The Texas Rangers Gift to the American League

Adrian Beltre is one of the few Rangers who can still intimidate the opposition

Texas is a big, brash, bold, braggadocios state. Apparently they are benevolent now as well. At least when it comes to the American League wild card race.

The Texas Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays began a series Monday evening in Florida.  The two teams entered play tied for the two wild card positions. However, the two are headed in two different directions. The Rays have won four of five after they took the first game of the series 6-2. Texas has dropped seven straight and 10 of 11.

The Rangers represented the American League in the World Series in 2010 and 2011, and made it to the wild card game last year, where they lost to the Baltimore Orioles. Texas got off to a good start in 2013 and led the AL West by seven games after 41 contests. Since then the Rangers have been a .500 team over their last 108 games (54-54). and entered Monday's play 6.5 games behind the first place Oakland A's.

Texas' poor play has enabled the Yankees, KC Royals, Orioles, and Cleveland Indians to all remain in the hunt for a wild card spot. There have been a number of reasons for the Rangers' demise. Injuries - Matt Harrison was lost for the year after just two starts, endured two back surgeries within nine days of each other in May and recently underwent surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. (Debilitating compression is relieved through removal of a rib and surrounding tissue.) The left-hander won 18 games in 2012.

Colby Lewis missed the entire season after undergoing elbow surgery in July, 2012. Then last month he had a hip resurfacing procedure to avoid complete hip replacement. Neftali Feliz was recently activated after he completed rehab from last season's Tommy John surgery. He's still not at full strength and has to be used cautiously. Swing man Alexi Ogando has been on the disabled list three times with shoulder inflammation and bicep tendinitis. #2 starter Derek Holland is healthy as far as anyone can tell, but has been awful in September with three losses and an ERA above 8.

Inept offense - The lineuptook a big hit when Josh Hamilton left for LA as a free agent after last season's 43 home runs and 128 RBI. He's struggled mightily with the Angels (.734 OPS, 20 HR, 68 RBI), but those numbers may have been different had he stayed in Arlington. Free agent acquisition Lance Berkman has played just 71 games due to injuries.

Nelson Cruz had 27 HR and 76 RBI when he was suspended for the remainder of the season for violation of the league's substance abuse policy.  Though he has 40 stolen bases, Elvis Andrus took a step back offensively (.652 OPS). Ian Kinsler started the year like a house afire - .919 OPS 5 HR 16 RBI in April - but he's hit just .256 since then with 6 HR and has been caught eight times in 19 stolen base attempts.

The Rangers were also counting on rookie Jurickson Profar to make a major contribution, but the top prospect has only produced a slash line .237/.310/.330 and has been thrown out on four of six stolen base attempts.

The combination of all the above have spelled disaster for Texas and it will come as no shock if the Rangers continue to slide right out of a playoff spot and into an early vacation.

Report: Texas Ships Young To Philly

Michael Young got tired of being shifted around the Texas Rangers' infield the last few years and having to check if and where he was in the lineup. So Young reportedly waived his no-trade clause and has been dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies for reliever Josh Lindblom and minor leaguer Lisalverto Bonilla.

Young will be the Phillies regular third baseman, a role he last had with the Rangers in 2010. Originally brought to the Majors as a second baseman, Young was moved to shortstop in 2003 and manned that spot until 2008.  He shifted to third  base a year the next two years as youngster Elvis Andrus took over the shortstop position.

When Texas signed third baseman Adrian Beltre prior to the 2011 season, Young became a player without a permanent position and he split time with the likes of Mike Napoli, Mitch Moreland, and others. The 36-year old is a seven time All-Star and captured his only Gold Glove in 2008. After recording 213 hits in 2011, Young hit for a career low .682 OPS last season.

Young will earn $16MM for the 2013 season and is set to become a free agent in 2014.

Pfen Pfail

Just about everyone has had it happen to them at least once. Dress shirt on, pen in the pocket. The next thing you know you've got a giant ink stain on your shirt. Thursday afternoon's performance by the Yankees bullpen was the baseball equivalent of said scenario.

The Yankees had a legitimate shot to pull off an unthinkable four game series sweep of the Texas Rangers, but the Yankees relievers couldn't get it done. The Yankees had rallied from a 4-0 deficit to put five on the board in the bottom of the 6th against Rangers' starter Derek Holland, but Texas quickly wrested control back in the top of the 7th.

Yankees starter Ivan Nova had departed after 5.2 innings and four earned runs allowed, unable to build off of his 10 strikeout win against the Toronto Blue Jays five days ago. Boone Logan took his first loss in five decisions after he allowed an inherited runner to score and gave up the lead on an RBI double by David Murphy.

