Archive for January 2013

Alex Rodriguez has no intentions of retiring.  This news comes after numerous sources had indicated that the third baseman may not be able to play again after the injury.  Of course, most of the conversation has likely been posturing by either side (the Yankees and A-Rod).  Rodriguez is knee-deep in another steroid scandal, and the New York Yankees do not want to pay the remaining $114 million on his contract.

Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports says Rodriguez does not plan to retire.  He plans to work hard and come back from the injury as soon as possible.  This new report comes from sources close to Rodriguez says Brown.  Rodriguez's rebuttal of a potential end to his career is not surprising.  There has yet to be any medical evidence made public (and there may never be any because of privacy laws) that Rodriguez's injury will cause his abilities to diminish to the point where he can no longer play.  Brown quotes sources close to Rodriguez who expect just the opposite, actually.

Although there was no indication early on that the surgery to repair Alex Rodriguez's hip would be career-threatening, that is exactly what sources within the New York Yankees organization are saying. In fact, it would seem that regardless of Rodriguez's rehab and recovery he won't be playing for the Yankees again. And he may not play baseball again if you believe the sources.

According to the New York Daily News, baseball sources are suggesting that Rodriguez's hip is in such bad shape that he may not return to the game. If he were to return it would be in a capacity so diminished that some don't see Rodriguez wanting to even try. With the insurance policy the Yankees have on Rodriguez, the team could essentially have the third baseman paid out and never have to pay him again. That is, if they can prove their claim of permanent disability to the insurance company.

There has been speculation that the New York Yankees will attempt to void third baseman Alex Rodriguez’s remaining contract due to use of performance-enhancing drugs and his hip injury. However, the team knows there is little chance of voiding Rodriguez’s contract, an act termed “unrealistic” by David Waldstein of The New York Times.

The Yankees can dream of getting out from under their staggering financial obligation to Alex Rodriguez, but they know there is little chance of voiding Rodriguez’s contract, even if it is proved that he used performance-enhancing drugs while a member of the team.

The San Diego Padres still have not reached a long-term extension with Chase Headley, but they may have gotten a bargain for this year.  The team and their third baseman slugger have agreed to a one-year contract that will allow the sides to avoid arbitration.  Headley will be getting a nice raise compared to his 2012 salary, but it seems he will make far less than he would have if he had been a free agent after last season.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Padres and Headley have agreed to a one-year, $8.575 million deal.  The contract represents more than a $5 million raise over his 2012 salary, but it falls well short of Headley's request submitted to the arbitrator.  He was looking for $10.3 million.

Headley had a breakout year last season.  After being a decent hitter for most of his career, Headley found his power in 2012.  And he did so mostly in the second half of the seasons.  Headley hit 30 home runs last season, a career-high, and he led the National League in RBI with 115.  Both are tasty numbers for an arbitrator and would likely have netted Headley more than the $8.575 million he settled for.

The team has tabled discussions about a long-term extension for now.  They currently have him under team control through the end of the 2014 season.  Padres' GM Josh Byrnes has continuously said he feels there is no need to rush the extension talks because they are so far away from Headley's free agent year.  Of course, if Headley continues to put up huge numbers, Byrnes may have just allowed Headley to price himself out of the Padres market.
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With the exits of Jason Vargas and Kevin Millwood, the Seattle Mariners are left in need of a “dependable starting pitcher,” according to Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times.

The Mariners now need a No. 3 guy capable of logging close to 200 innings and doing so without embarrassing himself. In other words, doing it without an ERA up near 5.00.

Boston Red Sox outfielder Ryan Kalish underwent successful shoulder surgery yesterday, the team has announced.

Last week, the Texas Rangers indicated they were happy with the current makeup of their team, including their outfield. Following Nelson Cruz’s ties to the south Florida performance-enhancing drug scandal and the potential suspension that could result, Buster Olney of ESPN wonders if the Rangers will now pursue free agent center fielder Michael Bourn.

TEX determined that their OF was mostly for the spring. But in light of Cruz allegation, you wonder if they'll now pursue Michael Bourn.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 30, 2013

 Who is to blame for the nonsensical role American organized sports have taken in our lives?  The American sports fan, that is who.

Forget about the cheating players, the dominating TV executives, the monopolistic team/media owners.  All any of them are trying to do is to capitalize on the set of rules we have set down; to take what we have willingly labeled as rightfully theirs.

The New York Yankees are considering free agent Travis Hafner as a possible left-handed designated hitter, according to David Waldstein of The New York Times.

The Yankees are considering the veteran free agent Travis Hafner as a possible left-handed designated hitter, according to a person familiar with the team’s planning.

Stephen Strasburg was none too happy with his innings limit and eventual shut down last season.  However, the Washington Nationals did not want to take any chances with Strasburg's surgically-reparied right elbow.  He made his last start of the 2012 season on September 7th, and with having an extra month off, he is understandably "champing at the bit."

According to James Wagner of the Washington Post, Strasburg is still upset about the decision to shut him down, but he is trying to move on and focus on 2013.  He's looking forward to pitching without restriction.  Of course, Strasburg is a little stir crazy by now, his offseason has been a month longer than his teammates'.

Asked about his offseason in a telephone interview Monday night, Strasburg’s response was telling: “It’s been a month longer than everybody else. I’m [champing] at the bit.”

Kelly Shoppach has signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners.  Shoppach has stopped off in four Major League cities in his eight-year career, and Seattle will make his fifth.  But the Mariners think he can help soften the blow of losing John Jaso.

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Mariners reached the agreement yesterday.

Kelly shoppach to #mariners
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 29, 2013

Kelly Shoppach gets base salary of $1.5M from #mariners with a chance to make an additional $500,000 in incentives.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 30, 2013

By reaching an agreement with Kevin Jepsen yesterday the Los Angeles Angels officially have no players who will go to an arbitration hearing this year.  This is always a goal for any team's front office and it's an accomplishment to be celebrated.  The team and Jepsen agreed to a $1.181 million deal for one season.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times confirmed the signing.  He later reported that the contract meets right about in the middle of the numbers submitted to the arbitrator by the Angels and Jepsen.  Jepsen was looking for $1.4 million and the Angels offered just under $1 million.

#Angels reliever Kevin Jepsen has avoided arbitration and agreed to contract for $1.181 million.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) January 29, 2013

The New York Mets have been tied to free agent center fielder Michael Bourn throughout the offseason, but they continue to be a longshot to sign him. Still, the team is serious enough to have met with Bourn and his agent, Scott Boras, last week for dinner, according to Joel Sherman of The New York Post.

To that end, general manager Sandy Alderson and assistant GM John Ricco travelled to Houston last week to have dinner with free agent center fielder Michael Bourn and his agent, Scott Boras, The Post has learned.

Andy Pettitte knows Joe Torre well.  Torre is the manager of the World Baseball Classic's Team USA. He asked Pettitte to pitch for the team, but Pettitte declined.  He would rather stay with the New York Yankees during spring training and make sure he is ready to compete.

According to Brian Hoch of MLB.com, Pettitte informed the Yankees yesterday that he would not be pitching in the WBC.  He had expressed interest last season, but now as he pitches one more season after coming back from retirement, Pettitte would rather focus on his club.

The Chicago White Sox continue to be in the market for a left-handed hitter, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com.

White Sox still looking for left-handed bat. Would probably be more of a complementary piece at this point.
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) January 29, 2013

Even after signing free agent right-hander Jair Jurrjens, the Baltimore Orioles continue to pursue left-hander Joe Saunders, according to Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun.

Here’s what I know for sure -- at least heading into Monday: Both sides still want a marriage and are hopeful it will happen, but both have a pretty clear idea of what it will take, and neither side has blinked yet.

The San Diego Padres projected Opening Day starter last year and their 2011 Opening Day starter does not even have a guaranteed roster spot on the 2013 team.  After once again dealing with arm troubles last year, Tim Stauffer underwent surgery.  He is expected to be ready sometime shortly after the season begins.  With that in mind, the Padres re-signed him to a minor league deal.

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the Padres signed Stauffer in addition to the minor league contract we covered yesterday for Freddy Garcia.  The deal will not likely include an invite to Major League camp this spring because it's not clear whether Stauffer will be ready for camp.  He is said to be not too far behind in his normal offseason workout program, but the team will not know his status until he is throwing off a mound.

