BD Hot Stove: Millwood’s Pitch Is Off Key | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Millwood’s Pitch Is Off Key | Baseball Digest

With Andy Pettitte retiring, Kevin Millwood may think he has a shot at signing a deal with the New York Yankees, but Buster Olney tweeted this morning that Millwood is looking for $4M-$5M per season. That’s not happening. Just as worrisome to any Yankees fan is Olney’s notion that the Yankees may be interested in the Phillies’ Joe Blanton.

Former Mets’ much hyped prospect Lastings Milledge has signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. The contract includes an invite for the now 26 year old outfielder, who is already with his fourth organization.

The Royals have signed veteran 3rd baseman Pedro Feliz to a minor league deal. Feliz struggled last season, but this move could be a low risk/medium reward venture for KC.

Mlb.com’s Scott Merkin writes that Matt Thornton is the early favorite to emerge as the White Sox closer. The position became available when Chicago let go of Bobby Jenks.

SI.com reports that Jim Edmonds is awaiting the results of a physical before deciding whether to return in 2011.

SI’s Jon Heyman reports the Angels are in the market for a lead off hitter.

Fox’s Ken Rosenthal reports that Jermaine Dye, who sat out all of last season, is likely to officially retire.

The Nationals signed reliever Cla Meredith to a minor league deal.

Mark Cuban told reporters that he is not interested in buying/investing in either the NY Mets or the LA Dodgers.

BD Hot Stove: The Unemployed | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: The Unemployed | Baseball Digest

You can never compare athletes to people out in the real world, but there are a number of major league caliber baseball players that haven’t been able to find a job this winter. Guys like Kevin Millwood, Freddy Garcia, and Justin Duchscherer. The three pitchers have to wonder when they see Bartolo Colon get a minor league deal after he hasn’t pitched in the big leagues in two years. Granted, in some cases injuries (Duchscherer), sub par seasons (Millwood), and wear and tear (Garcia) may be keeping teams away, as well as the possibility of the players and their agents wanting too much guaranteed money.

Then there’s the case of a once fierce warrior that scared opposing pitchers so much that he became known as “Vlad the Impaler”. Or maybe it was just how pale pitcher’s faces went when they had to face Vladimir Guerrero. The man who would swing at anything looked like he might be finished with the Angels a couple of years ago, but despite a bad back and bad feet the Impaler returned in 2010. Guerrero produced 29 HR and 115 RBI and nearly slugged .500. But a .513 OPS with 6 RBI in 15 post-season games apparently sent up red flags. Offers have been few, partially because Guerrero reportedly wants $8M a season. Sources say the Orioles have made an offer, but it’s likely to be closer to the one year, $2M deal Manny Ramirez received from Tampa Bay than what Guerrero wants.

If you think Guerrero has it bad, look at the case of Jermaine Dye. The veteran outfielder didn’t play in 2010 after not finding an acceptable offer. Our own Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb talks about the issue in today’s Baseball Digest Birthday segment as Dye turns 37.

Among those still looking for jobs are catcher Bengie Molina, infielders Troy Glaus, Orlando Cabrera, Christian Guzman, Pedro Feliz, David Eckstein, Jorge Cantu (tentative deal with SD as of this writing), Felipe Lopez, Willy Aybar, Nick Johnson, Eric Chavez, pitchers Jeremy Bonderman, David Bush, Kelvim Escobar, Mark Hendrickson, John Maine, Lance Cormier, Manny Delcarmen, Chad Durbin, Doug Davis, slugger Russell Branyan, outfielders Jim EdmondsRyan Church, and Jose Guillen. Click here for a complete list and a summary of the winter signings.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Contra Costa Times heard that the A’s were trying to deal 3rd baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Mariners for Chone Figgins. Buster Olney also reported that Toronto could be involved, but so far Figgins has not been asked to waive his limited no trade clause. The infielder was a bust in the first season of a four year, $36M contract.

Several sources have reported that the Mets are putting a portion of the team up for sale. The majority owner, Jeff Wilpon and family, lost a large amount of money in the Bernie Madoff “Ponzi” scheme.