Joba Chamberlain continued to struggle since his return from the disabled list on August 1. He came on after Logan and struck out Geovany Soto for the second out of the inning, but then allowed a back breaking 2-run single to Chris Gentry for a 7-5 Texas lead. The Yankees got one back in the  bottom of the inning, but Texas put the game away with three more runs charged to Chamberlain and Clay Rapada for a 10-6 final.

While it would have been nice to pull off a four game sweep against one of the toughest lineups in all of baseball, the Yankees have to be happy having taken three out of four. Especially with David Phelps and Freddy Garcia having started two of the four games.

Notes

The Yankees five run 6th was highlighted by Andruw Jones' game tying 2-run home run. The Yankees then took the lead when Casey McGehee reached on error and came home on Russell Martin's RBI single.

Baseball Digest | Texas Will Go As Far As Their Arms Will Take Them

When the media and baseball experts talk about the Texas Rangers, they tend to focus on the Rangers’ deep lineup. And who can blame them? With Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, Michael Young, Mike Napoli, and Elvis Andrus, the Rangers can put a big number up on the scoreboard. But if the Rangers are to win their first World Series it will because of their starting pitching and bullpen.

There were a lot of people who didn’t think Texas would get back to the championship after losing Cliff Lee to free agency. But C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, and Derek Holland all remained steady, and Alexi Ogando gave the team a big boost in the first half with his promotion to the starting rotation. Texas is now just four victories away from returning to the World Series, which they lost in five games to the San Francisco Giants last season.

Read the rest of this free article at BaseballDigest.com.

Baseball Digest | Beltre Powers Texas Back To ALCS

Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre was just 1-11 entering Tuesday afternoon’s ALDS Game 4 match with the Tampa Bay Rays, but by the time the game was over, Beltre had put his name alongside the likes of Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson. Beltre became the sixth Major Leaguer to hit three home runs in a single playoff game to propel the Rangers to a 4-3 victory and a second consecutive trip to the ALCS.

The Rangers other run was their first run, a lead off home run by Ian Kinsler off of Jeremy Hellickson in the bottom of the 1st inning. One frame later, Beltre crushed one deep into the left field seats for a 2-0 Rangers lead. The Rays got the run right back in their half of the 2nd inning when Matt Joyce doubled off Texas starter Matt Harrison to score Sean Rodriguez from first base. Joyce was stranded in scoring position though when Harrison struck out Desmond Jennings for his third K of the inning. (Harrison would strike out nine batters in just five innings and earned the win.)

Read the rest of this free story at BaseballDigest.com.

FullCountPitch - Ellsbury The Front-Runner For Comeback POY

This time last year Jacoby Ellsbury was absolutely miserable. He couldn’t stay healthy, the media speculated that the team was upset with him for not playing through pain, and Ellsbury openly questioned the diagnosis made by the Boston Red Sox team doctors. There was also widespread speculation by the media that Ellsbury wouldn’t be back with the Red Sox for the 2011 season. Not only is Ellsbury back, but he’s back with a vengeance.

The Red Sox leadoff man and center fielder entered Sunday night’s play in the top ten in batting (.312), hits (89), doubles (22), runs (51) and total bases (135). In addition, he led the American League with 24 stolen bases and had an .844 OPS. Though overshadowed by new teammate Adrian Gonzalez, Ellsbury has established himself as a legitimate Most Valuable Player candidate this season.

Ellsbury finished up Spring Training in 2010 in fairly good shape, with just four games missed due to a sore arm. All that changed though on April 11 when the Red Sox were two outs away from a road win against the Kansas City Royals. Mitch Maier hit a pop up towards the left field line. Ellsbury, then the left fielder, came charging hard towards the line. The only problem was third baseman Adrian Beltre, head down, was charging towards the ball too.

Read the rest of this free article at fullcountpitch.com

Garcia Gives Yankees Boost

Freddy Garcia..or "The Rock"?

I had a nightdream yesterday. That's a combo daydream and nightmare; basically a horrible vision at night. I saw a Yankees starting rotation of CC Sabathia, Bartolo Colon, Kevin Millwood, Carlos Silva, and Freddy Garcia. It was understandable after Phil Hughes went on the disabled list and Ivan Nova pitched poorly for the second straight time out on Friday.

But lo and behold, Freddy Garcia threw six scoreless innings and the Yankees toppled the Texas Rangers 5-2 on a soggy Saturday afternoon. It was Garcia's first start of the season and just his second appearance (he threw one inning last Sunday vs. Boston). It was also the first time he had not allowed a run in any appearance since 2006.

