Rumors
Ryan Braun Contract Details
Tom Haudricourt has the details on Ryan Braun's new extension. It's a tricky one, because it's not yet known whether Braun will be arbitration-eligible after the 2009 season. It won't be known for sure until November of '09. If he is arb-eligible at that time he'll make an extra $6MM.
It's looking like Braun will earn $4.5MM (including a signing bonus) for his three pre-arb years. Then he'll get $18.5MM for his three arb years (less than 80% of what Hanley Ramirez will get for the same slice of his career). After that Braun gave up his first two free agent years for $22MM. That's also significantly less than Ramirez will receive his first two years of free agent eligibility.
Hanley Ramirez Contract Details
Hanley Ramirez's six-year, $70MM deal will be officially announced Saturday. MLB.com's Joe Frisaro has the details of the contract.
Basically the deal pays $23.5MM for Ramirez's three arbitration years and $46.5MM for his first three years of free agency. It's also been confirmed that the deal lacks no-trade provisions. I know we always label these young-player long-term deals as team-friendly. But this one takes the cake. That's not a knock on Ramirez - if I had his talents I'd certainly exchange maximum dollars for immediate security. How about you?
Angels Open To In-Season Talks For K-Rod
Angels owner Arte Moreno said today that the team is flexible and is willing to negotiate a contract extension with closer Francisco Rodriguez during the season. K-Rod and his agent were strongly leaning toward putting talks off until after the season after an agreement could not be reached by Opening Day.
Twins closer Joe Nathan inked a four-year, $47MM deal in March. The total is the highest ever for a reliever, though Mariano Rivera earns $15MM annually on a three-year pact. Another comparable is Francisco Cordero's four-year, $46MM deal. Nathan and Cordero both have fifth-year club options.
Assuming they hit the open market, the big name closers for the winter of 2008-09 are K-Rod and Brad Lidge. Will one top the $50MM mark or get five guaranteed years? Brian Fuentes and Brandon Lyon seem to fit into the second tier of free agent closers.
Baseball America Projects The First Round
Baseball America attempted to project the entire first round of the June amateur draft. Their top ten:
1. Rays - Tim Beckham, SS.
2. Pirates - Pedro Alvarez, 3B.
3. Royals - Buster Posey, C.
4. Orioles - Brian Matusz, LHP.
5. Giants - Justin Smoak, 1B.
6. Marlins - Kyle Skipworth, C.
7. Reds - Aaron Crow, RHP.
8. White Sox - Gordon Beckham, SS.
9. Nationals - Yonder Alonso, 1B.
10. Astros - Shooter Hunt, RHP.BA is in agreement with Jonathan Mayo on picks #2, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Plus we can assume that Mayo wouldn't have chosen Scheppers for Houston had Scheppers' injury been fully realized at the time.
Seven Teams Have Monitored Freddy Garcia
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, at least seven clubs have monitored Freddy Garcia's progress: the Mets, Red Sox, Braves, Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, and Mariners. It wouldn't be surprising if even more clubs show up to watch Garcia throw when he is able to audition. A midseason free agent has major appeal. The Indians are one additional club rumored to have interest.
Garcia remains a mystery - we don't know when he'll be ready, how much money he'll want, or how effective he'll be.
Blogs
Baseball Musings :: More Chipper
Chipper Jones keeps hitting. He goes 2 for 3 against the Athletics, raising his batting average to .423. He also scored the winning run as the Braves picked up their second one-run win, 3-2. They are now 2-9 in those...Girardi's Dead On...On Kennedy
Girardi's Dead On...On Kennedy
Ian Kennedy
Posted 0 minutes ago at <br>Bronx Liaison
Caught the tail end of Joe Girardi's weekly appearance on the Mike & The Mad Dog radio show and he said what I've been thinking (and blogging) since Ian Kennedy's 2008 struggles began. "He's become a two-pitch pitcher" was the thought Girardi...Game 41: Kansas City @ Florida
Game 41: Kansas City @ Florida
Florida Marlins
Posted 0 minutes ago at Royal Reflections
Game Date: May 16, 2008 Royals 7, Marlins 6 / Box Score WP: Tomko (2-4), LP: Miller (3-3), SV: Soria (11) Royal Home Runs: Olivo (5) Royals Record: 20-21 Thankfully the Marlins are a poor fielding team. They were only charged with one...1B Chad Tracy Available ?
1B Chad Tracy Available ?
