The Boston Red Sox and starting pitcher Clay Buchholz have agreed on a four-year extension worth roughly $30 million.
Buchholz will earn $550,000 this year, the extension covers 2012 through 2015 and the Red Sox have club options for two additional years (2016 and 2017).
“That was just something that was important to the club,” Sox general manager Theo Epstein said, per Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. “Obviously, we think very highly of Clay or we wouldn’t be doing this deal. With Clay being just 26 years old, the contract guarantees the salaries through the age of 30, and having two club option years helps us. We expect Clay to be pitching very well at that point and can still be here in his age 31, age 32 seasons. Just gives the club a little more flexibility in exchange for the security that we’re providing through the deal. It seems to make sense.”
Before the deal, Buchholz would have been eligible for free agency after the 2014 season.
Despite his rough start (0-2, 7.20 ERA) this year, Buchholz finished with a 17-7 record and the American League's second-best ERA (2.33) in 2010.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Jered Weaver strikes out 15, now 3-0 on season
Last year, Angels ace Jered Weaver finished with an ERA of 3.01 and led the American League in strikeouts (233) while making his first-ever All-Star appearance.
Through three starts in the young season, however, Weaver has been even more dominant than he was last year.
In today's win over the Blue Jays, Weaver allowed just one run while striking out 15 batters in 7 2/3 innings.
Over his three starts, Weaver has three wins, lowered his ERA to 0.87 and has struck out 27 batters in 20 2/3 innings pitched (11.76 K/9).
Through three starts in the young season, however, Weaver has been even more dominant than he was last year.
In today's win over the Blue Jays, Weaver allowed just one run while striking out 15 batters in 7 2/3 innings.
Over his three starts, Weaver has three wins, lowered his ERA to 0.87 and has struck out 27 batters in 20 2/3 innings pitched (11.76 K/9).
Ryan Zimmerman to miss a few games with abdominal strain
Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, who has an abdominal strain, is not in today's lineup and will likely miss a few additional days, per MLB.com's William Ladson.
With three consecutive games with two hits per game, Zimmerman has raised his average on the season to a team-leading .357.
Alex Cora is starting today's game at third base and hitting eighth in the lineup, per Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.
The Nationals play the Mets today, have tomorrow off and then begin a three-game series against the Marlins on Tuesday.
With three consecutive games with two hits per game, Zimmerman has raised his average on the season to a team-leading .357.
Alex Cora is starting today's game at third base and hitting eighth in the lineup, per Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.
The Nationals play the Mets today, have tomorrow off and then begin a three-game series against the Marlins on Tuesday.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Hanley Ramirez is day-to-day
Considering Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez needed assistance to get off the field in yesterday's game, it certainly could have been worse.
Bill Hall's attempt to break up a double play resulted in a left leg bruise for Ramirez, who is considered day-to-day, per Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Through seven games, Ramirez is hitting only .207 with no home runs and one stolen base.
There's no official word yet on his status for tonight's game against the Astros.
Bill Hall's attempt to break up a double play resulted in a left leg bruise for Ramirez, who is considered day-to-day, per Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
Through seven games, Ramirez is hitting only .207 with no home runs and one stolen base.
There's no official word yet on his status for tonight's game against the Astros.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Adam Dunn unlikely to play (or pinch hit) this weekend
Disappointed that he didn't play Thursday, White Sox designated hitter Adam Dunn hoped to play against the Rays on Friday.
Instead it's highly likely that Dunn, who had an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday, won't play on Saturday or Sunday, either, and maybe beyond.
And if manager Ozzie Guillen needs a pinch-hitter, it's probably not going to be Dunn.
"Hopefully we don't have to. I'd rather lose a game than lose a guy for another month," Guillen said, per Dave Van Dyke of the Chicago Tribune. "If I have to pinch-hit Adam Dunn with the game on the line, I'd rather lose the game than have him hurt himself and lose him for we don't know how long."
Mark Teahan, who's batting eighth, started at designated hitter for the White Sox.
Instead it's highly likely that Dunn, who had an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday, won't play on Saturday or Sunday, either, and maybe beyond.
And if manager Ozzie Guillen needs a pinch-hitter, it's probably not going to be Dunn.
"Hopefully we don't have to. I'd rather lose a game than lose a guy for another month," Guillen said, per Dave Van Dyke of the Chicago Tribune. "If I have to pinch-hit Adam Dunn with the game on the line, I'd rather lose the game than have him hurt himself and lose him for we don't know how long."
Mark Teahan, who's batting eighth, started at designated hitter for the White Sox.
