Per Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, Royals third baseman Alex Gordon will miss the next 3-4 weeks after breaking his thumb yesterday.
“I’m pretty tired today,” Gordon said. “I didn’t get much sleep. Coming off the injury and now having this … sucks.”
Gordon broke the thumb sliding head-first in an attempt to steal second base and manager Trey Hillman said, “It’s a well-documented fact that more injuries on the basepaths happen from sliding head-first than any other way.”
The injury to Gordon will get some additional at-bats for Alberto Callaspo and Josh Fields.
“He’s a natural third baseman,” Hillman said (of Fields). “It really ups the ante of (Callaspo and Fields) getting the majority of the reps at third base. And Josh, we’ll take a look at him at first base. We’ll see where it goes.”
Gordon, who was the second overall pick in 2005, hasn't even begun to live up to the hype. But several sites have dubbed Gordon as a sleeper pick in fantasy baseball for 2010.
After working with hitting coach Kevin Seitzer to retool his swing, Royals Hall of Famer George Brett said, "He stays on the right plane a little longer, has more of a weight shift. I think he's moved a little off the plate. ...He's changed his swing considerably. Hopefully it will compute when the games start."
In his young career, Gordon has a batting average of only .230 and .232 in April and May, respectively.
This setback will obviously make it tough for him to get off to a strong start.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
D'Backs, Upton agree to six-year deal
The Arizona Diamondbacks and outfielder Justin Upton have agreed to a six-year contract worth more than $50 million, per FoxSports.com.
The deal is expected to be announced Wednesday and it will keep the 22-year-old in Arizona through the 2015 season.
As Steve Gilbert of MLB.com points out, Upton's contract will be the second-largest contract in franchise history behind the $53.4 million contract they gave to Randy Johnson.
Upton, who was the top overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft, hit .300 with 26 home runs and 86 runs batted in while stealing 20 bases in 138 games in 2009.
Many expect Arizona third baseman Mark Reynolds to be next. However, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted that the Diamondbacks are "not nearly as far along with Reynolds as they are with Upton" and that they "may need to go year to year."
(Note: Duncan Sanford and I will preview corner infielders on our Fantasy Baseball Weekly podcast tonight.)
In fantasy baseball drafts, Upton will be one of the top five outfielders drafted along with guys like Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford and Matt Holliday. In keeper leagues, he should be one of the top three outfielders drafted along with Braun and Kemp.
The deal is expected to be announced Wednesday and it will keep the 22-year-old in Arizona through the 2015 season.
As Steve Gilbert of MLB.com points out, Upton's contract will be the second-largest contract in franchise history behind the $53.4 million contract they gave to Randy Johnson.
Upton, who was the top overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft, hit .300 with 26 home runs and 86 runs batted in while stealing 20 bases in 138 games in 2009.
Many expect Arizona third baseman Mark Reynolds to be next. However, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports tweeted that the Diamondbacks are "not nearly as far along with Reynolds as they are with Upton" and that they "may need to go year to year."
(Note: Duncan Sanford and I will preview corner infielders on our Fantasy Baseball Weekly podcast tonight.)
In fantasy baseball drafts, Upton will be one of the top five outfielders drafted along with guys like Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, Carl Crawford and Matt Holliday. In keeper leagues, he should be one of the top three outfielders drafted along with Braun and Kemp.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Cashman: Cano "could have a Hall of Fame-type career"
Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano has had a decent start to his promising, young career.
In addition, the 27-year-old had career highs in hits (204), doubles (48) and home runs (25) while hitting .320 and driving in 85 runs last season.
Meanwhile, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says that Cano could be a "Hall of Fame-type player," per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News.
"He's already one of the premier guys in the game, but that's the only thing separating him from taking it to a whole other level," Cashman said [of Cano's plate discipline]. "If he can be more selective at the plate, he could have a Hall of Fame-type career."
However, isn't it a little premature for this kind of statement?
As Steve Lombardi of WasWatching.com points out, a fairly reasonable comparison can also be made between Cano's first five years and those of Jorge Orta, who made two All-Star appearances.
