Red Sox Agree to Deals With Two Free Agents

The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with free agent pitcher Brad Penny and offered a non guaranteed contract worth $1.6 million to free agent catcher Josh Bard.

Penny, battling shoulder and arm issues last season, posted a 6-7 record with an era over six (6.27).

Yanks Land Another Big Fish

Gehrig. Mattingly. Tino. Giambino. Now Teixeira?

According to multiple news sources, the Yankees and Mark Teixeira have agreed, in principle, to an eight year deal worth $180 million.

So here's the Yankees current lineup, if opening day was tomorrow;

LF	Johnny Damon
SS	Derek Jeter
1B	Mark Teixeira
3B	Alex Rodriguez
DH	Hideki Matsui
RF	Xavier Nady
C	Jorge Posada
2B	Robinson Cano
CF	Melky Cabrera
Bench-- Nick Swisher

Teixeira's arrival in New York will add to the logjam that's currently developing in the outfield. Along with the newly acquired Nick Swisher, the Yanks have Matsui, Cabrera, Damon, Gardner, and Nady all vying for the three outfield spots.

Angels Resign Their 23rd Most Important Free Agent

Finally! Some concrete news in the world of baseball.

After running around like chickens with our heads cut off following the Frucal signings (yes, there may have been multiple) or trying to figure out whether the Red Sox are in or out of the Teixeira sweepstakes, we've finally got something solid to report on.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have announced that they've re-signed Juan Rivera to a three year deal.

So, yes, you are reading this correctly. The Angels signed an outfielder. Now if baseball changes its rules to allow for a team to field an additional 5 outfielders during a game, the Angels are all set. They've now invested in mega contracts with Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter, and Gary Matthews Jr. They also have Reggie Willits to throw into the mix.

So, as long as Rivera's agents don't have the last names Kinzer or Tellem, they've got another outfielder, one that'l wind up costing them $12.75 million.

Ibanez Signs 3 Year Deal with Champs

The Philadelphia Phillies announced their signing of free agent left fielder Raul Ibanez to a three year deal reportedly worth $30 million.

Ibanez hit .293 for the Seattle Mariners last season, with 23 homers, 110 RBIs, a .358 on-base percentage and a .472 slugging percentage.

With the signing, the Phillies have all but cut ties with longtime left fielder Pat Burrell.

Yanks Send Milk Man to Brew Crew

According to various news sources, the Bombers and the Brewers are ready to swap outfielders Melky Cabrera and Mike Cameron.

This move is the second in as many days for the Yankees, as they upgraded their rotation yesterday by signing CC Sabathia.

Acquiring Cameron, a player who has proved he can play in New York, the Yankees have bought themselves a little more time in the "Developing Austin Jackson Department".

Rockies Agree to Terms with Embree

The Alan Embree fan club can rest easy now, knowing that their favorite soft tossing lefty has found a new home high in the Rockie Mountains.

Embree's left arm will replace outgoing left hander Brian Fuentes, who is expected to leave town via free agency.

Orioles Trade Hernandez to Reds; Wieters Set to Assume Catching Duties

In a move that was designed to free up playing time for prospect Matt Wieters, the Baltimore Orioles sent catcher Ramon Hernandez to the Reds for Ryan Freel and two prospects.

According to ESPN.com the Orioles will also "receive infield prospects Justin Turner and Brandon Waring. As part of the deal, Baltimore will give Cincinnati cash to offset part of Hernandez's contract. He is owed $8.5 million next year."

Apparently the Orioles were comfortable enough in Wieters ability to handle their erratic pitching staff to send Hernandez packing. Adding Freel is a nice short term move, and he'll most likely win over Baltimore fans with his hustle and "run through the fence" attitude.

Yanks Close to Signing CC

According to an ESPN.com News Services report, the Yankees have increased their offer to free agent lefty, CC Sabathia, and are close to acquiring his John Hancock:

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney the deal offered by the Yankees is now worth $160 million over seven years -- the most money ever paid a pitcher in major league history. The team had originally offered six years and $140 million.

