http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqccZD6VpySHGJid998BCLQRvLYF?slug=ap-ueckerstalker&prov=ap&type=lgns


Uecker files restraining order against womanBy EMILY FREDRIX, Associated Press Writer


AP - Jun 4, 5:35 pm EDT
More Photos
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Hall of Fame announcer Bob Uecker filed a restraining order against a woman he contends has been harassing him for years and last week confronted him at a hotel pool over his refusal to assist her charity work.
A hearing is scheduled June 15, according to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Web site. Uecker, the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers for more than 35 years, filed a harassment injunction against Ann E. Ladd on Thursday, as first reported by the investigative Web site The Smoking Gun.
In court filings, the 71-year-old former player said Ladd has been bothering him for six or seven years by sending unsolicited gifts, driving around his home in Wisconsin and contacting with him in various cities.
"In the past year, however, Ladd's pattern of harassment has escalated in frequency and intensity, and has resulted in repeated and serious invasions of my personal privacy," he said.
A message left at Ladd's home on Sunday was not immediately returned. Uecker was announcing the Brewers' game against Washington and was unavailable for comment.

He said the 45-year-old woman from Prospect Heights, Ill., recently approached him on what she said was a charity project involving a manuscript about him.
She persisted, and he said he asked her to leave him alone. The next night at the stadium, Uecker said members of Major League Baseball security and the Pittsburgh police told her not to contact him. She said she didn't realize there was a problem and would stop.
In April, Uecker said Ladd appeared at his autograph session in Milwaukee. She eventually was led away by Miller Park security, documents said. Several weeks later, she accused Uecker in a letter of having a "sneering dislike towards me."
"Both in your broadcast position and somewhat ambassador role, you interact publicly with many people, yet disdainfully I am met with your recurrent coldness," the letter said.
Uecker contends she has made reservations at hotels he has previously used when the Brewers travel to Texas, Chicago and Pittsburgh in the coming months. Uecker won a World Series ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 and played in Philadelphia and Atlanta before retiring in 1967. He starred in commercials and the television sitcom "Mr. Belvedere."

Everyone who watched baseball in the late 80s/90s has to remember this guy:
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/baseball/mlb/06/05/gregg.stroke.ap/Gregg.jpg


Former umpire Eric Gregg fighting for his life after strokeBy DAN GELSTON, AP Sports Writer


PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Former major league umpire Eric Gregg was fighting for his life Monday, a day after a stroke that left him with little hope of any significant recovery, his son said.
"I think we're running out of time right now," Kevin Gregg said.
The 55-year-old Gregg, who spent his career trying to overcome weight problems that saw him reach almost 400 pounds, was in critical condition at Lankenau Hospital.
"Physically, his body is with us. The brain is almost gone," Gregg said. "The damage to the brain is so severe, we're just waiting to see how long he can fight. We're still waiting to see if it's two hours or two days.
"The family has come to grips that we're going to lose this one eventually."
Gregg said his father complained to family members on Sunday morning at his home in Ardmore, Pa., that he couldn't feel anything on his left side.
Gregg was among 22 umpires who lost their jobs in 1999 when their labor plan of mass resignations backfired. Recognized for his large frame and large strike zone, he worked the 1989 World Series, four championship series, two division series and one All-Star game.
In early March, the former umpire had his right knee replaced. Kevin Gregg said his father was taking blood thinners to prevent clots.
With his wide smile, gregarious personality, and lively stories from his days in the majors, Gregg remained a popular fixture in town. He worked at the popular sports bar Chickie's and Pete's in northeast Philadelphia as a jack-of-all trades bartender, host, or waiter and also poured beers at their concessions stand at Citizens Bank Park.
Manager Michael Herron saw Gregg on Saturday night, and said the former ump was looking and feeling great. Herron said Gregg had lost some weight because of the knee rehabilitation, had changed his diet (from chicken cutlets to grilled chicken) and had stopped drinking.
"He looked a good as I've seen him," Herron said. "He always talked about how he was rehabbing and things were great. He was doing well."
Gregg also was a longtime commissioner of Wing Bowl, a decadent binge-eating event.
Gregg called his first game in 1975 and became a member of the NL staff in 1978. He was left jobless after union head Richie Phillips called for mass resignations as a way of forcing an early start to contract negotiations.
In December 2004, Gregg and five other umpires whose resignations were accepted in 1999 received severance pay and health benefits for themselves and their families. Gregg received $400,000 under the deal.
The 6-foot-3 Gregg, once fined $5,000 for failing to report at 300 pounds, was widely criticized for having a wide strike zone as Florida's Livan Hernandez struck out a record 15 in Game 5 of the 1997 NL championship series against Atlanta. In 1996, shortly after his friend and fellow umpire John McSherry died, Gregg entered a weight-loss program at Duke University. By adjusting his diet and exercise program, he lost 100 pounds from his former frame of nearly 400. "We feel very blessed that he's been able to do what he did in his career and his life," Kevin Gregg said.


http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=As0ODhCuKILepeN2O7hwy3kRvLYF?slug=ap-gregg-stroke&prov=ap&type=lgns

Sad sad news

Apparently the Mariners #1 pick was injured while picking up the phone. The Mariners were on the other end letting him know they were going to pick him 5th. He'll need TJ.

What?

Tommy John's surgery.

It's the biggest surgery a pitcher can have.

I know what TJ meant. I'm asking about the story. Injured answering the phone to see who drafted him? Is that just shit you made up or the real reason?

NM, just saw this http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/thiel/273042_thiel07.html


Picking up a phone to answer a call from the Seattle Mariners, highly regarded pitcher Brandon Morrow suffered an injury to his pitching elbow Tuesday that may have to be repaired by "Tommy John" ligament replacement surgery.

"I don't know what happened," said a distraught Morrow, a right-hander from the University of California. "I just reached for the phone on the table and all of a sudden I had this sharp pain. I heard a little pop. Honestly, I didn't do anything unusual."

I told your sucka ass that it was true.

Sheffield to have surgery; out until at least September

Yankees right fielder Gary Sheffield will undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist but is not expected to miss the rest of the season, general manager Brian Cashman said on Thursday.

Sheffield originally hurt the wrist when he collided at first base with Shea Hillenbrand of the Toronto Blue Jays on April 29. He missed three games, returned for two games and then went on the disabled list May 9 with a contusion and sprain of the wrist and missed 16 games.

He returned on May 23, made five starts as a designated hitter and then returned to right field on May 29. Two days later, he went back on the DL with the ligament tear.

"I am told it's not a season-ending injury," Cashman said before the Yankees played Boston. "He experienced worse pain after he tried to come back. Surgery is being recommended. It wasn't an option earlier."

The Yankees are already without left fielder Hideki Matsui, who had surgery on a broken left wrist after injuring himself diving for a ball hit by Boston's Mark Loretta on May 11.

Manager Joe Torre learned about Sheffield's surgery two hours before Thursday night's game against Boston.

"Sheff's in great shape," he said. "It's all about how quickly he can heal. I knew the possibility of surgery existed so it doesn't surprise me. What I get from this, there doesn't seem to be any doubt that he'll be fine."

With Matsui and Sheffield sidelined, the Yankees have used rookie Melky Cabrera and veteran Bernie Williams to replace them. Cabrera made a game-saving catch, robbing Manny Ramirez of an eighth-inning home run on Tuesday.

"Right now, we're a little thin," Torre said. "We're going out every day and finding a way to win. We've been pretty fortunate lately."

Sheffield's surgery comes with him five runs batted in away from 1,500 for his career. He would be the 44th player in major-league history to reach that plateau. This season, he was batting .309 with four homers and 19 RBI in 30 games.

Shortstop Derek Jeter missed his third consecutive game Thursday night because of a sore right thumb after being hit by a pitch by Baltimore's Rodrigo Lopez on Sunday.

"He's better," Torre said. "He says it's feeling better. As long as he's getting better, that's the important thing. We'll get him back whether it's tomorrow or the next day. Whenever it is, we'll get him back."
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2475897

Unarguably the best Yankees hitter is out for basically the season? That's great news for the rest of the AL East and wild card contenders(like us).

MLB slaps Grimsley with 50-game suspension

Embattled pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball on Monday, less than a week after federal agents raided his home during an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs.

Commissioner Bud Selig's office suspended Grimsley for violating baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.

"I think he earned it," Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. "I think it sends a message and an appropriate message.

"He violated the agreement. Obviously MLB feels that he did. That's Bud's decision and I think it's the right decision and I applaud him for it," he said.

The Diamondbacks released the reliever last Wednesday -- they don't intend to pay him, either -- and his agent said he did not expect Grimsley to pitch again. If Grimsley returns, the penalty would take effect when he's placed on a 40-man roster.

"Nothing's changed," agent Joe Bick said Monday.

Last Tuesday, 13 agents searched Grimsley's Arizona home following his admission he had used HGH, steroids and amphetamines.

According to court documents, authorities tracked a package containing two "kits" of HGH -- about a season's worth -- that was delivered at Grimsley's house on April 19. He failed a baseball drug test in 2003, documents showed.

Acting on those documents, MLB suspended him for his alleged possession, admitted use and intended use of HGH. Baseball toughened its drug program and penalties this season, but there is no test for HGH.

"He's retired. It's a moot point," Detroit Tigers closer Todd Jones said. "He didn't test positive, but because he said he did, they're going to suspend him?

"It's kind of like giving a speeding ticket to a guy that got killed in a car wreck," he said.

The 38-year-old Grimsley was 1-2 with a 4.88 ERA in 19 games as a long reliever this season, his first with Arizona.

"The suspension will become effective only if Jason chooses to continue his playing career," said Michael Weiner, general counsel to the union. "The association will confer with Jason as to whether, under the circumstances, he wishes to grieve the suspension."

Grimsley and the Diamondbacks are currently in a dispute over payment of the remainder of his $825,000 salary.

Grimsley asked for his release last week and Arizona granted it. At the time, Bick said there had been no negotiation about money and added, "Released players get paid."

But the team later said it did not intend to pay him the rest and filed a notice of termination Monday.

"This guy did no less than steal from us," Kendrick said Saturday night.

Bick responded by saying Grimsley would contest the Diamondbacks' decision, and Weiner said the union would soon file a grievance.

"The Diamondbacks' release of Jason is a clear violation of the Basic Agreement," Weiner said.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2481144

Kind of silly if you ask me.