In fantasy baseball, Cano should be one of the top five second basemen drafted and has an average draft position of 48, per MockDraftCentral.com.
In addition, the 27-year-old had career highs in hits (204), doubles (48) and home runs (25) while hitting .320 and driving in 85 runs last season.
Meanwhile, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says that Cano could be a "Hall of Fame-type player," per Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News.
"He's already one of the premier guys in the game, but that's the only thing separating him from taking it to a whole other level," Cashman said [of Cano's plate discipline]. "If he can be more selective at the plate, he could have a Hall of Fame-type career."
However, isn't it a little premature for this kind of statement?
As Steve Lombardi of WasWatching.com points out, a fairly reasonable comparison can also be made between Cano's first five years and those of Jorge Orta, who made two All-Star appearances.
In fantasy baseball, Cano should be one of the top five second basemen drafted and has an average draft position of 48, per MockDraftCentral.com.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Sunday Links
The Yankees won't work C.C. Sabathia too hard before the season starts to keep him from being overworked before the season starts.
Yankees catcher Jorge Posada says of catching A.J. Burnett: "Last year I really got up when he pitched. You can't be passive back there. His stuff is so good, he's electrifying. It's a real challenge, but it's fun. It's unfortunate what happened last season, but I'm looking forward to catching him again. I really am."
Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez says that he wants "to play at least four more years."
Rangers pitcher Derek Holland suffered a mild knee sprain and may have an MRI on Monday.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley said of Nick Markakis in batting practice: "He was swinging effortlessly and hitting them in the trees out there, and you wonder, 'How the [heck] do you do that the first day? A special talent."
Rockies reliever Manny Corpas has tweaked his hamstring, but the injury doesn't appear to be serious, according to Troy Renck of Denver Post.
Blue Jays pitcher Dustin McGowan says of not having any minor-league options remaining on his contract: "I think it's a blessing in a way. Guys don't want any options. They want to get rid of them. That way if something little happens they can't get sent down or stuff like that."
Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin says of the new MLB policy restricting firearms in the clubhouse: "There are a few guys that screwed it up for everybody. If it wasn't for the NFL guy a couple years ago bringing a weapon into a nightclub ... you've just got to be smart."
It looks unlikely that the Cardinals will add a free-agent shortstop while Brendan Ryan recovers from wrist surgery.
Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto threw less this off-season in order to fresher down the stretch this season.
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz is looking to be a leader to some of the team's younger Latin players.
A's pitcher Justin Duchscherer is battling back stiffness.
Who will bat leadoff for the Cubs: Kosuke Fukudome or Ryan Theriot?
Indians manager Manny Acta isn't revealing exactly how he'll use Russell Branyan.
Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold said of his Achilles, on which he had surgery: "It feels all right. It's going to take a little while for my legs to get underneath me, but I'll be fine."
The Chicago White Sox named Mark Buehlre as the team's opening day starter.
Yankees catcher Jorge Posada says of catching A.J. Burnett: "Last year I really got up when he pitched. You can't be passive back there. His stuff is so good, he's electrifying. It's a real challenge, but it's fun. It's unfortunate what happened last season, but I'm looking forward to catching him again. I really am."
Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez says that he wants "to play at least four more years."
Rangers pitcher Derek Holland suffered a mild knee sprain and may have an MRI on Monday.
Orioles manager Dave Trembley said of Nick Markakis in batting practice: "He was swinging effortlessly and hitting them in the trees out there, and you wonder, 'How the [heck] do you do that the first day? A special talent."
Rockies reliever Manny Corpas has tweaked his hamstring, but the injury doesn't appear to be serious, according to Troy Renck of Denver Post.
Blue Jays pitcher Dustin McGowan says of not having any minor-league options remaining on his contract: "I think it's a blessing in a way. Guys don't want any options. They want to get rid of them. That way if something little happens they can't get sent down or stuff like that."
Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin says of the new MLB policy restricting firearms in the clubhouse: "There are a few guys that screwed it up for everybody. If it wasn't for the NFL guy a couple years ago bringing a weapon into a nightclub ... you've just got to be smart."
