Rumors for November, 2011
Diamondbacks extend Gibson and Towers
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The Arizona Diamondbacks have extended the contracts for Kirk Gibson and Kevin Towers, according to CEO Derrick Hall (via Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic).
“I really enjoyed watching the two of them work together,” Hall said. “Obviously I was pleased with the results from the first season. Kirk Gibson, in particular, proved that he is a major league manager, as prepared as any I’ve ever seen, and I felt they were both worthy of extension.”
Diamondbacks agree to a one-year deal with Henry Blanco
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According to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a one-year, $1.2 million deal with veteran catcher Henry Blanco. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic said earlier today that the deal was close.
Yesterday, we learned that Blanco declined his side of the 2012 option. The 40-year old catcher was set to be a free agent prior to the new deal being reached. Blanco hit .250/.330/.540 with 8 HR’s and 12 RBI;s in 100 AB’s with the Diamondbacks in 2011.
Dodgers agree to a one-year $4.5 MM deal with Juan Rivera
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year $4.5 million deal with infielder/outfielder Juan Rivera according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports. The deal is pending a physical adds Morosi.
The deal also includes a $4mm club option for 2013 ($500k buyout) with “reachable” incentives totaling $500k for each 2012 and 2013 according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.
A couple of days ago, we learned that both parties were close to an agreement. Rivera was traded to the Dodgers from the Blue Jays during the All Star Break. The Dodgers only paid $200,000 for Rivera while the Blue Jays covered the reminder of his $5.25 million.
“Maybe it’s the climate of Southern California,” Rivera said. “I feel comfortable here.”
Rivera hit .274/.333/.406 with 5 HR’s and 46 EBI’s in 219 AB’s with the Dodgers in 2011. Prior to that he hit .243/.305/.360 with 6 HR’s and 28 RBI’s in 247 AB’s with the Blue Jays.
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Chicago Cubs fire manager Mike Quade
Posted by: | CommentsOn Wednesday, the Chicago Cubs fired manager Mike Quade, according to an article by ESPN
Chicago.com. The most likely successor would be fan favorite Ryne Sandberg, but president of baseball operations, Theo Epstein, has already ruled him out.
“The managerial search process begins immediately,” Epstein said. “We are looking for someone with whom and around whom we can build a foundation for sustained success. The next manager must have leadership and communication skills; he must place an emphasis on preparation and accountability; he must establish high standards and a winning culture; he must have integrity and an open mind; and he must have managerial or coaching experience at the major league level.”
“Theo called me 10 minutes after they issued the press release (on Quade) and told me that they have a list of guys and I’m not on it,” Sandberg said. “He wished me good luck and said he hoped I got a chance somewhere soon.
“He didn’t owe me that at all. He didn’t have to do that. It was a classy move and I’m very appreciative of the phone call. In the end, I wished him and everybody there good luck.”
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D’Backs, McDonald agree to two-year deal
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The Arizona Diamondbacks and infielder John McDonald, have agreed to a two-year $3mm deal, Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com reports. The deal will provide insurance in case shortstop Stephen Drew isn’t ready for the start of the season, as he recovers from a serious fractured ankle.
McDonald was acquired this past August from the Blue Jays along with Aaron Hill in exchange for Kelly Johnson.
McDonald who is known more for his glove, is finishing up a two-year $3mm deal he signed in 2009, so essentially he is signing the same contract where he will earn $1.5mm each season.
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Athletics designate Trystan Magnuson for assignment
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The Oakland Athletics have designated right-handed pitcher Trystan Magnuson for assignment, according to an announcement by the team.
The 26-year-old pitcher made his Major League debut with the A’s this 2011 where he went 0-0 with a 6.14 ERA in nine relief appearances.
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Nationals, Wang agree to a one-year deal
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The Washington Nationals and right handed pitcher Chien-Ming Wang have agreed to a one-year deal according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.
Earlier today, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reported that both sides were close to an agreement. Late in October, we learned that the Nationals and Wang were still engaged in contract talks. Wang who is a free agent, says he feels loyal to the Nationals since they stuck with him during his years of shoulder issues.
The right hander was 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA in 11 starts this season for the Washington Nationals.
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Henry Blanco declines option, becomes free agent
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According to Aaron Gleeman of NBCSports.com, veteran catcher Henry Blanco has declined his half of the $1.5 million option he had with the Diamondbacks.
The 40-year old catcher will be a free agent. Blanco hit .250/.330/.540 with 8 HR’s and 12 RBI;s in 100 AB’s with the Diamondbacks in 2011.
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Orioles claim Darren O’Day off waivers
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The Baltimore Orioles have claimed right handed pitcher Darren O’Day off waivers from the Texas Rangers according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.
O’Day was 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 16.2 innings with the Rangers in 2011.
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Roger Clemens wants to pitch in Puerto Rico
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Former Major Leaguer Roger Clemens participated in a practice with the team “Indios de Mayaguez” in Puerto Rico, where his son will play. According to “El Nuevo Dia” newspaper (via www.sinuniforme.com), Clemens could play with them this winter.
“He wants to pitch, that’s 100% sure,” said a team member. “I saw his desire to compete again. He was in the practice and said he wanted to play with his son.”
The team member made it clear that Clemens looked to be in terrific physical condition and you couldn’t tell he was retired from baseball. He was asked if he could get ready to play and said it would only take him a handful of days.” He works hard. He works with the desire to help.”
Clemens retired after 24 Major League seasons in 2007. He was 354-184 with a 3.12 ERA in 4916.2 innings with the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees and Astros. He’s also the pitcher with most Cy Young Awards in the Majors with seven.
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