Carlos Gomez Shouldn't Mess With a Brian McCann Team

Houston Astros outfielder Carlos Gomez has a flair, for shall we say, the dramatic. He plays passionately and that was on display Tuesday night in the Bronx when Gomez hit a routine fly out. The problem was Gomez flipped his bat in doing so, as well as yelled at himself. The problem was the Astros were up 9-0 over the New York Yankees and the Yankees did not want to see or hear Gomez' actions.

So much so that the Yankees bench, Joe Girardi included, began shouting at Gomez, who in turn repeatedly yelled shut up. It wouldn't be a surprise if one of those players involved on the bench was catcher Brian McCann. The Yankees regular backstop had the night off, but he is all too familiar with Gomez' antics.

Case in point - Gomez' Brewers vs. McCann's Braves two years ago. McCann's backup John Ryan Murphy had a few choice words for Gomez as well. You just get the feeling that not too many of Gomez' teammates care for his shtick either.

Roger Clemens Chronicles Mo's Career and Tells Him Not To Go

Roger Clemens has been in the news a lot during and after his playing career, but this morning's Houston Chronicle featured Roger Clemens, the writer. Below is the column Clemens wrote in tribute to Mariano Rivera, his teammate from 1999-2003, 2007.

Clemens will also take part in the ceremony honoring Rivera this weekend in Houston. Hopefully it won't be the same day as Andy Pettitte's start.  Awkward!

Clemens regrets seeing Rivera call it a career

By Roger Clemens

September 27, 2013

The bullpen doors slowly open at Yankee Stadium, and No. 42 comes out with that cool jog, glove in his right hand headed toward me.

As he gets to the mound, I put what will be my 300th-win game ball in his hand.

As I leave the mound in front of 50,000 fans, I know that there aren't too many "for sure" things in this world, but having Mariano Rivera take over for you for the last three outs of a major league game is as close as you are ever going to get.

After 19 years, including this incredible season in which he returned from last year's devastating knee injury, Rivera has said he will retire.

I'll say it just like everyone else is saying: "Please don't go, Mo."

Is it possible to have one of your best seasons ever after having a devastating knee injury?

Is it possible to get Comeback Player of the Year and then retire?

Is it possible to be in the top five in the MVP and Cy Young Award voting and retire?

As I write down "YES" to all of the above, in my mind I can hear "Enter Sandman."

In 19 seasons, he saved games with really only one pitch, "the cutter."

Basically what a pure pitcher would call a "true slider." Mo threw his cutter between 90 and 95 mph a few years back. His velocity now with the cutter sits between 88-91.

The other three weapons he features are a two-seam fastball (every now and then), location (still fantastic) and, most importantly, his savvy.

What I mean by savvy is that he is a power pitcher even as a reliever. (Not a power thrower.)

There is no doubt in my mind after playing a number of years with Mariano that he recorded more than 500 of his 652 saves on his great stuff alone.

The reason he is the all-time saves leader in Major League Baseball history is because of his heart and will - along with how he worked religiously day after day to be prepared for the next save.

Mo, congratulations on a fantastic career, and thank you from all of us starters whose wins you saved.
And one last thing, Mo. When you're sitting at home next May and the Yankees are in need of a closer, remember … anybody can retire once!

652
Career saves

2.21
Career ERA

96
Postseason app.

42
Postseason saves

0.70
Postseason ERA

5
World Series titles

1,115
Appearances

Mariano Rivera by the numbers

Pettitte's Last Hurrah - Announces Retirement

I started writing this column as Andy Pettitte took the mound to face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. Little did I know that my feelings and thoughts on Pettitte possibly retiring after the season would come to fruition before the season even ended.

On the last Friday of the Summer, Pettitte decided to announce his retirement at season's end. He didn't want to encroach on Mariano Rivera's big day at Yankees Stadium on Sunday, when the Yankees will honor the greatest closer of all time. Pettitte decided to announce it at Rivera's urging and so that the fans would know before Game 162. (Pettitte already has a lot on his plate this week; he'll be deposed as part of the Brian McNamee's lawsuit against Roger Clemens.)

Here's Pettitte's statement released earlier Friday afternoon.

“I’m announcing my retirement prior to the conclusion of our season because I want all of our fans to know now — while I’m still wearing this uniform — how grateful I am for their support throughout my career. I want to have the opportunity to tip my cap to them during these remaining days and thank them for making my time here with the Yankees so special. 

“I’ve reached the point where I know that I’ve left everything I have out there on that field. The time is right. I’ve exhausted myself, mentally and physically, and that’s exactly how I want to leave this game. 