It looks unlikely that the Cardinals will add a free-agent shortstop while Brendan Ryan recovers from wrist surgery.
Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto threw less this off-season in order to fresher down the stretch this season.
Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz is looking to be a leader to some of the team's younger Latin players.
A's pitcher Justin Duchscherer is battling back stiffness.
Who will bat leadoff for the Cubs: Kosuke Fukudome or Ryan Theriot?
Indians manager Manny Acta isn't revealing exactly how he'll use Russell Branyan.
Orioles outfielder Nolan Reimold said of his Achilles, on which he had surgery: "It feels all right. It's going to take a little while for my legs to get underneath me, but I'll be fine."
The Chicago White Sox named Mark Buehlre as the team's opening day starter.
Ryan Franklin wants to close 2010 strong
If there's something that Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin would like to change, it would be his ability to close the season strongly, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
In September 2009, he recorded three of five blown saves on the season and had an ERA of 7.56. In order to improve his stamina down the stretch, he intends to add an additional day of weight training to his in-season workouts.
Meanwhile, manager Tony La Russa hopes that either Jason Motte and Mitchell Boggs will emerge as a closing alternative, which could help keep Franklin fresh down the stretch.
"The better your club is, the more action your closer gets," La Russa said. "Therefore, the more important it is to have some kind of other guy so you don't wear your closer out. You still want to win the game and preserve your closer. That's why developing someone who can pitch in the ninth is important to this team."
Franklin made his first All-Star appearance in 2009, a season in which he finished with 38 saves and an ERA of 1.92.
In September 2009, he recorded three of five blown saves on the season and had an ERA of 7.56. In order to improve his stamina down the stretch, he intends to add an additional day of weight training to his in-season workouts.
Meanwhile, manager Tony La Russa hopes that either Jason Motte and Mitchell Boggs will emerge as a closing alternative, which could help keep Franklin fresh down the stretch.
"The better your club is, the more action your closer gets," La Russa said. "Therefore, the more important it is to have some kind of other guy so you don't wear your closer out. You still want to win the game and preserve your closer. That's why developing someone who can pitch in the ninth is important to this team."
Franklin made his first All-Star appearance in 2009, a season in which he finished with 38 saves and an ERA of 1.92.
Roy Oswalt says his "back's feeling good"
Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt ended last season on the disabled list (DL) due to a bulging disk in his back. But today he said that his "back's feeling good," according to Bernardo Fallas of the Houston Chronicle.
While Oswalt's ERA has moved higher in each of the past four seasons, his 2009 ERA jumped significantly to a career-high 4.12 over his 2008 ERA (3.54). Moreover, his ERA after the All-Star break (4.65) was considerably higher than it was before the break (3.85).
He had the highest flyball percentage of his career (35.6%), which led to the second-most homeruns allowed (19) of his career. In addition, Oswalt had a career low in victories (eight) resulting partly from getting a no decision in 16 games.
Phil Rogers of The Chicago Tribune speculates that Oswalt could be attractive to a contender by mid-season as a potential trade target. If that materializes, it could bump the number of wins for Oswalt in comparison to spending the entire 2010 season with the 'Stro's.
That said, Oswalt isn't setting any goals in reference to ERA, wins, etc. for 2010. Instead he's more concerned with durability.
“It's what I preach to the young guys: 200 innings should be your goal. Win-loss record, you can't really predict that.”
Oswalt hopes that beginning to pitch later in the year due to no World Baseball Classic and a change to his off-season conditioning program will help him stay healthy in 2010.
“I started throwing a little later this year,” Oswalt said . “I don't have to worry about getting some guys out from Japan and Korea.”
In fantasy drafts, Oswalt's average draft position (ADP) is currently 161.7 (14th round) in Yahoo! leagues. That ADP would be a bargain for a healthy Oswalt, who's a good candidate to bounce back after a career-worst year.
