Score passed away early this morning at his home in Rocky River, Ohio.

"Today is a sad day for the Cleveland Indians family and for Cleveland Indians fans everywhere. We have lost one of the greatest men in the history of our franchise. Generations of Indians fans owe their love of the Tribe to Herb Score, who was a powerful pitcher and legendary broadcaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the Family."

Score pitched for the Indians from 1955-59 and won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1955, going 16-10 w/a 2.85 ERA in 32 starts (245SO). He followed up that campaign with an even more impressive season in 1956, going 20-9 w/a 2.53 ERA in 33 starts (263SO) and made the American League All-Star Team in both seasons. He also led the league in strikeouts in those seasons and was 2nd in both wins and ERA. He later pitched for the White Sox from 1960-62 to cap an 8-year Major League career.

He then went on to become the legendary 'Voice of the Indians' for a 34-year run from 1963-1997, the longest tenured broadcaster in the history of the Cleveland Indians franchise. Herb retired after the 1997 World Series and was inducted into the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame in 2006.

Fish send Willingham and Olsen to Nats

2008-11-10T20:30:00.002-05:00

ESPN is reporting that the Florida Marlins have traded outfielder Josh Willingham and starter Scott Olsen to the Washington Nationals for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and a pair of minor leaguers.

The two minors leaguers were pitcher P.J. Dean and shortstop Jake Smolinski.

Holliday to the A's

2008-11-10T14:38:00.003-05:00

It appears as if the Colorado Rockies have agreed to trade outfielder Matt Holiday to the Oakland Athletics.

Holliday, a two-time All-Star, hit .321 last season - his fourth straight .300 campaign - but saw his power numbers dip, as he hit 25 home runs with 88 RBI, the first time since 2005 that he failed to top 30 HRs and 100 RBIs.

He had been the runner-up to Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins for the NL MVP Award in 2007 when he set career-highs, hitting .340 with 36 home runs and 137 RBI.

Eligible to become a free agent at the end of the 2009 season, Holliday is a career .319 hitter and has hit 128 home runs, while knocking in 483 runs in his five years with the Rockies. .

For his career, though, he is a .280 hitter away from hitter-friendly Coors Field with 44 homers and 176 RBI in 339 games.

St. Louis was believed to be close to acquiring Holliday over the weekend in a deal that would have seen Ryan Ludwick heading to Denver, but that apparently fell through on Sunday.

Hawkins staying in Houston

2008-11-07T11:34:00.001-05:00

The Houston Astros have apparently come to terms with right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins on a one-year deal.

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the deal, which will likely be announced sometime on Friday, will pay Hawkins close to the $3.75 million he earned last season.

Hawkins appeared in 24 games for the Astros last season after being acquired from the New York Yankees in late July. He was 2-0 with a save and a 0.43 ERA in 21 innings with Houston after going 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA in 31 games for the Yankees.

The 35-year-old Hawkins, a 14-year veteran, has also played for the Twins, Cubs, Orioles, and Rockies. He has an overall record of 59-77 with 76 saves and an ERA of 4.64.

Are the Phils interested in Matt Holliday?

2008-11-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

It appears we have our first full-fledged rumor of this offseason. Apparently the Colorado Rockies are shopping outfielder Matt Holliday and it looks like the world champion Philadelphia Phillies could be a fit.

Depending on who you believe the Phils may have to include Gold Glove center fielder Shane Victorino in a deal. Some people feel, though, that the Phils have enough prospects to get the deal done without even having to include Victorino.

Some of the prospects being bandied about include catcher Lou Marson, shortstop Jason Donald and pitcher Carlos Carrasco.

Of course, the problem is that Holliday can become a free agent at the end of 2009 and with Super Agent Scott Boras running his ship, him testing the waters is almost a foregone conclusion.

I still think this would have to be a no-brainer for the Phils. Holliday hit .321 last season - his fourth straight .300 campaign - but saw his power numbers dip a bit, as he hit 25 home runs with 88 RBI, the first time since 2005 that he failed to top 30 HRs and 100 RBIs.

People will point to his numbers away from Coors Field, but in case you haven't noticed Citizens Bank Park is not exactly a pitchers' wonderland. For his career he is a .280 hitter away from Coors with 44 homers and 176 RBI in 339 games. He has hit .357 in 359 games in Denver with 84 home runs and 307 RBI.

Victorino is good energy guy, but come on. We are talking about one of the best hitters in the NL in Holliday. Who's to say he won't re-sign in Philly anyway?

Cuban has "zero chance" of buying Cubs

2008-11-07T10:39:00.002-05:00

You can forget about Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban buying the Chicago Cubs. According to a report in the Chicago-Sun Times, baseball's old guard plans to stand firm against letting Cuban into the club.

"There's no way Bud and the owners are going to let that happen," a Major League Baseball source said this week. "Zero chance."

Some news on election night

2008-11-04T20:32:00.002-05:00

No surprises here. The New York Yankees have declined their options on first baseman Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano. Also A.J. Burnett has opted out of his deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Dmitri Young outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse

2008-11-04T13:23:00.003-05:00

The Washington Nationals have outrighted first baseman Dmitri Young to Triple-A Syracuse. You can look at this move in a number of differnet ways. One, they may just be trying to clear room on the 40-man roster to protect someone from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. Or two, that he chose to go this route rather than elect for free agency since no team is going to pay him the $5 million the Nationals owe him this season.

The Washington Times' Mark Zuckerman sums it up pretty well here.

Agent: Maddux will probably retire

2008-11-04T09:36:00.002-05:00

It appears as if the illustrious career of right-hander Greg Maddux may be coming to an end. Scott Boras, Maddux' agent, told the New York Post that the future Hall of Famer will probably retire at some point this winter.

"He hasn't made a final decision, but for now it is doubtful he will play [any longer]," his agent, Scott Boras, said.

This year, the 42-year-old hurler went 8-13 with a 4.22 ERA in 33 combined starts for the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, while enduring a a career-long 14-start winless streak.

For his career, Maddux, a four-time Cy Young Award winner has a record of 353-222 with an ERA of 3.14.

Rays decline options on Cliff Floyd, Trever Miller

2008-11-03T15:55:00.002-05:00

The Tampa Bay Rays have declined the options on designated hitter Cliff Floyd and right-handed reliever Trever Miller. Floyd, the clubhouse leader of the young Rays, would have made $2.75 million this season, while Miller was due to earn $2 million.

The Tampa Bay Rays have declined their 2009 contract options for designated hitter Cliff Floyd and left-handed relief pitcher Trever Miller. In addition, catcher Michel Hernandez cleared waivers and was outrighted to Durham (AAA).

