Players mov'in the news

AL & NL hitters and Pitchers

Maicer Izturis SS Los Angeles Angels

Angels agreed to terms with infielder Maicer Izturis on a one-year, $1.6 million contract.
Fantasy Source spin: Izturis asked for $1.885 million and was offered $1.4 million in his second year of arbitration. The 28-year-old is a utility player for the Angels, but only injuries have prevented him from reaching 400 at-bats the last couple of years. With Erick Aybar still not having established himself and Howie Kendrick not yet proving he can stay healthy, Izturis is looking at plenty of playing time again in 2009.

Jason Kubel DH Minnesota Twins

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that Jason Kubel's two-year contract with the Twins is worth "about $7 million" with a $5 million team option for 2011.
Fantasy Source spin: If those are indeed the terms the Twins did very well, giving themselves the option of buying out Kubel's first season of free agency for a mere $5 million while avoiding any real risk. He's expected to make around $2.75 million in 2009.
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Mike Lowell 3B Boston Red Sox

Mike Lowell swung a bat Tuesday for the first time since October hip surgery, taking 50 hacks off a tee.
Fantasy Source spin: Meanwhile, Lowell has been removed from Puerto Rico's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic because of his uncertain health status. He remains on track to be ready for opening day, but it's unclear how much action he'll get during spring training.
Source: WEEI.com

Eric Hinske OF Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The Pirates are close to signing free agent Eric Hinske to a deal worth $1 million-$2 million.
Fantasy Source spin: It's not the right-handed bat the Pirates would prefer, but it's clearly better than settling for Luis Gonzalez. Hinske is no longer more than an emergency third baseman, but he holds his own defensively at the outfield corners and he was able to hit 20 homers in just 381 at-bats last season. He'll be the Pirates' best option to start in left, though he'll probably be penciled into a reserve role initially.
Source: FOXSports.com

AL Pitchers

Joaquin Benoit RP Texas Rangers

Joaquin Benoit underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn rotator cuff and will miss at least the first half of the season.
Fantasy Source spin: It was obvious that Benoit was nowhere near 100 percent while he was on the mound last season, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise. "Joaquin was affected most of last season, and it didn't allow him to perform to his abilities," said Rangers GM Jon Daniels. "He attempted to rehab the injury this offseason. He worked hard but the results weren't there. From all accounts, the surgery went well and he can begin the process of strengthening his shoulder now." Benoit is entering the final season of a two-year, $6 million deal and will be a free agent at season's end.
Source: Dallas Morning News

Garrett Olson SP Baltimore Orioles

Mariners acquired LHP Garrett Olson and infielder Ronny Cedeno from the Cubs for RHP Aaron Heilman.
Fantasy Source spin: That the Mariners are getting Olson here suggests that they had the chance to trade Heilman for Felix Pie and turned it down. Olson, who was traded from the Orioles to the Cubs for Pie last week, brings a 10-13 record and a 6.87 ERA with him to Seattle. He's still a decent bet to make it as a fourth or fifth starter, but he belongs in Triple-A right now. The Mariners have enough rotation candidates to send him down for the start of the year.

Jon Garland SP Los Angeles Angels

The Arizona Republic reports that Jon Garland and the Diamondbacks have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with an option for 2010.
Fantasy Source spin: According to the newspaper, "Garland's guaranteed money is believed to be in the $6 million to $8 million range" and it sounds like the option is a mutual one. Garland reportedly turned down a two-year, $14 million offer from Arizona last week.
Source: Arizona Republic

Javier Vazquez SP Chicago White Sox

Vazquez seems like an ace based on his strikeout-to-walk ratio, but he allows so many extra-base hits that his great strikeout rates don't matter. He can make a claim as one of the durable pitchers in the game, making at least 32 starts in each of the last nine seasons. Still, we have to forget about him as a potential ace since he had a better than league average ERA only once since getting out of Montreal in 2003.
Fantasy Source spin: Good for strikeouts and wins to carry in mixed leagues, but his ERA will hurt.
Source: Fanball.com


Andrew Brown RP Oakland Athletics

Andrew Brown said Tuesday that he's scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews this week and expects to undergo shoulder surgery.
Fantasy Source spin: Brown had a 2.05 ERA and .169 opponent's batting average through 30 appearances last season, but gave up four runs on July 25 and didn't pitch again because of shoulder problems that apparently haven't improved. "Hopefully, it's nothing major and I'm only out until the All-Star break," Brown said. "I know there is a small labrum tear, and the rotator cuff has some damage, but it might just be irritation. The MRI is not conclusive."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

Jon Garland SP Los Angeles Angels

MLB.com reports that the Diamondbacks and Jon Garland "are closing in on a deal."
Fantasy Source spin: Garland previously turned down a two-year offer that the Arizona Republic pegged at around $14 million and the Diamondbacks are said to be up against their projected payroll numbers, so it'll be interesting to see which side blinks.
Source: MLB.com
NL hitters

Mike Lowell 3B Boston Red Sox

Mike Lowell swung a bat Tuesday for the first time since October hip surgery, taking 50 hacks off a tee.
Fantasy Source spin: Meanwhile, Lowell has been removed from Puerto Rico's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic because of his uncertain health status. He remains on track to be ready for opening day, but it's unclear how much action he'll get during spring training.
Source: WEEI.com

NL Pitchers

Joaquin Benoit RP Texas Rangers

Joaquin Benoit underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a torn rotator cuff and will miss at least the first half of the season.
Fantasy Source spin: It was obvious that Benoit was nowhere near 100 percent while he was on the mound last season, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise. "Joaquin was affected most of last season, and it didn't allow him to perform to his abilities," said Rangers GM Jon Daniels. "He attempted to rehab the injury this offseason. He worked hard but the results weren't there. From all accounts, the surgery went well and he can begin the process of strengthening his shoulder now." Benoit is entering the final season of a two-year, $6 million deal and will be a free agent at season's end.
Source: Dallas Morning News


Andrew Brown RP Oakland Athletics

Andrew Brown said Tuesday that he's scheduled to meet with Dr. James Andrews this week and expects to undergo shoulder surgery.
Fantasy Source spin: Brown had a 2.05 ERA and .169 opponent's batting average through 30 appearances last season, but gave up four runs on July 25 and didn't pitch again because of shoulder problems that apparently haven't improved. "Hopefully, it's nothing major and I'm only out until the All-Star break," Brown said. "I know there is a small labrum tear, and the rotator cuff has some damage, but it might just be irritation. The MRI is not conclusive."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle


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Baseball Health and Wealth Matters

NL Pitchers in the news
January 26, 2009
by Ultimate Fantasy Source

Kris Benson SP, Philadelphia Phillies
Kris Benson threw in front of nine teams on Saturday.
Fantasy Source spin: The Dodgers, Rangers, Blue Jays, Padres, Diamondbacks, Indians and Cardinals were in attendance. Benson said last week that the Dodgers and Cardinals have expressed the most interest in his services, but that could change depending on how he looked Saturday. The 34-year-old righthander hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006, when he went 11-12 with a 4.82 ERA for the Orioles.
Source: New York Post


Ross Ohlendorf RP, Pittsburgh Pirates
Ross Ohlendorf has slightly reworked his mechanics this offseason.
Fantasy Source spin: Pitching coach Joe Kerrigan is hoping Ohlendorf will begin to pitch less upright, providing him a more consistent release point. "Just straightening things out," Ohlendorf said. The 26-year-old posted a 6.46 ERA in 62 2/3 innings last season. The Pirates are thinking he could turn into a solid mid-rotation guy this season.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


Ben Sheets SP, Milwaukee Brewers
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, concerns over Ben Sheets' right elbow could ultimately prevent the Rangers from offering the All-Star pitcher a contract.
Fantasy Source spin: The Rangers are currently seeking more information on Sheets' torn flexor tendon. Jason Jennings had a similar problem in 2007 and early 2008. In both instances he eventually needed surgery. According to the Star-Telegram, "the likelihood that an agreement will be reached by Monday, if at all this week, is waning."
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Randy Wolf SP, Houston Astros
According to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal, the Astros pulled their offer to Randy Wolf in late November due to "a changing economic climate."
Fantasy Source spin: Astros GM Ed Wade said Saturday that the team was "fully engaged in negotiations and had to stop. It had nothing to do with a lack of interest on our part or Randy's part." Rosenthal believes that Wolf might have to settle for a one-year deal. The Mets have shown interest, but their top priority now appears to be Oliver Perez.
Source: FOXSports.com

AL Pitchers

Fausto Carmona SP, Cleveland Indians
Indians pitching coach Carl Willis reportedly spotted a flaw in Fausto Carmona's delivery near the end of last season.
Fantasy Source spin: The righthander has worked on correcting the problem all winter and showcased improved control while pitching in the Dominican Winter League. "We saw much better results," assistant GM Chris Antonetti said. "Fausto had four walks in one game (in the Dominican), and the rest of the time, his command was back. He is a guy who always had good control in the minors, so we feel good about him."
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer


Joakim Soria RP, Kansas City Royals
Royals GM Dayton Moore said Saturday that he has no problem with closer Joakim Soria's desire to pitch for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
Fantasy Source spin: "If the player's prepared physically and in the right mindset, then it can potentially be a great experience," Moore says. "I understand why some in baseball are apprehensive about it. There is risk, but there's risk every time a player steps on the field. Ultimately, it's up to the individual player to prepare himself." It would seem easier for a bullpen guy to get into right groove by opening day.
Source: Kansas City Star


Matt Guerrier RP, Minnesota Twins
The Twins are working to avoid an arbitration hearing with righthander Matt Guerrier, according to MLB.com.
Fantasy Source spin: Guerrier is seeking $1.75 million for the 2009 season. The Twins submitted a bid of $1.2 million. "I'd like to get something worked out," Guerrier said on Saturday. "But you never know what's going to happen." Arbitration hearings take place throughout the month of February.
Source: MLB.com

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MLB suspends Romero and Mitre 50 games each

January 7, 9:12 AM
by Alex Brown, MLB Examiner

Major League Baseball announced the suspensions of pitchers J.C. Romero and Sergio Mitre, both for 50 games, following positive drug tests. Both tested positive in 2008, but under the current agreement will miss the first 50 games of the 2009 season.

