Colorado LHP Josh Outman has sustained an injury while vomiting. Manager Jim Tracy told reporters that he pulled his right oblique muscle after vomiting from food poisoning. Outman will start the year on the 15-day disabled list.
Outman went 3-5 with a 3.70 ERA and 35 strikeouts last season for Oakland.
Showing posts with label baseball hot stove. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball hot stove. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Martinez Arrested for DUI
Atlanta RHP Cristhian Martinez was arrested yesterday morning and charged with a DUI by the Gwinnett County Police after he was seen weaving in and out of traffic and later registered a 0.13 BAC level during a breath test. The 30-year-old reliever is in his third season with the Braves and had secured a spot on the team with a strong Spring.
Francisco Undergoes MRI on knee
Mets RHP Frank Francisco, signed to a two-year, $12 million contract this off-season, had an MRI on his right knee yesterday after having it drained earlier. He said that the knee was sore earlier in Spring but that it went away after his body toned up in Spring, but that the soreness returned on Saturday after pitching two innings in an exhibition game, although he was able to throw after the draining and MRI yesterday.
Upton Hopes to Return in April
Tampa Bay CF B. J. Upton, who will start the season on the disabled list, says he is making quick progress in his recovery and plans to return to the team later this month, more specifically during the team's April 10-19 road trip against Detroit, Boston, and Toronto. He has played in only one Minor League game since a collision with LF Desmond Jennings on March 14. In other Rays news, OF Sam Fuld underwent right wrist surgery today and is expected to miss four or five months.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Pettitte to Start Against Mets Tomorrow
Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte is scheduled to start tomorrow's exhibition game against the Mets in Tampa tomorrow at noon (YES Network, MLB Network). He is expected to pitch one winning. Pettitte came out of retirement on March 16 and is expected to be ready to join the team sometime in May.
The decision to let Pettitte start came after he threw his second simulated game since his return on Saturday and a 25-pitch bullpen session yesterday.
The decision to let Pettitte start came after he threw his second simulated game since his return on Saturday and a 25-pitch bullpen session yesterday.
Chapman Returns to Bullpen
Cincinnati LHP Aroldis Chapman will return to the bullpen this season. The plan had been to let him return to starting (his role in his native Cuba) but they opted to place him back in the bullpen when RHP Ryan Madson (out for season) and RHP Nick Masset (15-day disabled list) went down with injuries. Chapman had been optimistic to return to starting this season.
Jimenez Suspended five Games After Drilling Tulo in Spring game
Cleveland RHP Ubaldo Jimenez has been suspended for five games after hitting Colorado SS Troy Tulowitzki (the two a re former teammates) with a pitch in a Spring Training game on Sunday. The incident cleared both benches and Jimenez was later suspended by MLB Senior Vice President Joe Garagiola Jr. Tulowitzki did not play in Colorado's next Cactus League game on Monday, but he was expected to play both today and tomorrow.
Jimenez insists that the beaning was not intentional and refused to apologize to Tulowitzki. Colorado manager Jim Tracy and several of their players were upset at the incident because it occurred so close to the regular season, despite the fact that most of them were aware of the ill will between the two players.
Jimenez insists that the beaning was not intentional and refused to apologize to Tulowitzki. Colorado manager Jim Tracy and several of their players were upset at the incident because it occurred so close to the regular season, despite the fact that most of them were aware of the ill will between the two players.
Bailey to Undergo Thumb Surgery
Boston RHP Andrew Bailey is set to undergo surgery on his right thumb and is expected to miss a large amount of the season, although there is no set timetable for his return. The Red Sox announced on Tuesday that he had been examined by two doctors in Boston and was set to be examined by a third that day. Today, Boston announced that Bailey has decided to undergo surgery.
2012 MLB Division Predictions
Before we start with all the prediction let's take a look at the three teams we cover the most, the Yankees, the Mets, and Boston.