Mark Teixeira gave Garcia some room to work with in the 1st inning when he launced a Derek Holland pitch into the right field seats with two aboard for a 3-0 Yankees lead. Garcia then had to face just 21 hitters, retiring 18 of them. He gave up a lead off single to Adrian Beltre and walked the hitter that followed, Nelson Cruz. But Garcia got David Murphy to line out to right, Yorvit Torrealba to ground out, and Mitch Moreland to pop out to escape the jam. The only other base runner Garcia allow would be a Murphy single in the 5th.

Holland settled down after the 1st inning and the Rangers finally got to Rafael Soriano to cut the lead to 3-2 in the 8th. But with a man aboard in the home half of the 8th Robinson Cano clanged a Holland pitch off the right field foul pole for a 5-2 lead. Mariano Rivera then came on in the 9th for his 5th save of the season.

The nightdream delayed, at least for today.

Notes

Alex Rodriguez left the game prior to the 7th inning after his back and oblique stiffened up. It's not thought to be serious.

Russell Martin finally got a day off with Gustavo Molina making his first start. He went 0-3.

BD Spring Training Report: ‘But Watch Out For In Your Ear’ | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: ‘But Watch Out For In Your Ear’ | Baseball Digest

There is a cardinal rule in baseball to never talk about another team’s woes or do anything to incite said team. The Cincinnati Reds Jonny Gomes may have done that on Wednesday when it was perceived that he was celebrating the St. Louis Cardinals loss of Adam Wainwright (does that make it a double cardinal rule?). The Reds and Cardinals already had bad blood between them last season which led to a bench clearing brawl. Now Gomes’ purported actions might ignite something in 2011.

It was reported that Gomes entered the Reds clubhouse singing “Wainwright’s gone, Wainwright’s gone”. According to Gomes, who already reached out to the Cardinals via a friend on the club, he had appeared on Rob Dibble’s radio show earlier in the day and was informed of Wainwright’s injury. He came into the clubhouse happy because an interview he had to do for the Reds’ scoreboard was pushed back to accommodate the Dibble interview. So he apparently was singing a song from “The Karate Kid” and asked “Is Wainwright gone?”

Huh?

Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “I’ve got to believe that every place said, ‘That’s a hit to that club and that hurts their chances. But I don’t know that anybody is going to be immune this year from going though slumps or injuries. That’s why everybody just takes care of their own business and understands how fragile this stuff is.

“I happen to know Gomes,” he continued. “I don’t think he meant anything by it. And I haven’t even heard for sure what he said. But I like the way he competes.”

LaRussa was prety cryptic with his answer which means when Gomes comes to bat against St. Louis to he had better stay light on his feet.

Newly signed free agent Adrian Beltre will miss two weeks of Texas Rangers camp after being diagnosed with a Grade I strain of his right calf muscle.

Miguel Cabrera finally reported to the Detroit Tigers camp in Lakeland, FL. The organization is working with Cabrera to find treatment, though the 1st baseman will not categorize himself as an alcoholic. “I have it under control,” Cabrera said. “It was just a bad decision. I made a mistake this time, and all I can do is continue treatment. “… I’ve learned a lot of lessons in my life, and this was a tough one.”

He did offer up an apology- ”I am very sorry for what I have done,” Cabrera said through a translator. “I have worked hard for a period of time, and I hope everyone forgives me. All I ask for is forgiveness.”

The Dodgers Vicente Padilla feels great after undergoing elbow surgery for an entrapped radial nerve. He could begin throwing again in 3-4 weeks.

Commissioner Bud Selig has named Joe Torre to the post of Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations. An official announcement will be made on Saturday.

BD Hot Stove: NL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

The Cardinals Shelby Miller coming soon to a ball park near you.

BD Hot Stove: NL Central Prospects | Baseball Digest

It’s the second to last Friday before pitchers and catchers report. Yes, the Hot Stove may be cooling off, but we’re just getting warmed up here at Baseball Digest. Spring training is a time for rejuvenations, the sound of ball popping into mitt and glove, the crack of the bat, the warmth of the Florida or Arizona sun, and the chance to get a glimpse of the talent pool in each organizations. So starting today the Hot Stove takes a look at the top prospect in each organization, beginning with the NL Central. These are some of the kids that will be getting eye balled during the coming month and a half.