Romero was a fixture in the bullpen for the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies in 2008, pitching eight times in the postseason – apparently with the knowledge of his failed test and imminent suspension. He was informed of his positive test on September 23, and was offered a reduced suspension (25 games) if he began serving it....

immediately. Not wanting to miss the postseason, Romero declined and will serve the full 50 in 2009. He claims to have used a tainted supplement, 6-OXO Extreme, which he purchased over the counter.

Mitre last pitched as a starter for the Marlins in 2007. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2008 and missed the entire season before being released by the Marlins at the end of the year. He signed a one-year minor league deal with the New York Yankees (with a 2010 option) and is expected to miss half of 2009 anyway, so the suspension shouldn’t affect his season. Mitre tested positive around the same time as Romero, and for the same supplement - go figure.

Losing Romero for 50 games will impact the Phillies bullpen, and they will look for a replacement reliever, though not necessarily a lefty. Scott Eyre pitched well at the end of 2008, so they could go forward with him and another smaller signing until Romero’s return. This brings the total number of drug-related MLB suspensions to 20, 12 of whom are pitchers.

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Angels add closer with All-Star Fuentes

Dec. 31, 2008
CBSSports.com wire reports

LOS ANGELES -- Free-agent reliever Brian Fuentes and the Los Angeles Angels reached agreement on a two-year, $17.5 million deal Wednesday, giving the AL West champions a replacement for record-setting closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Fuentes gets $8.5 million next season and $9 million in 2010. There's a club option for $9 million in 2011.

"He should solidify the back part of our bullpen," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said on a conference call. "We pitched well last year, we expect to pitch well again."

Fuentes, a 33-year-old lefty, was a three-time NL All-Star who went 1-5 with 30 saves in 34 chances and a 2.73 ERA for Colorado this season. He had a 1.75 ERA after the All-Star break, when he saved 16 games in as many chances.

"I'm definitely happy to have the opportunity to play for a team that I've watched for a long time," said Fuentes, who grew up in Merced, Calif., and still lives there. "My 2-year-old's excited. He can't wait to go to Disneyland."

Regarding Angels manager Mike Scioscia, Fuentes said: "From what I hear from other guys, he's a player's manager."

Rodriguez posted 62 saves for the Angels this season to break Bobby Thigpen's single-season record of 57. K-Rod signed a three-year, $37 million contract with the New York Mets three weeks ago.

Lefty Brian Fuentes is coming of a 30-save campaign. (Getty Images)
"The only pressure I have is what I put on myself," Fuentes replied when asked if following Rodriguez would make his life more difficult. "I know I can be successful."

Reagins said plans call for Fuentes to close, with Scot Shields or Jose Arredondo serving as the Angels' setup man. The Angels have several other experienced relievers including Darren Oliver and Justin Speier, who were both teammates of Fuentes in Colorado.

"It's going to be nice to have a little bit of a comfort zone," said Fuentes, who has a 17-27 career record with 115 saves and a 3.41 ERA in 438 appearances for the Seattle Mariners and Rockies. He left the Rockies as their all-time career saves leader and finished as Colorado's all-time leader in strikeouts by a reliever as well.

Fuentes was drafted by Seattle in 1995 and made his major league debut in 2001. The Mariners traded him to Colorado after the 2001 season.

Fuentes became the Rockies' closer in 2005, going 2-5 with 31 saves in 34 chances and a 2.91 ERA in 78 games. He was 3-4 with 30 saves in 36 chances and a 3.44 ERA in 2006 and 3-5 with 20 saves in 27 chances and a 3.08 ERA in 64 games in 2007. The Rockies advanced to the World Series that year, but Fuentes was replaced as the team's closer in midseason by Manny Corpas. Fuentes got his job back early this season when Corpas faltered.

"Once you get there, all the other bad seasons just wash away," Fuentes said of playing in the World Series. "You don't make it to the World Series every year. To have an opportunity to do that is very appealing."

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Offseason Player Watch

By Jayson Stark
ESPN.com
Updated: December 11, 2008

LAS VEGAS Mark Teixeira is still shopping. Manny Ramirez is still weeks maybe months from learning where he'll be parking his dreadlocks. And 150 free agents got to spend another fun-filled week on the unemployment line.

Once, there was a time when all the marquee free agents would have been wrapped up like a Christmas gift by the time the winter meetings ended. Well, not anymore.

So let's take a look at the many loose threads that are still dangling as the 2008 meetings fade into oblivion:

The Teixeira Watch

No agent who ever lived moves slower than Scott Boras. So even though CC Sabathia and Frankie Rodriguez already have managed to find their next homes, the Scott Boras Negotiating Olympiad has barely begun for guys such as Teixeira.

So all of a sudden, the crazy bidding rumors are flying. Eight years, $160 million from the Nationals. Seven years, $140 million from the Orioles. Seven years, $160 million from the Angels. No formal offers whatsoever from the Red Sox Yet.

You can believe those numbers if you want to. You can believe none of them if you're as wary of Boras spreading inflated negotiating fiction as many people in baseball are. But somewhere in there, you can find the plot line that's beginning to form here.

The Nationals have decided they need to make Teixeira the face of their franchise. (Hey, it beats Elijah Dukes.) That's the sales pitch they've been throwing at Teixeira and Boras relentlessly.

It's also helpful that they've been throwing more money at Teixeira than they've paid their entire baseball team in the past three seasons combined.

But will it work? And will it work even if the Nationals outbid everybody else which seems entirely possible? That's the question people in baseball keep asking.

How much money will Mark Teixeira really get? We'll have to wait and see.
"Here's what I wonder," one GM said. "Let's say the Nationals' bid is $5 million higher than the Red Sox or Angels. What happens then? Scott's clients always take the most money. But if Teixeira goes to the Nationals, how does he spin it? He sure can't say it was about winning. I guess he'll have to say it's about going home. Playing the family card always works."

Maybe that going-home speech is already in the hands of Boras' speechwriters. But in the meantime, you can bet Boras will be working 28 hours a day trying to prod the Angels and Red Sox to step up and outbid the losingest team in baseball this year.

The Manny Watch

Of all the free agents on your handy-dandy free-agent tote board, only one of them slugged over .600 this season. And it wasn't Teixeira.

It was good old Manny Ramirez, a guy who also hit .332 and had a .430 onbase percentage the seventh time in his career he has joined the .300 .400 .600 club, most of any active player.

So you'd think a hitter that legendary would have more job offers than Julia Roberts. But because he's Manny and there are certain, well, issues, he's a man who seems to have just about no market whatsoever.

Which means it's one of the greatest challenges of Boras' career to venture out into the marketplace and create one.

The popular theory has been that Boras would drive Teixeira to a team such as Boston, which he knows can't possibly pursue its old friend Manny. And that would leave all the losers in the Teixeira sweepstakes to turn their attention to Ramirez.

But there's a problem with that theory. The Angels keep insisting they have no interest. The Nationals don't need any more outfielders. And it takes a massive leap of the imagination to conceive of Peter Angelos' giving Ramirez a three, four or five year deal.

So where's he going? Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said Thursday that when he and Boras talked about Ramirez this week, he was still looking for a contract of four or five years. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are stuck on the two-year deal they offered a month ago. Colletti hinted that the dollars could still be negotiable if the length is short enough. But that's not happening not before somewhere around Valentine's Day, anyway.

Which means Boras likely is going to trot out a strategy he has used many times before: parking Manny in the waiting room.

He's a good bet to leave Ramirez hanging out there for as long as it takes, position him as Clearly The Best Hitter Left At The Unemployment Office and hope somebody gets desperate. His best shot here, though, might not be desperation. It might be a decision by a team such as the Yankees to swoop in at the final hour and see whether it can make an out of the blue score.

Could happen. But get back to us in a month. Or in the spring.

Rafael Furcal

Agent Paul Kinzer said this week that he has four teams with serious interest in Furcal -- the Royals, A's, Blue Jays and Dodgers. And all those teams know, he said, that it's going to take a three- or four-year contract (at $9-10 million a year) to get a deal done.

It's hard to figure whether the market for Rafael Furcal really is as hot as it seems.
But the market might not be as hot on Furcal as it's been portrayed. Kansas City, for instance, has been rumored to be the high bidder. But despite GM Dayton Moore's longtime admiration for Furcal from their Atlanta days, he doesn't have $35-40 million to spend. And one source with knowledge of the Royals' thinking said they haven't done much more than kick the tires on Furcal.

The Blue Jays are in a similar mode, and would have to move money to pay a player this pricey. The A's are still interested, but the popular theory among other clubs is that if Furcal wanted to be in Oakland, he'd already be there. And the Dodgers haven't gone beyond two guaranteed years, plus a vesting option.

So an official of one team that checked in says that Furcal "seems like a guy who's waiting for something to happen that hasn't happened." Our best guess is: He wants to return to L.A. But is he willing to give up a guaranteed year or two to do it? We might be about to find out.

A.J. Burnett

This one is simple. Does Burnett want to be a Yankee? Or does he want to be a Brave?

True, the Yankees have the high bid out there 5 years, $85 million, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick). But the Braves have made it clear there's a fifth guaranteed year, for a total of $80 million, there for Burnett to grab if he merely says the magic words: "I want to be in Atlanta."

"If he just wants the most money, he'll be a Yankee," said an executive of one team that once had interest in Burnett. "When the New York Yankees decide they're not going to be outbid, they're not going to be outbid. And I think that's the decision they've made."

But in reality, this is Burnett's decision. And it might be a "where" decision, not a "how much" decision. Both teams say all there is to do now is wait.

Derek Lowe

Lowe's market didn't exactly collapse this week. It just seemed that way -- but only because it was obviously overblown by Boras' leak squad in the first place.

It's now apparent that neither the Phillies nor the Red Sox made an offer at all. And they no longer seem any more than mildly interested.

