Yankees Need More Sorianos On Their Roster

If not for Rafael and Alfonso Soriano, the Yankees would not have been in the ALCS in 2012 or in any playoff race this season. Before opting out of his contract to get a big money closer deal in Washington, Rafael Soriano saved the Yankees 2012 season after Mariano Rivera blew out his knee in May.

The acquisition of Alfonso Soriano at the 2013 Major League non-waiver trade deadline has been one of the best moves in baseball this season. Soriano showed his value again on Wednesday night when he hit a solo home run and then added a 2-run shot in the game deciding 4-run 8th inning. The Yankees 7-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles moved them back to within two games of the Tampa Bay Rays, the current holder of the number two wild card spot.

Soriano joined Manny Ramirez, Carlos Beltran David Justice, Mark McGwire, and Fred McGriff as the only players to hit 15 or more home runs with two teams in the same season. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Soriano also joined McGwire as the only players to have three or more mulit-home run games with two different teams in the same year.

Soriano hit 17 home runs, drove in 51 runs, and had a .754 OPS with the Cubs prior to the trade that brought him to New York on July 26. In just 43 games in his second turn in pinstripes, Soriano has 15 home runs, 47 RBI and an .846 OPS.

The Yankees have had a better lineup than the Cubs, but the numbers are still phenomenal for the 37-year old. Whether or not the Yankees make the playoffs, Soriano could garner some American League Most Valuable Player votes despite playing just a half season in the junior circuit.

It's not unprecedented for a player to be in the running or win a regular season award despite not spending the entire season in one league. In June, 1984 the Cleveland Indians dealt pitcher Rick Sutcliffe to the Chicago Cubs. Sutcliffe had an extra month and a half over Soriano, but his number of starts were not that uneven. Sutcliffe captured the NL Cy Young Award when he went 16-1, 2.69 in 20 starts for the Cubbies. He had started the season just 4-5, 5.15 in 15 starts with the Tribe.

Soriano's teammate CC Sabathia finished 5th in the NL Cy Young voting when he went 11-2, 1.65 with 7 complete games for Milwaukee in 2008.  With free agency pending, the Indians dealt Sabathia on July 7 after he had compiled a 6-8 record with a 3.83 ERA.

Ramirez finished 4th in the National League MVP Award despite playing in just 53 games for the LA Dodgers in 2008. Ramirez put up good numbers for Boston with a .926 OPS, 20 HR and 68 RBI in 100 games prior to being run out of town on July 31. He was unconscious for LA though - a 1.232 OPS, 17 HR and 53 RBI.

Carlos Beltran could certainly have finished higher than 12th in the NL MVP voting in 2004. After his acquisition from Kansas City, Beltran had a .926 OPS, 23 HR and 53 RBI in 90 games for the Houston Astros. He also stole 28 bases without being caught. With more emphasis on batting average nearly 10 years ago, perhaps Beltran's .258 mark hurt him in the voting.

Whether Soriano gets recognition during awards season or not, the Yankees know they would be nowhere without the Dominican native.

There are three other Sorianos in minor league baseball today, though none are in the Yankees organization...yet.

Ariel Soriano, 22-year old utility player in the Rays organization
Francisco Soriano, 26-year old pitchers in the Nats organization
Wilson Soriano, 21-year old utility player in the Rockies organization

Jason Bay Signs to Play at Yosemite

My expression is better than gymnast Maroney's

One of the most disastrous free agent deals of the last decade (not as bad as Carl Pavano's) was the NY Mets signing of outfielder Jason Bay prior to the 2009 season.  It was a four year deal worth $66MM with opportunities to increase the dollar amount.

Bay went from hitter friendly Fenway Park to the spacious new Citi Field and the rest is misery. Bay made up for the loss of Manny Ramirez in Boston when he slugged 36 HRs and drove in 119 runs in 2008.  It led to a 7th place finish in the AL MVP voting and the shiny new deal with the Mets.

But Bay was constantly battling injuries in New York, the worst of which was a bad back that drained him of his power. He hit 26 home runs and drove in 104 runs over three seasons and averaged just 96 games a year.

The Mets finally gave up this off-season and released the 34-year old native of Canada on November 7th with  one year left on his deal. (The Mets and Bay reached a financial agreement that included deferred money, and Bay became a free agent.)