Boston Red Sox manager John Farrell told reporters, including Alex Speier of WEEI.com, that the team could add a player or two before the start of camp to improve its depth at first base.

"The one area that we probably need to get a feel for is at first base," said manager John Farrell. "We fully expect Napoli to be ready to go, but if a need were to arise at that position, I think we'll probably have some additions before camp opens up in that area, so that there will be protection provided at first base."

It's a long-shot, but after news broke this morning of an alleged PED distribution clinic that serviced big name athletes like Alex Rodrgiuez, Gio Gonzalez, Melky Cabrera, and Nelson Cruz, the New York Yankees may try to find a loop hole that allows them to void the $114 million remaining on Rodriguez's contract.  The probability of this is slim, but it's not surprising that New York is looking for a way out.

Andrew Marchand and Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York covered the story yesterday afternoon.  They say the Yankees will look to explore multiple avenues to void Rodriguez's contract if MLB takes disciplinary action against the third baseman.  Of course, there is a chance that no disciplinary action will be taken as Rodriguez has not failed a drug test.  He has, though, been linked to a clinic that has reportedly been providing him with performance-enhancing drugs.  That may be all the league needs.

 Ed Bouchee spent more time in the Army (1953-54) than he did in a New York Mets uniform, but to the fans of the beloved yet inept 1962 Metsies, he will always be remembered.

Bouchee passed away on January 23 at age 79.  One of only 23 men born in the state of Montana ever to play in the major leagues, Bouchee had a fine rookie season with the 1957 Phillies.  The freshman first baseman played the full 154-game schedule, finishing with 17 homers, a .293 BA, .394 OBP and .870 OPS.  All that garnered him only second place in the Rookie of the Year voting, as he lost out to 19-game winner and teammate Jack Sanford. The Sporting News, however, did name him as their top Rookie.

Los Angeles Times' Mike DiGiovanna reports that RyanMadson, signed this winter with hopes of him claiming the Halo's closer role, may not be ready to make the opening bell.

He came out of the Yankee clubhouse wearing team insignia shorts and a long sleeve tee shirt.  He walked to the main practice field without a limp.  Yankee shortstop and Captain Derek Jeter was back on the field.

After suffering a partial tear of his right ulnar collateral ligament, Scott Atchison missed a large chunk of the 2012 season.  He has worked his way back and has begun throwing again, but he understands he will likely not receive a contract offer from the Boston Red Sox.  Atchison pitched for the Sox for the past three seasons, but after the injury the team is not interested.

According to Evan Drellich of MLB.com, Atchison will likely get a minor league contract offer with some team.  Atchison says he is in the process of working out a contract with an undisclosed team.  He didn't want to reveal the team until things were finalized, but he is making his signing decision based on the probability of making a Major League roster out of spring training.

"We're pretty close. We're not completely final yet, but I pretty much have a deal, I prefer not to say who right now because it's nothing final, but we're not really out there any more I guess for the most part, unless something fell apart here in the next day, which I don't foresee," he said.

Last Fall, word came out that Cole Hamels had battled offseason shoulder problem.  This, of course, caused panic in Phillies nation, but the 29-year old lefty assured everyone yesterday that he was fine.  He is not concerned about the shoulder at all and downplayed the severity of the issue.

Hamels said yesterday that he wasn't sure anything actually happened to his shoulder, says Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.  The Phillies GM Ruben Amaro had indicated earlier in the month that there had been a problem with Hamels shoulder, but Hamels says he is ready for spring training.

"I don't know of anything that happened," he insisted. "I've been healthy. That's the last thing on my list. ... I haven't felt anything of that sort. That's the honest truth. I don't know. I wasn't the one that started it. I know I feel good and I'm ready to go. That's all I can really answer. That's kind of where it is. Same program, ready for Spring Training and finally getting out of the cold. That will be a lot nicer. I'm very excited."

When the New York Yankees traded for Michael Pineda, they thought they had their pitcher of the future.  That still may be the case, but Pineda has yet to throw a pitch for the Yankees.  He missed the entire 2012 season with a labral tear of his shoulder.  He underwent surgery last May, and there was concern he could miss the entire 2013 season as well.  However, Pineda is set to reach a major milestone today which means he should be pitching sometime this season.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Pineda is set to throw off a half mound today at the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, Florida.  The move from throwing from flat ground to a hill is a big one.  It's a step in the right direction and indication that Pineda could be pitching by mid-season.  In fact, Hoch says Yankees' GM Brian Cashman expects Pineda to take the mound for the team in June or July.