Floyd, 35, made 72 starts at DH for the Rays in 2008, hitting .268 (66-246) with 11 home runs, 39 RBI and a .455 slugging pct. The 14-year veteran was the longest-tenured major leaguer to play for the Rays this season. He was a member of the Rays postseason roster until a right shoulder injury sidelined him after Game Four of the World Series. In September Floyd was named the winner of the 2008 Paul C. Smith Champion Award by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America for “exemplifying the spirit of true professionalism on and off the field.”

Miller, 35, went 2-0 this season with two saves and a 4.15 ERA (43.1-IP, 20-ER) over 68 relief appearances. The 10-year veteran has pitched in at least 60 games in each of the last six years. He signed with the Rays as a free agent on February 6, returning to the club for which he played in 2004-05. Miller was on the mound September 20 vs. Minnesota when the Rays clinched their first-ever postseason berth. He was a member of the Rays active roster throughout the postseason, making six appearances.

Gillick to remain with Phillies

2008-11-03T13:31:00.002-05:00

So much for wondering what Pat Gillick will do next.

GILLICK TO REMAIN WITH PHILLIES

Pat Gillick, who recently fulfilled his three-year contract as General Manager of the Phillies, will remain with the club in an advisory capacity, Senior Vice President & General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. announced today.

Gillick, 71, joined the Phillies as GM on November 2, 2005, and helped the franchise win back-to-back National League East Division titles and the 2008 World Championship. In his new role, Gillick will advise Amaro and team President David Montgomery on various baseball matters, including amateur scouting, player development and the major league club.

“I am very happy that Pat has opted to stay on board with us,” said Amaro. “His knowledge of the game is invaluable and his innumerable resources will be a tremendous asset to any team’s Baseball Operations department.”

Prior to joining the Phillies, Gillick served as General Manager of the Blue Jays, Orioles and Mariners. He guided Toronto to back-to-back World Championships (1992-93). Gillick also worked for the Astros and Yankees in scouting and player development.

Brewers keep Cameron around

2008-11-03T13:08:00.001-05:00

The Milwaukee Brewers have exercised their 2009 club option on outfielder Mike Cameron.

Here is the release:

BREWERS EXERCISE CLUB OPTION FOR MIKE CAMERON

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers today exercised the 2009 club option for outfielder Mike Cameron. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.

Cameron, 35, batted .243 with 25 HR, 70 RBI and 17 stolen bases in 120 games during his first season with the Brewers. He made 119 starts, all in center field, and committed only one error the entire year. He finished just three stolen bases short of his sixth career 20/20 season.

Ruben Amaro Jr. to take over for Gillick

2008-11-03T09:55:00.004-05:00

No surprise here, but the Philadelphia Phillies are expected to name Ruben Amaro Jr. as their new general manager, taking over for the apparently retired Pat Gillick.

First and foremost for Amaro will be signing ace left-hander Cole Hamels to a long-term extension. The same goes for Ryan Howard.

It will be interesting to see what Gillick does. By all accounts he does not want the day-to-day grind that being a big league GM entails. He could, though, wind up as a special advisor to some team.

Here is the release from the Phillies:

RUBEN AMARO, JR. NAMED PHILLIES GENERAL MANAGER

Ruben Amaro, Jr. has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, David Montgomery, President, CEO and General Partner, announced today. Amaro, who signed a three-year contract, succeeds Pat Gillick, who fulfilled his three-year contract on October 31, 2008.

Amaro, 43, who has served for the last 10 years as the club's Assistant GM, was hired by former Phillies General Manager Ed Wade in 1998. Since 2005, he has worked with Gillick in helping the Phillies become the two-time National League East Division Champions and 2008 World Champions.

"I am honored that David has given me the opportunity to serve as General Manager," said Amaro. "I will work hard to continue to build on the world class foundation provided by our previous GMs."

As Assistant General Manager, Amaro was involved in 40-man roster and major league free agent contract negotiations, including those players eligible for salary arbitration. He also assisted Gillick in the decision-making process of major league players and staff, which included trades, player movements and hirings.

Amaro becomes the fourth minority General Manager currently working in Major League Baseball and the second current Hispanic GM. Prior to joining the Phillies' front office, Amaro spent parts of eight seasons in the major leagues, five with Philadelphia. He appeared in 485 major league games and batted .235 with 16 home runs and 100 RBI. Amaro played for the 1993 NL Champion Phillies and 1995 AL Champion Indians.

"Ruben has been an integral part of our organization since joining the front office in 1998," said Montgomery. "We look forward to him continuing the momentum created with our 2008 championship season."

"Over the past three years I have had the opportunity to work closely with and mentor Ruben," said Gillick. "I am confident in his ability to lead our world championship team."

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Amaro was a batboy for the Phillies from 1980-83 when his father, Ruben Sr., a former shortstop with the club, was first base coach. He is a 1983 graduate of the William Penn Charter School, where he played both baseball and soccer. In 1987, he earned a BS degree in human biology from Stanford University and was a member of the 1987 NCAA Baseball Championship team. Ruben Sr. and Ruben Jr. are the only father-son combination to ever play for the Phillies.

Amaro is actively involved in the community. He is co-founder of the Richie Ashburn Foundation, which provides free baseball camps for 1,100 underprivileged children in the Delaware Valley and awards grants for area schools and colleges. He also serves on the board for the Philadelphia chapter of the YMCA.

GM Meetings getting underway

2008-11-03T09:54:00.001-05:00

The general manager's meetings will get underway on Monday in Dana Point, California. These proceedings usually set up the action-packed Winter Meetings, which will take place this year in Las Vegas from December 8-11.

Don't be surprised if Jake Peavy is dealt this week.

Macha the new skipper in Milwaukee

2008-10-30T14:47:00.000-04:00

BREWERS NAME KEN MACHA MANAGER

Former Oakland Skipper Signs Two-Year Contract

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers today named Ken Macha manager. Macha signed a two-year contract through the 2010 season and becomes the 17th manager in franchise history. The announcement was made by Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin.

“Today’s manager must blend old-school teaching and instructing methods with the new age statistical analysis,” said Melvin. “Ken has been exposed to both styles and has the baseball intelligence to understand that both lead to success. Among many who spoke highly of Ken, we received glowing endorsements from Terry Francona and Joe Maddon about his work ethic and baseball mind. We look forward to having Ken display his talents in Milwaukee.”

