Sanchez signs 1-year deal with Mets

Duaner Sanchez had his 2006 season cut short after a Taxi accident and missed the entire 2007 season.

According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, the Mets think Sanchez can still help them out of the bullpen, signing the right-hander to a 1-year $850,000 contract on Monday.

As far as I'm concerned, Sanchez was one of the best relievers out of the bullpen in 2006. If he can make a comeback and be as dominant as he was when he season was ended, this is going to be a great deal for the Mets.

Orioles could re-sign Corey Patterson

According to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Orioles have renewed their interest in Corey Patterson.

Orioles' president, Andy McPhail, told the Sun "I have had discussions with his representative, Scott Boras, and they are familiar with our interest." "We have agreed we will touch base a little later."

Clemens faces the media

For the first time since being accused of taking steroids, Roger Clemens faced the media this afternoon. He surprised everyone by playing a 17 minute, taped, phone conversation between himself and former training Brian McNamee.

After the taped conversation, Clemens took questions from the media, but cut the press conference short after being asked about the Hall of Fame, saying "Do you think I played my career because I'm worried about the damn Hall of Fame?" "You keep your vote. I don't need the Hall of Fame to justify that I put my butt on the line and I worked my tail off, and I defy anybody to say I did it by cheating or taking any shortcuts, OK?"

Mike Antonellis, Play-by-Play, Portland Sea Dogs

Mike Antonellis is the radio play-by-play voice for the Portland Sea Dogs, the AA affiliate of the World Champion Boston Red Sox.


Baseball-Rumors: Got to start here, Mike. Memorial Day 2007, you receive a phone call from the Red Sox asking you to be a part of a TV broadcast for the Portland Sea Dogs for NESN. What was that like and how much different is it from radio?

Mike Antonellis: The Red Sox actually called our office with the idea, saying they wanted to change this up a little bit and give the fans a chance to see the Sea Dogs play. Chris Cameron, our Media Relations Director actually suggested me, so, yeah it was a big day for me for sure.

It worked out really well, it was a great time. The biggest change is, as far as radio goes, in the opening moments of the game, you're describing the scene so you're constantly talking. In TV, it's very quiet. I was doing color of the game, there's a big mis-conception that you can't be as creative on TV than you can in radio, but I found out you actually paint a big picture with every change in camera shots. I really enjoyed the live part of it all.


Baseball-Rumors: The pitcher on the mound for that game, Clay Buchholz, in just his 2nd or 3rd start Major League start, goes out and throws a no-hitter. Did you get to see it as it happened and what was your reaction?

Mike Antonellis: I didn't get to see the entire game until the following morning when I got to sit down and watch the replay of the game. I'm not surprised at all because of his stuff. He's got 4 pitches that he has great command of, but that curve ball is the most devastating pitch, it's paralyzing, it really is.

My opinion, Clay is the best pitcher I've seen come through here in my 11 years of doing this. He's far and away better than anyone I've ever seen.

You really root for players like him because you get to know them as they come up through the system.

Baseball-Rumors: July 12th, 2006, a young player by the name of Jacoby Ellsbury steps on the scene. How much had you known about him and did you expect him to become the player he has?

Mike Antonellis: In this area, you know the players coming up before they do, you know a little about them already, so yes I knew of him before he came up.

Jacoby was drafted right around the time of Johnny Damon's departure from the Red Sox. When he was drafted out of college, a lot of scouts said he could play the outfield in the big leagues right now. He's a confident kid, but not so much that he's cocky. The one thing I like so much about Ellsbury is, he's got great speed, game changing speed.


Baseball-Rumors: How much fun do you have watching these young players coming up, not necessarily the aforementioned Buchholz and Ellsbury, but all of them?

Mike Antonellis: It's a lot of fun. I grew up in an area where noone liked minor league baseball, but now this is a big deal.

The first player to come through the Sox system, Jonathan Papelbon, was really the first young player to make an impact with Boston and show teams that this is what a good farm system can do for your organization.


Baseball-Rumors: If there are 1 or 2 players that you would want Red Sox fans to keep their eye on or watch for, who are those players and why?

Mike Antonellis: As far as a pitcher goes, I'd say Justin Masterson. He's got a great sinker, he has natural sink on that pitch and he can throw it anywhere from 85-95 MPH.

The other player would be Bubba Bell, he put up rediculous numbers in the California League. There was a lot of pressure on him when he was called up, but he held himself really well.


