Archive for December 2012

The Milwaukee Brewers have one lock in their starting rotation, Yovani Gallardo. Last season, Chris Narveson would have - and was - considered a lock. Unfortunately, he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after just two starts in 2012. But he'll be back and ready to compete for a job in 2013.
According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Narveson will compete for one of the four starting pitching slots behind Gallardo. He will likely earn one of them, but it should be a good contest as long as he is fully healthy.

Lance Berkman is still a free agent.  However, he may choose to retire.  Berkman made it known as the 2012 season was winding down that he may call it quits, but as the offseason opened up, he decided to test the market.  He previously said that he would return for the right deal.  That deal will not be with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Early on, the Cardinals were keeping an open line of communication in case they could (and wanted to) bring Berkman back.  However, now neither side has much interest says Jennifer Langosch of MLB.com.

Free agent pitcher Brett Myers has been the source of plenty of rumors, but he still hasn't signed.  He has been an effective enough pitcher to command attention, so he should have no trouble finding a team - if he understands his value.  However, it seems Myers doesn't and is asking for too much money.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, Myers is hurting himself with his demands.  Plenty of teams want him, but they do not want to overpay.

While the Boston Red Sox have been tied to free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche as a fallback option for Mike Napoli, the team doesn’t really want to surrender the draft pick it would take to sign the slugger, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

Matt Carpenter had a breakout season of sorts in 2012.  He filled in where he could and performed above expectations.  Carpenter, though, has been limited to an injury replacement and platoon role.  He has been further limited by the position he played naturally - third base.  Now, Carpenter is learning to play second base.

Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Carpenter has begun training to learn second base to open his options with the Cardinals.  Carpenter saw a lot of playing time during season when regulars went down to injury.  He famously stepped in during the NLDS and performed admirably when Carlos Beltran was hurt.  Now, he wants to play everyday.

The Atlanta Braves are not expected to pursue free agent outfielder Delmon Young to fill their vacancy in left field, reports Dave O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

For a reason(s) "@oobeau78: @ajcbraves what you think about delmon young for a year in left. No one else seems to want him."
— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) December 30, 2012

While the Miami Marlins are currently in no rush to trade slugger Giancarlo Stanton, “it is appearing more inevitable” that the outfielder will be traded sometime before he reaches free agency, reports Joe Frisaro of MLB.com.

It is appearing more inevitable that sometime before he reaches free agency that Stanton will be moved, because the Marlins are reloading their roster, and will look to add as many quality pieces in the next few years.

Mike Adams helped the San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers fortify their bullpens in recent years. Now, the Philadelphia Phillies hope Adams can recapture some of that dominance despite coming back from injury.  Toward the end of the 2012 season, Adams began suffering weakness in his throwing arm and was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

I spoke with Dr. Ray Solano about Adams' injury and the outlook we should realistically expect for him in 2013.

The Philadelphia Phillies struggled last season for many reasons, one of which was injuries.  Injuries to pitchers like Roy Halladay devastated the team.  Halladay pitched in only 25 games last season and did not look like the same dominant pitcher he had been since his days with the Toronto Blue Jays.  He came back from shoulder and back problems, but there has been real concern about his durability next season.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com answered Phillies' fan questions including an update on Halladay's status.  Zolecki says the Phillies' GM, Ruben Amaro Jr., addressed Halladay's health recently.  He said Halladay has thrown long toss and is scheduled to throw off a mound soon.

For the last few months, the Miami Marlins have been insistent on the fact that Giancarlo Stanton would not be available.  He is under team control through 2017, so the Marlins can expect to afford him for the next few seasons.  However, since their fire sale began, there has been increasing interest in Stanton.  Now, the Marlins may be changing their tune a bit.

According to ESPN's Jim Bowden, the Marlins are willing to listen to offers on Stanton, but they are not actively shopping him.

Dan Jennings Marlins AGM told us they will listen to all offers on Giancarlo Stanton but they're not shopping him and don't want to move him
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) December 30, 2012

During the Winter Meetings, the Baltimore Orioles told media that Tsuyoshi Wada was ahead of schedule in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.  Wada underwent the surgery in May.  As long as all goes well with his rehab, he is expected back somewhere around May of next year.  And it seems, all is going well for Wada.

Roch Kubatko of MASN reported yesterday that he was told at the Winter Meetings of Wada's progress.  To be ahead of schedule in recovery from Tommy John surgery is great news.  It's not the type of procedure that players will rush back from, but with Wada's progress, he can be expected to return on the early end of the projected recovery timetable.  In years past, the recovery time has been 12-18 months.  Now, it is out of the norm if a player takes longer than 12 months.