First things first, if you're a hitter you want to find a home ball park that is conducive to hitting.  Of course in Bay's case, team's weren't knocking down his door based on his last three seasons. The Seattle Mariners did have interest and were willing to gamble. They reached a one year agreement yesterday for an undisclosed (low) amount of money.

Yes, after playing at spacious Citi Field, Bay signed with a team whose home park is always referred to as a "pitcher's park".

Good luck with that.

YCN: Greatest Yankees-Indians Games

Photo Courtesy of NYDN

This weekend's Yankees-Indians series was pretty boring, but that has not always been the case when the two met.

Great players like Allie Reynolds faced off with Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller. Bernie Williams, Paul O'Neill, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera squared off with the likes of Jim Thome, David Justice, Manny Ramirez, and Travis Fryman.

So what were the best 5 games between the two teams....click here and read my latest piece for the Yahoo Contributor Network.

FullCountPitch | April Free Agents: Booms and Busts

With the first month of the season ending, it’s time to take the temperature on the best and worst free agent signings of this past off-season.

BUSTS

As I sat there watching the New York Yankees-Chicago White Sox game Tuesday night, one of the top busts so far came into my view. With a 2-1 lead to protect in the 8th inning, Rafael Soriano surrendered a go-ahead 2-run home run to Paul Konerko. Things started out well enough for the 2010 closer-turned-set-up-man as he cruised through the 8th inning in his first two appearances to help Mariano Rivera earn a pair of saves. But since then, Soriano’s appearances haven’t gone so smoothly. There a was blown 4-0 lead and Yankees loss to Minnesota on April 5. A 5-0 lead against Texas turned into a save situation on the 16th, and back-to-back bad nights against the White Sox on Monday (he allowed an insurance run and gave up on a low pop up) and Tuesday.

Click here to read the rest of the (always) free column at fullcountpitch.com

Lance Berkman Bartolo Colon Freddy Garcia Russell Martin Carl Crawford Adam Dunn Manny Ramirez

Breaking News: Manny Ramirez Retires | Baseball Digest

Breaking News: Manny Ramirez Retires | Baseball Digest

Tampa Bay Rays’ DH Manny Ramirez has announced his retirement, effective immediately, reportedly to avoid the 100 game suspension he would face for failing a second MLB drug test.

Ramirez informed MLB of his decision shortly after learning from the league that there was another issue with a drug test. Ramirez was suspended for 50 games in 2009 for violating the league’s drug policy. He was just 1-17 in his first season with Tampa Bay and retires with 555 home runs.

Ramirez’s initial failed drug test may have prevented his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, but a second violation certainly will close the doors to the Hall for him.

BD Spring Training Report: I Wonder | Baseball Digest

BD Spring Training Report: I Wonder | Baseball Digest

It’s a relaxing Friday night. We’re sitting around enjoying the last of the above normal warm weather in the Northeast as winter’s cold air prepares to return tomorrow. I think it’s definitely time for us to play a game of ”I wonder”. Please feel free to play along at home.

I wonder if the Wilpon Family-Bernie Madoff mess will be a distraction for the Mets during the season. It’s already become a distraction on NYC talk radio where WFAN’sMike Francesa has been discussing the Ponzi scheme the entire week. The Wilpons and others are also being investigated as to whether or not they were aware of any wrong doing. For his part Madoff told reporters that the Wilpons were not aware of the scheme.

I wonder if Albert Pujols will wear a Chicago Cubs uniform next year. Can you imagine? Think of your favorite player in any sport. Now think of the biggest rivals of that team. Now think of that player in one of those other team’s uniform. Roger Clemens wearing Yankees pinstripes. Brett Favre in Vikings purple.Leo Durocher managing the NY Giants. Those all did happen.

I wonder who the first player will be, that was hedging about returning in 2011, to retire before the regular season starts. I wonder no more on that one. Jim Edmonds of the Cardinals decided to call it quits today after a 17 year career. Edmonds underwent surgery recently to relieve pain in an achilles tendon and decided not to risk permanent damage. He retires with 393 career home runs, 1,199 RBI, and 8 Gold Gloves. Happy retirement to one of the most exciting centerfielders to watch.