Baseball-Rumors: Do you see both players being called up next season or do you expect them to be back with Portland?

Mike Antonellis: I think both will be back in Portland in 2008. The Red Sox organization isn't into rushing players up, they take their time, especially with pitchers.

Rich Burk, Play-by-Play for AAA Portland Beavers

When I first started doing interviews, I thought I would keep it to just the big leagues, but with so many fans wanting to know about up and coming prospects, I thought I should expand to include the minor leagues as well.

With that, I got to speak with Rich Burk who is the Play-by-Play voice of the Portland Beavers. They are the AAA affiliate of the San Diego Padres.


Baseball-Rumors: Let's start with Yordany Ramirez, a young center fielder that I thought showed a lot of promise. Are you surprised the Padres didn't retain him?

Rich Burk: Yes and no. No, because I know how big of a concern a player's OBP is in the Padres Organization. Yes, because Ramirez was a run saver, he was a phenomenal center fielder. He took good routes to the ball, got great jumps on fly balls. Rick Renteria, Portland's manager last season (premoted to Padres 1st base coach for 2008) told me "he's the best center fielder I've ever seen, off the charts." Had I not seen Yordany for myself, I wouldn't have believed him.

Yordany came straight up from A-Ball, he didn't play AA. From the first day, Renteria told him "you're my guy," so I think that relaxed Ramirez and allowed him to just go out and play the game.


Baseball-Rumors: There's been a lot of talk about Josh Geer and Will Startup, 2 young pitchers that could challenge for a spot with the Padres next season. How good are both of these players and do they have a shot at making the team out of Spring Training?

Rich Burk: I don't know much about Josh Geer, he pitched for us once and that was on a road trip that I wasn't able to attend.

As far as Startup, he really didn't pitch that well for us last season. Is it possible, yes, he's a left hander that could put together a few good weeks in Arizona and make the squad. Would I be suprised if he made the team, yes. I fully expect him to be with Portland in 2008.


Baseball-Rumors: Tim Stauffer, a young pitcher that a lot of Padre fans have been really down on. Is it a mental thing with him, confidence or is there something else to it?

Rich Burk: I think it's a confidence thing. Stauffer is a great kid and, last season, he really showed flashes of what he had in 2006, he showed a lot of promise. When he got called up last season, we thought that was the last we were going to see of him, that he would finally be there for good, but then he just got lit up in his start in Houston. We were really disappointed for him. To us, it was like a punch in the gut, we really wanted him to do well.

When he was sent back down after that, I asked him what happened and he just shook his head, he didn't know.


Baseball-Rumors: Another prospect that Padres fans are talking about is Kyle Blanks. How much do you know about him and have you heard if he'll make the jump to Portland this year?

Rich Burk: I don't know much about Blanks, just what I've heard from players that have come up from Lake Elsinore (LeBlanc, Ramos) and they said he can really crush the ball.

As far as if I expect him in Portland this year, I don't know. We usually won't know until sometime in March.


Baseball-Rumors: How about Vincent Sinisi, what kind of player is he?

Rich Burk: Vincent is a great kid, hard nosed player, wants to play every day. He's someone that you want at the plate in a big situation.

He's downside is, he's had a hard time staying healthy so I think that may keep in him Portland next season. He has to get, at least, 1 fully healthy season under his belt before he'll get a serious look.


Baseball-Rumors: If there are 1 or 2 players you can pick and say "keep your eye on these players", who would those players be and why?

Rich Burk: If I could pick one, I would say Ceasar Carillo. He did undergo Tommy John Surgery back in June of 2007, I believe it was, so I think we may see him start pitching again in June maybe as late as July or August.

Another player I would keep my eye on is Jared Wells. He's got great stuff. Now that he's been transitioned into a reliever, he can harness his confidence, go out for 1 inning and just let loose. I think he's got a great future as a reliever and the position fits him really well. He's got a very promising changeup, noone expects that from a fastball/slider pitcher so that's going to be a devistating pitch for him.

Jenifer Longosch of MLB.com

This afternoon I had the privilege to talk to Jenifer Longosch, she covers the Pittsburgh Pirates for MLB.com.


Baseball-Rumors: The Pirates were known to have interest in Padres' catcher Michael Barrett. Is there still interest in him and have they talked to the Padres about his availability?

Jenifer Longosch: The Pirates do not have interest in him at this point. They wanted to add Barrett as a 3rd catcher to allow them to move Doumit to left field. They are still looking to add a 3rd catcher, but Barrett won't be that guy.