NL Central Prospects

Reds: Obviously, Aroldis Chapman is the top man, but he’ll be on the 25 man roster heading North for opening day. The next most popular prospect is catcher Devin Mesoraco (Baseball America rates Billy Hamilton as the #2 guy behind Chapman). Mesoraco was the 15th overall pick in the 2007 draft and was selected from Punxsotawney High School. (No word on if he saw his shadow on draft day.) Listed as 6’1″, 220 lbs, Mesoraco split 99 games in 2010 between High ‘A’ and Double-A ball before a 14 game look at Triple-A Louisville. The 22-yr old should spend the entire season in Triple-A this season after he hit26 home runs last year and put up a combined .302/.377/.587 split.

Mesoraco also showed some good discipline at the plate, drawing 43 walks while striking out just 80 times in 451 plate appearances. As for defense, this from baseball analyst John Sickels, “Defensively, he remains vulnerable to passed balls and excessive errors, but he’s thrown out 40% of runners trying to steal on him, and there seems to be a general consensus that his other defensive issues will get better in time.” Sickels actually did a 180 degree flip on Mesoraco, thinking he was a complete bust prior to the 2010 season. It should be noted that Mesoraco’s development was also slowed by Tommy John surgery in high school.

Cubs: Outfielder Brett Jackson and pitcher Trey McNutt (great name) are the top choices among those in the know. For today, we’re going to focus on Jackson, the 31st overall pick in the 2009 draft. The University of California-Berkley junior was ranked by Baseball America as the second best athlete in his draft class. After posting a .908 OPS in rookie and ‘A’ ball, Jackson showed some of the offensive skills in 2010 that turned scouts on to him. Playing at Dayton (‘A+’) and Tennessee (‘AA’), Jackson showed power (12 HR), speed (30 SB, 14 2B, 12 3B), and the ability to set the table (73 BB, .395 OPS). He will need to cut down considerably on his strikeouts (126) though.

Ranked as the #43 prospect in all of baseball by MLB.com, Jackson should start the season in Double-A, but will make his way to Triple-A Iowa rather quickly.

Cardinals: Without question, Shelby Miller is the top ranked prospect in the St. Louis organization. The hard throwing right-hander was selected 19th overall in the 2009 draft out of Brownwood (TX) High School. He blew away hitters for Quad Cities of the Midwest League (‘A’) last season, striking out 140 over matched batters in 104 1/3 innings. His strikeout to walk ratio was better than 4:1 and he allowed less than a hit an inning.

Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus describes Miller’s delivery as “..free and easy.Classic, almost textbook 3/4 delivery with nothing exaggerated in leg kick, landing, or follow through. Hands remain exceptionally quiet during windup with a quick load of right hand into position and lightning release. Landing is soft, in-line, and well balanced.” Miller’s fastball is generally in the low to mid-90s and is expected to be more consistently in the higher range. He mixes in a low 80′s curve and a low to mid-80′s changeup. Just 19 and ranked 20th among all prospects by MLB.com, Miller is expected to start the season at High-A Palm Beach.

Pirates: Bryce Harper- that’s the player that stood in the way of Jameson Taillon being the first, rather than second, overall pick in this past year’s amateur draft. The 6’7″, 230 lb right-hander has a fastball that topped out at 99 mph in high school, with an excellent curveball and slider. He also has a good change up, but didn’t need to throw it often against high school competition. He has also gotten high marks for his composure on the mound.

Taillon didn’t sign until mid-Augst so he did not pitch at the professional level last season. He’s ticketed for rookie ball this season.

Astros: Another right-handed pitcher is the top prospect for Houston; Jordan Lyles was the 38 overall pick of the 2008, 1st round draft out Hartsville (SC) High School. The 6’4″ pitcher spent most of the last season at Double-A Corpus Christi, posting a 7-9, 3.12 mark with 46 walks and 137 strikeouts in 127 innings pitched. Lyles also saw 31 innings at Triple-A Round Rock, but had much less success (5.40 ERA, 2:1 K to BB ratio). Lyles is not a power pitcher and must be accurate with his upper 80′s to low 90′s two seam fastball to be successful.

This could be a make or break season for Lyles, who should be in Round Rock when the minor league season opens. Once again, Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein: “Lyles has little margin for error, and his inability to blow away hitters led to some struggles following a late-season promotion to Triple-A. Despite his length and a frame that should fill out, he’s not very projectable; it seems like his current velocity already requires effort, leaving many to feel he’s close to his ceiling.”

Brewers: With 2nd baseman Brett Lawrie dealt to Toronto, right-hander Mark Rogers became Milwaukee’s top rated prospect. It was no easy feat for the former #5 pick in the 2004 draft; Rogers missed all of 2007 and 2008 after undergoing shoulder surgery. But he topped 20 starts each of the last two seasons and threw a career high 116 innings in 2010. His command is still a question (72 walks), but he did strikeout nearly a batter an inning and gave up less hits than innings pitched in his 25 starts (All but one were at Double-A Hunstville). For his hard work, Rogers was rewarded with a four game stint with the major league club in September. In 10 innings pitched (two starts), Rogers allowed just two hits, two earned runs, walked three, and struck out 11.