The New York Mets are continuing negotiations with free agent outfielder Michael Bourn, according to Mike Puma of The New York Post. However, Bourn is still seeking a five-year commitment, an offer the Mets are unwilling to extend at this point.

Latest on Michael Bourn negotiations: He wants at least five years, and Mets aren't willing to go there.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) January 28, 2013

The Oakland Athletics are considering signing left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima, according to Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle.

Multiple sources told The Chronicle that the A's are considering signing former Red Sox left-hander Hideki Okajima.

The Minnesota Twins are hoping to sign free agent left-hander Joe Saunders to a one-year contract, and they are currently waiting to hear back from the veteran’s agent, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN.

A team source said on Friday the Twins are waiting to hear back from left-hander Joe Saunders' agent, Greg Genske.

Carl Pavano has more to think about than a free agent contract.  He suffered a surprisingly severe injury recently when he fell in Vermont.  As we discussed on Friday, Pavano suffered a ruptured spleen when he fell shoveling snow.  What we did not know at the time was the severity of the injury.

According to an Associated Press report, Pavano's injury was very serious considering the fact that he wasn't even aware that he had been injured.  Pavano did not realize the injury until a few days later during workouts.  His agent, David Pepe, said the Pavano lost a lot of blood.

"He felt bad enough that he went to the hospital and he ended up getting admitted, and they realized he had a lacerated spleen," Pepe said. "They tried to control the bleeding. They did all they could to not take it out and, unfortunately, he didn't stop bleeding and he's been in the hospital since."

The Milwaukee Brewers are talking to free agent first baseman Lyle Overbay about a potential minor league contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

#Brewers talking to free-agent 1B Overbay about minor-league deal. Gamel will be regular 1B with Hart out. Overbay played in MIL 2004-05.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 28, 2013

The San Diego Padres are bringing in reinforcements.  After the 2012 season saw the team lose virtually their entire starting rotation and much of their bullpen to injuries, the Padres have signed a veteran work horse.  San Diego and Freddy Garcia have a agreed to a minor league contract with an invite to Major League camp.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the deal allows Garcia a solid opportunity at making the Padres's roster.

Freddy Garcia has agreed to minor league deal with #padres, source says. Chance to compete for a rotation spot.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) January 28, 2013

Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano remains on the trade block, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, and right-hander Matt Garza could join him once he regains his health, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.

Focus on Garza is get him healthy and in our rotation.that could change because not signed past this year and we need to collect talent #SXM
— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) January 27, 2013

The New York Yankees saw a lot of change this offseason.  One of the biggest changes is who will be catching games for them in 2013.  Russell Martin left via free agency and signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Now, the Yankees will have to rely on Austin Romine.

Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York broke down the top reasons why Martin would be missed in New York.  Specifically, his toughness will be difficult to replace.  Martin is also a very good defensive catcher who has a game plan in mind while calling games.

Matt Garza missed most of the second half of the season with a stress reaction in his elbow.  He was shut down as a precaution which also shut down his trade possibilities.  It seems pretty clear that Garza will be traded at some point this season, but for now the Chicago Cubs are looking to make sure he is healthy and get him back on a mound.

According to Jim Bowden of Sirius/XM Radio and ESPN, the Cubs may be focused on getting Garza back to pitching now, but that could change as they realize time is running out.

In heartbreaking news from New York, the five-month old daughter of New York Mets' catcher Landon Powell has died.  She was battling an immune disorder and it wasn't clear if she would be able to fight through her problems.  Over the weekend she passed away.

According to Newsday, Izzy Powell had an immune disease that attacked her liver.  The family confirmed over the weekend that she had passed after fighting the whole time.  On the family's Facebook page they wrote:

"Her life served a great purpose in her short 5 months on this earth."

The Boston Red Sox had been tied to free agent Bobby Abreu as a potential backup option at first base and in the outfield, but the team is now unlikely to pursue the veteran for such a role, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe.

