Rumors for October, 2011
Injury updates: Howard and Masterson
Posted by: | Comments
Here’s a running list of injury updates around the Major Leagues:
– Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard underwent surgery to repair a full tear in his Achilles’ Tendon and according to GM, Ruben Amaro Jr, he’ll need about five to six months to fully recover from the surgery (via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com).
– Justin Masterson underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder yesterday according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com. Bastian adds that the right hander is expected to be fully recovered for the beginning of Spring Training.
Image by Shannon Lamond under the Creative Commons License.
Carlos Zambrano wants to stay in Chicago
Posted by: | Comments
Right-handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano, gave an interview for ESPN2 while he was visiting the Venezuelan Winter League and said that he wants to stay with the Cubs.
The troubled starting pitcher was later asked about the possibility of joining the Florida Marlins, and he said that nobody has reached out to him regarding a possible trade. He was rather excited about the possibilities with the organization now that Theo Epstein is in charge.
Yesterday, we learned that the Marlins could be interested in acquiring the explosive right hander, but as of today, Zambrano says its nothing more than rumors. Zambrano was 9-7 with a 4.82 ERA in 145.2 innings for the Cubs in 2011.
Image by terren in Virginia under the Creative Commons License.
Pirates to decline LHP Paul Maholm’s 2012 option
Posted by: | Comments
The Pittsburgh Pirates will not pick up left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm’s $9.75 million contract option for 2012, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. While the Pirates could bring Maholm back, the pitcher is ready to test the open market.
“There are no guarantees, but I’m going to test it and see where it goes,” Maholm said. “I’m not going to close any doors, but I want to see what’s out there. I owe that to my family, to do what’s best for them.”
The 29-year-old Maholm was 6-14 with a 3.66 ERA in 26 starts this season with the Pirates.
Image by daveynin used under the Creative Commons License.
Rockies claim Andrew Brown from Cardinals
Posted by: | Comments
In an announcement by the Colorado Rockies on their Twitter account, the team has claimed infielder/outfielder Andrew Brown off of waivers from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brown, 27, hit .284 with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs while he was with Triple-A Memphis. Additionally, he was named a Pacific Coast League All Star last season.
Image by cliff1066™ under a Creative Commons License.
Theo Epstein agrees to five-year deal with Cubs
Posted by: | Comments
According to WEEI’s John Dennis, Theo Epstein has agreed to a five-year deal worth more than $15 million to work in the Chicago Cubs’ organization. The Cubs have not settled on a title for Epstein.
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated adds that there is some discussion as to whether or not the Cubs will send cash or Minor Leaguers to the Red Sox for Epstein. Heymans says the Red Sox prefer cash.
Image by Anne Hornyak under the Creative Commons License.
Marlins interested in Carlos Zambrano
Posted by: | Comments
The Florida Marlins have interest in troubled starting pitcher, Carlos Zambrano, of the Chicago Cubs, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. This was first reported by Ignacio Serrano of El Nacional on October 3, 2011. Any deal with the Cubs will likely require Chicago to absorb much of the $18 million that is owed to the pitcher.
The 30-year-old has been in the doghouse with the Cubs for some time now, but the problems escalated in August when he was placed on the disqualified list after a bad start and ejection.
New manager Ozzie Guillen could be an influence on both the team and Zambrano to get the pitcher to South Beach.
Image by delusionalcubsfan under the Creative Commons License.
Chicago Cubs close to landing Theo Epstein
Posted by: | Comments
The Chicago Cubs are close to landing Theo Epstein according to baseball sources close to Steve Buckley of the Boston Herald. Buckley says that it is believed the position he would occupy in Chicago would include powers greater than he currently has in Boston.
An announcement is expected in the next 24 hours. If Epstein leaves Boston, the team would want some type of compensation in exchange. That could involve players, money or a combination of both. Epstein joined the team in 2002 and led them to the glory land in 2004 and 2007.
Earlier today, we learned that the Red Sox paused their search for a manager until the Epstein situation is resolved.
Image by charliekwalker under the Creative Commons License.
White Sox considered Konerko for a player/manager role
Posted by: | Comments
The Chicago White Sox introduced Robin Ventura today, as their new manager. According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune the former White Sox received a three-year deal from Chicago.
GM, Kenny Williams, considered naming Paul Konerko as a player/manager adds Gonzales. “That report is not false,” said Williams.
“It was considered long enough for me to realize that Paul is a very cerebral person and he would probably drive himself nuts right now playing and managing at the same time,” he added.
“But that’s the kind of respect I have for him that, yeah, I did consider it. Then I thought I think I would rather him be focused more on hitting third or fourth in the lineup and driving in 100 runs rather than trying to worry about 25 other guys in addition to it. We are trying to win.”
Earlier this month, we learned that the White Sox hired Ventura to be their new manager after they traded Ozzie Guillen to the Florida Marlins. Ventura will become the 38th manager of the White Sox franchise.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
Valdes and Proctor elect free agency from Yankees
Posted by: | Comments
The New York Yankees have announced (via Bryan Hoch of MLB.com) that Raul Valdes and Scott Proctor have elected free agency.
Image by Affiliate under the Creative Commons License.
Royals claim LHP Aaron Laffey and DFA Jesse Chavez
Posted by: | Comments
The Kansas City Royals have announced that they have claimed left-handed pitcher Aaron Laffey off of outright waivers from the New York Yankees. To make room on the 40-man roster for Laffey, the team designated Jesse Chavez.
Image by ianmunroe Under the Creative Commons License
