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With the ability to follow beat writers and insider sources on Twitter, rumors have been swirling at faster rates than ever before. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the rumors are more real.
For instance, Jhonny Peralta seemed on his way to either New York team, per The Star-Ledger’s Andy McCullough, until the St. Louis Cardinals swooped in at the last moment to ink the shortstop to a four-year, $53 million contract.
On the other end of the spectrum, current free-agent Stephen Drew has continually been rumored to re-sign with the Boston Red Sox. And while his agent Scott Boras might want to involve other parties, it’s likely Drew will return to Boston given the dry shortstop market.
Read on to see whether the biggest MLB offseason rumors are fact or fiction.
Pictures: Fact or Fiction on All the Biggest MLB Offseason Rumors | Bleacher Report
For instance, Jhonny Peralta seemed on his way to either New York team, per The Star-Ledger’s Andy McCullough, until the St. Louis Cardinals swooped in at the last moment to ink the shortstop to a four-year, $53 million contract.
On the other end of the spectrum, current free-agent Stephen Drew has continually been rumored to re-sign with the Boston Red Sox. And while his agent Scott Boras might want to involve other parties, it’s likely Drew will return to Boston given the dry shortstop market.
Read on to see whether the biggest MLB offseason rumors are fact or fiction.
Pictures: Fact or Fiction on All the Biggest MLB Offseason Rumors | Bleacher Report
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2006/12/07
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Any team or any player winning a title in the Major Leagues can tell you how difficult it is to reach the pinnacle. Very few can tell you what it's like to stay there, year after year.
Exhibit A these days is the pinnacle of all pinnacles -- the World Series.
The last repeat champion was in 2000, when the Yankees claimed a three-peat and came within a Luis Gonzalez blooper of making it four in 2001. The 13 years without a repeat winner is just one year shy of 1979-92 as the longest stretch in baseball's long history that a new champ was crowned every year.
Such is the daunting history facing the Boston Red Sox, the team that has won the most World Series titles over the last decade with three, including their 2013 accomplishment of going from worst to first in the American League East, and beyond.
Red Sox manager John Farrell knows the challenge ahead is the same undertaken by the last 12 teams that came off a World Series season -- it's a brand-new year with a new set of obstacles to overcome in order to reach the top.
"I haven't jumped into the history book or what people have done in the past. But I do know this -- just talking with our players, things are still very fresh in their minds and we're eager to get started in a couple of months," Farrell said during the Winter Meetings last month.
"The one main difference this year would be that you don't have maybe that natural motivation that was built in with guys wanting to rewrite their story or redeem themselves in a way. We've got to monitor that as we go about our building-block process, as we did in Spring Training [in 2013], as we did last year."
On an individual level, repeat statistical leaders and award winners are more common in general, but Miguel Cabrera earned rare repeats in 2013 as AL Most Valuable Player and batting champion.
By winning MVP again, he became the first to win back-to-back AL awards since Frank Thomas in 1994-95. And by earning his third consecutive batting title with a career-high .348, he marked the first such run in the Majors since Tony Gwynn carded four straight of his career eight in 1994-97, the first in the AL since Wade Boggs went for four in 1985-88.
As an example of repeats being a little more common on the stats table, there's Chris Davis. The Orioles slugger kept Cabrera from doing what had never been done -- back-to-back Triple Crown seasons -- with his 53 homers and 138 RBIs, but those wouldn't be particularly rare repeats if he pulls off that power double again in 2014. The Jays' Jose Bautista went back-to-back titles in homers in 2010-11, and the last repeat RBI champion in the AL was Boston's David Ortiz in 2005-06. The Phillies' Ryan Howard led and tied in 2008-09 in the National League.
On the mound, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw's three consecutive NL ERA titles through last season marked the longest since Greg Maddux -- a first-time candidate on the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot -- went for three in 1993-95. It's also the longest by a lefty since Sandy Koufax won five straight ERA titles in 1962-66.
Generally, however, stats leaders are repeat offenders fairly often. It's in the team concept, especially at the highest level, that repeating seems to have become increasingly difficult.
It's one thing to repeat as a division champion, but another to take it all the way. The Tigers have the longest current division streak, having won a third straight AL Central title this year. The A's are the only other team currently with back-to-back titles, although both have miles to go before touching the Braves' colossal 14-season run that ended in 2006.
Winning the ultimate title has become a different story. Since the Yankees' third straight in 2000, a total of nine franchises have carried the World Series trophy through their streets with pride -- including three-time winners the Red Sox (2004, '07, '13), and two-time winners in the Cardinals (2006, '11) and the Giants (2010, '12). During that stretch, only the 2009 Phillies gave themselves an opportunity to win a second straight title by reaching the World Series, dropping that one to the Yankees.
It's just become hard to put one World Series season together with another.
Just ask the manager who's the latest to know what it's like to be on the pinnacle one year and ceding the throne the next.
"I think more than anything there's so much parity in baseball, it's not easy to do," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "The Cardinals, the Tigers, they've been there, Texas, but it's such a hard thing to do consistently. And so much depends on your guys having a good year, injuries, the pitching holding up. And you need a surprise every year."
It might not be a surprise, but if the Red Sox manage to repeat as World Series champions this year, it'll at least bust a trend that's been building to historic levels.
Repeat winners a thing of the past in competitive MLB | MLB-com: News
Exhibit A these days is the pinnacle of all pinnacles -- the World Series.
The last repeat champion was in 2000, when the Yankees claimed a three-peat and came within a Luis Gonzalez blooper of making it four in 2001. The 13 years without a repeat winner is just one year shy of 1979-92 as the longest stretch in baseball's long history that a new champ was crowned every year.
Such is the daunting history facing the Boston Red Sox, the team that has won the most World Series titles over the last decade with three, including their 2013 accomplishment of going from worst to first in the American League East, and beyond.
Red Sox manager John Farrell knows the challenge ahead is the same undertaken by the last 12 teams that came off a World Series season -- it's a brand-new year with a new set of obstacles to overcome in order to reach the top.
"I haven't jumped into the history book or what people have done in the past. But I do know this -- just talking with our players, things are still very fresh in their minds and we're eager to get started in a couple of months," Farrell said during the Winter Meetings last month.
"The one main difference this year would be that you don't have maybe that natural motivation that was built in with guys wanting to rewrite their story or redeem themselves in a way. We've got to monitor that as we go about our building-block process, as we did in Spring Training [in 2013], as we did last year."
On an individual level, repeat statistical leaders and award winners are more common in general, but Miguel Cabrera earned rare repeats in 2013 as AL Most Valuable Player and batting champion.
By winning MVP again, he became the first to win back-to-back AL awards since Frank Thomas in 1994-95. And by earning his third consecutive batting title with a career-high .348, he marked the first such run in the Majors since Tony Gwynn carded four straight of his career eight in 1994-97, the first in the AL since Wade Boggs went for four in 1985-88.
As an example of repeats being a little more common on the stats table, there's Chris Davis. The Orioles slugger kept Cabrera from doing what had never been done -- back-to-back Triple Crown seasons -- with his 53 homers and 138 RBIs, but those wouldn't be particularly rare repeats if he pulls off that power double again in 2014. The Jays' Jose Bautista went back-to-back titles in homers in 2010-11, and the last repeat RBI champion in the AL was Boston's David Ortiz in 2005-06. The Phillies' Ryan Howard led and tied in 2008-09 in the National League.
On the mound, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw's three consecutive NL ERA titles through last season marked the longest since Greg Maddux -- a first-time candidate on the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot -- went for three in 1993-95. It's also the longest by a lefty since Sandy Koufax won five straight ERA titles in 1962-66.
Generally, however, stats leaders are repeat offenders fairly often. It's in the team concept, especially at the highest level, that repeating seems to have become increasingly difficult.
It's one thing to repeat as a division champion, but another to take it all the way. The Tigers have the longest current division streak, having won a third straight AL Central title this year. The A's are the only other team currently with back-to-back titles, although both have miles to go before touching the Braves' colossal 14-season run that ended in 2006.
Winning the ultimate title has become a different story. Since the Yankees' third straight in 2000, a total of nine franchises have carried the World Series trophy through their streets with pride -- including three-time winners the Red Sox (2004, '07, '13), and two-time winners in the Cardinals (2006, '11) and the Giants (2010, '12). During that stretch, only the 2009 Phillies gave themselves an opportunity to win a second straight title by reaching the World Series, dropping that one to the Yankees.
It's just become hard to put one World Series season together with another.
Just ask the manager who's the latest to know what it's like to be on the pinnacle one year and ceding the throne the next.
"I think more than anything there's so much parity in baseball, it's not easy to do," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "The Cardinals, the Tigers, they've been there, Texas, but it's such a hard thing to do consistently. And so much depends on your guys having a good year, injuries, the pitching holding up. And you need a surprise every year."
It might not be a surprise, but if the Red Sox manage to repeat as World Series champions this year, it'll at least bust a trend that's been building to historic levels.
Repeat winners a thing of the past in competitive MLB | MLB-com: News
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Like fellow pitcher David Price, Homer Bailey has seen his name come up in trade rumors this offseason because of his climbing salary and upcoming free agency.
The Reds would like to sign the right-hander to a long-term extension before he hits the open market next winter, as MLB-com's Mark Sheldon writes, but general manager Walt Jocketty acknowledged that Bailey's asking price will make that difficult.
In other news from around the league on Monday:
Sheldon also examines the remaining group of free-agent center fielders and reports that the Reds have not reached out to Nyjer Morgan, who played in Japan last season.
MLB-com Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch tackles several fan questions in his latest Inbox, including the club's options at third base and closer.
Veteran left-hander Johan Santana, who is coming off shoulder surgery, could be headed toward a reunion with the Twins.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin explained why his team is having one of the more quiet offseasons in the Majors.
MLB-com's Anthony DiComo takes a look at the Mets' biggest areas of need with Spring Training approaching quickly.
The Orioles have interest in free-agent righty Bronson Arroyo, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Olney also reports that free-agent lefty Chris Capuano is willing to be patient as he looks for a two-year contract.
The Mariners are considering making more additions this offseason, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network. But the front office will need to persuade ownership in order to snag the likes of Price, Masahiro Tanaka or Nelson Cruz.
The Indians added depth to their roster, signing veterans Scott Atchison and Jeff Francoeur to Minor League deals that will allow them to compete for spots in the bullpen and on the bench, respectively.
Two catchers signed Minor League deals, with Taylor Teagarden going to the Mets and Humberto Quintero going to the Mariners.
Also, outfielder Chris Dickerson signed a Minor League deal with the Pirates.
MLB Hot Stove roundup: | MLB-com: News
The Reds would like to sign the right-hander to a long-term extension before he hits the open market next winter, as MLB-com's Mark Sheldon writes, but general manager Walt Jocketty acknowledged that Bailey's asking price will make that difficult.
In other news from around the league on Monday:
Sheldon also examines the remaining group of free-agent center fielders and reports that the Reds have not reached out to Nyjer Morgan, who played in Japan last season.
MLB-com Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch tackles several fan questions in his latest Inbox, including the club's options at third base and closer.
Veteran left-hander Johan Santana, who is coming off shoulder surgery, could be headed toward a reunion with the Twins.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin explained why his team is having one of the more quiet offseasons in the Majors.
MLB-com's Anthony DiComo takes a look at the Mets' biggest areas of need with Spring Training approaching quickly.
The Orioles have interest in free-agent righty Bronson Arroyo, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Olney also reports that free-agent lefty Chris Capuano is willing to be patient as he looks for a two-year contract.
The Mariners are considering making more additions this offseason, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network. But the front office will need to persuade ownership in order to snag the likes of Price, Masahiro Tanaka or Nelson Cruz.
The Indians added depth to their roster, signing veterans Scott Atchison and Jeff Francoeur to Minor League deals that will allow them to compete for spots in the bullpen and on the bench, respectively.
Two catchers signed Minor League deals, with Taylor Teagarden going to the Mets and Humberto Quintero going to the Mariners.
Also, outfielder Chris Dickerson signed a Minor League deal with the Pirates.
MLB Hot Stove roundup: | MLB-com: News
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2006/12/07
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29893
As he helped transform the Braves from cellar dwellers to annual October participants and journeyed toward his entrance into the exclusive 300-win club, Tom Glavine artfully constructed his Cooperstown resume.
When Glavine concluded his long and storied Major League career, there was no reason to wonder if baseball's Hall of Fame would reserve a place for him, to be immortalized alongside the game's other legendary figures.
The only question that has surrounded Glavine's candidacy has been whether the honor would be enriched by a first-ballot entry. The legendary left-hander will get the answer he's hoping for when the 2014 Hall of Fame class is announced on Wednesday.
Early projections have indicated that Glavine, his longtime Atlanta rotation-mate Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas will all gain first-ballot admission. A candidate must receive 75 percent of the vote from Baseball Writers' Association of America members to gain election.
"I'm not assuming anything," Glavine said in November. "I'm confident at some point in time it's going to happen. Whether it's on the first ballot, I don't know. We'll see. There are a lot of good players that are eligible. Would I love to have it happen on the first ballot? Sure. If it doesn't, I'd be disappointed. But we'll gear up for the following year, and hopefully, it will happen the following year."
If Glavine and Maddux are first-ballot inductees, they will be enshrined on the same day as their longtime skipper, Bobby Cox, who along with fellow legendary managers Tony La Russa and Joe Torre was elected by the Expansion Era Committee in December.