Manny Ramirez retires due to drug 'issue'
After failing a second drug test, Rays designated hitter Manny Ramirez has decided to retire rather than appeal or face a 100-game suspension as a repeat offender.
Ramirez would have been the first player suspended 100 games.
Instead of notifying the Rays directly, Ramirez, who wasn't with the team today, notified the league, who issued the following statement (via MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez):
"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. Rather than continue with the process under the program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the drug program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."
To take the roster spot vacated by Ramirez, the Rays have called up first baseman Casey Kotchman.
On the season, Ramirez was off to a rough start (like most of the Rays, who scored a league-worse eight runs in their first six games): one hit in 17 at-bats.
But as ESPN's Stats & Info blog points out via Twitter, Ramirez is one of only five players in Major League history to have hit .300-plus and 550-plus home runs for his career. The other four are Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez.
Is Manny a Hall of Famer? Let the debate start now ...
Ramirez would have been the first player suspended 100 games.
Instead of notifying the Rays directly, Ramirez, who wasn't with the team today, notified the league, who issued the following statement (via MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez):
"Major League Baseball recently notified Manny Ramirez of an issue under Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. Rather than continue with the process under the program, Ramirez has informed MLB that he is retiring as an active player. If Ramirez seeks reinstatement in the future, the process under the drug program will be completed. MLB will not have any further comment on this matter."
To take the roster spot vacated by Ramirez, the Rays have called up first baseman Casey Kotchman.
On the season, Ramirez was off to a rough start (like most of the Rays, who scored a league-worse eight runs in their first six games): one hit in 17 at-bats.
But as ESPN's Stats & Info blog points out via Twitter, Ramirez is one of only five players in Major League history to have hit .300-plus and 550-plus home runs for his career. The other four are Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays and Alex Rodriguez.
Is Manny a Hall of Famer? Let the debate start now ...
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Adam Dunn hopes to play Friday
Despite having an emergency appendectomy Wednesday morning and expectations that he'd miss five games, Adam Dunn was hopeful that he'd be able to play in the home opener for the White Sox.
"I'm really disappointed that I'm not playing in this game today," Dunn said, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "I know it probably doesn't mean a lot, just another game to a lot of people, but home openers are really special -- especially when it's your first one. I definitely wanted to be out there and it's not going to work."
Dunn also said, "... I feel like when I swing, my belly button is going to go shooting at the pitcher. That's a bad visual. Seriously. That's what it feels like."
With a 13-strikeout performance from Edwin Jackson today, the White Sox beat the Rays, who are now 0-6 on the season. Although they didn't need Dunn tonight, he is hopeful that he'll be able to play on Friday.
Since 2004, Dunn has hit 38-plus home runs every year and has driven in 100-plus runs every year except 2006 (92 runs batted in).
Through four games this season, Dunn has one home run and five runs batted in.
"I'm really disappointed that I'm not playing in this game today," Dunn said, per Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "I know it probably doesn't mean a lot, just another game to a lot of people, but home openers are really special -- especially when it's your first one. I definitely wanted to be out there and it's not going to work."
Dunn also said, "... I feel like when I swing, my belly button is going to go shooting at the pitcher. That's a bad visual. Seriously. That's what it feels like."
With a 13-strikeout performance from Edwin Jackson today, the White Sox beat the Rays, who are now 0-6 on the season. Although they didn't need Dunn tonight, he is hopeful that he'll be able to play on Friday.
Since 2004, Dunn has hit 38-plus home runs every year and has driven in 100-plus runs every year except 2006 (92 runs batted in).
Through four games this season, Dunn has one home run and five runs batted in.
Edwin Jackson: 2-0 and 20 K's in two starts this year
With today's victory over the Rays, White Sox starter Edwin Jackson allowed only one run while striking out 13 batters as he improved to 2-0 on the season.
The Rays have lost all six of their games and scored a league-low eight runs to start the season.
Jackson, who is owned in 58 percent of Yahoo! leagues, has struck out 20 batters in only 14 innings and has an ERA of 1.93 in his two starts.
In his 13 starts since being traded from Arizona to Chicago, Jackson has struck out 97 batters in 89 innings.
The Rays have lost all six of their games and scored a league-low eight runs to start the season.
Jackson, who is owned in 58 percent of Yahoo! leagues, has struck out 20 batters in only 14 innings and has an ERA of 1.93 in his two starts.
In his 13 starts since being traded from Arizona to Chicago, Jackson has struck out 97 batters in 89 innings.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Ubaldo Jimenez to go on DL
Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez got off to an incredible start in 2010. The same cannot be said about his start to the 2011 season.
