Baseball University

Bowling for Soup Creates Video in Honor of Gary Dell'Abate's First Pitch

2009-05-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Gary Dell'abate First Pitch

2009-05-11T06:44:00.001-07:00

Howard Stern show producer Gary Dell'abate was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Mets game this weekend, and ma-ma-monkey took that honor and threw it right out the window.

After practicing in the hallowed Stern Show hallways and working with a Sports Psychologist, Gary launched the first pitch about 6 feet wide (and high) of home plate, plunking the home plate umpire.

It was all for a good cause though, Gary was taking part in "Autism Awareness Day".

Ba Ba Booey First Pitch Mets Game - Bucktoothbooey.com
by jimarcher1977

Manny Banned for 50 Games; "Not Steroids"

2009-05-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

According to multiple news sources, Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez has tested positive for a banned substance, and will begin serving the fifty game suspension.

Ramirez, arguably the highest-profile player to fail the test, released the following statement;

Recently I saw a physician for a personal health issue. He gave me a medication, not a steroid, which he thought was OK to give me. Unfortunately, the medication was banned under our drug policy. Under the policy that mistake is now my responsibility. I have been advised not to say anything more for now. I do want to say one other thing; I've taken and passed about 15 drug tests over the past five seasons. I want to apologize to Mr. McCourt, Mrs. McCourt, Mr. Torre, my teammates, the Dodger organization, and to the Dodger fans. LA is a special place to me and I know everybody is disappointed. So am I. I'm sorry about this whole situation.

Gload Traded to Marlins

2009-04-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

The Royals traded left hand hitting first basemen Ross Gload to the Florida Marlins for a player to be named later.

According to MLB.com, the Royals also sent cash to the Marlins, apparently to help pay for Gload's $1.9 million salary for this year.

Gload spent the last two seasons with the Royals, batting .288 in 2007 and .273 last year.

Publish Post

Shilling Announces Retirement

2009-03-23T08:25:00.001-07:00

Future Hall of Famer (???) Curt Shilling announced his retirement today, according to reports from the Associated Press and Shilling's blog; 38pitches.com:

Curt Schilling retired from baseball Monday after a career in which he won World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks and was one of the game's most dominant pitchers and grittiest competitors.

The 42-year-old right-hander said on his blog he's leaving after 23 years with "zero regrets." Schilling missed all of last season with a shoulder injury after signing a one-year, $8 million contract.

Shilling is most famous for the "Bloody Sock Incident", where he pitched through a ankle injury to win Game 2 of the 2004 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. His sock was eventually enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Schilling finished his career with 3,116 strikeouts, a 216-146 record, and a 3.46 ERA.

Spring Training Aches and Pains

2009-03-18T10:48:00.001-07:00

Midway through the 2009 Spring Training season we're starting to see some significant bumps and bruises piling up around the league.

Whether its because of the World Baseball Classic, poor offseason conditioning, or players trying to work the winter kinks out of their system, some big names are starting to show up on the benches;

A-Rod; in case you missed it. Hip surgery. Out til May. Moving on.

Cole Hamels is experiencing tightness in his pitching elbow, and may not be the World F*cking Champs opening day starter this season.

Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman has been sidelined thanks to a strain in his right side.

Manny's hammy is barking, causing Joe Torre to relegate his dread locked slugger to the bench.

Aaron Boone is going to have open heart surgery to correct a valve disorder. Not sure when or if he'll ever return to baseball. We're wishing him good luck and a speedy recovery.

Star outfielder Ryan Braun was pulled from the WBC thanks to aggravating his right rib cage.

Mariano Rivera threw for the first time this season and looked good.

A's Land Cabrera

2009-03-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

The Oakland Athletics found a replacement for oft-injured shortstop Bobby Crosby in the fleet footed Orlando Cabrera:

The A's deal with Cabrera is worth $4 million. He was said to be looking for about $9 million earlier in the offseason.

Bobby Crosby, Oakland's incumbent shortstop, is entering the final year of a deal that will pay him close to $5.25 million this year.

According to multiple published reports, the A's are also close to signing Nomar Garciaparra to a one year deal. Nomar would be expected to play a utility role, backing up at first and third base.

If the A's decide to trade Crosby, Nomar would likely fill in at shortstop as well.

Braves Go With Plan B

2009-02-23T07:45:00.000-08:00

The Atlanta Braves have found their replacement plan after failing to sign Ken Griffey Jr.

According to published reports, the Braves signed free agent outfielder Garrett Anderson (formerly of the LA Angels of Anaheim) to a one year deal;

Anderson, who had played his entire career for the Angels, agreed to a one-year deal worth approximately $2.5 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday.

Here are Anderson's 2008 stats:

BA: .293
HR: 15
RBI: 84
SLG: .433

Ol' Lefty is Giving it Another Shot

2009-02-20T06:22:00.001-08:00

According to an article written by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, Tom Glavine is returning to the Braves for at least one more season;

Tom Glavine reached agreement on a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves that could pay him $4.5 million if he attains all his incentives.

Glavine will make a guaranteed $1 million, and an additional $1 million in his first day on the major league roster during the regular season. He'll be owed $1.25 million after 30 days, and an additional $1.25 million after 90 days, a source said.

Who Says You Can't Go Home?

2009-02-18T17:50:00.001-08:00

Looks like Ken Griffey Jr is returning home, to the Seattle Mariners.

According to various reports, Junior notified the Atlanta Braves that he'd be returning to play for the Mariners:

Two baseball sources said that Griffey made his decision after two days of debating between Atlanta, which is close to his home in Orlando, Fla., and Seattle, where he's been a fan favorite since breaking in with the Mariners as a 19-year-old phenom in 1989.

Griffey spent last season split between the Reds and the White Sox.

His 2008 totals were as follows;

BA: .249, 18 HR, 71 RBI, .424 Slugg%.

Two Outfielders Taken Off the Market

2009-02-12T06:25:00.000-08:00

In what we're considering a really strange move, the Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem signed free agent outfielder Bobby Abreu to a one year deal worth $5 million ($8 million with incentives).

The Angels now have an extremely crowded outfield; Torri Hunter, Gary Mathews Jr, Vlad Guerrero, and Juan Rivera.

Abreu is expected to bat ahead of Vlad in the Angels lineup.

Abreu batted .296, 20 HR, with 100 RBI last season for the New York Yankees.

The Washington Nationals and free agent slugger Adam Dunn agreed on a two year contract believed to be worth $20 million.

Dunn figures to add a lot of life to the Nationals lineup, joining pals Ryan Zimmerman and Austin Kearns in a tough National League East Division.

Dunn, 29, hit .236 with 40 home runs and 100 RBIs with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds last season.

Dodgers Ink Lefty

2009-02-06T19:08:00.000-08:00

As reported by Jason Stark:

The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed free agent left-hander Randy Wolf to a one-year deal.

