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Post by jumbo on Jun 19, 2007 9:59:11 GMT -5
Baker, Johnson to interview with O's Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 06:20AM ET Several of the Orioles' top executives will be in Chicago to interview Joe Girardi to become the long-term successor to the fired Sam Perlozzo. Davey Johnson, who was at the Orioles' helm in their last winning season, and former Cubs and Giants manager Dusty Baker could also be granted interviews, the two sources said.--Baltimore Sun
Cubs' Lee to appeal suspension Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 07:51AM ET Buying time for a Cubs offense that needs his bat, first baseman Derrek Lee will file an appeal today on the five-game suspension he received Monday from Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson, team sources confirmed.--Chicago Sun Times
Latest Dye, Buehrle trade destination Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 10:20AM ET The latest rumor has Jermaine Dye and Mark Buehrle going to the Mets for prospects, which doesn't seem likely at this time.--Chicago Tribune
Angels in market for sluggers Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 10:18AM ET The Angels have spoken to Cincinnati about Adam Dunn and to Baltimore about Miguel Tejada. If Texas fields offers for Mark Teixeira, the Angels would probably pursue the slugger, but the price would be steep.--Los Angeles Times
Has Santana lost control? Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 10:24AM ET Major league scouts who have seen Twins ace Johan Santana recently say his stuff remains exceptional but his command is slightly off.--New York Times
Senior MLB umpire to retire? Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 06:34AM ET Some newspapers reported last Friday that veteran umpire Bruce Froemming was retiring at the end of the season. But neither MLB nor Froemming made such an announcement. Froemming, 67, is baseball's senior umpire. Working in his 37th major league season, he holds the record for most years umpired in succession, and his 5,082 games rank second to Bill Klem's 5,368.--New York Times
Dodgers seek rotation replacement Posted: Tuesday June 19, 2007 10:25AM ET The Dodgers did not immediately announce who would replace Jason Schmidt in the rotation, though reliever Chad Billingsley appears to be the leading candidate. Other options include long relievers Mark Hendrickson and Brett Tomko or minor league starter D.J. Houlton, who is 5-2 with a 3.73 earned-run average for Las Vegas.--Los Angeles Times
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Post by jumbo on Jun 20, 2007 10:08:41 GMT -5
Struggling Marlins could deal Willis Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 09:52AM ET Although Dontrelle Willis will attract attention from teams looking to bolster their pitching, the Marlins historically haven't traded away their best young arms. But with Willis making $6.7 million this year and arbitration eligible again next year, the front office could be tempted to make a deal if the team continues to struggle.--Palm Beach Post
Why big-market teams want Teixeira Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 09:46AM ET With Mark Teixeira certain not to re-sign with the Rangers when his contract expires after the 2008 season, he has to be moved. And the offers should be better than you might think. If the Rangers hang onto Teixeira and can't come to terms with agent Scott Boras after next year -- umm, that would be a given -- then they would receive two high draft picks for Teixeira. That means a big-market team -- the Yankees and the Dodgers will be at the front of the line -- would get those same two picks if it can't re-sign him.--Dallas Morning News
Girardi front-runner after O's interview Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 06:27AM ET Less than 24 hours after firing Sam Perlozzo, Orioles officials were in Chicago interviewing Joe Girardi, the man they hope will take Perlozzo's job. While the Orioles did not offer Girardi the job, they could do so as early as today, according to multiple club sources. Club officials left the interview impressed.--Baltimore Sun
Red Sox to shut down Schillling? Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 06:09AM ET An MRI taken on Curt Schilling's right shoulder in Boston was normal yesterday, the day after Schilling endured perhaps his worst start of the season against the Braves. Although a team source said shutting Schilling down is expected to be one option discussed, that may mean missing no more than one start.--Boston Globe
Beane relieved; Harden looks ready Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 08:57AM ET A's general manager Billy Beane, assistant GM David Forst and manager Bob Geren, along with the rest of the A's brass were holding their collective breaths before Monday's game with the Cincinnati Reds. The reason for this was that prized right-hander Rich Harden was throwing a simulated game as he continues to come back from a shoulder injury suffered on April 15. If Monday's session was any indication, they can breathe easy, because Harden appears to be ready.--Oakland Athletics Team Site
Tigers to trigger pitching trade Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 09:57AM ET Asked who will start Monday, when the Tigers return home for a series against Texas, Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Chad Durbin or Mike Maroth. How that either/or will be decided triggers another round of speculation because Maroth availability rumors persist.--Detroit News
Dunn-to-Padres 'wasn't worth chasing' Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 09:43AM ET Another Adam Dunn rumor has surfaced. This one, from a San Diego radio station, had Dunn going to the Padres for pitchers Clay Hensley and Justin Hampson and a third player. Kevin Towers, San Diego's general manager, told a writer from the San Diego Union-Tribune that the rumor "wasn't worth chasing."--Cincinnati Enquirer
Dukes closer to exit after interview Posted: Wednesday June 20, 2007 10:05AM ET Speaking angrily and loudly, Elijah Dukes called Tampa radio station WDAE-AM 620 early Tuesday and spent 13 minutes addressing - for the first time - some of the allegations leveled against him recently. Team officials were not pleased that Dukes created another distraction and seem poised to accelerate efforts to trade or release the 22-year-old rookie.--St. Petersburg Times
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Post by jumbo on Jun 21, 2007 8:35:47 GMT -5
Griffey would welcome move to Cubs Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 07:20AM ET The top of the Cubs' wish list might be a left-handed hitter capable of hitting every day in the middle of the order. Cliff Floyd's health issues could leave just enough doubt to make a deal for a player such as Ken Griffey Jr. look like a fit by the July 31 deadline. Griffey has a history with manager Lou Piniella and is unhappy in Cincinnati, where he was moved from center field to right this year. Not only are the Reds shopping him, but he has said privately to those close to him that he would welcome a move to Chicago.--Chicago Sun Times
Mets prefer Oswalt over Buehrle Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 08:20AM ET The White Sox may offer Mark Buehrle to the Mets but, if they want Carlos Gomez or Lastings Milledge, GM Omar Minaya would not listen for too long. If the Astros ever dangled Roy Oswalt the Mets would definitely include Gomez and Milledge in the discussions.--New York Times
Price of trading Cabrera to L.A. Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 08:23AM ET If the Marlins traded Miguel Cabrera, they probably would want three top young players, and they always love pitchers. Figure three from the Dodgers' group of Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, Matt Kemp, James Loney, Andre Ethier, Tony Abreu, Andy LaRoche and Clayton Kershaw.--Los Angeles Times
Rangers talk to Cubs about Jones Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 07:17AM ET The Cubs have talked with the Texas Rangers and several other teams about deals involving outfielder Jacque Jones, team officials confirmed. Jones has another year left on a contract that pays him $4 million this year and $5 million next year, which could make it tougher to deal him to a would-be seller such as Texas.--Chicago Sun Times
Tigers ruling out trade for slugger? Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 07:49AM ET Dave Dombrowski was huddled in his Washington, D.C., hotel room Wednesday, heating up his phone as the Tigers traded Wilfredo Ledezma to Atlanta and, quite possibly, discussed left-hander Mike Maroth. That pretty much eliminates any ideas -- Dombrowski was adamant Wednesday -- that the Tigers would have inquired about Cincinnati's Adam Dunn or the Rangers' Mark Teixeira.--Detroit News
Marlins interested in D-Rays' Dukes Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 08:25AM ET Controversial outfielder Elijah Dukes is on the Marlins' radar, but only if the Devil Rays are willing to accept little in return.--South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Kendall will move over for Piazza Posted: Thursday June 21, 2007 09:07AM ET So much for the end of Mike Piazza's career as a catcher. The Oakland Athletics have decided to bring Piazza back from his stint on the disabled list as a catcher and a designated hitter, postponing the scheduled start of his rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento to give him more time to get his arm in shape. The 38-year-old Piazza has been sidelined since May 3 with a sprained right shoulder. Jason Kendall, the current catcher, will likely move to either first base or the outfield.--Sports Illustrated
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Post by jumbo on Jun 22, 2007 9:21:14 GMT -5
GM ready to blow up White Sox Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 07:46AM ET White Sox general manager Ken Williams has all the explosives and wiring in place, with his finger resting on the button. One more embarrassing series and Williams might have no choice but to blow up the 2007 version of the Sox. Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye and Tadahito Iguchi will be free agents after the season, while the Sox hold a 2008 option on shortstop Juan Uribe and haven't been thrilled with his lack of concentration in the field. There are also scenarios in which starting pitchers Jose Contreras, Jon Garland or Javier Vazquez could be moved. In other words, no one is safe.--Chicago Sun Times
Dodgers, Mets to bid on Buehrle? Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 08:58AM ET The Dodgers, who have lost Jason Schmidt for the rest of the season, certainly would be interested in a bidding war with the Mets for White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle.--Chicago Sun Times
Teammates hold Sosa's 600th hostage Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 07:43AM ET Sammy Sosa's monumental 600th home run ball is being held hostage. By his teammates. Reliever C.J. Wilson, one of the ringleaders of a plan hatched back in spring training, confirmed Thursday that the relievers hijacked the ball Wednesday night after it bounded off the chest of bullpen coach Dom Chiti. Their aim: to get bullpen catcher/video coordinator and clubhouse jack-of-all-trades Josh Frasier an upgraded automobile. Frasier said he did not plan to negotiate with Sosa for the ball.--Dallas Morning News
Dusty won't manage O's; Baylor next? Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 06:17AM ET Most of the Orioles' candidates have ties to Andy MacPhail, the former president of the Cubs. That includes Dusy Baker, who isn't interested in the Orioles opening, according to two team sources. MacPhail said that he spoke to Baker yesterday morning and he'll continue to speak with him. Don Baylor, who started a long and productive major league career with the Orioles, worked with MacPhail with the Cubs.--Baltimore Sun
A-Rod would fit Giants' needs Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 09:22AM ET Barry Bonds is on his way out of San Francisco. Could Alex Rodriguez be on the way in? The Giants need a new offensive centerpiece, and with Omar Vizquel and third baseman Pedro Feliz about to hit free agency, they could let Rodriguez pick where he wants to play.--Contra Costa Times
'Few other Cubs' offered to Padres Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 09:06AM ET Padres GM Kevin Towers was more revealing, as sources indicated that Cubs GM Jim Hendry told the Padres that Michael Barrett and "a few other Cubs were available" as early as last week. Maybe Hendry was trying to push right fielder Jacque Jones and shortstop Cesar Izturis off on the Padres.--Daily Herald
Sosa short-term Mets fix? Posted: Friday June 22, 2007 09:01AM ET Until Mets GM Omar Minaya hears something definite on Moises Alou - and that could be a while - it's tough to ignore the $8.5-million investment for a short-term fix such as the Rangers' Sammy Sosa or the Pirates' Xavier Nady.--New York Newsday
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Post by jumbo on Jun 22, 2007 11:30:31 GMT -5
