Washburn a Yankee?

Rumor going around the web is that the Yankees have traded for Jarrod Washburn. details are not known, more later should the rumor be true.

Yankees add.

Damaso Marte and Xavier Nady were traded to the Yankees for Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Tabata, Jeff Karstens and Dan McCutchen. The Yankees had been searching for a right handed bat in the outfield and a lefty set-up man, and got two of the best available. The Pirates get a 19 year old stud athlete in outfielder Jose Tabata as well as 3 pitchers, Karstens and Ohlendorf wih major league experience and McCutchen, who was posting great numbers in the minors.

600 For Junior Griffey!

He was supposed to be the one, the perfect swing that would net 800 homers before he called it a career. He was the guy hitting 56 without any "help", when Big Mac and Slammin Sammy were getting all the attention in 1998. His offense was unparalleled and his defensive top notch. His home-runs were towering and majestic and his swing was the sweetest around. It was always that swing that got my attention. Almost without effort the ball would collide with the bat, sending it soaring 400+ feet away. Then would come a few slow steps, then the trot. It happened so often that its impossible to forget now. 49 homers in 1996 and back to back 56 homer years in 97 and 98. He was the youngest to 300, 350, 400, 450 home runs in the history of the game. It was never a question of would this guy break the all time home run record, talk was always when. Then the unfortunate happened. After his first solid year in Cincinnati(40 homers, 118 RBI's), injury after injury piled up dropping his games played from 111, to 70, to just 53 in 2003. It was almost unthinkable, only twice in 11 years in Seattle had he failed to play 120 games(111 in 1994 and he still hit 40 homers, and 72 in 1995) and in 8 of the 11 he played in 140 or more, and 145 in 2000 his first as a red. What will be, became what should have been. In his prime in the mid 90's, Ken Griffey was without question, the best player in baseball, the complete package. He was the best at the plate, and the best in center field. As i watched the kid hit his 600th home run yesterday, only the 6th player in major league history(Bonds, Aaron, Ruth, Mays and Sosa) it was a bittersweet moment. Since his 40 homer season in 2000, Griffey has hit 30 or more homers twice, topping out at 35 in 2005, playing in only 128 games. 2000 was also the last year Griffey topped 100 RBI's in a season. The moment wasn't about what just happened, it was about what should have happened. As i participated in my fantasy baseball draft earlier this spring, i selected Ken Griffey Jr. almost out habit, thinking about those towering shots and the perfect swing. What could have been, what should have been, 600, 700, 800.

Wednesday May 28th, 2008 may just be the last time the words, "reliever Joba Chamberlain" are used. After an inning and a third in which the Yankees pitcher allowed one hit, one walk and struck out 3, Chamberlain would throw a bullpen session to build up his pitch count and arm and leg strength.

In five days Ian kennedy will be rehabing in Tampa after injuring himself on Tuesday may 27th against Baltimore. This opens the door for Joba to make his first Major league start. After winning 9 of his 15 starts in the Minors in 2007, Joba became a bulpen ace for the Yankees down the stretch, becoming one of the biggest reasons they made the playoffs. This year, the team has struggled to get to .500, even with their bullpen ace. Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy are both hurt, thats 2 of the Yankees planned 5 starters on the DL. Darrell Rasner has been a pleasant suprise, but aside from Chen-Ming Wang, the Yankees rotation has been inconsistant. Joe Girardi, Brian Cashman and the rest of the yankees Brass hopes Chamberlain can be a stabalizing force in the rotation for the rest of the season and many more to come.

Over the coming weeks and months the Joba starter/reliever debate will reach it's peak as Joba gets his feet wet as a starter, and as the Yankees search for a set-up man who can come close to what Joba was abke to do, in those rare ocasions this year when the yankees ebter the late innings with a lead.

Tigers in last place?

Yeah, you saw right, the Detroit Tigers currently sit in last place in the AL Central after an 0-6 start to the 2008 season.

What happened to the hype about them being the "World Series favorites?"  What happened to Miguel Cabrera being the big bat this team needed to get over the hump?  Nothing is happening for this team.  Not only has their offense been dormant, but their pitching isn't very good either.  Dontrelle Willis seems to be the only one, in the Tigers staff, that is pitching well at all.

So what's next for this team?  If their bats don't pick up soon, it's going to be a long season for Detroit.  Are they the new "overspending for nothing" team?  Although we're just into the 2nd week of the season, things are looking good in Detroit.

First Week Observations.

Baltimore and Florida in first? Boston in last? The Detroit 0-6? You gotta love the first week of the baseball season.

The biggest suprise is the winless start for the Detroit Tigers. The pre-season world series favorite started the season by dropping 3 games apeice to the Royals and Whitesox. The offense has been dormant and pitching has been eratic. Brandon Inge leads the team in Home Runs and RBI's, while freshly signed Miguel Cabrera has knocked in exactly 1 run on a solo homer on opening day, and is hitting .111. On the pitching side the team ERA is well above 5 with the only starter under 5 being 43 year old Kenny Rogers. Justin Verlander has been hit hard giving up 8 runs in just over 11 innings.

On the other end of the spectrum there is the Baltimore Orioles. After losing their first game 6-2 against the Rays, they then preceded to win their next 5, includng a 4 game sweep of the Seattle Mariners. Brian Roberts(yup, still an Oriole) came out of the gate on fire batting .368 with 3 stolen bases and a 1.170 OPS. However he has been upstaged by Luke Scott. Aquired by Baltimore in the Miguel Tejada Deal, the outfielder is sporting a .500 average. Aubrey Huff hasn't been the hitter he once was in Tampa since being aquired, but has put up decent power numbers to start his 2008 campaign with 2 homers and 7 RBI's early on. Starting pitching hasn't been great, Steve Trachsel is the only starter with an ERA under 5 , but the bullpen has been fantastic. In just over 21 innings of work the orioles pen has given up just 2 earned runs.

Some other notable opening week observations:

Chien-Ming Wang is just fine. After his poor performance in the playoffs, he has pitched 2 supurb games to start the season and has looked dominat at times.

Milwaukee is for real. Braun and Fielder can rake, Sheets is fantastic, they may not win the division, but they will be in the hunt.

Hanley Ramirez is good. The rest of the team, especially the pitching, is awful, but that kid is special.

The Mets could be in trouble. With pedro Down again, the Mets better hope Maine and Perez are for real and Pelfrey and Hernandez can get the job done. Santana has been great, but a so-so offense and bullpen can only get them so far. They will also have to figure out how to beat Atlanta..


With one week doen, just another 26 to go.

Rays overcome early 2-0 deficit, defeat Orioles

Tampa Bay 6 Baltimore Orioles 2

Recap Box Score


The Baltimore Orioles looked like they might take control of the game right off the bat after a 2-run double by Kevin Millar, but those were the only runs they would score in a 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay (don't call me Devil) Rays.

A Melvin Mora fielding error led to the Rays first run to cut the Orioles lead to 2-1, then B.J. Upton would put the Rays up for good with a 2-run single and the Rays never looked back. Eric Hinske homered for the Rays in the 4th, his first of the season.

Jeremy Guthrie, who the Orioles were hoping would take the #1 spot in the rotation and run with it since the departure of Erik Bedard, struggled mightily in his first start. He went 5 1/3 innings, giving up 6 runs (5 ER) on 9 hits a walk and 2 strikeouts. Opposite Guthrie, James Shields had an impressive first start, getting the win for the Rays. He went 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, walking 3 and striking out 2.

Contrary to last season, the Baltimore Orioles' bullpen was surprisingly strong. Matt Albers and Brian Burres combined for 3 1/3 shutout innings after Jeremy Guthrie departed, giving up just 1 hit.

The two teams will play the 2nd of the 3 game set in Baltimore tomorrow. Matt Garza will go for the Rays, Daniel Cabrera for the Orioles. Game time is 7:05pm EST.