While Oswalt's ERA has moved higher in each of the past four seasons, his 2009 ERA jumped significantly to a career-high 4.12 over his 2008 ERA (3.54). Moreover, his ERA after the All-Star break (4.65) was considerably higher than it was before the break (3.85).
He had the highest flyball percentage of his career (35.6%), which led to the second-most homeruns allowed (19) of his career. In addition, Oswalt had a career low in victories (eight) resulting partly from getting a no decision in 16 games.
Phil Rogers of The Chicago Tribune speculates that Oswalt could be attractive to a contender by mid-season as a potential trade target. If that materializes, it could bump the number of wins for Oswalt in comparison to spending the entire 2010 season with the 'Stro's.
That said, Oswalt isn't setting any goals in reference to ERA, wins, etc. for 2010. Instead he's more concerned with durability.
“It's what I preach to the young guys: 200 innings should be your goal. Win-loss record, you can't really predict that.”
Oswalt hopes that beginning to pitch later in the year due to no World Baseball Classic and a change to his off-season conditioning program will help him stay healthy in 2010.
“I started throwing a little later this year,” Oswalt said . “I don't have to worry about getting some guys out from Japan and Korea.”
In fantasy drafts, Oswalt's average draft position (ADP) is currently 161.7 (14th round) in Yahoo! leagues. That ADP would be a bargain for a healthy Oswalt, who's a good candidate to bounce back after a career-worst year.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Webb throws first bullpen session since surgery
For the first time since surgery in August, Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb threw off the mound on Tuesday.
Webb said, "I felt good this morning. I'm right where I expected to be. Having not been on the mound in a year, I am pleased with how I felt."
"He looked comfortable," [D'Backs manager A.J.] Hinch said. "This is a positive sign as we’re getting close to spring training. I thought he looked good.”
Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on the 19th, but Webb will throw another bullpen session before then.
Hinch said last month, "We're not going to arbitrarily hold him back if he's ready. But I want him to know that if he's a few days or a week behind the other pitchers, that's fine, too. I don't want that seen as a failure if that happens. We'll see how the next few weeks go and then make a determination on his schedule."
As the 37th-ranked fantasy starter in Yahoo's pre-season rankings, Webb could be a bargain if he regains (anything close to) the form he had in his last full season.
Webb, who pitched only four innings in 2009, was 22-7 with an ERA of 3.30 in 2008.
Webb said, "I felt good this morning. I'm right where I expected to be. Having not been on the mound in a year, I am pleased with how I felt."
"He looked comfortable," [D'Backs manager A.J.] Hinch said. "This is a positive sign as we’re getting close to spring training. I thought he looked good.”
Pitchers and catchers report to spring training on the 19th, but Webb will throw another bullpen session before then.
Hinch said last month, "We're not going to arbitrarily hold him back if he's ready. But I want him to know that if he's a few days or a week behind the other pitchers, that's fine, too. I don't want that seen as a failure if that happens. We'll see how the next few weeks go and then make a determination on his schedule."
As the 37th-ranked fantasy starter in Yahoo's pre-season rankings, Webb could be a bargain if he regains (anything close to) the form he had in his last full season.
Webb, who pitched only four innings in 2009, was 22-7 with an ERA of 3.30 in 2008.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Should the Yankees pursue Halladay?
Blue Jays (until traded) ace Roy Halladay has stated that he would waive his no-trade clause for the Yankees.
In addition to the Yankees, Halladay's preferred destinations include Boston, Los Angeles (Angels) and Philadelphia, per ESPN's Buster Olney (via MLB Trade Rumors).
As Anthony McCarron and Bill Madden of the NY Daily News point out, the Jays would likely want catching prospect Jesus Montero, either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain and another prospect such as centerfielder Austin Jackson in exchange for Halladay.
Halladay, who will be 33 years old in May, has one year remaining on his contract and would want and get a high-priced extension with whatever team acquires him in a trade.
In the past two seasons combined, Halladay has a combined 37-21 record, 18 complete games and an ERA of 2.79.
As dominant of a 1-2 punch as the Yankees would have at the top of their rotation, should the Yankees give up top prospects for Halladay?