The team scheduled a telephone conference call for Friday night to announce the deal, a one-year contract worth $5 million. The deal includes incentives that kick in at 170 innings pitched. If Wolf pitches 200 or more innings the contract increases to $8 million.

Orioles Continue Flurry of Offseason Moves

2009-02-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Baltimore, sit down and ask yourself this question;

"ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASEBALL?!?!?"

Only a day after trading for Rich Hill of the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore's front office lands a two year deal with uber-utilityman Ty Wigginton.

Someone in Baltimore is clearing off shelf space for the 2009 Baseball Executive of the Year Award.

According to ESPN.com:

The deal, pending a physical, is worth a total of $6 million, according to the Baltimore Sun. Foxsports.com was the first to report the story.

Wigginton, 31, is a right-handed hitter who mostly plays third base, but also has played first, second, and all three outfield positions.

Wigginton, who played for the Houston Astros last season, hit .285 with 23 homers and 58 RBIs. He is a career .270 hitter in seven seasons; the Orioles will be his fifth team.

O's and Cubs Continue Wheeling and Dealing

2009-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Cubs sent former fourth round draft pick Rich Hill to the Baltimore Orioles for a player (or cash) to be named at a latter date.

The Orioles are reworking their rotation. The addition of the left hander Hill starts to mold the O-Birds rotation in a better shape than it was at the beginning of the offseason;

1.Jeremy Guthrie
2.Koji Uehara
3. Rich Hill
4. ???
5. ???

The 28-year-old Hill is 18-17 with a 4.37 ERA in 64 appearances during four seasons with the Cubs, including 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA in a career-high 32 starts during 2007.

Boston - Varitek Saga Finally Over

2009-01-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

It's about time Boston.

With only a few weeks left before pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training, the Red Sox have finally come to terms with team captain Jason Varitek on a one year deal:
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The Boston Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract worth $5 million, two major league sources tell ESPN.com's Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick.

The Red Sox have a club option for $5 million in 2010. If they decline, there is a player option for $3 million. Only in the player option are incentives that would pay Varitek up to $2 million if he plays 120 games, or a smaller amount if he plays 80 games, the sources told Stark.

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Heilman Sent Packing Again

2009-01-29T05:52:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Mariners sent starter and or reliever Aaron Heilman to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for infielder Ronny Cedeno and starter Garrett Olson.

Olson was recently acquired by the Cubbies, who had sent outfielder Felix Pie to the Orioles in exchange for the left handed starting pitcher.

Heilman, initially expected to compete for a spot in the Mariners starting rotation, will now battle the likes of Sean Marshall for the fifth spot in Chicago's starting five.

Olson was considered to be a key component in the on again - off again Jake Peavey trade rumors that have dominated Chicago and San Diego newspaper headlines this offseason.

Yanks Complete Rotation by Signing Andy

2009-01-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

The New York Yankees have agreed to a one year deal with free agent left-hander Andy Pettitte, reportedly worth $5.5 million.

Pettitte was painted as a selfish crybaby (by the press) because he refused to accept a pay cut from his previous season's salary ($16 million). Pettitte disagreed with that assessment, stating in an interview:

"Heck, the bottom line is I'm a man, and I guess it does take a shot at your pride a little bit," he said. "But when you put all that aside, I wanted to play for the New York Yankees and, you know, that was the bottom line. I wanted to be there. I wanted to play in that new stadium."

Pettitte will likely fill out the back end of the Yankee rotation, joining newly acquired arms CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett as the Yanks open up their new ballpark with a significantly upgraded roster compared to last season.

Pettite finished the 2008 season with a 14-14 record, posting a 4.54 era in 204 innings pitched. Pettite also posted great control numbers again, walking only 55 batters while striking out 158.

Braves Respond to Met's Signing

2009-01-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

Anything you can do, I can do better. Sign Redding? We'll get Lowe.

Just hours after the Mets finished dotting the 'i's" and crossing the "t's" on the Tim Redding contract, the Atlanta Braves announced that they signed a pitcher too.

This time it's addition by prevention.

The Braves signed free agent sinker baller Derek Lowe, adding him to their new look rotation for '09.

The NY Mets were actively pursuing Lowe throughout the offseason, who became a free agent after his contract with the Dodgers expired.

In an article written by ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Braves offered Lowe a four year deal worth $60 million;
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Lowe, 35, has a career 126-107 record in 12 seasons with Seattle, Boston and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's averaged 208 innings the past seven seasons, and consistently has one of the highest ground ball-to-fly ball ratios in the game.

Lowe would join Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens and Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami in a new-look Atlanta rotation.
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Team Continue to Add Missing Pieces

2009-01-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

With most teams reporting date for pitchers and catchers about a month away, teams continue to sift through the free agent bargain bin, looking for players to fill out their empty roster spots.

To say the least, this has not been a banner year for free agents around the league.

The New York Mets finalized their contract offer to Tim Redding. Redding, who led his club in wins last season, was released by the Nationals after finishing 2008 with a 10-11 record and an era of 4.95. Redding, 31, threw 182 innings last season and struck out 120 batters.

Good news for Mets fans; Redding was 3-1 against the World F*cking Champions last season.

The reigning AL Champs signed free agent outfielder Gabe Kapler to a one year deal worth $1,000,018.

We're assuming that Kapler isn't a pompus ass by requesting the extra $18. We're also assuming that he's going to use that $18 (to pay for a ticket) the first time he tries to get into Tropicana field because nobody knows who the hell he is.

Sox Take Gamble on Two

2009-01-09T06:12:00.000-08:00

The Boston Red Sox might be going out on a limb with their two latest free agent acquisitions, but as a philosopher once said "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?"

Boston has come to agreements on contracts with John Smoltz and Rocco Baldelli.

Here are the details of Smoltz's contract, according to ESPN:

Smoltz will earn a $5.5 million base salary with the Red Sox, and can earn up to $5 million in an incentive clause. The incentives include $125,000 for his first day on the active roster, $500,000 if he is on the active roster on the last day of the season, and up to $4.375 million for the number of days he is on the major league roster during the season. Miscellaneous bonuses would come into play if he wins comeback player of the year, the Cy Young or other such awards.

Signing Smoltz gives the Red Sox a rotation of six guys; Dice-K, Beckett, Brad Penny, Wakefield, and Jon Lester. The Smoltz signing may be a precursor to a deal with Texas for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, as Clay Buchholz would seemingly become expendable.

Baldelli, a Rhode Island native, chose to remain closer to home by inking a deal with the BoSox. It was believed that the Reds and Pirates both had interest in the outfielder.

After trading away Coco Crisp, the Sox said they were looking to acquire a right handed outfielder to add some depth to their squad. Baldelli, if he can remain healthy, will likely spell oft injured J.D. Drew and Jason Bay.

Free Agent Market Burning Up

2009-01-07T05:55:00.000-08:00

As the date for pitchers and catchers to report to spring training is a little over one month away, teams around the league are finally figuring out ways to shape up their rosters.

