Feb

PRO Rumors: Lowell, Jeter, Dodgers ownership, Berkman, Papelbon, Maddon, Longoria, Clemens, Ashley Ashley, Lopez

By Allan

Here are links to follow for Wednesday:

Adam Rubin of The New York Daily News said that LHP Arturo Lopez has been designated for assignment by the Mets to make room for Rod Barajas.
John Tomase of The Boston Herald says that Red Sox’ Mike Lowell understands that there’s a good chance he’ll be traded.
The Associated Press says Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter won’t address his contract situation until the end of the year. Jeter is in the final season of a $189 million, 10-year deal. “I’ve said from Day One, this is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that’s still true today.”
The Los Angeles Times says the Dodgers ownership situation may not be settled until the end of the year.
Bernando Fallas of The Houston Chronicle says that this is a make-or-break season for Astros first baseman Lance Berkman. If the Astros do not pick up Berkman’s contract, then he probably won’t be back.
Juan C. Rodriguez of The Sun Sentinel says that nine out of ten Marlins fans probably consider the front office’s failure to trade Renyal Pinto the offseason’s biggest shortcoming.
Daniel Barbarisi of The Providence Journal says that Jonathan Papelbon cut short his training session on Tuesday because he had a bad back from sleeping wrong.
Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times said that Evan Longoria was eating alone at the River City Grill when Manager Joe Maddon walked. Maddon pulled up a stool and ate dinner together for about 45 minutes.
John Tomase of The Boston Herald says that the Red Sox have unofficially retired Roger Clemens‘ number 21. This was proven when first base coach Ron Johnson, who wore No. 21 while manager Triple-A Pawtucket, came into the clubhouse and received jersey No. 50.
Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times writes that when Minor League catcher Nevin Ashley got married he insisted his wife take his last name. So what’s wrong with that? His wife first name is “Ashley”. The catcher said, “I said she had to take my name for pure shock value,” Nevin said of the former Ashley Long. “She has fun with it. And when she goes on a job interview or something, she’s way ahead because you know they remember her name.”