Macha, 58, has four seasons of Major League managerial experience with the Oakland Athletics (2003-06). He owns a career record of 368-280 (.568). Under his leadership, the Athletics won 96, 91, 88 and 93 games, respectively, and captured the American League West Division championship in 2003 and 2006. The Athletics’ winning percentage ranked fourth in the Major Leagues during Macha’s tenure, trailing only the Yankees (.608), Red Sox (.577) and Cardinals (.577).

Macha’s .568 winning percentage ranks second to Hall of Famer Dick Williams (.603) in Athletics franchise history.

Macha also has minor league managerial experience in the Boston Red Sox organization at Double-A Trenton (1995-96) and Triple-A Pawtucket (1997-98). His career record as a minor league skipper is 317-249 (.560). He qualified for the playoffs in 1995, 1996 and 1997 and was named International League Manager of the Year in 1998.

In addition to managing, Macha has Major League experience as a coach with Montreal (1986-91) and California (1992-94). With the Expos, he served as a coach (1986) and bullpen coach (1987-91). With the Angels, he served as bullpen coach (1992) and third-base coach (1992-94).

The former corner infielder had a six-year playing career in the Major Leagues with Pittsburgh (1974, ‘77-78), Montreal (1979-80) and Toronto (1981). He finished his career in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons (1982-85).

Macha, who spent the last two seasons as a studio analyst for NESN (Red Sox), resides in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with his wife, Carolyn. The couple has a son, Eric, and a daughter, Kristin.

White Sox officially decline Griffey's option

2008-10-30T14:03:00.000-04:00

WHITE SOX DECLINE 2009 CLUB OPTIONS ON CONTRACTS OF
KEN GRIFFEY JR. AND TOBY HALL

CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox have declined the club options for 2009 on the contracts of outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. and catcher Toby Hall. Griffey and Hall will be eligible for free agency.

Griffey, 38, combined to hit .249 (122-490) with 18 home runs and 71 RBI in 143 games last season between Cincinnati and the White Sox. He batted .260 (34-131) with three homers and 18 RBI in 41 games with the Sox after being acquired from the Reds on July 31 in return for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar.

Griffey ranks fifth in major-league history with 611 home runs, 10th with 1,152 extra-base hits, 15th with 5,092 total bases, 18th with 1,772 RBI and 30th with 1,613 runs scored. He and Jim Thome were the first teammates in major-league history to be members of the 600 and 500-home run clubs.

Hall, 33, batted .260 (33-127) with two home runs and seven RBI in 41 games with the White Sox in 2008 and .235 (57-243) in 79 games over two seasons with the club. He originally signed with the Sox as a free agent on December 17, 2006.

Offseason off and running

2008-10-30T12:20:00.004-04:00

Baseball does not waste any time in getting its offseason started. Here we are just hours removed from the Phillies World Series win and we already have a couple of moves.

Detroit has decided to decline shortstop Edgar Renteria's option, while it appears Milwaukee will name Ken Macha as its new manager. The Brewers will make it official at a 2:00 p.m. (et) press conference.

Also the Kansas City Royals have acquired first baseman Mike Jacobs from the Florida Marlins for right-hander Leo Nunez. Here is the release from the Royals:

ROYALS ACQUIRE FIRST BASEMAN MIKE JACOBS FROM FLORIDA FOR PITCHER LEO NUNEZ

KANSAS CITY, MO (October 30, 2008) – The Kansas City Royals have acquired first baseman Mike Jacobs from the Florida Marlins in exchange for right-handed pitcher Leo Nunez.

“We’re delighted to acquire a productive hitter to impact the middle of our lineup,” said Dayton Moore, Royals’ Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations and General Manager. “Mike’s a winner and has a very aggressive approach to baseball and we look forward to his presence on our club.”

Jacobs, who turned 28 today, hit .247 (118-for-477) with a career-high 32 home runs and 93 RBI for the Marlins in 2008. The left-handed hitter and right-handed thrower also recorded 27 doubles, two triples and scored 67 runs in 141 games. His 32 homers were the second-most among left-handed hitters in Marlins history, trailing Carlos Delgado's 33 in 2005. Jacobs' 18 home runs away from home in 2008 ranked tied for seventh in the Majors. He homered once every 14.9 at bats, which ranked 10th in the Majors and among first basemen trailed only Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Jacobs was acquired by Florida from the New York Mets on November 24, 2005 with Yusmeiro Petit and Grant Psomas in exchange for Carlos Delgado and cash. He is a .262 career hitter with 80 home runs and 247 RBI. He homered in his first Major League at bat on August 21, 2005 with the Mets. Originally a ninth-round pick of the Mets in 1999, he was named the New York Minor League Player of the Year in both 2003 and 2005.

Drafted as a catcher, Jacobs was converted to first base during the 2005 season. He and his wife, Vanessa, had twin daughters, Gabriella and Havana, on July 29, 2007.

The 25-year old Nunez was 4-1 with a 2.98 ERA in 45 relief appearances for the Royals in 2008.

Mariners name new GM

2008-10-22T14:05:00.000-04:00

Here is the release:

JACK ZDURIENCIK NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER
OF BASEBALL OPERATIONS FOR THE SEATTLE MARINERS

SEATTLE, WA - Seattle Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln and President Chuck Armstrong announced today that Jack Zduriencik (zur-EN-sik) has been named the Mariners new Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations.

"Today is a very exciting day for the Mariners," Armstrong said. "We have spent the past several months looking at a very complete list of potential candidates to become our new General Manager. The individuals we interviewed for the position were excellent. We believe Jack is the best person to provide a new approach and to lead our baseball operations. He has a proven track record of recognizing talent, both on the field and in the front office."

"Jack is extremely well-respected throughout baseball," Lincoln said. "His track record in recognizing and developing young talent in Milwaukee was instrumental in the Brewers steady improvement over the past several seasons. I am very excited about the passion and leadership he will bring to our organization.

"I would like to thank Lee Pelekoudas for his efforts as interim general manager since June 16. He did an excellent job of keeping the organization moving forward." Lee was named interim general manager on June 16, 2008, when Bill Bavasi was relieved of his duties.

Zduriencik, 57 (born January 11, 1951), becomes the eighth full time General Manager in Mariners history. He spent the past nine seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was promoted to VicePresident - Special Assistant to the G.M. for Player Personnel on Jan. 15, 2008. He spent the previous two years (2006-2007) as Special Assistant to the G.M./Director of Amateur Scouting after being hired by the Brewers as Director of Scouting on Oct. 25, 1999.

Following the 2007 season, Zduriencik was named Executive of the Year by Baseball America, becoming the first non-GM to ever win the award.