He's not with an MLB team and I doubt a team would ever sign him.

Rookie doesn't hit Blalock; demoted next day

White Sox rookie pitcher Sean Tracey got into hot water with his manager Ozzie Guillen -- for getting an out.

Tracey was summoned to start the seventh inning and got Hank Blalock to ground out, but getting an out might not have been the reason Tracey was brought into the game. White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was hit by two pitches in the game and a source told the Chicago Sun-Times that Tracey was told to hit Blalock as retaliation. Tracey threw two inside pitches to Blalock before getting him to ground out.

After getting the out, Tracey was removed from the game. Guillen slammed a water bottle to the ground when Blalock grounded out and the manager then brought Agustin Montero in to pitch. Guillen was then seen in the dugout barking at Tracey, who pulled the collar of his jersey over his head.

Guillen didn't address why he screamed at Tracey and had a different explanation why he took the rookie out of the game.

"I tried to get Montero ready [to face Blalock] and wasn't able to. It was a little late," Guillen explained. "It was my mistake. I didn't get him up quick enough. I didn't want Tracey in that situation."

Tracey refused comment.

"Ozzie went nuts," one source told the Sun-Times.

Tracey was demoted to Triple-A on Thursday after the White Sox acquired reliever David Riske from the Red Sox in exchange for minor league reliever Javier Lopez.

Pierzynski was hit by pitches his first two at-bats, prompting home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi to issue warnings to both benches in the fourth.

"I don't know what the deal was. He had pretty good control and then he runs two first pitches in on me," Pierzynski said. `Why did he do it? You're going to have to ask him. I faced him maybe two times in the National League."

Vicente Padilla didn't comment after the game.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2485365

What Guillen did doesn't suprise me but how the fuck can the team management send him down because of this incident?

Ozzie Guillen is fucking nuts.

In other news, Steve Finley became the 2nd player this year to record 300 homers and 300 stolen bases. Reggie Sanders was the 1st. Pretty impressive. HOF worthy?

No way are either of those guys hall of famers. They've both been very good for a long period of time, but never, ever great.

Jason Johnson was released by Cleveland. bwahahahaha

Jason Johnson was released by Cleveland. bwahahahaha

And promptly picked up by the Red Sox. Interesting move. I'm not sure I would put him on the mound in Fenway. While he's been better at getting ground balls instead of fly balls this year, it wouldn't take much for him to snap into long ball mode in that box.

Best play in baseball history happened last night:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=408234

Click on "unusual single" when you get there. lol

Thanks Arch, I was looking for this earlier.

No problem. I'm digging the wiggle in your sig. :)

That takes guts, I love it! I'm surprised Bonds never did it.

No wonder.... Here is what some St Louis fans think of the White Soxs

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/7AE552C9F6A6C9CB86257196004297D0?OpenDocument


Was camera tipping off White Sox to pitches?

If this is true, heads need to roll.

Gagne might need surgery for two herniated disks

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne, limited to 16 appearances since the beginning of last season because of elbow problems, might need back surgery.

The 30-year-old right-hander was admitted to St. Vincent Medical Center on Wednesday because of lower back pain the Dodgers said was unrelated to baseball activity.

"Gagne was seen by Dr. [Robert] Watkins and had an MRI today," Dodgers trainer Stan Johnston said before Thursday night's game against the San Francisco Giants.

Johnston said the examination revealed two herniated disks.

"He was given a nerve block and an epidural injection, and they're going to re-evaluate him tomorrow," Johnston said, adding Gagne woke up Tuesday morning with "bad back pain."

"It's a disk herniation, so it's pressing on the nerve and that's where the pain is being caused," Johnston said.

Gagne remained hospitalized late Thursday. Johnston said he didn't know when the 2003 NL Cy Young Award winner would be discharged.

"It depends on how he reacts to the injections," Johnston said. "The injections shrink up the disk and takes the pressure off the nerve. He could be facing possible surgery if the injections don't work. They'll probably make the determination either tomorrow or the next day."

Johnson said Gagne was "very down" when he spoke with him.

"He was in a lot of pain," Johnston added.

When asked how close Gagne would have been to returning from his elbow problems, Johnston replied: "He was getting closer. It's hard to say because we haven't seen him in three days."

Gagne underwent surgery to remove a nerve from his right elbow April 7, causing him to miss the season's first 51 games. He made two one-inning appearances before going back on the disabled list because another nerve in his elbow caused discomfort.

Gagne hasn't pitched since June 6, when he struck out two in a perfect ninth inning of an 8-5 victory over the New York Mets to earn his first save in nearly a year.

The nerve that was removed in April was the same one that was moved during a season-ending operation on June 24, 2005. He pitched in 14 games last season with eight saves in as many chances.

Gagne, a three-time All-Star who holds the major-league record for consecutive saves converted with 84, pitched a scoreless inning June 2 against Philadelphia in his first appearance of the season. His outing against the Mets was his second.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2511677

Angels send Jeff Weaver to Cardinals

The Los Angeles Angels traded disappointing right-hander Jeff Weaver to the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night for minor league outfielder Terry Evans.

Weaver, 29, was designated for assignment by the Angels last Friday after going 6-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 16 starts this season. He signed a one-year, $8.3 million contract with Los Angeles as a free agent during the offseason.

Los Angeles general manager Bill Stoneman said the Cardinals will assume Weaver's contract, but the Angels will give St. Louis an undisclosed amount of cash in the deal.

Weaver's tenure with the Angels ended in strange fashion last Friday as the club called up his 23-year-old brother, Jered, from Triple-A Salt Lake to replace him in the rotation and on the roster. The rookie right-hander is 5-0 in his first five starts for Los Angeles, including a 7-1 victory over the Mariners on Monday night.

Jeff Weaver went 14-11 with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, his second with the club. St. Louis will be his fifth league team following earlier stints with Detroit and the New York Yankees.

He has a career record of 81-97 with an ERA of 4.55 in 225 starts.

"We feel that Weaver is someone who can come in and lend immediate help and depth to our rotation," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said after St. Louis' 14-4 loss at Atlanta.

Weaver allowed 114 hits, including 18 homers, and walked 21 and struck out 62 in 88 2-3 innings this season with the Angels. Opponents had a .309 average against him.

"I did expect to be able to trade him. I didn't know we'd get a guy as much as we like Evans," Stoneman said during Los Angeles' game against the Seattle Mariners.

Evans, 24, was hitting .311 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 21 games with Double-A Springfield. He began this season with Class A Palm Beach, hitting .307 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs in 60 games.

Evans was drafted in the 47th round by St. Louis in 2001. He will be sent to Double-A Arkansas of the Texas League and will be tried out in center field.

Stoneman said one team offered major league talent for Weaver, but the Angels wanted a top prospect. They think they got one in Evans.

"You look at the numbers," Stoneman said, "he's hit a lot of home runs."
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/14973738.htm

He get benched for his little brother.

HJAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Also: Pedro Martinez is now on the DL with a sore hip. He is a DL machine, but I'd still take him.

He'll be replaced by Roy Oswalt on the AS team.

Steroid rumors about Gagne

I wouldn't be shocked, although he's always been a fat tub of goo.

http://sportsmed.starwave.com/i/magazine/new/ericgagne.jpg

Orlando Cabrera's streak of reaching base has ended at 64 games. All good things must come to an end. :(

Shea Hillenbrand cut by Toronto - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ag3uOYwJL8UQP5_FcNEchx8RvLYF?slug=ap-bluejays-hillenbrand&prov=ap&type=lgns

Beckett gets extension - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ao0.v8i1JANkqdg.oTy9vLERvLYF?slug=ap-redsox-beckett&prov=ap&type=lgns

Chipper Jones in the record books - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-braves-jonesrecord&prov=ap&type=lgns

Shea Hillenbrand cut by Toronto - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ag3uOYwJL8UQP5_FcNEchx8RvLYF?slug=ap-bluejays-hillenbrand&prov=ap&type=lgns



I'm torn on this one. He's not my favorite type of player (never walks), but if he clears waivers, he could be cheap as shit and be a good bat to have around at first, third and DH.

I'm torn on this one. He's not my favorite type of player (never walks), but if he clears waivers, he could be cheap as shit and be a good bat to have around at first, third and DH.

What an unusual case. How often can you acquire an All Star 3B/1B and not have to give anything up?

I'm just speculating, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him either with the Yankees or the Red Sox. I have a feeling that he'd love to get back at the Jays and have a chance at a ring. He's already been in Boston (was a fan favorite) and if ARod's toe is worse than they are letting on, he'd be insurance for the Yanks.

Cashman does a better job grabbing free agent/waiver guys during a season than anyone in baseball.

The Jays still have 10 days to deal him, I'm thinking they won't want to let their AL East competition get their hands on him.

Braves trade prospect for Indians closer Wickman

The Atlanta Braves, looking for bullpen help as they make a run at the National League wild card, acquired closer Bob Wickman from Cleveland for minor league catcher Max Ramirez, a baseball source told ESPN.com.

Wickman, 37, is 1-4 with a 4.18 ERA and 15 saves this season. He's eligible for free agency this winter.

The Braves were desperate to upgrade a bullpen that's tied with Kansas City for first in the major leagues with 20 blown saves. Atlanta manager Bobby Cox has used Chris Reitsma, Mike Remlinger, Ken Ray and Jorge Sosa, among others, to close games this season.

Ramirez, 21, was rated Atlanta's No. 20 prospect by Baseball America before this season. He was hitting .285 with nine homers in 267 at-bats for the Braves' Class A Rome affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

With Cleveland at 42-52 and 21 games out of first place in the American League Central Division, baseball front office people expect Indians general manager Mark Shapiro to shop Aaron Boone, Guillermo Mota, Ronnie Belliard and possibly one or two more veterans between now and the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2525138

The Braves #20 prospect is all they got for Wickman?

Cleveland apppears to have given up on the wildcard.

Cleveland apppears to have given up on the wildcard.

I've taken cue and given up on my dream of being the first president in space.

Another former All Star 3B (IIRC) was released yesterday too, Vinny Castilla.

Time for a new avatar, Vinny?

Too bad the Tigers couldn't get anyone from Cleveland due to being in the same division. The guy I want from them wouldn't be on the block anyway, and it's maybe a year or two early for us to need him, but it's Victor Martinez. I think he would be a nice replacement for Pudge when that time comes.
BTW, nice work by Pudge to stay healthy when so many people thought he wouldn't be at the time he signed that contract.