We'll start with the Yanks. !!!!SPOILER ALERT!!! I'm going to say where these teams finish in our predictions before we actually name our predictions, so reader beware. We picked the Yankees to repeat as AL East Champions. And why not? They have, more or less, the same team in place as last year and none of the other teams in the Division (with the possible exception of Toronto) has upgraded their personnel. But don't get too excited Yankee fans. This team still has all the old problems from last season. Like their pitching for example. Or rather, lack thereof. LHP C. C. Sabathia is a stud and one of the better true aces in the AL, but there's nothing behind him. Okay, RHP Ivan Nova is pretty good, and I expect RHP Hiroki Kuroda to be decent in the AL and the Bronx, but not great. RHP Phil Hughes belongs in AAA, and RHP Freddy Garcia's job is only guaranteed until either RHP Michael Pineda (who's well on his way to being a true NY bust) returns from the DL or LHP Andy Pettitte is ready to go again. The bullpen is good at first with RHP Mariano Rivera and RHP David Robertson, but it thins out quickly after that. Yanks might get knocked out in the Division Series, and definitely won't make it to the World Series.
Now onto Boston. We picked Boston to recover from their collapse from last season and finish in second place in the AL East. And yes, although it's somewhat of a crap-shoot, we picked Boston to win one of the two Wild Card spots in the AL. !!!SPOILER ALERT!!! We picked the Angels to win the other Wild Card spot. This would lead to a one-game playoff between the two teams. A lot will happen between now and the first week of October, but if the two brightest spots on the teams stay the course that would lead to a pitching match-up in the one game playoff between LHP Jon Lester and RHP Jerad Weaver. You never know what will happen in these one-game playoffs until they're played, but if you were giving us odds we'd put our money on Weaver and the Angels. Sorry Red Sox Nation, but it should still be a good season.
And finally the Mets. Yeah, they're going to finish in last place. Sure, The Dude (RF Lucas Duda) looks like the real deal, but he can't judge fly balls. 1B Ike Davis says that he's healthy, but we don't really know how his ankle is faring and now he has Valley Fever. 3B David Wright has a torn muscle in his rib cage. IF Ruben Tejada is completely unproven at shortstop. IF/OF Daniel Murphy can't field ground balls to save his life and he's penciled in to play second base. C Josh Thole can't hit left-handers and can't catch either RHP R. A. Dickey or RHP Mike Pelfrey (the first being a knuckleballer and the latter needing a personal catcher), and he can't meet the defensive demands of his position. CF Andres Torres is terrible and injury-prone, and he'll probably start the season on the DL. But that's only their starting lineup. They have no one of value in their bullpen. Their rotation is actually okay, with Dickey, Pelfrey, LHP Jon Niese, and RHP Dillon Gee actually finishing with a near .500 record last season. But it all hinges on LHP Johan Santana, who's trying to come back from an injury for a full season that no one has ever fully recovered from (Nationals RHP Chien-Ming Wang has come closest). So yeah, they'll be in last place and Citi Field will be empty by Mother's Day.
The predictions:
AL East:
1. Yankees (see above)
2. Red Sox (see above)
3. Rays: They're in a tough division and probably won't be able to benefit from another Red Sox collapse again.
4. Blue Jays: A ton of offense, decent pitching, and much-improved bullpen, but they won't be able to leapfrog the three strong teams in front of them.
5. Orioles: Baltimore sucks. At everything. Not just baseball.
AL Central:
1. Tigers: Definitely in good position to repeat.
2. Royals: The rest of the division is terrible and they're actually looking better; could have a winning record for first time since 2003.
3. Indians: They're a mediocre team in a bad division; 75 wins but a third place finish is proof of this.
4. Twins: They built their team to win in the Metrodome, then they built a completely different stadium; it could be a long time before they win again.
5. White Sox: They're in an acknowledged rebuilding phase and rookie manager Robin Ventura isn't going to be able to do anything special with this franchise.
AL West:
1. Rangers: They've become the new powerhouse of the AL with back-to-back pennants.
2. Angels: Should be strong again new additions in Pujols and Wilson; should win one of two Wild Card spots.
3. Mariners: They're bad, but still better than Oakland.
4. A's: They're rebuilding with a huge fire sale in the off-season.
NL East:
1. Phillies: An offense suited for their stadium and top-notch pitching will give them another Division title.
2. Braves: They won't collapse again if only because there are two Wild Card winners this season, and we expect them to win one of them.
3. Marlins: A new ballpark, shortstop, and manager will help, but it won't help that much, although they may make a strong run at 85 wins.
4. Nationals: Look, they're not going to be as good as people are saying, losing record.
5. Mets: See above.
NL Central:
1. Cardinals: They've lost a lot in player personnel, LaRussa, and the coaching staff, but they should still repeat as division champions.