June 22, 2007 11:38 a.m. EDT THE DAILY FIX By CARL BIALIK AND JASON FRY A Tour of the Baseball Diamonds, From Bus Leagues to Bright Lights June 22, 2007 11:38 a.m. Basketball and hockey have crowned their champions. Football's yet to open training camps. This is baseball's time, so join the Fix for a tour of diamonds under the bright lights and far from them. A lot of mythology surrounds the travails of young players working their way up through the minors to reach the Show. "Bull Durham" aside, not much attention is paid to the other side of the story -- older players trying to fight their way back onto big-league rosters, even if it's just for a second cup of coffee. THE FIX WANTS YOU! Found a good column or feature from the world of sports? Got something to say? Don't keep it to yourself -- write to us at dailyfix@wsj.com1 and we'll consider your find for inclusion in the Daily Fix. You can also click here2 to subscribe to the Fix via email.On ESPN.com, Jeff Pearlman looks at the Long Island Ducks3, an independent-league team with 13 former big leaguers on the roster, including the likes of Edgardo Alfonzo, Carl Everett and Jose Offerman. Mr. Pearlman keeps you guessing with an entertaining tale, weaving from the Ducks' refusal to accept that they might be done as big leaguers ("They don't belong here because, in the mind of the professional ballplayer, acceptance of inadequacy is acceptance of death") to suggesting that the Ducks would make a great reality TV show. Think about it: A dozen ex-big leaguers, some of them former All-Stars (Graves, Alfonzo, Offerman, Everett), some of them ex-megaprospects (Davis, Ed Yarnall), some of them wizened veterans (Osborne, John Riedling), some of them the offspring of legends (Rose), adapting to life in a town where Friday nights at Target pass for excitement; where fans don't boo or cheer but blow into $3 plastic quackers (Writer's note: Please kill me); where the biggest of studs is paid $3,000 per month. It's "The Surreal Life" meets suburbia. But he then gives his tale another twist, finding a sweetness to the simple life of independent-league ball. "Though everyone here longs to reign in the land of 40,000-seat cathedrals and a bottomless tub of sunflower seeds, there is a … fun, an easiness oozing through the Long Island clubhouse that can't be found in the big leagues," he writes, adding: "With the Yankees or Mets or Dodgers or Padres, the games are played, the chartered jets are boarded, the iPods are turned on and the world is tuned out. With the Ducks, X-Box tournaments are ongoing, card games never seem to cease and conversations of yesteryear can stretch deep into the night." Speaking of the minor leagues, ESPN.com's uni guru, Paul Lukas, has an entertaining tour4 of minor-league jerseys teams break out for theme nights, and how what seems mercenary and forced in the Show comes off as charming in the bus leagues. And the Fix thinks that Trenton Thunder Superman jersey is way cool. * * * In San Francisco, the Giants will welcome the New York Yankees to town tonight. It'll be a meeting between circuses -- the Yankees are always worth three rings, while Barry Bonds would demand a ring of his own in which to brood. It's also the first meaningful game in San Francisco between the two clubs since Game 7 of the 1962 World Series. "It was baseball at its heart-stopping best," recalls Tom FitzGerald5 in the San Francisco Chronicle. "The Giants trailed 1-0 with two outs in the ninth inning, but they had the Yankees right where they wanted them: Matty Alou on third, Willie Mays on second, and cleanup hitter Willie McCovey coming up against the Yankees' Ralph Terry. … First base was open, and the next batter, righty Orlando Cepeda, was hitting .158 in the Series. Terry went after McCovey, though not without trepidation. On a 1-1 pitch, McCovey lined a ball that second baseman Bobby Richardson speared after moving slightly to his left. 'I couldn't hit that ball any better,' said McCovey, 69, who never got any closer to the brass ring." (Think about that for a minute, and all the Giant fans it must still haunt in sleepless hours of the night. In December 1962 Charles M. Schulz referenced it in a "Peanuts" cartoon of Linus and Charlie Brown sitting numbly before Charlie Brown moans, "Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just three feet higher?" That was followed by an identical strip a month later, except Charlie Brown winds up lamenting, "Why couldn't McCovey have hit the ball just two feet higher?" Any baseball fan understands.) Sticking with the Chronicle, Bruce Jenkins hopes6 Giants owner Peter McGowan is getting a wakeup call about his team, which is 30-41 and 7.5 games behind the Colorado Rockies, who are in fourth. "Magowan and his right-hand man, Larry Baer, should know that there are loyal, longtime fans praying the Giants finish last -- just so ownership truly gets the picture," he writes. "People are terrified, and rightly so, that the team will climb to within six or seven games of the division lead in late July. They're afraid it would trigger the latest in a pathetic series of trades for aging veterans -- the team's signature stroke since Bonds went over the hill (2005) and dragged the entire organization down with him." * * * Geikel Conyado's path may never take him to the Show, but at 18 his road has been tough already: He had a foot operation at seven to correct foot deformities, was placed by Cuban authorities into an athletic academy at 12, and saw his mother flee for the U.S. in 2004. Now, he's hoping to become a big-league catching prospect, with his rifle arm outweighing concerns that he's too small to catch at 5' 9" and 160 pounds. "Conyedo has endured the kind of turbulence that many teenagers in the United States have never experienced, and his recollections provide a rare glimpse inside the secretive world of baseball development in Cuba," writes David Picker7 in the New York Times. "Although he has found a home behind home plate, he seems to be a young man still searching for his place in the world." * * * The outfield for the 1969 Miracle Mets was anchored by two friends from Mobile, Ala. -- Tommie Agee, whose two spectacular catches delivered Game 3 to the Mets, and Cleon Jones, whose .340 average in 1969 was a Met club record for 29 years. The Southpaw's Jeff Merron profiles men8 who were born just five days apart; lived only a few miles apart as boys; played basketball, baseball, football and track together; and wound up side by side at the top of the baseball world. * * * The Philadelphia Phillies are closing in on an ignominious record: They're just 10 losses away from their 10,000th loss, an unhappy milestone for a team the Elias Sports Bureau identifies as having lost more games than any other professional franchise in any sport. "A journey of 10,000 losses begins with a single fastball down the middle, a missed cutoff man, a baserunning blunder," writes Bill Conlin9 in the Philadelphia Daily News. "It expands to a kaleidoscope of baseball bleeps, bloops, blunders and blasts that have been repeated through the end of the 19th century, the entire 20th and the first seven seasons of the 21st. … Too many ballplayers have contributed to the carnage of 124 years to be ranked by number. The letters P-H-I-L-L-I-E-S across their chests tell the story. Who else to indict but all of them?" That's the introduction to Mr. Conlin's collection of "Phillies Frauds, Flops and Flakes." (Ignore the bizarre formatting problems. Unless you like a sense of déjà vu in your sportswriting.) * * * Why does everybody hate Dan Shaughnessy? Not everybody does, of course -- lots of people like the Boston Globe columnist, in fact. But it is fair to say Mr. Shaughnessy is a divisive figure in his city -- Jace once left a Bosox-loving friend sputtering with rage by innocently asking if he'd read Mr. Shaughnessy's "The Curse of the Bambino." The Phoenix's Adam Reilly digs into our opening question10 and a related one: "Why, exactly, do Shaughnessy's critics loathe him as much as they do? And why does the man in the fright wig seem to enjoy egging them on? Ask an avowed Shaughnessy hater to explain his or her feelings, and you won't get a succinct, dispassionate response. Instead, you'll receive a lengthy catalogue of distinct but complementary grievances, poured forth with a speed and intensity that suggest they've been causing acute distress for years." (For those who would be distressed, some incidental bad language in that one.) -- Tip of the Fix cap to reader John Falck. Found a good column from the world of sports? Don't keep it to yourself -- write to us at dailyfix@wsj.com11 and we'll consider your find for inclusion in the Daily Fix. URL for this article: online.wsj.com/article/SB118252130313744864.htmlCopyright 2007 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only.
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Post by jumbo on Jun 23, 2007 14:27:44 GMT -5
Cubs may move Jones soon Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 08:50AM ET According to baseball sources, the Padres, Rangers and even the White Sox have shown recent interest in Jacque Jones, who has been shopped again by the Cubs in recent weeks. --Chicago Sun Times
Why D-Rays didn't trade Dukes Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 08:58AM ET Why didn't the Rays trade Elijah Dukes? Probably because there wasn't enough offered in return to make a deal. Not that teams were necessarily beating down the Rays' door, but it's no secret Tampa Bay has been shopping Dukes for a while now. The best-case scenario is Dukes eventually is activated, plays well in Triple-A Durham and perhaps brings the Rays some positive return if he shows he can keep himself together.--Tampa Tribune
Who's next on Orioles' list? Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 09:00AM ET The Orioles have not contacted any candidates other than Girardi and former Cubs and Giants manager Dusty Baker, whom president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail talked with informally Thursday. One possible candidate, Mets bench coach Jerry Manuel, said yesterday in a telephone interview that he was interested.--Washington Post
Mets kicking Bradley's tires Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 08:54AM ET In the wake of Oakland's decision to designate Milton Bradley for assignment, the Mets have internally discussed the idea of acquiring the talented but combustible outfielder.--New York Times
Tigers talk to Texas about relievers Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 08:53AM ET Are the Tigers planning any deals for bullpen help as they wait for Joel Zumaya to return?They have talked with Texas about Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka.--Detroit News
Twins MVP coughs up blood Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 08:24AM ET Twins first baseman Justin Morneau coughed up blood after bruising his lung Friday night in a home-plate collision and was wheeled from Dolphin Stadium on a stretcher. X-rays were negative and a CT scan was normal, and Morneau will be re-evaluated by a Marlins team physician Sunday. That update, which came nearly three hours after the game, likely relieved Morneau's teammates, who were noticeably shaken by the events.--Minneapolis Star Tribune
O's to talk to former Twin? Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 10:18AM ET It would be surprising if new Orioles President Andy MacPhail doesn't inquire as to the availability of his former manager with the Twins, Tom Kelly, who led Minnesota to World Series titles in 1987 and 1991.--St. Paul Pioneer Press
Whispers of Ozzie extension Posted: Saturday June 23, 2007 09:25AM ET The whispers were a four-year extension was in the works that would keep Ozzie Guillen the White Sox manager through the 2011 season. It would be a way for board chairman Jerry Reinsdorf to stick it to his media critics. It would allow general manager Ken Williams to no longer have to answer questions about Guillen's job security. But any discussion of a contract extension about to happen on the South Side was news to Guillen.--Chicago Sun Times
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Post by jumbo on Jun 24, 2007 10:05:35 GMT -5
Red Sox front-runner for Buehrle Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 10:01AM ET According to a source close to the situation, negotiations between the White Sox and Mark Buehrle's camp have been exhausted, with GM Ken Williams believing he has no choice but to trade the left-hander. The only question now is where? At least seven teams have made serious contact with Williams, with three actually having the resources to pry Buehrle from the White Sox. The Braves and Mets were the leading contenders until this weekend, with the Red Sox now becoming the front-runner.--Chicago Sun Times
Giants' subliminal A-Rod message? Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 08:41AM ET There was a moment yesterday when A-Rod's mug dominated the ballpark like a 50-foot underwear ad hanging over Times Square, the AT&T scoreboard and scattered TVs flashing his image so often, someone had to be sending a subliminal message. Giants fans could barely stand the tease. If their desire to see A-Rod relocate to the Bay Area hasn't quite reached the obsession stage, it's only because he can't play quarterback for the 49ers.--New York Daily News
Injured Dye still tradeable Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 08:47AM ET Jermaine Dye's possible placement on the DL could have short- and long-term ramifications for the White Sox. Putting Dye on the DL would sideline him at least until the final day of the first half. That's more than two weeks before the trading deadline, which gives the Sox and Dye plenty of time to assess his future. Scouts from the Dodgers and Mets continue to follow the team. Red Sox special assistant Allard Baird has watched the Sox's last two games.--Chicago Tribune
Which Braves are bickering? Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 07:57AM ET The Braves are faltering and their veteran leaders are feuding, as third baseman Chipper Jones fired back Saturday at John Smoltz for comments the pitcher made the night before. after Jones sat out Friday's loss to the Tigers, in which Smoltz pitched. "I'll play the rest of the games this year and do what I can," Jones said, then followed it with a clear jab at Smoltz: "Somebody I know better not miss a start, though."--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Pirates interested in Braves catcher Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 08:43AM ET The Pirates are among the teams to have inquired about trading for Atlanta's terrific catching prospect, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, according to a source directly involved in the matter.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Orioles preparing to clean house Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 08:52AM ET The Orioles definitely will try to deal Steve Trachsel and underachieving Jay Gibbons, and might consider moving Miguel Tejada if he is healthy and can still bring a strong return. However, most interesting is that Baltimore might consider dealing talented-but-erratic Daniel Cabrera, especially if it would help land Maryland native Mark Teixeira from Texas.--New York Post