Also, I would obviously love Hafner too, but I was trying to be a tad more realistic.

Too bad Victor Martinez can't play a lick of D behind the plate. He's better suited at 1B/DH.

White Sox gave up a kid that was 5-0 with a 1.69 ERA in 34 relief appearances at AA for Sandy Alomar Jr. (again).

Giants acquire Hillenbrand from Jays

Shea Hillenbrand had several players campaigning for him in his new clubhouse, reminding Giants management of the infielder's availability.

San Francisco skipper Felipe Alou paid attention, and Hillenbrand was already on general manager Brian Sabean's radar.

The Giants acquired Hillenbrand from Toronto on Friday, two days after the Blue Jays booted him from the team for clashing with management.

Steve Finley, a former teammate of Hillenbrand with Arizona, was one of the players who approached Alou.

"The guy can hit. He's always around .300 and drives in runs," Finley said. "Don't believe everything you read. He's a good guy, a family guy."

The Giants sent reliever Jeremy Accardo to Toronto for Hillenbrand and reliever Vinnie Chulk, getting in Hillenbrand the first baseman and offensive threat they had been seeking before the trade deadline. Both players were expected to be in uniform for the Giants on Saturday night against the San Diego Padres.

"This team is really focused. It is built around veterans for a reason. To get something done sooner, than to have to wait in what I perceive to be a very slow market, hopefully bodes well," Sabean said. "I think the team will appreciate that we're putting this foot forward."

Rest of the story @ http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2526825

Sox added Mike McDougal for a couple minor leaguers.

Mariners designate DH Everett for assignment

The Mariners designated Carl Everett for assignment today, meaning they have 10 days to trade or release the designated hitter.

The team recalled outfielder Chris Snelling from its Class AAA Tacoma to his spot on the 25-man roster.

Snelling, 23, is hitting .247 with 30 runs, 12 doubles, 4 home runs, 4 stolen bases and 34 RBI in 52 games with Tacoma this season. Snelling began the season on the disabled list recovering from ACL surgery on his left knee, then joined Tacoma on injury rehab May 10. He was activated from disabled list, and optioned to Tacoma, on May 20. Snelling played for the Mariners in 2002 and 2005 with a combined .214 average.

Snelling will be in uniform for tonight's 7:05 p.m. game versus the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Our primary focus is to win games right now," said general manager Bill Bavasi. "We are a better team today with Eddie Perez, Greg Dobbs and Chris getting more at-bats in the DH spot. In addition, today's move does not preclude us from continuing to look for more offense in the trade market."

Everett, 35, was signed as a free-agent by Seattle on Dec. 15, 2005. He appeared in 92 games with the Mariners hitting .227 with 11 home runs and 33 RBI. Everett was hitting .259 with 7 home runs and 24 RBI thru the end of May, but has hit just .179 since with 4 HR and 9 RBI. A switch hitter, he hit .203 batting right-handed and .234 left-handed.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2003153918_webeverett26.html


Mariners acquire Broussard from Indians

The Seattle Mariners acquired first baseman Ben Broussard from the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday for a minor league outfielder.

The Indians sent Broussard and cash to the Mariners for Shin-Soo Choo and a player to be named later.

Broussard hit .321 with 13 home runs and 46 RBIs in 88 games with the Indians, but was spotty defensively and committed seven errors.

Choo has spent most of this season at Triple-A Tacoma where he hit .323 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. He played in four games for Seattle between July 3-13, going 1-for-11.

The trade came a month after the Mariners got first baseman Eduardo Perez in a deal with the Indians for minor league infielder Asbrudal Cabrera on June 30

Seattle is in last place in the AL West but only 3 1/2 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Angels.

Choo stole 26 bases in 30 attempts at Tacoma and was picked for the Pacific Coast League's All-Star team. He was a member of Korea's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic in March.

Seattle will travel to Cleveland to open a three-game series with the Indians on Friday night.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/baseball/2010AP_BBA_Indians_Mariners_Trade.html

Brewers trade De La Rosa for Graffanino

Suddenly very short of healthy infielders, the Brewers traded left-hander Jorge De La Rosa to Kansas City this evening for veteran infielder Tony Graffanino.

Graffanino, a 34-year-old veteran who can play third base, shortstop and second base, will join the Brewers for their game Wednesday against Pittsburgh. In 69 games with Kansas City, he was batting .268 with five homers and 32 RBI.

A once deep infield has been racked with injuries, with shortstop J.J. Hardy out for the rest of the season following ankle surgery, third baseman Corey Koskie sidelined indefinitely with a concussion and second baseman Rickie Weeks out of the lineup with a sore wrist.

De La Rosa had been on the Brewers' disabled list since June 10 with blister and cracked nail problems on the middle finger of his pitching hand. He was sent on a minor league rehabilitation assignment to Class AA Huntsville, where he was 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in six starts.

De La Rosa's 30-day rehab assignment was set to expire Friday, and rather than making a move to return him to their roster, the Brewers decided to deal him for infield help.

De La Rosa was 2-2 with an 8.60 ERA in 18 games (three starts) with the Brewers before going on the DL.
http://www.jsonline.com/watch/?watch=2&date=7/25/2006&id=9088


Dodgers get Dessens for Perez, minor league arms

The Los Angeles Dodgers dealt pitcher Odalis Perez to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after saying they had no plans to trade the disgruntled left-hander.

The Dodgers also sent minor league right-handers Blake Johnson and Julio Pimental and cash considerations to the Royals for right-hander Elmer Dessens.

Perez, a former 15-game winner who spent much of the season in the bullpen due to ineffectiveness, accused the Dodgers of treating him like "trash" on July 13 after he gave up a game-winning home run to Albert Pujols in St. Louis.

He said then he didn't know why he had been demoted to the bullpen, adding, "If I've done something wrong, let me know, tell me. I want to know. I've been treated like trash."

Royals general manager Dayton Moore, who came to Kansas City from the Braves' front office, said he has known Perez since he was a young prospect in the Atlanta organization.

"Whatever has happened in the past is very manageable," Moore said. "We feel very, very secure in our belief that he is going to come here and go a good job on the field certainly and off the field as well."

Perez is in the second year of a three-year, $24 million contract and in his sixth season with the Dodgers. He had made just one start since mid-May, had been used only twice since June 28 and is 4-4 with a 6.83 ERA. Moore said he'll be used in the starting rotation once his arm is stretched out again.

"Moving him was something we really needed to do for all concerned, including him," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said on a conference call. "He lost his starting job, obviously. It's probably best to cut ties and move on. We were not getting much productivity out of that roster spot."

Colletti said the Royals wouldn't accept a straight-up trade for Perez, and demanded prospects and cash, too.

"It hasn't been easy," he said. "If it was easy, it would've happened a while ago."

Despite the team's recent public comments, Colletti had been in active discussions about trading Perez.

"I'd rather not say exactly how long, but I'll say quite a while," he said.

Perez won 15 games in 2002 and 12 in '03, but was 7-8 in an injury-plagued 2005.

The last-place Dodgers have lost 11 of 12 and were 5½ games behind NL West-leading San Diego going into Tuesday night's game at home against the Padres.

Dessens returns for a second stint with the Dodgers, having appeared in 28 games for them last season, including seven starts. He had a 3.56 ERA in 65 2/3 innings.

In 2004, the 35-year-old pitcher was 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA in 12 games following an August trade to the Dodgers from Arizona.

This season, Dessens had a 4.50 ERA in 43 games for the Royals.

Colletti said Dessens will work out of the bullpen and could be an occasional starter.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9571010

Chase extends hitting streak to 28 games - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap;_ylt=An9Vs08mZWhOJu4VRPt4r1QRvLYF?gid=260728 122&prov=ap

Jeremy Sowers throws back-to-back CH SO - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=260728105

Luke Scott hits for the cycle(28 year old rookie lol) - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=260728118

An interesting fact...Jeremy Sowers' recent 1-0 CG SO was against the Mariners. The player who scored the winning run for the Indians? Shin-Soo Choo, who homered in his first game as an Indian, beating up on his former team.

God fucking damn the fucking front office.

I still like the Ben Broussard acquisition, though.

Things continue to break just right for the Tigers.

The amazing Twins rook Liriano was scratched from this afternoon's start with elbow problems (depending on how serious it is, could this be the door opening for Verlander to win ROY?).

Also, ChiSox Jim Thome hasn't played for several days due to back and wrist injuries.

We'll take all the help we can get. Maybe we can rest our key players down the stretch (especially pitchers) if the lead gets large enough.

This isn't the best place to say it, but I freaking love your avatar and location, man. I have more toruble understanding that cat and where he's coming from than any poster I've encountered (a few TOS morons do come to mind, though). I scratch my head while the threads go for pages and pages.

Jason Varitek will have knee surgery - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AkWw8FB6Qpaw2pnh32pCWn8RvLYF?slug=ap-redsox-varitek&prov=ap&type=lgns

Sheff willing to play 1st - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AhTZD2zmmSmxVvYZ8AFsrG8RvLYF?slug=ap-yankees-abreu&prov=ap&type=lgns

Todd Jones article on A-Rod - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AgpoNpeSK8HHa7yLtrPOn4sRvLYF?slug=indefe nseofarod&prov=tsn&type=lgns

Colorado shutout at Coors.......again. - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=260801127&prov=ap

I hate the humidor. Talk about being unfair. If you're using that in Colorado, then you should cork your bat in Detroit, San Diego and Seattle.

Also, Bernie Williams tied Don Mattingly on the Yankees all-time doubles list. His career has been pretty underrated.

Yeah, that's it.

Fucking Hilarious:

http://movies.crooksandliars.com/Mike-Mad-Dog-Cashman-meltdown.wmv

Go to like 3 minutes in or so.

Javy Lopez traded to BoSox

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2538688


Looking for help at catcher following the injury to captain Jason Varitek, the Red Sox have acquired veteran Javy Lopez from the Baltimore Orioles, ESPN Radio 890 in Boston reported.

Javy Lopez
Catcher
Baltimore Orioles

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
GM HR RBI R OBP AVG
76 8 31 30 .314 .265

Lopez, who will join the team tomorrow in Tampa, had been upset over the lack of playing he was receiving in Baltimore and asked for his release. The 35-year-old Lopez is hitting .265 with 8 HR and 31 RBI.