In addition to the Yankees, Halladay's preferred destinations include Boston, Los Angeles (Angels) and Philadelphia, per ESPN's Buster Olney (via MLB Trade Rumors).
As Anthony McCarron and Bill Madden of the NY Daily News point out, the Jays would likely want catching prospect Jesus Montero, either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain and another prospect such as centerfielder Austin Jackson in exchange for Halladay.
Halladay, who will be 33 years old in May, has one year remaining on his contract and would want and get a high-priced extension with whatever team acquires him in a trade.
In the past two seasons combined, Halladay has a combined 37-21 record, 18 complete games and an ERA of 2.79.
As dominant of a 1-2 punch as the Yankees would have at the top of their rotation, should the Yankees give up top prospects for Halladay?
Sunday, October 18, 2009
From Mr. April to Mr. October?
Of course, that's a little bit of an exaggeration.
But Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has previously been dubbed "Mr. April," is continuing his hot streak this post-season.
In five post-season games (all wins), A-Rod is hitting .368 (7 hits in 19 at bats) with three home runs and eight runs batted in.
He only had one hit last night, but it was an 11th-inning home run.
Before the 2009 post-season, Rodriguez was hitting .279 with 10 home runs (in 166 ABs) and 25 RBIs in 44 career post-season games.
For Yankee fans to fully embrace him, A-Rod needs to continue his hot streak, or at least play well, for the remainder of the post-season. For many Yankees' fans, the season will only be deemed a success if it ends with a World Series ring.
But it really only takes one strong post-season to remove the non-clutch tags. Just ask Peyton Manning. Manning had that tag for what seemed like forever until he and the Colts beat the Bears in the Super Bowl. Now it's never mentioned.
But Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who has previously been dubbed "Mr. April," is continuing his hot streak this post-season.
In five post-season games (all wins), A-Rod is hitting .368 (7 hits in 19 at bats) with three home runs and eight runs batted in.
He only had one hit last night, but it was an 11th-inning home run.
Before the 2009 post-season, Rodriguez was hitting .279 with 10 home runs (in 166 ABs) and 25 RBIs in 44 career post-season games.
For Yankee fans to fully embrace him, A-Rod needs to continue his hot streak, or at least play well, for the remainder of the post-season. For many Yankees' fans, the season will only be deemed a success if it ends with a World Series ring.
But it really only takes one strong post-season to remove the non-clutch tags. Just ask Peyton Manning. Manning had that tag for what seemed like forever until he and the Colts beat the Bears in the Super Bowl. Now it's never mentioned.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Joba's status for 2010 cloudier per Post's Sherman
Could Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain spend part of the 2010 season in the Minor Leagues?
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, that is a possibility. In addition to the starter-versus-reliever debate, some in the Yankees' organization wanted to send Chamberlain to the minors in August, per Sherman's sources.
It's unlikely that Chamberlain, who's pitched well in relief in the ALDS thus far, will start if/when the Yankees advance to the ALCS. Instead, it's more likely that the Yankees will use Chad Gaudin as their fourth starter.
"He had a different look about him," pitching coach Dave Eiland said of Chamberlain (via the NY Daily News). "His demeanor was different, the look in his eye, his tempo. He was in straight attack mode."
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports compares Chamberlain's career numbers as a starter and reliever, as follows:
As Mike Axisa of River Ave Blues points out, the potential uncertainty at the #3, 4 and 5 rotation spots is disconcerting as a Yankees fan heading into the 2010 season.
Then again, this season isn't over.
For a team that missed the playoffs in 2008 and hasn't won a World Series since 2000, the Yankees look to take care of a more pressing issue -- closing out the Twins tonight in Minnesota and moving one step closer to the ultimate goal.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, that is a possibility. In addition to the starter-versus-reliever debate, some in the Yankees' organization wanted to send Chamberlain to the minors in August, per Sherman's sources.
It's unlikely that Chamberlain, who's pitched well in relief in the ALDS thus far, will start if/when the Yankees advance to the ALCS. Instead, it's more likely that the Yankees will use Chad Gaudin as their fourth starter.