The Pirates have no catching depth in their minor leagues, so that's really hurting them right now.


Baseball-Rumors: The Pirates also showed interest in Octavio Dotel and Shawn Chacon, where are those talks with those 2 players?

Jenifer Longosch: They're not talking with Dotel, but they are having ongoing talks with Chacon. Problem is, Chacon wants a multi-year deal but the Pirates aren't willing to give him that. Knowing that, I doubt Chacon is with this team in 2008.


Baseball-Rumors: There were a lot of trade talks surrounding Xavier Nady. Is there interest in him from other teams or do you expect him to be with the Pirates in 2008?

Jenifer Longosch: They'll still entertain offers for him, but the Pirates are asking WAY too much for him at this point, which is probably why a deal hasn't been done. San Diego had talked to them about Nady, but that's no longer going to happen.


Baseball-Rumors: In the deal with San Diego, who were the Pirates asking in return?

Jenifer Longosch: From what I remember, the Pirates wanted Chase Headley and a bullpen guy in exchange for Nady and probably McLouth.

Headley is as close to untouchable as they come in the Padres system, so that was dead pretty quickly.


Baseball-Rumors: Adam LaRoche really struggled out of the gate last season, was it a mental issue or was there an injury concern?

Jenifer Longosch: It was a mental thing with LaRoche, he admitted as much towards the middle of the season saying it really put a lot of pressure on him. When Adam signed with Pittsburgh, management was telling fans that he was going to be the savior of the team and putting that kind of pressure weighed pretty heavily on him.

LaRoche has always been a slow starter, even in his days with Atlanta, he's not the kind of player that can carry a team.

As far as an injury concern, he did have some irritation in his left knee during the season. They did look at the option of surgery this offseason but have decided against it.


Baseball-Rumors: Nate McClouth and Nyjer Morgan will both compete for the CF job during Spring Training. Are the Pirates leaning towards one or the other?

Jenifer Longosch: I wouldn't say they're leaning towards either player, they'll see how both guys do in Spring Training then decide who will be the starter. I know when Jim Tracy was here, he favored Morgan.


Baseball-Rumors: Why are the Pirates trying so hard to deal Jason Bay?

Jenifer Longosch: At this point, I'm not really sure. Maybe they think they won't be able to sign him long term. I know they want to rebuild their farm system, start fresh.


Baseball-Rumors: The trade talks between the Pirates and Indians that included Bay, at what point did those talks break down?

Jenifer Longosch: The deal broke down at the Winter Meetings. The Indians say the deal was never close while the Pirates say the deal was close but that the Indians pulled out, so I'm not sure what to believe.


Baseball-Rumors: The Pirates tried to deal Matt Morris at the trade deadline last season, are they still open to trading him?

Jenifer Longosch: They would still like to deal Morris, but noone wants to pickup what's left on his contract (1-year $9.5M w/ $9M club option or $1M buyout).

I think you'll see Morris with the Pirates until the trading deadline comes back around. At that point, I think the Pirates will be willing to cover some of his remaining salary to make the deal.


Baseball-Rumors: If there was 1 prospect that Pirate fans should look forward to, who is that player and what do you like about him?

Jenifer Longosch: The one I would look forward to is Andrew McCutchen. He's a 21-year-old center fielder. He's got power, speed, he's defensively sound and is a 5-tool player.

I don't think you'll see him with the team in 2008, unless he's called up when rosters expand in September, otherwise I expect to see him to start the 2009 season.


Writer's Note: If you haven't seen the writeup on McCutchen, it's pretty impressive. Not only is he a rising star in baseball, but he was ranked among the top 200 football players in the state of Florida...AS A SOPHOMORE!

He was ranked 3rd best 5-tool talent among high school players prior to the 2005 draft.

Mariners need another starter

The Boston Globe has a tidbit on the Seattle Mariners, who could be in the market for another starting pitcher.

The Mariners could look to trade setup man Brandon Morrow or catching prospect Jeff Clement, who is blocked by starter Kenji Johjima and backup Jamie Burke, to get that done.

Inge to stay in Detroit?

According to Lynn Henning of the Detroit News, 3rd baseman Brandon Inge could remain in Detroit for the 2008 season, even though he's been displaced by newly acquired Miguel Cabrera.

Even though Inge has asked to be traded, Tigers' GM Dave Dombrowki has said that he'll wait for the appropriate trade to move him.