"I am very excited by this opportunity," Zduriencik said. "Seattle is an outstanding organization with great fans, a great ballpark and an ownership group committed to the goal of bringing a World Series to the Northwest. I believe that working together, we can make the Mariners a model franchise. I am looking forward to getting to work immediately, and developing a plan to reach our goal."

A 25-year veteran in Major League Baseball, Zduriencik worked with four MLB organizations prior to joining the Mariners. In addition to the Brewers, Zduriencik was Director of International Scouting & Special Assistant to the GM for the LA Dodgers in 1999. Zduriencik spent two stints with the New York Mets, beginning his career in New York as an area scout (1983-89), scouting crosschecker (1990, 1994-95), Minor League Operations Director (1996-97) and Special Assistant to the GM (1998). He also worked as the Mets Advance Scout during its playoff runs in 1986 and 1988. Between stints in New York, Zduriencik was Director of Scouting for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1991-93.

Milwaukee's Opening Day line-up this season had eight starting players that came up through the Brewers minor league system, and the Brewers AA affiliate (Huntsville) has been widely touted as one of the most talented club's at any level in recent memory. The Brewers farm system was recognized nationally in 2003 when it was named the Topps' Organization of the Year.

Prior to beginning his work in Major League Baseball, Zduriencik coached football and baseball at Clairton High School in Pittsburgh from 1977-80 and at Tarpon Springs High School in Florida from 1980-82. He coached football and baseball at the collegiate level at Austin Peay State University (Clarksville, TN) from 1975-77.

Jack and his wife, Debbie, have one adult daughter, Kimberly, who is a nurse in Pittsburgh. Zduriencik has a bachelor's degree in education from Cal-State Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree in physical education from Austin Peay State University. Zduriencik is a member of the Pennsylvania American Legion Hall of Fame and the Lawrence County (PA) Hall of Fame.

Pujols, Hamilton are Players Choice Outstanding Players of Year

2008-10-21T14:20:00.002-04:00

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS HONOR TOP PLAYER IN EACH LEAGUE

New York, NY, Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - Major League baseball players in each league cast votes to determine this season’s "best of the best," and the 2008 Players Choice Award winner for National League Outstanding Player is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and the American League Outstanding Player is Texas Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton. The announcement was made today on Yahoo! Sport (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/awards/pa) in the second of a series of Internet specials featuring up-close interviews with Players Choice Award winners and their outstanding performances during the 2008 season, both on and off the field. [See remaining webcast schedule below.] The 2008 Players Choice Awards, presented by Playstation ®, benefit the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Additional support for the Players Choice Awards is provided by The Topps Company and The Upper Deck Company.

Since entering the Majors in 2001, Pujols has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate and 2008 was no different. Despite playing with pain and discomfort in his right elbow, he appeared in 148 games and finished second in the NL batting race, hitting.357. He finished the season with 37 homers, 116 RBI, a career-best 104 walks (2nd most in the NL) and a league-leading slugging percentage of .653, more than 50 points higher than the next player. This is Albert’s fifth Players Choice Award (NL Outstanding Rookie - 2001; NL Outstanding Player & Player of the Year - 2003; Marvin Miller Man of the Year - 2006).

Josh Hamilton’s rise to stardom in 2008 was one of the most inspiring stories in all of Major League Baseball. The once prized prospect, whose battle with addictions almost cost him his career, bounced back to showcase his natural talent and love for the game. Hitting .304, with 32 homers and an AL-best 130 RBI, Hamilton captivated fans all season long and earned his first All-Star Game and Home Run Derby nods. It was at the Derby that Hamilton put on an unforgettable show, breaking the record for most homers in a single round with 28.

Players Choice Awards annually recognize the best player, pitcher, rookie and comeback player in each league. The Player of the Year and Man of the Year awards bestow top honors without regard to league. Balloting of all Major League players for the Players Choice Awards was conducted in September under the supervision of accounting firm KPMG.

Each 2008 Players Choice Award winner will recommend the charity of his choice to receive a grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust. Since 1992, the Players Trust has contributed more than $3.25 million dollars to charities around the world in honor of Players Choice Award winners.

LCS ready to get started

2008-10-09T14:02:00.004-04:00

After four absolutely boring division series matchups, we could have two outstanding Championship Series, which get underway tonight at Citizens Bank Park. You can read all about it here, here, and here.

Or I can just break it down right here:

RED SOX VS. RAYS:

Before the postseason I picked the Red Sox to come out of the AL. I think I am going to go back on that. I didn't like the way Beckett looked in Game 3 and losing Lowell will be tough, especially since Ortiz, Youkilis and Pedroia did not hit a lick in the first two series. Lester will get his wins, but I am not sold on either Beckett or Matsuzaka. You almost got the feeling that the Angels were defeated before they even took the field against the Red Sox. The Rays are not going to be intimidated. They don't know any better. Crazy as it sounds, since the Rays played before empty seats for the better part of the season, but homefield advantage is going to be huge this series. Boston won just once in its eight visits to the Trop, while Tampa was a paltry 2-7 in Fenway. I am expecting a great series, but Tampa is going to pull it out in the end.

Prediction: RAYS IN SEVEN

DODGERS VS. PHILS:

I picked Philadelphia to come out of the NL before the postseason began, so I have to stay with that, but I think they will have their hands full here. Normally Philly feasts on righties, but Lowe has kept them in the park over the course of his career. I think Lowe is going to be real good in this series, but I am not so sure about Billingsley and Kuroda. Chase Utley has to come alive and I think he will. He hit the Dodgers pretty well during the season and I expect him to come up big here. Also, look for a few Ryan Howard moonshots in the first two games of this series to set the tone. Philly is not going to make as many mistakes as Chicago did. Plus with a series win under their belt, they won't be as tight at the plate. Lidge will be shaky, but until he blows one you can't complain. It should be a great series, but the Phils are better from top-to-bottom.