As has been the case with many players this offseason, Michael Young is choosing to skip the World Baseball Classic and focus on being healthy for the start of the 2013 season.  The WBC is heald every four years and matches the best of the world's players against each other while they represent their home country (or country of family origin).  This year, unlike the previous two Classics will have fewer stars.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN Young wants to focus on his new team and spend the entire spring with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Michael Young isn't playing in WBC either -- for Team USA or Mexico. He wants to spend entire spring in #phillies camp.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 29, 2012

Dillon Gee underwent surgery this offseason to remove a blood clot in his throwing shoulder.  The clot had been limiting oxygen flow through his blood stream and made it far more difficult for him to recover after the rigors of pitching a full season.  Now the New York Mets pitcher feels better than he ever has during the first parts of his offseason throwing program.

In an interview with Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News, Gee said the surgery has made it so that he is able to recover much quicker after throwing.  He would usually get sore and feel awkward at this point in his offseason throwing program.  Now, he has better blood flow and is throwing better.

The Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks should pair up for a trade that would center on slugger Justin Upton, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.

In order to put them over the top in the American League East, the Toronto Blue Jays should sign closer Rafael Soriano to a one-year deal, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.

Soriano's market has fallen and he might be willing to take a one-year “pillow” deal -- a phrase coined by Scott Boras -- at approximately $14 million. To put Soriano in the ninth inning and move Casey Jansenn and Sergio Santos to the seventh and eighth innings would give the Blue Jays one of the best and deepest bullpens in the league.

Though he’s yet to receive an offer this winter, free agent second baseman Freddy Sanchez has received interest from several teams the veteran’s agent told Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The market is thin. Former All-Star Freddy Sanchez, who has not played since 2011 because of injuries, is available. He has received interest from teams but no offers. Matt Sosnick, his representative, said Sanchez is healthy and looking for plate appearances to re-prove his worth.

Right-hander Ugueth Urbina, who was recently released from prison after serving seven years for attempted murder, is hoping to make a return to Major League Baseball, reports Reyes Urena of El Nacional (translated by MLB Trade Rumors).

"The objective is to pitch," said Urbina. "When? My arm will say, and that's why I'm here. I'll work out two times a day if it's necessary, but my primary goal is to suit up with the Lions. After that, we'll know if any doors open to me up north (in MLB), which is what I want. I know that right now my mechanics aren't very good, but my arm is healthy. I only have to work on the details."

While free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche is in talks with “multiple opposing clubs,” the slugger is still maintaining that his preference is re-signing with the Washington Nationals, according to Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post.

The Baltimore Orioles remain in the market for a veteran starting pitcher, and they continue to be in contact with free agent left-hander Joe Saunders, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. Kubatko adds that while there’ve been rumors to the contrary, the Orioles are not interested in free agent right-hander Kyle Lohse.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette remains in contact with left-hander Joe Saunders’ agent. Some members of the national media keep trying to link the Orioles to Kyle Lohse, but they don't give out big contracts to free-agent pitchers and they'd rather hold onto their first-round pick.

Shortly before losing the 2012 World Series to the San Francisco Giants, the Detroit Tigers suffered the loss of second baseman Omar Infante to a broken hand.  Infante was struck by a pitch on his left hand while batting in the bottom half of the ninth inning during Game 4 of the Series.  He was replaced by Danny Worth, but an inning later, the game and the Series ended with a Giants sweep.

MLB.com reports that CC Sabathia, the American Leagues' 2007 Cy Young Award Winner and current New York Yankee ace, is due to start throwing again following his October elbow surgery.

Though former closer Brian Wilson is not close to signing, there has been a lot of interest in the right-hander, reports Scott Miller of CBS Sports.

Lots of interest in Brian Wilson, source says. He's still not close to signing but has narrowed list from 9 or 10 teams to 5 or so
— Scott Miller (@ScottMCBS) December 28, 2012

While the New York Mets have expressed interest in Oakland Athletics outfielder Coco Crisp, there is a sense that the A’s will hang onto the veteran, reports Ken Davidoff of The New York Post. Beyond Crisp, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports adds that the Mets are also in the market for bullpen help.

#Mets had some interest in OF Coco Crisp, but sense is that #Athletics will keep him.
— Ken Davidoff (@KenDavidoff) December 21, 2012

#mets are scouring relief market. plenty of good options left, including ones who can close. (i.e. valverde, krod, capps)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 28, 2012

While the San Diego Padres are no closer to signing a starting pitcher at this point, the club is apparently talking to free agents Joe Saunders and Brett Myers, according to Bill Center of the Union-Times San Diego.

No closer to signing a pitcher. The Padres are apparently talking to free agents Joe Saunders and Brett Myers. The Tigers could be losing interest in trading Rick Porcello.

