Who's Sori Now?

Rafael Soriano is lucky in one regard. More people are talking about the White Sox Brent Lillibridge this morning after the utility player made two spectacular game savings catches in the 9th inning to preserve Chicago's 3-2 win over the Yankees.

Lost in the shuffle was an outstanding 6.1 inning start by Ivan Nova and solo home runs by Brett Gardner and Robinson Cano off of starter Gavin Floyd. Not forgotten by anyone was another poor performance by Soriano. The right-hander who was signed to closer money this past off-season, has averaged nearly two hits and walks per inning and has a bloated 7.94 ERA.

After striking out Alexei Ramirez to start the 8th inning, Soriano hit Carlos Quentin in the shoulder with a breaking pitch. It's possible Lillibridge would have been a defensive replacement for Quentin in the 8th or 9th inning, but it became a certainty when he pinch-ran for the right fielder. Soriano then grooved a pitch down the middle of the plate to Paul Konerko, who launched it into the left field seats for a 3-2 Chicago lead.

As they did the night before, the Yankees got the lead off man on in the 9th, this time on a Derek Jeter infield single. Curtis Granderson successfully bunted the captain into scoring position to set things up for Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Matt Thornton walked Teixeira to put two men aboard and prompted Ozzie Guillen to call on Sergio Santos to face A-Rod. The DH in last night's game, Rodriguez hit a laser to the right field wall. Lillibridge raced back and made an outstretched catch to take away an extra base hit for the second out of the inning.

Before fans could get over the outfield thievery, Cano ripped a line drive that was destined to be a game tying hit, but Lillibridge made a full out dive to stab the ball before hit the ground. Just like that the game was over, but this morning Yankees' fans are still sitting with their mouths agape. And somewhere Jack Buck is yelling, "I can't believe what I just saw."

Sometimes You Get The White Sox, Sometimes The White Sox Get You

A.J. Burnett has frustrated fans in Florida, Toronto, and New York in his 13 year career, but last night Burnett was the pitcher everyone has dreamed of. Eight solid innings (the first time since August 15 of last year and just the fourth time since the start of the '09 season) of one run, 3-hit ball should have set him up for his fourth win without a loss. But former New York Mets prospect Phil Humber humbled the Yankees through seven innings and the Chicago White Sox beat the Yankees 2-0.

Humber held the Yankees hitless until one out in his final inning of work when Alex Rodriguez singled back up the middle. It followed a Mark Teixeira walk and was one of the few rallies the Yankees had on the evening. But after a trip to the mound by pitching coach Don Cooper, Humber struck out Robinson Cano (Have you noticed his zone of pitches to swing at has gone back from head to toe? That he's walked just once this year?) and got the slumping Nick Swisher to ground out to end the inning.

Burnett meanwhile pitched in tough luck- Curtis Granderson got a bad read on a Carlos Quentin line drive in the 4th and misplayed it into a double. A pair of ground outs produced an RBI for Adam Dunn and a 1-0 lead. Burnett then breezed through the next four innings to keep his team in the game. But his team looked lifeless.

It didn't help the White Sox got an insurance run in the 9th thanks to a miscommunication in the infield. Alexei Ramirez popped up a Rafael Soriano pitch over the mound, but it wasn't high enough for Derek Jeter to get there in time. Meanwhile, Soriano pointed to the sky, got out of the way, and never looked back at the ball. Had he done so he might have caught the ball and averted the trouble to come. But one out later pinch-runner Brent Lillibridge stole second base and came home on Paul Konerko's single for a 2-0 lead and set off a round of boos for Soriano.

Earlier in the game, Granderson told Burnett he would get the run back that he had misplayed. True to form, he ripped a lead off single in the 9th inning, but Sergio Santos got Teixeira to bounce into a back breaking 3-6-1 double play and the Yankees were finished.

Notes

Phil Hughes will go for an MRI today on his numb/dead shoulder. Hughes told YES' Kim Jones it feels like when someone "punches you in the thigh and it goes numb". Why the thigh and not the arm? You'll have to ask Hughes.

BD Hot Stove: 2010, A Look Back At Wheeling and Dealing | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: 2010, A Look Back At Wheeling and Dealing | Baseball Digest

t’s the final day of 2010 (for me personally this year went very fast.) and as many of you know it is customary this time of year to take a look back at events of the closing year. For the Baseball Digest Hot Stove column that means pondering the best moves in major league baseball over the past year.