Pitcher Joe Beimel has agreed to a minor league deal and an invitation to spring training with the Pirates.

Despite a number of rumors, Indians GM Chris Antonetti stated that Fausto Carmona and Grady Sizemore are not being dealt.

The Minnesota Twins have announced they will retire number 28 in honor of recent Hall of Fame electee Bert Blyleven.

Who Ordered Pie?

Cano Gets His Just Desserts

(my recap for Baseball Digest)

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Alex Rodriguez • cc sabathia • Chicago White Sox • Derek Jeter • Jermaine Dye • Mark Buehrle • nick swisher • Robinson Cano • Yankees 8/28 recap • Yankees vs. White Sox

Home runs, strong pitching, walk off wins, and whipped cream facials have been the mark of ball games played at the new Yankee Stadium this season. Last night’s game with the Chicago White Sox was right out of the 2009 playbook. Robinson Cano crushed a 3-run home run in the bottom of 10th inning to give the Yankees a 5-2 victory and made Cano the recipient of pie ala Burnett.

Left-hander Randy Williams struck out Mark Teixeira and then got some help from the wind as Alex Rodriguez‘ deep fly to center died short of the warning track. But Williams walked Hideki Matsui and Nick Swisher, setting up a showdown with Cano, who had been hitless in four at-bats on the night. After working a 2-2 count, Cano launched a Williams fastball into the Yankees bullpen for the team’s 11th walk-off win of the season. The strong winds had no chance to play a factor since the ball more of a line drive than fly ball. Brian Bruney worked a scoreless top of the 10th to improve to 4-0.

CC Sabathia had given the Yankees a dominant outing, striking out 10 batters through six innings. But the big man, protecting a 2-0 lead built on home runs by Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon, ran into trouble in the 7th. If not for some key defensive plays, Sabathia may very well have left the game with the Yankees trailing.

Jermaine Dye started the 7th with a double and Sabathia issued his first walk of the game, putting Carlos Quentin aboard. Alex Rios‘ double to right cut the Yankees lead in half and put the tying and go ahead runs in scoring position. One out later, Sabathia induced a ground ball by Ramon Castro. Quentin, running on contact, was easily gunned down at the plate by Rodriguez. The Yankees third baseman then made a huge play, diving into foul territory to snare Jayson Nix‘ fair ball that barely went over the third base bag. Though he had no play to make, A-Rod’s stop prevented not only a run from scoring, but a bigger inning from occurring.

Gordon Beckham lined a game tying single to right, but Nick Swisher came up with, arguably, his best throw of the season- a one-hopper to Jose Molina, who thrust his right leg out to block the plate and tagged out his White Sox counterpart Castro for the inning’s final out.

Game Notes

Derek Jeter hit his 22nd lead off home run, putting in him sole possession of second place on the career franchise list. He’s just two home runs behind Rickey Henderson for the #1 spot. The home run was also the 223rd of his career, pushing him past Don Mattingly for 10th place on the team’s career list. The home run was his lone hit, and number 2,705, 16 behind Lou Gehrig.

CC Sabathia finished August 5-0, 2.64 and is 7-1, 2.95 since the All-Star break.

Melky Cycles His Way Around Chicago

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: cc sabathia • Jermaine Dye • Jim Thome • mariano rivera • Mark Buehrle • melky cabrera • Melky hits for the cycle • Thurman Munson • Yankees 8/2 recap • Yankees vs. White Sox

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	0	3	0	2	2	0	0	0	1		8	15	0
Chi White Sox	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	1	0		5	11	0

WP - Sabathia (11-7) SV - Rivera (30) LP - Buehrle (11-5)

The Yankees finally beat a team with Sox in their name, thanks in large part to Melky Cabrera who became the first Yankee in 14 years to hit for the cycle. CC Sabathia gutted his way through 7+ innings and the Yankees topped the Chicago White Sox 8-5.