The Yankees are still an option -- but maybe not for long. If Burnett and Andy Pettitte say yes to offers already on the table, the Yankees are out. And although the Mets maintain interest, it appears they want no part of the 4 year, $72 million price tag Boras was tossing out there early on. But there's a scenario in the making in which they become the last serious bidder standing. So maybe this will turn out to be Omar Minaya's lucky winter.

more hitters



There are close to 100 bats still on the market. And most of them look as if they're going to have big trouble getting anywhere near the paycheck they had in mind.

The Phillies, Angels and Mets have serious interest in Raul Ibanez, so he'll be fine. The Cubs and Rays have zeroed in on Milton Bradley. And you can bet your inauguration tickets that Adam Dunn will land in Washington if Teixeira doesn't. But guys such as Bobby Abreu, Pat Burrell and Jason Giambi look as though they're in for hefty pay cuts and maybe no more than a two-year deal. And everybody else would be best advised to grab for the first decent paycheck that comes along.

Other arms

The biggest question is what will become of the two big free-agent closers still out there Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman. The Cardinals look like Fuentes' most serious pursuer. But Hoffman, one of the most underrated pitchers of all time, is scrambling.

The Dodgers have a smidgen of interest. The Tigers have interest, but not the budget. And Milwaukee and Texas might still be options. San Diego manager Bud Black tried to open the door this week for Hoffman to return to the Padres. But with Jake Peavy staying, it probably would have to be for a pay slash that Hoffman might find tough to digest. A pitcher this great deserves a happier ending than Hoffman seems headed for.

Of those other starting pitchers, Randy Wolf, Ben Sheets and Jon Garland are well-positioned to lead off the second tier once Burnett and Lowe sign. The Mets will try to bring back Oliver Perez if he ever comes off that five-year, $65 million talk. And Randy Johnson could land in Chicago, San Francisco, Texas or Oakland for a year.

But the most intriguing free-agent starter left might be John Smoltz, who had seven teams looking at his medical records this week amid rumors he's open to leaving Atlanta. Smoltz has been a Brave for so long that he was once a teammate of Bruce Sutter and Ken Griffey Sr. So can he really leave? Can Atlanta really allow him to leave? Might be the most riveting story line of the whole offseason.

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Seven Years gets C C Sabathia $160 Mill

C C become highest paid player in history

LAS VEGAS -- One day after Brian Cashman traveled a mile up the Las Vegas Strip for a few words with C C Sabathia, the Yankees' general manager escaped to the San Francisco area for an unscheduled meeting with the left-hander on Tuesday night.
The extra effort paid off. A source familiar with the situation has confirmed that Sabathia, the 2007 American League Cy Young Award winner, relayed to Cashman early Wednesday morning that he intends to accept the Yankees' offer and wear pinstripes for the upcoming season and beyond.

A baseball official confirmed that the parameters are set, although the contractual paperwork is not yet final. No official announcement will be made until Sabathia and the Yankees complete those details, but no problems are anticipated in completion of the agreement.

An additional season and $20 million offered by Cashman sweetened the package: The deal now represents a record-setting seven-year, $160 million pact, adding to the original offer presented to Sabathia on Nov. 14, which was reported to be for $140 million over six years.

A person familiar with the Yankees' thinking and early-morning maneuvers told MLB.com that the club extended its offer to Sabathia from six to seven years at about 3 a.m. ET. The Yankees had no trepidation in offering a seventh year to Sabathia, a source indicated, and Sabathia and Cashman did not discuss financial terms in the meeting. Sabathia's agent, Greg Genske, later finalized the dollar and year amounts with Cashman.

Though $160 million would be the richest contract ever signed by a pitcher, it remains to be seen if it will be the richest by annual salary. Such a contract would average $22.85 million, while the six-year, $137.5 million deal that Johan Santana signed with the Mets last offseason averages $22.9 million.

Some of the money will likely be deferred, Newsday reported.

In addition, a source said that the Yankees believe they can top the Braves' offer to right-hander A.J. Burnett if it is for five years at $15 million per year, and that the Yankees' interest in first baseman Mark Teixeira has waned.

Tuesday's rendezvous in the Bay Area was the third face-to-face meeting between Cashman and Sabathia. The most recent visit is believed to have been made with attention to the concerns of Sabathia's wife, Amber. The Sabathias have West Coast roots -- he is a product of Vallejo, Calif., approximately 30 miles outside of San Francisco -- and a family of three young children.

"We all know what kind of ballplayer he is," Cashman said on Monday. "He's a tremendous family man and he's got a wife and three kids. He's got a life choice to make that will direct where they'll reside."

In Las Vegas, Yankees officials were privately optimistic late Tuesday that discussions with Sabathia had taken a positive turn since Cashman had again been invited back. The GM rapidly cleared his schedule.

Cashman, manager Joe Girardi and special advisor Reggie Jackson met with Sabathia and agent Greg Genske for approximately two hours at the Wynn hotel on Sunday.

Jackson took the lead in those discussions, representing a Bay Area product who went on to stardom in New York and looks back upon his Yankees time fondest.

Cashman was then invited back on Monday, answering follow-up questions in a meeting of less than one hour with Genske present. Then came Tuesday's meeting, which resulted in the Yankees landing the biggest pitching prize of the Winter Meetings.

"I have no doubt that he can play in New York," Cashman said on Monday.

Sabathia, 117-73 in eight big league seasons, will bring something to the Yankees that they haven't had in three decades: a relatively youthful pitcher at the top of their rotation.

At 28 years old, Sabathia will be the first prominent Yankees ace under 30 since Ron Guidry, another left-hander, in the late 1970s.

New York had pitchers in their 20s, notably Dennis Rasmussen and Melido Perez, at the top of its rotations during losing seasons in the early '90s, and one could argue that Chien-Ming Wang, currently 28 was the Yankees' "ace" in 2006 and 2007. But Sabathia clearly represents something different.

Traded to the Brewers by the Indians on July 7, the left-hander almost single-handedly carried Milwaukee to its first postseason berth in 26 years by going 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts.

He lost his only start in the playoffs, lasting 3 2/3 innings in a 5-2 loss to the Phillies. The Brewers lost the best-of-five Division Series in four games.

A Sabathia signing would give the Yankees the bonafide ace that many, including Girardi, have lobbied for, but it does not complete their winter shopping list. The Yankees have spoken optimistically about landing two of their top choices, if not three.

That leaves the door open to a full-bore pursuit of free agent right-handers A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe and Ben Sheets, and to the future of Andy Pettitte, who remains unsigned. As of the moment, the Yankees' only signed starters projected to be in the rotation come Opening Day are Wang and Joba Chamberlain.

The Yankees met with Burnett's representative at the Winter Meetings on Tuesday. With teams circling his client, Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, acknowledged that "just overall, the process is starting to advance."

The Yankees do not appear fazed by the Braves' interest in Burnett, with Atlanta prepared to supply Burnett with a four-year, $60 million contract containing a vesting option for the 2013 season. In fact, the Yankees may even be primed to top that dollar amount by surpassing the annual value of the pact.

The Yankees and Phillies have emerged as the two most prominent contenders for Lowe, according to reports. The Yankees are said to have prepared a four-year offer with a possible vesting option for a fifth year for the 35-year-old former Dodger, who has won 106 games in seven seasons since the Red Sox converted him from closer to starter in 2002.

Late on Monday, Cashman and manager Joe Girardi met with Sheets and his agent, Casey Close.

"I thought that was a good meeting," Girardi said. "Obviously, I faced Ben Sheets when I was with the Cubs and have admired the work that he's done over the years. It was good to talk to him about his health, his routines, what he likes to do. He was a very open young man and he was impressive."

The New York Daily News reported on Tuesday that the Yankees are preparing to offer Sheets a multi-year deal believed to be for two years and about $30 million. The offer was expected to be made before the Meetings wrap up on Thursday.

Sheets is 86-83 in his career with a 3.73 ERA, but has missed significant time due to injury in four of his eight seasons in the Major Leagues, all with the Brewers.

Pettitte, who has spent 11 of his 14 seasons with the Yankees, is a free agent and has openly said that he wishes to return. But there has been no reported contact between the team and the 36-year-old left-hander, who went 14-14 last season but is 215-127 in his career.

Sabathia, a first-round Draft pick in 1998, burst upon the scene less than three years later, going 17-5 in his rookie season. He had success, but without impressive records, for the next four seasons, going 52-40 with a 4.03 ERA while recording double digits in losses three times.

However, in 2006, he began to show the results of a dominant pitcher, lowering his ERA to 3.21 and reaching a career high in strikeouts with 172. He went 12-11, but the Indians were 78-84 and finished fourth in the AL Central that season.

In 2007, Sabathia pitched 241 innings, by far a career high, and went 19-7 while boosting his strikeout total to 209. Cleveland won the AL Central and Sabathia won the Cy Young.

Those career highs were extended this past season, as he struck out 251 batters in 253 innings.

The Yankees won the World Series in 1977 and '78 with Guidry leading the way. In 1978, the year he turned 28, Guidry recorded one of history's finest seasons, going 25-3 with a 1.74 ERA.

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Heads Up News

Report: Braves acquire Vazquez from White Sox

According to ESPN.com, the White Sox will trade Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan to the Braves for Jo-Jo Reyes, Brent Lillibridge and a prospect.
Ken Rosenthal agrees that the deal has been agreed to, but he doesn't think Reyes is involved. On the other hand, he believes young slugger Tyler Flowers might be going to Chicago in the trade. It sounds like it will be a good deal for the Braves, though there's really no need for Logan to be involved. They already have seven relievers better than him. Dec. 2 - 7:16 pm et
Source: ESPN.com

Astros re-sign Brocail to one-year deal

Astros re-signed RHP Doug Brocail to a one-year, $2.75 million contract with a club option for 2010.
Brocail will make $2.5 million next season. The option for 2010 is worth $2.85 million and contains a $250,000 buyout. Incentives could push his salary higher in both years. Brocail, 41, finished last season with a 3.93 ERA in 68 2/3 innings. It looks like he'll be the seventh-inning guy in front of LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde. Dec. 2 - 5:35 pm et

Agent refutes Renteria-to-San Fran report

Edgar Renteria's agent said the report of the shortstop signing a two-year deal with the Giants is completely false.
Agent Barry Meister confirmed that Renteria and the Giants have been in talks, but he denied that anything is even close to being done. Other suitors for Renteria may not put in official bids until after the Tigers decline to offer him arbitration next month. The Cardinals, for instance, would lose a first-round pick if they signed Renteria now. Nov. 24 - 7:24 pm et
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Utley out 4-6 months following hip surgery

The Phillies still feel they're looking at a 4-6 month recovery phase following Chase Utley's rip surgery on Monday.