2. Reds: They were there two years ago but slumped last season, they'll be back again and should win one of the two Wild Cards.
3. Brewers: It turns out that Prince Fielder was a lot more important than people thought.
4. Pirates: They look like they're going to be better, but how good will that really make them?
5. Cubs: They're officially rebuilding, they're going to be worse than usual for awhile.
6. Astros: They're just waiting to limp their way into the AL West in 2013.
NL West
1. D-backs: Hopefully last year wasn't a flash in the pan like in the past with the D-backs, because they looked like they had the most complete team last year.
2. Giants: A ton of pitching, but last year their offense was their Achilles' heel.
3. Dodgers: The new owners and lack of McCourt distractions will help, but the team still just isn't that good.
4. Rockies: I love Jamie Moyer, but when a 49-year-old finesse pitcher attempting to make a comeback is currently penciled into be your number two starter, how good can you expect to be?
5. Padres: Proof that baseball is the most humbling sport amongst the big four: It wasn't that long ago that the Padres were a decent team.
We'll start with the Yanks. !!!!SPOILER ALERT!!! I'm going to say where these teams finish in our predictions before we actually name our predictions, so reader beware. We picked the Yankees to repeat as AL East Champions. And why not? They have, more or less, the same team in place as last year and none of the other teams in the Division (with the possible exception of Toronto) has upgraded their personnel. But don't get too excited Yankee fans. This team still has all the old problems from last season. Like their pitching for example. Or rather, lack thereof. LHP C. C. Sabathia is a stud and one of the better true aces in the AL, but there's nothing behind him. Okay, RHP Ivan Nova is pretty good, and I expect RHP Hiroki Kuroda to be decent in the AL and the Bronx, but not great. RHP Phil Hughes belongs in AAA, and RHP Freddy Garcia's job is only guaranteed until either RHP Michael Pineda (who's well on his way to being a true NY bust) returns from the DL or LHP Andy Pettitte is ready to go again. The bullpen is good at first with RHP Mariano Rivera and RHP David Robertson, but it thins out quickly after that. Yanks might get knocked out in the Division Series, and definitely won't make it to the World Series.
Now onto Boston. We picked Boston to recover from their collapse from last season and finish in second place in the AL East. And yes, although it's somewhat of a crap-shoot, we picked Boston to win one of the two Wild Card spots in the AL. !!!SPOILER ALERT!!! We picked the Angels to win the other Wild Card spot. This would lead to a one-game playoff between the two teams. A lot will happen between now and the first week of October, but if the two brightest spots on the teams stay the course that would lead to a pitching match-up in the one game playoff between LHP Jon Lester and RHP Jerad Weaver. You never know what will happen in these one-game playoffs until they're played, but if you were giving us odds we'd put our money on Weaver and the Angels. Sorry Red Sox Nation, but it should still be a good season.
And finally the Mets. Yeah, they're going to finish in last place. Sure, The Dude (RF Lucas Duda) looks like the real deal, but he can't judge fly balls. 1B Ike Davis says that he's healthy, but we don't really know how his ankle is faring and now he has Valley Fever. 3B David Wright has a torn muscle in his rib cage. IF Ruben Tejada is completely unproven at shortstop. IF/OF Daniel Murphy can't field ground balls to save his life and he's penciled in to play second base. C Josh Thole can't hit left-handers and can't catch either RHP R. A. Dickey or RHP Mike Pelfrey (the first being a knuckleballer and the latter needing a personal catcher), and he can't meet the defensive demands of his position. CF Andres Torres is terrible and injury-prone, and he'll probably start the season on the DL. But that's only their starting lineup. They have no one of value in their bullpen. Their rotation is actually okay, with Dickey, Pelfrey, LHP Jon Niese, and RHP Dillon Gee actually finishing with a near .500 record last season. But it all hinges on LHP Johan Santana, who's trying to come back from an injury for a full season that no one has ever fully recovered from (Nationals RHP Chien-Ming Wang has come closest). So yeah, they'll be in last place and Citi Field will be empty by Mother's Day.
The predictions:
AL East:
1. Yankees (see above)
2. Red Sox (see above)
3. Rays: They're in a tough division and probably won't be able to benefit from another Red Sox collapse again.
4. Blue Jays: A ton of offense, decent pitching, and much-improved bullpen, but they won't be able to leapfrog the three strong teams in front of them.