Cabrera jump started the Yankees with a 3-run home run in the 2nd inning, but the White Sox tagged Sabathia for 4 runs in the 3rd inning. After cutting the Yankees lead to 3-1, Jermaine Dye hit his 24th home run with a man aboard and Jim Thome followed with a solo shot, his 18th, to give Chicago a 4-3 lead.

Read the rest of my recap at Baseball Digest Online.

Milestone Monday

Nick Swisher pitching for the Yankees was just one of the memorable things that took place yesterday. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Swisher became only the third non-pitcher since divisional play began in 1969 to both pitch and hit a home run in the same game. The Pirates Keith Osik (May 20, 2000) and the Rangers Jeff Kunkel (May 20, 1989) are the other two. Apparently Swidher is the first player not to do it on May 20.

Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko became the first teammates to reach a "double zero" milestone in career home runs in the same game. Not only did Dye and Konerko both hit their 300th home runs in Monday's game, but they also hit them back to back.

Orlando Hudson became the first Dodger since Wes Parker in 1970 to hit for the cycle. Hudson's Dodgers beat Randy Johnson's Giants. It marked first time the Big Unit has ever lost a game in eight decisions at Dodgers Stadium.

Jody Gerut led off the Padres-Mets game with a solo home run off of Mike Pelfrey. It marked the first time that a lead off man christened a brand new ball park (Citi Field) with a home run in the first at-bat.

Finally, Koji Uehara was awful for the Orioles yesterday, but still improved to 2-0 in the Orioles 10-9 win over the Rangers. He joined Kaz Ishii and Hideki Irabu as the only two Japanese imports to win their first two decisions. Hopefully for his sake he has a better career than either one of them.

2009 AL Central Preview

We're not going to go in-depth with our predictions for the remainder of baseball's divisions, but here we go.

AL CENTRAL

White Sox
Twins
Indians
Tigers
Royals

The defending division champs White Sox should take this division again in a close race with the Twins. The White Sox combination of rotation and bullpen will be the difference in the AL Central. Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Gavin Floyd are solid at the front end, while recent injury prone starters, Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon take up the back end. Colon, in particular, has looked good this spring and might be close to his old form. Bobby Jenks is a dynamite closer and the White Sox have solid arms throughout the pen. The offense has plenty of power, though that could also be looked at as being one dimensional.

A lot of talking heads expect the Indians to be back were they were in 2007, when they came within one win of going to the World Series, but we don't see it. Travis Hafner is still not swinging the bat with authority, closer Kerry Wood is always a sneeze away from an arm injury, and the rotation, outside of Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona, does nothing for us.

We really like the young arms in the Twins rotation - Scott Baker (DL), Francisco Liriano, Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey, and Glen Perkins are all quality arms. Joe Nathan is as reliable a closer as there is in baseball, but the rest of the Twins pen isn't scintillating. More importantly, the Twins don't have a lot of pop in their lineup, especially if Joe Mauer is hurting. The Twins really need Delmon Young to have a break out season.

Some people think the Tigers underachieved last season. We think they were just overrated and not that good. There's not much to make us feel different about the team this year. Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon are the the team's closers. Joel Zumaya is hurt again. Jeremy Bonderman is still hurt. Carlos Guillen is playing another position. Dontrelle Willis is battling an anxiety disorder. On the up side, Miguel Cabrera will mash and local boy Rick Porcello should be fun to watch.

The only thing keeping the Tigers from the basement is the Royals. Yes, they have some quality young players- Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, Joakim Soria; but pitching wins and with Kyle Davies, Sidney Ponson, and Horacio Ramirez in the rotation, KC is NOT going to win.

Vegas Update - Day 3:10 EST

It looks like CC Sabathia won't be leaving Las Vegas with a contract. Sabathia's reps are scheduled to meet with the Giants this weekend. It also reenforces the notion that Sabathia doesn't want to pitch for the Yankees.

WFAN is reporting that the Braves are working hard on a deal with the White Sox to bring back their former outfielder, Jermaine Dye. If a deal does go through, it could open the door for a Jeff Francoeur to the Royals for Zack Greinke deal that has been rumored.