The Cliff Lee double whammy: Seattle realized they weren’t going anywhere as the trade deadline approached in 2010, so they worked out one deal with the Yankees, and then went with a trade they felt was better for them in the short and long run. The Mariners landed slugger Justin Smoak and the Rangers got themselves a pitcher that led them to the World Series.

Then it was the Phillies turn to land Lee, bringing him back to the team he helped them to the 2009 World Series, and in the process set up a killer rotation with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels.

Roy Meet Roy: Long before re-acquiring Lee, the Phillies first dealt J.A. Happ and two minor leaguers last July to the Astros for Oswalt. The veteran right-hander, who had spent a decade with Houston, went 7-1, 1.74 after the trade to help the Phillies win their fourth consecutive NL East division.

Boston Bashers: The Red Sox lost Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre from a lineup that was beset by injuries in 2010. GM Theo Epstein dealt for 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez and signed outfielder Carl Crawford to a long term deal. He also attempted to shore up the bullpen by signing Bobby Jenks.

The Team With Big Shoulders: The White Sox prepped for the 2011 season by re-signing Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski and inked slugger Adam Dunn to a free agent deal. GM Kenny Williams also acquired starter Edwin Jackson at the trade deadline and cut bait with the inconsistent Jenks.

Lilly Loves LA: The Dodgers acquired Ted Lilly too little late for the 2010 season, but then signed him to a new deal for 2011. They also went out and got Jon Garland on the cheap ($5M for one year) and re-signed Vincente Padilla to team with Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley to create a formidable rotation.

A New Year’s Memory

On December 31, 1974 George Steinbrenner began his assault on the free agent market. I had just gotten into the car with family after seeing “Freebie and the Bean” in the movie theater. The radio was on and the sports report was beginning. The Yankees had just signed Jim “Catfish” Hunter to a five year, $3.75M contract. By today’s standards it was a mere pittance, but at the time it was a huge amount of money. The length of the contract was quite a committment as well. But signing one of the best pitchers/biggest winners in the game was a monumental move for the the Yankees. Yes, even a better move than signing Reggie Jackson two years later.

Hunter taught his teammates how to win, how to carry themselves with class, what it means to “want the baseball” in the big spot, and to be a team. His deal also opened the way for many free agent deals, not only with the Yankees, but for all of baseball.

Rumors News and Transactions

The Mariners shopping of closer David Aardsma ground to halt when it was discovered the righty needed to have a surgery Monday for a torn hip labrum. Aardsma is expected to start throwing again a month after surgery and hopes to ready for the start of the season.

Shortstop Edgar Renteria has decided he wants to play two years, but still hasn’t decided where to play. The Reds are the latest team he has spoken with.

The Royals inked former Tigers’ left-hander Zach Miner to a minor league deal.

Bartolo Colon, attempting to make a comeback, said that the Yankees, Rangers, and the Indians have recently shown some interest in him.

From everyone here at BaseballDigest.com, we wish a very Happy, Healthy, and Safe New Year!

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Konerko Re-ups With White Sox | Baseball Digest

Paul Konerko has decided to stay on the south side.

BD Hot Stove Breaking News: Konerko Re-ups With White Sox | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Who’s On First? | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: Who’s On First? | Baseball Digest

A look at this year's free agent crop of 1st basemen.

Paul Konerko Adam Dunn Carlos Pena Derrek Lee

Holy Cano-li

That's the phrase that popped in my head this afternoon as Robinson Cano sent yet another home run into the right field seats. Cano and the Yankees had their hitting shoes on as they pounded the Chicago White Sox 12-3 on a hot and sticky Sunday afternoon in the Bronx.

Phil Hughes was outstanding once again, shaking off his rocky outing in Baltimore, to win his third game of the season. In taking 2 of the 3 from Chicago, the Yankees have grabbed 7 of the 8 series they've played this year.

The Yankees won without the services of Curtis Granderson, who is out with a Grade-2 groin strain, and Alex Rodriguez who is bothered by either a knee or leg muscle depending on who you talk to.

The Yankees had already put a pair of runs on the board when Cano took Mark Buehrle deep with two men aboard for a 5-0 lead. Buehrle threw a perfect game on July 23, 2009, but has been anything but perfect since. He lasted just 4 2/3 innings and is just 4-11 since that magical game last July.