Latest on O's manager search Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 08:55AM ET After Joe Girardi turned down the managerial job in Baltimore, a rumor made the rounds that the Orioles' new No. 1 baseball man, Andy MacPhail, is interested in bringing Tom Kelly out of retirement to join him in helping try to turn the franchise around. That seemed a long shot, with former Chicago managers Don Baylor and Jerry Manuel more realistic possibilities.--Chicago Tribune
A's-Royals trade falls apart Posted: Sunday June 24, 2007 10:21AM ET The A's provided no information whatsoever Saturday after a trade that would have sent Milton Bradley to Kansas City fell through the previous evening.--San Francisco Chronicle
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Post by jumbo on Jun 25, 2007 10:40:26 GMT -5
Griffey seeking Seattle return? Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 09:31AM ET Ken Griffey Jr. told FSN, "I think I owe it to the people of Seattle, and myself, to retire as a Mariner." Asked to clarify after the game, Griffey left it unclear as to whether he meant he'd like to come back and play for Seattle or if he was merely talking about returning when his career is over and signing a one-day deal that would allow him to retire with his original club.--Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Buehrle may be changing Sox Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 08:25AM ET Baseball sources confirmed that Red Sox officials have inquired with the White Sox about left-handed starter Mark Buehrle. The sides were not close to a deal and it is quite possible they never will be.--Boston Herald
Cubs trade could go down today Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 07:45AM ET Jacque Jones is bracing for a trade that could come as soon as today, when the Cubs must move a position player off the roster to make room for a 12th pitcher. The Cubs have been talking to several teams about Jones, including Texas, San Diego and the White Sox.--Chicago Sun Times
Mets ask about White Sox pitcher Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 09:33AM ET According to an official with one of the teams involved, the Mets have asked the White Sox about former Yankees right-hander Jose Contreras, who is signed through 2009. The official, who asked not to be identified because the deals he was talking about are not done, said the Mets would be more likely to give up top minor-league talent for Contreras than they would for Mark Buehrle.--Newark Star-Ledger
Twins veteran playing final season Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 08:12AM ET Twins infielder Jeff Cirillo said Sunday he's about 80 percent certain he will retire at season's end.--Minneapolis Star Tribune
Twins star remains hospitalized Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 07:13AM ET Justin Morneau spent his third consecutive night in the hospital Sunday, while being monitored for a bruised right lung, and Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said it's too soon to tell when the first baseman will return to the field.--Minneapolis Star Tribune
Chipper, Smoltz settle differences Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 06:27AM ET After two days of doing their talking through reporters, John Smoltz and Chipper Jones met face-to-face Sunday in a meeting with manager Bobby Cox to diffuse a growing distraction. Jones and Smoltz said afterward their disagreement over recent postgame comments is behind them.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Cardinals near Ohka decision Posted: Monday June 25, 2007 08:27AM ET The Cardinals continue to scrutinize Tomo Ohka, who is set to make his second start for Class AAA Memphis tonight after being signed to a minor-league contract Tuesday after his release from the Blue Jays. The club will then decide whether to promote him, release him or seek permission from his agent to have him make a third minor-league start.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Post by jumbo on Jun 26, 2007 11:19:15 GMT -5
Expect Mets to bid high for Buehrle Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 07:19AM ET If the White Sox are determined to come out of a Mark Buehrle deal with two (or more) can't-miss prospects, count the Red Sox out. Most baseball observers view the Mets as team most willing to pay or overpay, as the case may be for the lefty.--The Providence Journal
Does Buehrle favor going to Cards? Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:31AM ET The Red Sox and Braves also have discussed Mark Buehrle with the White Sox, and the list of suitors likely includes the Phillies, Cardinals (the favorite to land him in a long-term deal) and Mariners.--New York Newsday
Sponsors turn back on Bonds Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 07:08AM ET Corporate America has taken a pass on Barry Bonds. But the Giants slugger was on his way to ignominy before his name was linked to the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative. Major League Baseball's sponsors are doing nothing to celebrate him for the obvious reasons: He is peevish and has been tailed for years by suspicions of using performance-enhancing drugs. He is a corporate pariah whose feats are so unpopular, or of so little import, outside San Francisco.--New York Times
Kerry Wood's next step back Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:51AM ET Kerry Wood will throw his first bullpen session since spring training Tuesday at Wrigley Field, a big step back from the shoulder problem that has sidelined him the last three months. The Cubs are putting no timetable on Wood's return, and it normally wouldn't take a reliever as long to rehab his arm as a starter.--Chicago Tribune
Traded Cub fires back...at media Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:48AM ET Michael Barrett was asked if he was upset with some of the things said about him in the Chicago media after he was traded to the Padres last week. "Not overall," he said. "I consider the sources. I know how the Chicago media works these things. They wrote some stories because editors wanted stories that would sell papers. But I didn't expect it to turn so fast. The most important thing was my relationship with the players around me."--Chicago Tribune
Zambrano deal tied to Cubs committee Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:46AM ET Cubs President John McDonough said a committee of Tribune Co. executives is in charge of the purse strings when it comes to whether to resume contract negotiations with Carlos Zambrano. Talks ended Opening Day when the company announced it planned to sell the Cubs.--Chicago Tribune
Orioles may restart Girardi talks Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:45AM ET The Orioles failed at their first attempt to make Joe Girardi their new manager last week, but they may have another chance. If the Orioles still haven't decided on a manager by the end of the season, it's a possibility they could restart talks with Girardi then, a team source said yesterday.--Washington Post
Lesser Reds could bring prospects Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:42AM ET Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. are the names that are making the rounds in the rumor mill. But David Weathers, Jeff Conine and Scott Hatteberg could bring prospects in the return.--Cincinnati Enquirer
A's-Padres deal goes nowhere Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 10:38AM ET Padres GM Kevin Towers said he had "mild interest" in acquiring outfielder Milton Bradley after the A's designated him for assignment last week. "We talked to (GM) Billy (Beane) about him, but it never got very far," Towers said.--San Diego Union-Tribune
Could Dye soon be a Dodger? Posted: Tuesday June 26, 2007 09:58AM ET Jermaine Dye could be dealt shortly after he returns. Several teams, including the Dodgers, have scouted him recently and are believed to be in the market for a slugger of Dye's caliber.--Chicago Tribune
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Post by jumbo on Jun 27, 2007 11:48:28 GMT -5
Buehrle to be traded? Maybe not Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 07:28AM ET The Red Sox, who had jumped out as the clear favorite to acquire White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle during the weekend, have pulled out of the sweepstakes, according to one source. And not because the asking price of top minor-league prospects was too high or because they no longer coveted Buehrle's services, but because Buehrle is no longer on the trading block for the time being. The Sun-Times has learned that a change of heart in both the Buehrle and White Sox camps during the last 48 hours has led to talks about the sides somehow getting together and agreeing on a contract extension by the end of the week.--Chicago Sun Times
Angels DH wants out of L.A. Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 07:19AM ET Shea Hillenbrand wants out. Not because of the organization, the manager, the city, the stadium, the fans, the weather, his teammates -- all are top notch, the Angels' deposed designated hitter said. It's the situation. The New Yankees expressed interest in Hillenbrand a few weeks ago, but then Casey Kotchman suffered a concussion, Garret Anderson aggravated his hip injury, and trade talks were tabled.--Los Angeles Times
Why Tejada won't be traded Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 05:57AM ET Miguel Tejada will miss more than a month with a broken bone in his left wrist. The extended time away greatly reduces the Orioles' ability to trade Tejada by the July 31 deadline, at which point he likely will be on a rehabilitation assignment.--Baltimore Sun
Cubs-Marlins swap falls through Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 06:51AM ET Cubs outfielder Jacque Jones has been involved in trade rumors since November, but Tuesday was a first for Jones. A reported deal sending him to Florida fell through just before Tuesday night's game, ensuring another day of "Jacque Watch" in the Cubs' clubhouse.--Chicago Tribune
Possible Phillies trade targets Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 07:45AM ET Jon Lieber doesn't want to discuss it. Not until he makes a decision. But, in all likelihood, he will opt for surgery. And the Phillies will try trading for his replacement. The Reds could dangle right-hander Kyle Lohse, and the Orioles may shop veteran right-hander Steve Trachsel.--Wilmington News Journal
Pedro making rehab progress Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 05:50AM ET Pedro Martinez felt so good yesterday, the original plans for him were scrapped. Martinez was slated to throw his sixth bullpen session yesterday in Port St. Lucie, but he had been progressing so well and feeling so lively, he tossed 45 pitches of batting practice instead.--New York Post
Is Guillen still on hot seat? Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 07:57AM ET No matter how many times general manager Ken Williams insists otherwise, there are still "experts" who say Ozzie Guillen is on the hot seat.--Daily Southtown
Tigers to wait on Rangers deal Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 07:54AM ET For now, the Tigers will wait and see how Eulogio De La Cruz holds up. They'll know if Fernando Rodney, who went on the disabled list Tuesday, is going to retrieve his once-smoking fastball that's a gear slower than it was a year ago. If things work out, they'll go with the current group of relievers and wait on Joel Zumaya's return. If not, they might do business with the Rangers, who can afford to wait on offers for Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka when the market is hot and the Rangers' price necessarily remains high.--Detroit News
A's GM refutes Trib's racial comments Posted: Wednesday June 27, 2007 11:11AM ET A's general manager Billy Beane refuted an Oakland Tribune column containing comments that the release of Milton Bradley was "racially motivated." Beane's letter, which appears in the Tribune, said the comments of columnist Dave Del Grande were "without a merit of truth."--Oakland Tribune
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Post by jumbo on Jun 28, 2007 8:05:49 GMT -5
Will Buehrle stay or will he go? Posted: Thursday June 28, 2007 08:00AM ET If the White Sox leave Florida without a deal in place -- the sides now are believed to be talking about a four-year contract -- all bets are off and Mark Buehrle can start saying his goodbyes. GM Ken Williams has a plan to retool the Sox, and he needs to start the ball rolling in the next week. With the Red Sox out of the running for the left-hander's services, that leaves the Mets and Braves as the leading candidates, with the Dodgers now creeping into the mix.--Chicago Sun Times
Hillenbrand falls from Angels grace Posted: Thursday June 28, 2007 08:06AM ET Shea Hillenbrand, one of the Angels' main offseason acquisitions, was told Wednesday by manager Mike Scioscia he would be designated for assignment Friday and would not be traveling with the team to Baltimore. On Tuesday, Hillenbrand publicly stated for the first time that he wanted to be traded if he wasn't going to play.--Los Angeles Daily News
Twins' Hunter 'sick and tired' Posted: Thursday June 28, 2007 08:36AM ET Torii Hunter has had enough. "I'm sick and tired of talking about it," the Twins' Gold Glove center fielder said. "I'm not talking about it anymore." So don't ask Hunter, who can become a free agent after the season, whether he believes he'll play in Minnesota next season.--St. Paul Pioneer Press
White Sox pitcher won't nix trade Posted: Thursday June 28, 2007 08:27AM ET Veteran pitcher Jose Contreras was adamant Wednesday that he doesn't want to be traded from the White Sox, but he also said that, if approached with the scenario, he would waive his no-trade clause.--Chicago Sun Times
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Post by jumbo on Jun 29, 2007 9:05:41 GMT -5
Met calls out Hispanic teammates Posted: Friday June 29, 2007 07:33AM ET Admitting he was "in a bad mood all day," Paul Lo Duca announced in a near-empty clubhouse last night - and on the eve of the Mets' key NL East showdown with the Phillies - that some of his Spanish-speaking teammates need to be held more accountable by the media. "Some of these guys have to start talking," Lo Duca said. "They speak English, believe me."--New York Daily News
Dodgers hitting coach may quit Posted: Friday June 29, 2007 07:57AM ET Four nights in familiar confines did nothing to sway Bill Mueller. The Dodgers' interim hitting coach continues to weigh the lure of returning to his Scottsdale, Ariz., home to spend time with his family against the chance to help his employer revive a stagnant offense.--Los Angeles Times
Pirates pitcher's future in doubt Posted: Friday June 29, 2007 08:00AM ET Will Tony Armas be released by the Pirates? There are signs that it could happen: For one, manager Jim Tracy has made clear he will not use Armas in any situations other than those similar to yesterday, where the Pirates are well behind in the score.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Ozzie confident of Buehrle re-signing Posted: Friday June 29, 2007 07:54AM ET What is known is that Mark Buehrle's agent, Jeff Berry, and assistant GM Rick Hahn met Wednesday night to talk about how to keep Buehrle in a White Sox uniform for the next four years, and according to manager Ozzie Guillen, 'It was pretty good. Everything sounded great. I was excited." But Hahn was back in Chicago by Thursday afternoon, and the Sox were saying there was nothing to report.--Chicago Sun Times
How Angels maximize offense Posted: Friday June 29, 2007 09:49AM ET It's Angels manager Mike Scioscia's organizational philosophy to go from first to third on singles and no one in baseball does it more often.The Angels want to run. They want to pressure opponents, and not just with the stolen base. They do it by going from first to third on singles, an often overlooked part of the game that helps the Angels maximize offense in the face of their limited power.--Los Angeles Times
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Post by jumbo on Jun 30, 2007 12:33:36 GMT -5
Angry Mets catcher: I'm no racist Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 07:37AM ET A furious Paul Lo Duca insisted yesterday he wasn't intending to be racist when he made controversial remarks about interviews after Thursday's rainout. Lo Duca also challenged the media to find a former or current teammate on the Dodgers, Marlins or Mets who ever has said "that Paul Lo Duca is a cancer in the clubhouse or Paul Lo Duca is a racist or Paul Lo Duca has issues." Both Carlos Delgado and Willie Randolph insisted there was no division in the Mets clubhouse.--New York Post
Buehrle available after deal dies Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 09:31AM ET According to a source outside the organization but familiar with the situation, talks between Mark Buehrle and the White Sox broke down because the club would not put a no-trade clause into a proposed four-year, $56 million deal. The source also told the Sun-Times that general manager Ken Williams wasted no time taking phone calls from both the Mets and Dodgers about a possible trade involving the left-handed starter.--Chicago Sun Times
Buehrle 'soap opera' bugs Ozzie Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 08:54AM ET The Mark Buehrle saga is starting to wear on White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "It's soap opera thing," Guillen said Friday night as he and the Sox awaited an announcement on whether Buehrle's four-year, $56 million contract had been finalized.--Chicago Tribune
Who's on Gagne's trade list? Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 08:52AM ET According to a major league source familiar with the situation, the Red Sox are not one of the 12 teams Eric Gagne has on the list of teams to which he would agree to be traded. The Yankees, who had expressed serious interest in the 31-year-old until recently, are on the list.--Boston Herald
Tiger indicted in clubhouse brawl Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 09:59AM ET Tigers minor league pitcher Roman Colon has been indicted by a Lucas County, Ohio, grand jury on one count of felonious assault. Rachel Karnuth, wife of injured Mud Hens pitcher Jason Karnuth, submitted a report to the Toledo Police Department on June 15, claiming Colon punched her husband June 12. Karnuth had four hours of reconstructive surgery June 19. He suffered multiple facial fractures after attempting to be a peacemaker during a clubhouse fight that began with a disagreement over music playing throughout the room.--Detroit News
Phillies manager infuriates El Duque Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 08:58AM ET Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel asked the umpires to check El Duque's hat for something illegal before the opener of yesterday's doubleheader. Orlando Hernandez, who hadn't even finished his pregame warmup pitches, didn't like the stunt. He wagged his cap toward Manuel. He chattered and gestured angrily. With his infielders and manager Willie Randolph gathered around him on the mound, he looked into the Phillies' dugout and spat out a couple more words when the umps inspected his cap and pronounced him guilty of nothing more than having rosin and dirt on the back.--New York Newsday
Umps blame O's for weather miscues Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 07:08AM ET Did the Orioles lose their opportunity to sweep the hated Yankees because of a communications breakdown in the stadium operations department? Several sources confirmed yesterday that a failure to relay timely weather information might have contributed to the circumstances that enabled the Yankees to stay on the field long enough to take the lead before Thursday night's game was suspended with the Orioles trailing 8-6. The Orioles were irate that Tim Tschida and the umpiring crew let the game get to the point where there was standing water on the infield. Closer Chris Ray said that he couldn't grip the baseball, and several Orioles infielders said that they couldn't even see the ball as it crossed home plate. That included third baseman Melvin Mora, who protested the decision and was ejected after a verbal confrontation with Tschida. However, three baseball sources confirmed that a Major League Baseball official yesterday contacted Roger Hayden, the Orioles' director of ballpark operations, about how Thursday's rain delays were handled.--Baltimore Sun
Cardinals GM destined for Reds? Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 11:11AM ET Cardinals GM Walt Jocketty has a year left on his contract, but if for whatever reason he asks out after this season, there's a growing buzz in baseball circles that he could end up in Cincinnati. Reds owner Bob Castellini, who used to be part of the Cardinals' ownership group, admires Jocketty.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Padres players OK'd Bradley deal Posted: Saturday June 30, 2007 10:49AM ET Before Kevin Towers traded for talented but volatile outfielder Milton Bradley, he and manager Bud Black ran it past Padres players and coaches on Wednesday in San Francisco. Towers said the feedback somewhat recalled what he got regarding Michael Barrett, the embattled Cubs catcher he acquired last week.--San Diego Union-Tribune
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Post by jumbo on Jul 1, 2007 12:38:14 GMT -5
Sources: Selig quashed Cubs deal Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 11:33AM ET According to various baseball sources, it was Bud Selig who kiboshed that trade of Jacque Jones from the Cubs to the Marlins last week - and not a matter of the Cubs simply having second thoughts. Seems Selig deemed the money the Cubs were to absorb on Jones' contract as excessive.--New York Daily News
Astros pitcher might waive no-trade Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 08:20AM ET If the Astros approached Roy Oswalt about waving his no-trade clause, he'd at least listen if, say, the Red Sox, Cardinals or Braves wanted him.--Houston Chronicle
Lo Duca's days as Met numbered Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 08:15AM ET The Mets' front office never fully embraced the move for Paul Lo Duca and, even before the latest media flare-up, has been paving the way to replace Lo Duca after the season, once the 35-year-old catcher's contract expires. Lo Duca's desire for an extension was rebuffed during spring training, and according to a National League official, the Mets are laying the groundwork for a potential winter trade for Pittsburgh's Ronny Paulino.--New York Daily News
Buehrle out of Cards' ballpark? Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 11:27AM ET The Cardinals don't appear to have the camera-ready players the White Sox would want in order to make a trade for Mark Buehrle. And, if the Francis Howell North High product wants to wait until free agency, his price tag likely would be more than $14 million a year and probably out of the Cardinals' ballpark.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Snags in Buerhle-to-Boston deal Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 11:25AM ET Mark Buehrle might be back in play, but as of last night Boston had not yet gotten back in, though phone calls have been exchanged. One Red Sox official indicated that once the team wouldn't give up Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury, there was no reason for discussions to continue. But will the White Sox now take less than their original demands?--Boston Globe
Boras: Series should be best-of-nine Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 10:26AM ET Scott Boras loves the World Series so much, he wants to make it best-of-nine -- and open with two games at a neutral site. Arguing that the shift would create a marketing bonanza that would rival the Super Bowl, Boras outlined his ideas in a letter he sent to baseball commissioner Bud Selig in April. Boras would open the weekend on a Friday night with a televised gala announcing the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year awards, and have the top candidates for each in attendance.--Indianapolis Star
Mets wait for Buehrle outcome Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 08:56AM ET While Mark Buehrle and the White Sox had agreed on a four-year, $56 million contract extension, the deal disintegrated because the Sox won't give the 28-year-old left-hander a full no-trade clause. In the grand scheme of things, that seems like a ludicrous deal-breaker. And surely, the Sox will budge, right? If they do make a deal, the Mets have emerged as the likely destination.--Daily Herald
Cincinnati to trade Mr. Marlin Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 11:37AM ET Look for the Reds to trade Jeff Conine to a contender. Both the Yankees and the Mets are believed to have interest, but who isn't rooting for a third South Florida engagement for Mr. Marlin?--South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Three teams chasing Rangers reliever Posted: Sunday July 01, 2007 11:35AM ET The Red Sox and Tigers have joined the Yankees in the pursuit of Eric Gagne, who has become one of the most widely pursued arms available.--Chicago Tribune
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Post by jumbo on Jul 2, 2007 10:45:06 GMT -5
Sox collecting Buehrle memorabilia Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 07:42AM ET Mark Buehrle's start tonight against the Orioles could be his last in a White Sox uniform, with the Mets' interest in the left-hander beginning to heat up. His teammates and even his manager have started ''collecting'' memorabilia connected with anything the White Sox pitcher touches.--Chicago Sun Times
Dodgers, Sox discuss Buehrle swap Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 10:12AM ET The Dodgers and White Sox have discussed a trade that would bring left-hander Mark Buehrle to Los Angeles, with the White Sox believed to be most interested in outfielder Matt Kemp. The Dodgers do not appear interested in that one-on-one trade at this time.--Los Angeles Times
Beck's health preceding death Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 09:59AM ET One person close to Rod Beck offered some insight Saturday into the weeks preceding his death, at age 38, on June 23. Tina Buchanan, who worked as Beck's personal assistant the past three years, said he visited "doctor after doctor after doctor" to receive treatment for a staph infection. Dusty Baker said Beck historically had health problems, and other friends said he battled high blood pressure. Beck often was sick in recent weeks, Buchanan said, and sometimes struggled to walk because his legs had become so swollen.--San Francisco Chronicle
Hargrove's surprising resignation Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 07:38AM ET It may be that Mike Hargrove will never adequately be able to explain to outsiders why he retired Sunday. John McLaren, the bench coach under Hargrove, will be the Mariners' skipper starting Monday. Hargrove gave McLaren his blessing. General manager Bill Bavasi gave McLaren the manager's job without the word "interim" in front of it. To illustrate how unexpected the move was, McLaren had arthroscopic surgery to repair rotator cuff damage in his right shoulder on Thursday. His right arm is in a sling. He said had he known this was in the offing, he would have held off on the surgery.--Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Line forms to left for Rangers relievers Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 10:22AM ET Boston, Detroit, Atlanta, the Dodgers and Cleveland have all talked with Rangers general manager Jon Daniels about Eric Gagne, Akinori Otsuka or both.--Dallas Morning News
Did Hargrove, Ichiro not get along? Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 10:19AM ET The one question that Ichiro Suzuki didn't want to deal with Sunday is one most Mariners watchers would like to have answered. Will the managerial change announced Sunday, with Mike Hargrove resigning and John McLaren taking over, impact Ichiro's decision to stay as a free agent this winter? It's true that Ichiro and Hargrove had some tough times adjusting to one another in 2005, Hargrove's first year at the helm. There were unconfirmed reports that Ichiro didn't like playing for Hargrove. The outfielder would never be that direct in public, but the coolness between the two men seemed too real.--Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Why Sox' Contreras is easy to trade Posted: Monday July 02, 2007 10:15AM ET Last week, Chicago right-hander Jose Contreras said he would waive his no-trade clause if the White Sox wanted to deal him. But according to the organization, Contreras' trade-clause option ran out in November 2006. Contreras is rumored to be sought by the Mets, Braves and Dodgers.--Chicago Sun Times