“One of the things I struggled with in making this announcement now was doing anything to take away from Mariano’s day on Sunday. It is his day. He means so much to me, and has meant so much to my career that I would just hate to somehow take the attention away from him.”

During his 3:30 PM press conference Friday afternoon Pettitte said he was mentally exhausted. That he was using up everything he had in the tank. Pettitte had intended to retire after the 2012 season, but changed his mind after a broken ankle forced him to miss most of the season.

As a fan I have two regrets regarding Andy Pettitte. One, that he left for Houston after the 2003 season and two, his use of HGH that will eliminate any chance of him earning a spot in the MLB Hall of Fame. Pettitte was asked about regrets during the presser and he brought up the HGH, but in an odd way. He felt bad that it got out and that any kid would think he tried to cheat the game, the fans, other players, etc. He never said he regretted using HGH and as much as I respect him, Pettitte is wrong not to say that he never cheated or tried to cheat anyone.  I do believe he used it to get back quicker, not to get an advantage, but that still is taking a short cut/cheating.

Pettitte leaves with five World Series rings, 255 career wins as of Friday (YES' Jack Curry mentioned on YES that Pettitte is one of just 26 pitchers to have a career record of at least 100 games over .500), three All-Star appearances and four top five Cy Young finishes. (I still believe that Pettitte, not Pat Hentgen, should have won the award in 1996 when he came in second place, six votes behind the Blue Jays pitcher.)

Here's what I had written Tuesday 9/17 and hadn't finished:

Before the Yankees sleep walked their way through a 2-0 loss to the last place Toronto Blue Jays, I pondered the very real notion that Andy Pettitte was making on of the last starts of his career. The 41-year old was the hard luck loser after he allowed a Colby Rasmus solo home run in the 4th inning. (Shawn Kelley surrendered a solo shot as well to Rajai Davis.)

Pettitte's season started strong then went through a big rough patch and finally straightened back out. Unfortunately, the Yankees bullpen blew a couple of games and Tuesday night he got no run support. His 10-10 record is completely misleading - in his last 48.2 innings, the tall Texan has allowed just 11 earned runs (2.03 ERA). Weather permitting, Pettitte is scheduled for two more starts, this Sunday at home against the San Francisco Giants (very apropos that it is Mariano Rivera Day since the Yankees closer has saved more games for Pettitte than anyone else.)

While much has deservedly been made about Rivera's final season, people don't know what to think about Pettitte since he's in his third tour of duty with the Yankees and sat out the 2011 season. My hunch is that this will be the end of the line for Pettitte. He recently said the mental preparation is tougher than physical readiness.

With home so far away and his kids growing up, I believe Pettitte will determine that full time Dad is his job for the foreseeable future.  The departure of Rivera, Derek Jeter's injury, Alex Rodriguez's pending suspension, Robinson Cano's free agency...it all has to play into Pettitte's thinking. The Yankees ability or inability to compete in 2014 could have a major impact on Pettitte's final decision.

Pettitte Set to Face That Other Team if Weather Holds Up

Moses wandered the desert for 40 years. Andy Pettitte wandered the state of Texas for three. That was a helluva rough trip for Moses, but seeing Andy Pettitte in an Astros uniform really sucked.

Pettitte and the Yankees parted ways after the 2003 season, one in which Pettitte matched his career high with 21 wins and struck out a career high 180 hitters. He then went 3-1 in the post-season, which featured a come from behind win in Game 7 of the ALCS with Boston and a six game loss to Florida in the World Series.

Word was that the Yankees were concerned about Pettitte's elbow and that he wanted to pitch closer to his Texas home. The Astros won out, but Pettitte's first year in Houston was a disaster for both teams.  Pettitte made just 15 starts after he suffered a torn flexor tendon in his pitching elbow. The injury reportedly occurred from batting rather than throwing.

Meanwhile, the Yankees were on the verge of returning to the World Series, when Boston rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win the ALCS and their first World Series in 86 years. In a parallel universe, Pettitte stays in New York and stays healthy and the Yankees beat Boston since there was no way they would blow a 3-0 lead with Pettitte available to pitch in two of the remaining games. In  that bizarro world, Kevin Brown is never a Yankee either.

Pettitte bounced back the next season to win 17 games and he and then buddy Roger Clemens and the Astros advanced to the World Series. However, they had the misfortune of running into a Chicago White Sox juggernaut that swept them in four games.