No one questions Rogers’ stuff, but he must get his command under control at Triple-A Nashville this season if he is to eventually make the step up to the majors a permament one.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Andy Pettitte held his retirement press conference this morning in New York, though he never mentioned the word retirement specifically and said you can never say never. That being said, he also said he was happy with his decision and his head and heart were just not up to the grind of another major league season.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal heard the Yankees were “kicking around” the idea of acquiring Scott Kazmir from the Angels. The Yankees front office probably came to their senses a short time later.

Jim Edmonds has decided to return for another year after the results of a physical convinced him to return to the Cardinals. For now he’s on a minor league contract until room can be freed up on the 40 man roster.

The Michael Young trade rumors are alive and well again. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that Texas has once again begun to explore dealing the 3rd baseman. With the signing of free agent hot corner man Adrian Beltre and the acquisition of Mike Napoli to DH, Young could be dealt to shore up the team’s pitching staff.

The Tigers have signed outfielder Timo Perez to a minor league deal. Perez has not been in the majors since 2007.

Juan Cruz will try to come back from shoulder surgery with the Rays organization after inking a minor league deal.

The Dodgers have signed left-handed journeyman Ron Mahay to a minor league deal, while the Orioles added outfielder Randy Winn with a minor league contract.

BD Hot Stove: Beltre Finalizes Deal With Texas | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Beltre Finalizes Deal With Texas | Baseball Digest

While the family and friends of Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven are celebrating their new found fame as baseball hall of fame members, Adrian Beltre’s going to party like it’s 1999 after inking his six year, $96M deal with the Texas Rangers.

Beltre last signed a large free agent contract with the Seattle Mariners in December, 2004. That deal was five years and put $64M in Beltre’s bank account. It also backfired for the Mariners, who never received the production Beltre created as a member of the LA Dodgers. Texas is hoping for better things after Beltre’s big season with the Boston Red Sox in 2010.

The slick fielding 3rd baseman hit .321 last season with 28 home runs and 102 RBI. He also led the American League in doubles and was a first time All-Star. Beltre’s deal includes a provision which allows Texas to void the final year of the contract if Beltre does not reach a certain amount of plate appearances in the fourth and/or final year of the deal. The sixth year would pay him $16M.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Carlos Gonzalez has finalized a seven year contract agreement that will have the Colorado Rockies paying him $80M.

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Braves and recently acquired 2nd baseman Dan Uggla have avoided arbitration with a new five year, $64M contract. Prior to being traded, Uggla reportedly turned down a four year, $48M offer from the Florida Marlins.

Adam LaRoche is the Washington Nationals new 1st baseman after signing a two year, $15M deal. The contract includes an option for 2013 worth $13M/$1M buyout.

Tony Pena Jr., son of the catching standout and a former shortstop, has signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox. The younger Pena converted to pitcher after not being able to hit major league pitching.

Despite a previous report, Mariners infielder Brendan Ryan has NOT signed a two year deal with the club and is still headed to arbitration at this time.

Things are getting desperate in the Bronx. Jon Morosi reports that the Yankees are showing interest in the worn right arm of Jeremy Bonderman.

BD Hot Stove: Vladdy To Regain Halo? | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Vladdy To Regain Halo? | Baseball Digest

t’s a bit hard to imagine, but the Los Angeles Times’ Mike DiGiovanna feels that if the Texas Rangers sign Adrian Beltre there is a good chance Vladimir Guerrerowill return to the Los Angeles Angels.

Vlad is not the player he once was – a 5-tool stud that could throw a ball from the right field wall to home plate on the fly, run like the wind, and could hit any pitch out of the park – but he did bounce back with Texas last season. Serving as the team’s primary DH (he played only 18 games in the outfield), Guerrero hit .300, belted 29 home runs, and drove in 115 runs while posting an .841 OPS. His home run total was his highest in two years; the RBI total his higest in three.

The Angels used Hideki Matsui as their DH last season, but parted ways with him when his one year deal expired. Vlad was an extremely popular teammate and fan favorite during his six seasons in Anaheim, but the Angels let him walk after he played in just 100 games in 2009 (He produced 15 HR, 50 RBI, and a career low .794 OPS). Guerrero’s physical ailments- bad feet and knees in particular – have slowed him and affected his play. At 36 years of age (on Feb. 9) he’s a risk the Angels, who lost out on Carl Crawford and apparently Adrian Beltre, may very well be willing to take after finishing 9th among 14 teams in runs scored last season. On the other hand Texas is willing to let Guerrero go after a poor post-season that saw him produce just 6 RBI in the three playoff series.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Adrian Beltre is indeed getting very close to a six year, $96M deal with the Texas Rangers. That according to team beat writer T.R. Sullivan. The sixth year would reportedly be voided if Beltre doesn’t reach a specified amount of plate appearances in the fifth year.