I wonder who will be the first player, who retired after last season, to return this season. My money is on the Yankees’ Andy Pettitte. Though he is strong in his convictions and said there’s no way he’s pitching this year, he also said never say never. Perhaps a July return. Even Jorge Posada has a hunch he’ll back this year.

I wonder if Felix Hernandez will still be a Seattle Mariner when the trade deadline passes. I’m thinking not, no matter how much the Seattle front office says otherwise.

I wonder if Justin Morneau will have a healthy, concussion free season. This is a very worrisome situation for one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball. This is a great career that could easily get derailed even if another concussion does not occur. Morneau has been cleared to take part in spring training drills, but has not yet been cleared to play in games. Morneau’s concussion occurred last July!

I wonder if Manny Ramirez will a) play in more than 120 games b) hit 30 or more home runs c) come up with a lame injury. I’m not sure about a or b, but c is pretty much a definite.

I wonder if Bryce Harper will tear apart minor league pitching and if he’ll get a September call up. Yes and yes- Harper should terrorize lower minor league pitching (He’ll play at two levels at the very least) and will be brought up in September to put some fannies in the seats.

I wonder if Don Mattingly will make a good Major League manager. Being a great/very good ball player doesn’t guarantee success (Ted Williams was one of the many that found that out). Relationships change when you go from player to coach and coach to manager. I think he’ll be successful as long as heremembers what constitutes a trip to the mound.

I wonder if Bud Selig will get his wish in 2012 or shortly thereafter to expand the MLB playoffs. My answer is a resounding yes, because this has nothing to do with baseball. It’s all about greed.

I wonder what I’ll write about next week. Stay tuned.

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Manny, Damon Sign; Angels-Jays Trade | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Manny, Damon Sign; Angels-Jays Trade | Baseball Digest

A very dormant period in the hot stove heated up Friday evening. The Tampa Bay Rays announced they had agreed on one year deals with both Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon.

Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal is reporting that, pending physicals, the Los Angeles Angels are set to send catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder Juan Rivera to the Toronto Blue Jays for long time centerfielder Vernon Wells.

The Wells became an immediate candidate to be traded once the larger portion of the seven year contract extension he signed in 2006 kicked in. Whereas Wells made $12.5M in 2010, his salary jumps to $23M for 2011. He’s then set to receive $21M in each of the next three seasons (2012-2014) of the contract. In a bit of stunning move, the Angels are going to pick up the remaining $86M owed the outfielder.

Wells was a four tool player that provided All-Star type seasons from 2002-2006 with major offensive output and Gold Glove defense. But injuries took their toll, leading to missed games, a loss of power, and a drop off in his overall offensive game. He bounced back last season with 31 home runs and the Blue Jays had to have realized there would never be a better time to try to deal him.

Napoli, 29, is one of the best power hitting catchers in baseball, having averaged 22 home runs the last three seasons. However, he is ranked at the bottom of major league catchers in defense. He will provide a veteran presence for the Jays and help stud catching prospect J.P. Arencibia break into the majors. Napoli made $3.6M last season and is arbitration eligible this season.

Rivera has been with the Angels since 2005 and is a ten year veteran. The 32-yr old will provide the Jays with depth in the outfield, 1st base and DH, and as well as some additional power. He’s in the final year of a three year deal that will pay him $5.25M.

After spending over 14 seasons in Cleveland (7) and Boston (7+) combined, Ramirez is with his fourth team in the last four years. He’s coming off a season in which, due to mounting injuries, he appeared in just 66 games with the Dodgers and 24 with the White Sox. He was productive (.915 OPS) in LA, but the organization grew weary of him and put him on waivers in late August. Chicago claimed him and the LA said, “you can have him”. He was basically useless with the White Sox and was having trouble finding a taker this off-season. Ramirez will reportedly on receive $2M from the Rays to be their primary designated hitter for a year. Ramirez, who will turn 39 in May, will enter the season with 555 career home runs.

Damon will be playing with his third team in the AL East (Boston, NYY) and signed a one year, $5.25M deal. There’s another $700K in incentives included. Damon should see some time in left field due to the departure of Carl Crawford and will get some ABs at DH as he reunites with Ramirez. Damon, 37, started out like a house afire with the Tigers last April, hitting .329 with 12 RBI, nine doubles, and a triple. But he slumped for much of the remainder of the season, finishing with the second lowest OPS (.756) of his last seven seasons.

