Rumors for April, 2010
Rangers looking for LH and RH reliever
Posted by: | CommentsT.R. Sullivan of MLB.com
says the Texas Rangers have identified two needs: a second left-handed reliever to go with Darren Oliver and a power right-handed reliever for the eighth inning.
It’s possible that the team may call up Clay Rapada from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill the left-handed void.
The Rangers coudl use Chris Ray and Frank Francisco for their power right-handed need, but manager Ron Washington is reluctant to use them in the eighth to protect the lead until “they get their act together.”
From reading Sullivan’s article, it looks like the Rangers will fill their needs internally as opposed to making a trade seeing who’s available on the free market.
Men can't break the seal at Target Field
Posted by: | CommentsEverybody is talking highly of the new home of the Minnesota Twins – sunshine, outdoor baseball and no Astroturf. However, all things aren’t perfect. The Star Tribune recently said that the lines at Target Field are much longer than the women’s restroom lines. The article claims a few reasons: there are 401 women’s fixtures and 266 for men and , “…guys just congregated near the food stands on the first-base side of the main concourse. They tended to other business there, as well, rather than seek out lesser-used restrooms.
Michael Rand says that there is a fundamental design problem in the way the bathrooms were designed and he uses a humorous drawing to illustrate the poor design for those of us who can’t experience the bathroom madness in Minnesota.
Rand says that because of the “U” shape in the restrooms, the queue line are not aware of the vacancies of urinals in the backside of the bathroom.
So what’s the solution. I’ve come up with a few:
1. Break down the middle wall and attach troughs along the walls.
2. Hire a concierge to direct people to vacant stalls.
3. Use the power of technology and have a “Now serving” screen with the appropriate toilet number that is free.
What do you think?
Adam Dunn contract rumors: 'Nothing going on'
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The Washington Post reports that Washington Nationals first baseman Adam Dunn remains optimistic about a contract extension despite “nothing going on.” Dunn beleives that a deal could be struck before the end of the season.
“There’s always a chance,” Dunn said. “It’s probably No. 50 on my list of things to worry about right now. I’m not worried about that at all.”
Earlier this month, Dunn said that he is open to negotiating a contract extension and is willing to have negotiations go into the early part of the season.
Dunn is in the second year of of a two-year, $20 million contract. In mid-March, Dunn’s agent, Greg Genske, said the negotiations are “amicable and upbeat,” and he optimistic about getting a deal done.
Dunn, 30, is a popular player with the Nationals’ fans. He hit .267 with 38 home runs and 105 RBIs in the 2009 season. You can see Dunn’s contract details and statistics here.
Hey DirecTV! You should call Ozzie Guillen!
Posted by: | CommentsWe’ve all been there:
“Hello cable company. My cable is out, can you send a tech over.”
“Sure. We’ll be there tomorrow between 8-12.”
The next day at 12:01…
“Where’s *$!* is the cable guy?”
Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is in the same boat as all of us. Take a look at his recent Twitter rants about Comcast:
I like how the frustrated Guillen is given the run around by saying, “Comcast is now saying they came to my house.” Maybe the cable guys got scared off.
We all feel your pain Ozzie!
I find it odd how Guillen has the time to sit at home and worry about the cable company when his White Sox are sitting in the AL Central cellar. Ozzie – get DirecTV. I’ll refer you and you’ll get $100.
Joe Morgan to be named as Reds special advisor
Posted by: | Comments4/21 13:56: Mark Sheldon of MLB.com says that Joe Morgan isn’t leaving ESPN. He’s not working full time for the Reds.
4/21 11:20: The Reds have called a news conference for today to announce that Joe Morgan has joined the club as a special advisor to baseball operations, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Morgan has been more active with the team in recent years. Sheldon says that Morgan has attended Spring Training with the Reds the past two seasons as a special instructor. The Hall of Famer played eight seasons with the Reds.
Craig Clacaterra of NBCSports.com infers that Morgan may leave ESPN since he doesn’t think than an MLB team would give another team’s executive clubhouse access while doing research for their broadcast.
The ‘Duk of Big League Stew says that he’s convinced that it’s more of a ceremonial position.
We’ll find out soon.
Roy Oswalt Trade Rumors: Mets interested?