5. Orioles: Baltimore sucks. At everything. Not just baseball.
AL Central:
1. Tigers: Definitely in good position to repeat.
2. Royals: The rest of the division is terrible and they're actually looking better; could have a winning record for first time since 2003.
3. Indians: They're a mediocre team in a bad division; 75 wins but a third place finish is proof of this.
4. Twins: They built their team to win in the Metrodome, then they built a completely different stadium; it could be a long time before they win again.
5. White Sox: They're in an acknowledged rebuilding phase and rookie manager Robin Ventura isn't going to be able to do anything special with this franchise.
AL West:
1. Rangers: They've become the new powerhouse of the AL with back-to-back pennants.
2. Angels: Should be strong again new additions in Pujols and Wilson; should win one of two Wild Card spots.
3. Mariners: They're bad, but still better than Oakland.
4. A's: They're rebuilding with a huge fire sale in the off-season.
NL East:
1. Phillies: An offense suited for their stadium and top-notch pitching will give them another Division title.
2. Braves: They won't collapse again if only because there are two Wild Card winners this season, and we expect them to win one of them.
3. Marlins: A new ballpark, shortstop, and manager will help, but it won't help that much, although they may make a strong run at 85 wins.
4. Nationals: Look, they're not going to be as good as people are saying, losing record.
5. Mets: See above.
NL Central:
1. Cardinals: They've lost a lot in player personnel, LaRussa, and the coaching staff, but they should still repeat as division champions.
2. Reds: They were there two years ago but slumped last season, they'll be back again and should win one of the two Wild Cards.
3. Brewers: It turns out that Prince Fielder was a lot more important than people thought.
4. Pirates: They look like they're going to be better, but how good will that really make them?
5. Cubs: They're officially rebuilding, they're going to be worse than usual for awhile.
6. Astros: They're just waiting to limp their way into the AL West in 2013.
NL West
1. D-backs: Hopefully last year wasn't a flash in the pan like in the past with the D-backs, because they looked like they had the most complete team last year.
2. Giants: A ton of pitching, but last year their offense was their Achilles' heel.
3. Dodgers: The new owners and lack of McCourt distractions will help, but the team still just isn't that good.
4. Rockies: I love Jamie Moyer, but when a 49-year-old finesse pitcher attempting to make a comeback is currently penciled into be your number two starter, how good can you expect to be?
5. Padres: Proof that baseball is the most humbling sport amongst the big four: It wasn't that long ago that the Padres were a decent team.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Doubront, Bard Crack Boston Rotation
Manager Bobby Valentine has announced that LHP Felix Doubront and RHP Daniel Bard have won the two open spots in his rotation. The announcement was made yesterday. Doubront will be the team's fourth starter and Bard the fifth, behind LHP Jon Lester, RHP Josh Beckett, and RHP Clay Buchholz, if all are healthy.
RHP Alfredo Aceves, who was also competing for a rotation spot, was informed that he will pitch out of the bullpen. Bard has been a reliever in the Majors and posted a 6.57 ERA in six starts this Spring, but was considered a lock for the rotation all off-season.
RHP Alfredo Aceves, who was also competing for a rotation spot, was informed that he will pitch out of the bullpen. Bard has been a reliever in the Majors and posted a 6.57 ERA in six starts this Spring, but was considered a lock for the rotation all off-season.
Braden Suffers Setback
Oakland Athletics LHP Dallas Braden has suffered a setback in his recovery from shoulder surgery with a left shoulder strain. The strain was suffered while he was playing catch following a bullpen session before the team traveled to Japan to open the season against Seattle. Before the setback, Braden was expected to return by May.
The 28-year-old Braden underwent left shoulder surgery last May to repair a torn capsule after going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts. He went 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts in 2010. Braden was on a throwing program this Spring, but had yet to appear in an exhibition game.
The 28-year-old Braden underwent left shoulder surgery last May to repair a torn capsule after going 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts. He went 11-14 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 starts in 2010. Braden was on a throwing program this Spring, but had yet to appear in an exhibition game.
Atlanta, Cincinnati swap Prospects
Atlanta has acquired 3B Juan Francisco from Cincinnati in exchange for RHP J. J. Hoover. Francisco was ranked as Cincinnati's top-ranked power-hitting prospect by Baseball America in 2011. Last season he batted .307 with 15 homers and a .334 on-base percentage for Louisville and also batted .258 with three homers and a .289 on-base percentage with Cincinnati.