BD Hot Stove: You Won’t Be Sori | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: You Won’t Be Sori | Baseball Digest

While many a set up man has inked a pricey, multi-year deal, closer Rafael Soriano has sat back and waited. Waited for the right situation- be it money, length of contract or team. So today the hot stove will focus on the possible landing spots for a hard throwing right-hander that nailed down 45 saves in 48 opportunities last season.

As a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, Soriano held opponents to a .163 batting average and had a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio in 2010. He allowed just 36 hits and 14 walks in 62.1 innings pitched. His numbers far outweigh those of other relievers already signed and is looking for money equivalent to a pitcher of his stature. Fellow free agent Mariano Rivera received $15M per season on a two year deal from the Yankees. With the Red Sox signing inconsistent closer Bobby Jenks to a two year, $12M deal (albeit to set up for now), Soriano’s money total should fall somewhere in between.

Soriano is just 31 years of age and has made 141 appearances over the last two seasons after missing most of 2008 campaign with an elbow injury. The time is now for him to grab major money, but who is left to give it to him?

AL East

There are a number of fans and members of the media who feel the Yankees will go hard after Soriano. Some think it depends on whether or not Andy Pettitte returns. Really one should have nothing to do with the other. Pettitte should affect the starting rotation and the rotation only. The Yankees would love to have Soriano to set up and serve as insurance for Rivera, but would Soriano be willing to take possibly a one year deal (not likely) and serve in a set up capacity (maybe)?

The Red Sox are the only other team that has the money to sign Soriano, but they’re big spending is done.

AL Central

The White Sox have spent a lot of money this winter, primarily on shoring up their offense. With Jenks gone, and no established closer, Soriano would be a good fit. But he may not be a fit for the payroll. Still, I can see Kenny Williams making Soriano an offer he can’t refuse.

Everyone else in the division has an established closer, can’t afford Soriano, and/or isn’t good enough to invest in him.

AL West

The Rangers have already said they’ll pass on Soriano, and they’ll stick to that answer. A’s GM Billy Beane makes some crazy signings/trades (Ben Sheets, Matt Holliday) in hopes of getting a huge return in a deadline deal, but that’s not happening this time around. The Mariners aren’t going to invest in a closer when they’re team is so mediocre. That leaves the Angels who have not been able to spend owner Artie Moreno’s money this winter. It may not make a lot of sense for the Angels true needs, but the Halos could have a great one-two punch with Scott Downs, whom the Angels gave a three year, $15M deal, out of the bullpen. It would also mean guaranteeing Soriano at least three years.

NL East

The Phillies won’t say it, but if they could get a taker for Brad Lidge, they certainly would try to sign Soriano. If the Nationals have money left after Jayson Werth’s signing, I could see them making a strong bid so that a youngster like Drew Storen isn’t thrust into the closer’s role just yet. No one else in the division has the money to make this sort of move.

NL Central

Pirates? Not happening Reds? Unless they move Francisco Cordero, not happening. Astros? They need bats not arms. Cardinals? Ryan Franklin is the guy, though like the Angels they could make a good one-two punch. But who would close? Cubs? Already set with Marmol and Wood.

NL West

The Giants are the kind of team that has the money to bring in Soriano, but with Brian Wilson the closer incumbent on a World Series winner, it’s not likely to happen. Though GM Brian Sabean could put some floaters out there to see if Soriano would set up for the right price.

The Rockies could certainly make a solid offer and combine him with Huston Street or possibly then move Street.

At some other point the Dodgers would certainly be contenders, but their too busy fighting over custody of 2nd base and the Padres don’t have enough in the collection basket.

Wild guess – Soriano ends up as a White Sox. Long shot- SF Giant.

Rumors, News, Transactions

Edgar Renteria’s hometown newspaper “El Heraldo” reports that the native of Barrinquilla, Colombia has signed a one year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. It will be Renteria’s 7th team in his 15 year career. The deal is said to be worth $3M plus incentives.

Jon Heyman reports the Yankees are willing to offer Andy Pettitte $12M or $13M to return in 2011. It may take more than that.

Another reliever still on the market is lefty Brian Fuentes, who has told teams he wants to close. Good luck with that.

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports that the Orioles, Angels, and Rays are interested in free agentVlad Guerrero, and the Rays also have some interest in Manny Ramirez.