The Rockies will place Jimenez on the 15-day disabled list (DL) due to a thumb injury, retroactive to April 2nd, which means he'll be eligible to come off the DL on April 17th.
"It's never good to go on the DL," Jimenez said, per Troy Renck of the Denver Post. "But I need to be able to help the team. It's getting better, but I still feel pain when I grip the ball."
Right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds, who has been recalled from Triple-A, will take his roster spot.
In his one start this season, Jimenez allowed five earned runs and only struck out one batter in six innings.
The Rockies will place Jimenez on the 15-day disabled list (DL) due to a thumb injury, retroactive to April 2nd, which means he'll be eligible to come off the DL on April 17th.
"It's never good to go on the DL," Jimenez said, per Troy Renck of the Denver Post. "But I need to be able to help the team. It's getting better, but I still feel pain when I grip the ball."
Right-handed pitcher Greg Reynolds, who has been recalled from Triple-A, will take his roster spot.
In his one start this season, Jimenez allowed five earned runs and only struck out one batter in six innings.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Jose Bautista out until Friday due to family matter
Tonight the Toronto Blue Jays were without right fielder Jose Bautista, who was excused due to a family matter.
"He has been excused from the club to attend to a family matter," [manager John] Farrell said, per Gregor Chisolm of MLB.com. "We do expect him back to rejoin the club when we open up in L.A. If for some unforeseen reason that were to change, hopefully he gets back to us sooner, but he is dealing with a family matter at this point."
With Bautista out tonight, Jayson Nix started at third base with Edwin Encarnacion moving to designated hitter. Juan Rivera was in right field.
Encarnacion, who has already made three errors this season, is expected to be "back at third base," according to Farrell.
"He has been excused from the club to attend to a family matter," [manager John] Farrell said, per Gregor Chisolm of MLB.com. "We do expect him back to rejoin the club when we open up in L.A. If for some unforeseen reason that were to change, hopefully he gets back to us sooner, but he is dealing with a family matter at this point."
With Bautista out tonight, Jayson Nix started at third base with Edwin Encarnacion moving to designated hitter. Juan Rivera was in right field.
Encarnacion, who has already made three errors this season, is expected to be "back at third base," according to Farrell.
Jordan Walden takes over as Angels' closer
Many people refuse to use high draft picks on closers in their fantasy baseball drafts.
Their primary belief is that many of the closers on opening day won't be the same guys closing for their teams by the end of the season, regardless of whether the loss of the role is due to injury, trade or poor performance. In other words , saves can be easily acquired by an astute owner that keeps a close eye on the league's waiver wire.
Less than one week into the 2011 season, we have Exhibit A in support of their argument: Fernando Rodney, now the Angels' former closer.
Rodney has been replaced by Jordan Walden as the team's closer and the move may or may not be temporary, according to manager Mike Scioscia.
"If it lasts all season and Jordan takes off and runs with it, fine," Scioscia said, per MLB.com's Lyle Spencer. "If it's Fernando, that's fine, too. We don't have to answer that today."
Appearing in three games so far this year, Walden, who is owned in roughly 30 percent (and rising) of Yahoo! leagues, has allowed no runs and struck out five in 2 1/3 innings.
Their primary belief is that many of the closers on opening day won't be the same guys closing for their teams by the end of the season, regardless of whether the loss of the role is due to injury, trade or poor performance. In other words , saves can be easily acquired by an astute owner that keeps a close eye on the league's waiver wire.
Less than one week into the 2011 season, we have Exhibit A in support of their argument: Fernando Rodney, now the Angels' former closer.
Rodney has been replaced by Jordan Walden as the team's closer and the move may or may not be temporary, according to manager Mike Scioscia.
"If it lasts all season and Jordan takes off and runs with it, fine," Scioscia said, per MLB.com's Lyle Spencer. "If it's Fernando, that's fine, too. We don't have to answer that today."
Appearing in three games so far this year, Walden, who is owned in roughly 30 percent (and rising) of Yahoo! leagues, has allowed no runs and struck out five in 2 1/3 innings.
Nelson Cruz hits home run in fourth straight game
Heading into tonight's game against the Mariners, Ranger teammates Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz each had a three-game homer streak to start the season.
Although Kinsler did not hit a home run tonight, Cruz did.
That means that Cruz joins Willie Mays and Mark McGwire as the only players in baseball history to begin a season with a home run in each of the first four games.
Last year, Cruz started hot as well as he hit a home run in four of his first five games to start the season.
Of course, the end of the season is more important than the start of the season for Cruz, who has missed a combined 88 games in the past two seasons.