While a deal is not yet done, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark there are "zero major road blocks" that would prevent the Yankees from reaching agreement with Sabathia. Not all terms of the deal are agreed to yet, the source indicated. Sabathia also would need to take a physical.

The CC deal for the Bombers has been an "on again, off again saga for the Yanks" as their contract offer turned one month old yesterday. There had been reports that the Giants were set to sign the lefty and multiple reports that CC was going to be a Dodger.

If the signing actually takes place, the Yankees would have acquired their main offseason target and can now look to adding additional arms to solidify their shaky rotation.

Loretta Signs Deal with Dodgers

Mark Loretta packed his SPF 40 and left his shit kickers back in Houston, as the two time all star heads west to join the LA Dodgers, according to an espn.com news report.

The deal is believed to be worth $1.4 million, for one season. The deal will be finalized as long as Loretta passes a physical.

K-Rod Nears Deal with Mets

Sports Illustrated, Newsday, and the New York Post are all reporting that Fransisco Rodriguez and the New York Mets are on the same page when it comes to contract talk.

The Mets offered the single season saves leader a contract believed to be worth 3 years at $37 million plus:

Rodriguez's agent, Paul Kinzer, said, "I am more optimistic than I have ever been" about finalizing a deal between K-Rod and the Mets, according to the Post. "We will know more in the next 24 hours, but so far everything has been positive."

Veteran's Committee Selects Gordon

According to the Associated Press and ESPN.com, former Yankee Joe Gordon was elected into the Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee:

Former second baseman Joe Gordon has been elected to the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee.

The late Gordon was a nine-time All-Star with the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians. He played on five World Series championship teams and retired in 1950.

Gordon was the only person elected Monday on a ballot of players who began their careers before 1943.

Here's Joe Gordon's lifetime stats, courtesy of Baseball-Almanac:

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	GS	RBI	BB	IBB	SO	SH	SF	HBP	GIDP	AVG	OBP	SLG
	1,566	5,707	914	1,530	264	52	253	6	975	759	-	702	41	-	29	159	.268	.357	.466

Yanks, Dodgers Talking Trade

According to MSN's Ken Rosenthal, the Bombers are talking trade with the LA Dodgers, and Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera seem to be the topic of conversation:

As the Dodgers try to resolve their infield, they are again talking to the Yankees about a trade for second baseman Robinson Cano. The teams have resumed their discussions about Cano at the winter meetings, according to one source.

The Dodgers also are interested in Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera, and the Yankees likely would want outfielder Matt Kemp and pitching in return.

The Dodgers' interest in Cabrera is a sign that they might not be confident of Andruw Jones making a strong return in 2009. The Dodgers also need to find a match for Juan Pierre, who has requested a trade.

Tiger Land Catcher in Trade with Rangers

Thanks to an overabundance of catchers in their organization, the Rangers were able to move catcher Gerald Laird to the Tigers in exchange for two pitching prospects.

The move frees up some money for the Rangers, with Laird expected to make around $3 million in salary arbitration.

According to ESPN.com, the Rangers acquired right-handers Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo from the Tigers.

Moscoso, 25, was 5-4 with a 2.70 ERA in 21 games at Class A Lakeland and Double-A Erie last season. Melo, 17, played in the Dominican Republic's summer league.

Giants Get Their Sign On

The San Fransisco Giants have had a particularly busy week, signing two free agents to help bolster their horrific roster.

The Giants signed Edgar Renteria to a two year deal worth $18.5 million dollars. The short stop, according to ESPN.com, says he feels more comfortable returning to the National League, than he was in the American League.

The Giants also signed reliever Bobby Howry to a one year deal to help bolster the team's bullpen.

Renteria will replace long time great Omar Vizquel at short stop next season.