Chad Tracy
Posted 7 minutes ago at Mets Fever
Matt Cerrone of Metsblog reported on a Jayson Stark report that the DBacks may make Chad Tracy available when he comes off the disabled list. Tracy is a 27 y/o, left handed 1B/3B/LF with a career BA .288. Tracy is out of options and the DBacks who...Ryan Braun Contract Details
Ryan Braun Contract Details
Ryan Braun
Posted 13 minutes ago at MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com
Tom Haudricourt has the details on Ryan Braun 's new extension. It's a tricky one, because it's not yet known whether Braun will be arbitration-eligible after the 2009 season. It won't be known for sure until November of '09. If he...The Griddle: White Sox fire three scouts in wake of D.R. investigation
The Griddle: White Sox fire three scouts in wake of D.R. investigation
Chicago White Sox
Posted 23 minutes ago at The Griddle
For reasons that are not entirely clear, the Chicago White Sox fired director of player personnel David Wilder and two other scouts in the Dominican Republic for actions in Latin America that were violations of club policy and standards.From Spygate to Steroids: Just Let It Die
Since when were sports the most important thing on the agenda of our United States politicians?
Well, apparently now would be the answer to that question, and quite frankly, that’s unfortunate.
From Spygate to steroids, it seems like our government officials care more about what’s going on in the MLB and NFL than what they do for what’s going on overseas in Iraq. It seems like they might care more about sporting scandals more than what they care about our own economy for that matter.
And one really has to wonder, why is this the case? There’s clearly more important things out there to focus on than the Spygate scandal in football or the steroid usage in baseball. To name a few: Iraq, the war on terror, rising oil prices and the recession.
To be honest here, it’s understandable as to why our government officials are giving sporting scandals so much attention. Sports are a multibillion dollar industry that brings in huge amounts of money on a yearly basis. It’s understandable that they’d want to clear things up in these to make sure that they keep bringing in the money they do on a yearly basis.
Beyond this, sports are a huge part of our culture. Not only do they bring in a huge surplus of money every year, but they’re popular. From the NBA to the NFL, there’s a huge following of each sport in this country, and most fans would love to know what’s going on internally. Most fans probably appreciate knowing if players are cheating or if a team is getting an unfair advantage.
And to our government’s credit, they have done this. They’ve given all of us fans an opportunity to know who is cheating and who isn’t.
But now, enough is enough. It needs to stop. Quite frankly, there can’t be much more they can accomplish anyways.
The Patriots have already been penalized for cheating, The NFL thinks its enough, and in their eyes, Spygate is closed.
While baseball hasn’t punished its steroid users for their past usage, they’ve laid down strict policies and set up random drug testing to prevent this from happening again.
Beyond that, some of the big culprits are already in court over the issue. Barry Bonds was recently indicted on 14 counts of perjury from the BALCO case while Roger Clemens is facing potential perjury charges from his day in Congress against Brian McNamee.
In reality, these cases are probably all far from over. If our government has its way, they’ll continue to dig at this. Arlen Specter has already called for further investigation into Spygate while there seems to be more and more news coming from the Clemens case on a weekly basis.
However, it’s really unfortunate that this is continuing. While sports are important in our society, there are clearly more important things to focus on than the scandals that are involved in them. Unfortunately, our government doesn’t seem to completely see it this way.
Chicago Cubs: Is It Finally Next Year?
The Chicago Cubs are in the middle (well, hopefully not the middle anymore) of the longest title drought in baseball, hell, all of American sports.
But this could finally be the year that the Cubbies break through and shed that lovable-loser label that has been cast upon them for the past 100 years.
From top to bottom, this is really the best line-up and pitching staff, in my opinion, in the majors. We don't have many holes, even our pitchers can hit better than almost any team. (except for Micah Owings, he is nasty at the plate)
First of all, they are ruling the offensive stat column. Look at OBP (1st in Majors), batting average (2nd), runs scored (1st), walks (2nd), and for a team that prides itself on getting hits, they can jack a few home runs while they are at it (7th).
They have been led by Kosuke Fukudome, who has turned a power team into a team that prides itself by drawing walks, working deep counts, and making their way into the opposing bullpen.
Fukudome gets on base frequently, and follows a hitting strategy that is rarely seen in the majors but is prevalent in Japan. He doesn't look for balls and strikes, he looks for hittable balls and un-hittable balls, if he doesn't think he has a chance, he won't swing.
The strategy seems to be working, as he has a .322 avg. and a .424 OBP, and it is rubbing off on his teammates.
Even Alfonso Soriano, who spent most of the season slumping or on the DL, has picked up the pace and brought his OBP up to .304. Not exactly what we're looking for, but he is picking it up and will be up to a normal OBP and average in no time.