The Phillies have signed veteran Delwyn Young to a minor league deal.

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.

Head Idiot Back With Old Town Team?

Rumors are circulating that Johnny Damon, waived by the Detroit Tigers, has been claimed by none other than his old team the Boston Red Sox. None of this of course has been verified as of yet.

Perhaps Boston can claim Manny Ramirez too.

Time to Call It A Day

There are a number of teams still in the MLB playoff race, but there are a number of teams that should be calling it quits by September 1. That's the day rosters expand and must include players that are to be part of a playoff squad.

A number of teams were buyers at the trade deadline when they clearly shouldn't have been. Between now and 9/1, some of those teams should be looking to waive dead weight and/or trade players to true contenders.

Johnny Damon - The Tigers are dead in the AL Central (9) and Wildcard (14) races. Damon signed a 1 year, $8 million deal in the off-season and is an ideal candidate for the Tigers to move. After a great start in April, Damon absolutely stunk over the next two months before a semi-revival in July. He's started August just 4-22, but perhaps all that could change if he is into a pennant race. Then again he's hitting just .268 against right-handers.

Manny Ramirez - The Dodgers were aggressive at the deadline, getting Ted Lilly among others. But LA is going nowhere. They're 8 back in the NL West and 7 back of division rival San Fran in the Wildcard. Time to throw Manny out there and see if there are takers. The downside of course is that he's on the DL right now with a bad calf. He then aggravated it this past week, but delayed an MRI after feeling claustrophobic. (Not sure why he would have to go in head first for a calf?) Because of the uncertainty, Manny being Nuthead is likely to pass through waivers unclaimed, allowing the Dodgers to move him to his next port of call.

Adam Dunn - The Nats were never in it, but if a team has claimed (as rumored) Dunn, Washington is crazy not to move the big slugger. You can always bring him back, but getting nothing for him other than draft picks is absurd. Dunn blasted a pair of 3-run blasts last night, causing GMs everywhere to salivate.

The Mets - Sorry Mets fans, but you know better than anyone that this team is finished. Some minor moves today- released Alex Cora, sent down Jesus Feliciano, called up Fernando Martinez and Ruben Tejada. It's time for the Mets to start making major moves, most likely in the off-season. But if you can move Jose Reyes with good results, go for it. The Mets need a change and it should start with their oft-injured, oft-under performing shortstop. Someone would probably take Jeff Francoeur. Unfortunately, no wants Luis Castillo.

Hideki Matsui - Oh beloved Godzilla; World Series hero; poor 2010 performer. Sorry for that last one, but so true. With the Angels getting further and further behind in the AL West and Wildcard races (10, 12 respectively), Tony Reagins should be moving "The Hideki" to a contender. Juan Rivera too. Torii Hunter too. The once proud centerfielder said he can't handle the position any more. With two years left on Hunter's deal, Reagins should look for a taker.

A-Rod and Yankees Take Round 1 in LA

Alex Rodriguez decided at some point last year to talk with his bat rather than his mouth. That wasn't more evident than the week leading up to the Yankees-Dodgers series and its corresponding Joe Torre reunion this weekend.

A-Rod and Torre didn't have any meet and greets beforehand, but A-Rod's bat certainly got his former manager's attention. The third baseman snapped a 1-1 tie in the 6th with his 10th home run of the year and the Yankees took the first game of the series, 2-1.

CC Sabathia (9-3) never played for Torre, but gave him a game to remember. After struggling with his control early, the big man bore down and limited the Dodgers to four hits over eight innings. He also protected his teammates when he drilled Vincente Padilla (1-2) in the leg after Padilla hit Robinson Cano. Padilla had also left his mark last year when he hit Mark Teixeira twice in the same game while pitching for the Texas Rangers.

Torre also now knows how it feels to have Mariano Rivera close out your loss. Rivera did it in style, striking out Manny Ramirez, Matt Kemp, and James Loney in the 9th for his 17th save.

The Dodgers took advantage of Sabathia's early lack of command to pick up their only run in the 1st inning. Rafael Furcal drew a lead off walk, swiped second base and scored on Ramirez's single. The Yankees tied it in the 2nd when A-Rod reached on a lead off double and scored on a one out single by Jorge Posada.