Varitek underwent arthroscopic surgery for a cartilage tear in his left knee on Thursday and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.

The surgery was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital by Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill, who said the procedure went as planned.

Varitek was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday after injuring his knee rounding second base in the second inning of Monday's 9-8 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Varitek, who had been on the disabled list just once in his first nine seasons, was playing in his 1,000th career game as a catcher Monday. The switch hitter is batting .243 with 11 homers and 50 RBI.

Andruw Jones claimed on waivers; 10-5 rights loom
By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine

With Andruw Jones only days away from gaining trade veto power, the All-Star center fielder was claimed on waivers by an unnamed team, leaving the Braves until 1 p.m. ET Saturday to decide whether to take their last opportunity to deal Jones unfettered.

Andruw Jones
Center Field
Atlanta Braves

Profile
2006 SEASON STATISTICS
GM HR RBI R OBP AVG
104 25 93 63 .351 .271

That Jones was placed on waivers is unremarkable; he was one of hundreds of players, including many stars, who were placed on waivers earlier this week. What makes Jones' situation interesting is that on Aug. 15, he will gain 10-and-5 rights -- 10 years in the big leagues, five with the same team -- to block any proposed trade.

Multiple teams placed claims on Jones, according to major-league sources. But on Thursday afternoon, one team was awarded a claim on Jones. Now the Braves have two choices -- either work out a trade with the team who placed the claim by Saturday or pull Jones back from waivers. If they pull him back, they cannot trade him again for the rest of this season.

Jones' value in the trade market is relatively high right now, because he is a highly productive player locked up for only one more year -- at $13.5 million -- at a time when players like Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee might command $70 million packages on the free-agent market.

The Boston Red Sox tried to deal for Jones leading up to the trade deadline, with some intent to try to flip him to the Houston Astros for Roy Oswalt. Some scouts also think that the Los Angeles Angels, who've been looking for a bat, might have high interest in Jones.

Atlanta GM John Schuerholz, reached on his cell phone, said Friday afternoon that he would not comment on the team's internal business.

If I'm correct in my recollection that waiver claims are awarded in reverse order of each team's record (with prefernce given to NL teams first in Jones' case), we can be safe in assuming that we're (Tigers) not the ones that have the successful claim in on Jones, especially in light of the "several teams" comment.

Again, if memory serves, we won't be awarded a waiver claim on any player unless either they are an AL player and we're the only AL team making a claim, (since we have the best record) or if they are a NL player and we're the only team making a claim.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

I think you may be right Glenn. If not, you're close.

You are correct, we have no chance at anyone unless they clear waivers or we are the only team claiming the player.

Side note A. Jones has to be the youngest 10-5 guy ever? Not many guys last 10 years in the majors and spend 5 years in one organization before the age of 30.

You are correct, we have no chance at anyone unless they clear waivers or we are the only team claiming the player.

Not sure this true, I think we would get preference on any AL player claimed over any NL team, I believe.

We would just have to be the only AL team that puts in a claim on an AL player.

Utley's hit streak over; has the longest hitting streak for a 2B - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap;_ylt=AlKmpjs.78qBV_etGEw_cYIRvLYF?gid=260804 121&prov=ap

Humberto Sanchez Sr. out for the season - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AoIrOjPh21aE5eP6w7.j7VIRvLYF?slug=ap-angels-colon&prov=ap&type=lgns

The story of Cy Wiggs, and the lack of black baseball players in the MLB - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AnSGwlZk7RRs0oLOZNVIgdcRvLYF?slug=jp-compton080206&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Kris Benson on the DL, which meas his hot wife wont be on TV. :( - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=oriolesbenson&prov=st&type=lgns

What a joke, he's done an amazing job with that team.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2543099


Reports: Marlins owner, Girardi had 'heated discussion'

ESPN.com news services

Were the Florida Marlins close to changing managers on Sunday?

According to media reports in South Florida, a disagreement between Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria and manager Joe Girardi erupted during and after the Marlins' loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and at one point team employees started setting up an interview room at Dolphin Stadium for a press conference -- the same room where the team has announced managerial changes in the past.

The news conference was never held and Girardi is still the Marlins' manager.

Girardi has been widely praised for the job he has done with the youthful Marlins, who despite an offseason fire sale and the lowest payroll in the majors are still only 5½ games out of the NL wild-card lead. From May 23 through Thursday the Marlins were 40-26, the best record in the National League during that span.

But the Palm Beach Post, citing unnamed Marlins organization sources, reported that there has been tension between Girardi and Loria over strategy and philosophy since July.

The Marlins lost wild-card race momentum over the weekend when they were swept by the streaking Dodgers. And frustrations apparently came to a head Sunday, during a six-run Dodgers rally in the seventh inning.

Girardi, who was ejected Saturday for arguing balls and strikes, did not leave the dugout to question home plate umpire Larry Vanover when two borderline pitches by Florida reliever Taylor Tankersley were called balls. But according to media reports, Loria, sitting in the stands next to the dugout, yelled at Vanover, prompting Girardi to turn and ask Loria to stop yelling.

Immediately following the game, Loria, Girardi, team president David Samson and GM Larry Beinfest had what two sources told the Palm Beach Post was a heated discussion. That was followed by a 90-minute team meeting, which Girardi described as a "learning session" rather than a scolding or pep talk, and players described his tone as positive.

Loria wouldn't talk about the meeting on Monday.

"It's whatever you guys want to make of it," he said. "Don't blow it up into something it isn't. There's nothing to discuss at all."

Girardi played it down as well.

"'We talked about things," he said. "We talked about it collectively as a club."

The Marlins, now 51-60, opened a nine-game road trip in Washington on Monday night.

I just heard that Preston Wilson was designated for assignment last week, that kind of flew under the radar for a guy that had 140+ RBI's a few years ago. If he didn't strike out so much, I would think that the Tigers would take a look, but that's the last thing they need right now.

I'm pretty sure that a contender is going to grab him since he'd be a big bat to bring off the bench in the playoffs.

In other news...

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060814&content_id=1609550&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb


Rockies ink familiar face in Castilla

Club brings back veteran infielder to help in stretch run
By Owen Perkins / Special to MLB.com

DENVER -- Throughout the 2006 season, the Rockies have been focused on guiding a team built for the future into a pennant race in the immediate present. Monday afternoon the Rockies signed Vinny Castilla to a Minor League contract in hopes that a looming figure from their celebrated past could help the Rockies in their playoff push this season.

"I feel very excited to come back," Castilla said Monday at Coors Field. "This is the organization that gave me a chance to start my career as an everyday player. I took off as a player. Now I'm very excited to be part of this. It's a great club here. We have a chance to win."

Castilla will be in Denver and work out with the Rockies through the end of the current homestand on Thursday, then report to Triple-A Colorado Springs, joining the team in Tucson before a September callup when the big-league rosters expand. The plan is for him to work out with the Sky Sox for five days, DH with them for five games, play third base for three or four days and return to the Rockies on Sept. 1.

"This will be my last season," Castilla confirmed. "I'm very excited to retire as a Rockie in front of these fans. This is where I had my best years. I'm really excited to do that for all the people that have seen me play for a long time. I have great memories here."

Fans need no reminders about the legacy Castilla returns to in Colorado. He is third all-time in Rockies games played (1,083) and home runs (238) and fourth all-time in RBIs (741), hits (1,202), total bases (2,164), runs (609), and doubles (208).

Castilla came to the Rockies from the Braves as part of the 1993 expansion draft, hitting over .300 for five of his first seven years and anchoring third base for the young club. He had a breakout year in '95, the first of five consecutive seasons with at least 24 home runs, and he helped lead the Rockies to their only postseason appearance that year.

As part of the new agreement with the Rockies, Castilla, 39, will remain with the organization after his retirement and work in a currently undefined capacity in player development.

"I want to start working to help the young kids in developing," Castilla said. "I'm excited about it. I learned a little bit through my career, so I want to help pass it on."

General manager Dan O'Dowd stressed that Castilla can play a big role in helping the Rockies develop a presence in Mexico, where Castilla reigns as the country's all-time leader in Major League home runs (319), hits (1,880), runs (900), and doubles (349). He led his countrymen in the inaugural World Baseball Classic this spring, surprising Team USA with a dramatic 2-1 victory.

"Mexico is one part of our Latin America game plan that we need to get better in," O'Dowd pointed out. "Vinny is going to play probably this winter, but he has aspirations to manage there. I think there's a lot of opportunities that creates for us as an organization."

For the time being, however, the Rockies are confident Castilla can help them in September, and they welcome the chance to have his bat available. Castilla hit .232 with four home runs and 23 RBIs in 72 games with the Padres this season. He was released by the club on July 21.

"We'll pick a spot here and there for maybe a start at first, maybe a start at third," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Some pinch-hit opportunities. I still think he'll have enough fear and respect to flip a pitcher around late in a game. I think his veteran experience will help in the clubhouse and in the dugout and on the field."

An original Rockie from 1993-1999, this will be Castilla's third stint with Colorado. He spent the 2004 season in purple pinstripes, hitting .271 with 35 home runs and a league-best 131 RBIs. He also set league records with a .987 fielding percentage at third base in '04 and established a mark for NL third baseman with 144 RBIs in 1998, two records that still stand. He is a two-time All-Star, from '95 and '98, and has been in four postseasons, with the Rockies ('95), Astros ('01), and Braves ('02 and '03).

"This isn't a light-hearted attempt at some PR," Hurdle emphasized. "We thought we could get a guy who could help us in September. It's a feel-good thing for the fans and for Vinny. It gives him an opportunity for his career to end on his terms."

The Rockies had also given consideration to bringing back center fielder Preston Wilson, designated for assignment by the Astros on Friday, but after exploring the idea over the weekend, they have ceased to pursue the opportunity to add another RBI champ (141 with the Rockies in 2003) to their roster.

"I don't think we're in that mix any more at this point in time," O'Dowd said. "We're going to stay committed to the guys we've got here at this point in time. The more we looked at it, it just wasn't the right fit."

Wilson hit .269 with nine home runs and 55 RBIs in 102 games for the Astros this season, but after watching the Rockies offense surge with the recall of Ryan Spilborghs on Friday, the sense of urgency regarding help in the outfield has waned on Blake Street. Spilborghs will be making his third consecutive start in center on Monday night after one game in right on Friday, and Wilson's decreased mobility makes him questionable in Colorado's expansive outfield.