"If you get in and go in by yourself, you're proud," Glavine said. "But if you have the opportunity to go in with guys you spent a large chunk of your career with and guys people identify you with, to me that would be even more fun. Now you're able to experience it with guys who, by and large, went through it all with you -- or at least a big chunk -- and were instrumental in helping you along the way. To be able to share that with a couple of guys would be pretty cool. So hopefully, it will happen." Glavine made his Major League debut for the Braves in 1987 and spent 17 of his 22 Major League seasons as a member of Atlanta's pitching staff. While pitching for the Mets from 2003-07, he completed his journey toward becoming one of just six left-handers in Major League history to record 300 wins.
During the five years since he retired, Glavine has had time to reflect on all he accomplished after choosing baseball instead of hockey, a career he could have had after the Los Angeles Kings drafted him with a fourth-round pick in 1984.
Armed with pinpoint command, unflappable poise and an intense competitive desire, Glavine went 305-203 with a 3.54 ERA in 682 career starts. He produced five 20-win seasons and was honored with the National League Cy Young Award in 1991 and '98. Glavine finished second for the award twice (1992 and 2000) and third twice (1993 and '95).
When Glavine arrived in Atlanta, the Braves were in the middle of a skid that would extend to seven consecutive losing seasons. But everything changed in 1991. And as Glavine worked his way toward his first 20-win season, he helped the Braves capture what would be the first of their record 14 consecutive division titles.
After falling short during their trips to the World Series in 1991 and '92, the Braves gave the city of Atlanta its first World Series championship in '95. The celebratory moment came after Glavine allowed one hit over eight innings in the decisive 1-0 Game 6 win over the Indians.
Although the Cy Young Awards and the 1995 World Series MVP honor provide tangible proof of Glavine's greatness, he looks back on his career and gains as much satisfaction from the fact that he made 672 career starts before making his first trip to the disabled list at the age of 42 in 2008.
"Obviously, you are measured so much by wins and losses," Glavine said. "I'm very proud of the 300 wins, but also being 100 games over .500. That is a pretty significant number in my mind. I think the thing that probably jumps out to me or that I'm proud of along with winning games was my durability."
After his bothersome left shoulder finally proved too painful, Glavine proudly walked away from his career with the understanding that he had positioned himself to receive baseball's greatest honor.
Glavine has kept himself busy while broadcasting some Braves games and devoting much of his time coaching his sons' hockey teams. But now that the five years of waiting are nearly complete, it will be hard for him to ignore the excitement and anticipation that accompanies this next Hall of Fame announcement.
"When I first retired, I knew it was out there," Glavine said. "But five years seemed like it was so far away. So in that respect, it's hard to believe five years have gone by already."
Tom Glavine hopes to enter Hall of Fame in good company | MLB-com: News
When Glavine concluded his long and storied Major League career, there was no reason to wonder if baseball's Hall of Fame would reserve a place for him, to be immortalized alongside the game's other legendary figures.
The only question that has surrounded Glavine's candidacy has been whether the honor would be enriched by a first-ballot entry. The legendary left-hander will get the answer he's hoping for when the 2014 Hall of Fame class is announced on Wednesday.
Early projections have indicated that Glavine, his longtime Atlanta rotation-mate Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas will all gain first-ballot admission. A candidate must receive 75 percent of the vote from Baseball Writers' Association of America members to gain election.
"I'm not assuming anything," Glavine said in November. "I'm confident at some point in time it's going to happen. Whether it's on the first ballot, I don't know. We'll see. There are a lot of good players that are eligible. Would I love to have it happen on the first ballot? Sure. If it doesn't, I'd be disappointed. But we'll gear up for the following year, and hopefully, it will happen the following year."
If Glavine and Maddux are first-ballot inductees, they will be enshrined on the same day as their longtime skipper, Bobby Cox, who along with fellow legendary managers Tony La Russa and Joe Torre was elected by the Expansion Era Committee in December.
"If you get in and go in by yourself, you're proud," Glavine said. "But if you have the opportunity to go in with guys you spent a large chunk of your career with and guys people identify you with, to me that would be even more fun. Now you're able to experience it with guys who, by and large, went through it all with you -- or at least a big chunk -- and were instrumental in helping you along the way. To be able to share that with a couple of guys would be pretty cool. So hopefully, it will happen." Glavine made his Major League debut for the Braves in 1987 and spent 17 of his 22 Major League seasons as a member of Atlanta's pitching staff. While pitching for the Mets from 2003-07, he completed his journey toward becoming one of just six left-handers in Major League history to record 300 wins.
During the five years since he retired, Glavine has had time to reflect on all he accomplished after choosing baseball instead of hockey, a career he could have had after the Los Angeles Kings drafted him with a fourth-round pick in 1984.
Armed with pinpoint command, unflappable poise and an intense competitive desire, Glavine went 305-203 with a 3.54 ERA in 682 career starts. He produced five 20-win seasons and was honored with the National League Cy Young Award in 1991 and '98. Glavine finished second for the award twice (1992 and 2000) and third twice (1993 and '95).
When Glavine arrived in Atlanta, the Braves were in the middle of a skid that would extend to seven consecutive losing seasons. But everything changed in 1991. And as Glavine worked his way toward his first 20-win season, he helped the Braves capture what would be the first of their record 14 consecutive division titles.
After falling short during their trips to the World Series in 1991 and '92, the Braves gave the city of Atlanta its first World Series championship in '95. The celebratory moment came after Glavine allowed one hit over eight innings in the decisive 1-0 Game 6 win over the Indians.
Although the Cy Young Awards and the 1995 World Series MVP honor provide tangible proof of Glavine's greatness, he looks back on his career and gains as much satisfaction from the fact that he made 672 career starts before making his first trip to the disabled list at the age of 42 in 2008.
"Obviously, you are measured so much by wins and losses," Glavine said. "I'm very proud of the 300 wins, but also being 100 games over .500. That is a pretty significant number in my mind. I think the thing that probably jumps out to me or that I'm proud of along with winning games was my durability."
After his bothersome left shoulder finally proved too painful, Glavine proudly walked away from his career with the understanding that he had positioned himself to receive baseball's greatest honor.
Glavine has kept himself busy while broadcasting some Braves games and devoting much of his time coaching his sons' hockey teams. But now that the five years of waiting are nearly complete, it will be hard for him to ignore the excitement and anticipation that accompanies this next Hall of Fame announcement.
"When I first retired, I knew it was out there," Glavine said. "But five years seemed like it was so far away. So in that respect, it's hard to believe five years have gone by already."
Tom Glavine hopes to enter Hall of Fame in good company | MLB-com: News
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Jeff Kent likes being part of the Hall of Fame chatter. Just don't ask him to participate in it.
Named on 87 of the 571 ballots cast by Hall of Fame voters, Kent's 15.2 percentage fell far short of the 75 percent needed for induction. Since this represented his first time on the ballot, he'll have as many as 14 more chances -- assuming his vote total never dips below 5 percent -- to gain election.
During his 17-year Major League career, Kent avoided introspective, self-analytical discussions about his stature in the game. But he was more than happy to prompt dialogue among fans and media. And there was plenty of it, given his status as one of the most prolific offensive second basemen ever.
"I've always appreciated the fact that I've been part of arguments, debates and articles about my career and the things I've done," Kent said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "That's what's great about baseball. I don't know if anybody's truly correct. But there are always good arguments in the game. I'm in a sense grateful that people consider it and take note of it."
Kent's Hall of Fame vote total could spark a fresh debate. Some might consider it shockingly low. Then again, maybe Kent was fortunate to receive as many votes as he did. The influx of qualified first-time candidates, including electees Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas, along with impressive holdovers from previous ballots like Jack Morris and Craig Biggio, could have limited the vote for Kent and others.
Characteristically, Kent sounded unlikely to spend time squeezing significance from the voting.
"I didn't have any expectations, so I really don't have any reaction personally," he said. "... I'll continue to ride the wave of not overthinking it, because I can't control it, and we'll see where it lands."
Rich Aurilia, Kent's double-play partner at shortstop when both played for the Giants, expected greater support for his ex-teammate.
"I thought he'd get about 30-35 percent of the vote," said Aurilia, a Giants analyst for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. But, Aurilia added, "There was just such great talent on the ballot this year."
Kent's credentials compared favorably to virtually anybody's on the ballot. He's the all-time leader among second basemen with 351 home runs, 1,389 RBIs, a .509 slugging percentage and 508 doubles accumulated while playing that position (his overall career totals include 377 homers, 1,518 RBIs, a .500 slugging percentage and 560 doubles). Kent's .866 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) as a second baseman ranks third behind Jackie Robinson's .905 and still-active Chase Utley's .876.
After being traded from the Blue Jays to the Mets late in the 1992 season, Kent performed capably for the Mets for 4 1/2 seasons, batting .279. But he didn't establish himself as a formidable run producer until 1997, his first year with the Giants after being traded from Cleveland. Kent amassed 29 homers and 121 RBIs, beginning a nine-year stretch in which he hit .296 while annually averaging 28 homers and 110 RBIs with a .365 on-base percentage and a .529 slugging percentage. He won four Silver Slugger awards and ranked among the top 20 in Most Valuable Player balloting seven times in that span, capturing the trophy in 2000 with San Francisco.
Kent's offensive contributions from 2003-04 with the Astros and from 2005-08 with the Dodgers indicated that he was a legitimate hitter on his own merit and not dependent on Barry Bonds, who batted in front of or behind Kent during most of their years together in San Francisco.
"I think what Jeff meant to the game of baseball as a second baseman may be appreciated more as time goes by and some of these so-called 'no-brainer' Hall of Famers get in in the upcoming years," Aurilia said. "I think his [vote total] should increase, hopefully dramatically. I'd put him up against anybody all time at the position. He's going to be right there, head-to-head, with them."
Jeff Kent unconcerned by Baseball Hall of Fame vote total | MLB-com: News
Named on 87 of the 571 ballots cast by Hall of Fame voters, Kent's 15.2 percentage fell far short of the 75 percent needed for induction. Since this represented his first time on the ballot, he'll have as many as 14 more chances -- assuming his vote total never dips below 5 percent -- to gain election.
During his 17-year Major League career, Kent avoided introspective, self-analytical discussions about his stature in the game. But he was more than happy to prompt dialogue among fans and media. And there was plenty of it, given his status as one of the most prolific offensive second basemen ever.
"I've always appreciated the fact that I've been part of arguments, debates and articles about my career and the things I've done," Kent said Wednesday in a telephone interview. "That's what's great about baseball. I don't know if anybody's truly correct. But there are always good arguments in the game. I'm in a sense grateful that people consider it and take note of it."
Kent's Hall of Fame vote total could spark a fresh debate. Some might consider it shockingly low. Then again, maybe Kent was fortunate to receive as many votes as he did. The influx of qualified first-time candidates, including electees Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas, along with impressive holdovers from previous ballots like Jack Morris and Craig Biggio, could have limited the vote for Kent and others.
Characteristically, Kent sounded unlikely to spend time squeezing significance from the voting.
"I didn't have any expectations, so I really don't have any reaction personally," he said. "... I'll continue to ride the wave of not overthinking it, because I can't control it, and we'll see where it lands."
Rich Aurilia, Kent's double-play partner at shortstop when both played for the Giants, expected greater support for his ex-teammate.
"I thought he'd get about 30-35 percent of the vote," said Aurilia, a Giants analyst for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. But, Aurilia added, "There was just such great talent on the ballot this year."
Kent's credentials compared favorably to virtually anybody's on the ballot. He's the all-time leader among second basemen with 351 home runs, 1,389 RBIs, a .509 slugging percentage and 508 doubles accumulated while playing that position (his overall career totals include 377 homers, 1,518 RBIs, a .500 slugging percentage and 560 doubles). Kent's .866 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) as a second baseman ranks third behind Jackie Robinson's .905 and still-active Chase Utley's .876.
After being traded from the Blue Jays to the Mets late in the 1992 season, Kent performed capably for the Mets for 4 1/2 seasons, batting .279. But he didn't establish himself as a formidable run producer until 1997, his first year with the Giants after being traded from Cleveland. Kent amassed 29 homers and 121 RBIs, beginning a nine-year stretch in which he hit .296 while annually averaging 28 homers and 110 RBIs with a .365 on-base percentage and a .529 slugging percentage. He won four Silver Slugger awards and ranked among the top 20 in Most Valuable Player balloting seven times in that span, capturing the trophy in 2000 with San Francisco.
Kent's offensive contributions from 2003-04 with the Astros and from 2005-08 with the Dodgers indicated that he was a legitimate hitter on his own merit and not dependent on Barry Bonds, who batted in front of or behind Kent during most of their years together in San Francisco.
"I think what Jeff meant to the game of baseball as a second baseman may be appreciated more as time goes by and some of these so-called 'no-brainer' Hall of Famers get in in the upcoming years," Aurilia said. "I think his [vote total] should increase, hopefully dramatically. I'd put him up against anybody all time at the position. He's going to be right there, head-to-head, with them."
Jeff Kent unconcerned by Baseball Hall of Fame vote total | MLB-com: News
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Dan Le Batard won’t be voting in future elections for baseball’s Hall of Fame — either on his own, or as proxy for Deadspin readers.
Le Batard was stripped for life of his Hall of Fame voting privileges Thursday, one day after it was revealed he filled out his ballot based on the results of a poll of Deadspin readers on who they felt belonged in Cooperstown.
In addition to banning Le Batard from future voting, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose most tenured members vote on the Hall of Fame, also suspended him from the organization for one year.
“It was worth it,” Le Batard said Thursday. “I knew this would be the consequence. Hopefully, change is a consequence, too.”
The BBWAA said in a statement: “The BBWAA regards Hall of Fame voting as the ultimate privilege, and any abuse of that privilege is unacceptable.”
The opinionated South Florida sports journalist received his membership through the Miami Herald but now works for ESPN. Only members of the BBWAA who have been with the organization for at least 10 years are allowed to vote.