Notes

"Manny being Manny" dropped a fly ball in the 8th that gave the Yankees an opportunity for an insurance run, but Padilla retired Jorge Posada and Nick Swisher to escape the jam.

James Loney was ejected from the ball game, even though the ball game was over, when he was called out on strikes by home plate ump Phil Cuzzi. That set off hitting coach Don Mattingly who screamed at Cuzzi as he walked off the field.

A-Rod's home run was the 593rd of his career.

Derek Jeter turns 36 on Saturday.

Baseball Moves On

While Yankees fans were busy attending the victory parade or watching it on TV, the front office of the other 29 teams were keeping busy. It's not even the general manager's meetings or Hot Stove time, but deals were already made today.

Carlos Gomez, a key player in the Johan Santana deal between the Mets and Twins, was sent back to the National League for the Brewers' J.J. Hardy. Gomez became a role player this year after Denard Span took over the Twins center field spot. He stole 33 bases in 2008, but posted just a .298 on-base percentage. Things got worse in '09 as Gomez's OBP dipped to just .287.

Hardy's stock had plummeted in Milwaukee. After averaging 25 home runs in 77 RBI in 2007-2008, Hardy hit just .229 this past season with 11 HR and 47 RBI. The Twins used the light hitting Nick Punto, Brendan Harris, and Matt Tolbert as shortstop this past season.

The White Sox acquired veteran Mark Teahen from the Kansas City Royals for infielders Josh Fields and Chris Getz, and cash. Teahen could be the Yankees regular third baseman or could move to right field to replace Jermaine Dye. The White Sox declined Dye's option for 2010 making the outfielder a free agent.

Deals actually began earlier this week when Tampa Bay sent Japanese import Aki Iwamura to the Pittsburgh Pirates (they don't just acquire Yankees pitchers) for pitcher Jesse Chavez. Iwamura missed much of the '09 season with a torn ACL.

Oh how Jeremy Hermida's stock has fallen. The one time major prospect in the Florida Marlins organization was dealt to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday for pitchers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. After hitting .296-18-63 with an .870 OPS in 2007, Hermida's run production and OBP dipped the last two seasons. The left-handed hitter especially struggled against southpaws, hitting just .189.



Other moves:

The Phillies picked up the option on Cliff Lee for 2010. The Dodgers did the same for Manny Ramirez, while the Diamondbacks picked up pitcher Brandon Webb's option.
Fomer Yankee Bobby Abreu will stay in Anaheim after signing a new 2-yr, $19 million deal with the LA Angels. His former teammate Scott Proctor has signed a minor league deal with the Braves.

The Mariners claimed one time Mets prospect Yusmeiro Petit from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dbacks also declined the option on Chad Tracy.

Other players who will be free agents after having their options declined - Miguel Olivo (KC), Coco Crisp (KC), J.J. Putz (Mets), Yorvit Torrealba (Col), David Weathers (Mil), and Austin Kearns (Wash).

The Red Sox are Cheaters

Comparing sources?

What a divine day for New York Yankees fans. I didn't have a chance to chime in earlier on the news that both David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are on the list of 104 failed steroid tests in 2003. Red Sox 3rd World Nation now has its' collective tails tucked between their legs. No longer can they say the Yankees titles are tainted or mock A-Rod and others.

"I would suggest everybody get tested, not random, everybody," he said. "You go team by team. You test everybody three, four times a year and that's about it." - David Ortiz, Feb., 2009

Ah yes, Big Papi...so are you willing to walk away from the game for a year? Ortiz claimed he didn't know he failed, yet all those who did were informed at the time. Ortiz has also been quoted as saying he once drank a supplement shake and he really wasn't sure what was in it. Nice set up there Papi in case you ever fail a test. Ortiz won't comment further on the report until he gets more info.

This of course is no shock. Ortiz stunk with the Twins and suddenly emerged with the Red Sox. Perhaps we now know why.

And of course there is the Man-child. Failed a test this year, so obviously it was no shock that Ramirez failed a test prior to this.

And again I shake my head at Bud Selig for looking the other way for so long and helping to damage baseball for a decade. You had no idea, puh-lease.