Prediction: PHILADELPHIA IN SIX

Playoffs are underway

2008-10-01T15:22:00.001-04:00

Let's take a look at how I see the first round panning out:

BREWERS VS. PHILLIES:
Before the postseason started, I said I was going to pick the Phillies to come out of the National League. However, I think they are going to have their hands full with this Brewers team. I am not a big Cole Hamels guy. Actually, I think he is going to get outpitched badly in Game One by Yovani Gallardo. Unfortunately for the Brewers, their bullpen is only slightly better than the Mets', so a great effort by him could go for naught since Gallardo can probably only give you six innings. If the Brewers somehow steal Game One with CC Sabathia going in Game Two, Philly's bats are going to be real tight. Sabathia has had his struggles in the postseason and at some point, this short rest thing is going to catch up to him. My guess it happens early on in Game Two in the form of a Ryan Howard moon shot. Plus the Phils have Mr. 41-for-41, Brad Lidge, closing games for them while the Brewers will be running out either Eric Gagne or the human gas can Salomon Torres. Somehow, someway, the Phillies will get it done. Bottom line is they are better.
PHILLIES in FOUR

DODGERS VS. CUBS:
Logic tells you that the Cubs should advance. Their lineup is stacked and are one of the few teams that can go three-deep in their rotation. Everything tells me to pick the Cubs here, but I am not so sure. I question whether or not Carlos Zambrano is healthy. Plus Rich Harden is always a pitch away from blowing up. And I do not trust Kerry Wood in a big spot. On the other hand, few pitchers finished the year the way Derek Lowe and Chad Billingsley did. Add that in with the fact that Manny Ramirez is one of the few players in the league that can single-handedly carry a team on his back, especially in the playoffs. Sorry Cubs fans, your misery lingers. I am going with the upset.
DODGERS in FIVE

RED SOX VS. ANGELS:
This series is simple to figure out. It is great starting pitching against a great lineup. The big question is, can Los Angeles' starters do enough to slow down the potent offense of the Red Sox? That has not been the case the last two times these teams have meet in the playoffs, and Boston has come out on the winning end both times. As good as its pitching is, Los Angeles is going to have to hit at some point in this series. Outside of the big two (Guerrero, Teixeira), though, I don't see the Angels being able to do enough at the plate. I am not sure how Beckett's injury is going to affect the Sox. It would be a huge blow if he is not able to go. As good as K- Rod was this season, I just have a feeling that Boston is going to get to him at some point this series. The Angels may be the best team from top-to-bottom in the playoffs. Unfortunately, they are running into a Red Sox team that just knows how to get it done in October.
RED SOX in FOUR

WHITE SOX VS. RAYS:
If the Rays had drawn the Twins here I probably would have went with Minnesota. Chicago, though, is the perfect first round opponent for Joe Maddon's upstarts. First of all, the White Sox are gassed. Secondly, teams that rely that much on the home run rarely get the job done in the postseason. The young Rays may be overwhelmed by everything, but playoff-tested veterans like Troy Percival, Cliff Floyd and Eric Hinske will keep the B.J. Uptons, Evan Longorias, and Scott Kazmirs in check. It will be interesting to see how Maddon uses phenom David Price, who some say could have a Francisco Rodriguez- in-2002 impact. Either way, despite probably not having any sort of a home field advantage, the Rays will not have a problem here. Hope they enjoy it, because they will get steamrolled in the ALCS.
RAYS IN THREE

More Yost stuff

2008-09-15T15:07:00.002-04:00

Funny thing is I was actually going to do my column this week on whether or not Ned Yost should be fired at the end of this season. I never thought the Brewers would do it with 12 games left in the season.

By all accounts Yost is a good guy, he just isn't much of a leader. Last year they faded down the stretch and missed the playoffs. It was their first year in that position in a long time so he got the benefit of the doubt. Two years in a row is unacceptable, especially with the acquisition of CC Sabathia and the way he has performed.

I don't think I make this move, though, with less than two weeks to play.

After getting swept by the Phillies this weekend, the Brewers find themselves tied atop the NL wild card standings with 12 games to play.

Ned Yost Fired

2008-09-15T15:02:00.001-04:00

Ned Yost has been fired by the Milwaukee Brewers. Here is the release from the Milwaukee Brewers:

YOST RELIEVED OF MANAGERIAL POST

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee Brewers today announced that Ned Yost has been dismissed from his position as manager of the Club. The announcement was made by Brewers Executive Vice President and General Manager, Doug Melvin.

“This was a very difficult move to make, and we appreciate all of the work that Ned has done to develop this team into a contender,” Melvin said. “In the end, this was a collaborative decision made to put our Club in the best position for the final two weeks of the season.”

Dale Sveum, the Brewers third base coach, will take over in an interim role as manager for the remainder of the season. Bench Coach Ted Simmons has been reassigned to an advisory role. Any other coaching changes will be announced later.

The worst 1:34 of my day

2008-09-11T20:44:00.002-04:00

I hope Torii Hunter's 200 IM training does not interfere with his ability to shove players in the back when they are walking away.

Wagner gone for at least a year

2008-09-08T14:00:00.003-04:00

The news is about as bad as it gets for the Mets. Closer Billy Wagner, who had a setback in his rehab assignment on Sunday, reportedly has an MCL tear in his left elbow and could miss up to a year.

I guess K-Rod will have a new suitor this offseason.

Wagner has likely pitched his last game for the Mets. The team signed him to a four-year, $43 million contract before the 2006 season. The club holds a $10 million option on his contract for 2010.

Are the Cubs in trouble?

2008-09-03T09:36:00.003-04:00

Uh-oh.

Chicago starter Carlos Zambrano, whose start on Tuesday was already pushed back two days because of arm fatigue, had to leave that outing in the fifth inning with what is being called an arm injury. Everyone was tight-lipped about what was going on after the game, but the big righty is coming off an August that saw him win just one of his five starts, while pitching to a 7.43 ERA.

If that news wasn't bad enough, Cubs manager Lou Piniella announced before last night's contest that Rich Harden will not pitch until next Wednesday or Thursday - nearly two weeks after his last start.

Piniella says there is nothing wrong with his arm, but I am not buying it. To say Harden is a little injury prone is kind of like saying Amy Winehouse has a slight drug problem. If it was anyone else I would probably believe him, but I think something is bothering Harden.

Phillies pick up Matt Stairs

2008-08-29T11:54:00.001-04:00

The Philadelphia Phillies added a much-needed left-handed bat on Friday, as they apparently plucked outfielder Matt Stairs from the Toronto Blue Jays for a prospect.

Stairs was hitting .258 this season with 11 home runs and 44 RBI for the Jays, who designated him for assignment following their loss to the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday.

Philadelphia had been linked to Mark Kotsay before he was shipped to Boston on Wednesday.

Of course, nothing is official, but if Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting it, you can take it to the bank.

Beckett scratched again

2008-08-28T18:26:00.002-04:00

Uh-oh. Josh Beckett is once again being scratched from his next start and will instead make a trip to see Dr. James Andrews.

Probably the last thing you want to hear if you are a pitcher.

Beckett, who last pitched on August 17, had originally been dealing with numbness in the pinky and ring finger on his right hand, but the team learned later that elbow inflammation was also plaguing the 2003 World Series MVP.

A 20-game winner last season, Beckett is 11-9 with a 4.34 earned run average in 23 starts this season.

Deja Vu all over again for the Mets?