The lefty's career in the Lone Star state ended after a 14-13 campaign in 2005. Then it was time to come home again. Pettitte returned to the Bronx in 2007 and won 15 games. He followed that up with back to back 14-win seasons and got his fifth World Series ring when the Yankees beat the Phillies in the 2009 Fall Classic.

Pettitte enters Monday's start with 248 career wins and would likely be in the Hall of Fame one day if he had not admitted HGH use to help with a 2002 injury. The hunch here is that he hangs it up for good after the 2013 season, no one year off and back as he did in 2011. Either way, it's good to have him in the home where he belongs.

Notes

Kevin Youkilis had an MRI on his ailing back and is awaiting the result. Should he go on the DL, David Adams (.887 OPS in 13 games so far) is likely the leading candidate to replace him on the 25 man roster. He would have to be added to the 40-man roster as well, which is at its limit.

Ben Francisco could be designated for assignment. Another option is outfielder Melky Mesa, but he's struggling at Scranton right now. Another possibility would have been Ronnier Mustelier but he has been rehabbing the knee injury he suffered in Spring Training.

Phil Hughes had his second straight strong start on Sunday and the straight against a 2012 Cy Young Award winner. Hughes faced David Price in his prior start and R. A. Dickey, last year's NL winner, on Sunday. He didn't figure in the decision in either game, but the Yankees won both.

BD Hot Stove: Astros Tank Not Completely Empty | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Astros Tank Not Completely Empty | Baseball Digest

Times have been tough down in H-Town since the Astros reached the World Series in 2005. Gone are marquis players Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman, Roy Oswalt, Roger Clemens, and Andy Pettitte. In their place is a group of youngsters with a few veterans, like Carlos Lee, sprinkled in. The team averaged just 75 wins the last two seasons and have had four managers in four years. But owner Drayton McLane gave second year manager Brad Mills something to happy about.

The Astros announced last evening they had given a three year extension to their top starter, Wandy Rodriguez. The deal is worth $34M and with an option for 2014 Rodriguez is guaranteed $44.5M. The 32-yr old left-hander is the number one man in the front of a rotation that features veteran Brett Myer and youngster J.A. Happ. Not a bad threesome to compete in the NL Central.

The extension means the two sides avoid the arbitration process and quells any rumors that the Astros were trying to trade their top guy. Rodriguez averaged 200 innings the last two seasons, but went just 25-24 despite a combined 3.30 ERA. 23 of Rodriguez’s 32 starts in 2010 were quality starts (6 or more IP 3 ER allowed or less) and he allowed more than three earned runs in a game just seven times.

Now if the Astros could only add some some pop to their punchless lineup.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

SI’s Jon Heyman and Hardball Talk’s Craig Calceterra both reported that their sources indicated Andy Pettitte will pitch in 2011. Still looking to fill the back end of the rotation, the Yankees signed veteran Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training. The 37-yr old hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2009.

The Twins claimed left-hander Dusty Hughes off waivers from KC.

Rather then have him compete for a starting spot in spring training, the Mets have decided to have Jenrry Mejia begin the season at Triple-A Buffalo to work on being a starter.

Pitchers coming off injuries – Brandon Webb (TEX) and Joe Nathan (MIN) will have no restrictions entering spring training, but Johan Santana (NYM) has yet to begin a throwing program.

The Rockies signed veteran catcher Chad Moeller to a minor league deal. Moeller split the 2010 season between the Orioles and Yankees.

BD Hot Stove: Brewing Up A Challenge | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Brewing Up A Challenge | Baseball Digest

When you think of the NL Central, you think of Tony LaRussa and the St. Louis Cardinals. LaRussa’s birds have finished first (6) or second (2) in eight of the last 11 years, with two pennants and a World Series championship to boot. They’re usually the early season favorite to win the division and this year may be no different with Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter leading the way. But the thing is, there’s a new sheriff town.

“Yes, Pete, it is. In fact , it’s pronounced “mill-e-wah-que” which is Algonquin for “the good land.”: In “Wayne’s World” Alice Cooper helped give Milwaukee its most notoriety since “Laverne & Shirley”. But in 2011, Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo may help bring Milwaukee back to the promised land. No one is saying the Brewers will win a World Series, something the town of Milwaukee hasn’t seen since the Braves took the title in 1958, but the team should be competitive this season with the aforementioned trio at the top of the order. GM Doug Melvin had to give up highly touted 2nd base prospect Brett Lawrie to Toronto to land Marcum, and then swung four other prospects to KC for Greinke and shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt. The Brewers also added reliever Sean Green to help set up for closer Joe Axford.