“I feel like my vote has gotten pretty worthless in the avalanche of sanctimony that has swallowed it,” Le Batard wrote on Deadspin in explaining his reasoning.
Le Batard said he is bothered by “all the moralizing we do in sports in general,” especially as it pertains to the snubbing of baseball greats who were linked to steroids, such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.
Le Batard’s ballot did not make or break any Hall candidate’s election bid.
Read more here: Dan Le Batard banned from future MLB Hall of Fame voting - Inside Baseball - MiamiHerald-com
Le Batard was stripped for life of his Hall of Fame voting privileges Thursday, one day after it was revealed he filled out his ballot based on the results of a poll of Deadspin readers on who they felt belonged in Cooperstown.
In addition to banning Le Batard from future voting, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, whose most tenured members vote on the Hall of Fame, also suspended him from the organization for one year.
“It was worth it,” Le Batard said Thursday. “I knew this would be the consequence. Hopefully, change is a consequence, too.”
The BBWAA said in a statement: “The BBWAA regards Hall of Fame voting as the ultimate privilege, and any abuse of that privilege is unacceptable.”
The opinionated South Florida sports journalist received his membership through the Miami Herald but now works for ESPN. Only members of the BBWAA who have been with the organization for at least 10 years are allowed to vote.
“I feel like my vote has gotten pretty worthless in the avalanche of sanctimony that has swallowed it,” Le Batard wrote on Deadspin in explaining his reasoning.
Le Batard said he is bothered by “all the moralizing we do in sports in general,” especially as it pertains to the snubbing of baseball greats who were linked to steroids, such as Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.
Le Batard’s ballot did not make or break any Hall candidate’s election bid.
Read more here: Dan Le Batard banned from future MLB Hall of Fame voting - Inside Baseball - MiamiHerald-com
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The Hot Stove remained quiet on Friday, but one of Major League Baseball's top teams received a huge blow to its 2014 outlook.
The Rangers will begin the season without left-hander Derek Holland, who underwent surgery on Friday to repair torn cartilage behind his left kneecap.
Holland, 27, sustained the injury during a fall at his home on Tuesday. He is expected to be out until midseason.
"I am devastated by this injury," Holland said in a statement released by the team. "It was a freak accident at home, resulting in a hard fall on my knee. As upsetting as it is, my goal is to begin rehab and get back on the mound as soon as possible."
Although no major deals have recently taken place, there are sure to be plenty of fireworks before teams report to Spring Training.
MLB-com's Richard Justice gives insight on a few of the bigger offseason questions still remaining.
Other news and notes from Friday:
AL East
• The Yankees designated outfielder Vernon Wells for assignment. New York also officially announced its two-year deal with left-handed reliever Matt Thornton.
• Right-hander Jeff Niemann and outfielder Sam Fuld are both open to returning to Tampa Bay, as MLB-com's Bill Chastain writes in this notebook.
• Designated hitter remains a concern for the Orioles, who also signed infielder Alexi Casilla to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
AL Central
• The Royals agreed to a one-year deal with catcher Brett Hayes to avoid arbitration.
• Twins prospect Byron Buxton might be the game's No. 1 prospect, according to MLB-com, but he knows he's not ready for the bigs.
• White Sox prospect Carlos Sanchez is impressing in the Venezuelan League.
AL West
• The Mariners appear to be staying in house as they search for their next club president.
• The Rangers are keeping close tabs on the Masahiro Tanaka situation.
• The Angels are focused on improving their farm system.
NL East
• Top pitching prospects Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero are among 20 non-roster players the Mets have invited to Spring Training.
• The Nationals signed outfielder Joseph Dunigan to a Minor League contract.
• MLB-com's Todd Zolecki fields Phillies fans' questions in his inbox.
• Two Phillies prospects -- left-hander Adam Morgan and right-hander Shane Watson -- are likely out until August because of injuries to their throwing shoulder.
• Marlins manager Mike Redmond reminisces about his battles with new Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.
NL Central
• The Reds are keeping an eye on the utility infield market -- specifically someone capable of backing up shortstop Zack Cozart.
• The Cardinals are focused on their upcoming arbitration cases with outfielders Jon Jay and Peter Bourjos and infielder Daniel Descalso.
NL West
• The Giants signed left-hander Dontrelle Willis to a Minor League deal.
• The Dodgers aren't expected to make a big push for Tanaka.
• Giants prospect Angel Villalona has impressive pop.
Hot Stove roundup: Rangers to start year without Derek Holland | MLB-com: News
The Rangers will begin the season without left-hander Derek Holland, who underwent surgery on Friday to repair torn cartilage behind his left kneecap.
Holland, 27, sustained the injury during a fall at his home on Tuesday. He is expected to be out until midseason.
"I am devastated by this injury," Holland said in a statement released by the team. "It was a freak accident at home, resulting in a hard fall on my knee. As upsetting as it is, my goal is to begin rehab and get back on the mound as soon as possible."
Although no major deals have recently taken place, there are sure to be plenty of fireworks before teams report to Spring Training.
MLB-com's Richard Justice gives insight on a few of the bigger offseason questions still remaining.
Other news and notes from Friday:
AL East
• The Yankees designated outfielder Vernon Wells for assignment. New York also officially announced its two-year deal with left-handed reliever Matt Thornton.
• Right-hander Jeff Niemann and outfielder Sam Fuld are both open to returning to Tampa Bay, as MLB-com's Bill Chastain writes in this notebook.
• Designated hitter remains a concern for the Orioles, who also signed infielder Alexi Casilla to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
AL Central
• The Royals agreed to a one-year deal with catcher Brett Hayes to avoid arbitration.
• Twins prospect Byron Buxton might be the game's No. 1 prospect, according to MLB-com, but he knows he's not ready for the bigs.
• White Sox prospect Carlos Sanchez is impressing in the Venezuelan League.
AL West
• The Mariners appear to be staying in house as they search for their next club president.
• The Rangers are keeping close tabs on the Masahiro Tanaka situation.
• The Angels are focused on improving their farm system.
NL East
• Top pitching prospects Noah Syndergaard and Rafael Montero are among 20 non-roster players the Mets have invited to Spring Training.
• The Nationals signed outfielder Joseph Dunigan to a Minor League contract.
• MLB-com's Todd Zolecki fields Phillies fans' questions in his inbox.
• Two Phillies prospects -- left-hander Adam Morgan and right-hander Shane Watson -- are likely out until August because of injuries to their throwing shoulder.
• Marlins manager Mike Redmond reminisces about his battles with new Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.
NL Central
• The Reds are keeping an eye on the utility infield market -- specifically someone capable of backing up shortstop Zack Cozart.
• The Cardinals are focused on their upcoming arbitration cases with outfielders Jon Jay and Peter Bourjos and infielder Daniel Descalso.
NL West
• The Giants signed left-hander Dontrelle Willis to a Minor League deal.
• The Dodgers aren't expected to make a big push for Tanaka.
• Giants prospect Angel Villalona has impressive pop.
Hot Stove roundup: Rangers to start year without Derek Holland | MLB-com: News
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It's not easy trying to rank the MLB offseason's 15 largest contracts from best to worst.
After all, how do you compare a nearly quarter of a billion dollar contract to a $25 million deal? Nearly every contract that makes this list is either an overpay in terms of years or dollars.
However, the agreements that tend to work out the best are the ones that provide teams with the biggest impact on the field while minimizing long-term financial exposure. In other words, the shorter the deal, the better it tends to work out.
With these considerations in mind, here's a ranking of the MLB offseason's 15 largest contracts from best to worst.
Pictures: Ranking the MLB Offseason's 15 Largest Contracts from Best to Worst | Bleacher Report
After all, how do you compare a nearly quarter of a billion dollar contract to a $25 million deal? Nearly every contract that makes this list is either an overpay in terms of years or dollars.
However, the agreements that tend to work out the best are the ones that provide teams with the biggest impact on the field while minimizing long-term financial exposure. In other words, the shorter the deal, the better it tends to work out.
With these considerations in mind, here's a ranking of the MLB offseason's 15 largest contracts from best to worst.
Pictures: Ranking the MLB Offseason's 15 Largest Contracts from Best to Worst | Bleacher Report
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2006/12/07
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A-Rod suspended for all of 2014 | NYY may relegate A-Rod to minor-league camp
Stemming from the historic decision Saturday, in which Alex Rodriguez's arbitration case ended up with him being suspended for the entirety of the 2014 season, Anthony Bosch will appear on CBS' television news program 60 Minutes Sunday night once the NFL action is concluded.
Bosch was the MLB's star witness in the case, the South Florida anti-aging clinic owner who was supplying MLB players with performance-enhancing drugs, among other supplements.
Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will also appear on the show.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is none too pleased with MLB's decision to throw Bosch and Horowitz to the media so quickly after the arbitration decision. The union released the following statement Sunday evening:
It is unfortunate that Major League Baseball apparently lacks faith in the integrity and finality of the arbitrator's decision and our Joint Drug Agreement, such that it could not resist the temptation to publicly pile-on against Alex Rodriguez. It is equally troubling that the MLB-appointed Panel Arbitrator will himself be appearing in the "60 Minutes" segment, and that Tony Bosch, MLB's principal witness, is appearing on the program with MLB's blessing.
MLB's post-decision rush to the media is inconsistent with our collectively-bargained arbitration process, in general, as well as the confidentiality and credibility of the Joint Drug Agreement, in particular. After learning of tonight's "60 Minutes" segment, Players have expressed anger over, among other things, MLB's inability to let the result of yesterday's decision speak for itself. As a result, the Players Association is considering all legal options available to remedy any breaches committed by MLB.
Throughout this process the Players Association has repeatedly shown it is committed to an effective drug program that is strong and fair. And as we indicated in our statement yesterday, although we do not agree with the arbitrator's decision, we respect the process and will act accordingly. We believe the other involved parties should do the same.
This ... isn't good. At all.
MLB won. It got A-Rod and it got him with an unprecedented PED suspension -- and it got him for 162 games, even though the JDA specifically outlines the penalty for a first offense is 50 games. Despite that, the union respected the decision instead of throwing a hissy fit.
Now, it appears the league has gone too far in attempting to further soil A-Rod's image, because the MLBPA is unhappy. Major League Baseball has enjoyed labor peace since the damaging strike in 1994-95, but that could be in jeopardy as things progress here.
The current collective bargaining agreement runs through the 2016 season. Let's hope things aren't as contentious between the two sides by then.
UPDATE: MLB has issued its own statement. Here it is:
"We have notified the Major League Baseball Players Association on numerous occasions that we intended to respond to all of the attacks on the integrity of our Joint Drug Program. Those attacks continued yet again yesterday with Mr. Rodriguez's statement. Out of respect to the grievance process and at the request of the MLBPA, we waited until a decision was rendered to make our response.
"It is ironic that the MLBPA is complaining about MLB's participation in this program given that Mr. Rodriguez's lawyer is also participating in the show.
"As to Mr. Bosch's appearance, he is not controlled by us and is entitled to speak however he chooses about his interactions with Mr. Rodriguez."
MLBPA angry with MLB over '60 Minutes' appearances - CBSSports-com
Stemming from the historic decision Saturday, in which Alex Rodriguez's arbitration case ended up with him being suspended for the entirety of the 2014 season, Anthony Bosch will appear on CBS' television news program 60 Minutes Sunday night once the NFL action is concluded.
Bosch was the MLB's star witness in the case, the South Florida anti-aging clinic owner who was supplying MLB players with performance-enhancing drugs, among other supplements.
Arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will also appear on the show.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is none too pleased with MLB's decision to throw Bosch and Horowitz to the media so quickly after the arbitration decision. The union released the following statement Sunday evening:
It is unfortunate that Major League Baseball apparently lacks faith in the integrity and finality of the arbitrator's decision and our Joint Drug Agreement, such that it could not resist the temptation to publicly pile-on against Alex Rodriguez. It is equally troubling that the MLB-appointed Panel Arbitrator will himself be appearing in the "60 Minutes" segment, and that Tony Bosch, MLB's principal witness, is appearing on the program with MLB's blessing.
MLB's post-decision rush to the media is inconsistent with our collectively-bargained arbitration process, in general, as well as the confidentiality and credibility of the Joint Drug Agreement, in particular. After learning of tonight's "60 Minutes" segment, Players have expressed anger over, among other things, MLB's inability to let the result of yesterday's decision speak for itself. As a result, the Players Association is considering all legal options available to remedy any breaches committed by MLB.
Throughout this process the Players Association has repeatedly shown it is committed to an effective drug program that is strong and fair. And as we indicated in our statement yesterday, although we do not agree with the arbitrator's decision, we respect the process and will act accordingly. We believe the other involved parties should do the same.
This ... isn't good. At all.
MLB won. It got A-Rod and it got him with an unprecedented PED suspension -- and it got him for 162 games, even though the JDA specifically outlines the penalty for a first offense is 50 games. Despite that, the union respected the decision instead of throwing a hissy fit.
Now, it appears the league has gone too far in attempting to further soil A-Rod's image, because the MLBPA is unhappy. Major League Baseball has enjoyed labor peace since the damaging strike in 1994-95, but that could be in jeopardy as things progress here.
The current collective bargaining agreement runs through the 2016 season. Let's hope things aren't as contentious between the two sides by then.
UPDATE: MLB has issued its own statement. Here it is:
"We have notified the Major League Baseball Players Association on numerous occasions that we intended to respond to all of the attacks on the integrity of our Joint Drug Program. Those attacks continued yet again yesterday with Mr. Rodriguez's statement. Out of respect to the grievance process and at the request of the MLBPA, we waited until a decision was rendered to make our response.
