Feb

MLB Rumors: Mets 8th inning man, Jim Tracy and the Rockies, Gary Sheffield, Phillies, Cardinals

By Allan

Here are a few links to follow on Tuesday:

David O’Brian of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said that Jair Jurrjens of the Atlanta Braves had an MRI exam on his pitcher shoulder and the team should know the results by Wednesday. Jurrjens had lingering soreness in his shoulder and the team wants to make sure the pain is not a significant injury or just soreness.
Bill Ladson of MLB.com says that the Nationals have outrighted left-handed pitcher Doug Slaten to Triple-A Syracuse to make room for Adam Kennedy.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says that Chase Utley has started a new training regimen with Dr. Phil Wagner. He hopes that the training will provide him with stronger throws, faster running times and less strain on his surgically repaired right hip.
Bernie Miklasz of The Post Dispatch says that Felipe Lopez would be good fit for the Cardinals given the uncertain status of shortstop Brendan Ryan. The Cardinals say that Ryan will be ready by Opening Day, but Miklasz does not believe that.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says that the Phillies are built out through 2011 with $132.4 million committed to 15 players. Phillies’ GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says that, “The payroll can’t continue to go north.” The team will soon need to make tough decisions with the soon-to-be free-agent Jayson Werth and the possibility of trading Ryan Howard.
Mike Puma of The New York Post writes that the Mets are taking a wait-and-see approach on the eighth inning setup man. Right now the candidates include Kelvim Escobar, Ryota Igarashi, Bobby Parnell and Sean Green.
Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post writes about manager Jim Tracy, his motivation going into 2010 and issues that he will be address throughout Spring Training.
Bill Ladson of MLB.com says that Gary Sheffield would be a good fit for the Washington Nationals.