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Post by jumbo on Jul 3, 2007 10:17:11 GMT -5
Angry Pirates reliever demands trade Posted: Tuesday July 03, 2007 07:49AM ET Reliever Salomon Torres, angry with the Pirates about what he feels was a broken promise in negotiating his most recent contract, has filed a grievance against the team and asked general manager Dave Littlefield to trade him.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Reds deny talking to Girardi Posted: Tuesday July 03, 2007 10:31AM ET The Joe Girardi talk turned into a roar when Jerry Narron was fired, fueled by an Internet report that the club had talked with the former Marlins manager twice in the past week. The Reds denied that report.--Cincinnati Enquirer
Is Giants' GM on hot seat? Posted: Tuesday July 03, 2007 10:27AM ET Is Brian Sabean's job on the line? The answer remains an unqualified yes. Shortly after the question was posed, managing general partner Peter Magowan publicly said Sabean would be evaluated after the season, with the team's performance in 2007 factoring into his fate. Considering all top-shelf free agents who thumbed their noses at the Giants' money last winter, it seems Sabean was set up for a fall. The team's record suggests Sabean is closer to the door now than he was in spring training, but should the Giants choose to rebuild, he will have an opportunity to attempt a comeback on the trading floor and raise his prospects for a new contract of his own.--San Francisco Chronicle
Dodgers still bargaining for Buehrle Posted: Tuesday July 03, 2007 10:13AM ET The Dodgers continued their preliminary trade discussions with White Sox general manager Ken Williams on Monday, with the talks centering on pitcher Mark Buehrle, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Dodgers have recently sent numerous scouts to watch the slumping White Sox, and interest in the lefthander reflects their desire to add a more established starter while they try Chad Billingsley and Mark Hendrickson in the rotation.--Riverside Press-Enterprise
Hudson: D-Backs days numbered Posted: Tuesday July 03, 2007 10:09AM ET Orlando Hudson still is more than a year away from free agency, but he already believes his days in Arizona are numbered. A day after being named to his first All-Star team, Hudson, who won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2008 season, told KTAR-AM (620) that although he would love to finish his career with the Diamondbacks, he doesn't see it happening.--Arizona Republic
Red Sox to go after Astros reliever Posted: Tuesday July 03, 2007 09:48AM ET One major league official said last night the Red Sox will be one of a few major players for Houston reliever Brad Lidge if the Astros decide they're out of contention. Lidge, who had a strained oblique, is scheduled to come off the disabled list this week.--Boston Globe
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Post by jumbo on Jul 4, 2007 23:57:33 GMT -5
Pedro on the comeback trail Posted: Wednesday July 04, 2007 09:09AM ET Pedro Martinez tossed a three-inning simulated game, throwing 50 pitches in St. Lucie. According to assistant GM John Ricco, the ace righty "felt great." Martinez -- who's recovering from a torn rotator cuff -- could potentially begin his rehab assignment next week.--New York Post
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Post by jumbo on Jul 5, 2007 21:33:00 GMT -5
Reliever on Red Sox wish list Posted: Thursday July 05, 2007 08:35AM ET If a market does develop for Brad Lidge, who has recovered from a strained oblique only to have his knee lock up, the Red Sox will likely be in it because they've coveted him for years. But as their pursuit of the White Sox' Mark Buehrle illustrated, sometimes the price is too high.--Boston Globe
Scouting White Sox fire sale Posted: Thursday July 05, 2007 08:33AM ET The White Sox seem to be on the brink of a fire sale and have had numerous scouts all week looking at not only Jose Contreras but pitchers Mark Buehrle and Javier Vazquez and outfielder Jermaine Dye -- basically any player who isn't nailed down.--Chicago Tribune
Rangers could fund A-Rod to L.A. Posted: Thursday July 05, 2007 08:57AM ET Let's say the Yankees decide to do the smart thing and sell rather than buy this month. If you put all those things together, you know what you get? A-Rod to the Dodgers, that's what, probably in a deal that sends first baseman James Loney to New York. And then the Dodgers and A-Rod hook up on a long-term extension for Rodriguez in La-La land. An extension for Rodriguez of his current contract, even if it came with the Dodgers would keep the Rangers on the hook, paying $7 million per year to the Dodgers for three more years. They'd basically be paying the Dodgers to take Rodriguez.--Dallas Morning News
Voice of Cubs on Reds' list? Posted: Thursday July 05, 2007 08:38AM ET Cubs broadcaster Bob Brenly said Wednesday that the Reds haven't contacted him about their managerial vacancy, though he would be happy to listen if they come calling.--Chicago Tribune
All-Star snub bedevils Angel Posted: Thursday July 05, 2007 08:07AM ET Just over three weeks after he stopped talking to the local media, Orlando Cabrera found a subject that moved him enough to speak again. While disappointed he wasn't named to the American League All-Star team, despite solid play on offense and defense, Cabrera is trying to put the entire event behind him as quickly as possible. Cabrera suggested the managers of both All-Star teams manipulated the rosters to get their own players or players they liked into the game.--Los Angeles Daily News
Marlins losing their lease? Posted: Thursday July 05, 2007 08:01AM ET The Marlins are increasingly worried they won't be allowed to remain at Dolphin Stadium much longer, if at all, after their lease ends in December 2010. Marlins president David Samson said in recent months, a Huizenga Holdings official reaffirmed Wayne Huizenga's earlier written notification that the lease would not be renewed. To be ready by 2011, stadium construction must begin by next April, and the deal would need to be consummated immediately.--Miami Herald
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Post by jumbo on Jul 6, 2007 19:24:51 GMT -5
Chicago's offseason shopping list Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 07:59AM ET No question the White Sox will be in the market for a center fielder this offseason, and as things stand, the top free agents on their list will be Ichiro Suzuki followed by Aaron Rowand. Andruw Jones will be too expensive, and while Torii Hunter is coveted, he will be in Yankee pinstripes or playing center field for the Rangers next to Jermaine Dye.--Chicago Sun Times
Why White Sox are on edge Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 07:57AM ET It's not unlike White Sox GM Ken Williams to want the rest of baseball thinking he is about to do something. But with Gavin Floyd set to make his Sox debut tonight in a doubleheader against the Twins -- as well as several Sox players believing the Mark Buehrle contract saga is about to end with the left-hander signing a four-year, $56 million extension -- there's a feeling in the clubhouse that the storm is about to start. If Buehrle truly is inching closer to signing the extension offer, the Sox likely will look to trade at least Jose Contreras and might dangle Javier Vazquez, too.--Chicago Sun Times
Dodgers dilemma: hitting or pitching? Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 08:26AM ET Troy Glaus may not be the player the Dodgers wind up chasing. Given the problems at the back of the rotation and the lack of depth in the bullpen following Chad Billingsley's move to starting, pitching might now be higher on the team's wish list.--Los Angeles Times
Red Sox not spelling relief...yet Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 08:16AM ET The Red Sox did not talk to the Rangers about relievers Eric Gagne or Akinori Otsuka during the teams' four-game set at Fenway Park last weekend after showing some initial interest in the pair in previous weeks. The Sox also have made occasional inquiries regarding Houston reliever Brad Lidge, but the process hasn???t evolved to the point where names have been exchanged.--Boston Herald
Reds put out fire sale sign Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 08:22AM ET Scouts say the Reds are alerting other clubs that everybody on their roster is available except Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey, Josh Hamilton, Alex Gonzalez and Brandon Phillips.--Philadelphia Daily News
Cubs have their closer of the future Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 08:01AM ET Carlos Marmol looks to be the Cubs' closer of the future. That will allow the Cubs to grant Ryan Dempster his wish to be a starter again next year, or it will enable GM Jim Hendry to trade Dempster. Manager Lou Piniella likes Marmol's power arm, and Piniella has a knack for getting his way.--Daily Herald
Rangers-Tigers talks heating up? Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 08:03AM ET It's possible you could see the Rangers get more serious with the Tigers in the next week or so as Detroit aims to tighten up its bullpen. If there is one GM not afraid to make a fair trade so long as it helps his team reach its goals, it's David Dombrowski. The Rangers won't get Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller or Curtis Granderson, but most other players in the system are in play.--Dallas Morning News
Why Bonds will skip HR Derby Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 10:06AM ET Barry Bonds has hit 34 home runs into McCovey Cove over 7 1/2 seasons, but he will hit none during the All-Star Game Home Run Derby on Monday night. Bonds said Thursday he will not participate because of the strain it would place on his body, "especially when you're 42. He said he is looking forward to a party he is hosting in San Francisco on Monday night and starting in the All-Star Game the next evening.--San Francisco Chronicle
Jays GM questions pitcher's injury Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 09:59AM ET It certainly wasn't his intention, as he'd later explain, but Blue Jay general manager J.P. Ricciardi got a few listeners up in arms over comments he made yesterday morning about A.J. Burnett on his weekly radio spot. Ricciardi suggested there might be a psychological aspect to Burnett's long litany of injuries and that, if this were the winter of 2005 again and he had the pitching staff he now has, he probably wouldn't sign Burnett to a five-year deal.--Toronto Star
Cardinal's tattoo honors teammate Posted: Friday July 06, 2007 09:22AM ET Cardinals CF Jim Edmonds has a new tattoo on the inside of his left wrist. Joining the "DK 57" he had stenciled there for teammate Darryl Kile, who died in 2002, is a "JH 32" in black ink. The initials stand for Josh Hancock, the Cardinals pitcher who was killed in an automobile accident earlier this season.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Post by jumbo on Jul 7, 2007 19:30:36 GMT -5
Jays GM greasing Burnett's exit? Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 09:06AM ET There are two options to consider when it comes to Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi's unapologetic rant regarding the lack of toughness from his prized signing, the oft-injured starter A.J. Burnett. One, he doesn't know a thing about the difficulties of keeping a pitching arm healthy, or, two, he's greasing the skids for Burnett's exit.--Toronto Star
Teixeira interested in becoming Oriole Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 07:32AM ET Mark Teixeira wanted to make one thing clear. He is a member of the Texas Rangers and will be at least for another season and a half, unless the organization trades him. Before that, any talk about the Severna Park native coming home to help the Orioles return to prominence remains a fantasy. Teixeira reiterated before last night's game that he would be intrigued by the prospect of signing with the Orioles when he is eligible for free agency after the 2008 season. That's been his feeling all along.--Baltimore Sun
Buehrle will seek free agency in '08 Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 08:20AM ET Stalemated talks between Mark Buehrle and the White Sox have the left-hander in a contract holding pattern. But two factors have emerged from the on-again, off-again talks: If Buehrle is traded to another team, he still is prepared to go into the free-agent market at season's end, and he no longer would give the Sox a so-called ''hometown discount'' if they chose to enter the bidding.--Chicago Sun Times
Hall of Famer advises struggling Oriole Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 07:48AM ET Seeking to get the struggling pitcher back on track, pitching coach Leo Mazzone invited Orioles broadcaster and Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer to the bullpen to get a closer look at Daniel Cabrera. Palmer was extremely active during the bullpen session, frequently talking to the pitcher and demonstrating his advice.--Baltimore Sun
Bonds to owner: 'I'm my own man' Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 12:06PM ET Giants managing partner Peter Magowan publicly expressed his disappointment that Barry Bonds decided to skip Monday's All-Star Home Run Derby at AT&T Park, saying that the 42-year-old slugger "passed up a real opportunity to be able to thank the fans." Told of Magowan's comments, and the general fan reaction to his decision, Bonds waved his hand dismissively. "I'm my own man," Bonds said.--Oakland Tribune
Tigers done with suspended player? Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 11:33AM ET The Tigers made it known Friday that Neifi Perez's 25-game suspension is his issue, and not the team's, as they moved quickly to replace his roster spot with Triple-A outfielder Ryan Raburn. It is possible he has played his last game in a Tigers uniform. Perez was suspended after testing positive for a banned supplement.--Detroit News