They aren't only a hitting team, the pitching staff is doing pretty well too. Carlos Zambrano is pitching out of his mind, at 6-1 with a 2.03 ERA. Ryan Dempster, who came into this season hoping to be in the starting rotation, is 5-1 with a 2.35 ERA.
Carlos Marmol is continuing to thrive in middle relief with an ERA of 1.04, giving the Cubs a good man to help get to Kerry Wood, who has 9 saves in 12 opportunities (not great but definitely not bad) with a 3.74 ERA.
And all these stats and individual performances aren't just for nothing, the Cubs are tied for the most wins in the Majors. (26 wins, tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks)
Their record is 26-16, half a game behind the Diamondbacks, who they swept last weekend, for the best record in MLB.
Could this season be the season that they finally come back and make it all the way to the glory land of a World Series victory?
I think so, and hopefully Chicago agrees with me.
I'm Joe W.
Statistics for this article were found from MLB.com and ChicagoCubs.com
Baltimore Orioles Examiner :: Orioles Take Game One
With an offensive flurry in the bottom of the fifth, the Orioles took their first lead of the game, 5-3, and it would stay that way to the end. Garrett Olson took the win to go to 3-0 on the year in his shakiest outing yet. The youngster gave...Her Rays! :: Game 42 - Rays vs. Cardinals
Sonny steals the show! He can pitch, he can hit, he can bunt, he can run, and he’s cute. 5 tool player. Total package. He pitched eight innings, had two hits and a sac bunt. Not one single walk. His only mistake was a homerun in the 8th, but the Rays won 3-1.  What a strike zone [...]Daily Roto Pickups :: Saturday/Sunday May 17th/May 18th - Bartolo Colon / Garret Anderson
Pitcher - Bartolo Colon (W, K, ERA) Masterson had been expected to battle Colon for this start but after his last start where he allowed 7 runs. I think the team will go with Colon although he is currently throwing 65 pitches a game, but would be around a 80 pitch limit if he gets the start Tues...The Tribe Time Report :: Three Solos Ain't Enough in Cincy
What a rough game. Get no-hit for 5 innings, tie it on three swings, and lose with a walk. Cueto K's Em Till the Sixth: Cueto was in control for five innings. His one rough AB was to Jeremy Sowers surprisingly. Sowers worked 11 pitches, fouling some off and eventually earning the walk. Cueto sat everyone down up until Casey Blake in the 6th inning. Blake blasted one to around centerfield. A pinch hiting Pronk would follo...What's In A Name? More Than You Think
Keep Talking, Hank!
I would first like to clarify that I wrote this article of April 21, but was unable to publish it due to some technical difficulties. I know it's a little late, but here is my first article.
Hank Steinbrenner is the best thing that could have ever happened to Red Sox Nation. Because of this man alone, most of my friends who have been Yankee fans for years have recently been questioning their loyalty to the New York franchise. Almost every week Hank opens that hole in the block resting on top of his shoulders and again parades his ignorance of the game. His most recent comments that suggested one would have to be an idiot to not put Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation were just as laughable as one would expect. If you follow baseball at all you probably know that Joba recently missed a week with the team due to the untimely death of his father. You also probably know that Joba has never started a Major League game in his life. Even when he has pitched this year, it's only been an inning or two. Asking a pitcher who hasn't thrown more than twenty pitches in a game to start giving you five or six good innings a night is akin to asking someone who's been training to run a mile all year to start running five one a week. It's not going to happen. He's either going to completely blow out his shoulder or never even get past the 3rd inning. My guess is probably both.
Good old Hank was also proudly (speculative) disrespecting General Manager, Brian Cashman when he made these comments. I am a Red Sox fan and I certainly don't like Brian Cashman, but unlike Hank, he is actually an established member of the Yankee organization who has earned his job. If you are unaware, Hank woke up one morning and daddy said, "Here Hank, you take these Yankees. Everyone already knows you're a douche bag, but you're my son and I think it's time you get started. Well, good luck." Now Hank gets to spread his ignorance and disrespect for the game of baseball all over the country. Go Red Sox!
Gold Glove and 500 HRs: Both For Boston's Manny Ramirez?
Is there any player in Major League Baseball other than Manny Ramirez who exhibits the fun of the game?
In Wednesday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, Ramirez went back on a sharp line drive by former teammate Kevin Millar and made (in Manny's world) a stellar running catch. Most left fielders would make this catch and quickly turn and fire it to the cutoff man.
But ManRam is not your everyday left fielder.