MLB.com is reporting that the Indians are close to a 1 year deal with free agent closer Kerry Wood.

The Baltimore Sun expects the Ramon Hernandez (Orioles) for Ryan Freel (Reds) trade to go down shortly.

According to Jayson Stark, the Rays are looking into bringing back Delmon Young, whom they dealt for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett prior to this past season.

Vegas Update - Day 3:10 EST

It looks like CC Sabathia won't be leaving Las Vegas with a contract. Sabathia's reps are scheduled to meet with the Giants this weekend. It also reenforces the notion that Sabathia doesn't want to pitch for the Yankees.

WFAN is reporting that the Braves are working hard on a deal with the White Sox to bring back their former outfielder, Jermaine Dye. If a deal does go through, it could open the door for a Jeff Francoeur to the Royals for Zack Greinke deal that has been rumored.

MLB.com is reporting that the Indians are close to a 1 year deal with free agent closer Kerry Wood.

The Baltimore Sun expects the Ramon Hernandez (Orioles) for Ryan Freel (Reds) trade to go down shortly.

According to Jayson Stark, the Rays are looking into bringing back Delmon Young, whom they dealt for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett prior to this past season.

A Royal Pain

The Yankees have a quick three game homestand this weekend, against the equally slumping Kansas City Royals. The Royals won their last four games in July, but have dropped 8 of 12 to start August. They sit 54-67, 14.5 games back of Chicago in the AL Central cellar. It's become a far too familiar place for a team that at one time was one of the best franchises in major league baseball. But that was a long time ago.

The team that once produced George Brett, Hal McRae, Bret Saberhagen, and Willie Wilson, now mixes a squad of young promising players with useful veterans like Mark Grudzielanek. Fans are accustomed to seeing their best players, like Johnny Damon and Jermaine Dye, be traded or leave as free agents. The small market tag has become a drain on KC baseball.

While the game and salary structure has changed over the years, Kansas City ownership has not wanted to budge to increase their payroll. Though they get a kickback when teams like the Yankees contribute heavily to the luxury tax, the Royals have been reticent to put the money back into the team.

The team has only finished above .500 three times in the last 18 seasons and has finished above third place only once in that time. The Royals haven't reached the post-season since they won it all back in 1985.

There have been recent attempts to raid the free agent pool, such as the signing of pitcher Gil Meche to a 5-year, $55 million contract, and payroll increased from $47 million to $67 million from 2006 to 2007. But generally, the Royals have been non-competitive due to their lack of resources and their lack of desire to spend.

Fans come out to see teams like the Yankees and Red Sox, but attendance is always second to last, with only Tampa Rays fans filling less seats. The fans that are there have to wonder how much longer they will be able to watch up and coming stars like Joakim Soria, Billy Butler, and Alex Gordon, before they come back as visiting players.

Ownership is spending $250 million to renovate the 35-yr old Kauffman Stadium for next season. Whether the team can put top players on the field and fans in the stands remains to be seen.

A Royal Pain

The Yankees have a quick three game homestand this weekend, against the equally slumping Kansas City Royals. The Royals won their last four games in July, but have dropped 8 of 12 to start August. They sit 54-67, 14.5 games back of Chicago in the AL Central cellar. It's become a far too familiar place for a team that at one time was one of the best franchises in major league baseball. But that was a long time ago.

The team that once produced George Brett, Hal McRae, Bret Saberhagen, and Willie Wilson, now mixes a squad of young promising players with useful veterans like Mark Grudzielanek. Fans are accustomed to seeing their best players, like Johnny Damon and Jermaine Dye, be traded or leave as free agents. The small market tag has become a drain on KC baseball.

While the game and salary structure has changed over the years, Kansas City ownership has not wanted to budge to increase their payroll. Though they get a kickback when teams like the Yankees contribute heavily to the luxury tax, the Royals have been reticent to put the money back into the team.

The team has only finished above .500 three times in the last 18 seasons and has finished above third place only once in that time. The Royals haven't reached the post-season since they won it all back in 1985.