"He had a different look about him," pitching coach Dave Eiland said of Chamberlain (via the NY Daily News). "His demeanor was different, the look in his eye, his tempo. He was in straight attack mode."
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports compares Chamberlain's career numbers as a starter and reliever, as follows:
- Starter Joba: 4.18 ERA, 342 baserunners in 221 2/3 IP, 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
- Reliever Joba: 1.50 ERA, 60 baserunners in 60 IP, 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings.
As Mike Axisa of River Ave Blues points out, the potential uncertainty at the #3, 4 and 5 rotation spots is disconcerting as a Yankees fan heading into the 2010 season.
Then again, this season isn't over.
For a team that missed the playoffs in 2008 and hasn't won a World Series since 2000, the Yankees look to take care of a more pressing issue -- closing out the Twins tonight in Minnesota and moving one step closer to the ultimate goal.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Twins-Tigers in Tie-breaker on Tuesday
Fighting for their playoff lives, the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins were tied heading into their regular-season finales against the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals, respectively.
And after both teams won today, they will face off in a tie-breaker on Tuesday. Detroit beat Chicago 5-3 and Minnesota beat Kansas City 13-4 today.
The tie-breaker will be played at the Metrodome and the Tigers will start 20-year-old Rick Porcello.
"He’s not going to be scared, I know that – and that’s a good thing," [Tigers manager Jim] Leyland said, per MLive.com. "This will be a tremendous experience for him because he’s going to pitch in the toughest place he’s ever pitched in his life with the most at stake."
Scott Baker, who finished the season 15-9 and pitched five shutout innings in Detroit on Thursday, will pitch for the Twins.
The Twins are 15-4 in their final 19 games.
The winner of Tuesday's game will face the Yankees in the American League Divisional Series on Wednesday. The other A.L. series will feature the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox.
And after both teams won today, they will face off in a tie-breaker on Tuesday. Detroit beat Chicago 5-3 and Minnesota beat Kansas City 13-4 today.
The tie-breaker will be played at the Metrodome and the Tigers will start 20-year-old Rick Porcello.
"He’s not going to be scared, I know that – and that’s a good thing," [Tigers manager Jim] Leyland said, per MLive.com. "This will be a tremendous experience for him because he’s going to pitch in the toughest place he’s ever pitched in his life with the most at stake."
Scott Baker, who finished the season 15-9 and pitched five shutout innings in Detroit on Thursday, will pitch for the Twins.
The Twins are 15-4 in their final 19 games.
The winner of Tuesday's game will face the Yankees in the American League Divisional Series on Wednesday. The other A.L. series will feature the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Indians fire Eric Wedge
On the day that Browns coach Eric Mangini named Derek Anderson starting quarterback, the Cleveland Indians announced that manager Eric Wedge will soon be (just) Eric Wedge.
However, Wedge will manage the remaining games this season.
"It's been a long run, as managers go,'' Wedge said. "I have a great deal of respect for the Dolans, Mark Shapiro, the city of Cleveland and Tribe fans all over the place. I'm a big believer in being accountable for what you do. I take responsibility for this.''
The Indians are 64-92 on the season and 5-20 in their past 25 games.
In his seven seasons, Wedge will finish with a winning percentage just shy of .500. His best season was in 2007 when the Indians won 96 games and lost to the Red Sox in the ALCS.
However, Wedge will manage the remaining games this season.
"I still wanted to finish what we started this year," said Wedge. "I felt it was the right thing to do. It's been a long run here as managers go. It will be a tough day."
Only four managers -- Bobby Cox (Braves), Tony La Russa (Cardinals), Mike Scioscia (Angels) and Ron Gardenhire (Twins) -- have managed their club as long as Wedge has managed the Tribe."It's been a long run, as managers go,'' Wedge said. "I have a great deal of respect for the Dolans, Mark Shapiro, the city of Cleveland and Tribe fans all over the place. I'm a big believer in being accountable for what you do. I take responsibility for this.''