2008-08-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

The Mets were up seven runs with 17 outs to go last night before the bottom fell out in Philadelphia. Sound familiar?

Mets fans shouldn't be worried, though. Momentum lasts as long as the next game. If Johan Santana goes out and throws a gem tonight, last night's debacle will all be forgotten.

Some draft drama in the Steel City

2008-08-27T15:00:00.001-04:00

Well it appears there is a reason that second overall pick Pedro Alvarez has yet to report to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Apparently the Players Association, which filed a grievance on his behalf on Wednesday, is saying Alvarez verbally agreed to his $6MM bonus after the midnight deadline on August 15th.

Super agent Scott Boras informed the Pirates that Alvarez will not sign the contract unless it is renegotiated at a higher number. Remind me again why people in baseball dislike him?

Anyway here is the official statement from the Bucos:

"At the Pirates’ request, the Office of the Commissioner today placed Pedro Alvarez on Major League Baseball’s Restricted List. The Pirates were forced to request that Pedro be placed on the Restricted List because we were informed by his agent, Scott Boras, that Pedro will not sign the contract to which he agreed on August 15. Boras further informed us that Pedro will not report to the Club unless we renegotiate his contract and agree to pay him more than the $6 million signing bonus to which he agreed.

"The Major League Rules provide that a player who refuses to sign a Uniform Player Contract to which he has agreed and report to the signing Club shall, upon a report of the signing Club, be placed on the Restricted List until he signs a contract reflecting the terms to which he has agreed. Such a player may not sign a contract with or play for any other Club. While demanding that we renegotiate his contract and pay Pedro more than the $6 million signing bonus to which Pedro agreed, Mr. Boras has contended that the contract we reached with Pedro was consummated after the August 15 deadline. This claim was not raised on the evening of the 15th when we informed Mr. Boras that Major League Baseball had confirmed that the contract was submitted in a timely fashion. Mr. Boras asserted this claim several days later, after all of the draft signings had become publicized.

"The Pirates are confident that the contract reached with Pedro Alvarez was agreed to and submitted to Major League Baseball in a timely fashion and properly accepted by Major League Baseball. In fact, the contract between the Kansas City Royals and Eric Hosmer, another Boras client, was submitted to the Office of the Commissioner after our contract with Pedro was submitted. Mr. Boras is apparently satisfied with the $6 million bonus that he secured for Mr. Hosmer and has not challenged the validity of that contract. Mr. Boras has been informed that if he pursues a claim that our contract with Pedro was not timely he puts Eric Hosmer’s contract with Kansas City in jeopardy.

"The Pirates made several attempts to commence negotiations immediately following the draft and were willing and ready to agree to pay Pedro a $6 million signing bonus from the very outset. Predictably, however, Mr. Boras refused to engage in any negotiations at all until shortly before the August 15 deadline and even then an agreement was reached only after Pedro took control of the negotiations.

"Regrettably, we are not surprised that Mr. Boras would attempt to raise a meritless legal claim in an effort to compel us to renegotiate Pedro’s contract to one more to his liking. We are, however, disappointed that Pedro would allow his agent to pursue this claim on his behalf. Pedro showed tremendous fortitude and independent thinking when he agreed to his contract on August 15.

"The Office of the Commissioner has assured us that we have a valid contract with Pedro and that it will vigorously defend any claim to the contrary. Despite our disappointment, we continue to believe in Pedro Alvarez the person and the baseball player and remain excited to add Pedro to our system. We will sit down with Pedro and his family as soon as Mr. Boras’ claim is rejected to chart a new and much more productive start to Pedro’s career with the Pittsburgh Pirates."

MLB should follow LPGA's lead

2008-08-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

In case anyone missed it, and you probably did since the LPGA gets about as much attention as the Westminster Dog Show around here, the LPGA announced that starting in 2009, golfers on the tour will be forced to pass an English proficiency test and if they fail, they will be suspended from the golf tournament and not let back on tour until they improve their speaking skills.

Kudos to them. Forget the fact that it is probably illegal, but I have been saying this for years about baseball. Not to go all Archie Bunker here, but it drives me nuts that some of these players don't even make an effort to learn the language.

Yaz admitted to the hospital

2008-08-19T13:27:00.000-04:00

Boston Red Sox great Carl Yastrzemski has been admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital after experiencing discomfort and chest pains. He is undergoing evaluation and testing, and no further information is available at this time.

Dodgers get Greg Maddux

2008-08-18T21:25:00.000-04:00

The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired future Hall of Fame right-hander Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres for likely a player to be named later.

The deal should be finalized either tonight or tomorrow.

Some news on a Sunday

2008-08-17T12:05:00.000-04:00

The NL East leading New York mets bolstered their bullpen on Sunday, as they acquired reliever Luis Ayala from the Washington Nationals in exchange for minor league shortstop Anderson Hernandez.

New York had expressed interest in Ayala at the trade deadline, but was unable to complete a deal at that time.

In other Mets news, closer Billy Wagner apparently suffered a setback with his injured left arm and will be sidelined longer than first thought.

The Mets enter action on Sunday with a two-game lead on the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.

Elsewhere around the league, Detroit placed closer Todd Jones back on the 15-day DL, just two days after returning from a stint on the shelf.

First round picks get paid

2008-08-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

All but two of Major League Baseball's first-round draft picks signed with their respective clubs by Friday's midnight deadline.

Washington was unable to close the deal with Missouri right-hander Aaron Crow, while righty Gerrit Cole chose to go the college route rather than sign a $5+ million signing bonus with the New York Yankees.

For anyone interested the 27 first-round picks who signed received an average bonus of $2,484,963, smashing the previous record of $2,154,280 set in 2001.

Also three of the four largest up-front bonuses in draft history were handed out on deadline day this year: The Giants handed catcher Buster Posey a record $6.2 million, while Kansas City and Pittsburgh paid Eric Hosmer and Pedro Alvarez $6 million apiece.

Last year, the Orioles gave Matt Wieters $6 million at the deadline.

Seattle has still yet to sign Josh Fields, but he is a college senior and the deadline did not apply to him.

Rollins making friends in Philly

2008-08-14T14:32:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, underachieving Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins appeared on the Best Damn Sports Show Period on Wednesday and called Philadelphia fans front runners.

J-Roll Best Damn
by TheFightins

Rollins has a point, but just about any athlete can make that claim. It is probably not a good idea, though, to make it on national TV, especially if you play in Philadelphia and you have been awful this season.

Rollins has been nowhere near the player he was last season. If he was anything close to that the Phillies would be running away with the NL East instead of being tied with the Mets. Not to mention he has already been called out publicly for showing up late to games.

