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.
Friday, March 14, 2008
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, March 10, 2008
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.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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."
Thursday, March 6, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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.
Monday, March 3, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
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.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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?
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