Pujols Country: It may take a country to pay Albert Pujols the kind of money he’ll want to stay parked in St. Louis forever. LaRussa just has to hope it doesn’t distract a team that has Wainwright, Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, and Jake Westbrook in the starting rotation. The Cards signed catcher Gerald Laird to back up starter Yadier Molina, inked Lance Berkman who’ll see most of his time in the outfield, and grabbed lefty reliever Brian Tallet to shore up the bullpen.

Chicago Hope: It’s going to be a time for pundits predict the Cubs will dominate the NL Central. None of the predictions over the last few years came to fruition, and the team is not ready for a charge to the top. Gone is long time Cub Derrek Lee with Carlos Pena signed to take his place. The team also reunited with Kerry Wood, who left for a free agent deal after the 2008 season. He’ll set up for closer Carlos Marmol. The Cubs have stated they won’t deal Carlos Zambrano, but that could change in order to either dump salary and/or no longer have to deal with his personality.

It’s spelled V-o-t-t-o: In case you were’t sure how to spell the name of NL MVP Joey, who led a baseball revival in Cincinnati this past summer. The Reds won their first division and made their first playoff appearances in 15 years, before being summarily dispatched in three games by the Phillies. The Reds haven’t been very active this off-season, preferring to “dance with the one who brung ya”. They gave their top starter, Bronson Arroyo, a three year contract extension, re-signed catcher Ramon Hernandez and utility man Miguel Cairo, and exercised the option on Jonny Gomes’ contract.

Not quite ready for lift off: The Astros finished 10 games under .500 or worse each of the last two seasons and it’s going to be difficult to improve on that with not punch in the lineup. The Astros dispatched their ace Roy Oswalt to Philadelphia last season and former Phils’ exec/current Astros head honcho Ed Wade may be helping his former team again. Rumors of a Joe Blanton to Houston deal is rumored to be in the works. If so it would give the Astros a decent top three starters in Wandy Rodriguez, J. A. Happ (acquired in the Oswalt deal), and Blanton. The Astros also added lefty Ryan Rowland-Smith, who can work out of the rotation or pen. But outside of Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence there’s not much offense to work with.

They don’t shiver your timbers: The Pirates have a lot of good young talent, but they won’t be look down at other teams for quite some time. The Pirates made some small moves that could help new manager Clint Hurdle keep the team’s hopes up. 1st baseman Lyle Overbay, pitcher Scott Olsen, outfielder Matt Diaz and corner man Garrett Atkins will try to help out stars on the rist Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, Pedro Alvarez, and Neil Walker.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Just as they did with Johnny Damon, the Yankees reportedly had internal discussions about Bronx native Manny Ramirez. Nothing is likely to happen.

The Nationals signed reliever Sean Burnett to a two year contract.

In a minor league deal, the A’s sent Corey Wimbley, who stole 56 bases at Triple-A last year, to the Pirates for pitcher Ryan Kelly. The 23-yr old right-hander spent the 2010 season in Single-A.

Some last minute items on Santa’s gift list

Yankees fans: One more season of watching Andy Pettitte.

Randy Winn: A chance to finally appear in the playoffs after 1,721 career regular season games.

Bert Blyleven: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame

Marvin Miller: Enough sense in the coming year for the veteran’s committee to elect you into Hall next December.

Fans: Reduced ticket prices and better national TV announcers.

Jamie Moyer: Recovery from Tommy John surgery and the chance to pitch into your 50′s.

Nick Johnson: No doctor’s appointments.

Oliver Perez: Regain control.

The Dodgers: No more McCourts.

Bryce Harper: Humility

Stephen Strasburg: Complete arm strength.

Ryan Westmoreland: Complete health and a return to baseball.

Opposing Announcers: A guide to pronouncing the name of the Royals’ Kila Ka’aihue.

Jermaine Dye: The chance to play again.

Oswalt Could Be Headed to Philly

It's a move the Philadelphia Phillies may not have made a couple of weeks ago. But with the team now within 3 1/2 games of the NL East leading Atlanta Braves, the team is poised to add Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt to their arsenal.

The two teams are awaiting Oswalt's approval - translation, waiver of no-trade clause and some kind of agreement on his 2012 option - to complete the deal. The two sides are said to have agreed on the players involved; the Astros would receive starting pitcher J.A. Happ, pitcher Vance Worley, and two other minor league pitchers.

If the deal goes through, the two time defending NL champs will have beaten out the Cardinals, Dodgers, and Rangers for Oswalt's services.

UPDATE 2:50 pm - The deal is still not official, but the word is that Oswalt will approve the deal. According to Ken Rosenthal the players going to Houston are J.A. Happ, OF Anthony Gose, SS Jonathan Villar.