The recent Tampa Bay signing of outfielder/DH Pat Burrell seems to have set off a domino like chain reaction around the league, with numerous other clubs picking up whatever's left on the free agent market.

The Chicago Cubs and Milton Bradley agreed on a 3 year $30 million deal (pending physical) that will add some much needed pop into the Cub's lineup. Bradley is slated to play right field for the '09 season, but may not last that long. Bradley has only played 100 games in the field (during his career) just once; with the '04 Dodgers.

Jason Giambi is returning home, as he and the Oakland A's agreed (pending physical) on a $4 million deal for the 2009 season with a $6.5 million base salary for the option year in 2010. The second year would also provide for a $1.25 million buyout.

Another ex-Yankee has found a new home, this time in Cleveland. We're not sure if Cleveland is running a rehab center or a baseball team, but the Indians' signing of RHP Carl Pavano points to the later. After signing oft injured closer Kerry Wood, the Indians offered Pavano a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Pavano can make another $5.3 million in performance bonuses.

Finally, according to ESPN.com, the Baltimore Orioles added a Japanese pitcher to help fill in their rotation:

Koji Uehara will be paid $10 million over the two years of the contract, which also includes incentives that could raise the total to as much as $16 million.

Uehara has spent his entire career with the Yomiuri Giants. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Uehara was 6-5 with one save and a 3.81 ERA in 26 games for the Giants last year.

This Date in Baseball History: January 6, 1942

2009-01-06T06:08:00.001-08:00

Bob Feller, ace of the Cleveland Indians, became one of the first pro-athletes to enlist for active duty during World War 2.

Feller left the Indians to begin training with the Navy on this date (he actually enlisted on December 8th, a day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor).

Feller served as Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama, and missed four seasons during his service in World War II, being decorated with five campaign ribbons and eight battle stars.

Rays Continue to Strengthen Roster

2009-01-05T12:04:00.001-08:00

The 2008 defending World Champs had decided to let longtime outfielder Pat Burrell walk via free agency, and it looks like the runner ups have decided to pick him up.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Pat Burrell have agreed, in principle, on a two year contract worth $16 million.

Burrell (.250/33/86 last season) will most likely take over the DH spot in the Rays lineup.

This move comes a few days after the Rays bolstered their bullpen with the acquisition of Joe Nelson.

Marlins Land Their Fish, Shore Up Bullpen

2009-01-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

After seeing their star reliever Joe Nelson jump ship and head over to the Tampa Bay Rays, the Florida Marlins countered with the signing of RHP Scott Proctor.

The Marlins and Proctor agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with an additional $250,000 in incentives.

Proctor battled elbow ailments last season, posting a 6.05 ERA in 38 2/3 innings pitched. Some have predicted these elbow issues, as he was often overworked by manager Joe Torre while in New York and later in LA.

Proctor's signing has made this fan glad he's found a new home.

Teams Make Additions to Ring in the New Year

2009-01-02T06:23:00.001-08:00

The Angels have found their man whom they hope will replace the single season saves leader Fransisco Rodriguez; and that man just happens to hail from Colorado.

The Angels agreed to a two year deal with 33 year old left handed closer Brian Fuentes (1-5, 30 saves in 34 chances, 2.73 ER).

According to ESPN.com Fuentes will earn $8.5 million for 2009 and $9 million for 2010. The contract includes a $9 million vesting option for 2011, based on games finished, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

The Chicago Cubs continued to tweak their roster, trading away fan favorite Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub.

DeRosa fills the Indian's void over at the hot corner, and allows them to keep their young middle infield intact (GM Mark Shapiro considered moving shortstop Jhonny Peralta to third and Asdrubal Cabrera from second to short.)

The Cubs are also considering a trade for the Rockies Luis Vizcaino in exchange for Jason Marquis. According to ESPN; The 30-year-old Marquis was 11-9 for Chicago last season, with a 4.53 ERA in 167 innings while Vizcaino, 34, struggled in his first season in Colorado, pitching to a 5.28 ERA in 46 innings.

The Baltimore Orioles signed left handed starter Mark Hendrickson to a one year deal. The Orioles only have Jeremy Guthrie slated in their rotation, as Daniel Cabrera signed on with the Washington Nationals.

Rumor Mill:

The Mets may have made an offer to free agent starter Derek Lowe.

Mets and Dodgers talking trade? Andrew Jones could be wearing blue and orange next season.

Dodgers are looking to get their offseason shoping list Dunn.

The Rangers added three arms into the mix for bullpen help.

Aaron Miles is set to replace DeRosa.

Red Sox Agree to Deals With Two Free Agents

2008-12-29T08:43:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-24T06:57:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-19T20:46:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-12T07:08:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-11T06:47:00.003-08:00

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

2008-12-10T08:24:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-10T06:48:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-10T06:25:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-09T08:15:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-09T06:13:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-08T13:32:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-08T12:27:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-08T06:20:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-05T09:53:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-03T05:33:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-02T06:42:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-01T15:50:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-20T10:36:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-19T08:59:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-17T07:48:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-14T06:58:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-12T11:15:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-12T07:06:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-11T11:19:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-11T05:53:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-10T11:17:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-10T07:30:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-07T07:13:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T19:19:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T05:53:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-04T10:11:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-04T05:53:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-03T12:43:00.001-08:00

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!"

2008-11-02T09:44:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-02T09:24:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-01T13:38:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-30T06:36:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-30T06:03:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-29T06:09:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-28T10:11:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-27T05:25:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-26T05:46:00.001-07:00

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.

World Series Game 3 Preview

2008-10-25T06:35:00.001-07:00

Matt Garza, RHP
Rays
Jamie Moyer, LHP
Phillies

Scouting Report:
Rays: Garza was simply dominant en route to his ALCS MVP award. The offseason acquisition from the Twins posted a 1.38 ERA in two starts. In Game 3 at Fenway Park on Oct. 13, allowed only one run over six-plus innings of the Rays' 9-1 victory. In the pennant-clinching victory Sunday night, Garza again allowed just one run and two hits over seven dazzling innings of work. The 24-year-old right-hander has a mid-90s fastball that sinks, a curve, a slider and a changeup.

Phillies: Concern followed Moyer after he endured his year's worst outing in the National League Championship Series, allowing six runs over 1 1/3 innings in Game 3. And that occurred eight days after he lasted just four innings in a Division Series loss to the Brewers. The Phillies have lost two games this postseason, and Moyer has started both of them.

World Series Game 2 Preview

2008-10-23T05:30:00.001-07:00

Brett Myers, RHP
Phillies
James Shields, RHP
Rays

Scouting Report:
Phillies: Myers has proven to be a better pitcher at Citizens Bank Park, where he produced a 3.01 ERA in the regular season and two wins in the playoffs. On the road, by contrast, he was 3-8 with a 6.21 ERA. Yet manager Charlie Manuel chose to start Myers on the road in Game 2.