"Spilborghs has played so well, and if we bring somebody in here, they've got to be able to play center field," O'Dowd explained. "I don't think we're going to change gears from where we are right now."

In a rare tie-in with the "Seemingly Official What's For Lunch Thread": (http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3720&page=11)

http://deadspin.com/sports/baseball/torii-hunter-shall-punish-his-glove-193951.php



Torii Hunter Shall Punish His Glove


http://www.deadspin.com/assets/resources/2006/08/toriihunttermad.jpgHere's a weird tidbit we found in a Sunday notes column from over the weekend: Minnesota Twins outfielder Torii Hunter has a biblical sense of equipmental retribution (http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-alside0813.artaug13,0,6699832.story?coll=hc-headlines-baseball).
Twins center fielder Torii Hunter microwaves his glove for 30 seconds if he fails to make a play the night before. After an error, it's two minutes. "That's punishment [for the glove]," Hunter said. "You do something bad, you go to hell."On the whole, we support the notion of great vengeance and furious anger against athletic accoutrement. We fully expect that, after his next passed ball, Twins catcher Joe Mauer will be sticking his protective cup in a blender, all the better to rid the defective device of its defensive deficient demons.
The Last Word (http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-alside0813.artaug13,0,6699832.story?coll=hc-headlines-baseball) [Hartford Courant]

More:
baseball (http://deadspin.com/sports/baseball/)
minnesota twins (http://deadspin.com/sports/minnesota-twins/)
torii hunter (http://deadspin.com/sports/torii-hunter/)

WTF? LOL

Carlos Pena was released by the Yankees so he could sign with the Red Sox. Who says these guys don't get along? Check out Pena's numbers, btw.

http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1155704104116390.xml&coll=1&thispage=2


Veteran first baseman Carlos Pena was released from Triple-A Columbus, where he hit .260 and led the team with 66 RBI and 19 home runs


http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sportsNews/view.bg?articleid=138077


Source: Sox to sign 1B Pena
By Steve Buckley/ Boston Herald
Thursday, August 17, 2006

BOSTON -- According to a source, the Red Sox have signed first baseman Carlos Pena, the former Northeastern star who most recently had been playing for the New York Yankees' Triple-A affiliate.

The club had no comment on the matter before last night's game at Fenway Park against the Detroit Tigers.

Pena played in 105 games this season for the Columbus Clippers but exercised an option in his contract and was released, allowing him to sign with another big league team. He was hitting .260 with 19 home runs and 66 RBI. He had a .370 on-base percentage.

The Haverhill product was signed by the Yankees in spring training this year after being released by the Tigers.

Though Pena likely would report first to Triple-A Pawtucket, he could conceivably fill two needs at the major league level: a left-handed bat off the bench and defense at first base.

Pena was born in the Dominican Republic but moved to Haverhill with his family when he was still in grammar school. He played baseball at Haverhill High and after one year of college ball at Wright State, he transferred to Northeastern.

The Texas Rangers selected Pena in the first round of the amateur draft in 1998, the 10th overall pick. He made his major league debut with the Rangers in 2001, then was traded to the Oakland A's following the season.

Pena hit just .218 in 40 games with the A's in 2002 and then was sent to Detroit. His best season was in 2004, when, with the Tigers, he hit .241 with 27 home runs and 82 RBI. In 489 major league games, Pena has a .243 lifetime average.

More on Pena, and the Sox also get Eric Hinske.

Some nice moves by Boston, as much as I hate to admit it.

http://cbs4boston.com/topstories/local_story_229100614.html


Red Sox Acquire Eric Hinske & Carlos Pena

Dan Roche
Reporting
http://img.viacomlocalnetworks.com/images_sizedimage_048110248/sm

(CBS4) BOSTON CBS4 has confirmed that the Red Sox have acquired both Eric Hinske and Carlos Pena.

Hinske is coming from Toronto for a minor league player-to-be-named-later and will join the team immediately as the Sox open up a five game weekend series with the New York Yankees Friday. The deal was waiting the commissioner's office approval.

The 29-year-old Hinske is hitting .264 with 12 home runs and 29 RBI this season. He will be used as a lefthanded pinch-hitter off the bench. He can play first base, third base, and the outfield. Howvever, Hinske will mostly be used to pinch hit late in games for the likes of Alex Gonzalez, Alex Cora, and Doug Mirabelli. Hinske is hitting .294 with an OBP of .376 and slugging percentage of .575 against righthanded pitchers this season. The Sox will pay his remaining salary this season and half of his 5.6 million dollar sallary in 2007.

The 28-year-old Pena, who grew up in Haverhill and starred at Northeastern, has been in the minor leagues all season. He will report to Triple-AAA Pawtucket. His best major league season was with Detroit in 2004 when he slugged 27 home runs and added 82 RBI. He could provide a lefty bat off the bench and a solid glove at first base if he's called up after Sepetmber 1st when major league rosters expand.

Carlos Pena should still be in a Tiger uniform. *grumbles*

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/baseball/4126375.html


St. Louis Cardinals sign Preston Wilson

By R.B. FALLSTROM AP Sports Writer
© 2006 The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS — Preston Wilson signed with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, after being released by the Houston Astros earlier this week.

Wilson batted .269 with nine home runs and 55 RBIs with the Astros, but disappointed them with a lack of power. The Cardinals hope to improve their lineup against left-handed pitching.

"This was a pretty nice opportunity for us," assistant general manager John Mozeliak said. "He gives us some stability, too, because he can play all three outfield positions."

St. Louis was 17-28 against left-handers entering Friday's game at Chicago. Wilson, who joined the team in time for the game, was batting .312 against left-handers.

The team also has concerns about center fielder Jim Edmonds, who missed the last two games because of post-concussion syndrome. Edmonds had been optimistic about playing Friday, but there was no word about the day's lineup.

Wilson made only two starts after July 29 for the Astros, who replaced him in the lineup with Luke Scott. He was designated for assignment Saturday.

Rookie pitcher Anthony Reyes, who lasted 3 1-3 innings in his shortest start Wednesday and is 4-6 with a 4.73 ERA, was optioned to Triple-A Memphis. That move left the Cardinals with an 11-man pitching staff and could signal the return of Mark Mulder, despite a so-so third rehab start Thursday.

Pitching for Triple-A Memphis, Mulder gave up five runs in four innings at Oklahoma City.

The Cardinals have been weak in the outfield most of the year before the emergence of rookie Chris Duncan in the last month. The team plans on Wilson platooning in left field with the left-handed hitting Duncan, who's batting .338 overall but .222 against lefties in 27 at-bats.

Wilson was batting .301 with runners in scoring position and got his 1,000th career hit earlier this season against the Cardinals in Houston. An NL All-Star in 2003, he led the league with 141 RBIs that season for the Rockies.

In 2000, Wilson had 31 home runs and 36 steals with the Marlins and has six seasons with 25 or more homers.

The Cardinals have spent much of the season looking for a replacement for Reggie Sanders, who was not re-signed and ended up with the Royals, in left field. St. Louis also has tried So Taguchi, Larry Bigbie, John Rodriguez and Scott Spiezio at that position.

GM Cashman says Yankees losing money

How bad does George Steinbrenner want to win? Bad enough that he's willing to lose money with the Yankees to do so.

"We're making a lot, but we're spending more than we're making," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told Bloomberg radio for a show to be aired this weekend. Cashman declined to say how much the Yankees are losing.

The Yankees, with Major League Baseball's highest payroll, added to their deficit before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline, acquiring big-ticket addition Bobby Abreu. The team also acquired pitcher Cory Lidle and utilityman Craig Wilson.

The Yankees broke ground last week on a billion-dollar stadium scheduled to open in the Bronx in 2009.

Cashman told Bloomberg radio that the new stadium is "vital" to helping the Yankees return to profitability.

Forbes Magazine reported that the Yankees became the first MLB team to be worth more than $1 billion with a baseball-best $277 million in revenue.

However, Forbes said the Yankees lost $50 million last season because the team paid $77 million in revenue sharing. The New York Daily News also reported in December that the Yankees lost at least $50 million and possibly as much as $85 million last season.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2557770

BTW did anyone see the John Gibbons and Ted Lilly altercation during yesterday's game against Oakland?

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2556925

Jose Reyes becomes the 2nd player since 1900 to record 15 homers, 15 triples, 50 steals, 20 doubles. He's also become the 2nd player since 1900 to hit for the cycle and have a 3 HR game in the same season in which his team lost both games.

The life of a 48 year old baseball player - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ag5OHtfdBLfUJfns.7cZzPARvLYF?slug=jp-franco082306&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Indians become 2nd team ever to come back and win after allowing 10 1st inning runs - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-alrdp&prov=ap&type=lgns

Delgado hits 400 homers, becoming the 1st to hit 400 of a grand slam - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=260822121

Chipper nets 350 - http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-braves-chipperjones&prov=ap&type=lgns

M's Soriano stable after taking liner off head

Mariners reliever Rafael Soriano remained in stable condition in an intensive care unit Wednesday morning after being hit in the head by a line drive Tuesday night.

Team physician Dr. Edward Khalfayan visited Soriano at Harborview Medical Center and said the pitcher was improving. Soriano had a second CAT scan Wednesday morning that showed no worsening of his condition, Khalfayan said.

Soriano was to be examined by a neurosurgeon later Wednesday, at which point the team hoped to get a better idea of how long Soriano will be hospitalized.

Soriano sustained a concussion after being struck behind his right ear. He was carted off the field and underwent an X-ray and scan when he arrived at the hospital.

"He did not have anything that indicated he had a fracture," Khalfayan said Tuesday night.

With one out in the eighth inning, the Angels' Vladimir Guerrero lined a first-pitch fastball off the right side of Soriano's head, and the ball deflected almost to the Angels' dugout along the third-base line. Soriano tried to protect himself but could not get his glove up in time.

Soriano was on the ground for several minutes as the Mariners' training staff and medics rushed to the mound.

Khalfayan said Soriano never lost consciousness and had full sensation in all of his extremities.

The 26-year-old native of the Dominican Republic was making his 53rd appearance, taking over for starter Jarrod Washburn, who pitched seven innings. Soriano is 1-2 with a 2.11 ERA.