Utley had an arthroscopic debridement of his labrum and a bony lesion that was present. Dr. Bryan Kelly reported the surgery went well and the findings yesterday were consistent with the diagnostic studies performed prior to surgery. Utley's toughness certainly isn't in doubt, and it'd be no surprise to see him back for Opening Day. Still, the Phillies may want to go shopping for a better utilityman than Eric Bruntlett. Nov. 25 - 2:35 pm et
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

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Latest MLB News

Sources told FOX 26 Sports that the Astros have agreed to terms with Mike Hampton, pending a physical.

There was nothing to indicate this was close to happening, but it hardly comes as a surprise. The Astros were known to have interest in the left-hander, and it was assumed that Hampton wanted to get closer to his family in Arizona. Hampton pitched for the Astros from 1994-99 and won 22 games in his final season with the club. Dec. 1 - 4:05 pm et
Source: FOX 26 Houston

Yanks decline to offer arbitration to Abreu

The Yankees have declined to offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi, Ivan Rodriguez, Sidney Ponson, Carl Pavano and Chad Moeller.

We imagine the Red Sox and Rays are plenty pleased to see that the Yankees won't be getting any extra draft picks next year. Having Abreu back for about $16 million wouldn't have been such a bad thing for the Yankees, and odds are that he would have left and brought back two picks. Now the Yankees are facing the possibility of not having their regular first-round pick or any supplemental first-round picks. They will have the 29th pick in the draft after not signing their first-round pick from 2008. Dec. 1 - 5:46 pm et
Source: SI.com

Sources told FOX 26 Sports that the Astros have agreed to terms with Mike Hampton, pending a physical.

There was nothing to indicate this was close to happening, but it hardly comes as a surprise. The Astros were known to have interest in the left-hander, and it was assumed that Hampton wanted to get closer to his family in Arizona. Hampton pitched for the Astros from 1994-99 and won 22 games in his final season with the club. Dec. 1 - 4:05 pm et
Source: FOX 26 Houston

Yanks decline to offer arbitration to Abreu

The Yankees have declined to offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi, Ivan Rodriguez, Sidney Ponson, Carl Pavano and Chad Moeller.

We imagine the Red Sox and Rays are plenty pleased to see that the Yankees won't be getting any extra draft picks next year. Having Abreu back for about $16 million wouldn't have been such a bad thing for the Yankees, and odds are that he would have left and brought back two picks. Now the Yankees are facing the possibility of not having their regular first-round pick or any supplemental first-round picks. They will have the 29th pick in the draft after not signing their first-round pick from 2008. Dec. 1 - 5:46 pm et
Source: SI.com

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Brave join in the hunt

Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005.

Braves join Burnett pursuit
Add the Braves to the list of teams showing interest in free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett.

In a perfect world, the Braves would add two top-of-the-rotation starters, then slot righty Jair Jurrjens as their No. 3.

"They've shown no reservations acknowledging that they need that guy going forward, especially if (John) Smoltz and (Tom) Glavine aren't back," Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, said Monday.

"They see the significance long-term of having a guy who can be at the top of the rotation and have the desire and capability of leading a staff. They've communicated that to me better than any club."

Of course, "communicating" and "signing" are two different things, particularly with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Orioles expressing varying degrees of interest in Burnett.

To get Burnett, a team almost certainly will need to sign him for five years. The Braves haven't awarded a five-year deal to a pitcher since signing Greg Maddux to an extension of that length in August 1997.

Then again, Padres right-hander Jake Peavy likely would require a minimum five-year investment if the Braves ever acquired him in a trade. Peavy, who is owed $59 million over the next four years, almost certainly would want his $22 million club option for 2013 guaranteed and possibly an extension to waive his no-trade clause.

Burnett, 31, is four years older than Peavy, but could end up in the same five-year, $80 million range. Some teams will balk at that length of contract, knowing that Burnett has exceeded 166 innings only twice in the past six seasons. Giving Burnett five years would be out of character for the Braves, and the Red Sox, too.

For now, the Braves are intrigued by their addition of left-handed reliever Erik O'Flaherty, whom they claimed on waivers from the Mariners last week. O'Flaherty, 23, did not pitch after June because of a back injury, but the Braves consider him a potential sleeper.

The team's bullpen, in fact, could emerge as a strength — the Braves will either re-sign or replace Will Ohman as their main situational left-hander, and lefty Mike Gonzalez and righties Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan could form an imposing late-inning trio.

Moylan, recovering from Tommy John surgery, should be ready early in the season, if not Opening Day.

Hell's bells, Hollywood style?
Imagine "Hell's Bells" blaring at Dodger Stadium to herald the entrance of Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Trevor Hoffman wouldn't be a bad fit for the Dodgers. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)

The idea of the Dodgers signing Hoffman makes a lot of sense.

The Dodgers have so many holes, they might be unable to spend heavily if they replace closer Takashi Saito, who will be 39 next season and coming off an elbow injury.

Hoffman, 41, could serve as a one-year mentor for setup man Jonathan Broxton, who is still only 24. Staying in the NL West almost certainly would appeal to Hoffman. So would the chance to stick it his former team, the Padres.


The Red Sox's potential logjam
The Red Sox seem to believe that they will find a taker for third baseman Mike Lowell if they sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira.

Lowell could be a candidate for Frank McCourt's Los Angeles Red Sox if the Dodgers failed to re-sign free agent Casey Blake.

Other rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Red Sox could move Lowell quickly.

Lowell, who turns 35 on Feb. 24, is coming off hip surgery and guaranteed $24 million over the next two seasons.

The Red Sox are confident he will be fine, but one general manager countered, "I don't think anybody will take a chance on Mike Lowell until you see him play next spring."

The blueprint for a Lowell trade might be last winter's Scott-Rolen-for-Troy Glaus deal, in which the Cardinals and Jays exchanged high-priced, physically questionable third basemen.

Finding a match for Lowell might be more difficult. To further complicate matters, the Red Sox also are trying to work a salary exchange with shortstop Julio Lugo, who is less productive than Lowell and owed $18 million over the next two seasons.

As for trading designated hitter David Ortiz, good luck. Ortiz, as a player with 10 years of major-league service, five with the same team, has the right to veto any deal. Plus, as a designated hitter, his market would consist only of American League teams.

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Dice-K ready for World Baseball Classic

By Associated Press
Friday, November 21, 2008 http://www.bostonherald.com

TOKYO - Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka [stats] is ready to help Japan defend its title at the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Matsuzaka, the MVP of the 2006 tournament, said Thursday he will start preparing for the WBC in December.

"I’ll accept the offer if I’m asked to play," Matsuzaka said. "I’ll pick up the pace of my training in December so that I won’t have to scramble at the last minute."

The right-hander went 3-0 in the 2006 WBC with a 1.38 ERA. One of his wins came in the final against Cuba.

Matsuzaka said he was pleased with his second season for Boston, where he went 18-3.

"I won 18 games, but in the United States people severely look at the way you perform," he said. "I had a fulfilling season, though, with both good and bad experiences."

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners has also said he expects to play in the 16-nation tournament, which starts March 5 in Tokyo.

Yomiuri Giants manager Tatsunori Hara will guide Japan’s team.

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The Pitch Weekly Report

This weeks pitching
Posted by Tabloid Paige
Monday Sept 8 2008

FAVORABLE SCHEDULES
Indians hitters: The Indians have eight games thanks to a doubleheader late in the week. Plus, they get to face the Orioles and Royals, who are both among the six worst teams in ERA.
Diamondbacks pitchers: Maybe Dan Haren and Brandon Webb can get out of a funk against the Giants and Reds. The Giants are last in the majors in runs; the Reds are second to last in team batting average.
Phillies hitters: It doesn't get any better than seven home games at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park in the midst of a hot NL East race. Unless you're Ryan Howard, who has the added bonus of facing just one lefty starter.

UNFAVORABLE SCHEDULES
Blue Jays pitchers: Eight games against the White Sox and Red Sox come at a bad time for those looking for a little stretch-run help north of the U.S. border. The Red Sox and White Sox are both among the top five teams in the majors in runs.
A's pitchers: Look elsewhere for AL-only league sleepers. Oakland is at Detroit for three before hosting Texas for four games. The Tigers and Rangers are both among the top six teams in the majors in batting average.
Mets and Nationals hitters: Both teams have just five games, including two against each other early in the week. We don't have to tell those in head-to-head leagues how the five-game week is a curse.

TWO-START PITCHERS

AL: Brian Bannister, Nick Blackburn, A.J. Burnett, Fausto Carmona, Dana Eveland*, Jon Garland, Jeremy Guthrie*, Felix Hernandez, Edwin Jackson, Jon Lester, Jesse Litsch, Zach Miner, Dustin Nippert*, Carl Pavano, Clayton Richard*, Jeremy Sowers, Javier Vazquez, Jered Weaver*.

NL: Brandon Backe, Joe Blanton, Dave Bush, Jorge Campillo, Ryan Dempster, Livan Hernandez, Wade LeBlanc*, Tim Lincecum, Kyle Lohse*, Greg Maddux, Oliver Perez, Yusmeiro Petit*, Anibel Sanchez, Ian Snell, Jeff Suppan, Edinson Volquez, Randy Wolf, Barry Zito.