The Orioles have officially locked up Kevin Gregg with a two year, $10M deal.

The Reds have signed outfielder Jeremy Hermedia to a minor league deal.

The Mariners and infielder Brendan Ryan will not have to go to arbitration after agreeing to a two year, $2.75M contract.

The Giants are talking once again with shortstop Edgar Renteria, who said the team disrespected him in earlier negotations.

BD Hot Stove: Starting The Year Off On The Right Foot | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Starting The Year Off On The Right Foot | Baseball Digest

It’s a new year in the hot stove, but some things haven’t changed since last we met. Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte (who lands on his right foot; hence my poor pun) still hasn’t made up his mind about whether or not to play this year. However, the Bergen Record’s Bob Klapisch expects the Yankees to hear from Pettitte this week and unfortunately for Yankees fans, he expects the Yankees to hear the word retirement.

The Orioles wrapped up their 1st base needs over the holiday weekend, agreeing with Derrek Lee on a one year, $10M contract. The O’s had also negotiated with Adam LaRoche, but the veteran wanted a multi-year deal. LaRoche is now in serious negotiations with the Nationals.

The O’s may be in need of more bullpen help as well. Reliever Alfredo Simon turned himself in to the police in the Dominican Republic after being accused of shooting and killing one man and an injuring another.

ESPN Deportes reports that Adrian Beltre and the Rangers are close to an agreement on a free agent deal. Beltre has reportedly been seeking a guaranteed six year deal.

The Pirates signed pitcher Brian Burres to a minor league deal after non-tendering him earlier this off-season.

Also brought back with a minor league deal after being non-tendered is Red Sox left-hander Hideki Okajima. The set up man was a key part of the 2007 World Series championship.

SI’s Jon Heyman hears the White Sox have some interest in closer Rafael Soriano, though the feeling here is that the price may be too high for Chicago.

BD Hot Stove: Manny Being Unemployed | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Manny Being Unemployed | Baseball Digest

Times have changed and the once mighty have fallen. A few years ago it was unimaginable to think that Manny Ramirez would still be unemployed as 2010 closed out. But indeed it’s a whole new ball game.

First there was Ramirez’s dispicable behavior that led to his outster in Boston. Then came a 50 game suspension for a failed PED test. Followed up by a lackluster 2010 season with the Dodgers that culiminated in another deal, this time to the Chicago White Sox. His time in Chicago was limited to just 24 games, but he produced only a single home run and 2 RBI in 88 plate appearances. Throw in a bunch of injuries, real or imagined and you can see why Manny won’t be raking in the big bucks this winter.

Ramirez will turn 39 two months into the 2011 season and is looked at as strictly a DH at this point. Despite playing in just 66 games with the Dodgers last season, he still showed he could produce- a .915 OPS, eight home runs, and 40 RBI. But you never know when his desire will wane and whether or not he’ll give up 100% all of the time or only when he feels like it. It’s the reason the season may begin without Ramirez. And maybe that will actually be a good thing for him. (Remember the BD Hot Stove motto: “Let the buyer beware.”)

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Blue Jays and Octavio Dotel finally made things official last night on a one year, $3.5M contract.

If text messages are any indications, Andy Pettitte may indeed be retiring. That’s the impression that Mark Teixeira got after exchanging texts with the veteran left-hander this off-season. The Yankees 1st baseman was in the Big Apple for a personal appearance and spoke with reporters.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal was on WFAN in New York this morning and reported that the Angels are still the front-runners to land free agent 3rd baseman Adrian Beltre. Rosenthal also reported in his online column that the Orioles are making a push for 1st baseman Derrek Lee.

MASN.com’s Roch Kubatko hears that the Orioles are very much interested in free agent reliever Grant Balfour.

Royals closer Joakim Soria told a Venezuelan newspaper that he would not block a trade to the Yankees. Soria told Vanguard that his agent, not he, requested a trade clause in his last contract as a strategy going forward. If the Royals were to make a deal with the Yankees, Soria said he would gladly go. Perhaps he’s trying to get something moving ala Zack Greinke.

Rain Moves Yankees Into 1st Place

The Yankees and Red Sox waited 3 1/2 hours before last night's was finally called. (Nice job jerking the fans around even if the fans up there are jerks.)