"It is ironic that the MLBPA is complaining about MLB's participation in this program given that Mr. Rodriguez's lawyer is also participating in the show.
"As to Mr. Bosch's appearance, he is not controlled by us and is entitled to speak however he chooses about his interactions with Mr. Rodriguez."
MLBPA angry with MLB over '60 Minutes' appearances - CBSSports-com
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Alex Rodriguez's fight to overturn the longest drug-related suspension given to a MLB player entered its next phase on Monday when his lawyers filed suit in U.S. District Court alleging that arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, who handed down a 162-game ban on Saturday, was biased in his ruling.
The suit seeks to vacate Horowitz's ruling, based on the arbitrator's "manifest disregard for the law," his "evident partiality," and refusal "to entertain evidence that was pertinent and material to the outcome."
The complaint calls the 162-game ban "wholly unjustifiable" and alleges that Horowitz ignored the stipulation of baseball's Joint Drug Agreement, which calls for a 50-game ban for a first-time drug offense. "He ignored the clear disciplinary action of the JDA," the complaint reads, referring to the arbitrator. "Accordingly, the Arbitration Award is not legitimate as it does not draw its essence from the JDA or [C]BA."
Horowitz explained in his ruling that he factored in "Rodriguez'[s] obstruction of MLB's investigation'' and "the prolonged time period ... with which he used or possessed the three Prohibited Substances.''
"While the length of the suspension may be unprecedented for a MLB player,'' Horowitz wrote, "so is the misconduct he committed.''
Rodriguez's 42-page complaint names Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association as defendants and includes among its exhibits Horowitz's written ruling on A-Rod's appeal.
In it, Rodriguez alleges the players' union breached its "duty of fair representation" and charges MLB and the MLBPA with imposing a suspension without just cause.
"It is unfortunate that Alex Rodriguez has chosen to sue the Players Association," MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. "His claim is completely without merit, and we will aggressively defend ourselves and our members from these baseless charges."
Earlier in the afternoon, U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III cleared the way for the release of Horowitz's decision, which was opposed by the players' association on the grounds it could violate the confidentiality agreement in baseball's collective bargaining agreement. Pauley ruled that baseball had already violated the confidentiality agreement when commissioner Bud Selig and COO Rob Manfred, who ran baseball's investigation into Rodriguez's involvement with the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic suspected of supplying ballplayers with illegal PEDs, were interviewed on CBS-TV's "60 Minutes" on Sunday night.
"Given the intense public interest in this matter and Commissioner Selig's disclosures last night on '60 Minutes,' it's difficult to imagine that any portion of this proceeding should be under seal," Pauley said. "Mr. Rodriguez is directed to file his unredacted complaint with the attached exhibits."
"We're thrilled," Jordan Siev, one of Rodriguez's attorneys, told ESPNNewYork-com's Andrew Marchand. "We want the entire record to be public. We want everyone to be able to see exactly what [Anthony] Bosch said."
Bosch, the proprietor of the now-shuttered clinic, was baseball's key witness against Rodriguez.
The complaint alleges that Horowitz denied Rodriguez and his attorneys the right to cross-examine Bosch and Selig, who opted not to testify in the appeal. The complaint also alleges that Horowitz denied Rodriguez's attorneys the right to examine the BlackBerry devices that baseball alleges were used to transmit incriminating text messages between Rodriguez and Bosch.
"These are only some of the egregious actions taken by Arbitrator Horowitz during the grievance process, each of which standing alone warrants vacatur of the Arbitration Award," the complaint reads. "And together they demonstrate the inherent unfairness and pre-ordained result attendant to the arbitration process."
Rodriguez's bid to vacate the arbitrator's decision is viewed as a long shot by many legal experts, since the process was agreed upon through collective bargaining and an arbitrator's decision in a labor dispute is considered to be binding.
But Rodriguez's attorneys are alleging that the appeal process was flawed, rendering Horowitz's decision to be invalid.
"We recognize the standard to overturn an arbitration is a high one," Siev said. "But we think this proceeding was so flawed from beginning to end, including obvious bias from arbitrator Horowitz in favor of MLB, which is put forth in our complaint."
Alex Rodriguez sues MLB, union seeking reversal of suspension - ESPN New York
The suit seeks to vacate Horowitz's ruling, based on the arbitrator's "manifest disregard for the law," his "evident partiality," and refusal "to entertain evidence that was pertinent and material to the outcome."
The complaint calls the 162-game ban "wholly unjustifiable" and alleges that Horowitz ignored the stipulation of baseball's Joint Drug Agreement, which calls for a 50-game ban for a first-time drug offense. "He ignored the clear disciplinary action of the JDA," the complaint reads, referring to the arbitrator. "Accordingly, the Arbitration Award is not legitimate as it does not draw its essence from the JDA or [C]BA."
Horowitz explained in his ruling that he factored in "Rodriguez'[s] obstruction of MLB's investigation'' and "the prolonged time period ... with which he used or possessed the three Prohibited Substances.''
"While the length of the suspension may be unprecedented for a MLB player,'' Horowitz wrote, "so is the misconduct he committed.''
Rodriguez's 42-page complaint names Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association as defendants and includes among its exhibits Horowitz's written ruling on A-Rod's appeal.
In it, Rodriguez alleges the players' union breached its "duty of fair representation" and charges MLB and the MLBPA with imposing a suspension without just cause.
"It is unfortunate that Alex Rodriguez has chosen to sue the Players Association," MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. "His claim is completely without merit, and we will aggressively defend ourselves and our members from these baseless charges."
Earlier in the afternoon, U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III cleared the way for the release of Horowitz's decision, which was opposed by the players' association on the grounds it could violate the confidentiality agreement in baseball's collective bargaining agreement. Pauley ruled that baseball had already violated the confidentiality agreement when commissioner Bud Selig and COO Rob Manfred, who ran baseball's investigation into Rodriguez's involvement with the Biogenesis anti-aging clinic suspected of supplying ballplayers with illegal PEDs, were interviewed on CBS-TV's "60 Minutes" on Sunday night.
"Given the intense public interest in this matter and Commissioner Selig's disclosures last night on '60 Minutes,' it's difficult to imagine that any portion of this proceeding should be under seal," Pauley said. "Mr. Rodriguez is directed to file his unredacted complaint with the attached exhibits."
"We're thrilled," Jordan Siev, one of Rodriguez's attorneys, told ESPNNewYork-com's Andrew Marchand. "We want the entire record to be public. We want everyone to be able to see exactly what [Anthony] Bosch said."
Bosch, the proprietor of the now-shuttered clinic, was baseball's key witness against Rodriguez.
The complaint alleges that Horowitz denied Rodriguez and his attorneys the right to cross-examine Bosch and Selig, who opted not to testify in the appeal. The complaint also alleges that Horowitz denied Rodriguez's attorneys the right to examine the BlackBerry devices that baseball alleges were used to transmit incriminating text messages between Rodriguez and Bosch.
"These are only some of the egregious actions taken by Arbitrator Horowitz during the grievance process, each of which standing alone warrants vacatur of the Arbitration Award," the complaint reads. "And together they demonstrate the inherent unfairness and pre-ordained result attendant to the arbitration process."
Rodriguez's bid to vacate the arbitrator's decision is viewed as a long shot by many legal experts, since the process was agreed upon through collective bargaining and an arbitrator's decision in a labor dispute is considered to be binding.
But Rodriguez's attorneys are alleging that the appeal process was flawed, rendering Horowitz's decision to be invalid.
"We recognize the standard to overturn an arbitration is a high one," Siev said. "But we think this proceeding was so flawed from beginning to end, including obvious bias from arbitrator Horowitz in favor of MLB, which is put forth in our complaint."
Alex Rodriguez sues MLB, union seeking reversal of suspension - ESPN New York
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Six eligible Reds players formally filed for arbitration before Tuesday's deadline.
The list includes starting pitcher Homer Bailey (third year), closer Aroldis Chapman (first year), outfielder Chris Heisey (second year), right-handed starter Mike Leake (second year) and right-handed relievers Sam LeCure (first year) and Alfredo Simon (second year).
A total of 146 players filed for arbitration Tuesday. Next up in the process is a Friday deadline for clubs and the eligible players to exchange desired salary figures for a one-year contract.
Players with at least three seasons of Major League service time and less than six seasons are generally eligible for arbitration. While the player is still controlled by the club during this three-year span of his career, negotiations on a salary can often be protracted throughout the winter and stretch into the start of Spring Training.
Negotiations can continue up until the minute that an arbitration hearing is set to begin. This year, the hearings can be slated anywhere between Feb. 1-21. Once the hearing begins, a three-person arbitration panel listens to the cases presented by the team's counsel and the player's agent or counsel. Usually one day later, they determine whether the player will earn his side's desired salary or the club's.
The Reds usually settle with their players on contracts before it comes to this. They have not had a hearing against one of their own players since defeating pitcher Chris Reitsma in arbitration in 2004.
Regardless of the outcome, the arbitration-eligible player stands to make a significant raise from the salary he earned during his first three years in the big leagues. Players with zero to three years of service time generally make near the Major League minimum at salary figures determined by their clubs. According to Article VI of MLB's Basic Agreement, arbitration-eligible players are paid relative to similar players in terms of performance and service time. Other criteria can include a player's "leadership and public appeal," the length and consistency of his career contribution and recent performances by the team.
In recent history, the Reds have signed arbitration-eligible players for more than one year. Last February, pitcher Mat Latos avoided two hearings in one move by signing a two-year, $11.5 million contract. Unless given an extension, he will be third-year arbitration eligible next winter.
Last week, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said he was hoping to sign Bailey to a multi-year contract this winter. Bailey can become a first-time free agent after the 2014 season.
To avoid arbitration last year, Bailey was signed to a one-year, $5.35 million contract and went 11-12 with a career-best 3.49 ERA in 32 starts. He also reached career bests in innings with 209 and strikeouts with 199. On July 2 vs. the Giants at Great American Ball Park, he threw the second no-hitter of his career.
Leake was signed for $3.06 million last winter and posted a 14-7 record and 3.37 ERA in 31 starts and 192 1/3 innings. All were career bests.
Heisey was signed for $1.325 million and batted .237/.279/.415 in 2013 with nine home runs and 23 RBIs. Signed for $890,000 to avoid arbitration, Simon had a 2.87 ERA in 63 appearances and worked higher-profile situations because of injuries in the bullpen.
Under the terms of the six-year, $30.25 million free-agent contract he signed in 2010 after defecting from Cuba, Chapman could convert the $3 million he's owed for 2014 into a bonus if he were eligible for arbitration. In 2013, he earned $2 million while posting 38 saves in 43 chances with a 2.54 ERA in 68 appearances.
LeCure made $510,000 for Cincinnati last season and also found himself working in an increased role in the bullpen while posting a 2.66 ERA in 63 games.
Homer Bailey Bailey among six Reds players filing for arbitration | MLB-com: News
The list includes starting pitcher Homer Bailey (third year), closer Aroldis Chapman (first year), outfielder Chris Heisey (second year), right-handed starter Mike Leake (second year) and right-handed relievers Sam LeCure (first year) and Alfredo Simon (second year).
A total of 146 players filed for arbitration Tuesday. Next up in the process is a Friday deadline for clubs and the eligible players to exchange desired salary figures for a one-year contract.
Players with at least three seasons of Major League service time and less than six seasons are generally eligible for arbitration. While the player is still controlled by the club during this three-year span of his career, negotiations on a salary can often be protracted throughout the winter and stretch into the start of Spring Training.
Negotiations can continue up until the minute that an arbitration hearing is set to begin. This year, the hearings can be slated anywhere between Feb. 1-21. Once the hearing begins, a three-person arbitration panel listens to the cases presented by the team's counsel and the player's agent or counsel. Usually one day later, they determine whether the player will earn his side's desired salary or the club's.
The Reds usually settle with their players on contracts before it comes to this. They have not had a hearing against one of their own players since defeating pitcher Chris Reitsma in arbitration in 2004.
Regardless of the outcome, the arbitration-eligible player stands to make a significant raise from the salary he earned during his first three years in the big leagues. Players with zero to three years of service time generally make near the Major League minimum at salary figures determined by their clubs. According to Article VI of MLB's Basic Agreement, arbitration-eligible players are paid relative to similar players in terms of performance and service time. Other criteria can include a player's "leadership and public appeal," the length and consistency of his career contribution and recent performances by the team.
In recent history, the Reds have signed arbitration-eligible players for more than one year. Last February, pitcher Mat Latos avoided two hearings in one move by signing a two-year, $11.5 million contract. Unless given an extension, he will be third-year arbitration eligible next winter.
Last week, Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said he was hoping to sign Bailey to a multi-year contract this winter. Bailey can become a first-time free agent after the 2014 season.
To avoid arbitration last year, Bailey was signed to a one-year, $5.35 million contract and went 11-12 with a career-best 3.49 ERA in 32 starts. He also reached career bests in innings with 209 and strikeouts with 199. On July 2 vs. the Giants at Great American Ball Park, he threw the second no-hitter of his career.
Leake was signed for $3.06 million last winter and posted a 14-7 record and 3.37 ERA in 31 starts and 192 1/3 innings. All were career bests.
Heisey was signed for $1.325 million and batted .237/.279/.415 in 2013 with nine home runs and 23 RBIs. Signed for $890,000 to avoid arbitration, Simon had a 2.87 ERA in 63 appearances and worked higher-profile situations because of injuries in the bullpen.
Under the terms of the six-year, $30.25 million free-agent contract he signed in 2010 after defecting from Cuba, Chapman could convert the $3 million he's owed for 2014 into a bonus if he were eligible for arbitration. In 2013, he earned $2 million while posting 38 saves in 43 chances with a 2.54 ERA in 68 appearances.