ChiSox, Braves in Trade Talks

According to ESPN.com, the White Sox and Braves have worked out a trade that would send Javier Vazquez to the Braves in exchange for three players.

Vazquez, along with reliever Boone Logan, are headed to Atlanta today to complete physicals.

In return, the Braves would be sending Jo-Jo Reyes, Brett Lillibridge, and another prospect, currently not named.

Vazquez, 32, was 12-16 last season for the White Sox with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts. He struck out 200 batters in 208 1/3 innings.

Logan, a left-handed reliever, was 4-4 with a 5.70 ERA and had a 2-3 record in 55 appearances.

Reyes was 3-11 with a 5.81 ERA last season for the Braves.

Lillibridge (infielder) appeared in 90 games at Triple-A Richmond in the Braves organization. He hit .220 with four home runs and 39 RBIs.

2k Sports Announces GM Game for 3 Platforms

Coming this winter (1.26.09 to be exact) is 2K Sports newest leap into the world of video gaming baseball; "Front Office Manager".

You create a GM in your own likeness and take over a franchise's entire day to day operations; scouting, signing, trading, and budget details. Here's a quick peak:

Astros Sign Hampton to One Year Deal

Looks like Houston has taken a big risk for their rotation next season, signing free agent lefty Mike Hampton to a one year deal.

The deal is approved with the condition of Hampton passing a physical.

Hampton is only the second free agent to sign a deal in what's been a quiet offseason.

According to ESPN.com and the Elias Sports Bureau, Hampton failed to qualify as a type A or type B free agent, therefor Atlanta does not receive a compensation pick from Houston in next year's amateur draft.

Utley Out Until June 09

According to ESPN, the Phillies announced today that All-Star second baseman Chase Utley will undergo surgery to repair his hip, and should be sidelined until June of 09.

As posted on ESPN.com:

According to the Phillies, Utley would be able to resume baseball activities in three to four months -- meaning sometime during spring training, but possibly not until the week before opening day.

However, full recovery time is projected at between four and six months. That means the best-case scenario is a return in early April, but the worst-case scenario is late May or early June, depending on how long a rehab option the club feels he would need.

Red Sox - Royals; Wheeling and Dealing

The Red Sox have reportedly sent centerfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right handed reliever Ramon Ramirez.

Crsip's 2008 stats: .283 BA, 7 HR, 41 RBIs, 20 SB

Ramirez 2008 stats: 71 GP, 2.64 ERA, 71 1/3 innings, 3-2, 1 SV

Red Sox -Tigers Talking Trade

According to multiple sources (MLB.com/ESPN.com) the Tigers and the Red Sox have been talking trade lately.

The Tigers are reportedly looking to deal for a new short stop, with their release of Edgar Renteria creating a void in their infield. The Red Sox are interested in dealing Julio Lugo, as he became expendable after missing nearly half the season due to a severely torn left quad.

The Red Sox are looking at either accepting Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson from the Tigers, two lefties who each had miserable seasons last year. Willis (0-2) posted a 9.38 era in eight games with the Tigers while Robertson (7-11) had an era of 6.35 in 32 games.

Offseason Rumblings and Grumblings: Nov 14th

Today's the first day of the free agent frenzy that will become the 2009 Offseason, but teams around the league were already making big moves to acquire pieces to ensure a 2009 playoff run.

The Chicago Cubs picked up closer Kevin Gregg from the Marlins, all but ensuring that Kerry Wood will not return next season.

The Yankees traded away perennial swinger and misser Wilson Betemit to the White Sox in exchange for Nick Swisher. The deal is supposed to be a fall back plan in case the Yankees can't sign Teixeira, but it's already made one fan lose his mind (in a good way).

Randy Johnson and the Diamondbacks front office failed to come to terms on a new contract, forcing the Big Unit to file for free agency. Randy is just five wins shy of 300 for his career.