Francisco is out of options and was about to be cut by Cincinnati, which is why he was traded as opposed to waived of outrighted, and he is expected to crack the Opening Day roster for Atlanta and should get some starts in place of injured 3B Chipper Jones. Francisco lost out on the job to back up 3B Scott Rolen to IF Todd Frazier and had no place on the team. Hoover had a 2.64 ERA in the Minors last season and has gone 25-19 with a 3.14 ERA in his Minor League career.
Francisco is out of options and was about to be cut by Cincinnati, which is why he was traded as opposed to waived of outrighted, and he is expected to crack the Opening Day roster for Atlanta and should get some starts in place of injured 3B Chipper Jones. Francisco lost out on the job to back up 3B Scott Rolen to IF Todd Frazier and had no place on the team. Hoover had a 2.64 ERA in the Minors last season and has gone 25-19 with a 3.14 ERA in his Minor League career.
Cain Signs $127.5 Million Extension with San Francisco
RHP Matt Cain will be staying in San Francisco for the time being. And why not, Cain has been an All-Star, second ace to RHP Tim Lincecum, and postseason hero in the Bay Area. And now Cain has been awarded a big contract for his contributions, past, present, and future.
The extension has netted Cain $127.5 million over the next six years, a record for a right-handed pitcher. Cain had already been guaranteed $12 million this season, but was due to become a free agent at the end of the season. The extension also gives Cain a vesting option for 2018 if he reaches 200 innings pitched in 2017 and/or pitches a combined 400 innings pitched combined in 2016 and 2017.
This long extension comes after Lincecum agreed to a two-year, $40 million extension earlier this off-season. Oh by the way, Cain's record deal for a righty is also the third biggest contract of all-time for a pitcher, behind the ones awarded LHP Johan Santana of the Mets and LHP C. C. Sabathia of the Yankees. The second-largest contract ever awarded a righty was RHP Kevin Brown's seven-year, $105 million contract awarded him by the Dodgers in 1998.
Cain, only 27, went 12-11 with a 2.88 ERA last season and reached 200 innings pitched for the fifth season in a row, after not allowing a run all postseason in 2010 when San Francisco won the World Series. Cain and his agents had intimated that he wanted "fair value" from whatever team gave him a contract, and he was awarded similar money to that of LHP Cliff Lee of Philadelphia and LHP C. J. Wilson and RHP Jerad Weaver of the Angels. GM Brian Sabean said that the contract talks with Cain and his agents were constant and professional.
And look out Philadelphia fans, LHP Cole Hamels now figures to be the top free agent pitcher this season, and he'll probably want a bigger contract than Cain. Not that San Francisco is worried about that, or were they worried about spending top-dollar for Cain, after they signed free agent bust LHP Barry Zito to a seven-year, $126 million deal in 2007. And Cain isn't worried about either of those two things, he's just happy to be staying in San Francisco.
The extension has netted Cain $127.5 million over the next six years, a record for a right-handed pitcher. Cain had already been guaranteed $12 million this season, but was due to become a free agent at the end of the season. The extension also gives Cain a vesting option for 2018 if he reaches 200 innings pitched in 2017 and/or pitches a combined 400 innings pitched combined in 2016 and 2017.
This long extension comes after Lincecum agreed to a two-year, $40 million extension earlier this off-season. Oh by the way, Cain's record deal for a righty is also the third biggest contract of all-time for a pitcher, behind the ones awarded LHP Johan Santana of the Mets and LHP C. C. Sabathia of the Yankees. The second-largest contract ever awarded a righty was RHP Kevin Brown's seven-year, $105 million contract awarded him by the Dodgers in 1998.
Cain, only 27, went 12-11 with a 2.88 ERA last season and reached 200 innings pitched for the fifth season in a row, after not allowing a run all postseason in 2010 when San Francisco won the World Series. Cain and his agents had intimated that he wanted "fair value" from whatever team gave him a contract, and he was awarded similar money to that of LHP Cliff Lee of Philadelphia and LHP C. J. Wilson and RHP Jerad Weaver of the Angels. GM Brian Sabean said that the contract talks with Cain and his agents were constant and professional.