One team that could still be looking for a 3rd baseman are the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels seem content to have Chone Figgins start at the hot corner, but he's not exactly known as the best defensive 3rd baseman. The one thing that could hold up trading Inge, the Tigers signed an extension with him prior to the 2007 season, so he's still owed $19.1M through 2010.

LA Times, Angels Q&A

For those of you baseball fans who have watched some of the worst years and best years your team has seen, you know there are always fans that are never happy with what the front office has done.

Well, if this is you, Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times posted his Angels Q&A yesterday. The first fan comment on there is worth the read for the very last sentence....

Instant Replay for baseball to be discussed

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News had an article out back in November, and I'm just getting a chance to read it now.

The article is about Major League Baseball adopting Instant Replay. I've gone back and forth with this idea for awhile now. On one hand, if it's used ONLY on disputed home run calls, then I don't think it's such a bad thing, but how many of those do we see per game, not even an average of 1?

The bad side of adopting this idea is, where does it stop? Soon, managers want instant replays on close plays at home, 1st, stolen bases, did he tag up..where does it end at that point? Once you institute it, there are going to be new conversations at the end of each season on what else you can use it for. Now, I love the game of baseball, I attend 8-12 San Diego Padre games a year, but imagine how much longer games could be with Instant Replay added?

Yeah, my point exactly.

Rangers avoid arbitration with Broussard

Something I forgot to post yesterday, the Texas Rangers avoided arbitration with Ben Broussard by signing him to a 1-year $3.85M deal on Saturday according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.

Broussard, expected to be the starting 1st baseman, was acquired by the Rangers from Seattle on December 12th.

Clemens, McNamee have hour long phone conversation

According to Alyson Footer of MLB.com, Roger Clemens and former trainer, and long time friend, Brian McNamee had an hour long phone conversation on Friday. A conversation that was described as "emotional" by those who know about it.

The conversation comes on the heals of Clemens' national television interview with Mike Wallace of CBS' 60 Minutes on Sunday evening.

Cubs trade OF Pagan

The Chicago Cubs traded outfielder Angel Pagan to the New York Mets for 2 minor leaguers according to the Chicago Tribune.

The Cubs will receive outfielder Corey Coles and right-hander Ryan Meyers.

Angels, White Sox talking Konerko

1.5.08 9:46pm PST

Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune has an article out, saying White Sox GM Kenny Williams has not had any conversations with Angels' GM Tony Reagins since the Winter Meetings.

I had a hard time believing this rumor from the start, I didn't think there was any way the Angels would part with both Kendrick and Santana for Konerko, there was no chance of that.

1.5.08 3:21pm PST

Tom Singer of MLB.com has an article out on the Angels/White Sox trade talk as well.

1.5.08 9:19am PST

A rumor I heard yesterday, confirmed today, that the Angels are talking to the White Sox about a deal for 1st baseman Paul Konerko.

The players that could be heading to Chicago are Howie Kendrick and Ervin Santana but the White Sox are looking for a package that includes Chone Figgins.

Mets still interested in Blanton

According to the NY Daily News, the New York Mets are still interested in talking to Oakland about right-hander Joe Blanton, if the A's decide to move him.

A's GM Billy Beane confirmed that the Mets have asked to keep them in mind if he does decide to talk about a deal for Blanton saying "the Mets are interested in doing something there and to keep them in mind, just as it was with Haren."

With the A's in full rebuilding mode, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the A's did trade Blanton, especially if they can get at least 2 top prospects in return after getting 6 from Arizona in their trade for Dan Haren.

Pirates add Dessens to bullpen

The Pittsburgh Pirates finally found the right-hander they needed out of their bullpen, they signed veteran Elmer Dessens to a 1-year minor league deal.

Dessens is just coming off a 2-year $3.4M deal, but it should be considerably less with the current contract he just signed with the Pirates.

We'll see how Dessens does in Spring Training, he really struggled with the Brewers and Rockies last season, posting ERA's of 6.60 and 7.58 respectively.

Cardinals re-sign Aaron Miles

According to CBS Sportsline, the St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed 2nd baseman Aaron Miles to a 1-year $1.4M deal on Friday.

On top of his base salary, Miles can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses.

Marlins sign Cantu

The Florida Marlins have signed infielder Jorge Cantu to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Cantu should make a run at the starting 3rd base job that came open after the departure of Miguel Cabrera after he was traded to the Tigers.

Interview with Lyle Spencer of MLB.com

I got the chance to interview Lyle Spencer of MLB.com, he covered the San Diego Padres for the last 2 seasons and is now covering the Los Angels Angels of Anaheim.