Ramirez made the running catch and proceeded to run towards the wall, only to high five a Red Sox fan sitting the the stands. It was a classic case of "Manny being Manny". That wasn't the best part of the play, however.
After giving the fan a high five, Ramirez fired the ball to Dustin Pedroia, who relayed the ball to first and doubled up Aubrey Huff. Not your everyday double play.
Manny has been under criticism for his lack-luster defense in left field and his inablity to catch balls that he should. But boy, when ManRam is having fun, everyone is. How many left fielders would give a fan a high five? Manny Ramirez makes this game fun. Disregard his occasional absentmindedness.
Manny Ramirez is one of the best players in the game, and this just goes to show that he has fun doing it. Manny has eclipsed almost every hitting feat imaginable. What left does he have to obtain? A Gold Glove, perhaps?
Manny recently stated that he would like to win one to add to his shelf of hitters' awards. Maybe that's the reason he's hustling now. Whatever the case is, it's great baseball.
Look at the replay from that catch. Look at Mike Lowell and other teammates watching the replay and laughing.
That is what this game is about: having fun and smiling. Manny Ramirez is the cause of that. That is what a major league player is.
Now on to more of a serious topic.
Ramirez is stuck on 498 home runs. Everyone is waiting for Manny to get to that 500 home run mark. It's the mark of Hall of Fame hitters. Eclipsing this plateau will essentially guarantee Manny a spot in Cooperstown.
Now the big question: when will he do it? My guess? It absolutely has to be this week. Look at the opposing pitchers the Red Sox are facing this upcoming week: only one of the six upcoming pitchers has a record above .500.
This is the best chance for Manny to knock a couple over the Green Monster and have the city of Boston go crazy. Expect it to happen later on in the week, possibly against Kansas City on Tuesday or Wednesday. Once Manny reaches this milestone, he'll be the first one since the Mitchell Report to eclipse a hitting mark.
In this steroids era that we live in, this has to be huge. No current Red Sox players were named on the Report, nor have any been accused by Jose Canseco (or anyone else, for that matter). Manny has been smacking home runs ever since his days in Cleveland, and he's been doing it the right way. That makes this feat all the more special.
News
Hamilton puts on clinic in Texas battle
Friday night belonged to Josh Hamilton, who went 5-for-5, knocking in a career-high five runs on two homers, as the Rangers pushed the Astros a game away from claiming the Silver Boot with a convincing 16-8 win.Resilient D-backs rally to down Tigers
Resilient D-backs rally to down TigersMets hold meeting after Wagner's remarks
Mets manager Willie Randolph called a closed-door meeting in response to the latest remarks by closer Billy Wagner, who said Friday he was being critical of the media, not his teammates. With the Mets off to a 20-19 start following last September's collapse, questions about Randolph's future have come up on talk radio and in newspaper columns, although it apparently has not been a topic of debate in the executive suite. Randolph said there's no reason to shield players from the media tumult.A-Rod to play in St. Pete on Saturday
Alex Rodriguez takes another step closer to a return to the Yankees on Saturday, when he plays an extended spring game. He could return to the Bombers as early as Tuesday.Magowan announces retirement
Giants managing general partner and president Peter Magowan will retire at the end of this season, a move he announced Friday afternoon.Sonnanstine leaves Cards in dark
Andy Sonnanstine kept the Rays moving deeper into unchartered waters with his right arm -- and his bat -- by leading a 3-0 Rays win over the Cardinals on Friday night at Busch Stadium.ESPN.com has launched many new baseball widgets that offer scores, stats, and news
Phils' Werth hits 3 HRs, ties club mark with 8 RBIs
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.Prior's shoulder continues to delay Pads debut
Oft-injured pitcher Mark Prior has another shoulder problem that will delay his debut with the San Diego Padres.Hamilton hammers 2 HRs as Astros rout Rangers
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.Braves keep up stellar home mark on Kotsay's hit
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.Screwballs: Thank goodness for Red Cups
Screwballs got into Boston in time to experience the city and get ready for some FOX Saturday Baseball. But something ain't right.Sonnanstine pitches Rays over Cards
Werth belts 3 homers, drives in 8 as Phils roll
Izzy lands on DL with cut hand
The St. Louis Cardinals put struggling closer Jason Isringhausen, who has an 8.00 ERA and six blown saves, on the 15-day disabled list on Friday because of a cut on his pitching hand. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported last weekend that Isringhausen hurt his right hand striking a television set in frustration in manager Tony La Russa's office. Isringhausen was 32-for-34 in save opportunities last year, a season after he missed the team's World Series run because of hip surgery.