Arizona powers their way over Reds

Arizona 4 Cincinnati 2

Box Score Recap


The Arizona Diamondbacks wasted no time in getting off to a good start to open the 2008 campaign. Chris Young, Eric Byrnes and Jeff Salazar all hit solo HR's as the Diamondbacks defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-2.

Both starting pitchers didn't pitch that badly for their first starts of the regular season. Arizona's Brandon Webb went 6 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits, walked 4 and struck out 6, getting the win. Cincinnati's Aaron Harang also went 6 innings giving up 3 runs (2 ER) on 8 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts, he was saddled with the loss.

Offensively for Cincinnati, Brandon Phillips (1/4, RBI, 3 K's) had an RBI triple in the bottom half of the 4th inning, scoring Ken Griffey Jr (0/3, R, BB, 2 K's), Phillips would later score on a ground out from Adam Dunn.

Both teams will face each other again tomorrow in the 2nd of a 3-game series in Cincinnati. The defending NL West Champions will have new acquisition, Dan Haren, on the hill for the Diamondbacks while the Reds will have Bronson Arroyo make his first start of the regular season. Game time is 7:10pm EST.

Royals 5 Tigers 4 F-11

ROYALS 5 TIGERS 4 F-11

Box Score Recap

The Detroit Tigers blew an early 3-0 lead and lost their season opener to the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in 11 innings this afternoon.

Tigers starter Justin Verlander (6.0 IP 8 H 3 ER 4 BB 5 K's) didn't have the kind of start he was hoping for on Opening Day and exited the game in the 7th inning with the Tigers still leading 3-2 but left runners on base and noone out. Jason Grilli replaced him and gave up the game tying hit to Jack Buck, then Acquilino Lopez would give up the go ahead RBI single to Mark Grudzielanek later in the 7th inning.

With the Tigers down 4-3 in the 8th inning, Carlos Guillen would hit a solo HR off former Padre and Dodger Brett Tomko. The game would go into the 11th inning before Kansas City would break the 4-4 tie after Tony Pena Jr would single home Jack Buck off Tigers' reliever Denny Bautista.

Closer Joakim Soria would close the door in the bottom half of the 11th to give the Royals an Opening Day 5-4 win.

The two teams will face off again tomorrow in Detroit, with the game slated to start at 1:05pm EST. Brian Bannister will go for the Royals while the Tigers will have veteran left-hander Kenny Rogers on the hill.

Game Recaps

For those of you who decided to call in sick today, and for that I'm proud of you, to watch Opening Day because you were having baseball withdrawals, I'll be posting game recaps for most if not all of the games today.

Today did not get off to a good start, however, for the Yankees and Blue Jays. The game has been postponed due to rain and a new date should be set soon for the makeup game.

Two other games are also being delayed due to weather. Arizona is in Cincinnati to take on the Reds and Milwaukee is in Chicago to face the Cubs, both are being delayed due to rain.

A game that is already underway, the Detroit Tigers are hosting the Kansas City Royals, the game is currently in the top half of the 7th. Detroit got the scoring started in the 2nd inning. After a Carlos Guillen double to lead off the home half of the 2nd, both Pudge Rodriguez and Jacque Jones would strike out. After a Bradon Inge walk, Edgar Renteria would single, scoring Guillen from 2nd.

In the 4th inning, after Pudge Rodriguez led off the inning with a walk, Brandon Inge would hit a 1-out double to left and Renteria would be walked to load the bases. When it looked like the Royals would get out of the inning unscathed after Placido Polanco lined out to right field, Gary Sheffield would work a bases loaded walk which scored Pudge Rodriguez to make it a 2-0 game.

The very next inning, new Tigers' acquisition Miguel Cabrera would make his presence felt, lauching a solo HR to left to push the Tigers up 3-0 after 5 innings, but back came the Royals.

In the top half of the 6th, Mark Grudzielanek would hit a 1-out single, then Alex Gordon would pull the Royals within 1 after a 2-run HR to right off Justin Verlander, his first of the season and it was 3-2 in favor of the Tigers.

In the 7th, with Verlander still in the game, Mark Teahan would work a lead off walk followed by a Ross Gload single to put 2 men on and noone out, which signaled the end of the day for Tigers' starter Justin Verlander. Jason Grilli would be brought in to replace Verlander who promptly gave up an RBI single to Jack Buck, scoring Mark Teahan from 2nd to tie the game 3-3. Grilli would be pulled in favor of Bobby Seay who got Joey Gathright to line out to short. Seay was quickly pulled after 1 batter and replaced with Acquilino Lopez to face Mark Grudzielanek. Grudzielanek would untie the game with an RBI single to right scoring Ross Gload.

After 7 innings, the Royals lead 4-3 in Detroit.

Orioles release OF Gibbons

The Baltimore Orioles, on Sunday, released outfielder Jay Gibbons according to David Ginsburg of the Associated Press.

The Orioles, apparently, were done waiting for him to return to 2005 form when he hit 26 HR's. Although Gibbons is still owed $11.9M on his contract, the Orioles decided it was worth the hit.

Opening Day has arrived!

This is a day that you baseball fans, myself included, have been waiting for since the World Series ended back in October.

Well, that day is finally here, Opening Day 2008 has arrived. There are 14 games scheduled for today, the first of which will be the Yankees and Blue Jays which gets underway at 1:05pm EST. Roy Halladay will go for Toronto opposite Chein-Ming Wang for the New York Yankees.

Can you feel that intense feeling, that excitement? It's baseball season! Get ready, because this is going to be a fun ride all year long.

Roberts deal dead?

After all the talk about Brian Roberts being traded to the Chicago Cubs over the last few months, it's not being reported that the deal is dead.

Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, "we worked at it this long, and we don't have a deal."

Cubs fans were looking forward to this deal going down, bringing a legit 2nd baseman and leadoff threat to their lineup would have made their offense that much better. Now that the deal seems to be dead, the question becomes, are the Cubs now looking elsewhere or are they content to go with what they have for the time being?

Giants "going in another direction"

The Giants have finally washed their hands of Barry Bonds, and it's about time. Owner Peter McGowan was asked if the Giants would consider bringing Bonds back at a reduced price, to which he responded "No, not this team. We're going in a new direction, that would not be going in a new direction. The time has come to turn the page. With Barry Bonds gone, this is a club at the beginning of a new era."

Not only is the clubhouse going to have a different feel to it, but also AT&T Park is removing anything that had Barry's face on (ex. left field wall) as well as the "756" that was posted towards the Right Center area. The Giants did say however, through a team spokeman, that they would post a plaque where Bonds' last HR with the team landed.

Even though the Giants are picked to finish dead last in the NL West division by just about every major sports network, the team is headed in the right direction to putting together a very good team for year's to come.

Now that they're out from under the distraction that Bonds was, they can finally become a team again.

Can the Cubs end the 100 year curse?

With a new season fast approaching, fans will dig in their heals and hope it's their team that will be celebrating a World Series Championship come October.

For Cubs' fans, that hope is stronger than probably any fan of any team in baseball. When you go 100 years without a World Series Championship, you hear words like "cursed," as we did before Boston broke their long winless streak in 2004. There's an article from Mark Newman of MLB.com yesterday that talks about that long winless streak, but are the Cubs really good enough? I have serious doubts of that.

The one concern that I have, and it's not a small concern, is their starting rotation. As of right now, you're looking at a rotation of Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Rich Hill, Ryan Dempster and Jason Marquis. We all know what Zambrano is capable of, but we also know that he's capable of a complete melt down as well. The one player I'm concerned about in this rotation is Ryan Dempster, especially since he hasn't been a full time starter since 2003 with the Cincinnati Reds. Since then, he's started only 6 games combined between 2004 and 2007. Can he come out of the bullpen from the closers roll to a starter and be effective?

The other place that I have a concern is their bullpen, especially with Kerry Wood closing for them. I'm not saying that he can't do the job, there's no question he can, but the one question that comes up every single year is, "can he stay health?" He's yet to show that he can stay healthy for an entire season, something the Cubs desperately need from him this year.