LeCure made $510,000 for Cincinnati last season and also found himself working in an increased role in the bullpen while posting a 2.66 ERA in 63 games.
Homer Bailey Bailey among six Reds players filing for arbitration | MLB-com: News
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Clayton Kershaw agreed Wednesday to a $215 million, seven-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press, a deal that makes the two-time Cy Young Award winner baseball's first player with a $30 million average salary.
Kershaw gets the most lucrative deal for a pitcher, breaking the mark of $180 million set by Justin Verlander for his seven-year contract with Detroit.
A left-hander who turns 26 in March, Kershaw won NL Cy Young Awards in 2011 and '13. He was 16-9 for the NL West champion Dodgers last year and led the league with 232 strikeouts, and his 1.83 ERA was the best in the major leagues since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 for Boston in 2000. He has led the NL in ERA in each of the past three years.
Steinbrenner weighs in on A-Rod
Hal Steinbrenner said Alex Rodriguez is “a great player” and “obviously an asset,” but the Yankees' managing general partner wouldn't discuss the third baseman's possible return to the team following a season-long suspension.
Speaking to reporters at baseball owners' meetings Wednesday, Steinbrenner said he isn't thinking about 2015.
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig suspended Rodriguez for 211 games in August, and arbitrator Fredric Horowitz cut the penalty last weekend to the 2014 season and postseason. The arbitrator found “clear and convincing evidence” the three-time AL MVP used three banned substances and twice tried to obstruct Major League Baseball's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic.
Rodriguez responded by suing MLB and the players' association in an effort to overturn the decision.
Players nix drug terminations
New baseball union head Tony Clark said players won't agree to terminating contracts as part of discipline for drug violations.
Clark took over as the union's executive director following the death of Michael Weiner in November. Clark expects talks on changes to the drug agreement to start before spring training.
Commissioner Bud Selig proposed last March that drug penalties be toughened, but Weiner said the union wouldn't consider changes until 2014.
Expanded replay moves forward
The head of the committee that developed Major League Baseball's plan to expand instant replay said he is optimistic the system will be in place this season, even though owners and unions for players and umpires have yet to approve.
Braves president John Schuerholz said that because of the complexities, he expects the system will need three years of use to resolve problems that develop.
The plan would give managers the right to challenge most calls except balls and strikes, with one challenge allowed in the first six innings and two from the seventh inning on. A successful challenge would not count against the limits.
Sandoval now a slimmer Panda
Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who has battled weight issues during his career, reportedly has lost 42 pounds while training in his native Venezuela.
Yahoo Sports reported Sandoval, 27, lost the weight via a combination diet and increased workouts. He batted .279 with 14 homers and 71 RBIs in 2013. He will be a free agent after the 2014 season.
Extra bases
The San Francisco Chronicle reported left-hander Dallas Braden, who threw a perfect game while pitching for the Athletics on May 9, 2010, is retiring. Braden, 30, said his left shoulder is a “shredded mess.” He retires with a 26-36 career record and a 4.16 ERA . ... The Brewers signed former Pirates left-hander Zach Duke to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Duke is 50-76 in his nine-year career with a 4.57 ERA. ... The Orioles signed right-handed reliever Alfredo Aceves to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation. The 31-year-old Aceves has a lifetime record of 30-14 with a 3.69 ERA and 29 saves — all but four of them in 2012. ... Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is returning to the organization as an adviser. He led the club to a World Series title in 2008.
Read more: MLB notebook: Dodgers pitcher Kershaw re-signs for 7 years, $215 million | TribLIVE
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Kershaw gets the most lucrative deal for a pitcher, breaking the mark of $180 million set by Justin Verlander for his seven-year contract with Detroit.
A left-hander who turns 26 in March, Kershaw won NL Cy Young Awards in 2011 and '13. He was 16-9 for the NL West champion Dodgers last year and led the league with 232 strikeouts, and his 1.83 ERA was the best in the major leagues since Pedro Martinez's 1.74 for Boston in 2000. He has led the NL in ERA in each of the past three years.
Steinbrenner weighs in on A-Rod
Hal Steinbrenner said Alex Rodriguez is “a great player” and “obviously an asset,” but the Yankees' managing general partner wouldn't discuss the third baseman's possible return to the team following a season-long suspension.
Speaking to reporters at baseball owners' meetings Wednesday, Steinbrenner said he isn't thinking about 2015.
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig suspended Rodriguez for 211 games in August, and arbitrator Fredric Horowitz cut the penalty last weekend to the 2014 season and postseason. The arbitrator found “clear and convincing evidence” the three-time AL MVP used three banned substances and twice tried to obstruct Major League Baseball's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic.
Rodriguez responded by suing MLB and the players' association in an effort to overturn the decision.
Players nix drug terminations
New baseball union head Tony Clark said players won't agree to terminating contracts as part of discipline for drug violations.
Clark took over as the union's executive director following the death of Michael Weiner in November. Clark expects talks on changes to the drug agreement to start before spring training.
Commissioner Bud Selig proposed last March that drug penalties be toughened, but Weiner said the union wouldn't consider changes until 2014.
Expanded replay moves forward
The head of the committee that developed Major League Baseball's plan to expand instant replay said he is optimistic the system will be in place this season, even though owners and unions for players and umpires have yet to approve.
Braves president John Schuerholz said that because of the complexities, he expects the system will need three years of use to resolve problems that develop.
The plan would give managers the right to challenge most calls except balls and strikes, with one challenge allowed in the first six innings and two from the seventh inning on. A successful challenge would not count against the limits.
Sandoval now a slimmer Panda
Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who has battled weight issues during his career, reportedly has lost 42 pounds while training in his native Venezuela.
Yahoo Sports reported Sandoval, 27, lost the weight via a combination diet and increased workouts. He batted .279 with 14 homers and 71 RBIs in 2013. He will be a free agent after the 2014 season.
Extra bases
The San Francisco Chronicle reported left-hander Dallas Braden, who threw a perfect game while pitching for the Athletics on May 9, 2010, is retiring. Braden, 30, said his left shoulder is a “shredded mess.” He retires with a 26-36 career record and a 4.16 ERA . ... The Brewers signed former Pirates left-hander Zach Duke to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Duke is 50-76 in his nine-year career with a 4.57 ERA. ... The Orioles signed right-handed reliever Alfredo Aceves to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation. The 31-year-old Aceves has a lifetime record of 30-14 with a 3.69 ERA and 29 saves — all but four of them in 2012. ... Former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is returning to the organization as an adviser. He led the club to a World Series title in 2008.
Read more: MLB notebook: Dodgers pitcher Kershaw re-signs for 7 years, $215 million | TribLIVE
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2006/12/07
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The way baseball games are governed on the field changed dramatically Thursday when expanded instant replay was unanimously approved at the quarterly Owners Meetings and the Major League Baseball Players Association and World Umpires Association also signed off.
"This is really big," commissioner Bud Selig said at The Sanctuary Resort after making the announcement. "I'm proud of the changes we've made and I'll tell you why I'm proud of them. Because they won't disturb the game as we know it. Yes, there will be some differences. But because of [MLB Advanced Media], because of our own technology, because of everything else, we've been able to do this."
Asked where this ranks in terms of accomplishments during his tenure, he responded: "It ranks very, very high."
Until now, video review was only allowed for boundary calls involving home runs and happened at the discretion of the umpires, who would leave the field to look at replays and then return to make their decision known.
Beginning this season, each manager will start a game with one challenge. If it is upheld, he retains his challenge but can never have more than two in a game. If the manager exhausts his challenges before the start of the seventh inning, he is out of luck, adding a new element of strategy to the game. Beginning in the top of the seventh, the crew chief is empowered to institute a review.
Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who served on the committee along with Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre and Braves president John Schuerholz, said it's like any other decision a manager has to make during the course of a game.
"We told our managers at the Winter Meetings [in December at Orlando], 'You have tough decisions in the game. That's what they pay you for. If those bother you, you're doing the wrong job,'" he said.
"Do you use your closer in the eighth inning? The best one is the pinch-hitter. Suppose I'm the Braves and Chipper Jones isn't playing that day. He's just sitting there. You've got this weapon. Do you hit him in the sixth? The seventh? What [if] you get to the ninth and the situation isn't there and you get to the clubhouse and you didn't use him? You're just taking your best guess. And that's what this is. It's a challenge for a game-changing play that goes against you."
The on-site officials will not make the call, however. All reviews will be conducted at the Replay Command Center at MLBAM headquarters in New York. Two additional four-man umpiring crews will be hired and umpires will be rotated through New York to review video feeds. Every ballpark will have a designated communication location near home plate. There, the crew chief and at least one other Major League umpire will have access to a hard-wired headset connected to the Replay Command Center. The decision of the replay official in New York will be final.
Another big change is that teams will be allowed to show replays, including those of disputed plays, on their in-park video boards.
"Our fans will love it," Selig predicted. "You know, the thought that, in the past, I could be sitting at home watching a game and get all the replays. And [somebody else] could be sitting at the ballpark and couldn't see any of these replays. That's just wrong."
The decision to limit the number of challenges was based partly on pace of game concerns and partly on the conviction that one should be more than sufficient.
"That's far more than enough based on the statistics we have on the number of impactful plays that are missed in a game," Schuerholz said.
Added Torre: "We all felt that the fact that we're limiting challenges is really based on the rhythm of the game. I'm not sure what price you want to pay for what the replay is going to be. We're going to start this way and if something has to be adjusted, we'll certainly be aware of that. Like anything else, if we think something can make it better we're certainly going to go in that direction."
Approximately 90 percent of all plays will be subject to review including calls involving home runs, ground-rule doubles, fan interference, boundary calls, plays at first base, force plays, tag plays, fair-foul and trap plays in the outfield, hit by pitch, timing plays, touching the base, passing runners and any dispute involving ball-strike counts, outs, score or substitutions. All other plays, including interference and obstruction, will not be reviewable.
To initiate a review, the manager will verbally inform the umpire of his intention in a timely manner. The challenge may involve multiple portions of the same play, but each must be specified during the appeal.
Challenges must be made in a "timely manner" with discipline possible if the manager appears to be stalling.
Teams will be allowed to have a club employee monitoring video and communicating with the manager whether or not to challenge. Both the home and road teams must have equal access to all video, but no additional electronic equipment will be allowed. Camera angles in all parks will also be standardized.
Schuerholz has stressed from the beginning that this remains a work in progress that is likely to be further fine-tuned in the future.
"This is historic and, as you can tell, quite complex. Every time we peeled back one layer of the onion we found more complexities. That's why it has changed so from the last time we talked about it to where we have finally settled," he said.
"This is a start. This is a great, giant step. It is in three phases. We'll check on how well we did after Year 1, again after Year 2 and after Year 3 we expect to be as near to perfection as we humans can get."
MLBPA executive director Tony Clark issued a statement pointing out that the players will also be watching carefully to see how the new system works.
"The Players look forward to the expanded use of replay this season, and they will monitor closely its effects on the game before negotiating over its use in future seaso
"This is really big," commissioner Bud Selig said at The Sanctuary Resort after making the announcement. "I'm proud of the changes we've made and I'll tell you why I'm proud of them. Because they won't disturb the game as we know it. Yes, there will be some differences. But because of [MLB Advanced Media], because of our own technology, because of everything else, we've been able to do this."
Asked where this ranks in terms of accomplishments during his tenure, he responded: "It ranks very, very high."
Until now, video review was only allowed for boundary calls involving home runs and happened at the discretion of the umpires, who would leave the field to look at replays and then return to make their decision known.
Beginning this season, each manager will start a game with one challenge. If it is upheld, he retains his challenge but can never have more than two in a game. If the manager exhausts his challenges before the start of the seventh inning, he is out of luck, adding a new element of strategy to the game. Beginning in the top of the seventh, the crew chief is empowered to institute a review.
Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, who served on the committee along with Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre and Braves president John Schuerholz, said it's like any other decision a manager has to make during the course of a game.
"We told our managers at the Winter Meetings [in December at Orlando], 'You have tough decisions in the game. That's what they pay you for. If those bother you, you're doing the wrong job,'" he said.
"Do you use your closer in the eighth inning? The best one is the pinch-hitter. Suppose I'm the Braves and Chipper Jones isn't playing that day. He's just sitting there. You've got this weapon. Do you hit him in the sixth? The seventh? What [if] you get to the ninth and the situation isn't there and you get to the clubhouse and you didn't use him? You're just taking your best guess. And that's what this is. It's a challenge for a game-changing play that goes against you."
The on-site officials will not make the call, however. All reviews will be conducted at the Replay Command Center at MLBAM headquarters in New York. Two additional four-man umpiring crews will be hired and umpires will be rotated through New York to review video feeds. Every ballpark will have a designated communication location near home plate. There, the crew chief and at least one other Major League umpire will have access to a hard-wired headset connected to the Replay Command Center. The decision of the replay official in New York will be final.
Another big change is that teams will be allowed to show replays, including those of disputed plays, on their in-park video boards.
"Our fans will love it," Selig predicted. "You know, the thought that, in the past, I could be sitting at home watching a game and get all the replays. And [somebody else] could be sitting at the ballpark and couldn't see any of these replays. That's just wrong."
The decision to limit the number of challenges was based partly on pace of game concerns and partly on the conviction that one should be more than sufficient.
"That's far more than enough based on the statistics we have on the number of impactful plays that are missed in a game," Schuerholz said.
Added Torre: "We all felt that the fact that we're limiting challenges is really based on the rhythm of the game. I'm not sure what price you want to pay for what the replay is going to be. We're going to start this way and if something has to be adjusted, we'll certainly be aware of that. Like anything else, if we think something can make it better we're certainly going to go in that direction."