* = Two-start status is in question.

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Harden should start playoff opener

By Barry Rozner
Daily Herald Columnist
Updated: 8/28/2008 7:17 AM

Baseball people rarely talk about tomorrow, let alone a month from now.

Superstitious as they are, and terrified of upsetting the baseball deities, they don't speak of the postseason until the moment they clinch.

But since the playoffs are inevitable, and having zero belief in jinxes and curses, I fear not a bit tackling a hypothetical Cubs playoff rotation.

As we've said all along, Rich Harden is and will be the Cubs' best pitcher as long as he's healthy, so the Cubs will watch his rest carefully while pitching him in as many games as possible.

At the same time, Ryan Dempster is the best among those who have been here all year, and untouchable at Wrigley Field.

That leaves the erstwhile ace, Carlos Zambrano, who throughout his career has been better on the road (.654) than at home (.571), and in 4 postseason starts, while never having won, he's been very good in two and both were on the road.

So here's a view as it stands now, five weeks before the first postseason game against Arizona:

The first thing the Cubs would have to do is sit Zambrano down and explain why he's not leading off.

If he pouts, breaks things, or cries, and looks like he'll tank it, this won't work at all and you scrap the idea before you start.

But if they believe he'll buy into it, you go with Harden first at home in Game 1 of the NLDS.

This allows you to come back with Harden in a decisive Game 5 at home on five days' rest if necessary, and it also gives you the option of using Ted Lilly in relief after 5 innings of Game 1 if Harden has reached his pitch count, forcing batters to look at a lefty throwing slow curves after the right-handed Harden fires bullets.

Lilly also has three days' rest after his inning of work and should be good to go in Game 4, if necessary.

Dempster goes in Game 2 at home and is also available for Game 5 at home on his normal four days' rest if Harden isn't ready.

Game 3 is Zambrano on the road, and if needed, Lilly goes in the fourth game. Game 5 at home is Harden or Dempster.

Either way, one of them gets an extended rest and is ready to go in Game 1 of the NLCS, which arrives eight days after Game 1 of the NLDS.

Let's assume a four-game NLDS, which the Cubs win, 3-1. They have Harden back for Game 1 of the NLCS on seven days' rest and Dempster for Game 2 on seven days, a fabulous scenario for your two best pitchers in October.

You should leave for the middle three of the League championship series up 2-0, especially if it's the Brewers and CC Sabathia is forced to pitch in a Game 5 of the NLDS for Milwaukee.

You have Zambrano in Game 3 on the road, Lilly in Game 4, and Harden comes back to pitch Game 5 on a comfortable five days off in between starts.

If a Game 6 is necessary, Dempster goes again on six days' rest at - guess where? - Wrigley Field, where he should win and send the Cubs into the World Series for the first time since Moses was in diapers.

Worst case, the Cubs have to play a Game 7 at home, and you've got Zambrano pitching. At that point, he'll probably be ready to tear someone's head off and pitch the game of his life - assuming he doesn't break his hand punching a wall between innings.

Even under those circumstances, if Harden has to pitch Game 5 in the NLCS, he's available to come back in Game 1 of the World Series on six days' rest.

And even if Dempster starts Game 6 of the NLCS, he's ready for Game 2 of the Series on five days' rest.

If Zambrano goes in Game 7 of the NLCS, he'll have six days off before the Cubs need him in Game 3 of the World Series, and Lilly goes in Game 4 with almost two weeks off unless he pitches in relief, which is quite possible.

But, aye, there's the rub.

Harden would have to come back in Game 5 of the Series on the standard four days' rest, and that's pushing it for him at that time of year.

Dempster would be better suited for that, so if the Cubs can win the NLCS early, and don't need him for Game 6, they might want to go to Dempster in Game 1 and Game 5 of the Series, with Harden in Games 2 and 6, when he'll have five days off between outings.

That might be the smart choice, and it means Dempster pitches at home in Game 5, whereas in Games 2 and 6 he's on the road.

Tough call.

As for Game 7 of the World Series?

Carlos Zambrano to win it all, a chance to clinch all three series for his team, and a solid selling point when they try to convince him this will work.

If you were betting, you'd say the Cubs will go the safe route, avoid anger, criticism and second guessing, and go with Zambrano first, followed by Dempster, Harden and Lilly.

But does it make the most sense?

Read more...

Two Start Pitchers and schedules

from Eric Ferguson/sportingnews.com
Week Ahead
August 17, 2008
FAVORABLE SCHEDULES

Cubs hitters: With the Reds and Nats coming to town to visit the league's best offense, the scoreboard operators are going to get a workout.
Rangers hitters : It's a little-known fact Rangers Ballpark is actually a hitters paradise. OK, that's not true. It's a well-known fact. The Rangers get a week at home to add to their league-leading OPS and runs totals.
Diamondbacks pitchers: What do you get when two of the league's most strikeout-prone teams face off against one of the league's most strikeout-heavy pitching staffs? More strikeouts.

UNFAVORABLE SCHEDULES

Reds pitchers: They're nothing to brag about no matter what, but they're especially blech when they have to travel to Wrigley and Coors Field to face the league's top two home offenses.
Orioles pitchers: The O's rank 28th in home ERA, and they've got the Yankees and Red Sox coming to town. Pass.
A's hitters: They face four lefties this week. I'll give you one guess who ranks last in OPS against lefties. Yep, the Ballplayers Formerly Known as the Mack Men.

TWO-START PITCHERS

AL: Nick Blackburn, Mark Buehrle, Justin Duchscherer, Sean Gallagher, Jon Garland, Jeremy Guthrie, Felix Hernandez, Luke Hochevar, Jon Lester, Luis Mendoza*, David Purcey, Darrell Rasner, Anthony Reyes, Kenny Rogers, Ervin Santana, Kevin Slowey, Andy Sonnanstine, Jarrod Wasburn.

NL: Josh Banks, Jason Bergmann, Joe Blanton, Jorge Campillo, Kevin Correia, Doug Davis, Josh Fogg, Jeff Francis*, Rich Harden*, Paul Maholm, John Maine, Charlie Morton, Ricky Nolasco, Oliver Perez, CC Sabathia, Eric Stults*, Randy Wolf, Barry Zito.

* = Two-start status is in question.

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Glavine could rejoin rotation next week.

Glavine could rejoin rotation soon

Veteran to have one more rehab start

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 08/05/08

San Francisco — Reports on Tom Glavine were all good after the veteran lefty pitched four solid innings Monday in an injury-rehab start for Class A Myrtle Beach, his first minor-league appearance in 22 years.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Glavine would more rehab start Saturday for Class AA Mississippi "to build endurance." Provided that goes well, he would activated from the disabled list and rejoin the Braves' rotation next week.

Glavine, 42, has been out eight weeks recovering from a partially torn flexor tendon near his left elbow. He threw 53 pitches and reported no pain Tuesday while allowing three hits and one run with one walk and four strikeouts.

• The Braves had no updates on closer Rafael Soriano, whose sore elbow landed him on DL on Sunday for the third time this season. Past MRIs and other exams have shown no ligament tears or other structural damage.

"There's something in there, and we've got to find it," Cox said. "It's there. Just can't locate it."

Read more...

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up

Joba Chamberlain is headed to the disabled list.
By GEORGE A. KING III
Last updated: 5:23 pm
August 6, 2008

Joba Heads to DL Chris Britton Called Up.

The YankeesNew York Yankees put the right-hander on the 15-day DL with an injured shoulder before tonight's game against Texas while awaiting word on a diagnosis from Dr. James Andrews.

The Yankees recalled pitcher Chris Britton from Triple-A, despite the fact he was sent down less than 10 days ago.

A player cannot be recalled after a demotion before 10 days have passed, unless his team needs him to replace an injured player.

Chamberlain is in Pensacola, Fla., today having his right shoulder examined by Dr. James Andrews, is bound for the DL.

A diagnosis from Andrews likely would determine how much time the 22-year-old would miss, and if surgery is required.

Britton pitched three innings for the Yankees on July 31 and was sent down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the next day, Aug. 1.

He likely would pitch out of the bullpen, which means the Yankees would need to make another recall to take Chamberlain's spot in the rotation. Ian Kennedy is the likely choice.

Chamberlain was removed after 4 2/3 innings of Monday's game in Texas. After that game, Joe Girardi said he thought Chamberlain might miss one start, but did not think the injury was serious based on how the righty had maintained his velocity.

Chamberlain was dispatched to New York on Tuesday to undergo an MRI exam. The result showed a significant enough problem for the Yankees to send Chamberlain and the MRI results to Pensacola to see Andrews. It was an ominous sign considering teams usually send players to Andrews for second opinions only when they have a concern from their initial diagnosis.

The loss of Chamberlain for any length is a blow because he was emerging as a top-of-the-rotation force. He was 4-3 with a 2.63 ERA. Even with his poor outing Monday, Chamberlain was 3-1 in 12 starts with a 2.76 ERA.

Additional reporting by Joel Sherman

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Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?

Maine To DL Wagner Still Out. Kunz Who?
Updated: August 4, 2008, 5:21 PM EST
Posted by Tabloid Paige

HOUSTON (AP) - Billy Wagner has a strained left forearm and will have his second MRI in two weeks on Tuesday, leaving the New York Mets without their closer and starter John Maine.
Maine was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a mild strain in his right rotator cuff. He left Monday's game in Florida after 4 1-3 innings because of pain in his shoulder.
Wagner said he felt pain in his forearm on Tuesday, when he earned his 27th save with a scoreless ninth in the Mets' 4-1 win over Florida. He blew a save chance on Saturday night and said his arm felt strong, but he struggled to locate his pitches.

The Mets didn't make a move with Wagner but the left-hander was unavailable for their game against Houston on Sunday. New York is off Monday before hosting San Diego in the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night.

"When you lose Billy Wagner, that's very critical for us," manager Jerry Manuel said.

The Mets purchased right-hander Eddie Kunz's contract from Double-A Binghamton to fill Maine's roster spot. Manuel said the 22-year-old Kunz might be his closer on Sunday.