Something tells me J-Roll might hear a different reception at Citizens Bank Park when his team returns from their West Coast road trip.

But then again, he and teammate Ryan Howard did gave us this little gem earlier in the year.

So what did I miss?

2008-08-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

Well as the five or six people who may actually read this have realized, I have been on vacation the last week and since I don't have the common sense to leave this blog in the more than capable hands of my young apprentices - Mike Rushton and Shawn Clarke - it hasn't been updated since I left.

I guess a lot has happened since I left.

Brett Favre is with my beloved New York Jets (oh wait, wrong sport), Tampa Bay has been severely hit by the injury bug, Adam Dunn is in Arizona and Paul Byrd now has to look for a "dentist" in Boston.

Well as far as the baseball news is concerned, Tampa Bay may be the most affected by this past week's events. The Rays have been relatively healthy all season. Now they will have to make do without two monster pieces of the puzzle, as Carl Crawford will probably be lost the rest of the way and Evan Longoria is expected to miss at least the rest of the month with a broken wrist.

They have a nice cushion in the East, but with a ton of road games on the horizon, the wind could be coming out of the upstart Rays' sails pretty soon.

Dunn is obviously Arizona's answer to the Dodgers getting Manny Ramirez at the trade deadline. I have said before if you put Dunn in a real good lineup he will give you Ryan Howard-type numbers. Heck he was doing that anyway with Cincinnati. Now, the D'Backs are not the '27 Yankees, but the lineup is an upgrade over the Reds. No-brainer move by Arizona, which has been putrid at the plate.

The NL West is going to be fun to watch down the stretch.

As far as the Byrd signing goes, well here is my take. For as bad as the Yankees' starting pitching has been, they chose not to block Boston's waiver pickup of him. What does that tell you?

Garcia auditioning for teams

2008-08-05T13:41:00.000-04:00

If your team did not get the starting pitcher it needed at the trade deadline, have no fear. Freddy Garcia, who hasn't thrown a meaningful pitch in the big leagues since last season, is scheduled to throw in front of a number of teams this afternoon at the University of Miami.

Garcia was just 1-5 last season for the Philadelphia Phillies before being shut down with a shoulder injury which required reconstructive surgery. Supposedly he is close to being ready. He would obviously need a few rehab starts, so a mid-September return would be the most likely scenario.

I don't know when I hear a shoulder injury for a pitcher that usually spells trouble.

But, then again he is money in the postseason, having gone 6-2 in nine playoff starts. I guess I would take a flyer on him.

Wood back from DL

2008-08-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

Kerry Wood was activated from the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.

Wood, who will be available for this afternoon's tilt with the Houston Astros, hasn't pitched since before the All-Star break because of a blister on on his right index finger.

Selected to the All-Star Game, Wood has gone 4-2 with 24 saves in 29 opportunities and a 3.02 earned-run average in 44 appearances this season.

To make room on the roster for Wood the Cubs designated lefty Scott Eyre for assignment.

The 'stache is no more

2008-08-04T11:05:00.000-04:00

Perhaps it was the American Mustache Institute's failed campaign to get him into the All-Star Game, or maybe it is the fact that he is hitting just over .200 since July 1, but Jason Giambi has decided shave off his mustache.

No word on whether or not he is going back to the leopard skin thong.

Yankee Old Timer's Day

2008-08-02T12:05:00.000-04:00

As a baseball fan it does not get much better than Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium. I am not sure how many teams even still have these kind of festivities, but the Yankees do it year after year and it is just awesome.

Of course, no team has the history of the Yankees, and it is not the same as it used to be when they would trot a lineup of Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Yogie Berra among others out there, but there are still enough legends left to make it a memorable day for all involved.

With this being the last at the current stadium, this one should be huge. Supposedly it is going to be the largest number of Yankees alumni in uniform for Old-Timers’ Day in the history of the event with at least one player from each of the last 16 Yankees World Championship teams since 1947.

And for those of you wondering...Yes Aaron Small will be in the building.

My favorite Old Timer's Day memory: The year after Mickey Mantle died, Bob Sheppard announced his name in his normal spot, right after Whitey Ford's and, of course, before Joe DiMaggio's.

You see, Dimaggio had to come out last, even though Mantle always received the biggest ovation.

Reggie Jackson has a little DiMaggio in him. He got all bent out of shape a few years back when Don Mattingly was announced last. Reggie felt that the Hall of Famers should be the final ones introduced. He may have a point, but if Mattingly is going to get the biggest ovation - and he always will as long as Derek Jeter is still active - it is kind of anticlimactic to bring out the Hall of Famers after that.

Aside from the politics, though, it really is a special day.

What'chu talking about umpire?

2008-08-02T11:41:00.000-04:00

It is nice to see that Gary Coleman is keeping busy these days. The former Diffrent Strokes star signed a one-day contract with the Madison Mallards on Friday, but was thrown out in his debut after it was revealed that he corked his bat with superballs. Then, of course, he had to argue with the umpire over a precieved short joke. Good times were had by all.

Nice get by the Mallards, by the way. How Coleman was even available for this gig is amazing. Maybe my beloved Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs could land Fred Savage for a one-day assignment.

I love minor league baseball.

Manny to the Dodgers

2008-07-31T16:31:00.000-04:00

Cnnsi.com's Jon Heyman was the first to report that the Boston Red Sox dealt outfielder Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox received Jason Bay in return.

Yanks ship Attorney General to DC

2008-07-31T16:01:00.000-04:00

Where else would the Yankees send Alberto Gonzalez?

The Washington Nationals today acquired shortstop Alberto Gonzalez from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor-league right-handed pitcher Jhonny Nunez. Gonzalez is expected to report to Washington, DC on Friday and be in uniform for the Nationals’ series opener vs. Cincinnati. Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Jim Bowden made the announcement.

Gonzalez, 25, is a plus defensive shortstop who last season was rated as the top defensive infielder in the Yankees’ minor-league system. Gonzalez, who played in 28 games during a pair of stints with the Yankees this season, batted .250 (47-for-188) with eight doubles, four home runs and 23 RBI in 47 games with Scranton/W-B of the Triple-A International League in 2008.

Gonzalez was acquired by the Yankees as part of the January 2007 five-player trade that brought Randy Johnson to New York. In 2005, he was rated by Baseball America as the top defensive infielder in Arizona’s minor-league system. At the minor-league level, Gonzalez tallied at least 20 doubles each of the last three seasons and has fanned just once every 8.6 at-bats in five-plus seasons.

