Rumors for September, 2011
Indians designate RHP Jason Rice for assignment
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According to an announcement by the Cleveland Indians on their Twitter account, the team has designated right-handed pitcher Jason Rice for assignment. The move was done when the team promoted right-handed pitcher Zach Putnam from Triple-A Columbus.
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Florida Marlins release Mike Cameron
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The Florida Marlins have officially released Mike Cameron, according to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.
It was only last week that there was a possibility of the 38-year-old retiring from the game before Opening Day of 2012.
“It’s a small window [on retirement] that’s wide open,” he said last week.
“I’m not going to make a decision now because there are too many variables much more than how I feel.”
In 78 games for the Marlins this season, Cameron hit .203/.285/.359 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs.
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Manny Ramirez arrested
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Manny Ramirez who has always been a love him or hate him type of guy, may have gained a few more haters as he was arrested today in Broward County, Florida on domestic violence related charges, sources close to FOXSports.com confirmed. Bond has not been set for Ramirez, meaning he will remain in custody overnight.
The Associated Press is reporting that Ramirez and his wife were arguing in their bedroom when he slapped her face, causing her to hit her head.
Ramirez denied hitting his wife, telling a deputy she hit her head after he shrugged her. Ramirez’s wife had injuries consistent with her story, but refused medical treatment.
As you may remember, Ramirez abruptly retired just as the season began as he was going to be suspended by MLB for 100 games for testing positive a second time for a banned drug.
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Rays designate Rob Delaney for assignment
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The Tampa Bay Rays have designated relief pitcher Rob Delaney for assignment, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times. The move was done to add left-handed pitcher Matt Moore to the 40-man roster.
The 27-year-old Delaney had a 10.80 ERA over five innings of work in four appearances for the Rays this season.
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Rockies designate catcher Matt Pagnozzi
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The Colorado Rockies have designated catcher Matt Pagnozzi for assignment, according to a team press release. The move was done to create a space on the 40-man roster when the team selected the contracts of Thomas Field and Drew Pomeranz.
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Yankees designate Steve Garrison for assignment
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The New York Yankees have designated Steve Garrison for assignment, according to Mark Feinsand of The New York Daily News.
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Rays designate RHP Mike Ekstrom
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The Tamp Bay Rays have designated right-handed pitcher Mike Ekstrom for assignment, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.
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Pirates extend contract of Neal Huntington
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The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they have extended the contract of Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington through 2014 with a club option for 2015.
“Neal was hired to take on the difficult task of building an organization that can compete on a consistent basis,” said Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman of the Board. “While there is still much work to be done, Neal and his staff have done an exceptional job of overhauling the scouting and development systems while building a strong foundation by aggressively acquiring talent through all possible avenues. We have begun to see that positive impact on the Major League level this season and expect that improvement to continue as we execute our plan in building a winning organization.”
Huntington has been the Pirates’ GM since September 25, 2007.
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GM Ned Colletti on the Dodgers’ offseason goals
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Last night the Dodgers moved into .500 territory (72-72) for the first time since May 2nd. But for the Dodgers and their fans, the season is over as they are 12 games back of Arizona with only 17 (including today) left to play. This means a very important offseason awaits the Dodgers who have now missed the playoffs for two straight seasons.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com recently spoke with Dodgers GM Ned Colletti about his plans for the upcoming offseason. Colletti does not believe the team is in need of a major overhaul, but believes the team needs to be more consistent on offense. Since he acquired Juan Rivera from the Blue Jays for a bar of soap and bag of peanuts, the team has gone 30-21. He also believes the team is a player or two away from competing for a playoff birth next season.
Colletti has not discussed with owner Frank McCourt as to what he would like payroll to be next season. He added, “that’s not unusual in the best of times” at this point of the year. The Dodgers have about $50mm coming off of the books after the season and still remain a possible landing destination for the big free agents Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder. When talking about free agency, Colletti said,“it’s never been easy to build through free agency and I really don’t like to do it. We do it when pressed, when we don’t have a player coming through the system or on the Major League roster, but it’s always more precarious than developing or trading.” (See Jason Schmidt, Andruw Jones as reasons why he doesn’t like free agency)
Potential MVP Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier are high on the offseason list of things to do as Colletti hopes to sign both to long term contracts. Ethier might be a little harder as his value is low due to a down season and now knee surgery. Clayton Kershaw could also receive a new contract but Colletti is in no rush with him as, “it’s less a priority for somebody with three years of arbitration.”
Hiroki Kuroda is also a free agent after the season, and by Kuroda’s unwillingness to leave LA at the trade deadline, my guess is he either goes back to finish his career in Japan or will return to the Dodgers. “If he wants to come back,” said Colletti, “I’d love to entertain it.” Kuroda made $12mm this season and can earn another $125,000 when he throws another 1 2/3 innings (180 innings goal) and $175,000 when he reaches 190 innings and another $200,000 when he hits 200 innings.
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Mike Cameron may retire after 2011 season
Posted by: | CommentsCenter fielder, Mike Cameron, of the Florida Marlins may call it a career after the completion of the 2011 season, according to Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post.
“It’s a small window that’s wide open,” he said.
“I’m not going to make a decision now because there are too many variables much more than how I feel.”
Cameron would be 39 by Opening Day of 2012 and it would be his 18th Major League season that began in 1995.
“I may be too young to quit, but my body’s telling me different. My body’s 45,” he said.
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