There have been recent attempts to raid the free agent pool, such as the signing of pitcher Gil Meche to a 5-year, $55 million contract, and payroll increased from $47 million to $67 million from 2006 to 2007. But generally, the Royals have been non-competitive due to their lack of resources and their lack of desire to spend.

Fans come out to see teams like the Yankees and Red Sox, but attendance is always second to last, with only Tampa Rays fans filling less seats. The fans that are there have to wonder how much longer they will be able to watch up and coming stars like Joakim Soria, Billy Butler, and Alex Gordon, before they come back as visiting players.

Ownership is spending $250 million to renovate the 35-yr old Kauffman Stadium for next season. Whether the team can put top players on the field and fans in the stands remains to be seen.

Mustache Still Trails

The Yankees gave out mustaches to a packed house at the Stadium yesterday, but barring a last hour surge, it doesn't appear Jason Giambi will make the All-Star team.

As of this morning, Evan Longoria of the Rays and the White Sox Jermaine Dye were ahead of Giambi in a tight race for the "Final Vote".

Mike Mussina is backing the G though.

Mustache Still Trails

The Yankees gave out mustaches to a packed house at the Stadium yesterday, but barring a last hour surge, it doesn't appear Jason Giambi will make the All-Star team.

As of this morning, Evan Longoria of the Rays and the White Sox Jermaine Dye were ahead of Giambi in a tight race for the "Final Vote".

Mike Mussina is backing the G though.

Around the Horn - 5/22

The Cardinals beat the Padres 11-3 last night, but the Padres are less concerned about the game itself. Albert Pujols was literally a one man wrecking crew. No, Pujols didn't hit 3 home runs or drive in a 7 runs. He just injured the Padres starting pitcher and catcher within a matter of minutes.

The Padres had a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning when Pujols hit a line drive off of the face of Padres starter Chris Young. The 6'10" right hander was bleeding profusely and was obviously a bit dazed. He ended up with a broken nose and a cut. Pujols was visibly shaken and prayed with Padres 1st Baseman Adrian Gonzalez while Young was tended to. But Pujols wasn't done yet. Two batters later there was a play at the plate. Pujols slid into catcher Josh Bard who was blocking the plate with his left leg. Nowhere good to go, right? Bard was down for the count for several minutes and had to be helped off the feel with a badly sprained ankle. Thanks to the Big Lead for finding video of the Pads rough night.

The heat is getting hotter and hotter in the Mets dugout. While Willie Randolph continues to back track from his racially motivated comments from the other day, his team went out and lost to the Braves for the 3rd straight game. Atlanta clobbered Mike Pelfrey and the Mets 11-4 behind Jeff Francoeur's 4 RBI. Chipper Jones hit career home run number 398.

Ben Sheets (5-1, 2.92) pitched an 11-hit complete game. Not a stat that you see to often. He allowed only 1 run in the Brewers 4-1 win over the Pirates. Ryan Braun drove in his 19th run in 19 games in May.

The Giants were very happy to see Rockies starter Ubaldo Jiminez leave after 7 innings. The 2nd year man limited the Giants to 3 hits and no runs over 7 innings, but the Giants rallied for a pair in the 9th against closer Brian Fuentes and then won it in the 10th on Omar Vizquel's sacrifice fly, 3-2.

It took Shawn Chacon 10 starts, but he finally got a decision. He's now 1-0 after the Astros beat the Cubs 5-3. Carlos Lee's 3rd inning 3-run home run put the Astros ahead for good. Early MVP candidate Lance Berkman stole his 9th base, already tying his career high.

Ryan Howard homered twice and drove in 4 in the Phillies 12-2 rout of the Nationals. Jamie Moyer threw 6 shutout innings for his 234th career win. With the start in Nationals Park, Moyer has now pitched in 46 ball parks.

Brandon Webb is human after all. He got out pitched by Ricky Nolasco last night as the Marlins won their 2nd straight from the Diamondbacks, 3-1. No starter has begun the season 10-0 in 90 years and it will remain that way for now.