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Adam Rubin of ESPN.com, says that a source familiar with the Houston Astros does not think right-handed pitcher Roy Oswaltt will end up with the Mets. PRO Rumors thinks there’s no smoke without a fire.
“They may sniff, but have no chance,” the source said regarding the Mets.
Last week, Jayson Stark of ESPN said that Oswalt could waive his no-trade clause if it meant moving to the right team in the right circumstances. At the time destinations that Oswalt preferred included Atlanta, St. Louis or Texas.
Oswalt, 32, is 1-2 with a 2.37 ERA in 3 starts for the Astros this season. Oswalt will make $15 million this season, $16 million in 2011 and the Astros have a team option for $16 million with a $2 million buyout in 2012. You can see Oswalt’s statistics here.
RHP Braden Looper throws for Cubs
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4/21 13:32: Carrie Muskat of MLB.com tweets that the Cubs do not expect to sign Looper. She adds, “they’re just searching for answers for ‘pen.”
4/20 19:55: According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, free agent right-handed pitcher Braden Looper threw for the Chicago Cubs today. Rosenthal says that Looper is “willing to be flexible on role if Cubs want him.”
Looper drew interest from the Dodgers this Spring, but no deal was put in place.
Looper, 35, had a 14-7 record in 34 starts for the Brewers in 2009. You can see Looper’s statistics here.
Evan Longoria stealing girl via text message
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Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa of The Boston Herald says that one an unnamed Boston guy has reported that Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has been text messaging his girlfriend incessantly during the team’s trip to Boston last week.
“So this guy won’t stop texting my girl,” the pissed off guy said. “We are at a concert at the House Of Blues and he messages her: “I’m in town what are you up to?” She replies, ‘With my man at a concert,’ and he says, ‘That’s unfortunate, etc. etc.”
The girl, a bartender, met Longoria during his previous trips to Boston.
The boyfriend continues ranting, “he continued texting her all night and the next day. ‘Let’s go shopping, it’s harmless.’ And the next day, ‘Let’s go to a movie today. ”
Apparently Longoria is persistent and has all his bases covered. Longoria was texting another bartender asking her out at the same time he was texting this guy’s girlfriend, pissing off the guy even more.
The source of The Boston Herald says, “I think we should put this guy (Longoria) on blast and let all the guys around town know to make sure you don’t leave your GFs around Evan Longoria while he’s in town because he has no class or respect for other men.”
Rays spokesman Rick Vaughn said, “we won’t have any comment on that.”
San Francisco Giants Rumors: Trade for DeJesus, Hart or Pence?
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Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports says that the San Francisco Giants biggest need is a “two-way threat in right field.” Possible trade candidates include the Royals’ David DeJesus, the Brewers Corey Hart or the Astros’ Hunter Pence.
Hart could be a likely candidate since he’s been losing playing time from Jim Edmonds. There was speculation earlier this month that the Nationals could go after Hart to replace Elijah Dukes.
The Phillies Jayson Werth could be a candidate, since he’ll be a free agent after this season. The Phillies are expected to compete, and probably will not trade him. If the team happens to be out of it by July they’ll expect a king’s ransom for Werth.
Phillies give MVP treatment to vomit victim
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The Philadelphia Phillies are taking care of the 11-year-old girl and her family by providing an exclusive MVP-style experience at an upcoming game. The team knows it won’t take away their memory of the bad day of the ballpark, but hopefully it will help with the pain and humiliation. The team is giving the family a player’s-eye view of batting practice, free tickets to the game, dinner “on the house” and other VIP treatments, according to Dan Hartzell of The Morning Call.
Last week, Matthew Clemmens, intentionally vomited on an 11-year-old daughter of an off-duty police officer.
The Daily Times added on Monday that Clemmens’ motive to vomit on the girl was due to retribution for having his companions ejected from the game for rowdy behavior.
Clemmen’s uncle, Mike Clemmens, tried to defend his nephew by saying, “He might have had a few beers, and got sick and basically he put his hand over his mouth and accidentally puked on the wrong individual.” Yeah right!
Clemmens was charged with simple assault, aggravated assault, harassment, resisting arrest and related offenses. He posted the $12,000 bail last week.