Right-hander Sean Green came in to replace Soriano. The Mariners won 6-4.

That looked pretty nasty.

But luckily for him, he didn't suffer any fractures. Just a concussion.

Video: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/multimedia/tp_archive.jsp?c_id=sea

Papi out of the Hospital cleared to return next week; Lester in the hospital being checked for Cancer


Tests to determine the cause of Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester's sore back have revealed enlarged lymph nodes, the team said Thursday.As a result, Lester was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on Wednesday for further evaluation and testing, Red Sox medical director Dr. Thomas Gill said in a statement.

On Tuesday, the Red Sox had put the rookie on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 24 with a back strain. He last pitched Aug. 23 in a 5-4 win against the Angels.

The left-hander is 7-2 in 15 games with 4.76 ERA and 60 strikeouts this season.

Wells likely to Padres



The Red Sox moved steadily toward the completion of a trade of veteran left-hander David Wells, identifying Triple-A catcher George Kottaras as the player they want if they complete a deal with the Padres.

Baseball Today Podcast for 8/31
Alan Schwarz and Buster Olney discuss what NL teams David Wells could be pitching for this week and how he could impact the NL playoff chase. Plus, the duo takes a look at some injured pitchers.

To listen to the podcast, click here

Boston has continued to talk to the Dodgers and Cardinals and perhaps the Reds, but it appears that San Diego is the front-runner to get Wells.

"I don't think there's any doubt now that he's going to be traded," said one source familiar with the conversations.

Wells is from San Diego and has pitched for the Padres in the past, and it may be best for all parties that he winds up going where he wants to go, because there is the possibility that at age 43, Wells would simply retire if he didn't like the team to which he was traded.

Kottaras is playing for Triple-A Portland, where he is hitting .233 with two homers and 13 RBI. The Red Sox organization is in need of catching, and Kottaras has a reputation as a solid defender.

The idea that the Red Sox might trade Wells would've seemed absurd two weeks ago, but Boston has now dropped six straight games; after losing to Oakland on Wednesday afternoon, the Red Sox were 10 games behind the Yankees in the loss column in the AL East.

Carlos Pena should still be in a Tiger uniform. *grumbles*

He found a way to help us yesterday, too.

There goes the longest no-hitter drought in history.

Florida Marlins rookie pitcher(forgot his name because it was too difficult) - pitches a no-no. He was the same pitcher that was involved in the Beckett/Mota/Lowell trade. Looks like a pretty lopsided trade.

Texas cans Showalter

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-rangers-showalter&prov=ap&type=lgns

Juan Pierre priced at $9 million per season to Dodgers

With power in short supply on the free agency front, the Los Angeles Dodgers went for speed.

Juan Pierre and the Dodgers finalized a $44 million, five-year contract Wednesday, giving the club another dangerous threat at the top of the lineup to go with Rafael Furcal.

"Juan's ability to hit combined with his speed make him a perfect catalyst for our lineup," general manager Ned Colletti said. "I've long admired how he plays the game. We're thrilled he's here, he's a good man, he's going to be a great player for us -- a great addition."

Pierre, 29, hit .292 with 204 hits, 58 stolen bases, three homers and 40 RBI for the Chicago Cubs last season. Previously, the left handed-hitting center fielder played two full seasons and part of another with the Colorado Rockies and three years with the Florida Marlins.

Pierre has a .303 career batting average and 325 stolen bases. He finished first or second in the NL in stolen bases in each of the past six seasons, and was the most difficult player in the league to strike out in five of the last six years.

Pierre has 1,182 hits since 2001 -- the second-highest total in the majors behind Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki.

Over the past four seasons, Juan Pierre has been one of the most durable players and one of baseball's most serious threats to take an extra base. Pierre's rankings from 2003-06:

Games 648 (T-1st)
Hits 810 (3rd)
Triples 45 (2nd)
Steals 225 (1st)

"I'm just happy to be part of a storied franchise -- a playoff-caliber team," Pierre said during a conference call from his parents' home in Alexandria, La. "Hopefully I can be another piece of the puzzle to help them win the World Series. They're a winning team, and most of the guys they had last year are coming back. I think there's a good mixture as far as the young and old. I felt that it was the right spot for me."

Pierre will earn $7.5 million next season, $8 million in 2008, $10 million each in 2009 and 2010, and $8.5 million in 2011. He figures to bat first or second, with Furcal hitting first, second or third.

Pierre figures to hit first or second, with Furcal hitting first, second or third.

"Me and Furcal have been going at it since low A in the backwoods of Carolina," Pierre said. "I've hit leadoff most of my career. It doesn't matter, wherever I can fit in. I'd probably be most comfortable hitting leadoff because that's all I've ever done."

Pierre has played in 162 games in each of the past four years. He ranked second in the majors in bunt hits each of the past four seasons after being the leader in 2001 and 2002.

"Juan Pierre brings us a dimension of offense and speed to high degree," Colletti said. "He gets on base a lot, a lot of hits. Stolen bases are obvious."

The Dodgers entered the offseason in search of a power hitter, having hit only 153 homers last season. But Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez signed with the Cubs, prompting Los Angeles to change its priorities.

"The lack of power that was out there on the market, we chose to go in the same direction we did last year," Colletti said. "The speed part is a key element to it."

Regarding where Pierre and Furcal hit in the lineup, Colletti said: "However that works out gives the middle of our lineup extra opportunities to produce."

The Dodgers were in the market for at least one outfielder because J.D. Drew opted out of the final three years of his contract earlier this month and became a free agent. The addition of Pierre almost surely means Kenny Lofton won't be re-signed. Lofton, 39, hit .301 with 32 stolen bases in his only season with Los Angeles.

Pierre hit .305 with a career-high 65 stolen bases in 2003, when he helped the Marlins win the World Series. He had his best season the following year, hitting .326 with a career-high 221 hits.

"I wanted to sign early instead of late," he said. "I just sat back, I didn't worry too much about it. I'm happy where I'm at now."



Gary Matthews, Jr. priced at $10 million per by Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Gary Matthews Jr. had a tough decision, choosing between the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants.

Family won out.

Matthews, whose 7-year-old son lives in nearby Santa Monica, reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday on a $50 million, five-year contract with the Angels following a career year with the Texas Rangers.

"You spend so much time away from your family when you play baseball, and no amount of money can make up for that," Matthews told The Associated Press while driving to San Jose for Thanksgiving. "This move is a way for me to accommodate my son and be around him more."

Matthews' parents also live in Southern California. His father, known as Sarge, was also a big-league outfielder, beginning his with the Giants. The younger Matthews has been called Little Sarge.

"I'm so appreciative that they gave me a chance to literally follow in my father's footsteps," Matthews said. "It would have been something just to have another Bonds and Matthews in the Giants' outfield. But this move was for my family."

Longtime San Francisco star Barry Bonds' father, Bobby, was a member of the Giants when Gary Matthews Sr. began his career.

The younger Matthews must pass a physical before the deal is completed. That won't happen before early next week because of the holiday.

Scott Leventhal, Matthews' agent, said his client made up his mind Wednesday morning.

"They were right there," Leventhal said of the Giants. "It was a very difficult decision. More than 10 teams kicked the tires. Everybody couldn't be more pleased."

San Francisco was said to be offering $50 million over five years before the Angels matched that package.

Matthews, a 32-year-old switch-hitter, batted .313 with 102 runs, 44 doubles, 19 homers, 79 RBI and a .371 on-base percentage as the Rangers' leadoff hitter. He became the third player in Rangers history to hit for the cycle, doing so on Sept. 13 at Detroit.

"He's a guy we're really happy to have," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said during a conference call. "One of our objectives during this offseason was to improve ourselves in center field."

Matthews had a career batting average of .249 entering last season.

"It's been a process to get to where I am today -- every day working toward something like this," he said.

"Guys learn at different times in their careers," Stoneman said. "Gary's coming into his own."

Angels manager Mike Scioscia pointed to Matthews' ability on defense and versatility on offense as most attractive qualities.

"Being a premium defender is something that's a priority for us," Scioscia said. "He plays center field on a Gold Glove level. I think his experience has helped him to understand this league and understand his talent. He can lead off or hit in the middle of the lineup.

"Even though it took him a while to get his career to where it is right now, he's figured it out. He's in great shape, we're excited to have him as part of our club. I think he's a great fit," he said.

Matthews was a first-time All-Star last season. Among his highlight-reel catches was one on a ball hit by Houston's Mike Lamb on July 1. Matthews sprinted, leaped and stuck his glove far over the eight-foot wall in center to make the catch. Even Lamb applauded after standing in the infield and watching the replay on the scoreboard.

"It's kind of ironic," Matthews said. "I've always been known as a defensive player. And then I started to come on offensively in the last few years. I'm real proud of what I've done at the plate, but when people talk about this deal, I know they're going to show highlights from that catch."

Matthews blossomed after signing a minor-league deal with the Rangers in 2004. He had been released earlier that spring by the Atlanta Braves, the team for which his father was an All-Star in 1979.

The younger Matthews had played for five teams (Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets and San Diego Padres) the previous three seasons.

Matthews' signing probably means versatile Chone Figgins will move from center field to third base unless the Angels add another third baseman.

"It makes Figgy a lot better to be able to concentrate on one position," Scioscia said.



Carlos Lee priced at over $16.5 per by Houston Astros


Carlos Lee is staying in Texas, but not with the Rangers.

A source told ESPN's Jayson Stark that the Houston Astros were set to announce Friday afternoon that they have signed the free-agent slugger to a six-year, $100 million deal. The only significant non-monetary clause in the contract is that Lee will have a complete no-trade clause for the first four years of the contract and a limited no-trade for the final two years.

The Astros were one of several teams bidding for Lee, joining the Philadelphia Phillies, who failed to land Alfonso Soriano; Baltimore Orioles, who Stark previously reported had made serious overtures to Lee; and San Francisco Giants.

"We're in the mix, definitely," Orioles vice president Jim Duquette said Tuesday.

Lee batted .300 with 37 homers, 116 RBI and 19 steals with Texas and Milwaukee this year.

"He's a nice-looking player, someone who would definitely draw some interest," Phillies GM Pat Gillick said Monday, adding he has spoken to Lee's representatives.

Lee earned $8.5 million last season. Soriano's deal with the Chicago Cubs, which averages $17 million per year.