Kunz was 1-4 with 27 saves in 44 games with Binghamton. He threw 17 scoreless innings over his last 16 appearances dating to June 20.

Wagner had an MRI on July 22 that showed muscle spasms around his shoulder joint. But he had tossed 10 consecutive scoreless innings over nine appearances before Saturday night.

"It got to the point where I couldn't locate the ball inside," Wagner said. "The pitches didn't have much finish on them."

The Mets were in third place in the NL East entering play Sunday, two games behind Philadelphia and a half-game behind Florida. Wagner was hoping to avoid the disabled list, but also didn't want to come back too soon.

"It's a situation where we're at this part of the season, where you have time to take some time off," Wagner said. "I don't want to hamper the team and continuously fight an uphill battle when we've got it close in the division. There's no use going out there and hurting the team by being something that you're not right now."

Maine's DL stint is retroactive to July 29 and Manuel tentatively plans to start him again at Washington on Aug. 13. Oliver Perez started Sunday's series finale in Houston on regular rest in Maine's spot.

Maine threw a light bullpen session on Sunday and said the shoulder felt fine. Manuel said the Mets are just being cautious.

"We know he could use that rest," Manuel said. "The more rest we give him, the better off he'll be."

Maine insisted the injury was nothing serious.

"There's no setback," Maine said. "It's just precautionary. I still feel it a little bit. But it's 100 times better than it was before."

Eddie Kunz Minor League Stats:
1-4 W-L: ERA 2.87: 43 Games: 26 SV: 47.0 IP: 38 Hits: 19 R: 15 ER: 23BB: 41 SO:

analysis:
He might be some help if your in desperate need he does have some upside.

Read more...

Braves Pitcher Tim Hudson Season Over

Braves Pitcher Tim Hudson Season Over
MRI reveals bad news for No. 1 starter

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

An MRI done Monday afternoon showed damage in the ulnar collateral ligament area of the elbow, though Hudson and Wren said it wasn't known if he has a torn ligament that would require season-ending "Tommy John" ligament-transplant surgery.
"That's the obvious procedure that's going to fix any kind of ligament damage," Hudson said. "I don't know how severe it is, if rehab [alone] might fix it."
Hudson will meet Wednesday with Braves orthopedist Xavier Duralde, who's out of town until Tuesday night. Then the pitcher will travel to Birmingham to see famed orthopedic surgeon James Andrews.

After Monday's game, Hudson still seemed to be in almost a state of disbelief over the news.

"I was floored," he said. "I thought they were almost kidding with me. ... It feels fine, that's what's frustrating. Nothing really hurts."

Hudson said he got the test done only because he was going to be on the disabled list for 15 days anyway, and the Braves figured he might as well get the sophisticated dye-injection form of MRI.

"I'm starting to wonder if it's been like this for three or four years, and is just something I learned to deal with," said Hudson, who left his Wednesday start at Florida after six scoreless innings when tightness in his right forearm moved toward his elbow.

The 33-year-old didn't think it was anything serious, though he still had some minor discomfort when he threw Sunday at Philadelphia.

Braves manager Bobby Cox said Hudson was placed on the DL earlier Monday for precautionary reasons, indicating there was no reason to risk further injury when the Braves had fallen so far back in the standings. But that was before the Braves saw MRI results from the 4 p.m. exam.

Hudson is 11-7 with a 3.17 ERA in a staff-leading 142 innings, and has a 146-77 career record in 10 seasons with Oakland and Atlanta.

The Alabama native is in the third year of a four-year, $47-million contract extension he signed after being traded from Oakland following the 2004 season. He is scheduled to make $13 million in 2009, with a $12 million option for 2010 that's mutual and includes a $1 million buyout.

Wren said he was told by doctors that the MRI revealed what was believed to be some old and some recent damage in the elbow. He said there had not been warning signs before Wednesday's start.

"I think everybody was a little surprised there was something [injured in the elbow]," Wren said.

Hudson is the fourth member of the Braves' season-opening rotation to land on the DL, after John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Mike Hampton. Rookie Jair Jurrjens missed a start with a sprained ankle.

Smoltz had season-ending shoulder surgery, and Glavine is trying to come back from a partially torn flexor tendon near his pitching elbow.

"We've had more than our share [of injuries], that's for sure," said Wren forced a smile and added, "Could throw a yellow flag for piling on."

More Braves News

ATLANTA BRAVES

Chipper Jones returns to DL

Reyes demoted to make room for Morton, Sammons

By DAVID O'BRIEN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/28/08

On a day in which Chipper Jones and Tim Hudson were placed on the disabled list, struggling pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes was optioned to Class AAA Richmond and the Braves added pitcher Charlie Morton and catcher Clint Sammons from Richmond. They also activated pitcher Jeff Bennett from the DL.

While the possible severity of Hudson's ulnar-collateral ligament injury was surprising, placing Jones on the 15-day DL for the first time this season wasn't. The major-league hitting leader's left hamstring hadn't improved since he pulled it Wednesday and he'll probably need most of two weeks to recover anyway.

The Braves wanted to DL a position player to open a spot for Sammons, since they needed another catcher for a few days while Brian McCann recovers from the concussion sustained Sunday in a home-plate collision with the Phillies' Shane Victorino.

Jorge Campillo will replace Hudson for Tuesday's game, Jair Jurrjens is scheduled to start Wednesday and Mike Hampton is set for his second start in Thursday's series finale. Braves manager Bobby Cox said he didn't know who'd pitch Friday's series opener against Milwaukee.


Jones rues inability to help vs. Phillies

The Braves blew six- and five-run leads in weekend defeats at Philadelphia, and Jones regretted that he wasn't on the field to do anything about it.

"It's disappointing because I felt I could've helped us this last series, maybe pushed us over the top in a game we lost," said Jones, who's still hitting .369, but was 9-for-39 (.231) in his last 12 games while playing with a lingering right quadriceps injury.

"My goal in spring training was to go through the season without anything keeping me out for any extended period of time," he said. "Unfortunately, I've had leg problems last couple of months.

"The team is better off with me on the DL right now, to give Bobby a full deck when he's trying to manage a game. It just makes sense to give itthe full 15 days to heal, and let the quad on the other leg heal."

The Braves played Monday without Jones and McCann, who ranked second and sixth in the NL in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). Mark Kotsay, with four homers and 27 RBIs, hit cleanup Monday.

"It's been that kind of year," Jones said. "We can't sustain the injuries we've sustained to key people and expect to stay competitive, at or near the top of the division. It's impossible, especially when you're replacing guys like myself, Smoltz, Glavine, [Rafael] Soriano and [Peter] Moylan with minor-league guys."

Barring something entirely unexpected, the Braves will miss the postseason for the third consecutive year since their run of 14 consecutive division titles.

"I feel like for the last couple of years, even though we haven't gone to the playoffs, we've been within earshot of the rest of the division," Jones said. "Now, because of the injury situation, because of the trade deadline coming up and all of the rumors floating around here, we're already pointing to next year.

"...We're going to work hard and continue to compete. But there's three teams in front of us in the division. The likelihood of all three of them collapsing is not probable."

Read more...

Fantasy Update 10 day Pitching Schedule

Fantasy Baseball Update
posted by Tabloid Paige

Fantasy Baseball Probable Starters
and Schedule Next 10 Days
All Start Times Eastern




Sunday, July 27, 2008

Visitor ------------------------------------- Home
1:05 MIN-Blackburn, Nick (7-6, 3.83) CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-5, 6.47)
1:05 CHW-Vazquez, Javier (7-8, 4.57) DET-Miner, Zach (4-3, 3.76)
1:07 SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (4-9, 4.75) TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-4, 3.06)
1:10 STL-Lohse, Kyle (12-2, 3.36) NYM-Santana, Johan (8-7, 3.06)
1:15 COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (6-9, 3.98) CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-2, 7.17)
1:35 ANA-Santana, Ervin (11-4, 3.37) BAL-Olson, Garrett (6-5, 6.11)
1:35 ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.83) PHI-Blanton, Joe (5-12, 5.08)
1:35 SD -Peavy, Jake (7-6, 2.77) PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-6, 3.92)
2:05 HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.76) MIL-Suppan, Jeff (5-6, 4.66)
2:10 TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (10-5, 4.54) KC -Davies, Kyle (3-2, 4.58)
2:20 FLA-VandenHurk, Rick (1-1, 6.24) CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-6, 4.45)
4:05 TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-1, 3.65) OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-7, 3.66)
4:05 ARI-Johnson, Randy (7-7, 4.89) SF -Zito, Barry (5-12, 5.58)
4:10 WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-7, 4.23) LA -Kershaw, Clayton (0-3, 5.24)
8:05 NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-1, 4.03) BOS-Lester, Jon (8-3, 3.20)


Monday, July 28, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
7:00 STL-Looper, Braden (9-8, 4.50) ATL-Reyes, Jo-Jo (3-9, 4.95)
7:05 ANA-Weaver, Jered (8-8, 4.08) BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-1, 2.65)
7:05 DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-6, 4.49) CLE-Byrd, Paul (4-10, 5.29)
7:05 BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (6-8, 3.59) NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-7, 4.86)
7:05 COL-Wells, Kip (1-2, 5.40) PIT-Snell, Ian (3-8, 6.11)
7:07 TB -Shields, James (9-6, 3.67) TOR-Burnett, A.J. (11-9, 4.73)
7:10 NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.20) FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (10-6, 4.00)
8:05 CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-9, 4.90) HOU-Oswalt, Roy (7-8, 4.57)
8:05 CHC-Lilly, Ted (10-6, 4.50) MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (10-8, 3.31)
8:05 SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-6, 2.95) TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-3, 4.83)
8:10 CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-8, 3.56) MIN-Slowey, Kevin (6-7, 4.44)
10:05 KC -Greinke, Zack (7-7, 4.06) OAK-Smith, Greg (5-9, 3.90)
10:05 ARI-Owings, Micah (6-8, 5.42) SD -Maddux, Greg (3-8, 4.18)
10:10 SF -Correia, Kevin (1-5, 5.73) LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (5-7, 3.98)