Approximately 90 percent of all plays will be subject to review including calls involving home runs, ground-rule doubles, fan interference, boundary calls, plays at first base, force plays, tag plays, fair-foul and trap plays in the outfield, hit by pitch, timing plays, touching the base, passing runners and any dispute involving ball-strike counts, outs, score or substitutions. All other plays, including interference and obstruction, will not be reviewable.
To initiate a review, the manager will verbally inform the umpire of his intention in a timely manner. The challenge may involve multiple portions of the same play, but each must be specified during the appeal.
Challenges must be made in a "timely manner" with discipline possible if the manager appears to be stalling.
Teams will be allowed to have a club employee monitoring video and communicating with the manager whether or not to challenge. Both the home and road teams must have equal access to all video, but no additional electronic equipment will be allowed. Camera angles in all parks will also be standardized.
Schuerholz has stressed from the beginning that this remains a work in progress that is likely to be further fine-tuned in the future.
"This is historic and, as you can tell, quite complex. Every time we peeled back one layer of the onion we found more complexities. That's why it has changed so from the last time we talked about it to where we have finally settled," he said.
"This is a start. This is a great, giant step. It is in three phases. We'll check on how well we did after Year 1, again after Year 2 and after Year 3 we expect to be as near to perfection as we humans can get."
MLBPA executive director Tony Clark issued a statement pointing out that the players will also be watching carefully to see how the new system works.
"The Players look forward to the expanded use of replay this season, and they will monitor closely its effects on the game before negotiating over its use in future seaso
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2006/12/07
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The pilot light appears to be out on the hot stove. Since the turn of the new year, there has been exactly one trade, with the Oakland A's sending shortstop Hiram Martinez, who played in the Mexican League in 2013, to the Miami Marlins for cash.
Free agency has been just as quiet, with catcher John Buck the only player to find a new team on a major league contract as he signed with the Seattle Mariners. Technically, the New York Yankees also signed second baseman Brian Roberts and left-handed reliever Matt Thornton, but those were simply formalizations of deals that were made in December. Take your pick of the next-biggest move — Jeff Francoeur (Indians), Ramon Hernandez (Royals), Nyjer Morgan (Indians), Guillermo Mota (Royals), Mark Mulder (Angels), Brad Penny (Royals), Mark Reynolds (Brewers), and Delmon Young (Orioles) all have signed minor-league deals.
It's less than a month until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, and plenty of work remains to be done. So, what's going on with the big names who remain on the market?
MASAHIRO TANAKA: This week, the Cubs were the team making the most news in the chase to land the right-hander who went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan last year, because the Cubs were the team that met with Tanaka, which meant that the Cubs were the team that could project optimism, both on the record, and through sources.
Don't go ordering that jersey just yet, though. As Gordon Wittenmyer wrote in the Chicago Sun-Times, "breathless national reports via Twitter and blogs Thursday overshot the Cubs’ likelihood of hanging with the big-spending favorites in New York and Los Angeles in the process, especially when the Dodgers reminded the world of their willingness to spend by giving ace Clayton Kershaw a record-setting contract extension this week — after dealing with the same agent representing Tanaka."
Tanaka makes a ton of sense for the Cubs, as he does for pretty much every team in baseball — as evidenced by the Dodgers' drive to add Tanaka to a rotation that already includes Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Dan Haren, with Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley recovering from injuries. Maybe the Cubs really impressed Tanaka with talk of how they are working with a foundation of prospects to become contenders very soon. It's probably best, though, not to pretend like Tanaka is going to choose his team before he has completed his due diligence.
We'll know next week, when the deadline comes for Tanaka to sign and for the team winning his services to pay the $20 million posting fee to Rakuten. Anything before that is guesswork.
UBALDO JIMENEZ: The NBC affiliate in Dallas speculated that the right-hander could make sense for the Rangers, which is true, especially after Derek Holland had to undergo knee surgery that will keep him out until the All-Star break.
Other teams for whom Jimenez would make sense include nearly every team that loses out on Tanaka. Jimenez had 194 strikeouts in 182.2 innings while posting a 3.30 ERA last year, turns 30 on Wednesday, and had underlying numbers in 2013 that suggested his miserable 2012 season was a fluke.
Jimenez did receive a qualifying offer from the Indians, so a new team would have to give up a draft pick to sign him. That figures to dampen the post-Tanaka market somewhat, but Jimenez still should expect a hefty payday.
ERVIN SANTANA: See above, and adjust accordingly for teams who are less wary of Santana's higher home run rate than Jimenez, or have an irrational fear of players whose names start with the letter U.
Last week in The Globe and Mail, Jeff Blair wrote, "The guess here is the Blue Jays will end up with either Santana or Jimenez if they do not figure in the Tanaka sweepstakes." Similar guesses are being made in other cities about other teams. Two such guesses will be right, and several others will be wrong.
MATT GARZA: Unlike Jimenez and Santana, the 30-year-old right-hander did not receive a qualifying offer (because he was traded during last season), and thus does not require the sacrifice of a draft pick. So, suitors should be lined up around the block, right? Not really. Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas began a series on potential Holland fill-ins by writing about Garza, but noted that, "The biggest hurdle is that Garza wants a long-term deal, and based on his performance last year and the fact that, at this point, the Rangers are planning on Holland coming back at midseason, Texas will likely want a one-year deal with incentives if they consider Garza."
“We’ll see what happens in the upcoming months or weeks or whatever,” Garza said in a Chicago Sun-Times report. Actually, that was Roberto Garza, who is expected to remain with the Chicago Bears as their center.
At least somebody named Garza has a decent idea of where he'll be playing next season.
NELSON CRUZ: Former major league general manager and current ESPN analyst Jim Bowden wrote on Wednesday that the Tigers should sign the slugging outfielder and use him in left field rather than the projected platoon of Andy Dirks and Rajai Davis.
That spurred an ESPN Rumor Central piece one hour later, entitled "Could Nelson Cruz wind up in Detroit?" Then there was a Detroit Free Press story, "Should Detroit Tigers pursue outfielder Nelson Cruz?"
Here's the takeaway: Detroit Tigers, Nelson Cruz, purple monkey dishwasher. Even the Free Press story says "there isn't any indication that will happen," but if you just look at headlines, you might think that Cruz-to-Tigers was a Legitimate Rumor To Keep Track Of.
Cruz was connected to the Mariners rather strongly earlier in the offseason, but obviously nothing has come of those rumors. The idea of a one-dimensional player whose one dimension is right-handed power remains a silly one for a team that plays 81 games a year at Safeco Field.
Basically, right now, there is no real indication of where Cruz will land. Draft pick comp
Free agency has been just as quiet, with catcher John Buck the only player to find a new team on a major league contract as he signed with the Seattle Mariners. Technically, the New York Yankees also signed second baseman Brian Roberts and left-handed reliever Matt Thornton, but those were simply formalizations of deals that were made in December. Take your pick of the next-biggest move — Jeff Francoeur (Indians), Ramon Hernandez (Royals), Nyjer Morgan (Indians), Guillermo Mota (Royals), Mark Mulder (Angels), Brad Penny (Royals), Mark Reynolds (Brewers), and Delmon Young (Orioles) all have signed minor-league deals.
It's less than a month until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, and plenty of work remains to be done. So, what's going on with the big names who remain on the market?
MASAHIRO TANAKA: This week, the Cubs were the team making the most news in the chase to land the right-hander who went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA for the Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan last year, because the Cubs were the team that met with Tanaka, which meant that the Cubs were the team that could project optimism, both on the record, and through sources.
Don't go ordering that jersey just yet, though. As Gordon Wittenmyer wrote in the Chicago Sun-Times, "breathless national reports via Twitter and blogs Thursday overshot the Cubs’ likelihood of hanging with the big-spending favorites in New York and Los Angeles in the process, especially when the Dodgers reminded the world of their willingness to spend by giving ace Clayton Kershaw a record-setting contract extension this week — after dealing with the same agent representing Tanaka."
Tanaka makes a ton of sense for the Cubs, as he does for pretty much every team in baseball — as evidenced by the Dodgers' drive to add Tanaka to a rotation that already includes Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Dan Haren, with Josh Beckett and Chad Billingsley recovering from injuries. Maybe the Cubs really impressed Tanaka with talk of how they are working with a foundation of prospects to become contenders very soon. It's probably best, though, not to pretend like Tanaka is going to choose his team before he has completed his due diligence.
We'll know next week, when the deadline comes for Tanaka to sign and for the team winning his services to pay the $20 million posting fee to Rakuten. Anything before that is guesswork.
UBALDO JIMENEZ: The NBC affiliate in Dallas speculated that the right-hander could make sense for the Rangers, which is true, especially after Derek Holland had to undergo knee surgery that will keep him out until the All-Star break.
Other teams for whom Jimenez would make sense include nearly every team that loses out on Tanaka. Jimenez had 194 strikeouts in 182.2 innings while posting a 3.30 ERA last year, turns 30 on Wednesday, and had underlying numbers in 2013 that suggested his miserable 2012 season was a fluke.
Jimenez did receive a qualifying offer from the Indians, so a new team would have to give up a draft pick to sign him. That figures to dampen the post-Tanaka market somewhat, but Jimenez still should expect a hefty payday.
ERVIN SANTANA: See above, and adjust accordingly for teams who are less wary of Santana's higher home run rate than Jimenez, or have an irrational fear of players whose names start with the letter U.
Last week in The Globe and Mail, Jeff Blair wrote, "The guess here is the Blue Jays will end up with either Santana or Jimenez if they do not figure in the Tanaka sweepstakes." Similar guesses are being made in other cities about other teams. Two such guesses will be right, and several others will be wrong.
MATT GARZA: Unlike Jimenez and Santana, the 30-year-old right-hander did not receive a qualifying offer (because he was traded during last season), and thus does not require the sacrifice of a draft pick. So, suitors should be lined up around the block, right? Not really. Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas began a series on potential Holland fill-ins by writing about Garza, but noted that, "The biggest hurdle is that Garza wants a long-term deal, and based on his performance last year and the fact that, at this point, the Rangers are planning on Holland coming back at midseason, Texas will likely want a one-year deal with incentives if they consider Garza."
“We’ll see what happens in the upcoming months or weeks or whatever,” Garza said in a Chicago Sun-Times report. Actually, that was Roberto Garza, who is expected to remain with the Chicago Bears as their center.
At least somebody named Garza has a decent idea of where he'll be playing next season.
NELSON CRUZ: Former major league general manager and current ESPN analyst Jim Bowden wrote on Wednesday that the Tigers should sign the slugging outfielder and use him in left field rather than the projected platoon of Andy Dirks and Rajai Davis.
That spurred an ESPN Rumor Central piece one hour later, entitled "Could Nelson Cruz wind up in Detroit?" Then there was a Detroit Free Press story, "Should Detroit Tigers pursue outfielder Nelson Cruz?"
Here's the takeaway: Detroit Tigers, Nelson Cruz, purple monkey dishwasher. Even the Free Press story says "there isn't any indication that will happen," but if you just look at headlines, you might think that Cruz-to-Tigers was a Legitimate Rumor To Keep Track Of.
Cruz was connected to the Mariners rather strongly earlier in the offseason, but obviously nothing has come of those rumors. The idea of a one-dimensional player whose one dimension is right-handed power remains a silly one for a team that plays 81 games a year at Safeco Field.
Basically, right now, there is no real indication of where Cruz will land. Draft pick comp
Join:
2006/12/07
Messages:
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Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig presented Hall of Famer Henry Aaron with the Executive Leadership Award at Saturday night's 11th annual "In the Spirit of the Game" fundraiser for the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.
Selig called Aaron, his friend for 57 years, "the most dignified and greatest human being I've ever met." Aaron thanked Selig for his friendship and acknowledged the scout that signed him, Dewey Griggs, for finding Aaron on the dirt fields of Mobile, Ala., "when I was pretending I was Jackie Robinson."
Aaron was among a star-studded group of honorees that included another Hall of Famer, Joe Morgan, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by his former Hall of Fame and Reds teammate Johnny Bench.
"A winner in every fashion, who could beat you in every way," Bench said of Morgan. "The best player I've ever been with."
Morgan teased Bench, but turned serious when thanking the scout who signed him out of Oakland, Bill Wight.
"Frank Robinson and Willie Stargell came out of Oakland -- guys 6-feet tall who could run like the wind and hit the ball a country mile," said Morgan. "Not one was looking for a guy 5-5, 140. They talk about five tools, but the sixth tool is up here [tapping his head]. Bill Wight must have thought I was smart enough to overcome my ability."
Motion picture executive and philanthropist Sherry Lansing received the "Dave Winfield Humanitarian" Award, using the occasion to thank Selig and his wife Sue -- who were celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary on Saturday -- for helping launch the successful "Stand Up 2 Cancer" campaign that Lansing co-founded six years ago.
"Lives have been saved because of baseball," said Lansing, whose campaign has raised $265 million to fight all types of the disease. "Without Major League Baseball, none of this would have happened."
Along with the big names, the evening was dedicated to the "unsung heroes" of the sports, the scouts. The PBSF, headed by co-founder Dennis Gilbert, raises money to assist baseball scouts in need due to job loss, illness or financial hardships. The annual banquet, with a stunning array of memorabilia available in a silent auction, has become the highlight of the baseball offseason on the West Coast.
Longtime baseball men Jack McKeon and Ray Crone Sr. were honored with the "George Genovese Lifetime Achievement Award in Scouting," named for the legendary scout who still consults with the Dodgers. McKeon, with 60 years in the game was introduced by Miami Marlins vice president and general manager Dan Jennings. Crone received his award from San Diego Padres vice president and assistant general manager Fred Uhlman Jr.