They do have a very potent offense, especially with guys like Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, not to mention the addition of Kosuke Fukudome, but how will these guys do against some of the best pitching in baseball? How will Felix Pie do as the every day center fielder?

This team has a lot of question marks, and although we won't have answers to these questions right away, I think you'll start to see the answers within 2 or 3 months. If the starting rotation can stay healthy, and I'm talking about all 5 guys, then I think the Cubs will be just fine. There's no question they are the best team in the NL Central, the race shouldn't be close in my opinion, but the big question of this article is, can they finally win the World Series?

My answer....no. This team just isn't good enough, key word, yet. There's just too much that can go wrong with this team, and usually does.

Brewers cut Vargas

In a surprising move, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, the Milwaukee Brewers have released veteran right-hander Claudio Vargas.

Later the same day, manager Ned Yost announced the Brewers official starting rotation:

Ben Sheets
Jeff Suppan
Dave Bush
Carlos Villanueva
Manny Parra

Looking for new music?

For any of you wanting new music to listen to or any local bands that are looking for someone that can put together a demo video for you, this will give you both.

The band is called "The Breach" the song is called "Blue Eyes," take a listen and I hope you enjoy it.

On the flip side, the guy that directed the music video is Evan Kaufmann who is one of the best directors in the Dallas area. You can reach him here if you're interested in having someone professional to work with.

Twins, Nathan agree on new 4-year deal

The Minnesota Twins finally got a contract extension done with one of their top players.  This time is was closer Joe Nathan.

Nathan and the Twins agreed on a 4-year $47M contract on Tuesday which will include a team option for 2012.

Joe Nathan, “We’ve shown that we’re committed to winning. A lot of people are counting us out, but we’re going to be good this year and for years to come, because we’re young and a lot of our guys are hungry.  With the way they handle the pitchers here, they take care of us.  They worry more about careers than they do seasons. They think long term more than they do short term.”

Canseco targets A-Rod in new book

Won't or can't Jose Canseco just go away?  The answer to that seems to be an emphatic "NO."

The former Oakland Athletic slugger has a new book coming out and, apparently, is targeting a star of today's game...Yankees' 3rd baseman Alex Rodriguez.  Canseco alleges that he introduced Rodriguez to a steroid distributor and that Rodriguez was trying to sleep with Canseco's wife.  Although Canseco says he never injected ARod himself, but says "he introduced Alex to a known supplier of steroids."  Doesn't mean ARod took anything or was injected, so why make accusations he can't back up?

Now, this whole story comes from a free lance writer, Joe Lavin, who says he picked up Canseco's book at a bookstore in Cambridge, Mass but the book isn't due to be released until April 1st.

What I find so hilarious about this whole situation is, Canseco thinks he's going baseball a favor by outing these so called "steroid users," and that he's "saving baseball," but didn't he cause this problem in the first place?  So why is he trying to take credit for it?

You hope people are smart enough not to put more money in his pocket by picking up his book, but there are those people who just have to know who took steroids and who injected who.  

Can't Jose just go away....probably not.

Rolen may not be ready for Opening Day

New Blue Jays' 3rd baseman Scott Rolen may not be on the field when the Blue Jays open the 2008 season.

During a fielding drill on the back fields on Sunday, Scott Rolen suffered a broken finger when the ball hit him on the fingernail, ripping it completely off and breaking the top knuckle on his right middle finger.

GM J.P. Ricciardi, “It’s a non-displaced fracture, which is the good news. I’m not a doctor, but the early prognosis is it isn’t going to be six weeks, so I don’t even want to throw a schedule out there. Our best-case scenario is that it’s quick and our worst-case is it isn’t as long as most things we have had to deal with. My instinct is I am preparing for the worst-case scenario but I can say this, he won’t be lost for the year.”

Tigers, Cabrera agree on 8-year contract

According to the AP, the Detroit Tigers and 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera have come to a prelimnary agreement on an 8-year $153.2M contract.

The details of the deal are not yet final. In January, Cabrera agreed to a $11.3M deal with the Tigers for the 2008 season, so Cabrera will get an additional $141M over the next 7 years.

Javy Lopez retires after being cut by Braves

After the Atlanta Braves optioned veteran catcher Javy Lopez to Minor League camp, he decided to call it a career.

Lopez hit .188 in his bid to be the backup catcher to Brian McCann. Lopez made his decision after he had a meeting with manager Bobby Cox on Saturday.

Javy Lopez, "It didn't happen in spring training. This is the only chance I get. They give me the opportunity to come back and prove to myself that I can still play. I had the chance and didn't do what I'm supposed to do, or at least not good enough."

Randy Johnson won't be ready for Opening Day

According to Owen Perkins of MLB.com, Randy Johnson has made progress but not enough so to be ready for Opening Day.

So far during Spring Training, Johnson has pitched between ace Brandon Webb and new acquisition Dan Haren, but manager Doug Melvin isn't convinced that it'll stay that way when the season opens.

Manager Doug Melvin, "I think there's a good chance it's Danny Haren on Day 2. And probably Doug on Day 3. And then we'll see where we go from there."

On Friday, Johnson threw 63 pitches in 3 2/3 innings allowing 3 runs (2 ER) on five hits and walking three against the Los Angeles Dodgers. On Wednesday, he's scheduled for 5 innings and a 75-80 pitch count against the Colorado Rockies.

Left-hander Randy Johnson, "Right now I've got eight innings in. I think it's safe to say that if I was to go five innings against Colorado, that would give me 13 innings, and that's still not quite enough."

If Johnson isn't ready to go in the #4 slot for Arizona, manager Doug Melvin could consider Micah Owings but with his lack of command so far, that spot will probably go to Edgar Gonzalez with his 2-0 spring record and 1.64 ERA in 3 starts and 1 relief appearance.

Nomar to miss Opening Day

According to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, 3rd baseman Nomar Garciappara is now "doubtful" for Opening Day.

Team officials are saying that his broken right hand is worse than first thought. After Nomar had undergone an MRI on Wednesday, the results revealed a microfracture of a bone at the base of his right hand.

Nomar Garciappara, "Everybody wants to predict. I'm not. I have no control over it. I'm looking one day at a time. That's all I can do."

Manager Joe Torre, "I don't anticipate him being ready for Opening Day." Though Torre did list Tony Abreu as the logical choice to be the Opening Day starter at 3rd, but he also listed Blake DeWitt and Chin-lung Hu as candidates as well.

Alomar to be inducted into "Level of Excellence" by Blue Jays

Catcher Roberto Alomar will be inducted into the "Level of Excellence" by the Toronto Blue Jays prior to their home opener on April 4th, according to a team press release.

The Level of Excellence is the highest award bestowed by the Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club to recognize tremendous individual achievement.

Alomar will join George Bell, Dave Stieb, Joe Carter, Cito Gaston, Tony Fernandez, Pat Gillick and Tom Cheek.

Cardinals, Wainwright agree to 4-year deal

Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports, the St. Louis Cardinals and pitcher Adam Wainwright have agreed on a new contract.

The deal is reportedly a 4-year $15.5M deal with a team option for 2012 and 2013. The two sides had already agreed on a 1-year deal worth $448,000 earlier this month.

Giants think they'll be in the hunt

Apparently the San Francisco Giants expect to be in the hunt in a very tough NL West division. The same division they finished 19 games behind in 2007.

Newcomer Aaron Rowand, "Nobody in here expects to be at the bottom of the barrel in the NL West. We expect to be in the hunt. That's the outlook we're going into the season with. That's why we're here working as hard as we are. It's going to take a group effort, a collective effort."

Veteran outfielder Dave Roberts, "If you look at the numbers, we were in virtually every game last year. If we get the pitching that we're capable of getting, we're going to be in every game like we were last year."

No offense to Dave Roberts and Aaron Rowand, but they fail to realize that there are 4 other teams that are much better than the Giants. The Giants had the starters to get it done, just ask Matt Cain, but their bullpen was awful and won't be much better this year.