And look out Philadelphia fans, LHP Cole Hamels now figures to be the top free agent pitcher this season, and he'll probably want a bigger contract than Cain. Not that San Francisco is worried about that, or were they worried about spending top-dollar for Cain, after they signed free agent bust LHP Barry Zito to a seven-year, $126 million deal in 2007. And Cain isn't worried about either of those two things, he's just happy to be staying in San Francisco.
Votto Signs ten-year, $225 Million Extension
Arguably the biggest off-season splash in the history of the Cincinnati Reds organization came when they acquired CF Ken Griffey Jr. in a trade with Seattle shortly before the start of the 2000 season. But that won't be the case for much longer. 1B Joey Votto has told reporters that he is close to signing a ten-year, $225 million extension with the team.
If true and the numbers are correct, this would be the fourth largest deal in MLB history, not adjusted for inflation. And the 28-year-old Votto will be the third first baseman to sign a $200-million contract in the past four months, joining 1B Albert Pujols of the Angels and 1B Prince Fielder of Detroit. Before this off-season, the only player to ever crack the $200 million mark was IF Alex Rodriguez, who did so twice, once as a shortstop with Texas in 2001 and a second time as a third baseman with the Yankees in 2007.
Just for reference, Votto was already set to make $9.5 million this season and $17 million in 2013. Also, by opting to build around Votto, this probably means that 2B Brandon Phillips will not be retained by Cincinnati when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season. The 30-year-old Phillips will more likely get a three-year contract in the off-season, most likely somewhere outside of Cincinnati.
If true and the numbers are correct, this would be the fourth largest deal in MLB history, not adjusted for inflation. And the 28-year-old Votto will be the third first baseman to sign a $200-million contract in the past four months, joining 1B Albert Pujols of the Angels and 1B Prince Fielder of Detroit. Before this off-season, the only player to ever crack the $200 million mark was IF Alex Rodriguez, who did so twice, once as a shortstop with Texas in 2001 and a second time as a third baseman with the Yankees in 2007.
Just for reference, Votto was already set to make $9.5 million this season and $17 million in 2013. Also, by opting to build around Votto, this probably means that 2B Brandon Phillips will not be retained by Cincinnati when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season. The 30-year-old Phillips will more likely get a three-year contract in the off-season, most likely somewhere outside of Cincinnati.
Spring Training cuts
Boston made an important Spring Training cut today, optioning C Ryan Lavarnway to Pawtucket. There was some speculation that Lavarnway - a top prospect who has torn up Minor League pitching and has looked capable of making the next step to the Majors - would be awarded the starting catcher's job over incumbent C Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
The Mets have also gone through their most recent wave of cuts, beginning on Thursday when they optioned SS Jordany Valdespin to Buffalo. On Friday, they then optioned RHP Chris Schwinden to Buffalo. In addition, the team signed LF Bobby Scales, who was released in Spring Training by the Cubs, to a Minor League contract today.
The Yankees have also been tweaking their roster since last Tuesday, when they claimed C Craig Tatum on waivers from Arizona and signed 1B Steve Pearce - a free agent who had been released by Minnesota this Spring - to a Minor League contract. On Thursday, they outrighted Tatum to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has the option of refusing the assignment and becoming a free agent. And today, they signed RHP Jason Bulger - who had been released by Minnesota this Spring - to a Minor League contract.
The Mets have also gone through their most recent wave of cuts, beginning on Thursday when they optioned SS Jordany Valdespin to Buffalo. On Friday, they then optioned RHP Chris Schwinden to Buffalo. In addition, the team signed LF Bobby Scales, who was released in Spring Training by the Cubs, to a Minor League contract today.
The Yankees have also been tweaking their roster since last Tuesday, when they claimed C Craig Tatum on waivers from Arizona and signed 1B Steve Pearce - a free agent who had been released by Minnesota this Spring - to a Minor League contract. On Thursday, they outrighted Tatum to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has the option of refusing the assignment and becoming a free agent. And today, they signed RHP Jason Bulger - who had been released by Minnesota this Spring - to a Minor League contract.
Santana Named Opening Day Starter
LHP Johan Santana has been named the Opening Day starter by the Mets. He learned that he would be given the Opening Day assignment during a meeting with manager Terry Collins on Thursday. The rest of the rotation will include RHP R. A. Dickey, LHP Jon Niese, RHP Mike Pelfrey, and RHP Dillon Gee.