Pirates leaders safe...for now Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 09:12AM ET The Pirates will wait until after this season to decide the futures of general manager Dave Littlefield and manager Jim Tracy, principal owner Bob Nutting said yesterday."--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Cubs dilemma: Jones or Pie? Posted: Saturday July 07, 2007 09:10AM ET In less than three-weeks, Jacque Jones might go from little-used outfielder the Cubs tried to dump in a pair of nearly done trades to the Cubs' starting center fielder. The outfield alignment is back in flux with center fielder Felix Pie in a prolonged slump and benched. The Cubs plan to move a position player off the roster to make room for a 12th pitcher coming out of the break next weekend, probably on that Sunday, and if they can't pull off a trade, it all but assures the touted Pie (.217) becoming a big part of the discussion.--Chicago Sun Times
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Post by jumbo on Jul 8, 2007 10:53:18 GMT -5
Buehrle talks collapse, trade likely Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 08:20AM ET Mark Buehrle's future with the White Sox appeared even bleaker Saturday night, when agent Jeff Berry issued a statement indicating contract talks have collapsed and a trade might come during the All-Star break that begins Monday. Buehrle reportedly backed off his stance on a no-trade clause, suggesting instead that if he were traded in the middle of the four-year, $56 million contract the two sides had agreed upon, a $17 million player option for 2012 would automatically kick in.--Chicago Sun Times
Mets keeping eye on Willis Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 08:56AM ET The Mets, as much as anyone, are monitoring the Marlins to see if Dontrelle Willis becomes available in a trade. They know how much they could use a top-flight starting pitcher, and Willis is signed through 2009.--New York Newsday
Scout: Willis struggling with fastball Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 08:10AM ET An NL scout said Dontrelle Willis' "slider is better than two years ago, but he's not commanding his fastball as well as the past, especially in against right-hander hitters. There's no one thing consistently he's having confidence in."--Miami Herald
Which GMs on firing line? Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 09:06AM ET GMs Tim Purpura and Wayne Krivsky may be in trouble in Houston and Cincinnati, respectively. Word is, the Astros are looking to make former Tigers and Padres GM Randy Smith their next GM, and that Walt Jocketty has his eye on the Reds job if he decides to leave St. Louis after this season.--Newark Star-Ledger
Injury kills Royal's trade value Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 10:47AM ET Mike Sweeney's injury effectively kills his trade value as he completes the final season of a five-year contract. He is eligible to become a free agent after the season and vows to continue playing next year -- elsewhere if not with the Royals.--Kansas City Star
Contenders scouting Piazza's stick Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 10:46AM ET With the trade deadline in less than a month and the A's possible sellers, a number of scouts have been on hand at the Coliseum the past few days -- and several have been taking note of Mike Piazza's batting practice. Piazza might be a target for several contenders looking for some extra offense in the second half.--San Francisco Chronicle
Wagner would bench Reyes Posted: Sunday July 08, 2007 10:41AM ET Jose Reyes is lucky he doesn't have Billy Wagner meting out his punishment after he failed to run out a ground ball. "I think speaking only as if I was the manager - not Willie - he wouldn't play," Wagner said. Wagner said the veteran position players should speak with Reyes if they deemed it necessary, but Willie Randolph said that rarely happens anymore because the game has changed. The Mets closer called Reyes the team's catalyst and stressed the 24-year-old was a great person, but he made no effort to hide his feelings on the subject.--New York Post
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Post by jumbo on Jul 8, 2007 21:34:25 GMT -5
White Sox, Buehrle agree to 4-year contract Team avoids any more rumors after locking pitcher to $56 million deal The Associated Press Updated: 7:20 p.m. ET July 8, 2007 CHICAGO - Mark Buehrle is staying with the White Sox. The left-hander agreed to a four-year, $56 million deal Sunday, ending weeks of trade speculation about Chicago’s best pitcher. Fans at Sunday’s game were told over the public address system that Buehrle had signed as the White Sox left the field following a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Twins. In the eighth inning, Buehrle was seen in the dugout hugging manager Ozzie Guillen and his teammates. “Knowing that he’s going to be here takes a load off everyone. What a happy day. It’s pretty cool,” Chicago’s Jim Thome said. “You play with guys, and when this time of year comes around, you always hear different rumors.” Now they’ll go away, at least for Buehrle. A three-time All-Star, he could have been a free agent after this season. Earlier talks stalled over a no-trade clause that Buehrle wanted. And with the White Sox struggling this season just two years after winning the World Series, Buehrle’s name popped up often in trade rumors. He is 6-4 this season with a 3.03 ERA. His career record is 103-70 with a 3.77 ERA. A 38th-round draft pick in 1998, Buehrle broke in with the White Sox in 2000. Buehrle said he didn’t get a complete no-trade clause but there are provisions to compensate for that. His contract calls for $14 million in each of the four years. He has a no-trade provision in the first season. If he is traded during a window in the second or third seasons, the annual salary goes to $15 million that year and a fifth season is added, also at $15 million. “My thinking was I wanted to be guaranteed I was going to be here for four years,” the 28-year-old Buehrle said. “And there are some options put in there and some things that if I do get traded, stuff works out for me. ... Both sides had to give in.” Buehrle could have tested the free agent market but made it clear that he wanted to stay with the White Sox, although Saturday he said his chances of doing that were about 50-50. He also said he wanted to have his situation resolved quickly. “The perception is he could have gotten X amount of dollars. So what we did was try to bridge the gap and make it work for everyone,” general manager Ken Williams said in a teleconference call from San Francisco, site of the All-Star game. “If he hadn’t accomplished all the things he has thus far and we didn’t have a certain amount of confidence that he will maintain that high level then we wouldn’t have entered into this agreement and I would have taken the blow and moved on and gone onto other things and tried to build up differently.” Buehrle slumped in the second half a year ago, finishing 12-13 — his only losing mark in the majors. It appeared the stress of six straight seasons of more than 200 innings had began to show, even if he is not a power pitcher. But this year, he’s been a steady force for a disappointing White Sox team that hit the All-Star break with a 39-47 record. He also pitched a no-hitter on April 18 against the Rangers. “We have a great comfort in where we’re going and where he’s going and it just made sense for us at this point,” Williams said. “I think ultimately the difference was providing Mark a little security in that, yes we have the four-year deal in place, but we’ve also given another year in the event that he is traded, so he really does not lose out on what he potentially could have gotten on the open market as a free agent. “He expressed some desire to stay with us and we tried to make as many concessions as we could without hurting our future and ability to maneuver.” Buehrle said he was glad to have the process behind him, so he can relax during the All-Star break and not worry about his phone ringing. He said he was also tired of talking about it his future on almost a daily basis and potentially becoming a distraction for his teammates. “I can go to bed knowing that I’ll be here. I’m happy with the deal. Hopefully they are too,” he said. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19665508/
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Post by jumbo on Jul 9, 2007 10:40:41 GMT -5
Rickey wants to play for A's Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 11:00AM ET How serious is Rickey Henderson about a proper playing farewell in baseball? He said Sunday he'd not only push back his inevitable Cooperstown induction to get it, he'd forfeit the Hall of Fame entirely for one last fling. He'd like to play the entire month of September for Oakland ... or just sit on the bench as a member of the team, if that's the way the A's want it.--Oakland Tribune
Jones: Braves need starting pitcher Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 08:48AM ET His Braves teammates say they're confident that sore-shouldered ace John Smoltz will be healthy after the All-Star break, but some hope the front office is successful in pursuit of another quality starter through a trade. "I hope they get something done," center fielder Andruw Jones said Sunday. "It most definitely would help us. To get another starter would give us a better chance to compete against the other top teams in our division." There are few other available starters on the trade market, but the Braves will keep talking to teams and hope more pitchers become available before the July 31 trade deadline.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
White Sox ready to deal veterans? Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 08:44AM ET Conventional wisdom would suggest general manager Kenny Williams is going to take one last look at the standings and see the wide gap that separates his White Sox from the first-place Detroit Tigers, the second-place Indians and even the third-place Twins. From there, Williams trades his older, more proven players for youth and potential, and the Sox disappear for a year to two while in rebuild mode. So that's why the White Sox are much more likely to make a deal such as the one rumored to be Jermaine Dye and Jose Uribe to the Padres for shortstop Khalil Greene and relief pitcher Scott Linebrink. Or maybe Williams unloads the fading Jose Contreras for a promising rookie outfielder like the Dodgers' Matt Kemp or the Phillies' Michael Bourn.--Daily Herald
Frustrated Indians seeking relief Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 09:03AM ET For the first time since Fernando Cabrera began to flounder in late April, Indians manager Eric Wedge seems to be losing patience with the strong-armed but ineffective reliever. It's also no secret that General Manager Mark Shapiro is trying to make a deal for a reliever who can ease the back-end burden on closer Joe Borowski and setup man Rafael Betancourt.--Akron Beacon Journal
Will La Russa return next season? Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 07:56AM ET Speculation has run amok that Tony La Russa won't be back next year. Some have expressed the theory that the various downsides of the season have worn La Russa to the point that he has lost his verve for the job. La Russa said that is not so.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Rivera's return affects Angels trades Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 08:51AM ET The obvious need at the trading deadline for the Angels in recent years has been to add an impact hitter, someone to complement Vladimir Guerrero and help lift a sagging offense. However, two things have altered that need this season -- a surprisingly effective offense and Juan Rivera's impending return from a broken leg has the Angels thinking an impact hitter isn't the cure-all with 22 days until the trading deadline.--Riverside Press-Enterprise
Torii 'would consider' White Sox Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 07:55AM ET He's tormented the White Sox for what seems like a lifetime with huge home runs and highlight-reel catches. But what if Torii Hunter did his tormenting in a Sox uniform? It's a scenario the free-agent-to-be can envision. "You know, this is a place (U.S. Cellular Field) I hit well in," the Minnesota Twins star said Sunday. "This is one place I would consider." Though the center fielder might be out of the Sox's price range -- speculation is he could get six years and $90 million -- he has a great relationship with Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who has called Hunter "the best center fielder" in baseball.--Daily Southtown
Why Buerhle re-signed with Sox Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 07:52AM ET Mark Buehrle appeared in the White Sox' dugout in the eighth inning Sunday, shaking hands and hugging his teammates, the first public clue that his stalemated contract talks had come to an end. The package is a compromise, with Buehrle giving up his free-agency rights to potential record-breaking money as well as full no-trade protection, and the Sox backing away from a strident no-trade position as well as a trade of the 28-year-old, three-time All-Star.--Chicago Sun Times
Rangers schedule Teixeira's return Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 08:15AM ET Anxious to have Mark Teixeira's bat back in the lineup -- or on display for potential buyers -- the Rangers plan to activate him for the start of the second half of the season Friday at Los Angeles. If they want to try to trade Teixeira, a possibility that has been discussed extensively, they have only 17 days after Friday before the trade deadline.--Dallas Morning News
How can Astros replace GM? Posted: Monday July 09, 2007 09:10AM ET Replacing Astros GM Tim Purpura is a tricky proposition. Unless owner Drayton McLane wants to make nice with Gerry Hunsicker--and there's almost no chance of that happening--he would have to go on the open market. There are interesting names out there. David Forst and Dan Evans and Mike Port and Frank Wren. If the Giants fired Brian Sabean, he'd be the frontrunner for every opening.--Houston Chronicle