The team might be more relaxed than years past, especially due to the fact that there's no Barry Bonds in the locker room for the media hords to surround.

"Obviously, nothing against Barry as a person or a player, but it's a lot more relaxed now," Roberts said. "I think that anyone with his status, in all walks of life, they command that kind of respect and people are more uneasy. I thought he was a great teammate and he's a very good friend of mine, but it seems like now people can be themselves more so."

The Giants still have one Barry that should concern them. That being left-hander Barry Zito. Zito has gone from being the ace of the staff, to probably a #3 at best behind Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum. Can he be effective for the Giants in 2008, more so than he was last season?

I wonder about Aaron Rowand myself. There's no question this guy outhustles anyone in the major leagues, noone works harder than Rowand, but will he really make that much of a difference for the Giants. His numbers were put up in a bandbox in Philadelphia, now he has to try and duplicate those efforts in some of the biggest pitcher's parks in baseball. I have a hard time believing that he can do that.

The Giants will be in the hunt alright....in 2010 maybe.

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times stopped by Pro Sports Beat to talk about the China trip and the Dodgers interest in a 3rd baseman, here's just an excerp from that interview.


Todd Kaufmann: Were you surprised that Andre Ethier, Russell Martin and maybe a Kuroda didn't go on the China trip?

Bill Shaikin: No. It is common for established major leaguers to be excused from long spring trips, particularly when a split-squad game is available at home. In regards to Kuroda, the Dodgers did not send him -- or Brad Penny or Chad Billingsley or Derek Lowe -- because the team believed all that travel would have hampered the starting pitchers as they prepared for the regular season.

Astros to start season without Matsui

Off-season acquisition Kaz Matsui will start the season on the DL for the Houston Astros after undergoing surgery on Monday.

Matsui had surgery on Monday to repair an anal fissure and will miss 2-3 weeks. In his absence the Astros could platoon both Mark Loretta and Geoff Blum until Matsui is ready to return.

Wes Helms heading to San Francisco?

The San Francisco Giants are looking for a 3rd baseman, could that guy be Phillies' Wes Helms?

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, the Giants and Phillies are apparently talking trade. The deal would send Wes Helms to the Giants in return for reliever Steve Kline.

Kline wanted to sign with the Phillies during the offseason, and the Phils did offer him a 1-year deal, but when the Giants offered him 2-years, he took it.

The Dodgers are also looking for a 3rd baseman, mostly because they don't trust the health or glove for that matter, of Nomar Garciappara, so the Dodgers could also get into the mix for Helms or even the Tigers' Brandon Inge.

Dodgers' Schmidt will try pitching through pain

According to Kevin Baxter of the LA Times, Jason Schmidt doesn't seem to have recovered fully from shoulder surgery last season.

Instead of taking time off and trying to let it heal, Schmidt says he's going to try and pitch through it.

"Instead of babying it, we're going to push it," he said. "It's a weird thing. I'm the same as I was a few days ago. I can't quite get to the next level."

Whether or not that's a good idea, I'm not sure, but the Dodgers seem unconcerned about his comeback. Though, I have a hard time believing that the Dodgers are just a little concerned that Schmidt will go into the 2008 less than 100%. I guess we'll find out when the season opens, just how effective he'll be.

Also, 3rd base prospect Andy LaRoche underwent surgery on Monday to repair torn ligaments in his right thumb and is expected to miss 8-10 weeks.

Red Sox, Mets talking trade?

Is Coco Crisp finally on the move out of Beantown?

According to rumors that surfaced during the Mets spring game against the Baltimore Orioles, the Mets were talking to the Red Sox about a trade that would send outfielder Coco Crisp to the Mets for Angel Pagan.

Mets' GM Omar Minaya was asked about the rumor immediately after their 6-2 win over the Orioles, his response was simply "there's nothing to it."

Rangers almost completed blockbuster for Santana?

Before the Twins consummated the trade that sent ace Johan Santana to the Mets, did Santana almost end up with the Texas Rangers?

According to SI.com's Jon Heyman he did. The Rangers were said to be the most aggressive pursuers of Santana and it was rumored that there was an agreement between the teams or the teams were close to an agreement on the young players going back to Minnesota.

The holdup, according to Heyman's sources, was the enthusiasm or lack thereof , of Santana wanting to go to the Rangers. When asked Santana said he'd "consider it," which the Twins took a less than face value and ended negotiations with the Rangers. During the discussion, the Rangers were prepared to give Santana as much or more than the 6-year $137.5M contract the Mets paid.

Colon impressive in first start with Red Sox

Bartolo Colon apparently does have something left in the tank after all. In his first start for the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, Colon was hitting 94 MPH on his fastball, 84-88 on the slider and 81 on his changeup.

He did only go 2 innings in a 3-3 tie against the Rays, but it was a promising 2 innings. Colon could factor more into the Red Sox plans than they had previously thought, especially with Schilling out until at least the All Star Break and Josh Beckett suffering from back spasms.

Giants, White Sox disagree on value of Joe Crede

The San Francisco Giants and Chicago White Sox are trying to work out a trade that would send 3rd baseman Joe Crede to the Giants. However, neither team can agree with Crede is worth.

The Giants reported offer was pitchers Scott Williamson (recently released) and Randy Messenger (optioned to AAA - Fresno) as well as veteran outfielder Dave Roberts, which the White Sox saw as an insulting offer.

The White Sox had asked for a top prospect and a "serviceable reliever" in return, which the Giants saw as too much to give up for a guy that had season ending surgery in 2007.

Red Sox release Mirabelli

Apparently the Red Sox have found their new catcher for knuckleballer Tim Wakefield.

Kevin Cash, who the Red Sox have been high on because of what they've seen when he's caught Wakefield, will be his personal catcher for 2008. That means that Doug Mirabelli's days as a Red Sox are over. The team granted him his unconditional release on Friday, making him a free agent.

I'm sure there's a team that will need a backup catcher, though he's not much on the offensive side of the ball, his defense may still help a team out.

Lohse signs with Cardinals

Kyle Lohse finally found a job. The free agent right-hander signed a 1-year $4.25M deal with the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday.

The deal is still pending a physical which should be completed on Friday when Lohse flies in from California.

Rob Carlin - WMAR Baltimore

Rob Carlin, Sports Anchor with WMAR in Baltimore, MD made his return to The Hot Corner. He covered everything from the Brian Roberts' rumors, Jeremy Guthrie and who the closer will be for the Orioles in 2008.


Todd Kaufmann: There was an article in the Baltimore Sun that the Orioles had interest in the Astros utility man Mark Loretta. Is this the start to the long rumored Brian Roberts trade?

Rob Carlin: I don't think the interest in Loretta is directly related to Roberts. The O's don't necessarily have a backup 2nd baseman, if the Roberts deal goes down. Freddy Bynum just had surgery, Luis Hernandez is a shortstop and Brandon Fahey is more suited to short as well. They have been working Scott Moore out at 2nd, but it's a new position for him as well, with all those guys, it's learning how to turn with a runner coming at you on double plays, it's always the hardest part.

One of the names mentioned in the Roberts deal is also a shortstop, Ronny Cedeno. I believe the Loretta interest has more to do with depth at 2nd in case the deal does go down, at this point, though, I would hold onto Roberts until the trading deadline. He's been red-hot in spring training and could draw more interest, and better trade prospects, down the line.


Todd Kaufmann: How does Jeremy Guthrie look so far? With the departure of Erik Bedard, is he the ace of this staff?

Rob Carlin: Without actually traveling to Ft. Lauderdale, it's hard to know really how Guthrie has looked. He was outstanding yesterday, going 4 innings, allowing just 1 run and striking out 4 against the Mets, he would certainly be considered the Orioles ace right now but that's both a compliment to him and an indictment on the rest of the staff. Adam Loewen is coming back from elbow surgery and has been wild this spring. Daniel Cabrera is, as always, wildly inconsistent, Steve Trachsel is a solid vet for the 4 spot and they're still trying to find a 5. It's hardly Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. It's not even Mussina, Erickson and Key. The O's have some good young arms, but there's still lots of question marks, and not much major league ready talent in the rotation.