There had been doubt about Santana's availability all Spring as he hasn't pitched in the Majors for 19 months, and that doubt was reinforced as he left an exhibition game with shoulder soreness last week, but his strong bullpen session yesterday convinced Collins that he was ready to go.
There had been doubt about Santana's availability all Spring as he hasn't pitched in the Majors for 19 months, and that doubt was reinforced as he left an exhibition game with shoulder soreness last week, but his strong bullpen session yesterday convinced Collins that he was ready to go.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Yankees Claim Tatum on Waivers from Arizona
The Yankees have claimed C Craig Tatum on waivers from Arizona after he was cut by the D-backs this Spring. He spent last season in Baltimore where he batted .195 in 87 at-bats. A defensive standout, Tatum has spent a large part of this off-season on the waiver wire.
Drafted by Cincinnati in 2004, Tatum was claimed on waivers by Baltimore in 2009 and was then claimed on waivers by Houston this past November, only to waived and claimed by Arizona in January before again being claimed by the Yankees today after being cut in Spring Training. The Yankees have added Tatum to their active roster and he will be temporarily competing for a job as a backup catcher until the end of Spring Training.
And you guessed it: If Tatum is cut (and he isn't likely to beat out C Francisco Cervelli for the backup job) he'll likely be waived again.
Drafted by Cincinnati in 2004, Tatum was claimed on waivers by Baltimore in 2009 and was then claimed on waivers by Houston this past November, only to waived and claimed by Arizona in January before again being claimed by the Yankees today after being cut in Spring Training. The Yankees have added Tatum to their active roster and he will be temporarily competing for a job as a backup catcher until the end of Spring Training.
And you guessed it: If Tatum is cut (and he isn't likely to beat out C Francisco Cervelli for the backup job) he'll likely be waived again.
Spring Training cuts
Boston made another series of Spring Training cuts on Tuesday, with one of them having major ramifications on the makeup of the team in 2012. 1B Lars Anderson was optioned to Pawtucket in a move that was expected all season long. But in another major move, SS Jose Iglesias was also optioned to Pawtucket. Iglesias was battling for a position as the team's starting shortstop, but that job now appears to have gone to IF/OF Mike Aviles.
Chamberlain Expects to Pitch this Season
RHP Joba Chamberlain feels as if he let the Yankees down when he dislocated his ankle on a trampoline playing with his son and nearly died to to blood loss, but refused to apologize to the team following the incident. He was already sidelined following Tommy John surgery and - realistically - probably wouldn't have pitched at all this season. However, Chamberlain still expects to pitch this season.
Chamberlain said that he and his son were jumping from trampoline-to-trampoline at a Tampa trampoline facility when he landed awkwardly. GM Brian Cashman has revealed that the injury has been categorized as an open dislocation subtalar joint. Chamberlain is expected to remain in a cast for a minimum of six weeks and then move to a walking boot.
Chamberlain said that he and his son were jumping from trampoline-to-trampoline at a Tampa trampoline facility when he landed awkwardly. GM Brian Cashman has revealed that the injury has been categorized as an open dislocation subtalar joint. Chamberlain is expected to remain in a cast for a minimum of six weeks and then move to a walking boot.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Ownership Group led by Johnson wins bid for Dodgers
An ownership group led by former NBA player Magic Johnson and longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten has agreed to buy the Dodgers from disgraced owner Frank McCourt for $2 billion. The price would be a new record for a North American sports franchise if the deal goes through, breaking the $1.1 billion Stephen Ross paid for the Miami Dolphins of the NFL in 2009. In addition to Johnson and Kasten, the controlling owners would also include Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter.
The deal came on the heels of an announcement by MLB that three finalists had been approved for an auction, and the deal is still subject to be approved by a bankruptcy court and is not expected to be completed until late April. As a strange part of the deal, McCourt will acquire land in Chavez Ravine surrounding Dodger Stadium for $150 million. The new ownership group also includes Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber, Guggenheim Partners President Todd Boehly, and oil and gas mogul Bobby Patton.
Johnson, now 52, played 13 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships and three MVP Awards. He retired abruptly in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV, although he came out of retirement in the 1995-1996 season and has coached in the NBA. Since leaving coaching, he has made a living as a public speaker on HIV awareness.