The 30-year-old outfielder has averaged 33 homers and 111 RBI over the last four seasons. He's also been durable, having played at least 150 games in six of his eight seasons in the majors.

Lee is listed at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds and there have been questions about him being out of shape, but Gillick said his size isn't a concern.

"Lee is a heck of an athlete," Gillick said.

Wow. The Rangers have to be struggling now. They've just lost 2/3 of their power-hitting starting outfield from the end of last season in less than 1 week. Their pitching is still bad and they need to trade, but can they really afford to give up Blalock or Texiera now?

This has me thinking. Michael Young, their other best player remaining, is a free agent next season. Maybe he's the one they should be trading since he only has one year left. If the Tigers traded for him, they could move Guillen to first like a lot of people want.

Gary Matthews Junior getting $50 Million is one of the craziest things I've ever heard of. Sheff and Maggs are starting to look like bargains.

The thing that gets me about Matthews is that he's 32 years old, and yet prior to 2005 his best season featured 95 hits, 54 runs, 38 RBI. He's never stole more than 15 bases and he hasn't been all that healthy. Now that he's healthy enough to get 600 AB, he's approaching 100 strikeouts. His .313 season last year raised his career average to .263.

My biggest concern about these inflated salaries is that it will drive up the cost to re-sign all our guys after next season.

Agreed. I'd like to see us sign Bondo and Granderson to longer deals right now. Maybe Verlander and Zumaya too.

Astros gave Woody Williams a 2 year, $12.5 million deal.

Man, I love the 2 year, $16 million deal we gave Rogers. It's robbery to get what we got out of him for only $8 million per season.

PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired left-hander Doug Davis from Milwaukee on Saturday in a six-player deal that sent catcher Johnny Estrada to the Brewers.

Right-handers Greg Aquino and Claudio Vargas also went to Milwaukee, while the Diamondbacks obtained a pair of youngsters, left-hander Dana Eveland and outfielder Dave Krynzel.

The 31-year-old Davis is 62-63 with a 4.35 ERA in eight major league seasons. He was 11-11 with a 4.91 ERA in 34 starts last season with Milwaukee and, like Estrada, is arbitration eligible.

The 30-year-old Estrada hit .301 with 11 home runs and 71 RBIs during his only season with Arizona. The switch-hitting former All-Star had the sixth-best batting average among NL catchers.

Starting pitching behind NL Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb was a major weakness for the Diamondbacks last season. Davis, who has thrown at least 200 innings in each of the last three seasons, joins Webb and Livan Hernandez in Arizona's projected rotation for next year.

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"With the addition of Doug we have three perennial 200-inning guys who more often than not are lower ERA guys," Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes said. "I think our rotation is really stabilized at the top and we have some good intriguing younger pitchers to battle for the other two spots."

Estrada was acquired by the Diamondbacks in a trade with Atlanta a year ago. Despite his success at the plate, he was unhappy in Arizona and made it clear late in the season he would prefer to move on.

"It's great to have another 200 innings guy to go along with Webb and Livan Hernandez," said Arizona manager Bob Melvin. "In addition, it's nice to have a quality left-handed starter, a variable we didn't have last year."

Estrada made the NL All-Star team with the Braves in 2004, when he hit .314 with 76 RBIs. He was limited to 105 games in 2005 after a collision at home plate with Darin Erstad of the Los Angeles Angels.

The Diamondbacks believe minor league catcher Miguel Montero is ready for the majors, and Chris Snyder is coming off a solid season as Estrada's backup.

The Brewers, meanwhile, like what Estrada brings to their lineup.

"Estrada has been a very good offensive catcher during his career," Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said. "His ability to switch hit, and his high contact-low strikeout approach is something that the Brewers offense has been missing."

The hard-throwing Aquino played parts of the last three seasons with the Diamondbacks, going 2-3 with a 4.93 ERA in 111 relief appearance. As a rookie in 2004, he had 16 saves.

Vargas resurrected his career after being waived by the Washington Nationals during the 2004 season. He was 21-16 with a 4.82 ERA in 52 appearances, 49 starts, for the Diamondbacks. Last season, Vargas was 12-10 with a 4.92 ERA.

Eveland is 1-4 with a 6.98 ERA in 36 major league games. He spent most of last season with Triple-A Nashville, going 6-5 with a 2.74 ERA in 20 games, 19 of them starts.

Krynzel has a .188 average in 21 big league games. Last year in Nashville, he hit .231 with seven homers, 40 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He was Brewers' first-round pick, 11th overall, in the 2000 draft.

AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco contributed to this story.

Estrada would have been a nice guy to target as a stopgap 2-year eventual replacement for Pudge. I guess he still could be.

JD Drew for 5 years, $70 million to Boston

Greg Maddux for 1 year, $10 million to San Diego.

Maddux will be great for Peavy if he can teach him how to make some finesse pitches so he doesn't wipe his arm out anymore.

Drew worth $14 million per year? Hardly.

Jason Schmidt to the Dodgers: 3yrs/$47 mil

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=dodgersschmidt&prov=st&type=lgns

JD Drew for 5 years, $70 million to Boston

Drew worth $14 million per year? Hardly.

I thought everyone on here was whining because we traded for Sheff instead of getting Drew.

I liked Drew at a reasonable price, the Red Sox made sure that wasn't going to happen.

Jason Schmidt to the Dodgers: 3yrs/$47 mil

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=dodgersschmidt&prov=st&type=lgns

Fudge. I was really hopin the Cubs would get him. It would have at least given me a small glimmer of hope for next year which, as a Cubs fan, is the best it gets.

The Cubs should have a very nice offense next season. But with Ted Lilly pitching, you'll have to get used to losing games 9-8.

But the health of Derrek Lee, mixed with Soriano. Ramirez, etc should be fun to watch.

Stay tuned to find out what you get for Jacques Jones, who supposedly wants out.

Yeah Im not saying they will totally suck. The offense will get some hits, although I was sad to see Pierre go. Either way, Lee Ramirez Soriano in whatever order works is a scary middle. Of course Zambrano will be there pitching, but all things considered that area gets scary after him. I do like the talk of Woods as a closer.

I thought I heard someone say that Garcia would be a good fit?

Well some good news...for the ones that are against it


In the first big trade at baseball's winter meetings, the Chicago White Sox sent starting pitcher Freddy Garcia to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday night for right-hander Gavin Floyd and a player to be named.

Then, Chicago general manager Kenny Williams mistakenly named that player.

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Williams let slip during the announcement that the other player in the deal is pitcher Gio Gonzalez -- traded by the White Sox to Philadelphia a year ago in the Jim Thome deal.

"It's 11 o'clock at night, what do you want?" Williams said.

The winter meetings often feature one GM after another parading to the podium, ready to announce their latest deal. This trade was the first announced at the workroom podium this year -- and it came 90 minutes before midnight on the final full day of the meetings.

Garcia was 17-9 with a 4.53 ERA for Chicago last season. The year before, he won Game 4 of the World Series as the White Sox swept Houston to clinch their first title since 1917.

"He's had to pitch when it's on the line. He's had the opportunity to do things you want a pitcher to be able to do," said Phillies assistant general manager Mike Arbuckle, who filled in because GM Pat Gillick lost his voice. "He's going to fit nicely into our rotation and we feel like he's a guy that's going to be able to give us innings. He's a proven winner."

Garcia was traded from Houston to Seattle in 1998 in a deal that sent Randy Johnson to the Astros. The right-hander then was dealt to the White Sox in the middle of the 2004 season.

"We went out on a limb a few years ago to trade for him. I have no regrets," Williams said. "He handled the news with class. He's excited to be back with Pat Gillick. We're going to miss Freddy Garcia.

"But where we are in our evolution, where we are with our ballclub now is such where we needed to create room for what we also knew is a very special pitcher in Brandon McCarthy. We realized that if we're going to have any sort of sustained success, we're going to have to filter in some of the young players, and we think we've acquired two special ones."

Adding Garcia gives the Phillies a surplus of starting pitchers. Philadelphia was thought to have completed its rotation when it gave former Texas Rangers right-hander Adam Eaton a $24.5 million, three-year contract last week.

It's possible the Phillies will look to deal one of their other starters, probably veteran Jon Lieber, for bullpen help. Brett Myers and Cole Hamels aren't going anywhere, and 44-year-old Jamie Moyer signed a $10.5 million, two-year contract extension in October.

Gillick had also been looking for a right-handed bat to protect NL MVP Ryan Howard, but said he didn't expect to find one and turned his attention to pitching.

"There were a lot of suitors out there and a lot of creative deals that came our way," Williams said. "The best baseball deal out there was the deal with the Phillies."

Floyd was 4-3 with a 7.29 ERA in 11 starts for the Phillies last season before being optioned to Triple-A on June 3. The fourth overall selection in the 2001 draft, he turns 24 next month.

"I think Gavin's going to be a little bit of a late bloomer," Arbuckle said.

The White Sox traded Gonzalez to the Phillies in November 2005 as part of the deal that sent Thome to Chicago and Aaron Rowand to Philadelphia. The 21-year-old lefty was 7-12 with a 4.66 ERA and 166 strikeouts in 154 2-3 innings at Double-A Reading last season.

"We have to do what's best," Williams said. "We'll take a few punches along the way and hopefully people will say, 'Oh, that's why he did that two-three years ago."'

And he isn't necessarily done dealing.

"The Chicago White Sox are still open for business," Williams said. "This is a good first step. ... As we move through this year and next year, we feel these two guys will be able to feed into that rotation in an as-needed basis."

I want to say Philly got the better of the trade but it might be an even trade for both teams.

The White Sox HAD to make room for McCarthy and they pick up a couple prospects that might end up replacing Buehrle at the end of next season.

Isn't Garcia related to Ozzie Guillen in some manner?

I wonder how Ozzie feels about the deal.

I'm sure he'll tell us soon.

Can someone tell me why the Giants are signing Bonds (according to MSN they are close), or for that matter, why ANYONE want's this fuckhole?
It's not just the money, the steroids, the bad press, the gay rumors, or the fact that he has ties to Al Queda.
This guy has to have his OWN FRIGGIN' WING IN THE CLUBHOUSE!!!
Man, why anyone would offer him anything above the league minimum is beyond me.
I can't wait to see if the baseball writer's keep him out of the HOF. I think they would be wrong to do it, but it would still make me laugh almost as hard as I laughed when my neighbor backed his pick up truck over my wife.