Hiroki Kuroda tossed 5-hit ball for the Dodgers in their 5-2 win over the Reds. Rookie sensation Johnny Cueto took the loss after allowed 4 runs, 2 earned, in 5 innings.

Vlad Guerrero was the Angels offense in their 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. Big Vladdy hit a pair of home runs, but just as his teammates are, he's below his norm - .266-6-27 - in offensive production.

Jack Cust homered twice and drove in 4 runs, and Dana Eveland threw his first career complete game in the A's 9-1 thumping of the Rays. Jonny Gomes spoiled Eveland's shut out bid with an 8th inning home run. Rays closer Troy Percival was unavailable and is day-to-day with a strained hamstring.

Bartolo Colon made a triumphant return to the big leagues, picking up the win after allowing 2 runs in 5 innings. The Red Sox topped the Royals 6-3 behind Jacob Ellsbury, who homered and scored 3 runs. The Royals announced the signing of pitcher Horacio Ramirez to a minor league deal.

Paul Byrd was breezing along with a 1-hitter into the 6th inning last night when he ran smack dab into Jermaine Dye. Moments later the White Sox had the lead on Dye's 3-run blast. The right fielder later added solo shot and the White Sox topped the Indians 7-2. Jim Thome also added his 516th career blast.

3-0, 2.95 ERA. Pretty good pitching stats, huh? Believe it or not they belong to Sidney Ponson. The portly right-hander threw a complete game last night in the Rangers 10-1 drubbing of the Twins. It was his first 9 inning performance in over 3 years.

Marcus Thames 5th career grand slam highlighted a 7-run 3rd inning as the Tigers beat up the Mariners 9-4. Kenny Rogers was ineffective, but picked up the win to even his record at 4-4.

Around the Horn - 5/22

The Cardinals beat the Padres 11-3 last night, but the Padres are less concerned about the game itself. Albert Pujols was literally a one man wrecking crew. No, Pujols didn't hit 3 home runs or drive in a 7 runs. He just injured the Padres starting pitcher and catcher within a matter of minutes.

The Padres had a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning when Pujols hit a line drive off of the face of Padres starter Chris Young. The 6'10" right hander was bleeding profusely and was obviously a bit dazed. He ended up with a broken nose and a cut. Pujols was visibly shaken and prayed with Padres 1st Baseman Adrian Gonzalez while Young was tended to. But Pujols wasn't done yet. Two batters later there was a play at the plate. Pujols slid into catcher Josh Bard who was blocking the plate with his left leg. Nowhere good to go, right? Bard was down for the count for several minutes and had to be helped off the feel with a badly sprained ankle. Thanks to the Big Lead for finding video of the Pads rough night.

The heat is getting hotter and hotter in the Mets dugout. While Willie Randolph continues to back track from his racially motivated comments from the other day, his team went out and lost to the Braves for the 3rd straight game. Atlanta clobbered Mike Pelfrey and the Mets 11-4 behind Jeff Francoeur's 4 RBI. Chipper Jones hit career home run number 398.

Ben Sheets (5-1, 2.92) pitched an 11-hit complete game. Not a stat that you see to often. He allowed only 1 run in the Brewers 4-1 win over the Pirates. Ryan Braun drove in his 19th run in 19 games in May.

The Giants were very happy to see Rockies starter Ubaldo Jiminez leave after 7 innings. The 2nd year man limited the Giants to 3 hits and no runs over 7 innings, but the Giants rallied for a pair in the 9th against closer Brian Fuentes and then won it in the 10th on Omar Vizquel's sacrifice fly, 3-2.

It took Shawn Chacon 10 starts, but he finally got a decision. He's now 1-0 after the Astros beat the Cubs 5-3. Carlos Lee's 3rd inning 3-run home run put the Astros ahead for good. Early MVP candidate Lance Berkman stole his 9th base, already tying his career high.

Ryan Howard homered twice and drove in 4 in the Phillies 12-2 rout of the Nationals. Jamie Moyer threw 6 shutout innings for his 234th career win. With the start in Nationals Park, Moyer has now pitched in 46 ball parks.