Astros Lock up Pudge

The Houston Astros felt they didn't have enough offense or experience at the catching position with Humberto Quintero and J.R. Towles, so they have signed Ivan Rodriguez to a one year, $1.5 million contract.

Rodriguez can double his earnings through incentives.

Hawkins Gets Jettisoned to Houston

Wow, two in one day. The Yankees, who DFA'ed LaTroy Hawkins recently, dealt him and cash to the Houston Astros for minor league infielder Matt Cusick. The cash will pay for the remaining money on Hawkins one year, $3.75 million deal.

Hawkins Gets Jettisoned to Houston

Wow, two in one day. The Yankees, who DFA'ed LaTroy Hawkins recently, dealt him and cash to the Houston Astros for minor league infielder Matt Cusick. The cash will pay for the remaining money on Hawkins one year, $3.75 million deal.

Breaking News: Diamondbacks Acquire Haren

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Oakland has dealt pitcher Dan Haren and Connor Robertson to Arizona for Carlos Gonzalez, pitchers Brett Anderson, Greg Smith and Dana Eveland, outfielder Aaron Cunningham and first baseman Chris Carter. That's 5 of the Dbacks top 10 prospects.

The Diamondbacks also sent closer Jose Valverde to the Astros for infielder Chris Burke and right-handers Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez.

Breaking News: Diamondbacks Acquire Haren

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Oakland has dealt pitcher Dan Haren and Connor Robertson to Arizona for Carlos Gonzalez, pitchers Brett Anderson, Greg Smith and Dana Eveland, outfielder Aaron Cunningham and first baseman Chris Carter. That's 5 of the Dbacks top 10 prospects.

The Diamondbacks also sent closer Jose Valverde to the Astros for infielder Chris Burke and right-handers Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez.

Breaking News: Tejada Dealt to Astros

We had a false alarm during the winter meetings, but this time it appears to be true. The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Astros have acquired Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

5 for 1 seems a lot considering that Tejada's skills have deteriorated a bit. We also think Tejada will probably switch to 3rd base unless the Astros decide to move Adam Everett.

Breaking News: Tejada Dealt to Astros

We had a false alarm during the winter meetings, but this time it appears to be true. The Baltimore Sun is reporting the Astros have acquired Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

5 for 1 seems a lot considering that Tejada's skills have deteriorated a bit. We also think Tejada will probably switch to 3rd base unless the Astros decide to move Adam Everett.

Breaking News: Tejada Headed to Houston?

790 AM in Houston is reporting that the Astros are close to acquiring Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for Adam Everett, Chris Burke and a pitcher. Kudos to the guys at Rotoworld.

Breaking News: Tejada Headed to Houston?

790 AM in Houston is reporting that the Astros are close to acquiring Miguel Tejada from the Orioles for Adam Everett, Chris Burke and a pitcher. Kudos to the guys at Rotoworld.

Phillies Acquire Brad Lidge

Sometime closer, sometime set up man Brad Lidge has been dealt by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a 5 player deal.

Joining Lidge in Philly will be infielder Eric Bruntlett. Outfielder Michael Bourn, righthanded pitcher Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo are being shipped to Houston.

Source

Phillies Acquire Brad Lidge

Sometime closer, sometime set up man Brad Lidge has been dealt by the Houston Astros to the Philadelphia Phillies as part of a 5 player deal.

Joining Lidge in Philly will be infielder Eric Bruntlett. Outfielder Michael Bourn, righthanded pitcher Geoff Geary and minor league third baseman Mike Costanzo are being shipped to Houston.

Source

Rocket Lands Back in Houston

Not as a player, at least not yet. Roger Clemens has decided to start his 10 year service oriented contract that was part of his deal with the Astros. They should make him sell popcorn.

He's not officially calling it a career, but this looks like a signal that he could be done. "Roger has said several times that he has failed at retirement, so I am not announcing his retirement," agent Randy Hendricks said. "The plan for 2008 is this: Roger plans to start the new year as the first year of his post-playing career contract as a consultant to the Houston Astros."

Source

Rocket Lands Back in Houston

Not as a player, at least not yet. Roger Clemens has decided to start his 10 year service oriented contract that was part of his deal with the Astros. They should make him sell popcorn.

He's not officially calling it a career, but this looks like a signal that he could be done. "Roger has said several times that he has failed at retirement, so I am not announcing his retirement," agent Randy Hendricks said. "The plan for 2008 is this: Roger plans to start the new year as the first year of his post-playing career contract as a consultant to the Houston Astros."

Source