Todd Kaufmann: Nick Markakis really had a big year for the Orioles in 2007. Do you expect the same for him in 2008?

Rob Carlin: I absolutely have high expectations for Nick Markakis. I think he's going to be one of the top rightfielders in baseball, he's hitting .400 this spring and I expect him to have a monster season. He's a quiet guy, keeps to himself, not a big talker but he'll likely hit around .300 with 25 HR and 100 RBI. The O's didn't exactly make him too happy last week, giving him a very modest raise. He'll make $455,000 this year, up from $400,000 last year. Players with less than 3 years of service must accept a contract renewal if they can't agree to a one year deal. Markakis told the Baltimore Sun, "I don't have much of a choice. I'm just going to have to deal with it." Clearly, he was disappointed, it's really the only time, though, that the club has the power over the player.

The O's will give him a big contract one day and they're going to try to rebuild around him, but it just wasn't a good precedent to set with what they hope will be the face of their franchise one day and it could come back to haunt them down the line.


Todd Kaufmann: With Chris Ray and Danys Baez probably missing the entire 2008 season, who are the candidates for the 8th and 9th innings?

Rob Carlin: The closer role will likely be filled by George Sherrill, he was one of the guys acquired in the Erik Bedard trade with Seattle. He's a lefty, who only has 4 career saves but he's been lights out this spring, they'll likely make the official announcement next week. That pushes Chad Bradford and Jamie Walker back to 7th and 8th inning work, they were part of the horrendous bullpen last year when the O's gave up leads in 120 of the 162 games and lost 16 games in which they led after the 7th inning.

Another name to look out for is Dennis Sarfate, he was acquired from Houston in the Miguel Tejada trade, his fastball is mid-90's. Andy MacPhail has been stockpiling arms in all the trades he's been making, his philosophy, and it's the right one, is you can never have enough pitching, last year, the O's used 21 different guys out of the bullpen.


Todd Kaufmann: Daniel Cabrera really had control problems in his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals, walking 5 in 3 innings of work. Is this something he can fix or is this something the team should be concerned about?

Rob Carlin: I think Daniel Cabrera is past the point of fixing, he's just not consistent never was, never will be. The O's will keep him because he's capable of throwing a 1 hitter(as he did at the end of the '06 season against the Yankees), but he's just as capable of walking 5 in 2 innings. He's a huge kid, with an overpowering fastball, but I don't think he'll ever be a great major league pitcher.

Interview with ESPN's Jerry Crasnick

ESPN's baseball beat writer Jerry Crasnick was good enough to answer a few questions for Pro Sports Beat, you can read it in its entirety here.

Here's just a piece of that interview....

Todd Kaufmann: There’s been a lot of talk about Tampa Bay being interested in bringing in Barry Bonds. Is this something they have just kicked around internally or have they contacted Bonds’ agent?

Jerry Crasnick: The Bonds-to-Tampa Bay rumor went nowhere in a hurry. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rays kicked that one around internally, but there’s a big difference between spitballing ideas and actively pursuing a guy. I still don’t think Bonds will play this season. If the Mets aren’t interested in him with Moises Alou out, that says a lot.

Yankees Make a Signing.

According to Peter Abraham, of the Journal News and http://yankees.lhblogs.com/, The New York Yankees will be signing Billy Crystal, yes, THAT Billy Crystal, to a contract and he will be taking part in Thursday’s spring training game. The comedian is known best for roles in movies such as City Slickers, Analyze This (and the sequel Analyze That) and when Harry Met Sally. He is also a life long Yankees fan who directed the acclaimed movie 61* for HBO.

According to the press release, Which can also be found at Peter Abrahams blog, he will be signing a one day contract and join the team at spring training camp on Wednesday to work out, and will play in the game on Thursday, one day short of his 60th birthday. Billy will wear a Number 60 in the game.

Billy Crystal was a standout High School baseball player in Long Beach, New York. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig approved this signing of the contract. After fifty years of waiting, Billy Crystal will get to wear the uniform and play in a game with the team life long hero Mickey Mantle played for. A Dream come true.

Orioles interested in Mark Loretta

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Orioles apparently have interest in veteran 2nd baseman Mark Loretta, so much so that the 2 teams could be talking about a trade. The Astros sent a scout to watch the Orioles during their spring training game this afternoon.

The reason this is significant is, it could mean that the Orioles could be close to a deal to send their 2nd baseman, Brian Roberts, packing and it could be to the Chicago Cubs, who have coveted Roberts for the past few months.

Olney: Mets should look at Barry Bonds

With injuries to Moises Alou and Carlos Delgado, ESPN's Buster Olney is of the opinion that the Mets should turn their attention to Barry Bonds.

Though Olney does admit that bringing a player like Bonds into the Mets clubhouse will create even more of a media circus than he did in San Francisco.

Though the Mets will never make a move like that, Olney does give legit reasons for why they should argue for the move.

Phillies' Eaton has herniated disk

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Adam Eaton had complained of back pain after his start on Thursday afternoon against Tampa Bay, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings.

On Saturday, Eaton had an MRI and CT, the team received the results earlier today. The diagnosis was a herniated disk and slight arthritis.

Even with his back problem, Eaton says he should be ready for the opening of the 2008 season.

"I don't see why not. We're just kind of taking precautions now to not aggravate it," said Eaton. "I've been doing stuff the last couple of weeks to be ready. I don't have any thoughts on why I shouldn't be ready."

Rangers sign Ponson

The Rangers needed to bring in a veteran starter, especially with Brandon McCarthy sidelined for 4-6 weeks due to elbow inflammation, and they got that veteran.

On Sunday, the Rangers signed right-hander Sidney Ponson to a minor league contract and expect him to challenge for a spot in their rotation.

Team says Beckett should be ready for Opening Day

After back spasms forced Red Sox right-hander Josh Beckett out of the game without throwing a pitch on Sunday, the team says Beckett should be ready for Opening Day.

Beckett was supposed to be with the team on their season-opening trip to Japan, but manager Terry Francona says it's not the end of the world if he's not ready at that point.

"He doesn't want to miss anything. He just needs to feel better. We'd be doing him and our ballclub a disservice for him to go out there and try to pitch when he's not supposed to -- and then he'll miss more time. When he's ready, he'll be ready."

Noah Lowry out at least through April

The Giants can't afford to start the season without one of their young starters, but that's exactly what they'll have to overcome.

Left-hander Noah Lowry is scheduled to have surgery on his left forearm on Friday and though he could be back throwing in 2 weeks, manager Bruce Bochy says it's more likely they'll be without him until the end of April.

“This is something that I don’t know enough about it to know how rare it is, but you don’t hear about it a lot,” Bochy said. “It’s not like this is a common occurrence in baseball players.”

Lowry was diagnosed with exertional compartment syndrome. According to MayoClinic.com, it is “an exercise-induced neuromuscular condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes even disability in affected muscles of the legs or arms.”

It'll be interesting who the Giants put in Lowry's place until he's ready to return to the rotation.

Wang has rough outing, Reds win 12-8

The Yankees 19-game winner didn't exactly have the kind of game he would like to have, but then again, it's only Spring right?

Right-hander Chien-Ming Wang failed to get out of the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits in a 12-8 Yankees loss on Thursday afternoon.

Edwin Encarnacion had the big day, hitting a grand slam and a 2-run single for the Reds. Pitcher Aaron Harang went 3 innings today, giving up 2 hits and striking out 2.

If you're a Yankees fan, tomorrow should be exciting. Closer Mariano Rivera will make his spring debut tomorrow against the Houston Astros.

Hawpe, Rockies agree to 3-year deal

After the franchise's first World Series appearance, the Rockies have come to terms with outfielder Brad Hawpe on a 3-year $17,425,000 deal on Tuesday.