Because for the Giants, and Giants only... the hype, ticket, and merchandise sales will be through the roof when he is approaching Aarons record. They will make their money back and then some, and will get a ton of press for their team.

Pettitte back to the Yankees, 1 yr/$16m: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2691380

Is Clemens next then I wonder?

Pettitte back to the Yankees, 1 yr/$16m: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2691380

Hasn't he sucked recently?

Mike Piazza will put on his catcher's gear on occasion to help out as Oakland's No. 3 backstop -- but only on occasion.

He's got a new gig now.

Piazza finalized his $8.5 million, one-year contract Friday and became the Athletics' new designated hitter.

"Oh, that's what the deal was?" Piazza joked. "Swinging the bat, I'll do what I do: be a complete hitter and be a veteran in the lineup. ... Old habits die hard. I think it will be healthy for me to work behind the plate."

The deal had been in the works for days and general manager Billy Beane was optimistic of getting something done by week's end. Piazza had a physical Friday, the last thing he had to do before officially joining the A's.

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"Obviously it's an organization of relative deep baseball history," Piazza said. "I'm honored to be a part of that now. It's a great tradition of winning, a team that's done a lot in what might not be characterized as the largest market in baseball."

He will move to the American League for the first time after 15 years as a catcher, a career that many believe will eventually earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame. Piazza replaces Frank Thomas as DH and will likely bat in the cleanup spot for the defending AL West champions.

"Obviously he's filling some big shoes for what Frank did for us last year," Beane said. "Mike's pretty accomplished in his own right and also had a solid year last year while he was catching. The need for a right-handed bat and a guy with some presence was important with Frank's departure. I was impressed. I think everyone finds a way of fitting in here with our guys, but this guy seemed like he was a perfect fit."

Beane had offered one year with an option but Piazza didn't want that, saying if things work out well that the sides might extend their relationship after the 2007 season.

"If I'm productive, I'm sure there will be sentiment to do it again. I just felt like it would be best for everybody involved," said Piazza, who will become a first-time father to a baby girl in February.

The 38-year-old Piazza will be the No. 3 catcher behind starter Jason Kendall and backup Adam Melhuse, meaning he likely will get many more at-bats than the 399 and 398 he got the past two seasons.

"I've never been a numbers-oriented type of player and that has helped me," he said. "I am going to get more at-bats this year ... but ultimately my job is to go out and be a good, solid presence on this team, swing the bat as best I can."

The A's are still looking for another outfielder and perhaps a young right-handed hitter. Beane said it's "highly unlikely" Oakland will re-sign free agent outfielder Jay Payton.

Piazza batted .283 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs in 126 games this year for the NL West champion Padres, his lone season in San Diego after nearly eight years with the New York Mets. Piazza also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins and San Diego Padres.

Beane expects Piazza to DH 99.9 percent of the time.

"As much as anything it will give him that many more at-bats," Beane said. "He should just by virtue of DHing be able to stay in the lineup. We're anxious to see how he does when he doesn't have the burden of catching every day."

Thomas agreed to an $18.12 million, two-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays last month. The 38-year-old slugger batted .270 and led the A's with 39 homers and 114 RBIs this year. While signing Thomas was a risk because of a foot injury that limited him in 2004 and '05 with the Chicago White Sox, Piazza has a good track record for staying healthy.

"Surprisingly, he's never had surgery in his whole career," Beane said. "He's been very healthy, save to say from the groin injury a couple years ago."

Leaving the NL wasn't something Piazza had thought much about. It just sort of happened. Beane told Piazza he would do well in Oakland and that was that.

"I think of these decisions to be the best decisions when you have to mull them over and ultimately go to where you're most wanted," Piazza said. "It was very flattering. I still had to kind of warm up to the idea of coming to the American League and being a DH full-time and coming to the Bay Area, where I've never played before."

He already knows Kendall and before he signed, Piazza heard from center fielder Mark Kotsay about the team's easygoing clubhouse.

"This team has the pieces to make another postseason run," Piazza said. "Obviously there are some interesting characters there, like (Nick) Swisher."

piazza to the A's for 8.5/year.

Also Luis Gonzalez went to the Dodgers

Huge error in ESPN's report of Cubs signing Jason Marquis


The Chicago Cubs aren't done spending money just yet. Free-agent pitcher Jason Marquis has signed a three-year deal with the team, according to multiple reports.

The St. Louis Post Dispatch first reported the deal late Friday as being worth $28 million. Sources told the Chicago Tribune in a report Saturday that the deal was worth approximately $20 million.

The 26-year-old Marquis went 14-16 for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006 with a 6.02 ERA. He struggled after the All-Star break, going just 3-10, and did not make the postseason rotation for the eventual World Series champions.

His best season came in 2004, when he posted a 15-7 record and a 3.71 ERA. He is 194-137 with a 4.55 ERA for his career in seven seasons.

194 wins? Not hardly. He has pitched in 194 games. His record is 56-52. Had he put together more seasons like he did in 2004, $28 mill for 3 years would be a bargain. However, considering his recent work I think he might be turning his head a lot in Wrigley. Over the past 3 years opponents have hit .318 off of him at Wrigley. In fact, last season Lilly and Marquis gave up a combined 63 HR. Wait until that wind blows out gentlemen!

Can someone tell me why the Giants are signing Bonds (according to MSN they are close), or for that matter, why ANYONE want's this fuckhole?
It's not just the money, the steroids, the bad press, the gay rumors, or the fact that he has ties to Al Queda.
This guy has to have his OWN FRIGGIN' WING IN THE CLUBHOUSE!!!
Man, why anyone would offer him anything above the league minimum is beyond me.
I can't wait to see if the baseball writer's keep him out of the HOF. I think they would be wrong to do it, but it would still make me laugh almost as hard as I laughed when my neighbor backed his pick up truck over my wife.

In addition to the money he draws, Bonds can still hit (he would've led the NL in OBP and ranked 13th in SLG if he had enough PA's).

O's signed OF Jay Payton which probably hurts our chances for a deal there...

I read that the O's want to use Payton as the 4th OF or in a platoon role.

Rangers sign Eric Gagne, 1yr/$8m: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2695054

They also signed Kenny Lofton.

That looked pretty nasty.

But luckily for him, he didn't suffer any fractures. Just a concussion.

Video: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/multimedia/tp_archive.jsp?c_id=sea


Since, Soriano was traded to the Atlanta Braves for Horacio Ramirez. The Mariners are also opening the purse strings, signing Jose Guillen (1 year, $5 million) and Miguel Batista (3 years, $24 million).

The 2007 Seattle Mariners: on pace for a 40-win season.

Bill Bavasi is such a fucking moron. Worst GM in baseball, bar none.

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- After two months of trying, the Pittsburgh Pirates finally landed a deal for Atlanta power hitter Adam LaRoche on Wednesday when they agreed to acquire the first baseman for left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez.
The trade also involves two minor leaguers and will be announced after physicals are completed, according to a baseball official familiar with the negotiations who requested anonymity because the deal was still being finalized.

The Braves also get shortstop prospect Brent Lillibridge, while the Pirates will receive outfielder Jamie Romak. Both played in Class-A last season.

The Pirates, who hit an NL-low 141 homers during a 95-loss season last year, have been desperate to add a left-handed power bat to take advantage of PNC Park's short right-field deck. They targeted LaRoche weeks ago, but the Braves previously sought both Gonzalez and one of the Pirates' young starting pitchers.

The 27-year-old LaRoche hit .285 with 32 homers and 90 RBIs last season and was seventh in the NL with a .561 slugging percentage. He is expected to be a major addition to a Pirates lineup that, except for Jason Bay (35 homers), had no player with more than 16 homers.

Gonzalez, who turns 29 in May, should substantially improve a Braves bullpen that blew 29 save chances last season. He was 3-4 with a 2.17 ERA last year and was 24-for-24 in save conversions until missing the final five weeks of the season with a sore left elbow.

Gonzalez has pitched well in all three full seasons in the majors, though he was primarily a left-handed specialist until last year. He had a 1.25 ERA in 47 games in 2004 and a 2.70 ERA in 51 games in 2005.

The Braves made upgrading their bullpen an offseason priority, also adding setup man Rafael Soriano (2.25 ERA in 53 games) in a trade with Seattle for starting pitcher Horacio Ramirez.

Gonzalez probably won't be the closer in Atlanta, at least not immediately. Bob Wickman, who had 18 saves and a 1.04 ERA in 28 games after being acquired from Cleveland in July, re-signed with the Braves and is expected to be their opening-day closer.

The Braves project Gonzalez taking over for Wickman in 2008.

The trade means Atlanta will have a new right side of the infield. The Braves previously cut ties with second baseman Marcus Giles, declining to offer a contract to a player who had 11 homers and 60 RBIs last season.

Scott Thorman (.234, five homers, 14 RBIs) is expected to take over at first base for LaRoche. Martin Prado, Kelly Johnson and Willy Aybar will contend at second.

The Pirates' willingness to deal a hard-throwing reliever with his prime seasons apparently ahead of him reflects the confidence they have in a bullpen that is unusually deep for a losing team.

Right-hander Salomon Torres had 12 saves, most of them after Gonzalez was hurt, while pitching in a major league-high 94 games. Right-hander Matt Capps (3.79 ERA in 85 games) and left-handers John Grabow (4.13 ERA in 72 games) and Damaso Marte (3.70 ERA in 75 games) also were effective most of the season.

The trade likely will be welcomed by Pirates players, including shortstop Jack Wilson, who urged general manager Dave Littlefield to add a power bat. The Pirates also discussed a trade for Arizona infielder Chad Tracy, but felt LaRoche better fit their needs.

The Braves already know what Gonzalez will cost them -- he bypassed arbitration by agreeing Tuesday to a $2.35 million, one-year contract. LaRoche asked for a raise from $420,000 to $3.7 million and has been offered $2.8 million.

The teams were close to completing the trade during the winter meetings early last month, but it fell through because of the Braves' demand for a player besides LaRoche.

The 23-year-old Lillibridge hit .313 in 54 games at Class-A Lynchburg and .299 in 74 games at Class-A Hickory. He was considered one of the best fielders in the Pirates' farm system.

Romak, 21, had a .247 average, 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 108 games at Class-A Rome.

AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report.