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Post by jumbo on Jul 10, 2007 12:03:22 GMT -5
Mets still interested in Sox pitchers Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 08:49AM ET Mark Buehrle, who was the most visible pitcher on the trading blocks, signed an extension with the White Sox. But that doesn't mean that the Mets won't be checking in with the White Sox about the availability of Javier Vazquez or Jose Contreras.--Bergen Record
Twins' Hunter all but gone? Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 08:38AM ET As the season continues and free agency, draws closer, it's clear Torii Hunter is growing more comfortable with the notion of wearing a different franchise's uniform next season. Conventional wisdom around baseball holds that the Twins will be outbid, that their budget cannot absorb the $60 million or so Hunter - who turns 32 next week - figures to get.--St. Paul Pioneer Press
Anaheim to host All-Star Game Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 08:45AM ET The All-Star game could be on the way to Angel Stadium as soon as 2010. The Angels are expected to be awarded an All-Star game in coming months, a high-ranking baseball source said. The game is scheduled for Yankee Stadium next year and St. Louis in 2009.--Los Angeles Times
Marlin star wants to stay in Florida Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 08:41AM ET The Dodgers and Angels fairly drool at the prospect of adding third baseman Miguel Cabrera to their lineup, but the four-time All-Star said he has no interest in leaving Florida. Cabrera is not eligible for free agency until 2009. The Marlins say they aren't trading him, and he's fine with that.--Los Angeles Times
No takers for disgruntled Angels DH Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 09:48AM ET The Angels, unable to trade Shea Hillenbrand in the 10-day period after he was designated for assignment June 29, had no choice Monday but to release the former designated hitter, who is now a free agent. Apparently no team was willing to give up a prospect for the 31-year-old Hillenbrand, who batted .254 with three home runs, five doubles, 22 runs batted in and 19 runs in 53 games for the Angels.--Los Angeles Times
Boras wants new defensive stats Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 09:45AM ET Agent Scott Boras proposes a new stat, "EP" or "Exceptional Play," to be given to players who make sensational plays on defense during a game. The official scorer would be asked to distinguish between an exceptional play and a routine one in the same way he is asked to distinguish between a hit and error.--Los Angeles Times
Rockies hunting for pitchers Posted: Tuesday July 10, 2007 08:56AM ET Colorado contacted the White Sox to find out the asking price on Chicago's Mark Buehrle before he signed his contract extension Sunday. Though details are unknown, the White Sox asked about third-base prospect Ian Stewart. It makes sense given Joe Crede's injury and pending free agency.--Denver Post
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Post by jumbo on Jul 11, 2007 14:19:55 GMT -5
Teixeira to return to Atlanta? Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:58AM ET One of many trade rumors making the rounds at the All-Star Game had the Braves among a handful of teams still interested in Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira. Two potential sticking points: The Rangers would probably accept nothing less than top Braves prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia and another young player, and Teixeira is represented by agent Scott Boras and is expected to ask for a long-term contract worth perhaps $20 million per season.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Marlins won't trade Willis to Mets Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:36AM ET Sources say Dontrelle Willis will be traded by the Marlins, but the Marlins will not trade Willis to their chief competition in the NL East.--New York Post
La Russa's snub irks Pujols Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 05:40AM ET Tony La Russa left fans scratching their heads, never getting Albert Pujols into last night's All-Star Game, especially in the last inning with the bases loaded and two out. It didn't sit well with Pujols. "It's the All-Star Game. He can do what he wants," Pujols said. "He does whatever he wants. If I wasn't expecting to play, I wouldn't have come up here."--New York Post
Orioles want to shop Tejada Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:44AM ET One guy the Orioles would love to shop is Miguel Tejada, but his injury last month threw a major wrench into those plans.--Baltimore Sun
Big Papi needs knee surgery Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 05:17AM ET Red Sox DH David Ortiz privately mentioned last weekend the possibility he might require a surgical procedure on his right knee, but because of the uncertainty surrounding his condition, he said he didn't want to say anything publicly until he knew more. But yesterday, when asked specifically about his condition by the Boston Herald, Ortiz admitted he "probably" would need a procedure after the season.--Boston Globe
Bonds not cashing in on HR chase Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 07:48AM ET The television commercial promoting this year's All-Star game is about as close as Barry Bonds will get to hitting one out of the park for a corporate sponsor. Not surprisingly, Bonds' march toward baseball history has failed to attract lucrative corporate sponsorships and potentially lucrative advertising deals. Bonds, who at 751 home runs is only five short of a new record, has a reputation as a prickly person off the field, according to sports marketers. And that public persona was fairly well established even before the steroids controversy erupted in 2003, which triggered a federal investigation that is ongoing. --Los Angeles Times
Sources: Mariners to lock up Ichiro Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 07:59AM ET The Mariners are on the verge of signing superstar Ichiro Suzuki to a five-year contract extension that reportedly will approach, or perhaps even exceed, $100 million. The contract, which would lock up Ichiro through 2012, is not yet signed but is said to be imminent, with sources indicating the sides have reached an agreement in principle on the parameters of the deal.--Seattle Times
Mets eye White Sox's Dye? Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:34AM ET The trading deadline is still weeks away, but the word yesterday was that the Mets are looking to land a big bat. That bat could be White Sox slugger Jermaine Dye.--New York Post
Rangers willing to deal plenty Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:41AM ET Rest assured, regardless of what happens, the Rangers will still trade Mark Teixeira if a reasonable offer presents itself. If somebody wants Kenny Lofton, he can be had for a nominal fee. Ditto Sammy Sosa. What isn't as certain, however, and what is left to be decided, is how to proceed with relievers Akinori Otsuka and Eric Gagne.--Dallas Morning News
Do Giants want GM back? Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:48AM ET Contrary to rumors that the Giants are preparing to fire Brian Sabean, ownership has decided it wants Sabean back next year for a 12th season as general manager, and the two sides have begun discussions about a contract extension, The Chronicle has learned.--San Francisco Chronicle
Indians negotiating with slugger Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 09:46AM ET The Indians and Travis Hafner's agent, Scott Parker, negotiated by phone over the All-Star break. The Indians were going to visit Parker in his office in San Francisco, located across the street from AT&T Park, but decided the phone would be more efficient.--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Selig to follow Bonds' pursuit Posted: Wednesday July 11, 2007 05:21AM ET SI.com has learned that barring something unforeseen and drastic, Selig plans to be there when Bonds breaks the all-time home run record of Selig's longtime friend and Milwaukee mate Hank Aaron.--Sports Illustrated
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Post by jumbo on Jul 12, 2007 16:30:29 GMT -5
Which starter will White Sox deal? Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 08:05AM ET The White Sox definitely will move one of their veteran starters before the July 31 trade deadline. The Sox would prefer it be Jose Contreras, but Javier Vazquez and Jon Garland are serious options.--Daily Herald
Astros poised to trade pitchers? Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 08:04AM ET The Red Sox, Indians and Tigers would like to acquire Astros reliever Brad Lidge. The Mets are among the teams interested in Roy Oswalt for the pennant stretch. If the Astros approached Oswalt and told him it would be better for the franchise's future to trade him, he told the Chronicle two weeks ago he would consider waiving his no-trade clause.--Houston Chronicle
Pujols snub 'not a big deal' Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 07:36AM ET Albert Pujols thought he left San Francisco on Wednesday morning as little more than an unused player on the losing side of Tuesday night's All-Star Game. To his surprise, he landed in the middle of a firestorm. Pujols dismissed any suggestion that the dubious distinction suggests a rift between him and Cardinals manager Tony La Russa.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Teixeira vents Rangers frustrations Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 07:58AM ET Mark Teixeira vented before his rehab assignment Wednesday in Frisco. He shared his frustrations about the Rangers' lack of success and direction in his five years with the team. "We're a big-market team that's playing like a small-market team," Teixeira said. "Unless you hit with some young players and pitchers, it's tough to play that way." When asked if the Rangers could win before that contract expires, he said the team has a lot of work to do.--Dallas Morning News
Bad market hurting Mets upgrade? Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 08:02AM ET How bad is the market? One AL executive suggested that after Jermaine Dye and Eric Byrnes, the next best righty-hitting outfield option if the Mets needed a replacement for Moises Alou is Kansas City's Emil Brown. He's hitting .227.--New York Daily News
Sabathia next on Indians' list Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 08:00AM ET Just what C.C. Sabathia, returning from the All-Star Game for today's workout at Jacobs Field, will cost stretches the imagination. At the All-Star Game in San Francisco, he said if the Indians were able to sign Travis Hafner, he would take that as a good sign that they might get something done with him.--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Hitting coach takes fall for D-Backs Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 07:23AM ET Looking to rustle awake an offense that has been quiet most of the season, the Diamondbacks on Wednesday fired first-year hitting coach Kevin Seitzer and replaced him with Rick Schu.--Arizona Republic
Mets fire coach, hire Rickey Posted: Thursday July 12, 2007 05:58AM ET The Mets, seeking to inject some life into a struggling offense, have fired their hitting coach, Rick Down, and have added Rickey Henderson to the coaching staff. Henderson will most likely replace Down, but according to a club official, the Mets were deliberating whether to make him the first-base coach and bump Howard Johnson to hitting coach.--New York Times
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Post by jumbo on Jul 12, 2007 23:49:17 GMT -5
July 13, 2007 Sports of The Times Strain Shows as Reality Hits Mets By WILLIAM C. RHODEN
I’m sure that Omar Minaya and Willie Randolph have had their squabbles. What general manager and manager have not?
But yesterday was the first time in three seasons the neighbors could actually hear the squabbling.
The occasion was yesterday’s news conference, held to announce the sacrificial firing of Rick Down, the Mets’ hitting coach, and the release of their ancient pinch hitter, Julio Franco.
Minaya, who can look at the darkest night and find a sliver of sunshine, put the best face on Down’s dismissal, saying Down had done an admirable and the recent poor results weren’t necessarily his fault, but something had to be done.
A few moments after Minaya left, Randolph walked in, his arm in a sling from shoulder surgery, with his typically serious demeanor. You knew within seconds that Down’s dismissal was not Randolph’s idea, and it did not receive the manager’s blessing or endorsement.
“The organization felt it was time to make a move to hear a different voice,” Randolph said. “Obviously we’ve been underachieving a little bit, the end of the first half, so it was time to make a move.”
The hitting coach in baseball is like the head coach in professional basketball, hired to be fired. Just as surely as a team will slump during the season, it’s just as certain that the hitting coach will get the blame — and often the ax.
The Mets have been in a teamwide hitting slump. This may not be Down’s fault, but you can’t fire the team.
If there was any ambiguity about Randolph’s position, it was cleared up near the end of the news conference when Randolph was asked how he felt about Down.
“I brought him here,” Randolph said.
“This is an organizational decision,” he repeated. “I brought Rick here, he’s my coach, he’s my brother.”
Brother. Here we go.
“Obviously there’s affection there; there’s an affinity there,” Randolph added.
During the course of his comments, Randolph repeatedly referred to the organization as “they” when describing Down’s firing.
“They decided they were going to make a move and that’s what they did,” he said.
Asked whether Down effectively communicated the team’s philosophy of patient at-bats, Randolph said, “He wasn’t, in their minds, getting it across.”
When someone asked a question that was really an answer, about a coach being blamed for a player’s lack of hitting, Randolph interrupted. “Come on, all these questions you know the answers to,” he said. “It’s always the players who have to be accounted for.”