Baseball-Rumors: I have to start out with a non-baseball question, LSU or Ohio State?

Lyle Spencer: That's a hard decision, but I think LSU should win the game because they have a home field advantage to a certain extent. I really haven't seen enough of either team to make an educated pick. Ohio State seems to have a lot of problems with the SEC, so I think LSU should come out on top.


Baseball-Rumors: Do you have a vote for the Hall of Fame?

Lyle Spencer: Yes, I do.


Baseball-Rumors: Who were your votes for the class of 2008?

Lyle Spencer: My votes were for Bert Blyleven, Goose Gossage, Andre Dawson, Jim Rice, Don Mattingly, Dave Concepcion and Alan Trammell.

I'm partial to that era of the game, I loved watching guys like Don Mattingly play the game. I'm not a big fan of the moneyball idea that a lot of teams preach these days, but the game has changed so much in the last 10-15 years.


Baseball-Rumors: New Angels General Manager Tony Reagins, how different is he from former GM Bill Stoneman?

Lyle Spencer: I'm not sure yet, I'm fairly new to covering the Angels so I haven't really gotten a chance to get a feel for Reagins yet.

From what I've seen so far, I think Tony is more of a risk taker. He's more likely to pull the trigger on a deal than Stoneman, he's not going to take more time analyzing the deal. I think Reagins was willing to part with more (in the Cabrera deal) than Stoneman ever would have. Stoneman was a very bright guy, but I think he over-analyzed deals or moves.


Baseball-Rumors: Does the addition of Torii Hunter mean the departure of Gary Mathews Jr.?

Lyle Spencer: I don't think so. I think, because Garrett Anderson is probably in his last year with the Angels, there's no real urgency to trade Mathews. There's been no serious interest in Mathews from other teams, so I doubt you'll see a trade for him. Not to say it won't happen, because it's still very early in the process.


Baseball-Rumors: You covered both the Padres and now with the Angels, how are the two teams different with the players on the field as well as the way their front offices go about their business?

Lyle Spencer: The Angels clubhouse is more business like, quiet, where the Padres' clubhouse has a more relaxed, easy going feel to it. I think, with the addition of Hunter to the Angels, I think he'll loosen up that clubhouse.

As far as the front office, Kevin Towers is very relaxed, he's a great guy, very friendly and easy to deal with, especially with the media. Bill Stoneman really wasn't a media guy, you didn't see a lot of sound bytes from him, but I think Reagins could be very different from that, we'll see.


Baseball-Rumors: I know you must have spent a lot of time with Tony Gwynn. What was his reaction when he saw his son going up against Trevor Hoffman at the end of last season, a guy that watched the younger Gwynn growing up?

Lyle Spencer: I'm sure he was very conflicted. On one hand, he's a father and he's pulling for his son, on the other hand I'm sure he's partial to the Padres as well, but they say "blood is thicker than water", so that should tell you a lot.


Baseball-Rumors: Would Tony ever consider managing in the big leagues do you think?

Lyle Spencer: No, absolutely not. He has a great situation right now with San Diego State, it's close to home, he can do what he wants to do, it's the ideal situation. I don't think managing in the majors has ever appealed to him.


Baseball-Rumors: Is this the last year for Trevor Hoffman as a Padre?

Lyle Spencer: It depends on how this season goes. I know they have an option for the 2009 season ($7.5M option w/ $2M buyout), but I know the Padres really like Heath Bell.

I was really surprised that Trevor didn't take the Indians offer, especially since it was significantly more than the Padres offer. The decision on Trevor, I'm sure, is going to be a difficult one but Sandy Alderson won't make that decision based on it being sentimental, that won't enter into it at all.


Baseball-Rumors: Same question in terms of Francisco Rodriguez?

Lyle Spencer: It might be, KRod is going to look for $11-$12M/year and I don't know if the Angels are willing to pay that. There's still concern with his arm if it's going to hold up, but there's no doubt he's still a very good young pitcher. It's going to be a tough call on him as well.

Clemens, Pettitte asked to testify before Congress

According to an AP Report, Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte as well as ex-trainer Brian McNamee and former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, have been asked to testify before the a congressional committee on January 16th.

Also asked to speak in front of Congress was former Yankee Chuck Knoblauch.


If you didn't think stuff was going to hit the fan before, this should change your mind. Roger Clemens and Brian McNamee Round 1...this should be fun.