Managers of the Year Announced

Congratulations to Tampa Bay's Joe Madden and Chicago's Lou Pinella, both were named Managers of the Year in their respective leagues.

Joe Madden's selection was all but guaranteed after leading the 2007 last place Rays to their first ever AL East and League crowns, as well as the franchises' first ever World Series appearance. Madden received all but one of the first place votes, with Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire receiving the solo vote.

Lou Pinella beat out Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to receive his third ever Manager of the Year Award. Pinella led the Cubs to another playoff appearance, but Manuel's Phillies went on to win the World Series.

Tim Lincecum to Adorn Cover of MLB 2K9

2K Sports announced yesterday that NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum will appear on the cover of next year's version of the popular video game series, MLB 2K9.

In a press release obtained from MLB 2K9, project manager Mike Rhinehart said;

"We're pushing hard with our ability to capture the unique motions players have, whether it's a walkup or a delivery on the mound," Rhinehart said. "We mimic them to a point of being spot-on, and a good example is (Detroit left-hander) Dontrelle Willis. He has that unique delivery, and when he came down to our studios and saw how we had captured it, he flipped out."

League Officials Announce NL Cy Young Award Winner

Congratulations to Tim Lincecum, San Fransisco Giants starting pitcher, on winning the 2009 NL Cy Young Award.

Lincecum posted a 18-5 record with a 2.85 era. The hard throwing righty (who is only 5'11'') also struck out 265 batters this season.

Lincecum beat out Brendon Webb (finished second) and lefty CC Sabathia, who was acquired at the trade deadline to push the Brewers into the playoffs.

Offseason Rumblings and Grumblings: Nov 11th

Yesterday was an unusually busy day in baseball, with some big names being shipped out of town, and a face of a franchise being let go.

Oakland and Colorado agreed in principle to trade Matt Holliday (.321, 25HR, 88RBI) for A's starter Greg Smith (7-16, 4.16 era), closer Huston Street, and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

Holliday moving to Oakland is a Fantasy Baseball owner's worst nightmare; shifting from hitter friendly Coors Field to a pitcher's dream in Oakland. ESPN.com projected Holliday's stats, based on the change in venue:

Category In Colorado In Oakland
Avg. .321 .311
HR 25 24
RBI 88 75
OPS .947 .921

The Washington Nationals acquired catcher Josh Willingham and left handed starter Scott Olsen from Florida in exchange for Emilio Bonifacio and two minor leaguers.

The traded begs to ask the question "How much did Florida cut off in payroll with this move?"

Acquiring Bonifacio might indicate that Dan Ulga just became available to teams interested in trading for him.

Finally, San Diego withdrew their contract offer to longtime franchise face Trevor Hoffman, all but severering ties with their old closer. They were believed to had offered Hoffman $4 million (Hoffman earned $7 million last season).

Now with Hoffman on the market, the closer free agent pool gets a little deeper this offseason. The All-Time leader in saves will join Fransisco Rodriquez and Brian Fuentes in the search for a new team.

Breaking News: Holliday Trade Imminent

According to ESPN.com and several news services, the Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics appear to have a deal in place that will send Matt Holliday to the A's.

ESPN.com reports that:

Final details are being finalized, though the teams have agreed to terms, a baseball source told Olney. The source said the deal may not be finalized for up to 48 hours.

The deal is also pending completion of physical exams.

Although the package coming back to Colorado has yet to be determined, it's believed that pitcher Greg Smith was one of the players under discussion.

David Forst, Oakland's assistant general manager, declined to comment on the trade.

Rookie of the Year Awards Announced

Congratulations to Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria and Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto; both won their respective League's Rookie of the Year Award today.

Soto and Longoria each helped propel their teams to playoff appearances, with Longoria's Rays advancing all the way to the World Series before they were eliminated by the Phillies.

Soto batted .285 with 23 home runs and 86 rbis while playing in 141 games for the Cubs.

Longoria batted .272 with 27 home runs and 85 rbis while playing in only 122 games for the Rays. Longoria started the season in the minors, and spent a few weeks on the DL late in the season.

Offseason 2009: Weekend Wrap Up

All's quiet on the western front, a front that's holding the General Managers meetings. It was a relatively subdued meeting, with the normal free agent filings going as expected.

The big news out of the meeting was the talk of Peavy leaving San Diego. Outside of the Manny Sweepstakes, CC's eventual bidding war, and AJ Burnett opting out of his contract, very little noise was made.

Andy Pettitte filed for free agency, as expected.

Cardinal fans shouldn't get their hopes up, as a deal to acquire Matt Holiday is all but dead.

The Padres made an odd move, for a team that's touting its fire sale and cost cutting moves, picking up Brian Giles $9 million option for next season.

The Rangers picked up Hank Blalock's option, either hoping to trade him or have him play a full season without getting injured.

And, in closing, our big shocker; according to Scott Boras, the Dodger's offer to Manny fell a bit short.

AL Gold Glove Awards Announced

Carlos Pena leads this year's class of Gold Glove winners, predicting that his selection (the first in Rays franchise history) will be the first of many to come for the organization.

Ichiro and Torri Hunter added their eighth consecutive gold glove, while Michael Young became the first player to ever win a Gold Glove award while playing on the worst defensive team in the league.

P	Mike Mussina, Yankees
C	Joe Mauer, Twins
1B	Carlos Pena, Rays
2B	Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3B	Adrian Beltre, Mariners
SS	Michael Young, Rangers
OF	Torii Hunter, Angels; Grady Sizemore, Indians; Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners

NL Gold Glove Awards Announced

Baseball officials announced the winner of the 2008 Gold Glove Awards, which are handed out to the best defensive players around the league.

Notable names on the list include Greg Maddux, who captured his 18th career Gold Glove. There were five first time award winners making the list this season, as the World Champion Phillies had two of their own bring home hardware.

P	Greg Maddux, Dodgers
C	Yadier Molina, Cardinals
1B	Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
2B	Brandon Phillips, Reds
3B	David Wright, Mets
SS	Jimmy Rollins, Phillies
OF	Nate McLouth, Pirates; Carlos Beltran, Mets; Shane Victorino, Phillies

Offseason Rumblings and Grumblings: Nov 5th

Now that the election is over with, we can start focusing on the future; namely the future of a handful of ball players around baseball.

Jake Peavy, after getting countless Yankee fans way too excited and hundreds more making room for another World Series Championship Trophy, has decided that there are three teams that he'd be willing to accept a trade to. And they're all in the National League.

So, barring an organizational shift to the NL, Peavy will almost not be wearing pinstripes next season. He's previously mentioned the Cardinals, Cubs, Braves, Astros, and Dodgers as team's he'd be willing to get shipped to.

Continuing with Yankee news, GM Brian Cashman bought out both Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano, saving the team almost $28 million. He's also to have said that he'd consider bringing either back next season, but at reduced price tag.

Blue Jays' starter AJ Burnett will opt out of the two remaining years left on his contract, forefiting the remaining $24 million he had coming to him. Burnett's arrival on the free agent scene will make this offseason arms race all the more interesting.

Chris Carpenter became the second Cardinal to undergo surgery to transpose a nerve in his throwing elbow. Carpenter had the surgery on Tuesday, a month after Albert Pujols had the same procedure done.

Hot Stove Report: Padres Considering Moving Greene

If what MLB.com writer Mike Scarr indicates is true, the Padres are apparently looking to overhaul their franchise in the offseason.

Padres GM Kevin Towers has acknowledged that moving shortstop Khalil Greene is definitely an offseason possibility; with the Tigers, Orioles, and Reds as possible landing spots for the right hand hitting shortstop.

Towers has said in previous interviews that if starter Jake Peavy is traded to the Braves, the Padres would be asking for shortstop Yunel Escobar as one of the players in return. Adding Escobar would likely indicate that Greene has spent his last season with the Padres.