Rays: Shields was 0-2 with a 3.46 ERA in two ALCS starts. In Game 1 on Oct. 10, the right-hander allowed just two runs over 7 1/3 innings, but he was outdueled by the Red Sox's Daisuke Matsuzaka, who allowed only four hits in seven-plus scoreless innings of the Rays' 2-0 loss. In Game 6 at Tropicana Field on Saturday, Shields surrendered four runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in Tampa Bay's 4-2 loss. The 26-year-old right-hander's best pitch has always been his changeup, but he also has a plus fastball and curve and he's added a cutter that has helped him throw inside to left-handers.

Canseco to Step into Ring Again

2008-10-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

Baseball's overgrown sweetheart will take to the boxing ring again, this time facing former child actor Danny Bonaduce.

Joes Canseco is set to step into the ring, January 17, 2009, against the "Partridge Family" star.

Bonaduce is fresh off of a decisive victory over dinosaur comedian and Howard Stern Show regular; the Reverend Bob Levy.

According to an article posted on philly.com, Bonaduce says that knocking out Cansaco will be easy; "The bigger they are, the harder they fall," boasts Bonaduce. "Think of what Mike Tyson used to do to bigger guys. That's what I'm going to do to Canseco."

In Canseco's last fight, he was knocked out by former Philadelphia Eagles return man Vai Sikahema As posted on ESPN.com:

Sikahema, who is also a sportscaster, has some experience in the ring. He has had more than 80 fights as an amateur boxer, according to the Press. Canseco said he had a background in martial arts.

Sikahema knocked Canseco down twice -- once with a left hook, and the second after a flurry of punches -- as the bout was called before the end of the first round.

Canseco was recently picked up by a Boarder Patrol Unit near San Diego, and was found carrying human chorionic gonadotropin, a drug that is used to restore testosterone production in former steroid users. It's illegal in the United States, unless given by perscription.

Call us naive, but why would Canseco be using a drug that helps promote testosterone production in former steroid users? Did Canseco actually use steroids? This could open up a whole can of worms! Could you image what would happen if Canseco was using steroids while playing in the Majors? Gosh, that would be a nightmare...What if Canseco was using, and he wasn't the only one?!?! Someone should look into this.....

World Series Game 1 Preview

2008-10-22T06:54:00.001-07:00

Cole Hamels, LHP
Phillies
Kazmir, LHP
Rays

Scouting Report:
Phillies: The 24-year-old Hamels has been nothing short of outstanding this postseason, winning all three of his starts while posting a 1.23 ERA and holding opponents to 13 hits, and striking out 22 of them, in 22 innings. He won the NLCS MVP award for holding the Dodgers to three runs in 14 innings.

Rays: Kazmir experienced a subpar outing in Game 2 of the ALCS but rebounded nicely at Fenway Park in Game 5 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 used his slider more in Game 5 ï¿½- to go along with a plus fastball and changeup -ï¿½ and the results were encouraging. Rays manager Joe Maddon believes that the left-hander's Game 5 performance will serve as a growth experience for his next start.

Rays Eliminate BoSox, Headed to World Series

2008-10-20T06:45:00.001-07:00

Look out Fox Broadcasting Company, with the Rays eliminating the Red Sox and advancing into the World Series for the first time in franchise history, your ratings just went straight to hell.

In what may possibly be one of the most "ho-hum" World Series in the recent playoff history, the Philadelphia Phillies are anxiously awaiting the AL power house Tampa Bay Rays.

Any one West of the Mississippi River will probably tune this one out, as two East Coast teams will battle for the Commissioner's Trophy, leaving much of Baseball America searching for something else on the television.

The best match-up for Fox would have been the lovable Dodgers (or Cubs) vs the Boston Red Sox. Instead, thanks to the Baseball Gods giving us the middle finger, we'll be the recipient of countless cut away shots to Dick Vitale screaming his bald head off and the Phillie Phanatic, launching a hot dog into the seats/blowing something up/sexually violating a sting ray.

Phillies Advance to World Series

2008-10-16T06:27:00.001-07:00

The Phillies finished off the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 last night, setting the NL West Champs down in convincing fashion.

The Phillies controlled almost every aspect of the game throughout the series; timely hitting, solid pitching, a great bench (see Stairs, Matt), and a lights out bullpen.

Joe Torre's team had no answer for Utley, the 'Flying Hawaiian", Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hammels, and Brad Lidge. Charlie Manuel out-managed Torre, making all the right moves when necessary.

The Phillies now await the winner of the Rays/Red Sox Series, with Tampa Bay leading the series 3-1.

Bidding War Averted

2008-10-10T10:17:00.001-07:00

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

Breathe easy Minnesota Twins fans, you've just witnessed your General Manager diffusing a potentially earth shattering situation:

A bidding war for Mike Redmond.

The Twins picked up Redmond's $950,000 option, keeping the veteran backup catcher for one more season.

Thank God they got him now, you know, before he set the free agent market on fire.

Bonds Puts Juice into Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

2008-10-08T06:26:00.001-07:00

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

Well, Macy's couldn't have picked a better Honorary Chair for this year's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, selecting the Big Juicer to add a little juice to the tree's lights.

The ceremony will take place November 28th, and we all here at 108 Red Stitches would pay big money if one of the lighting workers "accidentally" spelled out (in lights) the phrase "Bonds Cheated".

In other Bonds news, he's happy to be away from the game of baseball.

We all are Barry, we all are.

Collective Head Slapping Registers on Richter Scale

2008-10-05T09:11:00.001-07:00

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

A small earthquake was registered throughout the United States last night, as Cubs fans throughout the country collectively and repeatedly slapped their foreheads in continued disbelief.

The Cubs cemented their 100 years of frustration after being swept out of the playoffs for the second straight season.

The Cubs did little to "reverse the curse" committing six errors during the short series, and were outscored by the Dodger 20-6.

For more fun Cubs "Curse Continues" links, visit these wonderful sites to ease (or promote) your pain:

- Help guide the Cubs through to the playoffs in this 80's style shoot-em-up type Arkanoid game.

- Read about the Cubs game plan that went horribly right.

- The Cubs have to start planning for the future, one that might not include Mark DeRosa.

- Could be worse, you could be Eddie Brinkman.

- Or this guy.

Playoffs? Playoffs? Who's Talking About Playoffs?

2008-10-01T05:40:00.001-07:00

Well, season is over for all but eight teams (BoSox, Rays, Cubs, White Sox, Angels, Phillies, Dodgers) but that doesn't mean its the end of the news-making line for all the other unlucky, unprepared, underperforming teams around the majors.

The Yankees resigned general manager, Brian Cashman, to a three year deal. He's got a long road ahead of him if he wants to get the Bombers back to the post season.

Congratulations to Lou Pinella, Cubbie's manager, you'll be steering the ship well into the 2010 season.

Kevin Towers says Bud Black isn't fully to blame for the Padres horrific season, and that he's got the skipper's back. Great, that dreaded vote of confidence rears its ugly head. Look for Black to be the first manager fired this offseason.