Abreu wants to stay in baseball, and the Red Sox were among the teams that tried him out. But I was told the Red Sox are unlikely to pursue him as that backup first baseman/outfielder they’re looking for.

 “I’m doing all my regular baseball activities.”  “It looks like a normal January for me.”

These were the words of Dodger catcher A.J. Ellis according to Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. Times.
Ellis, 31, established himself as Los Angeles' starting catcher last season.  Ellis led all National League catchers in double plays turned, while finishing second in assists and runners caught stealing. However, immediately after the season ended, he underwent surgery to clean up tears in the medial and lateral meniscus' in his left knee, a problem that hadn't been disclosed during the season.

As slugger Corey Hart recovers from right knee surgery that is expected to sideline him for the start of the regular season, the Milwaukee Brewers continue to look to bring a first baseman into camp to offer in-house replacement candidate Mat Gamel competition, according to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

“There’s still the possibility that Doug [Melvin, the Brewers' general manger] is talking to some guys right now [and] we get somebody else into camp.”

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Don Mattingly recently spoke to free agent third baseman Scott Rolen about joining his team for the 2013 season, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Manager Don Mattingly said he spoke to free-agent third baseman Scott Rolen about playing for the Dodgers, although Rolen hasn't revealed if he's interested in playing anywhere in 2013.

Even after signing free agents Luke Scott and Kyle Farnsworth last week, the Tampa Bay Ray are still “on the lookout for help,” according to Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times. Topkin notes that the Rays are likely to be seeking another bat and/or bullpen arm.

"I'm doing well," Jansen said. "This is going to take care of it, no more problems. Put it in God's hands now."

For much of the second half of the 2012 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers and fans focused on Clayton Kershaw's ailing hip.  There was initially some concern that he would have to undergo surgery, but after seeing doctors, it was determined that the Dodgers' ace couldn't do any damage to the hip by pitching.  So that's what he did, and now as the 2013 season approaches, there appears to be no problem with his hip.

According to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, Kershaw has not had any issues with his right hip all winter long.  He should be ready to go during spring training and back to playing without pain when the season begins.

"It was never a problem for me," said Kershaw when asked about the hip and his offseason.

Jordan Zimmermann, who just completed his first full, non-innings-limit-shortened, season with the Washington Nationals since undergoing Tommy John surgery is looking to get a long-term extension in place.  First, though, he wants to resolve his upcoming arbitration without the hearing preferably.

Amanda Comak of the Washington Times says negotiations between the team and Zimmermann are ongoing.  Mark Zuckerman of CSN Washington says Zimmermann is first looking to get arbitration taken care of.

#nats Mike Rizzo reiterated that they are still in ongoing negotiations w/Jordan Zimmermann. Hopeful theyll come to terms before arb hearing
— Amanda Comak (@acomak) January 26, 2013

Not long ago, the rumors began to swirl about a possible four-year contract extension for Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez.  After his dominating performances over the last few seasons, it would make sense for the Mariners to try to lock him up for as long as possible.  However, Hernandez may not be interested in such an extension.

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says Hernandez is looking for more year.  Rather than the rumored four-year deal, King Felix is looking for a six-year extension.  Heyman says there are no serious talks regarding a contract extension right now for that very reason.  The Mariners may not be ready to invest six years.  But they should be.

The cortisone injections into his shoulder definitely helped.  This much is clear when you realize Danny Espinosa played with a torn rotator cuff for the final few weeks of the 2012 season.  Espinosa revealed the news during the Washington Nationals' Fan Fest yesterday.

According to Eric Detweiler of the Washington Post, Espinosa would not have played through the pain if he knew about the extent of the injury.  However, it was initially diagnosed as a shoulder bruise.  The tear was not revealed until after the season when Espinosa went for a second opinion.

It is TwinsFest weekend at the old Metrodome, where fans get the chance to see and buy all sorts of memorabilia, test their baseball skills, and actually meet some of their on-field heroes.  Approximately 60 former and current Twins are scheduled to appear during the three-day gathering.  Justin Morneau is there hoping to be looked upon as a current and future Twins star, not a relic.

This is a guest post by reader Raymond Bureau. If you are interested in contributing a guest post and having your work featured on MLB Injury News email blaine@mlbinjurynews.com.