Finally, choke on Boston. :)

We Hate Steroids, if it's Not Our Guy

Just read a feature by Yahoo! Sports' Steve Henson concerning his perception that fans are caring less and less if players use performance enhancing drugs. The article, in part, was spurred on by the huge standing ovation Manny Ramirez received upon his return to Dodger Stadium last night.

While Henson made many valid points, we beg to differ. Fans do care about PEDs...if it is not their player. Alex Rodriguez already received boos throughout baseball before his forced admonition that he cheated. But now he is vilified even louder by fans on the road. Do you think if it came out that David Ortiz was using PEDs during the Red Sox' World Series run in 2004 that anyone in Fenway Park would care? But they would still call A-Rod a cheater.

Just look at the way Barry Bonds was loved in the Bay area during his run at Hank Aaron's home run record, and the disdain that is still shown towards Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmiero and other big names that are no longer in the game.

The star players are also the true targets- no one cares that Sergio Mitre or J.C. Romero were suspended.

The player's personality obviously affects attitudes too. Yankees fan loved Jason Giambi, seeing him as a flawed individual, and generally, a nice guy. But he did have to win the fans back after his body broke down and he made his version of an apology (without openly admitting what it was for).

And finally, it all comes down to the player's success or failure. Do you think Mannywood will still be cheering Man-Ram if he's hitting .230 in September?

For me personally, it's a difficult situation. I don't want A-Rod to fail because I want the Yankees to win. But I do not have the same regard for him as a ball player (never had much regard for him as a person).

So just like with your friends or family, you accept baseball, warts and all. Unfortunately, no matter how things are perceived, baseball will never be the same.

Red Sox Titles are Tainted

What? You thought we were going to let you off the hook? We heard all the nonsense when Clemens, Pettitte, Knoblauch, etc. were caught with their pants down (oh no, images of Clemens and Steve Donahue again).

So now it's Manny's turn to come out of the closet labratory. So yes, your titles are as tainted as ours. We're sure you'll deny that Manny ever did PEDs when a member of the Red Sox. Yeah, okay.

Just wait until more Red Sox are revealed over time. Time to make you suffer anew.

Breaking News: Manny Suspended for PED!

The LA Times is reporting that Manny Ramirez will be suspended by MLB for the use of performance enhancing drugs. The 50 game suspension most likely will begin with tonight's game.

Ramirez becomes, by far, the highest profile file player to be hit with a suspension. The Times reports that Ramirez will blame the medication he was given for a personal issue.

Right off the bat, we're wondering what effect this might have when it comes time to vote Manny into the Hall of Fame. There's no reason not to think he's been using a performance enhancing drug all along.

Ramirez will not be eligible to return until July 3.

Stinko de Mayo in the Bronx

Minny-Manny Keeps Yankees at Bay

May 5th, 2009 • Related • Filed Under

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Jason Bay • Joba 12 strikeouts • joba chamberlain • Josh Beckett • Manny Ramirez • mark melancon • Yankees recap 5/5 • Yankees vs. Red Sox

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Boston	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	1		7	8	1
NY Yankees	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0		3	10	1

The Boston Red Sox refused to trade Manny Ramirez last season until they were sure they would receive a special player in return. Not only did they get that player, but Jason Bay has supplanted Ramirez as a Yankee killer. Tuesday night Bay struck again, belting a 3-run, 1st inning home run off of Joba Chamberlain to lead the Red Sox to a 7-3 victory. The win completed a sweep of the brief 2-game series and put the season series at 5-0 in favor of the Red Sox.

If you turned the game on after the 1st inning you would have thought Chamberlain was having the best start of his career. And in some ways you’d be right. Chamberlain struck out a career high 12 hitters in 5.2 innings, but his lack of command in the 1st inning destined the game to be a loss. His pitches laid flat in the strike zone and Boston jumped all over them.

Jacoby Ellsbury, who later the left the game with a sore hamstring, led off the 1st with a single and promptly stole 2nd base. Singles by Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz brought Ellsbury home and Bay destroyed a Chamberlain hanger for his 7th home run of the season and a 4-0 Boston lead. In the five meetings between the two teams, Bay is 10-18 (.555) with 3 home runs, 10 RBI, 2 doubles, 6 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases.