Cardinals re-sign dominant right hander Kyle Loshe, in what the great Scott Proctor's Arm Blog is dubbing as the next Carl Pavano like signing.

Met's right hander John Maine had shoulder surgery to remove a lesion from the back of his right shoulder socket (wherever the hell that is) and should be ready for the start of spring training.

And finally, congratulations to Brad Lidge and Cliff Lee, this year's recipients of Major League Baseball's Comeback Player of the Year Award. The criteria for winning the award? The ability to stop sucking.

Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus

2008-09-24T07:11:00.001-07:00

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

With the Red Sox victory over the Cleveland Indians last night, the BoSox eliminated the New York Yankees from post season contention. With the win, three of the four playoff slots in the American League have been filled (LA Angels of Anaheim, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox). The current Twins-White Sox series should determine the fate of the AL Central Race, with the White Sox leading the division by a game and a half.

The National League, as always, will most likely come down to the wire. The Cubbies are the only team to lock up a playoff spot, as the Phillies and Mets jocky for first place daily and even with a three game lead over the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers are really only safe from the Giants and Padres in the NL West.

The Yankees were unable to give their beloved Stadium a proper send off, as they failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the '94 strike shortened season.

And apparently, according to ESPN, the Rays are playing in the NLDS this post season....

Yanks Let Fans Roam One Last Time

2008-09-19T19:37:00.001-07:00

Story reported by the Associated Press:

Fans will be allowed to walk on Yankee Stadium's field for three hours before the ballpark's final game Sunday.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. -- about 7 hours, 15 minutes before New York plays the Baltimore Orioles in its final game at the 85-year-old stadium.

For the first three hours, fans can walk through Monument Park, behind the fence in left-center, and walk along the warning track in the outfield and to home plate. Field access will end at about 4 p.m., and Monument Park will close at about 6:45 p.m.

Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Graig Nettles and Bobby Richardson are to be part of the pregame ceremonies, which start at 7:05 p.m.

A closing ceremony for the stadium will be held after the season.

Bleacher Fans to Receive an Eyesore in New Stadium

2008-09-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

by Chris Lima
River Avenue News

According to the New Yankee Stadium's seat selector, fans positioned out in the left field bleachers will be starting a food products if anyone hits a ball down the right field line.

The above image is a screen shot from yankees.com. The big ugly gray mass in center field is actually the restaurant, which also serves as the batters eye.

So when Yankee firstbaseman of the future Jason Giambi/Adam Dunn/Xavier Nady smashes a ball down the right field line for a game winning/come from behind/meaningless stat padding shot home run, the fans in left will have to rely on someone else to clue them in on the action.

Interestingly enough, as listed on the website, Yankee officials are saying that “From the Bleachers to Yankees Premium Offerings, every fan will have more comfortable seating that offers improved sight lines.”

Well, almost everyone.

Mets Season on the Ropes

2008-09-17T11:21:00.001-07:00

Things are starting to look a lot like 2007 for the Mets. Entering a crucial period in their schedule, they find themselves in a familiar position; looking up.

After taking hold of the NL East lead, the Mets have found a way to tumble down, now trailing the Phillies as another September collapse begins to look imminent.

The Mets just announced that Fernado Tatis will miss the remainder of the season after seperating his shoulder against the Nationals. Add that to Damion Easley being scratched from the lineup and the Mets are slowly losing quality right handed bats.

The Mets have recently lost closer Billy Wagner to a season (possibly career) ending injury and don't expect John Maine to return until the playoffs (and may return to a bullpen role).

Maybe it wasn't Willy's fault.

What the Yost?!?!

2008-09-15T13:27:00.001-07:00

In what industry insiders and fans alike should consider a surprise move, the Milwaukee Brewers fired manager Ned Yost, replacing him with Dale Sveum.

The Brewers currently hold a share of the wild card lead, and have made vast improvements since Yost held the reigns as Brew Crew manager.

Despite landing lefty CC Sabathia before the trade deadline, the Brewers have been floundering as of late. The following quote was posted on ESPN.com

"I think we have sucked in September so far," a Brewers player who wished to remain anonymous told ESPN.com's Amy K. Nelson. "And I don't think it's his fault that we can't hit or pitch right now, but something had to change."

Yost was in his sixth season as the Brewers' manager.

Zambrano No Hits Astros, First Cubbie No-No Since '72

2008-09-15T06:56:00.001-07:00

September 15, 2008
by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

Carlos Zambrano has had some season. Arm troubles, trips to the DL, crazy wins, head scratching losses. This time, after not having pitched since September 2nd, Zambrano did something that no Cubs hurler has done in 36 years.

He tossed a No-No. Even with arm fatigue and not having faced live hitters in twelve days.

Imagine what he could do when he's finally healthy.

Zambrano walked one batter and hit another, the only blemishes on an otherwise perfect performance.

Zambrano wound up throwing 110 pitches, which might be cause for concern for Cubs fans, after all the pomp and circumstance is over.

Here's the odd part; Zambrano threw the no-hitter in Miller Park. Against the Houston Astros, who, the last time we checked, were not the Milwaukee Brewers. The game was moved to Miller Park (Brewers home field) because of Hurricane Ike.

Eighth Sign of the Apocalypse Draws Near

2008-09-04T06:15:00.001-07:00

by Chris Lima
108 Red Stitches

Football season kicks off tonight with the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants taking on the Washington Redskins.

Many New Yorkers will turn to football as a way to drown out their lost hopes they held so dear for their New York Yankees. The last season at the Stadium, and the team can't even come close to adding one last page to its exalted history book.

While New Yorkers turn to football as a much needed distraction, they're going to miss the last and final Sign of the Apocalypse.

We here at 108 Red Stitches know a thing or two about the Apocalypse; our tag line is: One Blog in the Post Apocalyptic World of the New Home Run King. We're constantly on the lookout for signs of impending doom. And now, we're officially worried.

Whoever is in charge of the Apocalypse has skipped right over the frogs, nasty bugs, plagues, fire and brimstone, and sacrificing of firstborns. They've skipped right over to the Eighth and Final Sign: Boston Fans Routing for the Yankees.

My wonderful girlfriend pointed out to me yesterday that Mike Schweitzer, a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, had indeed, posted on his Facebook wall this quote:

"Let's Go Yankees!"

After spitting out my cookie cake and milk, I sprayed us and the surrounding area with Holy Water and grabbed the only set of Rosary Beads I could find. This was surely the end.

I never thought I would live to see the day that a die hard Red Sox fan would be cheering for the Yankees, until I realized that, if the Bombers beat the Rays, the BoSox would move closer towards first place in the AL East.

After sadly realizing that all that is left for my beloved Yanks is a role they haven't played in almost two decades (spoilers), only one thought remained in my head.

"Let's Go Rays".

Uh Oh! Roger's Son is Arrested

2008-09-02T11:18:00.001-07:00

According to reports by the Associated Press and a news article posted on sfgate.com, Roger Clemens' son, Koby Clemens, and two other minor leaguers were arrested "after police were called to the parking lot of a restaurant. Clemens and Ori were charged with disorderly conduct. Goethals was charged with assault and battery."

