Rumors for May, 2010
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein goes to Pearl Jam concert in a fake mustache disguise – photo
Posted by: | Comments5/20 11:39: Kevin Kaduk of Big League Stew shares a pictures of Red Sox GM Theo Epstein wearing a fake mustache at the Pearl Jam concert that he attended.
5/19 14:49: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe points out that Red Sox GM Theo Epstein was seen at the TD Garden on Monday night watching the Pearl Jam concert as opposed to trying to get his team back into the AL East race. His sighting led some to question where his priorities are at.
Despite the poor timing of his appearance, Cafardo backs up Epstein’s work ethic. He mentions that he’s been criss-crossing the country watching amateur players for the June draft and he’s constant contact with the team while they are on the road.
The fact is the team is 8.5 games out of first place in the competitive AL East and people want to blame somebody. Theo – we hope you enjoyed the concert because if I were you, I wouldn’t make a public appearance until the team is back in first place.
This was originally posted a couple of weeks ago, but as the trade deadline approaches these names are starting to be thrown around more often. So for those that missed it, you should check it out.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports suggests a few trade candidates that could come up in rumors over the next couple of months. You can read the whole article here, but I’ll give you my Cliff’s Notes summary.
One thing to note, Rosenthal got a quote from an executive that did not expect the trade market to offer attractive solutions to teams in need.
“More of the same (bad) contracts people don’t want, the Bronson Arroyos of the world, that group,” the exec said. “It will probably be pretty vanilla.”
Victor Martinez, Red Sox: If the Red Sox fall into double-digit deficits by July, Martinez would be the logical piece to move. He’s a free agent after 2010.
Cliff Lee, Seattle Mariners: The team is trying to get a bat, but if they cannot and start sliding down in the AL West then expect a trade before they lose Lee after the season. Rosenthal suggests that the Dodgers could be interested.
Paul Konerko, White Sox: Rosenthal adds A.J. Pierzynski, Andruw Jones and J.J. Putz as candidates the White Sox could trade if they slip further behind the Twins.
Ted Lilly, Cubs: Let’s see what happens.
Dan Uggla, Marlins: The Marlins wanted to trade Uggla in the winter to the Giants, but the deal never materialized. If the team can’t keep up with the Phillies and Nationals, then expect them to deal Uggla.
Jorge Cantu, Marlins: Rosenthal adds that with so many teams “starved for offense” expect to see the Marlins trade Cantu.
Roy Oswalt & Lance Berkman, Astros: Both Oswalt and Berkman have hinted at waiving their no-trade clauses, but it will come down to ownership determining when to waive the white flag.
Jose Guillen, Royals: Guillen is owed $12 million for this year. Kansas City may be willing to negotiate a financial exchange to dump Guillen.
Kerry Wood, Indians: Same as Guillen. The Indians will need to negotiate a deal to dump his salary. Luckily for the Indians, he’s proved to be healthy again.
Kevin Millwood, Orioles: The Orioles should start planning for the future and conceed the division to the Yankees or Rays. Getting rid of Millwood would give starts to Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Matusz.
Dallas Braden gets Samarai sword for perfect game
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Hey A-Rod, just in case you decide to cross the mound in July when you visit Oakland, Dallas Braden has a new toy.
Braden received another piece of hardware that he can add to his trophy case. Mizuno USA has gifted Braden an authentic nihont? to congratulate him on his perfect game.
Teammate Brad Ziegler took a picture and said via Twitter, “A legit (and razor sharp) samurai sword.”
Information from David Brown of Big League Stew was used in this article.
Diamondbacks sign Luis Ayala to Minor League contract
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According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports, the Arizona Diamondbacks have signed right-handed pitcher Luis Ayala to a Minor League deal.
Ayala, 32, has not pitched in the Major Leagues in 2010. He has a career 29-39 record with a 3.67 ERA in 6 seasons with the Expos, Nationals, Mets, Twins and Marlins.
Andre Dawson rips Marlins Hanley Ramirez
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According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, Hall of Famer Andre Dawson had a few words for Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
“I told him it’s time to you get your act together,” Dawson said.
Dawson and Tony Perez decided to speak with Ramirez after the shortstop was benched for his lack of effort.
“You owe them an apology,” Dawson said he told Ramirez.
“I do think you’re immature, and you need to work on that ASAP,” Dawson said he told Ramirez at one point. “And at the end, [Perez] spoke to him in Spanish and at the end he said thank you guys, and he got up and left.”
Ramirez apologized to the team yesterday and found his way back into the lineup against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
Red Sox Scott Schoeneweis designated for assignment
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Amalie Benjamin of The Boston Globe, left handed pitcher Scott Schoeneweis has been designated for assignment.
There was speculation that Schoeneweis was going to be DFA’d in late April in order accommodate pitchers such as Daisuke Matsuzaka and Alan Embree at the time.
In 15 appearances this season, Schoeneweis is 1-0 with a 7.90 ERA.
Astros Rumors: Matsui Released
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to John Perrotto of BaseballProspectus.com, Houston has released infielder Kaz Matsui and will beckon Oswaldo Navarro from Triple-A Round Rock. Matsui was the first Japanese infielder in the majors, breaking in with the Mets in 2003 after an eminent career with the Seibu Lions.
The Astros’ second baseman had begun the season with a .141 average, and most recently, a 1-31 skid which culminated in his departure. You can see his complete stats here.
Paul Konerko Rumors: Upgrade for Rays, Rangers, Giants or Red Sox?
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Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports says that we’re another month away before baseball trades start to materialize, but with the White Sox Paul Konerko being a free agent at the end of the year and a hot start, it’s not too early to speculate which team he can help.
Morosi says the Rays, Rangers, Giants and Red Sox could use an upgrade at first base or designated hitter and Konerko would fit right in.
One thing to note is Konerko’s no-trade clause. He will have to approve any trade. When his agent Craig Landis was asked if his client would waive his no-trade clause, he said, “We’ll cross that bridge when and if we come to it.”
Pat Burrell Rumors: Not headed back to Philadelphia Phillies
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Todd Zolecki of MLB.com says that former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell is not headed back to the city that he helped win the 2008 World Series.
Burrell was designated for assignmetn by the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend and cleared waivers today. Any team interested in Burrell would have to pay the pro-rated portion of the league’s minimum $400,000 salary (about $300,000). The Rays will pay the remaining $6.5 million on his $9 million contract.
“We just don’t have a role for him right now,” Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said. “There isn’t a fit.”
Burrell, 33, was hitting .202/.292/.333 in 24 games with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Marlins Hanley Ramirez apologizes to Fredi Gonzalez and teammates – returns to lineup
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportes.com, Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez has apologized to his teammates and his manager Fredi Gonzalez. He will be in tonight’s lineup against the Cardinals in St. Louis.
Here’s PRO Rumors loose Spanish translation:
“I regret that this has gotten so ugly, it was not my intention to create a distraction,” Ramirez told ESPNdeportes.com on the phone from St. Louis.
“I feel that things have reached these levels, the team and the fans do not deserve it,” he said. “Here we are all professionals and we are pulling for the same side, I will try to close this chapter and focus on playing ball,” added Ramirez.
On Monday, Ramirez booted a short popout into left and then lazily jogged after it. The play allowed two runs to score. He was later removed for his lack of hussle. Here’s the video:
