Rumors for August, 2010
Cincinnati Reds’ CEO: “I totally envision Dusty to be with us going forward”
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The Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Fay says Reds’ CEO Bob Castellino will not discuss the details of manager Dusty Baker’s contract extension offer, but he said, “I totally envision Dusty to be with us going forward.”
Earlier this month, Fay reported that the Reds offered Baker a contract extension. At that time Baker was still “evaluating” the offer.
The Associated Press said the extension offer to Baker was for just one-year, but neither the Reds or Baker would confirm that. At the time, Reds GM Walt Jocketty did not want to comment on the contract.
“It’s internal,” Jocketty said. “I don’t talk about players’ contracts, and this is the same.”
With many managerial openings to come in the off-season, Baker will have plenty of leverage especially since he’s guiding the Reds to likely their first playoff appearance since 1995 and first winning season since 2000.
Pat Listach would like to manage the Chicago Cubs
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Washington Naitonals third-base coach and 1992 American League Rookie of the Year, Pat Listach, said he would like to manage the Chicago Cubs, according to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson.
Listach will need to take a number for the interview, since several heavyweights have been rumored as possible managerial candidates. Names that have floated around include Ryne Sandberg, Mike Quade, Fredi Gonzalez, Bob Brenly, Joe Torre, Bobby Valentine and Tony La Russa.
Listach may have a leg up on the bigger names since he managed in the Cubs’ system with Triple-A Iowa, and he is respected by the organization.
“I would definitely like the job,” Listach said. “But I have a job to do here in Washington. If that job is available, it would be a dream come true. When you bring championship to that city and that team, it’s a big deal. Read More→
Houston Astros claim INF Matt Downs from San Francisco Giants
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MLB.com’s Alyson Footer tweets that infielder Matt Downs was claimed by the Houston Astros from the San Francisco Giants. Footer adds that Downs will report to Triple-A Round Rock.
Downs was designated for assignment by the Giants on Tuesday in order to make room for outfielder Cody Ross. Ross was claimed via waivers over the weekend.
Downs, 26, was hitting .244/.318/.372 in 29 games for the Giants this season.
VIDEO: Army’s Golden Knight parachuter gets stuck on flagpole before Texas Rangers game
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Check out this video of the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team getting stuck on a flagpole before Tuesday’s Texas Rangers game.
The Associated Press says the unidentified jumper was uninjured. He unbuckled himself from the chute and dropped a few feet onto the scoreboard’s work platform.
New York Mets GM Omar Minaya on the hot seat?
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Sources close to Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman say the New York Mets likely need a big finish in order for general manager Omar Minaya to retain his job. The Mets are currently 63-62 and 9 1/2 games out of first place in the National League East.
“I focus on doing my job today, and that’s all I can control,” Minaya said by phone when asked about his chances for staying in the GM job for 2011.
Owner Fred Wilpon’s interpreted comments from earlier this month indicated that Minaya’s job was safe for 2011.
Should Minaya lose his job, Heyman lists former San Diego Padres GM Kevin Towers, in-house candidates John Ricco and Wayne Krivsky and former GM Pat Gillick as possible replacements. Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels is said to have an out in his contract, and he could be an ideal candidate for the Mets.
Minaya’s contract for 2011 is not guaranteed – the Mets hold a team option, so should the two parties go separate ways, it wouldn’t cost the Mets anything.
Joe Torre to purchase the Los Angeles Dodgers?
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Manager Joe Torre was approached recently by an individual who would like Torre to join him in purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to T.J. Simers of the Los Angeles Times.
“I get people who make all kinds of suggestions all the time, and especially with the mood of everything going on around here right now it’s not surprising,” said Torre, his way of confirming such a conversation took place.
Torre added, “some of these suggestions are real and some tongue in cheek and that’s something to discuss and determine at a later date.”
Simers compared Torre purchasing the Dodgers to the way Nolan Ryan formed an investment group to purchase the Texas Rangers.
There is a possibility that the Dodgers could be up for the sale in the near future. The McCourt family, owners of the team, are going through a bitter divorce and arguments as to who owns the team. In order to satisfy the divorce requirements, it’s possible the team may be sold. In April 2010, Forbes.com valued the Dodgers’ franchise at $727 million – more than double of what Frank McCourt paid in 2004 ($355 million).
Insurance carrier to blame for exposing MLB team’s finances?
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According to two Major League Baseball sources, close to Christian Red and Nathaniel Vinton of the New York Daily News, an insurance carrier associated with several baseball teams may be responsible for leaking sensitive financial documents.
Deadspin.com and the Associated Press published a series of confidential financial reports for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Marlins, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers.
The reports show how small market teams such as the Pirates make millions in profits despite poor on-field performances.
“It was beneficial, some of the information,” said one of the sources. “I think a lot of people were glad to see that the receipts were higher” but not happy to see some “transfer of equity was not going toward players and player development.”
Update – Cliff Lee hates Texas? Wants to be a Yankee?
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8/25 01:01: Cowherd addressed Lee’s response on his show on Tuesday (via The Dallas Morning News):
“I’m sure he (Lee) wants to win games,” Cowherd said. “I’m not saying he’s tanking games. Cliff Lee is a human being.”
Here’s some facts about Cliff Lee, Cowherd said: “Fact: He loved pitching in Philadelphia and was awesome. He has always pitched well in New York and has said he likes it.
“He’s elite, fact. He has also, fact, never pitched well in Texas. Fact, he’s not there pitching well again in Texas. Fact. He’s in a contract year. When the deal came down that he was going to the Yankees, he was completely excited, according to three different scources at this network. Fact, against the Yankees this year, who he could end up pitching for, he’s been excellent. Fact, he’s been horrible against Baltimore, the worst team in the sport. Now you tell me, coincidence?”
Said Cowherd: “Cliff Lee, who’s never pitched well in Texas, was never in love with the idea, in a contract year, of going to Texas, where he is going to make his final contract based on the numbers in the second half of the season in a place he’s never pitched well. Or he can get traded to the Yankees, the premier team in baseball, where he’s always pitched well. Where would you want to go?”
Cowherd on saying he’d been told Cliff Lee will not re-sign with Texas: “I have been told that by a source.” Read More→
VIDEO: Roy Oswalt plays left field against his former teammates
Posted by: | CommentsTraditionally a right-handed pitcher, Roy Oswalt went above the call of duty on Tuesday evening against his old teammates. In the bottom of the 14th inning, the Philadelphia Phillies’ Ryan Howard was ejected from the game which forced left fielder Raul Ibanez to move to first base and Oswalt taking over in left. Check out the video of his putout:
Jayson Stark of ESPN says that Oswalt is the last “pure” pitcher to play outfield for the Phillies since Joe Bowman did on August 21, 1935.
Check out this link for a video of all the events that lead to Oswalt playing left field.