Election Day Hot Stove Rumblings

According to Adam McCalvy, writer at MLB.com. the Brewers have make their first offer to CC Sabathia, one that's believed to be in the $100 million range.

GM Doug Melvin, however, refused to shed any further light on the contract talks. The Brewers have until November 13th to exclusively negotiate with the left hander.

No news is no news in the case of free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez, who has yet to receive an offer from the LA Dodgers. Early reports out of the General Manager meetings had indicated that Dodger GM Ned Colletti offered the dread sporting left fielder a 2 year, $60 million deal.

Padres GM Kevin Towers acknowledged that Jake Peavy has added two more teams to the list of places he's willing to waive his no-trade clause; Anaheim (Angels) and New York (Yankees). Towers also reminded everyone that Peavy's preference is to stay in the NL and that he won't come cheap.

Fransisco Rodriquez filed for free agency on Monday, as the free agent pool increased to 149 players. Other big names to file for free agency include Rafael Frucal, Edgar Renteria, Kyle Farnseworth, and Paul Byrd.

Offseason 2009: Brewers Make Surprising Roster Move

In what may be considered around the league as a major head scratching roster transaction, the Brew Crew picked up outfielder Mike Cameron's $10 million team option, bringing him back for the 2009 campaign.

According to ESPN.com News Services, even Cameron was a bit surprised;

"I didn't think my option would get picked up," Cameron told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "This was a surprise, to be honest with you."

Cameron, after being suspended for the first 25 games last season, went on to hit 25 home runs, drive in 70 runs, and bat a meager .243.

Despite GM Doug Melvin's insistence that Cameron is the sixth best centerfielder in the majors (according to Sabermetrics), this was not a move the Brewers needed to make. Melvin even admits that the Brewers are right handed heavy, and with the possibility of Coco Crisp being put on the trading block, the Brewers may have lost out on a chance to get a speedy left handed bat at the top of their order.

108 Red Stitches Rating:

Chase Utley "WORLD F@#*#*G CHAMPIONS!"

Phillies second baseman Chase Utley let lose on the big stage, dropping the F-Bomb on Phillies fans everywhere.



World Effing Champions from meech.one on Vimeo.

Mets Pick Up Option on Delgado

The Mets looked to solidify at least one of their roster spots for the upcoming '09 season, picking up Carlos Delgado's $12 million option.

Delgado was primed to be let go by the Mets in the offseason, following a horrific start to the season. His late season offensive outburst leading to a .271 BA, 38 HR and 115 RBIs season, made the Mets decision to keep him much easier.

In other Mets news, Pedro Martinez, outfielder Moises Alou, second baseman Ramon Martinez and pitchers Tony Armas Jr., Luis Ayala and Ricardo Rincon all filed for free agency.

108 Red Stitches Rating:

Free Agent Frenzy 2009

Only a few days after the Phillies clinched the Commissioner's Trophy, baseball players around the league began filling for free agency, looking to strike offseason gold.

Couldn't they have at least waited until the bodies were cold?

The Red Sox, as expected, picked up their team option on knuckle-baller Tim Wakefield, a move which cost them $4 million. Wakefield finished the season with a 10-11 record and posted a 4.13 era.

Two other Boston pitchers, Curt Shilling and Bartolo Colon, filed for free agency. Shilling has mentioned that if he doesn't retire, he'd be interested in returning to pitch half a season next year. (He is recovering from shoulder surgery).

Other big names that filed around the league include John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Bobby Abreu, Hank Blalock, Eric Gagne, Nomar Garciaparra, Greg Maddux, Mark Prior, Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeirra.

Big names could move as early as next week, as the first round of general managers meetings take place next week.