In 2007, Hawpe hit 29 HR's at 116 RBI's for the National League Champions.

Another Giants' pitcher has interesting outing

Should the Giants and manager Bruce Bochy be worried at this point? If they weren't after the terrible outing that Barry Zito had yesterday in a 23-8 thumping by the Oakland A's, maybe they should be today after the outing from left-hander Noah Lowry.

Lowry walked 9 of the 12 batters he faced, facing the entire Texas Rangers' lineup with 1 official at-bat against him. So far this spring, Lowry has walked 12 batters in 2 1/3 innings of work...manager Bruce Bochy:

“We were hoping he’d find it in the second. “He said he had trouble gripping the ball. He couldn’t feel it. This is definitely one he’s got to wash off. He’s going to bounce back and get the ball where he wants it. He has to deal with it but he’s a tough kid.”

Memo to the Giants, this could be a very VERY long season if this is any indication of the season to come.

Prince Fielder unhappy with current contract

Brewers 1st baseman Prince Fielder has become frustrated with his current contract. He renewed his $670,000 contract on Sunday, but feels he should be getting paid a lot more.

“I’m not happy about it at all,” Fielder said. “The fact I’ve had to be renewed two years in a row, I’m not happy about it because there’s a lot of guys who have the same amount of time that I do who have done a lot less and are getting paid a lot more."

Fielder will be eligible for arbitration after the 2008 season.

Oakland roughs up Zito, Giants 23-8

Barry Zito's spring training debut didn't go exactly as he or the Giants had planned. The Oakland A's got to Zito early and often, to the tune of 8 runs on 7 hits, forcing the Giants to pull him without getting through the first inning.

Prior to the 2007 season, the Giants signed Zito to a 7-year $126M contract. He hasn't exactly lived up to that deal and if this outing is any sign of things to come, the Giants may be looking to unload that contract long before they had planned.

Andruw Jones promises to lose weight

Like the Dodgers needed any further disappointments in free agent signees right? Signing Jason Schmidt prior to the 2007 season, just to have him on the bench for majority of the year.

Now, they have another headache. New Dodger Andruw Jones reported to camp overweight according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He weight in at a wopping 240 lbs, 20-30 lbs heavier than last season with Atlanta. He's apparently promised manager Joe Torre that he will shed the pounds as the season progresses.

Money well spent huh?

Scott Spiezio cut by Cardinals

Scott Spiezio had a warrant issued for his arrest on Tuesday, stemming from a 6-count complaint involving drunken driving and assault in a December car crash back in Southern California.

The Cardinals got wind of this and reacted, cutting the former Angel.

“We had heard some things about this,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. “Ultimately nothing was ever confirmed to the level it was today. To have this warrant put out there, it completely changes the landscape of what we’re dealing with.”

The Orange County district attorney charged Spiezio with misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence, driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or more, hit and run, aggravated assault, assault and battery.

Vizquel to miss 4-6 weeks

The San Francisco Giants could be without their Gold Glove short stop when they open the 2008 season.

SS Omar Vizquel will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and the team expects him to be out 4-6 weeks. Trainer Dave Groeschner said “the goal is the first week of the season but the knee will tell us.”

Jenks signs 1-year deal with White Sox

The Chicago White Sox and closer Bobby Jenks have come to an agreement on a 1-year contract, a year before he's expected to cash in when he's arbitration eligible after the 2008 season.

He's expected to get a little bit of a raise from the $450,000 he received in 2007.

Wells' agent contacts Cardinals

Looks like David Wells just isn't ready to call it a career just yet. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Wells' agent Gregg Clifton contacted the St. Louis Cardinals to gauge their interest.

"He'd like to continue his career and felt that he would be a perfect stopgap for them as they got their guys healthy and ready. "At this point, the Cardinals seem like they want to see how their younger guys look at camp," said Clifton.

Wells needs to hang 'em up. He struggled with the San Diego Padres last season before being released, he ended up finishing the season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. I can't imagine that Wells has anything to offer any team out there. I just don't think he has enough in the tank left.

Lofton is on Baker's wish list

Kenny Lofton has apparently joined Corey Patterson on Dusty Baker's wish list according to the Dayton Daily News.

When asked, Baker responded "I've talked to Lofton and there is still a chance we can sign him," said Baker. "Patterson, too. It's a matter of our budget and how it all fits. Right now, we don't have a roster spot for Lofton and he would like a major-league contract."

Did I miss something? I thought Jay Bruce was the Reds' "can't miss" prospect and the only players I keep hearing about are Norris Hopper, Kenny Lofton and Corey Patterson. I guess the knock on Baker is true, he wants veterans.

LaRussa wants Barry Bonds?

According to Matthew Leach of MLB.com, Cardinals' manager Tony LaRussa apparently suggested the front office go after former Giants' slugger Barry Bonds, if for no other reason than to be protection for 1st baseman Albert Pujols.

When I first read that, I didn't think LaRussa was actually serious, thought he was being sarcastic. Turns out, he's very serious. When asked LaRussa responded "What I've said each of the last two years is that when you're looking for somebody dangerous to hit behind Albert Pujols, Barry was a guy that I thought," La Russa said.

He continued "And for whatever reason, at the general manager or ownership level, they didn't agree that he would be a guy that they thought we should add. I understand. Organization chart -- they're my bosses. That's exactly what happened."

So, let me get this straight, he's upset at his boss' for not bringing on a guy who would start the worst PR nightmare in team history? They've already dealt with 1 steroid issue in Mark McGwire....allegedly, bringing on Bonds would really piss the Cardinal fans off.

Lidge will undergo surgery, out 3-6 weeks

On Saturday, Brad Lidge felt something while throwing a pitching during batting practice. He was checked out by team doctors who determined his injury to be a torn miniscus.

Lidge will undergo athroscopic surgery and will miss 3-6 weeks, which means he still should be ready for Opening Day.

Colon to sign with Red Sox

After the Boston Red Sox announced the contract extension of manager Terry Francona, the Sox made another, even surprising, annoucement.

The Boston Red Sox announced that they have signed former AL Cy Young Award winner, and former Angel, Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract.

A minor league contract is minimal risk to the Red Sox. If he shows he's healthy and ready to go, then he adds to an already strong pitching rotation. If not, they release him towards the end of spring training and they move on.

Francona signs extension with Red Sox

After leading the Boston Red Sox to 2 World Series titles in his first 4 years as the manager, the team has signed manager Terry Francona to a contract extension that will go through 2011 and includes club options for 2012 and 2013.

Under Francona, the Boston Red Sox are 8-0 in World Series game. He's the first manager in major league history to win his first 8 straight World Series games.

Check out Pro Sports Beat

For those of you who check in at this site daily, I hope you enjoy everything that's here. I was invited on to prosportsbeat.com as the baseball writer, so I'll be doing more of an article format than just posting newest signings.

Thanks again for checking in and make sure you shoot over to Pro Sports Beat and check them out as well.

Looking Foward to 2008: New York Yankees

The New York Yankees once again go into a season without the title of "defending World Series Champions. After failing to win the American League East for the first time since 1997, they finished the season as the ALWild-Card winner. However another postseason birth ended in a third straight first round exit, this time at the hands of the Cleveland Indians. The continued playoff failure finally brought an end to the Joe Torre era. Torre never failed to make the playoffs in his 12 years as Yankee Skipper, but he could never recover after game 3 of the 2004 ALCS. Since their 19-8 win in Fenway Park the Yankees have won four post-season games in total over the past 3 years. For the first time in over a decade the Yankees would have a new manager and they again turned to a catcher. Former Yankee and three time World Series champion Joe Girardi will take the reigns and hope to guide the Yankees to the World Series for the first time since 2003 and to their first title since the turn of the century in 2000.