The three minor leaguers play for the Salem Avalanche, the Single A affiliate of the Houston Astros, their last game of the season being Monday (9/1/2008) night.

The three were jailed, albeit for a brief time.

Joba May Be Activated by Monday

2008-08-31T10:25:00.001-07:00

August 31, 2008
by Chris Lima
River Avenue News

Good news for Yankees fans; Joba Chamberlain may be activated by the Bombers as early as tomorrow, according to reports from the Associated Press and mlb.com.

Joba threw a session (35 pitches), the first time he has faced live batters since suffering a right rotator cuff injury August 4th against the Texas Rangers. Cody Ransom and Brett Gardner were the lucky two that got "volunteered" to face Joba.

It is still unknown as to Joba's role with the team; either back in the rotation or anchoring the bullpen.

With a recent string of quality starts, Pavano's job seems safe for now. Sidney Ponson has struggled of late, so Chamberlain could bump him from the rotation. Rasner has pitched well, but has been the bearer of bad luck in recent weeks.

The Yanks look to take down Toronto in the last game of the series and travel to Detroit to face the hapless Tigers.

Guillen Restrained From Fan

2008-08-27T08:52:00.001-07:00

According to numerous news services and the associated press, Royals outfielder Jose Guillen had to be restrained by third base coach Luis Silverio while security guards removed a heckling fan.

Excerpts from Associated Press article posted on ESPN.com:

Kauffman Stadium security removed the fan, who started in on Guillen after he stopped at first base in the second inning after hitting a drive off the wall in left field.

"When I got that hit to left field, that guy started saying all kinds of stuff. 'Why didn't I make it to second?'" Guillen said. "Hey, I hit the ball hard. People who know baseball know the guy [Rangers left fielder Marlon Byrd] made a nice play. I had no chance to make it to second. I can deal with that."

When Guillen flied out to left to end the fourth, the fan's heckling apparently escalated.

"The [next] at-bat, when I hit the ball to left field, he said the magic words," Guillen said. "Something personal about my family. I don't deal well with that. That's enough right there."

"I understand who I am and the money that I'm making," Guillen said. "I understand that I'm hitting .250, and the fans are expecting a lot more than they're seeing. But the word he said, trust me, anybody would want to go there."

Bonds Seeks Dismissal of Government's Case

2008-08-26T06:36:00.001-07:00

Posted by ESPN News Services:

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds asked a federal judge Monday to toss out most of the government's case against him that charges the slugger lied to a federal grand jury about his alleged steroids use.

In a filing made in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, lawyers for baseball's home run king argue that many of the charges stem from ambiguous answers to ambiguous questions posed by prosecutors.

Bonds is charged with 15 counts of making false declarations to a grand jury in December 2003 and one count of obstruction of justice. His lawyers on Monday asked a judge to toss out 10 charges. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts and is scheduled for trial on March 2.

Each count is attached to a specific question and answer or denial. While rarely are these motions granted, in this case many of the questions were indeed somewhat ambiguous, so it's possible some counts could be dismissed, but unlikely it'd be more than a few.

Even if the judge throws out the charges in question, Bonds is still going to trial, ESPN legal analyst Roger Cossack reports. It will take the judge two to three months to rule on Bonds' request.

The 44-year-old Bonds, an unsigned free agent, hit .276 last year with 28 home runs, 66 RBIs and a major league-high 132 walks. He doesn't admit nor deny using steroids in the latest court filing.

Instead, Bonds' lawyers argue that "the questions posed to Mr. Bonds by two different prosecutors at his grand jury appearance were imprecise, redundant, overlapping and frequently compound."

For instance, they argue that when Bonds denied if he had "taken anything like" steroids, he was answering a "fundamentally ambiguous" question.

A spokesman with the U.S. Attorney's office in San Francisco declined comment.

The 15 counts pending against Bonds are contained in a second federal indictment charging Bonds with repeatedly lying when he testified that he never used performance-enhancing drugs.

A federal judge threw out the first indictment and ordered prosecutors to draft a new one after she found some charges contained multiple allegations. The superseding indictment charged Bonds with making "false declarations" instead of "perjury."

Baseball to Impliment Instant Replay

2008-08-22T06:14:00.001-07:00

Once in a while, baseball fans are subject to moments that will change the game for ever. Recently, for better or worse, these fans have seen things that baseball's forefathers may have never dreamed of; Barry Bonds destroying the All-Time Home Run Record, the steroid scandal rocking the game to its core, a no hitter pitched by a cancer survivor, the list goes on.

Now, it seems, baseball fans will exhibit another change to the game; Instant Replay.

Baseball Officials have determined that human error, once considered to be a beautiful part of the game, is no longer going to be a factor in the game. Instant replay will now be used to determine "boundary home run calls".

It is with much displeasure that the staff here at 108 Red Stitches has come to accept the fact that technology has once again stuck its ugly head into America's Pastime.

We have only one comment to add, a suggestion per say. We're hoping that baseball puts more thought into the process and technology used to aid in the replays than they did when they began to install the QuesTec cameras throughout Major League Stadiums.

Fat Toad Arrested

2008-08-20T06:10:00.001-07:00

According the numerous reports from the Associated Press and ESPN.com's News Wire Services, ex-Yankee hurler Hideki Irabu was arrested for assaulting a bartender after having "many beers".

According to the Associated Press:

Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu was arrested Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a bartender after drinking 20 mugs of beer, a police official said.

Irabu, 39, became angered after his credit card was rejected. He then allegedly pushed the bartender against the wall, pulled his hair and smashed at least nine liquor bottles at a bar in Osaka, western Japan, a police official said on condition of anonymity, citing department policy.

The bartender sustained no injuries. Irabu paid the bill with another credit card.

The police official said Irabu admitted the assault.

Chris Russo Make His Move to Sirius Radio

2008-08-19T11:48:00.001-07:00

August 19, 2008
by Chris Lima
River Avenue News

Former CBS Sports personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo will be joining the likes of Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, and Bubba the Love Sponge as Sirius Radio announced his hiring.

Russo is best known for his weekday drive home radio show, Mike and the Mad Dog on CBS Radio. Russo was recently let go from the show, and after a tearful goodbye, Chris and Mike finally went their separate ways (the two were known to have had a rocky relationship, at best).

Russo, as many Yankee fans are accustomed to, is a ardent San Fransisco Giants fan, and despises both of New York's major sports teams (Baseball-Yanks, Football-Giants).

Sirius announced the signing of Russo, in a press release on their website:

NEW YORK, Aug 19, 2008 /-- SIRIUS XM Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) announced today that it has signed renowned sports talk personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, the former star of the Mike and the Mad Dog show, to a five-year contract to headline a new sports talk channel exclusively available on SIRIUS and XM.