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
7:00 STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.19) ATL-Hudson, Tim (11-7, 3.17)
7:05 ANA-Lackey, John (8-2, 3.03) BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-5, 5.83)
7:05 DET-Galarraga, Armando (8-4, 3.28) CLE-Laffey, Aaron (5-7, 4.25)
7:05 BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (6-6, 4.86) NYY-Mussina, Mike (13-6, 3.27)
7:05 COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.77) PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.75)
7:07 TB -Garza, Matt (8-6, 3.83) TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-7, 2.83)
7:10 NYM-Perez, Oliver (6-6, 4.15) FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-5, 4.08)
7:10 PHI-Myers, Brett (3-9, 5.85) WAS-Balester, Collin (1-2, 5.82)
8:05 CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-7, 5.60) HOU-Moehler, Brian (5-4, 4.45)
8:05 CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (11-4, 2.97) MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-3, 2.87)
8:05 SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.64) TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.27)
8:10 CHW-Richard, Clayton (0-0, 9.00) MIN-Perkins, Glen (7-3, 4.10)
10:05 KC -Meche, Gil (8-9, 4.32) OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-0, 4.05)
10:05 ARI-Davis, Doug (3-5, 4.22) SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.50)
10:10 SF -Cain, Matt (6-8, 3.83) LA -Park, ChanHo (4-2, 2.51)

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
12:37 TB -Jackson, Edwin (6-7, 4.23) TOR-Parrish, John (1-0, 4.71)
1:05 BAL-Burres, Brian (7-7, 5.39) NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (3-3, 2.30)
3:35 KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.41) OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.03)
7:00 STL-Boggs, Mitchell (3-2, 7.36) ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-5, 3.02)
7:05 ANA-Saunders, Joe (13-5, 3.11) BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-7, 3.83)
7:05 DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 5.65) CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.29)
7:05 COL-Cook, Aaron (13-6, 3.47) PIT-Duke, Zach (4-8, 5.05)
7:10 NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.31) FLA-Johnson, Josh (0-0, 3.71)
7:10 PHI-Moyer, Jamie (9-6, 3.76) WAS-Redding, Tim (7-5, 3.99)
8:05 CIN-Volquez, Edinson (12-4, 2.78) HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-3, 3.20)
8:05 CHC-Dempster, Ryan (11-4, 3.00) MIL-Parra, Manny (9-3, 3.74)
8:05 SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.67) TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.57)
8:10 CHW-Floyd, Gavin (10-6, 3.58) MIN-Hernandez, Livan (10-7, 5.33)
10:05 ARI-Haren, Dan (10-5, 2.57) SD -Baek, Cha (3-5, 5.08)
10:10 SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-6, 4.46) LA -Billingsley, Chad (10-9, 3.27)

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
12:05 DET-Verlander, Justin (8-10, 4.30) CLE-Carmona, Fausto (4-3, 4.34)
2:05 CHC-Harden, Rich (5-2, 2.10) MIL-Bush, David (5-8, 4.53)
7:00 STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-4, 4.81) ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 13.50)
7:05 ANA-Garland, Jon (9-6, 4.30) NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-7, 3.76)
7:10 COL-DeLaRosa, Jorge (5-5, 6.24) FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-1, 2.43)
7:10 PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (8-5, 4.70) WAS-Lannan, John (6-10, 3.33)
8:05 SEA-Dickey, R.A. (2-6, 4.62) TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-1, 7.50)
8:10 CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.19) MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.38)
10:10 ARI-Webb, Brandon (14-4, 3.14) LA -Lowe, Derek (8-8, 3.74)

Friday, August 01, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
2:20 PIT-VanBenschoten, John (1-3, 10.59) CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-6, 4.45)
7:05 OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.38) BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.96)
7:05 ANA-Santana, Ervin (11-4, 3.37) NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-1, 4.03)
7:10 COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (6-9, 3.98) FLA-VandenHurk, Rick (1-1, 6.24)
7:10 DET-Miner, Zach (4-3, 3.76) TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.84)
7:35 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (5-6, 4.66) ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.83)
7:35 CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-4, 6.52) WAS-Perez, Odalis (3-8, 4.40)
8:05 NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-6, 3.68) HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.75)
8:05 TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24) TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-1, 3.65)
8:10 CHW-Vazquez, Javier (7-8, 4.57) KC -Hochevar, Luke (6-8, 5.39)
8:10 CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-5, 6.47) MIN-Blackburn, Nick (7-6, 3.83)
8:15 PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-6, 3.27) STL-Lohse, Kyle (12-2, 3.36)
10:05 SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.78) SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.92)
10:10 BAL-Liz, Radhames (4-3, 7.47) SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (4-9, 4.75)
10:40 ARI-Johnson, Randy (7-7, 4.89) LA -Kershaw, Clayton (0-3, 5.24)

Saturday, August 02, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
1:05 PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-6, 3.92) CHC-Lilly, Ted (10-6, 4.50)
3:55 MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (10-8, 3.31) ATL-Reyes, Jo-Jo (3-9, 4.95)
3:55 ANA-Weaver, Jered (8-8, 4.08) NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-7, 4.86)
6:10 DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-6, 4.49) TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (10-5, 4.54)
7:05 OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-7, 3.66) BOS-Lester, Jon (8-3, 3.20)
7:05 NYM-Santana, Johan (8-7, 3.06) HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.76)
7:10 COL-Wells, Kip (1-2, 5.40) FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (10-6, 4.00)
7:10 CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-8, 3.56) KC -Davies, Kyle (3-2, 4.58)
7:10 CLE-Byrd, Paul (4-10, 5.29) MIN-Slowey, Kevin (6-7, 4.44)
7:10 CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-2, 7.17) WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-7, 4.23)
8:05 TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-4, 3.06) TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-3, 4.83)
8:15 PHI-Blanton, Joe (5-12, 5.08) STL-Looper, Braden (9-8, 4.50)
10:05 SF -Zito, Barry (5-12, 5.58) SD -Peavy, Jake (7-6, 2.77)
10:10 ARI-Owings, Micah (6-8, 5.42) LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (5-7, 3.98)
10:10 BAL-Olson, Garrett (6-5, 6.11) SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-6, 2.95)

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
1:05 ANA-Lackey, John (8-2, 3.03) NYY-Mussina, Mike (13-6, 3.27)
1:10 COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.77) FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-5, 4.08)
1:35 MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-3, 2.87) ATL-Hudson, Tim (11-7, 3.17)
1:35 OAK-Smith, Greg (5-9, 3.90) BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-1, 2.65)
1:35 CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-9, 4.90) WAS-Balester, Collin (1-2, 5.82)
1:40 DET-Galarraga, Armando (8-4, 3.28) TB -Shields, James (9-6, 3.67)
2:05 NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.20) HOU-Oswalt, Roy (7-8, 4.57)
2:10 CHW-Contreras, Jose (7-6, 4.61) KC -Greinke, Zack (7-7, 4.06)
2:10 CLE-Laffey, Aaron (5-7, 4.25) MIN-Perkins, Glen (7-3, 4.10)
2:15 PHI-Myers, Brett (3-9, 5.85) STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.19)
2:20 PIT-Snell, Ian (3-8, 6.11) CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (11-4, 2.97)
3:05 TOR-Burnett, A.J. (11-9, 4.73) TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.27)
4:05 SF -Correia, Kevin (1-5, 5.73) SD -Maddux, Greg (3-8, 4.18)
4:10 ARI-Davis, Doug (3-5, 4.22) LA -Park, ChanHo (4-2, 2.51)
4:10 BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (6-8, 3.59) SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.64)

Monday, August 04, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
6:07 OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-0, 4.05) TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-7, 2.83)
7:10 MIL-Parra, Manny (9-3, 3.74) CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-7, 5.60)
7:10 CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.29) TB -Garza, Matt (8-6, 3.83)
8:05 HOU-Moehler, Brian (5-4, 4.45) CHC-Dempster, Ryan (11-4, 3.00)
8:05 NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (3-3, 2.30) TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.57)
8:10 BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-5, 5.83) KC -Meche, Gil (8-9, 4.32)
8:15 LA -Billingsley, Chad (10-9, 3.27) STL-Boggs, Mitchell (3-2, 7.36)
9:05 WAS-Redding, Tim (7-5, 3.99) COL-Cook, Aaron (13-6, 3.47)
9:40 PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.75) ARI-Haren, Dan (10-5, 2.57)
10:05 BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (6-6, 4.86) ANA-Saunders, Joe (13-5, 3.11)
10:10 MIN-Hernandez, Livan (10-7, 5.33) SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.67)
10:15 ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-5, 3.02) SF -Cain, Matt (6-8, 3.83)

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
2:20 HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-3, 3.20) CHC-Harden, Rich (5-2, 2.10)
7:05 FLA-Johnson, Josh (0-0, 3.71) PHI-Moyer, Jamie (9-6, 3.76)
7:07 OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.03) TOR-Parrish, John (1-0, 4.71)
7:10 MIL-McClung, Seth (5-5, 4.15) CIN-Volquez, Edinson (12-4, 2.78)
7:10 SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.50) NYM-Perez, Oliver (6-6, 4.15)
7:10 CLE-Carmona, Fausto (4-3, 4.34) TB -Jackson, Edwin (6-7, 4.23)
8:05 NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-7, 3.76) TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-1, 7.50)
8:10 BOS-Beckett, Josh (9-7, 3.83) KC -Bannister, Brian (7-9, 5.41)
8:11 DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 5.65) CHW-Floyd, Gavin (10-6, 3.58)
8:15 LA -Lowe, Derek (8-8, 3.74) STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-4, 4.81)
9:05 WAS-Lannan, John (6-10, 3.33) COL-DeLaRosa, Jorge (5-5, 6.24)
9:40 PIT-Duke, Zach (4-8, 5.05) ARI-Webb, Brandon (14-4, 3.14)
10:05 BAL-Burres, Brian (7-7, 5.39) ANA-Garland, Jon (9-6, 4.30)
10:10 MIN-Baker, Scott (7-3, 3.38) SEA-Dickey, R.A. (2-6, 4.62)
10:15 ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 13.50) SF -Sanchez, Jonathan (8-6, 4.46)