Much of the off-season chatter revolved around the opt-out of Alex Rodriguez and the possible acquisition of Johan Santana. In the end, A-Rod remained a Yankee and Santana landed in New York, but in Queens rather than the Bronx. The rest of the Yankees Off-season was geared around keeping their aging veteran core intact. Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera were each given multiyear contracts and Andy Pettitte signed on for at least one more year. Bryan Cashman's refusal to part with young talent such as Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy in a deal for Santana, could put his job security in jeopardy should the youngsters struggle in their first full year in the Majors.


Arrivals:INF Morgan Ensberg
IN Chris Woodward
INF Nick Green
OF Jason lane
RHP Latroy Hawkins
RHP Jonathan Albaladejo
Re-Arrivals:
3B Alex Rodriguez
C Jorge Posada
RHP Mariano Rivera
LHP Andy Pettitte
C Jose Molina

Departures:RHP Tyler Clippard
RHP Roger Clemens
1B Doug Mientkiewicz
1B Andy Phillips
OF Bronson Sardinha
LHP Mike Myers
LHP Ron Villone
RHP Luis Vizcaino


Offense: The Yankees still have one of the most lethal lineups in baseball. Alex Rodriguez won his third MVP in five years with a monster season. With solid bats like Derek Jeter, Bobby Abreu, Jorge Posada, Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui throughout the line-up and Youngsters like Robinson Cano, Melky Cabrera and Shelley Duncan coming into their own, the Yankees appear to be strong one through nine. Former MVP Jason Giambi is in the final year of his contract with the Yankees, will have to fight for plate appearances with Matsui, Damon and Duncan. If he can stay healthy, Giambi could be a big force in the middle of the line-up, but that is a big If. With more flexibility off the bench with potential bats like Ensberg, Lane, Betemit and Duncan, Girardi figures to be able to change and adapt his team as the season progresses.


Pitching: With a deal for Johan Santana never materializing, the Yankees will rely heavily on youngsters in their rotation. Chine-Ming Wang will again anchor the staff followed by Andy Pettitte, from there it's anybody’s guess. Phil Hughes pitched well down the stretch coming off of a hamstring and ankle injury that sidelined him for half the season. His playoff performance was outstanding, picking up the team’s only win in game 3. Mike Mussina hopes to bounce back after a very poor year posting the highest ERA in his 17 year career. The 5th starter role will come down to whether young flamethrower Joba Chamberlain will be in the rotation or the bullpen. Should new manager Joe Girardi return Joba to the pen where he dominated down the stretch after his promotion to the majors, Ian Kennedy would be the likely candidate to round out the rotation. The bullpen figures to be the area of concern for this Yankee team. With Joba and Rivera a the back end, the task to bridge the gap will fall to Latroy Hawkins, Kyle Farnsworth and a cast of youngsters and non-roster invitee's who will compete in spring training.

Prediction Time:

With the Boston red Sox winning their second World Series in four years and no signs of slowing down, the Yankees may spend another year looking up at the defending champs. Much of the Yankees success will rely of how well the young pitchers develop and succeed at the big league level. If Hughes and Kennedy and deliver on the promise they shower in September and October, and in Joba stays dominant in either the set-up role or as a starter they have a chance to catch-up with the sox. Scoring runs shouldn’t be a problem but keeping runs off the board might be, if the kids run into growing pains they will find themselves again on the outside looking in come late October.


Yankees: 91-71

Kim signs with the Pirates

According to a Press Release from the Pittsburgh Pirates this morning, the team has signed free agent right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim to a 1-year contract, though the terms of the deal have not been released.

Pirates GM Neil Huntington made the announcement saying:

"Byung-Hyun Kim is a veteran right handed pitcher who has pitched, and wants to again pitch, late in games out of the bullpen," said Huntington. "He has been tough on right-handed hitters over the past three seasons and had success against both left-handed hitters and right-handed hitters when he pitched primarily as a reliever. Byung-Hyun will compete to earn a role on our club as a reliever and he adds an experienced option for us in our bullpen competition."

Blue Jays bring back Stewart

Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports, Shannon Stewart will return to the team that drafted him in 1992 and a team that he played for from 1995-2003...the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays and Shannon Stewart agreed on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training on Sunday. The Blue Jays plan on putting him into the mix for the left field job. Prior to his signing, the Jays were going to have a platoon situation between Matt Stairs and Reed Johnson.

Stewart finished the 2007 season with a .290 batting average with 12 HR's and 48 RBI'ss in 146 games season with Oakland A's.

Manny Ramirez signs on with Scott Boras

Super-agent Scott Boras has landed another big time client and another Red Sox, this time it's outfielder Manny Ramirez.

Ramírez left former agent Greg Genske, who had represented him since his former parner, Jeff Moorad — who negotiated Ramírez's eight-year, $160 million deal with the Sox before the 2001 season.

Trot Nixon signs with Arizona

Almost a week ago, former Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon was in Arizona working out for the Diamondbacks.

Apparently, Arizona liked what they saw. On Friday, they signed Nixon to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Nixon is an insurance policy in case Chad Tracy is not fully healthy come opening day.

Weaver returning to St. Louis?

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the St. Louis Cardinals are considering right-handers Jeff Weaver and Bartolo Colon, especially with Matt Clement looking more and more like he won't be ready for Opening Day.

For Weaver, this would be his 2nd tour of duty with the Cardinals, his first tour was capped off with a World Series Championship. I wasn't sure why the Cardinals didn't bring him back in the first place, especially seeing how well he pitched for them down the stretch.

As for Colon, pitchers and catchers have already reported to their respective camps and the former AL Cy Young Award Winner is still without a job. A lot of teams have been interested, but have been turned off by his medical reports on his injured right shoulder.

Huh..turned off by Colon's medical reports but they signed Matt Clement. I guess it wouldn't surprise me if the Cardinals took a chance on another injured pitcher.

Angels win arbitration case with Rodriguez

Angels' closer Francisco Rodriguez got his name on the list of players defeated in arbitration this year. KRod was seeking $12.5M, while the Angels offered and won at $10M.

The only player to win his arbitration case, to no surprise, was Phillies' 1st baseman Ryan Howard.

Royals, Brewers to switch leagues?

According to the Kansas City Star, a rumor has popped up that has a trade going down between the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers.

Though, this isn't your every day, run of the mill, swap of players. It's rumored that the Royals could be moving to the National League Central while the Brewers would return to the American League, where they had been until 1997.

Though this rumor is being dismissed by the Royals, there's talk that they have wanted to return to the National League and actually had a chance to make the move back in 1997, but turned it down after consideration.

DBacks give GM Byrnes extension

According to the AP, the Arizona Diamondbacks have locked up general manager Josh Byrnes for another 8 years.

Byrnes became the GM in 2003 and has built up the minor league system that helped the Diamonbacks win the NL West title in 2007.

Rowand wants Giants to acquire Crede

Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News reports, new Giant Aaron Rowand was apparently asked for a character reference for former teammate, and free agent 3rd baseman, Joe Crede from the Giants front office.

Though Rowand does admit he may be biased because of being teammates he said "They inquired and asked about what kind of guy he is," Rowand said. "They obviously know what he can do as a baseball player."

Crede was limited to only 47 games in 2007 due to injury and underwent surgery to fix a herniated disk in June of last year.

"He's one of the most clutch hitters I've ever played with," Rowand said. "I can't tell you how many ballgames he won for us in '05. He makes adjustments, he hits home runs, he hits in the clutch and he plays Gold Glove third base."

Looking Forward to 2008: New York Mets

The New York Mets had one of the biggest collapses in 2007, allowing the Philadelphia Phillies to win the NL East, resulting in the Mets missing the playoffs.

General Manager Omar Minaya needed to make sure that didn't happen again in 2008. Though their offseason seemed like it was going to go by without a major move, that move came, and what a big one it was.

The Mets sent Carlos Gomez, Deolis Guerra, Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber to Minnesota for right-hander Johan Santana, a player that a lot of baseball writers and fans would end up with Boston or the Yankees.

When you have a rotation that starts with Santana and follows with young John Maine, that's not a bad 1-2 punch in the NL East.