Over the past two seasons, however, Cruz still managed to belt 55 home runs and steal 37 bases, which would be a 162-game pace of 37-25 as I noted in my fantasy outfielder rankings.
Although Kinsler did not hit a home run tonight, Cruz did.
That means that Cruz joins Willie Mays and Mark McGwire as the only players in baseball history to begin a season with a home run in each of the first four games.
Last year, Cruz started hot as well as he hit a home run in four of his first five games to start the season.
Of course, the end of the season is more important than the start of the season for Cruz, who has missed a combined 88 games in the past two seasons.
Over the past two seasons, however, Cruz still managed to belt 55 home runs and steal 37 bases, which would be a 162-game pace of 37-25 as I noted in my fantasy outfielder rankings.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Matt Holliday hopes to stay off the DL
Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday, who had an emergency appendectomy this past Friday, hopes to stay off the disabled list (DL), but a decision will be made by Tuesday, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
"I told them I would like to not go on the DL," Holliday said Monday afternoon. "I can play in 15 days, if they can do without me for a few games."
Despite playing with stomach discomfort, Holliday had three hits including a home run when the Cardinals opened their season on Thursday.
But he decided to get his stomach checked for "piece of mind" on Friday, an off day and had the appendectomy the same day.
"I've been having some pain in my stomach for awhile," Holliday said. "I think this is a fairly in-line procedure. It was a little more than a regular stomach ache. Sometimes you never know. ... We had an off day and for peace of mind I wanted to get the tests."
The team begins a ten-game (in ten days) road trip on Friday against the Giants, Diamondbacks and Dodgers.
"I told them I would like to not go on the DL," Holliday said Monday afternoon. "I can play in 15 days, if they can do without me for a few games."
Despite playing with stomach discomfort, Holliday had three hits including a home run when the Cardinals opened their season on Thursday.
But he decided to get his stomach checked for "piece of mind" on Friday, an off day and had the appendectomy the same day.
"I've been having some pain in my stomach for awhile," Holliday said. "I think this is a fairly in-line procedure. It was a little more than a regular stomach ache. Sometimes you never know. ... We had an off day and for peace of mind I wanted to get the tests."
The team begins a ten-game (in ten days) road trip on Friday against the Giants, Diamondbacks and Dodgers.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Evan Longoria lands on 15-day DL
Earlier today, we noted that Rays third baseman Evan Longoria did not expect to miss more than a week due to his strained oblique.
He was wrong.
The Rays have placed Longoria on the 15-day disabled list and infielder Felipe Lopez will join the Rays from Triple-A Durham, per Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.
"It's just unfortunate," [manager Joe] Maddon said. "We're having a hard time scoring runs out of the chute. He's probably our best run producer and now we don't have him. We're just going to have to make some adjustments and keep playing.''
In today's game against the Orioles, Ben Zobrist is hitting in Longoria's No. 3 spot and Sean Rodriguez is playing third base, as expected.
He was wrong.
The Rays have placed Longoria on the 15-day disabled list and infielder Felipe Lopez will join the Rays from Triple-A Durham, per Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.
"It's just unfortunate," [manager Joe] Maddon said. "We're having a hard time scoring runs out of the chute. He's probably our best run producer and now we don't have him. We're just going to have to make some adjustments and keep playing.''
In today's game against the Orioles, Ben Zobrist is hitting in Longoria's No. 3 spot and Sean Rodriguez is playing third base, as expected.
Carl Crawford dropped from 3rd to 7th in lineup today
Two games (and losses) into the season, the Boston Red Sox are making a notable adjustment to their lineup.
Left fielder Carl Crawford, who's 0-for-7 through two games, is moving from third to seventh in today's lineup for their game against the Rangers.
"Looking at him, he's obviously trying too hard," [Red Sox manager Terry] Francona said, per ESPNBoston.com. "As soon as he gets on base and creates havoc, he'll loosen up and the real Carl comes out."
Meanwhile, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who's 5-for-9 so far, and third baseman Kevin Youkilis will move up to the third and fourth spots in the batting order, respectively.
Of course, this is a temporary move. But too soon?
Left fielder Carl Crawford, who's 0-for-7 through two games, is moving from third to seventh in today's lineup for their game against the Rangers.
"Looking at him, he's obviously trying too hard," [Red Sox manager Terry] Francona said, per ESPNBoston.com. "As soon as he gets on base and creates havoc, he'll loosen up and the real Carl comes out."
Meanwhile, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who's 5-for-9 so far, and third baseman Kevin Youkilis will move up to the third and fourth spots in the batting order, respectively.
Of course, this is a temporary move. But too soon?
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