Jason Bay deal could be cooking

2008-07-31T15:51:00.000-04:00

The Pittsburgh Pirates may be close to trading outfielder Jason Bay to the Tampa Bay Rays for a couple of prospects. Reportedly the players coming back to the Steel City will be shortstop Reid Brignac and right-hander Jeff Niemann.

Pittsburgh is apparently holding out for lefty David Price. Good luck with that.

By the way one of those prospects is better than anything the Yankees gave up for Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte.

Griffey to the Windy City

2008-07-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

So much for a quiet trade deadline.

It appears Ken Griffey Jr. may be headed to the Chicago White Sox. Apparently the deal is just awaiting Griffey's approval since he has veto power over any trade.

UPDATE: Griffey approved deal. It appears Danny Richar and Nick Masset are heading to Cincinnati.

OFFICIAL RELEASE:

The Chicago White Sox have acquired Hall of Fame-bound outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. and cash considerations from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar.

Griffey, 38, is a former American League Most Valuable Player (1997) and 13-time All-Star. The left-handed slugger hit career home run No. 600 on June 9 of this season, and his home run total of 608 ranks sixth all-time in Major League Baseball history. Griffey has won seven Louisville Silver Slugger Awards and 10 Rawlings Gold Gloves during his 20-year career with Seattle (1989-99) and Cincinnati (2000-08).

“Our intent is to win the American League Central division and ultimately, to win another World Series championship,” said Ken Williams, White Sox general manager. “Adding a player the caliber of Ken Griffey Jr. gives us a better chance to realize those goals. Griffey’s addition gives Ozzie (Guillen) more flexibility. Ozzie has the opportunity to field his best team – offensively and defensively – on a day-to-day basis over the next two months, and this gives us the chance to keep some of our middle of the order hitters fresh and producing down the stretch. I spoke with Ken, and he is excited to be coming to Chicago to try and help us reach the postseason.”

Griffey, who has hit safely in his last 12 games with the Reds (.318, 14-44) and owns a .927 on-base plus slugging percentage in July, is batting .245 (88-359) with 15 home runs, 53 RBI and a .355 on-base percentage in 102 games with Cincinnati in 2008. In 2007, Griffey hit .277 (146-528) with 30 home runs and 93 RBI in 144 games with the Reds.

Griffey, who is expected to join the White Sox Friday in Kansas City, is signed through 2008 with a club option for 2009. He will wear uniform No. 17.

Over his career, Griffey has hit .288 (2,646-9,185) with 608 home runs and 1,754 RBI in 2,480 games. Currently 354 hits shy of 3,000 for his career, Griffey is one extra-base hit behind Ty Cobb (1,140) for 10th on the all-time list and ranks 16th in RBI. Griffey leads all active major leaguers in home runs, multihomer games (55), hits, total bases (5,039), runs (1,596) and extra-base hits (1,139).

Griffey has led the league in home runs four times and has topped 50 home runs in a season twice, hitting 56 with Seattle in 1997 and 1998. He led the league in RBI in 1997 with a career-high 147 and has topped 100 RBI eight times. A member of baseball’s All-Century Team, he has homered in 43 ballparks over his career (including all existing) to tie for second most all-time.

Masset was 1-0 with one save and a 4.63 ERA (23 ER/44.2 IP) in 32 games with the White Sox in 2008. The 26-year-old right-hander is 3-3 with one save and a 5.63 ERA (58 ER/92.2 IP) in 67 career games in the major leagues with Texas (2006) and the White Sox (2007-08).

Richar, 25, is hitting .262 with nine home runs, 39 RBI and 11 stolen bases with Class AAA Charlotte in 2008. The second baseman batted .230 with six home runs and 15 RBI in 56 games with the White Sox in 2007.

ManRam getting ready to join HanRam?

2008-07-30T20:09:00.002-04:00

Multiple sources are reporting that the Boston Red Sox are in deep discussions with the Florida Marlins to send Manny Ramirez to South Beach for three players.

Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, though, has the best rumor of them all. He is hearing a three-way deal that would include the Pittsburgh Pirates with Jason Bay ending up in Beantown.

Seriously if that happens Bud Selig should close up shop in Pittsburgh. What is the purpose of them even having a team at this point?

UPDATE (10:05 EDT) : The three-way seems to be going down. Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll seems to think the Commissioner's Office has already been informed that something is real close to getting done.

Pudge to the Yanks

2008-07-30T17:26:00.000-04:00

I leave the office for a little bit and what do you know? A trade. It looks as if the New York Yankees have acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers for reliever Kyle Farnsworth.

My initial reaction is that I like it from a Yankee standpoint. They needed a legit starting catcher. Pudge is not the hitter he once was, but let's be honest he is an ugrade over Jose Molina at the plate. Plus with that lineup all I-Rod has to do is play defense anyway.

Farnsworth has been pretty steady of late for the Yankees, but they have seen enough of him over the last two years to know he cannot be trusted. Not to mention he has served up 11 home runs as a setup man.

The addition of Damaso Marte over the weekend may have sealed his fate.

Detroit fills need, I guess, but they are weaker behind the plate with Brandon Inge there now on a full-time basis.

Both players are free agents at season's end. You would think Pudge is going to be Type A meaning the Yanks will get two primo picks for him if they offer him arbitration. Farnsworth will likely fall into the Type B category so Detroit will only get one pick in return.

Buster Olney is a tool

2008-07-30T15:48:00.000-04:00

ESPN baseball writer/analyst Buster Olney apparently has his panties in a bunch about some news outlet, or as he referred to, a website backstamping their times on stories to make it look as if they are breaking some sort of news.

Since you basically have to pay for everything on the Worldwide Leader's website these days, I will take the The Big Lead's word for it. They hint that it could be Fox Sports that Olney is referring to.

As someone mentioned to me, if everyone is reporting the story within minutes of it breaking who really cares who has it first? Did Olney used to remind his teacher on a Friday that they forgot to dole out homework on the weekends?

By the way I have seen Ken Rosenthal in action at the Winter Meetings the last couple of seasons and he is an animal. He was the one breaking every big story as far as I could tell. And while we are talking about that I have seen ESPN guys piggybacking Rosenthal scoops, pawning them off as their own.

So put that in your pipe and smoke it Olney.

New-look MLB Blog

2008-07-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

So it appears we here at the Sports Network are heading back into the world of blog-dom. We toyed with this before, but it never really worked out. Probably because our placement was slightly better than the Tour De France and Mickey on the Move sections on our site.

But now that powers that be seem to think having a blog might be a good idea. So hopefully we should have a link on the front page alongside Scott Garbarini's new NFL Blog, Extra Points.

We will do our best here to update daily, but you never know when a game of sporcle is going to break out.