Six scouts shared the Legends in Scouting Award: former Browns, Orioles, Reds and Pirates scout Elmer Gray; former Pirates and Reds scout Julian Mock; former Phillies, Expos and Marlins scout Bob Oldis; former Orioles, Brewers, Angels and Red Sox Scout Ray Poitevint; former A's, Dodgers and Mariners scout Phil Pote; and former Cubs, Tigers, Padres, Rangers and Marlins scout John Young.
Their introduction was accompanied by an impassioned plea from Chicago White Sox vice chairman Eddie Einhorn that the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown "recognize and acknowledge" the work of scouts with a permanent honor similar to those accorded broadcasters and journalists.
That sentiment was echoed by Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz as he accepted the "Outstanding Achievement in Baseball" Award, presented by former Braves owner and now chairman emeritus of the team, Bill Bartholomay.
Bobby Grich was honored with the "Scout's Dream" Award, presented by former teammate and current Los Angeles Angels hitting coach Don Baylor.
Special presentations were made by motion picture and television stars Jason Alexander and Michael Keaton, while one of the funnier moments was provided by Dodgers Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, who painstakingly presented the Managerial Award named for him to Bruce Bochy of the rival Giants.
"For me, to give him this award, something is wrong with this dinner tonight," Lasorda joked.
"Thank you, Tommy," said Bochy. "You were my great, great, great grandmother's favorite manager."
Chris Rose, Kevin Millar and Joe Magrane of MLB Network hosted the awards dinner.
Commissioner Selig helps hand out awards at Scouts Foundation fundraiser | MLB-com: News
Selig called Aaron, his friend for 57 years, "the most dignified and greatest human being I've ever met." Aaron thanked Selig for his friendship and acknowledged the scout that signed him, Dewey Griggs, for finding Aaron on the dirt fields of Mobile, Ala., "when I was pretending I was Jackie Robinson."
Aaron was among a star-studded group of honorees that included another Hall of Famer, Joe Morgan, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by his former Hall of Fame and Reds teammate Johnny Bench.
"A winner in every fashion, who could beat you in every way," Bench said of Morgan. "The best player I've ever been with."
Morgan teased Bench, but turned serious when thanking the scout who signed him out of Oakland, Bill Wight.
"Frank Robinson and Willie Stargell came out of Oakland -- guys 6-feet tall who could run like the wind and hit the ball a country mile," said Morgan. "Not one was looking for a guy 5-5, 140. They talk about five tools, but the sixth tool is up here [tapping his head]. Bill Wight must have thought I was smart enough to overcome my ability."
Motion picture executive and philanthropist Sherry Lansing received the "Dave Winfield Humanitarian" Award, using the occasion to thank Selig and his wife Sue -- who were celebrating their 37th wedding anniversary on Saturday -- for helping launch the successful "Stand Up 2 Cancer" campaign that Lansing co-founded six years ago.
"Lives have been saved because of baseball," said Lansing, whose campaign has raised $265 million to fight all types of the disease. "Without Major League Baseball, none of this would have happened."
Along with the big names, the evening was dedicated to the "unsung heroes" of the sports, the scouts. The PBSF, headed by co-founder Dennis Gilbert, raises money to assist baseball scouts in need due to job loss, illness or financial hardships. The annual banquet, with a stunning array of memorabilia available in a silent auction, has become the highlight of the baseball offseason on the West Coast.
Longtime baseball men Jack McKeon and Ray Crone Sr. were honored with the "George Genovese Lifetime Achievement Award in Scouting," named for the legendary scout who still consults with the Dodgers. McKeon, with 60 years in the game was introduced by Miami Marlins vice president and general manager Dan Jennings. Crone received his award from San Diego Padres vice president and assistant general manager Fred Uhlman Jr.
Six scouts shared the Legends in Scouting Award: former Browns, Orioles, Reds and Pirates scout Elmer Gray; former Pirates and Reds scout Julian Mock; former Phillies, Expos and Marlins scout Bob Oldis; former Orioles, Brewers, Angels and Red Sox Scout Ray Poitevint; former A's, Dodgers and Mariners scout Phil Pote; and former Cubs, Tigers, Padres, Rangers and Marlins scout John Young.
Their introduction was accompanied by an impassioned plea from Chicago White Sox vice chairman Eddie Einhorn that the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown "recognize and acknowledge" the work of scouts with a permanent honor similar to those accorded broadcasters and journalists.
That sentiment was echoed by Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz as he accepted the "Outstanding Achievement in Baseball" Award, presented by former Braves owner and now chairman emeritus of the team, Bill Bartholomay.
Bobby Grich was honored with the "Scout's Dream" Award, presented by former teammate and current Los Angeles Angels hitting coach Don Baylor.
Special presentations were made by motion picture and television stars Jason Alexander and Michael Keaton, while one of the funnier moments was provided by Dodgers Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda, who painstakingly presented the Managerial Award named for him to Bruce Bochy of the rival Giants.
"For me, to give him this award, something is wrong with this dinner tonight," Lasorda joked.
"Thank you, Tommy," said Bochy. "You were my great, great, great grandmother's favorite manager."
Chris Rose, Kevin Millar and Joe Magrane of MLB Network hosted the awards dinner.
Commissioner Selig helps hand out awards at Scouts Foundation fundraiser | MLB-com: News
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Maya Angelou, Berry Gordy and Jim Brown will be honored at the 2014 MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon in May.
Major League Baseball announced Monday that the iconic author-poet, music business maven and football legend will receive awards May 30 in Houston before the annual Civil Rights Game.
The Houston Astros will host the Baltimore Orioles in this year's Civil Right Game. It will air on the MLB Network.
Past recipients of MLB Beacon Awards include Muhammad Ali, Aretha Franklin and Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Hank Aaron.
The MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon is one of the events surrounding the Civil Rights Game that pay tribute to people who fight for equal rights.
Angelou, Gordy, Jim Brown to Receive MLB Honors - ABC News
Major League Baseball announced Monday that the iconic author-poet, music business maven and football legend will receive awards May 30 in Houston before the annual Civil Rights Game.
The Houston Astros will host the Baltimore Orioles in this year's Civil Right Game. It will air on the MLB Network.
Past recipients of MLB Beacon Awards include Muhammad Ali, Aretha Franklin and Hall of Famers Frank Robinson and Hank Aaron.
The MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon is one of the events surrounding the Civil Rights Game that pay tribute to people who fight for equal rights.
Angelou, Gordy, Jim Brown to Receive MLB Honors - ABC News
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When Clayton Kershaw signs a contract extension worth $215 million, or Japanese free agent Masahiro Tanaka chooses which Major League team will enjoy his services, there is no question the consequences will be significant.
But on the Hot Stove, even small pieces of news can carry big ramifications.
Take the Braves' inability to reach one-year deals with arbitration-eligible stars Craig Kimbrel, Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward last week. The club exchanged salary figures with each player on Friday and appears unlikely to work out any agreements prior the hearings that will come during the first three weeks of next month. As MLB-com's Mark Bowman writes, these cases could impact the franchise's course for several years to come, with its crop of young standouts growing rapidly more expensive -- and possibly too expensive to keep in the long term.
In other news from around the league on Monday:
• Rumors have swirled around Tanaka all offseason, through negotiations over a new posting system, the Rakuten Golden Eagles' decision about whether to let him go, and then the current bidding war among MLB clubs. But the issue of the right-hander's U.S. destination finally will be settled this week.
• The Rays settled on a 2014 contract with ace left-hander David Price last week, avoiding arbitration and taking another step toward keeping the former American League Cy Young Award winner in Tampa Bay for another season. While the always-creative Rays still could find an enticing trade for Price, it's looking more and more like he will be the club's Opening Day starter, as MLB-com columnist Anthony Castrovince writes.
• The Mariners struck one of the big blows of the offseason by signing free-agent second baseman Robinson Cano, but as MLB-com columnist Tracy Ringolsby discusses, they continue to search for ways to improve following a 71-win season.
• Minor League signings don't tend to get much attention, but at Sports on Earth, Jack Moore discusses six who could make an impact this season, including the Rangers' Colby Lewis and the Brewers' Mark Reynolds.
• Milwaukee added another veteran first baseman on a Minor League deal, bringing in Lyle Overbay for his second stint with the club.
• Rangers lefty Matt Harrison, coming back from an injury-plagued 2013, is on track to begin the season in the team's starting rotation, which needs all the help it can get with Derek Holland likely sidelined for the first half. As T.R. Sullivan writes, Texas is mulling its fifth-starter options, which include internal candidates, as well as free agents.
• With Kershaw's signing done, the Dodgers could have Hanley Ramirez next on their agenda.
• In his latest Inbox, MLB-com Indians beat writer Jordan Bastian explains why the Tribe is unlikely to trade either shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera or pitcher Justin Masterson before the start of the season, despite both players being one year from free agency.
• Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch tackles several topics in his own Inbox, including the possibility of a Stephen Drew signing or an Ichiro Suzuki trade.
Hot Stove roundup: Masahiro Tanaka pursuit enters final week | MLB-com: News
But on the Hot Stove, even small pieces of news can carry big ramifications.
Take the Braves' inability to reach one-year deals with arbitration-eligible stars Craig Kimbrel, Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward last week. The club exchanged salary figures with each player on Friday and appears unlikely to work out any agreements prior the hearings that will come during the first three weeks of next month. As MLB-com's Mark Bowman writes, these cases could impact the franchise's course for several years to come, with its crop of young standouts growing rapidly more expensive -- and possibly too expensive to keep in the long term.
In other news from around the league on Monday:
• Rumors have swirled around Tanaka all offseason, through negotiations over a new posting system, the Rakuten Golden Eagles' decision about whether to let him go, and then the current bidding war among MLB clubs. But the issue of the right-hander's U.S. destination finally will be settled this week.
• The Rays settled on a 2014 contract with ace left-hander David Price last week, avoiding arbitration and taking another step toward keeping the former American League Cy Young Award winner in Tampa Bay for another season. While the always-creative Rays still could find an enticing trade for Price, it's looking more and more like he will be the club's Opening Day starter, as MLB-com columnist Anthony Castrovince writes.
• The Mariners struck one of the big blows of the offseason by signing free-agent second baseman Robinson Cano, but as MLB-com columnist Tracy Ringolsby discusses, they continue to search for ways to improve following a 71-win season.
• Minor League signings don't tend to get much attention, but at Sports on Earth, Jack Moore discusses six who could make an impact this season, including the Rangers' Colby Lewis and the Brewers' Mark Reynolds.
• Milwaukee added another veteran first baseman on a Minor League deal, bringing in Lyle Overbay for his second stint with the club.
• Rangers lefty Matt Harrison, coming back from an injury-plagued 2013, is on track to begin the season in the team's starting rotation, which needs all the help it can get with Derek Holland likely sidelined for the first half. As T.R. Sullivan writes, Texas is mulling its fifth-starter options, which include internal candidates, as well as free agents.
• With Kershaw's signing done, the Dodgers could have Hanley Ramirez next on their agenda.
• In his latest Inbox, MLB-com Indians beat writer Jordan Bastian explains why the Tribe is unlikely to trade either shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera or pitcher Justin Masterson before the start of the season, despite both players being one year from free agency.
• Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch tackles several topics in his own Inbox, including the possibility of a Stephen Drew signing or an Ichiro Suzuki trade.
Hot Stove roundup: Masahiro Tanaka pursuit enters final week | MLB-com: News
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So much for solidarity.
Alex Rodriguez “needs to be scared” of returning to baseball after his doping ban, according to a Yahoo! Sports report describing the wrath big leaguers have for the lawsuit-happy Yankee outcast, and he should be booted out of the Players Association.
“When he gets up to bat, you can hit him and hit him hard,” one player told the website in what could be a follow-up of the beaning Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster administered to Rodriguez last August, repeatedly throwing at the Yankee third baseman and receiving fan ovations and a five-game suspension.
“He sued us,” the unnamed player said, implying that Rodriguez’s recent lawsuit against the Players Association was an action against all Major League Baseball players.
“Jhonny Peralta and Nelson Cruz screwed up. You know what? They owned up to it. They took their medicine. (Rodriguez) needs to be scared of coming back and facing people he sued. If he can’t fear the wrath of getting kicked out or not being included, he’s going to be forced out.”
The comments appeared in an article published Tuesday describing a 90-minute conference call the Players Association staged on Jan. 13. That was the day Rodriguez sued the union as well as the league.
According to the article, player representatives on the call “overwhelmingly agreed” that Rodriguez should be kicked out of the union.
As many as 40 players and board members participated, according to Yahoo! Sports, and none of them spoke in A-Rod’s defense, continuing to demand Rodriguez’s expulsion from the union even after being told that such a move was impossible.
Two players familiar with the call confirmed the report to the Daily News.
“The suggestion that our union lawyers did anything but represent his best interests is ridiculous and untrue,” one of the players told The News. “That being said, it is the right of any member of any union to formally challenge that fact, and as long as Alex is a major league player he is a part of this union.”
The second player told The News that disappointment was too weak a word for what players on his team think of Rodriguez’s lawsuit.
“Guys understand people make bad decisions, they lie when they’re embarrassed or trying to avoid punishment,” the second player said. “Those are human qualities. Guys understand. But what made guys incensed is he would bring a suit against the union.”
Said a player who was involved in the latest CBA negotiations, “I mean, you can’t have the cake and eat it, too (being represented by union and suing it). As a player, it’s hard to see that it’s OK, what he’s doing.”
The union declined comment on the report.
“We do not comment on conversations between players and MLBPA staff,” Players Association spokesman Greg Bouris told The News. A spokesman for Rodriguez declined comment.