Perhaps in the way of a fond farewell to Down, the Mets started off last night’s game with back-to-back home runs by José Reyes and Rubén Gotay in a 3-2 victory. When Randolph was asked point-blank whether the decision to fire Down was made against his wishes, he said, “I’m an organizational guy and I’m part of the organization.”
The oddest part of yesterday’s announcement was the news that the venerable Ricky Henderson, baseball’s career stolen base leader, is riding into New York on a white horse, not so much as a batting savior but as a well-respected mentor and sage.
Henderson’s role is yet to be determined; in some ways this betrays an indecision — or a debate — within the organization about where Henderson will best fit in and what he has that the Mets need. He will either be the new hitting coach or the first-base coach.
“Ricky basically said, ‘Omar, I’ll do what you think is in the best interest of the team,’ ” Minaya said. “He’s looking forward to the challenge.”
For the past two seasons, Henderson has tutored the Mets on base running. The results have been fabulous. José Reyes has solidified himself as one of the most dangerous base runners in baseball and David Wright has quietly become a consistent threat to steal.
The Mets are in first place and the ship is not listing. But what ails this team is something that is sensed more than it’s been seen. Something is out of kilter — perhaps an approach to hitting, an approach to competing, an approach to winning.
Last week Randolph publicly chastised Reyes and benched him after he didn’t run out a ground ball. Presumably, this is what the Wilpons, Minaya and, reluctantly, Randolph were reacting to.
What the Mets need from Henderson is not something as specific as being a hitting coach or a base-running coach. I’d make Howard Johnson the hitting coach and give Henderson a more fluid designation; I’d give him a position that will allow him to pull the Mets out of their spiritual doldrums. Make him the Minister of Winning or the Sultan of Soul.
Minaya promised that we’d know by today what Henderson’s role will be. The larger question over the next three months is, how will the Mets respond day in and day out to having to win, to not having the luxury of going through an extended slump? How will they respond to having to maintain a narrow lead or, to coming from behind?
This is a fascinating side of the Mets, a side fans have not yet seen: a team under pressure, a team in relative crisis. There is tension, discontent and a sense of uneasiness. The Mets, after a two-season honeymoon, are in a New York state of mind.
Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company
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Post by jumbo on Jul 13, 2007 15:01:04 GMT -5
L.A. teams eyeing Big Tex Posted: Friday July 13, 2007 11:23AM ET Among the teams that have expressed interest in Mark Teixeira are the Angels, against whom the Rangers play three games this weekend, and the Dodgers. Both clubs are involved in tight pennant races and have unproven first basemen. Owner Tom Hicks and general manager Jon Daniels on Thursday acknowledged disappointment in Teixeira's criticism of management before a one-game rehab assignment with Double-A Friso. But, Daniels said, Teixeira's comments won't have an impact on whether the team trades him. The Rangers are listening to offers, but they aren't soliciting them.--Dallas Morning News
Will MLB reject Cuban bid? Posted: Friday July 13, 2007 07:26AM ET Controversial Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said Thursday that he has submitted his application to purchase the Cubs. He said he believed he sent it in last week, though he wasn't sure. It's hard to picture Bulls and White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, who has seen Cuban's act in the NBA, remaining quiet during the bid process. It's one thing to have to deal with Cuban as a fellow owner; it's another to have to deal with him as a fellow owner in the same city. Commissioner Bud Selig takes his cue from the owners and is especially close to Reinsdorf.--Chicago Tribune
GM: Blue Jays off trade market Posted: Friday July 13, 2007 08:04AM ET There will be no "For Sale" tags dangling from the toes of the current Blue Jays squad. No matter what happens between now and the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, J.P. Ricciardi, the Jays' general manager, said that he likes his team and he intends to stick with it, through this season and beyond.--Toronto Sun
Twins to start Santana contract talks? Posted: Friday July 13, 2007 08:01AM ET Don't be surprised if contract extension talks between the Twins and two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana begin soon. Santana is signed through 2008.--St. Paul Pioneer Press
D-Back offers hometown discount Posted: Friday July 13, 2007 08:40AM ET Outfielder Eric Byrnes, who will become eligible for free agency at the end of the season, said he is willing to give the Diamondbacks a home-team discount if it will allow him to stay in Arizona. He said he and General Manager Josh Byrnes have had discussions in recent weeks regarding a possible contract extension. Eric Byrnes mentioned a few recent deals signed by outfielders as possible comparisons, including Gary Matthews Jr. ($50 million), Juan Pierre ($44 million) and J.D. Drew ($70 million), all of whom signed five-year contracts last off-season. The Diamondbacks might be hesitant to give out such a deal since they anticipate Double-A outfielders Justin Upton and Carlos Gonzalez being in their long-term plans.--Arizona Republic
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Post by jumbo on Jul 14, 2007 0:10:59 GMT -5
July 14, 2007 Sports of The Times What Might Have Been, and What Still Is By WILLIAM C. RHODEN
With Barry Bonds on the verge of becoming baseball’s career home run leader, legions of baseball fans lament that an ogre — their word, not mine — is going to be the keeper of the sport’s flame. Many wish it would have been Junior.
Ken Griffey Jr. certainly would give a lighter touch to a home run vigil that alternately seems like a death march and a death watch as Bonds approaches the record.
Griffey is approachable, an easy conversationalist; he’s a family-first kind of person.
But, alas. This is sports: unscripted drama. You can’t choose who you’d like to have a date with destiny. And Griffey, for his part, has been philosophical about his juxtaposition with Bonds.
“Every superhero had a villain, or somebody they didn’t like,” said Griffey, who is a friend of Bonds and has been vocal about supporting Bonds’s home run quest. “Not everyone gets what they want, not everyone gets what they deserve.”
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Experts like to predict which young player will break what record. Now the talk is that Alex Rodriguez will be the next to break the home run record. In an industry built on the vagaries of a fragile body, these predictions are foolish.
Back in 1994, 1995, we thought that Griffey would be the one to break the home run record. Experts also thought a Mariners team that had Randy Johnson and Rodriguez would be a championship dynamo.
Back then, Seattle was Camelot. The Mariners were young playoff contenders and Griffey was being favorably compared with Willie Mays. He had the same “Say, hey” jubilation, the effervescent smile and hat turned backward that embodied the joy of the game.
In reality, I think of Griffey’s baseball life as much closer to Mickey Mantle’s: awesome talent, sabotaged repeatedly by injury. The signature of his career was the promise of youth marred by a succession of tough-luck injuries. Part of it was his playing style. He had a reckless abandon, crashing into walls, diving and going all out. Some of it was bad luck: a slip in the shower, a break while wrestling with his son.
The miracle of Griffey’s career is its resilience. After an intense four-year battle with injuries, Griffey has bounced back yet again. He was the top vote getter for the National League All-Star team. Fans sent a strong message: Junior was missed.
Griffey started and starred for the National League in a losing cause. The performance reminded so many of why we missed Junior play the game of baseball. It reminded us of what he could have done.
“For a couple of years it was touch and go in terms of the public feeling confident to push my name out there for the ballot for the All-Star vote,” said Griffey, who went 0 for 4 last night in the Reds’ 8-4 victory against the Mets. “What the vote said was, ‘Hey, we’d like to see this guy again, he’s been healthy, he deserves to go, he’s put up some good numbers, we want to see him.’ ”
But he has also not played on a championship stage since his days in Seattle, and the lack of a championship, or anything even approaching a championship moment, has left Griffey frustrated.
He has not asked for a trade, but is open to one if the stars align. He has everything else: oodles of money and great statistics (he is tied with Frank Robinson on the home run list). He has scars as well that attest to how hard he has played the game.
Griffey is healthy now, he has declared himself fit and back, ready to be a force. But what kind of force can Griffey be in Cincinnati? The team is miserable, hopelessly out of contention.
Griffey’s presence in Cincinnati was, in large part, a family move. He wanted to play closer to Orlando, Fla., where his family lived. Seattle had been Camelot, but after a decade with Seattle — 1989 to 1999 — Griffey asked for a trade. The Mariners shipped Griffey to the Reds.
He picked Cincinnati because the city fit his travel requirements: a three-hour flight from Florida.
“Sometimes you have to do what’s best for your family, not what best for you,” he said. “As a dad, I’ve got to be around; my dad was real supportive of me growing up. I wanted to be that way toward my son.”
While Cincinnati flounders, Seattle is a contender, and Ichiro Suzuki, who replaced Griffey in center field, signed a lucrative contract extension. “Would I do it all over again?” Griffey said. “Yes.”
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All I want to see is a healthy Griffey playing in the postseason. He returned to Seattle recently and was treated as a long-lost hero, with standing ovations and tributes usually reserved for a retiring player. Perhaps there is a Griffey in Seattle’s immediate future.
He was 29 when he left town for family considerations. “Now I’m 37 and my family said, ‘You go where you want to.’ ”
Griffey and his wife have three children. The oldest is 13, the youngest 5. His wife has given him the green light to go if the getting is good. “She said, ‘If they feel they want to trade you and you find the right fit, we’ll go anywhere.’ ”
If the Reds truly have the best interests of baseball at heart, they’ll trade Griffey to a contender. Baseball could use a ray of sunshine.
Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company
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Post by jumbo on Jul 14, 2007 12:54:43 GMT -5
Mets manager, GM deny rift Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 07:36AM ET Willie Randolph and Omar Minaya sat side by side at the press conference. The issue, though, is whether the Mets' GM and manager are really together. Minaya and Randolph each insisted yesterday their relationship was strong, with the GM denying there was any strain.--New York Post
Will Ichiro's deal force Hunter's exit? Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 08:34AM ET When Torii Hunter heard that Ichiro Suzuki avoided offseason free agency by signing a five-year contract extension reportedly worth around $100 million - it was later reported that Ichiro's contract was for $90 million - Hunter turned noticeably glum. "It sets the market no matter what. What can you do?" Hunter said. "It lessens my chances of staying with the Twins. That's not the way the Twins think. The Seattle Mariners did it, the Blue Jays did it (with center fielder Vernon Wells), but the Twins don't think that way. My chances of staying here are steadily closing. That window of opportunity is closing."--St. Paul Pioneer Press
Cubs free up cash for Zambrano Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 08:15AM ET When Tribune Co. put up the for sale sign on the Cubs and reportedly clamped down on any new contract for Carlos Zambrano at the end of spring training, But suddenly the landscape seems to have changed, or is about to, and Cubs executives will be able to exercise their authority to spend money. They again are talking about signing Zambrano and also adding more salary-or "eating" some of it-before the July 31 trading deadline.--Chicago Tribune
Interest fading for slumping Willis? Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 10:24AM ET If Friday's scout count is any indication, Dontrelle Willis won't be going anywhere before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. The only one believed to be in attendance was Pat Jones, a special assistant to Royals General Manager Dayton Moore. Willis has three more scheduled outings before month's end, but if he really is available it would seem more teams would be evaluating him.--South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Did Giants pick GM over Bonds? Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 10:22AM ET The timing of Brian Sabean's contract extension, made official Friday, is an invitation to speculation and, undoubtedly, howls of derision. Unless the San Francisco GM really has lost his mind, and has joined ownership in its desire to see Bonds play left field until he's 50, this means the end of Bonds' tenure as a Giant. Peter Magowan won't say that publicly, but only because he's terrified of Bonds, and you wouldn't want to make the man angry.--San Francisco Chronicle
Why Ichiro re-signed with Mariners Posted: Saturday July 14, 2007 10:06AM ET A drawn-out, soul-searching process that finally saw Ichiro Suzuki put his signature on a new contract Friday didn't gather steam until the Mariners began winning in late May. That's what Mariners president Chuck Armstrong, the club's lead negotiator on the deal, indicated Friday after locking up Seattle's franchise player through 2012.--Seattle Times
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