Brandon Webb is human after all. He got out pitched by Ricky Nolasco last night as the Marlins won their 2nd straight from the Diamondbacks, 3-1. No starter has begun the season 10-0 in 90 years and it will remain that way for now.

Hiroki Kuroda tossed 5-hit ball for the Dodgers in their 5-2 win over the Reds. Rookie sensation Johnny Cueto took the loss after allowed 4 runs, 2 earned, in 5 innings.

Vlad Guerrero was the Angels offense in their 4-3 win over the Blue Jays. Big Vladdy hit a pair of home runs, but just as his teammates are, he's below his norm - .266-6-27 - in offensive production.

Jack Cust homered twice and drove in 4 runs, and Dana Eveland threw his first career complete game in the A's 9-1 thumping of the Rays. Jonny Gomes spoiled Eveland's shut out bid with an 8th inning home run. Rays closer Troy Percival was unavailable and is day-to-day with a strained hamstring.

Bartolo Colon made a triumphant return to the big leagues, picking up the win after allowing 2 runs in 5 innings. The Red Sox topped the Royals 6-3 behind Jacob Ellsbury, who homered and scored 3 runs. The Royals announced the signing of pitcher Horacio Ramirez to a minor league deal.

Paul Byrd was breezing along with a 1-hitter into the 6th inning last night when he ran smack dab into Jermaine Dye. Moments later the White Sox had the lead on Dye's 3-run blast. The right fielder later added solo shot and the White Sox topped the Indians 7-2. Jim Thome also added his 516th career blast.

3-0, 2.95 ERA. Pretty good pitching stats, huh? Believe it or not they belong to Sidney Ponson. The portly right-hander threw a complete game last night in the Rangers 10-1 drubbing of the Twins. It was his first 9 inning performance in over 3 years.

Marcus Thames 5th career grand slam highlighted a 7-run 3rd inning as the Tigers beat up the Mariners 9-4. Kenny Rogers was ineffective, but picked up the win to even his record at 4-4.

Yankees vs. White Sox - April 22

First off, congrats to Mrs. and Mrs. A-Rod on the birth of their, as yet, unnamed daughter. She was born in Miami last night. She was 7 lbs, 2 oz.. And more good news, Jorge Posada is back behind the dish tonight after testing out his arm earlier today.

Here's tonight's lineup courtesy of Peter Abraham:

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Giambi 1B
Ensberg 3B
Cabrera CF
Wang RHP

News and Notes

Derek Jeter needs one more double to tie Joe DiMaggio for 5th place on the all-time Yankees list.

If the Wanger wins tonight, he'll be the fastest to 50 victories since Doc Gooden.

With A-Rod's baby birth and quad injury, no Yankee has now played in every single game this season.

No pitch counts - On this day in Yankees history, Whitey Ford went the distance in a 1-0, 14-inning shutout of the Washington Senators. He struck out 15, while issuing 7 hits and 7 walks.

Among those happy to be facing Contreras tonight are, Bobby Abreu .444 (4-19), Derek Jeter .294 (5-17), and Jorge Posada .333 (3-9). Conversely, the already slumping Jason Giambi is 0-6, though he has drawn 4 walks and has 4 RBI. Melky Cabrera is just 1-9.

Joe Crede .400 (2-5), Jim Thome .333 (2-6) and Juan Uribe .333 (2-6) have had the best success against Wang. Jermaine Dye .222 (2-9), Paul Konerko .143 (1-7) and A.J. Pierzynksi .000 (0-5) have struggled.

Yankees vs. White Sox - April 22

First off, congrats to Mrs. and Mrs. A-Rod on the birth of their, as yet, unnamed daughter. She was born in Miami last night. She was 7 lbs, 2 oz.. And more good news, Jorge Posada is back behind the dish tonight after testing out his arm earlier today.

Here's tonight's lineup courtesy of Peter Abraham:

Yankees
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Giambi 1B
Ensberg 3B
Cabrera CF
Wang RHP

News and Notes

Derek Jeter needs one more double to tie Joe DiMaggio for 5th place on the all-time Yankees list.