The Indians are 64-92 on the season and 5-20 in their past 25 games.
In his seven seasons, Wedge will finish with a winning percentage just shy of .500. His best season was in 2007 when the Indians won 96 games and lost to the Red Sox in the ALCS.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Cubs suspend Milton Bradley for rest of year
The Chicago Cubs have suspended Milton Bradley for conduct detrimental to the team (or, as I call it: the Terrell Owens rule).
Bradley said, "you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here." Those comments were made after he was scratched from Saturday's lineup. Now he is scratched from the rest of the season.
"Recently, it's become intolerable to hear Milton talk about our great fans the way he has," general manger Jim Hendry said. "We pride ourselves on having the greatest fans in baseball, so at this time we felt it was best to send him home for the rest of the season."
Bradley, who has two years remaining on his three-year contract, was only hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI.
Now the question is: Did Bradley play his last game for the Cubs this year or forever?
Bradley said, "you understand why they haven't won in 100 years here." Those comments were made after he was scratched from Saturday's lineup. Now he is scratched from the rest of the season.
"Recently, it's become intolerable to hear Milton talk about our great fans the way he has," general manger Jim Hendry said. "We pride ourselves on having the greatest fans in baseball, so at this time we felt it was best to send him home for the rest of the season."
Bradley, who has two years remaining on his three-year contract, was only hitting .257 with 12 home runs and 40 RBI.
Now the question is: Did Bradley play his last game for the Cubs this year or forever?
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Mariano Rivera could return Sunday
The New York Yankees could have their closer back as soon as today, according to Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News.
Mariano Rivera, who hasn't pitched since September 1st, felt fine after a 16-pitch bullpen session.
"I wasn't expecting to feel anything," Rivera said. "That's how minor it was. We just had to make sure that it's ready. I wasn't looking for something or expecting something."
Since Rivera's last appearance, Phil Hughes has closed out two of two save opportunities. In the process, Hughes struck out six of the eight batters he faced while not allowing a hit.
"We've gone away from that the last three or four weeks because we didn't want to wear him down," Girardi said. "I'm going to ask him every day how his groin is. We've been careful how we've used him all year."
With the effectiveness of Hughes, who hasn't allowed an earned run since August 4th, Girardi has the flexibility to not overuse Rivera, who has converted 38 of 39 save opportunities.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Hot Corner, 9/5 edition
The Braves have moved Kenshin Kawakami, who's 7-10 with an ERA of 3.97, to the bullpen.
The Tigers have called up utility man Dan Kelly from Toledo, per Steve Kornacki of the MLive.com.
White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd retired the first 17 Red Sox hitters he faced Saturday.
And Gordon Beckham left today's game due to a stiff back.
Phil Hughes got his third save of the year for the Yankees today.
The D'Backs have activated Eric Byrnes from the disabled list today.
Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee hit two homers in their 5-3 win over the Mets today.
FYI: If you have a fantasy football draft this weekend, you might want to check out the Top 150 Cheat Sheet we created at our football site. It's a consensus/average ranking of five different sources.
Here's another shameless plug -- Check out my fantasy profile of Andre Iguodala at SixersCourt.com.
Also, you can follow me on Twitter @EDSBaseball and/or on Facebook's Networked Blogs.
The Tigers have called up utility man Dan Kelly from Toledo, per Steve Kornacki of the MLive.com.
White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd retired the first 17 Red Sox hitters he faced Saturday.
And Gordon Beckham left today's game due to a stiff back.
Phil Hughes got his third save of the year for the Yankees today.
The D'Backs have activated Eric Byrnes from the disabled list today.
Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee hit two homers in their 5-3 win over the Mets today.
FYI: If you have a fantasy football draft this weekend, you might want to check out the Top 150 Cheat Sheet we created at our football site. It's a consensus/average ranking of five different sources.
Here's another shameless plug -- Check out my fantasy profile of Andre Iguodala at SixersCourt.com.
Also, you can follow me on Twitter @EDSBaseball and/or on Facebook's Networked Blogs.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)