While there is still “no real evidence” that the Los Angeles Dodgers are shopping or making available outfielder Andre Ethier, the Seattle Mariners are one team that could have interest, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

still no real evidence andre ethier is being shopped, or even available. but #mariners are 1 team that could have interest.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 28, 2012

Even after adding several pitchers this offseason to help fill out their starting rotation, the Minnesota Twins may not be done adding arms, reports La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune.

With Mike Gonzalez signing with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Washington Nationals are left to wonder where their bullpen stands.  They have just two lefties for the 'pen on the roster right now, Zach Duke and Bill Bray.  Both pitched in the minors last years.  Now, Washington must search for some reinforcements.  One such option may be J.P. Howell.

According to Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington, the Nationals have already expressed interest in Howell, but they may look to pick up someone via trade.  Howell is currently a free agent.

Former Major League reliever Takashi Saito will be pitching back in his home country next season.  The 42-year old probably could have found work in the Majors, but he decided to go back to Japan.  He played for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season.

According to NPB Tracker, Saito's deal with Tahoko Rakuten wil officially be announced as early as today.  He is to make about $350,000 (US).  The deal is not official, but NPB Tracker source numerous Japanese outlets.

Injuries take you out of the game for a short period.  Retirement takes you out for all time.  Hideki Matsui, former New York Yankees slugger, plans to announce his retirement from Major League Baseball.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, among others, Matsui will make the announcement today.

Matsui plans to make the retirement announcement today. sankei sports 1st reported.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 27, 2012

Mike Gonzalez has seen a decline in his productivty in recent years.  That's probably part of why he did not get a longer deal this offseason.  However, Gonzalez did get a deal.  According to sources, he has signed with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports the deal to be a one-year contract.

Source: #Brewers agree with Mike Gonzalez.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 28, 2012

Gonzalez deal with #Brewers is for 1 year.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 28, 2012

At least one other team has been in communication with slugger Mike Napoli, who remains a free agent as negotiations with the Boston Red Sox have hit a snag, reports Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.

According to multiple baseball sources, at least one team has been in communication with Mike Napoli's representatives regarding the free agent infielder's status since negotiations with the Red Sox hit a snag. According to one source, it is believed no contract offer has been extended by a team other than the Sox since the early December agreement with Boston.

The Seattle Mariners have missed out on several targets this offseason, but they remain “wide open” to making other moves, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal adds that in a perfect world the Mariners would acquire a leadoff hitter and a middle-of-the-order bat.

#Mariners' Jack Z says team "wide open" to making other moves. Perfect world: Would like to get leadoff man, middle-of-the-order bat.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 27, 2012

Following the Arizona Diamondbacks surprise signing of free agent Cody Ross, outfielders Justin Upton and Jason Kubel are back on the trading block and “someone will go,” a source tells Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

They will surely be entertaining offers, and as one person familiar with their thinking put it, flat out, "Someone will go.''

Even after reaching an agreement with free agent Matt Diaz, the New York Yankees still have interest in signing another outfielder and are continuing to target Scott Hairston, according to Kevin Kernan of The New York Post.

The Yankees still have an interest in signing another outfielder and remain interested in Scott Hairston.

Negotiations between Mike Napoli and the Boston Red Sox have drawn out for 24 days, reportedly due to injury concerns over the slugger’s hip. While Boston would prefer to complete their agreement and sign Napoli as their primary first baseman, the team is talking to free agent Adam LaRoche as a fallback option of sorts, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Even after the signing of free agent Matt Diaz, the New York Yankees are probably still in the market for a right-handed bat, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Matt Diaz to #Yankees on minor-league deal, according to @feinsandnydn. Seriously doubt search for RHH OFer ends there.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 26, 2012

The Boston Red Sox officially announced their acquisition of Joel Hanrahan yesterday and named the veteran as their closer entering the 2013 season. Boston acquired Andrew Bailey last offseason, a player they expected to be their closer of the future. It’s now unclear what the future holds for Bailey, who will enter spring as the Red Sox setup man to Hanrahan, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

#redsox wise to remake pen. andrew bailey, i think, will make a fine set-up man. plan to have hanrahan close makes sense
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 26, 2012

At today’s press conference introducing recently-signed free agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski, Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels told reporters, including Anthony Andro of MLB.com, that there’s a “decent chance” the team will look to add another bat.

Rangers GM Jon Daniels on whether team adds another bat... It's a decent chance we'll look to add somebody.
— Anthony Andro (@aandro) December 26, 2012

The Kansas City Royals didn't want him back, and most people think Yuniesky Betancourt will get a minor league deal at best, but his agent says otherwise. Betancourt and his agent believe the 30-year old will find a Major League gig soon.

According to comments made by Betancourt's agent, Alex Esteban, to MLB Trade Rumors, Betancourt is drawing a lot of interest.

Former All-Star center fielder Andruw Jones was arrested early on Christmas morning on a battery charge, reports The Associated Press.