Josh Beckett, who allowed 15 runs in his last two starts, gave Boston a quality start this time out. He escaped 1st inning trouble when he retired Robinson Cano on a 2-on, 2-out pop up, but the Yankees made it a ball game in the 3rd. Johnny Damon followed back to back singles by Jose Molina and Derek Jeter with a 3-run shot to right to cut the lead to a single run. It was Damon’s 6th home run of the season and third in the last five games.

Meanwhile, Chamberlain began to dominate. He struck out two batters in both the 2nd and 3rd innings, then struck out the side (plus a walk) in the 4th. He put two men on in the 5th, but struck out the side again, freezing Mike Lowell looking to end the frame. Joe Girardi was understandably booed when he pulled Chamberlain after the emotional right-hander blew away J.D. Drew and Jeff Bailey to start the 6th. But Chamberlain’s final pitch was his 108th and the Yankees wisely protected their young star. The only problem being that meant going to the bullpen.

Jose Veras and Phil Coke recorded four outs, but the Red Sox scored a pair of unearned runs against Jonathan Albaladejo in the eighth. Bay reached 1st base safely when Ramiro Pena couldn’t come up with his grounder on the sloppy surface, and then proceeded to steal 2nd base. Lowell’s ground out moved Bay to 3rd before the Red Sox loaded the bases on a walk to Drew and a hit batsmen (Bailey). Jason Varitek’s sac fly brought home Bay for a 5-3 lead and Nick Green added another run when he punched a single threw the right side.

The Yankees stranded runners in scoring position in both the 4th and 6th innings and then went down meekly after the bullpen took over for Beckett in the 7th inning.

Game Notes

Melky Cabrera was 3-4 and extended his hitting streak to 9 games. He’s 14-35 (.400) during the stretch and has firmly replaced Brett Gardner in center field. Gardner pinch-hit in the 9th and struck out looking.

Mark Melancon had a horrible night. He walked the first three hitters in the 9th and was pulled with a 2-0 count on Lowell.

With .2 innings pitched on Tuesday, Phil Coke has not been scored on in nine straight appearances.

The Yankees finish up the current homestand with a two game series with the Tampa Bay Rays. A.J. Burnett kicks things off Wednesay night when he faces Andy Sonnanstine.

Around the Horn - St. Patrick's Day

A happy green day to everyone. Phillies fans are hoping the luck of the Irish will help out Cole Hamels. The left-hander's MRI came out negative as far as structural damage goes, but just what is causing the ace's pain?

Julio Lugo will be out of the Boston lineup until probably the end of April after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Jed Lowrie will fill at shortstop in the meantime.

Marlins pitcher Matt Lindstrom took exception to a slow home run trot in the WBC the other night and threw behind the next batter. Shortly there after Lindstrom had to leave the game with shoulder pain. Turns out Lindstrom was hurting before the game and didn't tell anyone (here we go again). An examination revealed a strained rotator cuff that will shut down Lindstrom for 7-10 days.

Team USA has been bitten by the injury bug. In addition to Lindstrom, Dustin Pedroia (strained oblique), Ryan Braun (strained intercostal muscle), Chipper Jones (minor oblique strain), and David Wright (rung bell) have all suffered injuries.

Manny Ramirez will sit out the remainder of the week with a hamstring strain. Manny was quoted as saying, "I'm getting old." That didn't seem to be an issue when he wanted a $100 million contract.

Vernon Wells is almost ready to suit up for a spring training game. He's begun swinging the bat in Blue Jays intrasquad games as he makes his way back from an injured hamstring.

Breaking News: A-Rod out 10 Weeks with Hip Surgery

ESPNdeportes is reporting, courtesy of A-Rod's brother, that the third baseman will be out 6-10 weeks to undergo hip surgery. The Yankees have not acknowledged the information, but A-Rod reportedly will have the surgery done in Colorado on Monday, by top hip guy, Dr. Michael Philippon.

It's a blow to the Yankees hopes of getting off to a good start, but thankfully, much of the time missed will be during spring training. It makes the signings of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett even more significant to keep games lower scoring.

This means that Cody Ransom will most likely be the starting third baseman, with Angel Berroa serving as the utility infielder. It also means there is no way that Brian Cashman can trade Xavier Nady or Nick Swisher. It also means there is no way the Yankees should move Mark Teixeira back to his old third base position.

It also means Yankees fans should not start saying they should have signed Manny Ramirez, or that they should go out and get a player to replace A-Rod.