Arrivals:

C Brian Schneider

OF Ryan Church

C Johnny Estrada

RHP Matt Wise

RHP Brian Stokes

RHP Steven Register

OF Angel Pagan

Departures:

LHP Glavine

C Paul Lo Duca

OF Lastings Milledg

RHP Mota

C Estrada

RHP Juan Padilla

RF/1B Green

2B Jose Valentin

INF/OF David Newhan

LHP Dave Williams

C Sandy Alomar Jr.

C Mike DiFelice

1B/OF Jeff Conine

RHP Aaron Sele

OF Ben Johnson

On the offensive side of the ball, the Mets should be just as strong as they were last season. Start things with outfielders Carlos Beltran and Moises Alou, 1st baseman Carlos Delgado, 3rd baseman David Wright and SS Jose Reyes, there really isn't that much to worried about.

The biggest question mark for the Mets is the back end of their rotation. How will Oliver Perez, Orlando Hernandez and possibly Mike Pelfrey be in the 3,4 and 5 spots?

Prediction Time:

The Phillies are the defending NL East Champions, and although the Mets have reloaded, I just don't know how their pitching staff will hold up through the entire 2008 season. The Mets should be the team to beat in the NL East, but the Phillies will give them a heck of a run.

Mets - 92 - 70

Fogg signs with Reds

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, the Cincinnati Reds picked up another pitcher to help out their starting rotation.

On Thursday, the Reds came to an agreement with free agent right-hander Josh Fogg on a 1-year $1M deal.

GM Wayne Krivsky on signing Fogg "It heated up here the last couple of weeks. Looking at the board of who was available, we thought he'd be a good fit."

Josh Fogg on signing with the Reds, "This was a place I wanted to end up. I think the opportunity to come in as a veteran guy and add a little stability to the pitching staff was one of the reasons I signed here."

Sheffield pulls no punches about former agent

Gary Sheffield is known for being outspoken, so when he was asked about his former agent Scott Boras, that outspoken nature continued.

Because of the grievance between the two, stemming from Sheffield's 3-year deal with the Yankees in 2003, has not yet been settled, Sheffield wouldn't talk about specifics but that didn't mean he wouldn't take his shots at Boras.

“It ain’t going to be pretty,” he said. “No fine is going to be big enough. No suspension is going to be long enough.”

“Nothing happens. Then, he comes back, `I want some more money.’ That’s basically the way he’s acting,” Sheffield said. “I don’t know why. It’s probably personal with him. But when it’s done, it’s going to be personal with me.”

Jenifer Langosch returns to The Hot Corner

Jenifer Langosch, who was one of the first interviews I ever did for this site, was good enough to take time out of her busy spring training schedule to answer a few questions on the Pirates as they get ready for their 2008 season.


Baseball-Rumors: What's your take on the letter to the fans from GM Neil Huntington?

Jenifer Langosch: All I can really say about this is that what Huntington says in that letter is truly what he means. He did do an overhaul of the system, and despite the lack of offseason moves, he is happy with where this team is going.

I'd have to agree on his insistence on not overspending in the FA market. The Pirates have been burned by signing older guys (i.e. Jeromy Burnitz, Sean Casey, Joe Randa, etc...) and it never pays off. All it does is provide a one-year fix (if that), and the cost is high. This year's FA market really wasn't that great when it came to finding affordable players for a team like Pittsburgh. Huntington made it a priority not to overspend because of panic in needing to make a splash in the news -- and I think that was smart.

The trouble with this team is that there is always going to be a struggle in finding a balance between producing now and building for the future. I think Huntington addresses that in this letter. He will have to make unpopular decisions because of the structure of this club (i.e. build up through farm system and trade away veteran players to restock system -- like a cycle). There is some stuff to be optimistic about this year, and the biggest thing that Huntington has gotten across this spring is that he believes in the direction and new philosophy of this organization.


Baseball-Rumors: Is there more or less pressure on Adam LaRoche going into 2008?

Jenifer Langosch: Definitely less. LaRoche came into last season being called the savior of this ballclub. He was being called upon to single-handedly turn around this team into a contender. Those expectations not only weren't fair, but they also wore on LaRoche.

He's arrived at ST fully healthy, ready to take on a leadership role (by example) and feeling stronger than he has at the beginning of camp in the past. The weight of this team doesn't lie on any one player -- and LaRoche (and everyone else) understands that this year.


Baseball-Rumors: How good is the battle going to be between Ryan Doumit and Ronny Paulinofor the starting catcher's job?

Jenifer Langosch: Not sure how exciting it's going to actually be simply because Paulino has the job already. Doumit has arrived in fantastic shape, and the organization still sees him as a potential option behind the plate in the future. However, the job has already been given to Paulino. I wouldn't expect there to be a competition so much in ST. Doumit will have a chance to prove that he has improved at the position, but unless something drastic happens, Paulino will start behind the plate. Where the competition will more likely come into play is during the season.

If Paulino doesn't produce (offensively or defensively) as the season goes on, then the team is going to have a decision to make. That's when you might see Doumit compete for that starting spot.


Baseball-Rumors: I know Chris Duffy is battling an injured left shoulder. Do the Piratesexpect him to be ready for Opening Day?

Jenifer Langosch: Duffy is expected to be ready... but don't expect him to be on the Pirates' Opening Day roster. He just started taking BP this week and he is still limited on his throwing. The Pirates expect him to be able to participate in ST games once those begin, but with Duffy's rustiness from time off and with the Nyjer Morgan/Nate McLouth battle going to determine the team's starting CF, Duffy will start the season in Triple-A.

Ryan Howard makes arbitration history

I'm not sure what the Phillies were thinking with this decision, but they decided to go to arbitration with 1st baseman Ryan Howard on Thursday.

Howard made $900k last year, but after hitting .268 with 47 HR's and 136 RBI's last year, he tied Alfonso Soriano for the highest amount ever given to a victorious player after being awared $10M.

The Phillies tried to get something done prior to the hearing, even negotiating right before the start of the hearing. Phillies assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said, “We negotiated right up to the courthouse steps with Ryan in a variety of ways and unfortunately we couldn’t get it done.”

Looking Forward to 2008: Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins looked like they could be in the hunt to win the AL Central, that was before Torii Hunter departed via Free Agency and they traded their ace Johan Santana to the NY Mets.

Now, the Twins seem in a little bit of a rebuilding mode, though they are a young team, they should still be a fun team to watch in 2008.

The Twins did show, however, that they were willing to keep around a few familiar faces of their franchise, locking up Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau to long term deals. Along with those familiar faces, will be some new ones that should bring veteran presence, guys like Adam Everett, Craig Monroe and Mike Lamb.

Arrivals:

SS Adam Everett

3B Mike Lamb

IF Brendan Harris

OFs Delmon Young

Craig Monroe

Jason Pridie

Livan Hernandez

Carlos Gomez

Deolis Guerra

Kevin Mulvey

Phil Humber

Departures:

Torii Hunter

Johan Santana

Rondell White

Lew Ford

Jason Tyner

Jason Bartlett

Matt Garza

Carlos Silva

With Johan Santana, Matt Garza and Carlos Silva missing from the rotation, the Twins will have to see who they will fill those rotation spots with. Will it be nearly as strong without those 3? That's still yet to be determined. Though, even with those 3 in the mix, the Twins still finished 4 games under .500.

Though their pitching staff will be different from that of 2007, offensively, this team might surprise some people. Catcher Joe Mauer, 1st baseman Just Morneau, outfielder Michael Cuddyer and DH Jason Kubel lead the Twins' offense, but let's not forget new additions Adam Everett, Mike Lamb and Craig Monroe who can also give opposing pitchers fits.

Prediction Time:

I can't imagine losing Santana, Hunter and Silva is going to help this ballclub, but if the players they received in return from the Mets for Santana can pull their weight and the trio of Mauer, Cuddyer and Morneau can have big years, maybe the Twins can be a pain in the sides of the Indians and Tigers.

Twins - 70-92