Jeff Kent Hates HomoSexuals

According to a news article posted by the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers second basemen Jeff Kent is apparently supporting the YES on PROP 8 campaign. PROP 8, if passed, would ban same-sex marriages that would impose a California constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between one man and one woman:

Jeff Kent, who played second base for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, has stepped into the emotional world of same-sex marriage, giving $15,000 to backers of the California proposition on Tuesday's ballot that would ban it.

In a disclosure filed with the California secretary of state, Kent listed his occupation as professional baseball player for the Dodgers and his address as Austin, Texas. He gave the $15,000 in a transaction dated Monday but which only now is public.

Congratulation Phillies

We here at 108 Red Stitches would like to extend our congratulations to the 2008 World Series Champions; the Philadelphia Phillies.

In honor of their second World Championship, we bring you this hysterical clip of the Phillie Phanatic attempting to seduce an umpire, with a little help from Alicia Keys:

Angels Make Roster Moves

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim announced that they will be picking up John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero's option, but will choose to buyout Garret Anderson's.

Lackey's option will cost the Halos $9 million (buyout was $500,000) and Vlad's option ran up a $15 million bar tab ($3 million buyout).

Anderson, who has played for the Angels his entire career, received $3 million as part of the buyout package. His option was worth $14 million, if the team chose to pick him up. He will become a free agent at the start of the offseason.

108 Red Stitches Rating:

Updates from Around the League

We understand that there may be fans from cities across the United States that could give two muffins about the Phillies-Rays World Series right now.

Frankly, we're bored out of our skulls. So, here are some updates from around the league:

Seems like Joba's not the only one with a drinking problem. Good for you Luis Vizcaino!

Willie Randolph is denying reports that he turned down/received offers to help coach the Washington Nationals. We totally get it Willie, steer clear of DC.

With Phillies GM Pat Gillick set to retire at the end of the season, all sources point towards Ruben Amaro Jr replacing the 71 year old front office mastermind.

The Giants, Blue Jays, and Royals all seem to be interested in Florida's Mike Jacobs, with the Royals having the upper hand in trade talks.

Dayton Moore cries "Liar, liar, pants on fire" in regards to reports that the Royals were talking to the Indians about a deal involving Mark Teahan.

World Series Game 5 Preview

Scott Kazmir, LHP (0-1, 4.50)
Rays
Cole Hamels, LHP (1-0, 2.57)
Phillies

Scouting Report:
Rays: Kazmir pitched well in Game 1 when he held the Phillies to three runs on six hits in six innings at Tropicana Field, but he took the loss. The left-hander has now pieced together two quality starts in his last two postseason outings -- including Game 5 of the American League Championship Series when he scattered two hits over six scoreless innings, though he did not get the win as the Red Sox erased a 7-0 deficit after Kazmir left the game. Kazmir has been using his slider more lately and the results have been encouraging.

Phillies: Hamels will not only attempt to pitch the Phillies to their first World Series title since 1980 Monday against the Rays, but he'll be attempting to do something no other postseason pitcher has ever done -- go 5-0. Hamels is 4-0 with one Division Series win, two NLCS wins and the Game 1 World Series win in which he held the Rays to two runs on five hits over seven innings. In Game 1, Hamels threw 102 pitches, 38 of them changeups. Since 27 of his 66 strikes came off the changeup, that clearly was his most effective pitch.

World Series Game 4 Preview

Andy Sonnanstine, RHP
Rays
Joe Blanton, RHP
Phillies

Scouting Report:
Rays: Sonnanstine, who posted a career-high 13 wins in just his second big league campaign, got the win in Game 4 of the ALCS on Oct. 14 in Boston. The righty allowed the Sox four runs on six hits over 7 1/3 innings to give the Rays a commanding 3-1 ALCS lead. Sonnanstine is a master of deception, employing an array of pitches that he can throw from all different angles. But he has learned to primarily use his fastball to set up the other pitches.

Phillies: Blanton started once in each of the Phillies' series, winning in the Division Series against the Brewers and getting no decision in a five-inning start against the Dodgers.