In the meantime, Bruce Chen of all people pitched a complete 2-hit shutout of the Rays to give the Yankees a half-game lead in the AL East.

The Yankees will play their regularly scheduled game at 4 pm thanks to the bozos at Fox. Andy Pettitte will face Tim Wakefield. The knuckleballer will be filling in for Clay Buchholz, who was scratched due to a sore back.

The nightcap will pit A.J. Burnett against Daisuke Matsuzaka. The game is scheduled to start at 9:05 pm. Again, thanks to the idiots at Fox since the first game doesn't start until 4. The second game will be televised on YES.

This is Burnett's last chance to step up and basically force his way on the ALDS roster. (By the way Bruce Chen has more wins than Burnett.) If it's me, Burnett isn't coming close to being on the ALDS roster.

The Red Sox will also be without Adrian Beltre all weekend. He's gone home to be with his wife who is about to give birth. Since he's a free agent, Boston may have seen Beltre in a Red Sox uniform for hte last time.

Sunday Not in the Park With No George - An AL Look

It's Sunday, August 22...the baseball season is into the full stretch drive. Football is around the corner. And that really annoys me. Love football, but not this soon. I hate seeing people throw a football when I'm down the shore (that's on the beach to you non-Jersey types).

Today we'll just take a look at American League

The AL East race is going to the finish for sure. And I still stand by my words that it will between the Yankees and Rays for the division title as well as the wild card. Boston has hung in remarkably well despite a plethora of injuries, ineffectiveness from Josh Beckett, and a human Jon Papelbon.

Pitching is the key as always. I talked about the Yankees pitching concerns yesterday, and the Rays have them as well with both Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann expected back from the DL this week. Jeremy Hellickson was sent back to the minors to work out of the bullpen, but could still be placed back in the rotation if Davis or Niemann continue to struggle with their health.

Player to Watch - Derek Jeter. Lots of players I could have chosen here, but the Captain needs to be consistent down the stretch to set the table for the Yankees big guns.

The AL Central race should go to the wire as well with the Twins emerging as the cream of the crop. They were my pick all along and that hasn't changed. Now they have a 4 game lead over the White Sox.

The Twins pitching, outside of Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano, has been incredibly inconsistent. Kevin Slowey has been suffering from tendinitis. It caused him to be pulled after 7 no-hit innings two starts ago. Yesterday he lasted only 3 innings. Scott Baker has been better of late and the Twins are recalling Nick Blackburn who has had a miserable year and killed my fantasy team until I kicked him to the curb. But they're still the better all around team.

Player to watch - Jim Thome. The masher has been mashing and that's great news for the Twins, especially since no one knows when and if Justin Morneau will be back.

The AL West is the Texas Rangers division to lose and I don't see that happening. Oakland has crept back to within 6 1/2 games, but this Texas team is too good not to hold on.

Cliff Lee had one of his worst outings yesterday (5.1 IP 8 ER) and has allowed 16 earned runs in his last 19.2 innings pitched. Overall he's 2-4, 4.18 in 9 starts since being acquired from Seattle. Tommy Hunter has crashed back to earth. After an 8-0 start, he's 1-2, 9.40 in his last four starts. He's lasted only three innings in three of those starts.

The Rangers really need Ian Kinsler back in the lineup. He's missed significant time twice this season with ankle and groin injuries and the lineup misses him. But Texas has the guy who is still my front runner for the MVP Award, Josh Hamilton.

The A's have gotten back in the race thanks to young pitchers Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill, and a decent bullpen. A pen that is missing closer Andrew Bailey.

Player to watch - Cliff Lee; he needs to get back on track.

Early Awards

MVP- Josh Hamilton; runner up - Robinson Cano; third - Adrian Beltre

CY Young - There are number of players, including the guy I would like to see win - CC Sabathia- but for now I am going to give a slight edge to David Price. Clay Buchholz, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, and Felix Hernandez are all in the mix.

Manager of the Year - Cito Gaston. The Blue Jays skipper is retiring after this season, just like his mentor Bobby Cox. In baseball's toughest division, Gaston has the Blue Jays playing over .500 and abusing their division rivals. Ozzie Guillen and Ron Washington are also in the mix.

Rookie of the Year - Neftali Feliz. The rookie has stepped right in to close for a first place team and has been outstanding. Others who have shown top form at times - Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Wade Davis, John Jaso, Mitch Talbot, and Reid Brignac.

Biggest surprise - The Chicago White Sox. I really didn't see this coming despite the Chisox rotation. I figured they would have sold off most of their parts by now.