If the Wanger wins tonight, he'll be the fastest to 50 victories since Doc Gooden.

With A-Rod's baby birth and quad injury, no Yankee has now played in every single game this season.

No pitch counts - On this day in Yankees history, Whitey Ford went the distance in a 1-0, 14-inning shutout of the Washington Senators. He struck out 15, while issuing 7 hits and 7 walks.

Among those happy to be facing Contreras tonight are, Bobby Abreu .444 (4-19), Derek Jeter .294 (5-17), and Jorge Posada .333 (3-9). Conversely, the already slumping Jason Giambi is 0-6, though he has drawn 4 walks and has 4 RBI. Melky Cabrera is just 1-9.

Joe Crede .400 (2-5), Jim Thome .333 (2-6) and Juan Uribe .333 (2-6) have had the best success against Wang. Jermaine Dye .222 (2-9), Paul Konerko .143 (1-7) and A.J. Pierzynksi .000 (0-5) have struggled.

Dye Another Day

The White Sox have reached agreement with right fielder Jermaine Dye on a two-year, $22 million contract extension, FOXSports.com has learned."--> The White Sox have reached agreement with right fielder Jermaine Dye on a two-year, $22 million contract extension, FOXSports.com has learned. The deal will include a mutual option for a third season.

Dye, 33, would be the second potential free agent to remain with the White Sox at a below-market rate, joining left-hander Mark Buerhle, who agreed to a four-year, $56 million extension at the All-Star break.

After batting only .214 before the All-Star Game, Dye has rebounded to hit .311 since the break with 12 homers in 122 at-bats.

The White Sox discussed trading Dye to the Red Sox before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but the two sides could not come to an agreement.

Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP, had a career year in 2006, hitting .315 with 44 HRs and 120 RBIs. He was fifth in AL MVP voting.

Despite the dropoff in batting average in 2007, Dye is tied for fourth in the American League with 24 HRs.

Dye Another Day

The White Sox have reached agreement with right fielder Jermaine Dye on a two-year, $22 million contract extension, FOXSports.com has learned."--> The White Sox have reached agreement with right fielder Jermaine Dye on a two-year, $22 million contract extension, FOXSports.com has learned. The deal will include a mutual option for a third season.

Dye, 33, would be the second potential free agent to remain with the White Sox at a below-market rate, joining left-hander Mark Buerhle, who agreed to a four-year, $56 million extension at the All-Star break.

After batting only .214 before the All-Star Game, Dye has rebounded to hit .311 since the break with 12 homers in 122 at-bats.

The White Sox discussed trading Dye to the Red Sox before the July 31 non-waiver deadline, but the two sides could not come to an agreement.

Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP, had a career year in 2006, hitting .315 with 44 HRs and 120 RBIs. He was fifth in AL MVP voting.

Despite the dropoff in batting average in 2007, Dye is tied for fourth in the American League with 24 HRs.

Red Sox Don't Dye, for Now

The Red Sox had a three-way deal in place to acquire White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye

earlier this week, but the trade fell through because of an unspecified issue with a player from the third club, according to an industry source.

Dye, who is a free agent at the end of the season, was willing to consider waiving his limited no-trade protection to join the Red Sox in exchange for guarantees about playing time and incentive bonuses, the source said.

The Sox told Dye that they were prepared to play him five days a week. It is unclear how they would have created the playing time, considering that they are set in all three outfield positions and the DH spot.

Read more from Ken Rosenthal

Red Sox Don't Dye, for Now

The Red Sox had a three-way deal in place to acquire White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye

earlier this week, but the trade fell through because of an unspecified issue with a player from the third club, according to an industry source.

Dye, who is a free agent at the end of the season, was willing to consider waiving his limited no-trade protection to join the Red Sox in exchange for guarantees about playing time and incentive bonuses, the source said.

The Sox told Dye that they were prepared to play him five days a week. It is unclear how they would have created the playing time, considering that they are set in all three outfield positions and the DH spot.

Read more from Ken Rosenthal