Rodriguez has spent the last six months directing a lavishly funded campaign to use every legal remedy to save his career from a season-long suspension. On Jan. 11, an arbitrator issued a 162-game ban based on Rodriguez’s links to Biogenesis, the Miami-area anti-aging clinic that was allegedly a source of doping products.
The union represented Rodriguez in hotly contested arbitration hearings that took place last fall at MLB’s headquarters on Park Ave., although Rodriguez hired an additional army of attorneys to steer him through the process.
Those personal attorneys were responsible for A-Rod’s federal lawsuit against the union, which claimed the MLBPA had “abdicated its responsibility” to defend Rodriguez. The complaint did not spare former MLBPA chief Michael Weiner, who died of brain cancer in November.
Read more: Alex Rodriguez should
Alex Rodriguez “needs to be scared” of returning to baseball after his doping ban, according to a Yahoo! Sports report describing the wrath big leaguers have for the lawsuit-happy Yankee outcast, and he should be booted out of the Players Association.
“When he gets up to bat, you can hit him and hit him hard,” one player told the website in what could be a follow-up of the beaning Red Sox pitcher Ryan Dempster administered to Rodriguez last August, repeatedly throwing at the Yankee third baseman and receiving fan ovations and a five-game suspension.
“He sued us,” the unnamed player said, implying that Rodriguez’s recent lawsuit against the Players Association was an action against all Major League Baseball players.
“Jhonny Peralta and Nelson Cruz screwed up. You know what? They owned up to it. They took their medicine. (Rodriguez) needs to be scared of coming back and facing people he sued. If he can’t fear the wrath of getting kicked out or not being included, he’s going to be forced out.”
The comments appeared in an article published Tuesday describing a 90-minute conference call the Players Association staged on Jan. 13. That was the day Rodriguez sued the union as well as the league.
According to the article, player representatives on the call “overwhelmingly agreed” that Rodriguez should be kicked out of the union.
As many as 40 players and board members participated, according to Yahoo! Sports, and none of them spoke in A-Rod’s defense, continuing to demand Rodriguez’s expulsion from the union even after being told that such a move was impossible.
Two players familiar with the call confirmed the report to the Daily News.
“The suggestion that our union lawyers did anything but represent his best interests is ridiculous and untrue,” one of the players told The News. “That being said, it is the right of any member of any union to formally challenge that fact, and as long as Alex is a major league player he is a part of this union.”
The second player told The News that disappointment was too weak a word for what players on his team think of Rodriguez’s lawsuit.
“Guys understand people make bad decisions, they lie when they’re embarrassed or trying to avoid punishment,” the second player said. “Those are human qualities. Guys understand. But what made guys incensed is he would bring a suit against the union.”
Said a player who was involved in the latest CBA negotiations, “I mean, you can’t have the cake and eat it, too (being represented by union and suing it). As a player, it’s hard to see that it’s OK, what he’s doing.”
The union declined comment on the report.
“We do not comment on conversations between players and MLBPA staff,” Players Association spokesman Greg Bouris told The News. A spokesman for Rodriguez declined comment.
Rodriguez has spent the last six months directing a lavishly funded campaign to use every legal remedy to save his career from a season-long suspension. On Jan. 11, an arbitrator issued a 162-game ban based on Rodriguez’s links to Biogenesis, the Miami-area anti-aging clinic that was allegedly a source of doping products.
The union represented Rodriguez in hotly contested arbitration hearings that took place last fall at MLB’s headquarters on Park Ave., although Rodriguez hired an additional army of attorneys to steer him through the process.
Those personal attorneys were responsible for A-Rod’s federal lawsuit against the union, which claimed the MLBPA had “abdicated its responsibility” to defend Rodriguez. The complaint did not spare former MLBPA chief Michael Weiner, who died of brain cancer in November.
Read more: Alex Rodriguez should
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The Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes played out pretty much the way the Dodgers expected, with the Japanese starting pitcher going to a team willing to spend much more because it had a greater need.
The Dodgers indicated during the process sincere -- but limited -- interest and are believed to have offered only a little more than $100 million, far short of the Yankees' winning bid of $155 million, plus the $20 million posting fee.
The Dodgers can even view the outcome as a push. Even though Tanaka didn't land in Los Angeles, he didn't land in Arizona either, despite a strong push by the rival D-backs, who were eager to win over a Dodgers target.
General manager Ned Colletti said Wednesday he still believes his biggest roster concern is adding an infielder, and hours later he added Chone Figgins on a Minor League deal. Michael Young, whom Colletti already traded for, had been the first choice, although Young might retire.
With all the speculation of when Matt Kemp will be ready following a serious operation on his ankle and a minor one on his shoulder, second base is the real unknown for the Dodgers. Colletti continues to say that Cuban signing Alexander Guerrero, while improving, "needs to play." That usually means "not yet ready" for the big leagues.
Figgins is no sure thing, as his game deteriorated after signing a four-year deal with Seattle in 2010. He's since been released by the Mariners and the Marlins, then sat out 2013.
Colletti is currently scouting in the Dominican Republic after a stop at Camelback Ranch in Arizona to watch the "Young Guns" pitching minicamp. While there, he saw Guerrero and journeyman Minor Leaguer Miguel Rojas working out with special assistant Jose Vizcaino. The club continues to be intrigued enough by Rojas' defensive wizardry to consider whether the rest of the lineup can carry a light-hitting run saver.
As for the starting pitching, when is Colletti ever done? He brought eight starters with guaranteed salaries to Spring Training last year and, as he is quick to point out, was looking for a ninth before April was over.
He is rumored to have kicked the tires on several free-agent starters like Bronson Arroyo that would provide cover in the first half of the season without requiring a long-term deal or Draft pick compensation, the latter cost ruling out Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana.
By the All-Star break, the Dodgers hope to have Chad Billingsley back from Tommy John surgery, with prospects like Zach Lee and Ross Stripling knocking on the door. Stephen Fife and Matt Magill also return.
The Dodgers' measured pursuit of Tanaka was less out of perceived need and more an opportunity to land a high-quality arm for an incremental upgrade. This ownership showed a year ago what it takes to rebuild a rotation in true need, as it spent more than $200 million to get Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu.
But this time the Dodgers were never prepared to bid wildly for what would be a No. 3 or 4 starter, as their talent evaluators were split on just how good Tanaka will be in the Major Leagues.
Dodgers not surprised by Masahiro Tanaka's choice to sign with Yankees | MLB-com: News
The Dodgers indicated during the process sincere -- but limited -- interest and are believed to have offered only a little more than $100 million, far short of the Yankees' winning bid of $155 million, plus the $20 million posting fee.
The Dodgers can even view the outcome as a push. Even though Tanaka didn't land in Los Angeles, he didn't land in Arizona either, despite a strong push by the rival D-backs, who were eager to win over a Dodgers target.
General manager Ned Colletti said Wednesday he still believes his biggest roster concern is adding an infielder, and hours later he added Chone Figgins on a Minor League deal. Michael Young, whom Colletti already traded for, had been the first choice, although Young might retire.
With all the speculation of when Matt Kemp will be ready following a serious operation on his ankle and a minor one on his shoulder, second base is the real unknown for the Dodgers. Colletti continues to say that Cuban signing Alexander Guerrero, while improving, "needs to play." That usually means "not yet ready" for the big leagues.
Figgins is no sure thing, as his game deteriorated after signing a four-year deal with Seattle in 2010. He's since been released by the Mariners and the Marlins, then sat out 2013.
Colletti is currently scouting in the Dominican Republic after a stop at Camelback Ranch in Arizona to watch the "Young Guns" pitching minicamp. While there, he saw Guerrero and journeyman Minor Leaguer Miguel Rojas working out with special assistant Jose Vizcaino. The club continues to be intrigued enough by Rojas' defensive wizardry to consider whether the rest of the lineup can carry a light-hitting run saver.
As for the starting pitching, when is Colletti ever done? He brought eight starters with guaranteed salaries to Spring Training last year and, as he is quick to point out, was looking for a ninth before April was over.
He is rumored to have kicked the tires on several free-agent starters like Bronson Arroyo that would provide cover in the first half of the season without requiring a long-term deal or Draft pick compensation, the latter cost ruling out Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana.
By the All-Star break, the Dodgers hope to have Chad Billingsley back from Tommy John surgery, with prospects like Zach Lee and Ross Stripling knocking on the door. Stephen Fife and Matt Magill also return.
The Dodgers' measured pursuit of Tanaka was less out of perceived need and more an opportunity to land a high-quality arm for an incremental upgrade. This ownership showed a year ago what it takes to rebuild a rotation in true need, as it spent more than $200 million to get Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu.
But this time the Dodgers were never prepared to bid wildly for what would be a No. 3 or 4 starter, as their talent evaluators were split on just how good Tanaka will be in the Major Leagues.
Dodgers not surprised by Masahiro Tanaka's choice to sign with Yankees | MLB-com: News
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1. Mike Trout will finally win an AL MVP trophy.
Trout, at age 22, is already a two-time runner-up who may still be getting better. After his superlative 2012, in which he hit .326/.399/.564 and led the majors in runs and stolen bases and the AL in OPS+ (168), he actually improved in 2013, hitting .323/.432/.557 with a 179 OPS+ and upping his walk and line-drive rates by five percent each. With Peter Bourjos gone, Trout will play centerfield full-time where he's most comfortable and most valuable.
2. Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton will both hit more than 30 home runs. Betting on aging power isn't always wise, but there are reasons for optimism concerning the two Angels sluggers in 2014. Pujols, who turns 34 this month, hit a career-low 17 home runs last year but should finally be healthy after knee and foot ailments plagued him a year ago. Meanwhile Hamilton, 32, will be locked in as only a leftfielder and with an extra year in Anaheim under his belt after hitting 21 in 2013, the first season of his five-year, $125-million contract.
3. Stephen Strasburg will win the NL Cy Young award. The competition in the Senior Circuit is as fierce -- and young -- as ever, but it's the "old" phenom from 2010, Strasburg, who will have the best season among NL pitchers. The Nationals' ace will barely edge the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw, the Marlins' Jose Fernandez, the Pirates' Gerrit Cole, the Giants' Madison Bumgarner and the Cardinals' Michael Wacha, a cohort all aged 26 or younger.
4. Neither the Yankees nor the Mariners will make the playoffs.
The two most active clubs this winter haven't done enough to reach October. New York still has question marks at all four infield positions, due to attrition (Robinson Cano leaving), recent injuries (Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira) and looming suspensions (Alex Rodriguez). Seattle, meanwhile, isn't sure if it will get enough offense from its outfield (Dustin Ackley, Michael Saunders, Logan Morrison and/or Corey Hart).
If either of these clubs lands Japanese ace Masahiro Tanka that could change the equation somewhat, but for 2014 at least, it seems Cano's former and future employers will both be home for the postseason.
5. The Padres will return to the postseason for the first time since 2006.
San Diego doesn't have a classic ace but it does has enviable pitching depth: Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, who emerged in the second half of last season; veterans Ian Kennedy, Eric Stults and free-agent addition Josh Johnson; prospects Burch Smith and Matt Wisler; and Tommy John recoverees Casey Kelly, Joe Wieland and Cory Luebke.
The Padres also don't have a classic heart-of-the-order thumper (unless Chase Headley returns to his 2012 form), but they have a balanced lineup with talented two-way players up the middle in centerfielder Cameron Maybin, shortstop Everth Cabrera, second baseman Jedd Gyorko and catcher Yasmani Grandal (who's recovering from an ACL tear but should return at midseason).
6. The Mets will have a winning record.
The loss of young ace Matt Harvey, who will miss the 2014 season after having Tommy John surgery, has clouded an otherwise strong offseason that includes the additions of Bartolo Colon in the rotation and Curtis Granderson and Chris Young in the outfield. With the underrated Jonathon Niese and Dillon Gee in the rotation alongside Colon and the high-ceilinged Zach Wheeler, plus an improved defense, the Mets should fare well in run prevention.
There isn't enough pop in the lineup or depth in the bullpen to challenge for a playoff spot, but if Ike Davis and Ruben Tejada can return to form offensively, New York should win 82 games while residing in an NL East where the Marlins and Phillies could both lose 90.
7. The Indians will regress; the Pirates won't.
Of the two surprise playoff entrants in 2012, the A's returned to October baseball a year later while the Orioles fell off the pace. If the pattern holds for the 2013 longshots, look for the Pirates to be the ones that make a repeat postseason appearance while the Indians sink back in the AL Central.
Pittsburgh's groundball-heavy pitching staff will still play to its favor, and the likely midseason arrivals of its next two top prospects, outfielder Gregory Polanco and righthanded starter Jameson Taillon, will keep the Pirates churning along behind reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen. Cleveland, however, won't get the starting pitching it needs and will especially miss Scott Kazmir and Ubaldo Jimenez (unless he makes a surprise decision to re-sign with the Indians).
8. The Reds will finish fourth in the NL Central.
Their offense was already top-heavy in 2013 -- with Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Shin-Soo Choo levying a disproportionate amount of damage -- and now it will be without Choo, who signed with the Rangers. (Brandon Phillips' 103 RBIs last year were deceiving in light of his poor .706 OPS.) While the first five in the team's rotation is strong with Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Homer Bailey, Tony Cingrani and Mike Leake, there's no depth should anyone get injured (unless Bronson Arroyo, another free-agent, returns). The Cardinals will continue to be a power, the Pirates will remain strong and look for the upstart Brewers to finish a game or two ahead of Cincinnati.
9. Rules changes will be very popular
During the offseason, an outline for expanded replay has taken shape and home plate collisions have been banned. Both changes will be in effect in time for next season and both will be a success. There inevitably will be a few hiccups with the early implementation of expanded replay, and some slowdown in the pace of game should be expec