Biggest disappointment - Seattle Mariners, again. Seriously. A team with that much talent that is that bad.

Has his work cut out for him in '11 - Buck Showalter in remaking the Orioles image, ability, and performance.

Worst free agent signing - Nick Johnson; Everyone knew but you Cash.

Best free agent signing - Adrian Beltre; runner up - Carl Pavano

Red Sox: Yo Adrian

Yahoo Sports' Tim Brown has confirmed tonight that the Boston Red Sox and free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre have agreed on a contract. Buster Olney reported earlier that Beltre's deal is for one year and will be for $10 or $10.5 million annually. There is also thought to be an option for 2011.

The Red Sox had tried to move incumbent third baseman Mike Lowell in a deal earlier this off-season, but it fell through when it was determined Lowell would need thumb surgery. It's possible the deal with the Texas Rangers will be revisited during Lowell's recuperation.

Protect Your Manhood

Still cringing after reading on Rotoworld.com that M's third baseman Adrian Beltre went on the DL with an injured testicle. Seriously.

The dude doesn't wear a cup and took one off the boys. Some tearing and some bleeding..geez, cringing more, and a trip to the DL. Seriously a cup, even if it's a beer cup, wear something.

Deadline Deal Rumors

The Manny Ramirez, three team trade is of course the biggest rumor out there. Jayson Stark of ESPN quoted an official in the know as saying there's a 50/50 chance it will happen.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause to accept a trade to the White Sox. No details on the trade itself. The White Sox are reportedly interested in relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt as well. The Chicago Sun-Times also reports the White Sox are interested in acquiring A's closer Huston Street to serve in a set up role to closer Bobby Jenks.

The Twins continue their search for a 3rd baseman. Much talk has been made about their interest in Adrian Beltre (Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins or Denard Span), but the Mariners are reportedly asking for too much in return. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Twins have turned the sights on a lesser player such as the Giants' Rich Aurilia. (Yankees should send them Wilson Betemit..NOW). The Giants are also listening to offers for catcher Bengie Molina and shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The Mariners have clearly lost their minds. Jarrod Washburn has been on a tremendous roll, but their asking price for him is crazy, especially considering he's set to make $10.9 million next season. The Mariners asked the Rockies for top prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers, and were looking for a Jon Niese or Fernando Martinez type prospect from the Mets. The Mariners are also shopping closer J.J. Putz.

Deadline Deal Rumors

The Manny Ramirez, three team trade is of course the biggest rumor out there. Jayson Stark of ESPN quoted an official in the know as saying there's a 50/50 chance it will happen.

Ken Rosenthal reports that Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. is deciding whether or not to waive his no trade clause to accept a trade to the White Sox. No details on the trade itself. The White Sox are reportedly interested in relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt as well. The Chicago Sun-Times also reports the White Sox are interested in acquiring A's closer Huston Street to serve in a set up role to closer Bobby Jenks.

The Twins continue their search for a 3rd baseman. Much talk has been made about their interest in Adrian Beltre (Nick Blackburn, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey, Glen Perkins or Denard Span), but the Mariners are reportedly asking for too much in return. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Twins have turned the sights on a lesser player such as the Giants' Rich Aurilia. (Yankees should send them Wilson Betemit..NOW). The Giants are also listening to offers for catcher Bengie Molina and shortstop Omar Vizquel.

The Mariners have clearly lost their minds. Jarrod Washburn has been on a tremendous roll, but their asking price for him is crazy, especially considering he's set to make $10.9 million next season. The Mariners asked the Rockies for top prospects Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers, and were looking for a Jon Niese or Fernando Martinez type prospect from the Mets. The Mariners are also shopping closer J.J. Putz.

Hump Day Rumors - 7/16 Edition

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Phillies are taking a serious look at A's starter Joe Blanton. The somewhat portly right-hander has scuffled this season, going 5-12, 4.96 in 20 starts, but is a quality starter.

The Miami Herald reported that the Marlins inquired about their former catcher Ivan Rodriguez, but were rebuffed by the Tigers, who said Pudge II was not available.

Not rumor, but fact, criminal charges have been dropped against Rays reliever Al Reyes after his birthday outburst.

The Mets new Citi Field is likely to be the host of the 2013 All-Star game. Shea Stadium has hosted one game.

The Yankees and Mets are among of handful of teams that are keeping tabs on Freddy Garcia's progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

The Twins have been talking to the Mariners about Adrian Beltre, according to the Star Tribune.

The LA Times reported that K-Rod has nixed further negotiations with the Angels and will test the free agent waters.

The Diamondbacks have talked to the Mariners about Raul Ibanez, says the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.