Mad Dog's recent departure from the market-leading Mike and the Mad Dog has been national news in recent days -- a dramatic reflection of his loyal fan base, huge popularity and strong name recognition. Mad Dog is known for having helped popularize the sports talk radio format across the country and speculation on his next step has been high.

"Mad Dog's fans are passionate about their sports and passionate about where they get their sports news and commentary from -- these are the listeners that any audio entertainment company would want," said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SIRIUS XM Radio. "Having Mad Dog on SIRIUS and XM will fuel subscriber growth and create new and exciting opportunities for advertisers. Choose whatever sports analogy you want -- this is a big win."

Dodgers Looking to Acquire Maddux

2008-08-19T05:32:00.001-07:00

According to ESPN.com news services, the Los Angeles Dodgers are set to acquire Greg Maddux from the San Diego Padres:

The team had agreed to the terms of a deal with the Padres for veteran right-hander Greg Maddux, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday night because no announcement had been made.

It's unclear what the Padres will receive in return for the 42-year-old Maddux. MLB.com reported on Monday night that the Padres would receive two players to be named later. The trade, which was first reported by the Los Angeles Times, was expected to be announced Tuesday.

According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, no deal had been reached Monday night, but conversations are ongoing. Dodgers spokesman Josh Rawitch and general manager Ned Colletti would not confirm the deal to the Times either.

Trade Deadline Produces Big Name

2008-08-01T08:14:00.001-07:00

Atlanta, Georgia
By Chris Lima
River Avenue Staff Writer

The AL Central leading Chicago White Sox acquired Reds' outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., adding a bit of offense to their lineup. It's not currently known where or how Griffey will play in this lineup, but it was a huge addition to their lineup.

The Manny Ramirez saga is officially finally over in Boston, a last minute trade involving the Dodgers and the Pirates rid Beantown of their perpetual whiner.

The Dodgers received Manny from the BoSox and send third
outfielder Brendon Moss from the Red Sox, in exchange for left fielder Jason Bay.

The Bay trade is a bonus for the Red Sox; addition by prevention. The Tampa Bay Rays were holding talks with the Pirates, attempting to move Bay into Tropicana Field. The request from the Pirates was a bit high, and Tampa Bay quickly fell out of favor.

Ramirez is reunited with former BoSox teammate, Nomar Garciaparra, and joins former rival manager Joe Torre in what looks to be an extremely

The Yankees made a significant improvement to their lineup by adding Pudge Rodriguez and shipping Farnsworth over to Detroit. They also added former Bucs Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte to help solidify their outfield and rotation, respectively. baseman Andy LaRoche and pitcher Bryan Morris to the Pirates. The Pirates also received RHP Craig Hansen and crowded Dodger outfield (Matt Kemp, Juan Pierre, Andre Either, and Andruw Jones).

Yanks Land Pudge

2008-07-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

As reported by ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees aqcuired catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez from the Detroit Tigers for Kyle Farnesworth:

The New York Yankees have found a replacement for Jorge Posada.

New York acquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez from the Tigers on Wednesday for right-handed pitcher Kyle Farnsworth.

The deal was first reported by ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.

Rodriguez, who is in the option year of the $50 million contract he signed with the Tigers in 2004, waived his no-trade clause to join the Yankees, sources told ESPN.com.

"He's hitting over .290 I believe and he's been hot so we're looking forward to having him," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said after New York's 13-3 rout of the Orioles on Wednesday.

Rodriguez is batting .295 this season with five home runs and 32 RBIs in 82 games. In 18 seasons with the Rangers, Marlins and Tigers, he's hit .302 with 293 homers and 1,214 RBIs.

A 14-time All-Star, Rodriguez won the American League MVP award in 1999 and for years was known as the best defensive catcher in the game. He earned Gold Gloves in 13 seasons.

"He's been a great player for a long time and I remember the battles we had in Texas. He's been a world champion," said Girardi, who was a member of the Yankees during playoff battles with the Rangers in the 90s.

In his lone season in Florida in 2003, Rodriguez helped lead the Marlins to a World Series victory over the Yankees.

Farnsworth, who is 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA this season, played for the Tigers in 2005.

"Another team wants me. That's the way I look at it," he said. " They [the Tigers] know my reputation. They know what type of person I am."

Posada, a five-time All-Star catcher, announced he would have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Monday. He had the surgery on Wednesday, and the rehab time is about six months. Posada has struggled with shoulder pain for most of the season, limiting his ability to throw out baserunners and cutting down his playing time behind the plate.

On the disabled list for the second time this year, Posada was trying to rehabilitate his shoulder enough to come back as a designated hitter or first baseman this season. But after the Yankees acquired outfielder Xavier Nady in a trade with Pittsburgh on Saturday, they determined it was best for Posada to have surgery now, general manager Brian Cashman said Monday.

Posada Crosses Fingers, Hopes to Delay Surgery

2008-07-23T14:36:00.001-07:00

According to an article posted on ESPN.com (from the AP), Yankee catcher Jorge Posada is hoping that he can postpone or delay surgery on his ailing shoulder:

NEW YORK -- New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada wants to put off surgery on his right shoulder even if it means sacrificing the start of next season. If he does play the rest of this year, it won't be behind the plate.

On the disabled list for the second time this season, Posada had his throwing shoulder examined by New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek on Tuesday, and surgery was again recommended. An MRI showed fraying in the tendons around the labrum, but not a rotator cuff tear, Posada said Wednesday before the Yankees played the Minnesota Twins.

He missed more than a month earlier this season with right rotator cuff tendinitis.

"I've got 15 days to make a decision," said Posada, who went on the DL Monday. "I'll rehab it and see how it feels and have a decision by then."

In his 14th season, Posada is extremely proud about being a full-time catcher his entire career. But he said that if he is to continue playing this season, catching is "out of the question" for the remainder of the year.

"It's not about me. It's about the team now, how can I help the team. That's why I'm going to go through the rehab," Posada said. "If I'm able to hit, I'm going to try to do that. If I'm not able to hit, I'm going to have surgery."

Posada said the Yankees agreed with his decision to keep playing even with the possibility of a six-month rehab looming after surgery.

Posada will continue his rehabilitation regime without throwing drills and will make a decision based on how the shoulder is responding.

"The doctor said if I'm not throwing, it won't ge weak because I'm not throwing," Posada said. "I can strengthen it and hit. Then it won't get weak. They put me on the DL to make a decision of what to do and strengthen and rehab it and go from there."

To continue reading this article, click here.

Harden Packs Bags, Heads to Windy City

2008-07-09T08:04:00.002-07:00

Anything you can do, I can do better. This sentiment running rampant in the NL Central Division as the Cubs picked up A's ace Rich Harden in a six player deal.

The trade comes only a few days after the Brewers picked up linebacker CC Sabathia in a trade with the Cleveland Indians.

Chicago also picked up Chad Gaudin while jettisoning right hander Sean Gallagher and outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson.