McCourt bought the team and approximately 250 acres of land in Chavez Ravine surrounding Dodger Stadium from News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch for $430 million in 2004. With the sale now all-but approved, it now appears that Katsen will serve as the foremost baseball executive. Other finalists included a group led by Stan Kroenke, who owns the Colorado Rapids of MLS, the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the St. Louis Rams of the NFL, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, and the Arsenal of the Premier League; the last group of finalists included a group led by SAC Capital Advisors founder Steven Cohen, who owns a small share of the Mets, Patrick Soon-Schiong, a biotechnology entrepreneur, and Wasserman Media Group agent Arn Tellem.
MLB has the right to challenge the sale in bankruptcy court in front of Judge Kevin Gross in Delaware. MLB and McCourt made a deal to take the team to auction last November, with a schedule outlined to select the winner by April 1, have the agreement submitted to bankruptcy court by April 6, have the trial begin by April 13, and finalize the sale by April 30. The deal also hinges on the ability of the new ownership group to sell the Dodgers' broadcast rights by 2014.
If the deal goes through it would break the record for a purchase of a Major League Baseball franchise, set in 2009 when the Ricketts family bought the Cubs for $845 million. The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection last June when it became apparent that they weren't going to be able to make payroll. They finished in third place in the West last season at a respectable 82-79.
Kasten was hired as a legal counsel by Ted Turner for the Atlanta Braves and Hawks of the NBA in 1976 and became the youngest GM in the history of the NBA when he took the helm for the Hawks in 1979, later becoming president of the Hawks, Braves, and Thrashers of the NHL and later serving in the same capacity for the Washington Nationals from 2006-2010. Following the story of the upcoming sale, Dodgers GM Ned Colleti had dinner with Katsen in Glendale, Arizona. The Dodgers have won the World Series six times, but never since 1988.
Colleti admits that he's happy about the upcoming influx of money into the team.
The deal came on the heels of an announcement by MLB that three finalists had been approved for an auction, and the deal is still subject to be approved by a bankruptcy court and is not expected to be completed until late April. As a strange part of the deal, McCourt will acquire land in Chavez Ravine surrounding Dodger Stadium for $150 million. The new ownership group also includes Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber, Guggenheim Partners President Todd Boehly, and oil and gas mogul Bobby Patton.
Johnson, now 52, played 13 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships and three MVP Awards. He retired abruptly in 1991 after being diagnosed with HIV, although he came out of retirement in the 1995-1996 season and has coached in the NBA. Since leaving coaching, he has made a living as a public speaker on HIV awareness.
McCourt bought the team and approximately 250 acres of land in Chavez Ravine surrounding Dodger Stadium from News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch for $430 million in 2004. With the sale now all-but approved, it now appears that Katsen will serve as the foremost baseball executive. Other finalists included a group led by Stan Kroenke, who owns the Colorado Rapids of MLS, the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, the St. Louis Rams of the NFL, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL, and the Arsenal of the Premier League; the last group of finalists included a group led by SAC Capital Advisors founder Steven Cohen, who owns a small share of the Mets, Patrick Soon-Schiong, a biotechnology entrepreneur, and Wasserman Media Group agent Arn Tellem.
MLB has the right to challenge the sale in bankruptcy court in front of Judge Kevin Gross in Delaware. MLB and McCourt made a deal to take the team to auction last November, with a schedule outlined to select the winner by April 1, have the agreement submitted to bankruptcy court by April 6, have the trial begin by April 13, and finalize the sale by April 30. The deal also hinges on the ability of the new ownership group to sell the Dodgers' broadcast rights by 2014.
If the deal goes through it would break the record for a purchase of a Major League Baseball franchise, set in 2009 when the Ricketts family bought the Cubs for $845 million. The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection last June when it became apparent that they weren't going to be able to make payroll. They finished in third place in the West last season at a respectable 82-79.
Kasten was hired as a legal counsel by Ted Turner for the Atlanta Braves and Hawks of the NBA in 1976 and became the youngest GM in the history of the NBA when he took the helm for the Hawks in 1979, later becoming president of the Hawks, Braves, and Thrashers of the NHL and later serving in the same capacity for the Washington Nationals from 2006-2010. Following the story of the upcoming sale, Dodgers GM Ned Colleti had dinner with Katsen in Glendale, Arizona. The Dodgers have won the World Series six times, but never since 1988.
Colleti admits that he's happy about the upcoming influx of money into the team.
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