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
12:35 MIL-Suppan, Jeff (5-6, 4.66) CIN-Bailey, Homer (0-4, 6.52)
12:40 CLE-Sowers, Jeremy (1-5, 6.47) TB -Kazmir, Scott (8-5, 2.84)
2:20 HOU-Backe, Brandon (6-10, 4.75) CHC-Marquis, Jason (6-6, 4.45)
3:35 BAL-Liz, Radhames (4-3, 7.47) ANA-Santana, Ervin (11-4, 3.37)
3:40 PIT-VanBenschoten, John (1-3, 10.59) ARI-Johnson, Randy (7-7, 4.89)
3:45 ATL-Campillo, Jorge (5-4, 2.83) SF -Lincecum, Tim (11-3, 2.78)
4:40 MIN-Blackburn, Nick (7-6, 3.83) SEA-Washburn, Jarrod (4-9, 4.75)
7:05 FLA-Volstad, Chris (2-1, 2.43) PHI-Kendrick, Kyle (8-5, 4.70)
7:07 OAK-Duchscherer, Justin (10-7, 2.38) TOR-Purcey, David (1-1, 8.24)
7:10 SD -Baek, Cha (3-5, 5.08) NYM-Martinez, Pedro (3-2, 6.31)
8:05 NYY-Ponson, Sidney (6-1, 4.03) TEX-Hurley, Eric (1-1, 3.65)
8:10 BOS-Wakefield, Tim (6-8, 3.96) KC -Hochevar, Luke (6-8, 5.39)
8:11 DET-Verlander, Justin (8-10, 4.30) CHW-Danks, John (8-4, 3.19)
8:15 LA -Kershaw, Clayton (0-3, 5.24) STL-Lohse, Kyle (12-2, 3.36)
9:05 WAS-Perez, Odalis (3-8, 4.40) COL-Jimenez, Ubaldo (6-9, 3.98)

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
12:10 SD -Banks, Josh (3-4, 3.92) NYM-Pelfrey, Mike (9-6, 3.68)
1:05 FLA-VandenHurk, Rick (1-1, 6.24) PHI-Hamels, Cole (9-6, 3.27)
2:15 LA -Kuroda, Hiroki (5-7, 3.98) STL-Looper, Braden (9-8, 4.50)
3:05 WAS-Bergmann, Jason (1-7, 4.23) COL-Wells, Kip (1-2, 5.40)
7:07 OAK-Eveland, Dana (7-7, 3.66) TOR-Marcum, Shaun (5-4, 3.06)
7:10 HOU-Wolf, Randy (6-10, 4.76) CIN-Fogg, Josh (2-2, 7.17)
8:05 NYY-Rasner, Darrell (5-7, 4.86) TEX-Feldman, Scott (4-3, 4.83)
8:11 DET-Miner, Zach (4-3, 3.76) CHW-Vazquez, Javier (7-8, 4.57)
9:40 ATL-Reyes, Jo-Jo (3-9, 4.95) ARI-Owings, Micah (6-8, 5.42)
10:10 TB -Sonnanstine, Andrew (10-5, 4.54) SEA-Hernandez, Felix (7-6, 2.95)

Friday, August 08, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
2:20 STL-Wellemeyer, Todd (8-4, 4.19) CHC-Lilly, Ted (10-6, 4.50)
7:05 TEX-Mendoza, Luis (2-4, 7.27) BAL-Olson, Garrett (6-5, 6.11)
7:05 OAK-Smith, Greg (5-9, 3.90) DET-Rogers, Kenny (8-6, 4.49)
7:05 PIT-Maholm, Paul (7-6, 3.92) PHI-Blanton, Joe (5-12, 5.08)
7:07 CLE-Byrd, Paul (4-10, 5.29) TOR-Burnett, A.J. (11-9, 4.73)
7:10 HOU-Oswalt, Roy (7-8, 4.57) CIN-Cueto, Johnny (7-9, 4.90)
7:10 FLA-Nolasco, Ricky (10-6, 4.00) NYM-Santana, Johan (8-7, 3.06)
8:05 WAS-Balester, Collin (1-2, 5.82) MIL-Sabathia, C.C. (10-8, 3.31)
8:10 MIN-Slowey, Kevin (6-7, 4.44) KC -Davies, Kyle (3-2, 4.58)
8:11 BOS-Lester, Jon (8-3, 3.20) CHW-Buehrle, Mark (8-8, 3.56)
9:05 SD -Peavy, Jake (7-6, 2.77) COL-Rusch, Glendon (4-3, 5.77)
9:40 ATL-Hudson, Tim (11-7, 3.17) ARI-Davis, Doug (3-5, 4.22)
10:05 NYY-Mussina, Mike (13-6, 3.27) ANA-Weaver, Jered (8-8, 4.08)
10:10 TB -Shields, James (9-6, 3.67) SEA-Silva, Carlos (4-12, 5.64)
10:15 LA -Park, ChanHo (4-2, 2.51) SF -Zito, Barry (5-12, 5.58)

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Visitor -------------------------------------Home
1:07 CLE-Laffey, Aaron (5-7, 4.25) TOR-Halladay, Roy (12-7, 2.83)
3:55 NYY-Chamberlain, Joba (3-3, 2.30) ANA-Lackey, John (8-2, 3.03)
3:55 ATL-Jurrjens, Jair (10-5, 3.02) ARI-Haren, Dan (10-5, 2.57)
3:55 STL-Boggs, Mitchell (3-2, 7.36) CHC-Zambrano, Carlos (11-4, 2.97)
7:05 TEX-Padilla, Vicente (12-5, 4.57) BAL-Guthrie, Jeremy (6-8, 3.59)
7:05 BOS-Matsuzaka, Daisuke (11-1, 2.65) CHW-Contreras, Jose (7-6, 4.61)
7:05 OAK-Braden, Dallas (2-0, 4.05) DET-Galarraga, Armando (8-4, 3.28)
7:05 WAS-Redding, Tim (7-5, 3.99) MIL-Sheets, Ben (10-3, 2.87)
7:05 PIT-Snell, Ian (3-8, 6.11) PHI-Myers, Brett (3-9, 5.85)
7:10 HOU-Moehler, Brian (5-4, 4.45) CIN-Arroyo, Bronson (9-7, 5.60)
7:10 MIN-Perkins, Glen (7-3, 4.10) KC -Greinke, Zack (7-7, 4.06)
7:10 FLA-Olsen, Scott (6-5, 4.08) NYM-Maine, John (9-7, 4.20)
8:05 SD -Maddux, Greg (3-8, 4.18) COL-Cook, Aaron (13-6, 3.47)
9:05 LA -Billingsley, Chad (10-9, 3.27) SF -Correia, Kevin (1-5, 5.73)
10:10 TB -Garza, Matt (8-6, 3.83) SEA-Batista, Miguel (4-11, 6.67)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Visitor------------------------------------- Home
1:05 OAK-Gallagher, Sean (4-4, 4.03) DET-Robertson, Nate (6-8, 5.65)
1:07 CLE-Lee, Cliff (14-2, 2.29) TOR-Parrish, John (1-0, 4.71)
1:10 FLA-Johnson, Josh (0-0, 3.71) NYM-Perez, Oliver (6-6, 4.15)
1:15 HOU-Rodriguez, Wandy (6-3, 3.20) CIN-Volquez, Edinson (12-4, 2.78)
1:35 TEX-Harrison, Matt (2-1, 7.50) BAL-Cabrera, Daniel (6-6, 4.86)
1:35 PIT-Herrera, Yoslan (1-1, 9.75) PHI-Moyer, Jamie (9-6, 3.76)
2:05 BOS-Buchholz, Clay (2-5, 5.83) CHW-Floyd, Gavin (10-6, 3.58)
2:05 WAS-Lannan, John (6-10, 3.33) MIL-Parra, Manny (9-3, 3.74)
2:10 MIN-Hernandez, Livan (10-7, 5.33) KC -Meche, Gil (8-9, 4.32)
2:20 STL-Pineiro, Joel (3-4, 4.81) CHC-Dempster, Ryan (11-4, 3.00)
3:05 SD -Young, Chris (4-4, 4.50) COL-DeLaRosa, Jorge (5-5, 6.24)
3:35 NYY-Pettitte, Andy (12-7, 3.76) ANA-Saunders, Joe (13-5, 3.11)
4:05 LA -Lowe, Derek (8-8, 3.74) SF -Cain, Matt (6-8, 3.83)
4:10 ATL-Hampton, Mike (0-0, 13.50) ARI-Webb, Brandon (14-4, 3.14)
4:10 TB -Jackson, Edwin (6-7, 4.23) SEA-Dickey, R.A. (2-6, 4.62)



Fantasy Sports Central.com

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Nady and Marte To Ware Yankees Stripes

Fantasy Baseball Breaking News

Pirates Trade Nady and Marte to Yankees

For a pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and three prospects that might be Phil Coke, outfielder Jose Tabata and right-hander George Kontos.


Coke pitched one inning for Double-A Trenton on Friday before being pulled.

The Pirates have not officially made an announcement and said they will do so after medical evaluations are completed.

Nady started Friday's game and was removed after one inning. Television cameras caught Marte hugging his teammates in the dugout in the second inning, apparently shortly after learning the news.

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Fantay Baseball Update CWS RP Masset Starts Tuesday

Fantasy Baseball Update
From Sportingnews.com

Nick Masset will start Tuesday in place of the injured Jose Contreras.




Fantasy spin: The White Sox decided against calling up Lance Broadway or another minor leaguer to start. Masset has a 4.14 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP in one start and 27 relief appearances this season. He's not recommended in AL-only leagues.

What I think is Lance Broadway is the better choice, not calling him up at this time is just another mistake the White Sox will have to live with.

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