C-Rod Says Adios to A-Rod

2008-07-07T10:53:00.001-07:00

Alex Rodriguez's wife, Cynthia, filed divorce papers today, according to the Associated Press:

MIAMI -- Alex Rodriguez's wife filed for divorce Monday, calling her husband an adulterer who "emotionally abandoned his wife and children."

"The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken because of the husband's extramarital affairs and other marital misconduct," according to Cynthia Rodriguez's petition for dissolution of marriage, filed in the family division of Miami-Dade County Circuit Court.

"The petitioner has exhausted every effort to salvage the marriage of the parties," Cynthia Rodriguez said in the filing. "However, Alex has emotionally abandoned his wife and children and has left her with no choice but to divorce him."

Rodriguez's attorney in Miami, Ira M. Elegant, said he had not reviewed the divorce petition but added: "As you know, anyone can pay the filing fee and make allegations."

The couple, who married in November 2002, have a $12 million, six-bedroom house in the upscale Miami suburb of Coral Gables. A company run by a corporation controlled by Rodriguez bought an apartment at Trump Park Avenue in Manhattan for $7.4 million in July 2005.

Cynthia Rodriguez has asked for primary custody of their two children, as well as child support and alimony.

Their two daughters are Natasha Alexander, 3, and 2-month-old Ella Alexander.

The filing comes just days after the third baseman was linked to Madonna in various media outlets.

"I brought my kids to a Yankee game," Madonna said in the statement. "I am not romantically involved in any way with Alex Rodriguez. I have nothing to do with the state of his marriage or what spiritual path he may choose to study."

Cynthia Rodriguez's lawyer, Maurice Kutner, declined to elaborate on the filing, which does not mention Madonna or any other alleged paramours by name.

"Cynthia has made it very clear to me that she wants to take the high road and protect her children and herself. There's no vindictiveness here," Kutner said. "She wants to resolve the issues between Alex and herself in an amicable fashion."

The couple has had prenuptial agreement in place since Oct. 3, 2002, according to the divorce papers.

CC Says See You to Cleveland

2008-07-06T17:57:00.001-07:00

ESPN.com News Services is reporting that Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia has been traded to the Brewers for a couple of minor leaguers:

The Brewers and the Cleveland Indians agreed in principle to a deal for the reigning AL Cy Young on Sunday, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney. The deal is contingent on paperwork being finished and the exchange of medical records.

The trade was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In a text message to ESPN.com's Amy K. Nelson, Sabathia all but confirmed the deal.

"I'm good, excited," Sabathia wrote. "It's weird leaving these guys."

Cleveland would get Double-A outfielder Matt LaPorta, who is hitting .288 with 20 homers and 66 RBIs in 84 games for Huntsville, and others. The other players do not include top prospects Alcides Escobar or Mat Gamel, according to the Journal Sentinel.

Damon Appears to be Heading to DL

2008-07-05T19:16:00.001-07:00

According to an article posted by the Associated Press on ESPN.com, Yankee outfielder Johnny Damon appears to be headed to the disabled list:

NEW YORK -- Johnny Damon was very careful as he got dressed to leave the ballpark Saturday, wincing from the pain in his left shoulder as he pulled a shirt over his head.

One day after the New York Yankees outfielder crashed into the left-field wall on one strange triple, Damon was still holding out hope he won't have to go on the disabled list for the first time in his 14-season major league career.

"I think we'll know more tomorrow," he said after the Yankees' 2-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox. "If I wake up and I'm feeling the same then I think they're going to DL me. But if I'm improving, [they'll] try to keep getting me ready."

Damon got treatment and did some exercises Saturday but said it could be 10 days or more before he throws again.

"Certain movements I really can't do too well," he said.

He sprained and bruised his shoulder trying to track down Kevin Youkilis' line drive in the third inning of New York's 6-4 loss to Boston on Friday.

Damon raced back, jumped and gloved the ball but lost it when he crashed into the fence. It popped out of the webbing of his glove, bounced up off the top of the wall and came to rest briefly on the fence.

Baseball University

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Gary Dell'abate First Pitch

Manny Banned for 50 Games; "Not Steroids"

Gload Traded to Marlins

Shilling Announces Retirement

Spring Training Aches and Pains

A's Land Cabrera

Braves Go With Plan B

Ol' Lefty is Giving it Another Shot

Who Says You Can't Go Home?

Two Outfielders Taken Off the Market

Dodgers Ink Lefty

Orioles Continue Flurry of Offseason Moves

O's and Cubs Continue Wheeling and Dealing

Boston - Varitek Saga Finally Over

Heilman Sent Packing Again

Yanks Complete Rotation by Signing Andy

Braves Respond to Met's Signing

Team Continue to Add Missing Pieces

Sox Take Gamble on Two

Free Agent Market Burning Up

This Date in Baseball History: January 6, 1942

Rays Continue to Strengthen Roster

Marlins Land Their Fish, Shore Up Bullpen

Teams Make Additions to Ring in the New Year

Red Sox Agree to Deals With Two Free Agents

Yanks Land Another Big Fish

Angels Resign Their 23rd Most Important Free Agent

Ibanez Signs 3 Year Deal with Champs

Yanks Send Milk Man to Brew Crew

Rockies Agree to Terms with Embree

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

Yanks Close to Signing CC

Loretta Signs Deal with Dodgers

K-Rod Nears Deal with Mets

Veteran's Committee Selects Gordon

Yanks, Dodgers Talking Trade

Tiger Land Catcher in Trade with Rangers

Giants Get Their Sign On

ChiSox, Braves in Trade Talks

2k Sports Announces GM Game for 3 Platforms

Astros Sign Hampton to One Year Deal

Utley Out Until June 09

Red Sox - Royals; Wheeling and Dealing

Red Sox -Tigers Talking Trade

Offseason Rumblings and Grumblings: Nov 14th

Managers of the Year Announced

Tim Lincecum to Adorn Cover of MLB 2K9

League Officials Announce NL Cy Young Award Winner

Offseason Rumblings and Grumblings: Nov 11th

Breaking News: Holliday Trade Imminent

Rookie of the Year Awards Announced

Offseason 2009: Weekend Wrap Up

AL Gold Glove Awards Announced

NL Gold Glove Awards Announced

Offseason Rumblings and Grumblings: Nov 5th

Hot Stove Report: Padres Considering Moving Greene

Election Day Hot Stove Rumblings

Offseason 2009: Brewers Make Surprising Roster Move

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

Mets Pick Up Option on Delgado

Free Agent Frenzy 2009

Jeff Kent Hates HomoSexuals

Congratulation Phillies

Angels Make Roster Moves

Updates from Around the League

World Series Game 5 Preview

World Series Game 4 Preview

World Series Game 3 Preview

World Series Game 2 Preview

Canseco to Step into Ring Again

World Series Game 1 Preview

Rays Eliminate BoSox, Headed to World Series

Phillies Advance to World Series

Bidding War Averted

Bonds Puts Juice into Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Collective Head Slapping Registers on Richter Scale

Playoffs? Playoffs? Who's Talking About Playoffs?

Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus

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