Hughes, on the other hand, cruised through the White Sox lineup for seven shutout innings. Hughes used a mid-90's fastball with a changeup and curve to limit the Chisox to four hits and walk, while he struck out 6. Hughes lowered his ERA to a league second best 1.44 mark.

With Hughes dominating Chicago's lineup, the Yankees lineup continued their assault on the White Sox bullpen. Mark Teixeira embraced the new month by tying a career high with four hits. Brett Gardner hit his first home run of the year and Nick Swisher snapped out of his home field problems by homering for the second straight game and had three of the Yankees 16 hits.

Paul Konerko broke up the shutout in the 9th with his league leading 12th home run off of newly recalled right-hander Mark Melancon.

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.

The Pennant Race - 9/10

We're back from vacation, tanned, rested, and ready to get back to full posting. The races in four of the six divisions continue to be exciting. The Angels have a magic number of two to clinch the AL West, and the Cubs aren't losing any ground, because the Brewers are losing as much as the Chi-town team.

Things have really gotten crazy out in the NL West. The Dodgers lost eight straight in August before winning their final two of the month. They've since won seven of their first eight games in September to, remarkably, pick up five games on the Diamondbacks. LA has gone from 2.5 games out to 2.5 in front. Last night they trailed the Padres 2-0 in the sixth inning when Manny Ramirez's solo home run ignited a comeback. Andre Ethier drove in four runs, including a back breaking 3-run double in the ninth inning.

The Diamondbacks meanwhile lost for the 12th time in 15 games. Chris Snyder hit a game tying, 2-run home run in the ninth against Giants closer Brian Wilson, but Eugenio Velez singled in the game winner in the home half of the ninth.

The Blue Jays continue to muck up contending team's plans. Yesterday they out pitched and out hit the White Sox in a doubleheader sweep to extend their winning streak to 10 games. A.J. Burnett won his 17th game in the opener, allowing just one hit over seven innings in a 3-1 Blue Jays win.

The Jays won the nightcap 8-2 behind seven strong innings from Jessie Litsch and three home runs. News also got worse for the White Sox, already without Carlos Quentin, when Paul Konerko went down with a sprained MCL. He'll be further evaluated today.

The Twins took advantage of the White Sox double demise with a 7-2 win over the Royals. The victory moved the Twins back to within one game of the AL Central lead. Justin Morneau continued his run at another MVP award with his 23rd home run and RBI, 118 and 119.

When Jason Bay hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning last night, it appeared the Red Sox would overtake Tampa for first place in the AL East, but the Rays had more up their sleeve. Dan Johnson took Jon Papelbon deep for a game tying home run in the ninth. One out later, pinch-hitter Fernando Perez and Dionner Navarro stroked back to back doubles to give the Rays a 5-4.

Troy Percival came on in the ninth and faced a two out challenge when pinch-runner Jacoby Ellsbury stole second base and moved to third base on Navarro's throwing error. But Percival got Coco Crisp to pop out to end the game and push the Rays lead back to 1.5 games.

10-8. Important numbers in the NL East. The Mets blew a 5-2 lead to the Nationals and then had to rally from an 8-7 deficit to beat Washington, 10-8. Carlos Delgado went from first half boos to second half chants of 'MVP' with games like last night's in which he slugged two home runs.

The Phillies trailed the Marlins 9-1 before rallying behind Ryan Howard's 41st home run. They fell short though and the Marlins emerged with a 10-8 win, dropping the Phillies 2.5 games behind the Mets.

The Cubbies struggles continue. They led the Cardinals 3-0 last night before Albert Pujols hit a game tying 3-run home run in the sixth inning. The game would remain tied until the ninth when pinch-runner Bo Ryan came home with the winning run on Caesar Izturis' grounder. The victory moved the Cardinals to within 4.5 games of the Brewers in the NL wildcard race.

The Cubs didn't lose any of their lead though as the Brewers rallied back from a 4-1 deficit, only to lose to the Reds, 5-4, in 11 innings. Ray Durham hit the game tying 3-run blast in the seventh. The Brewers remain 4.5 back of the Cubs in the NL Central, while maintaining their 3.5 game lead over the Phillies in the wildcard.

The Pennant Race - 9/10

We're back from vacation, tanned, rested, and ready to get back to full posting. The races in four of the six divisions continue to be exciting. The Angels have a magic number of two to clinch the AL West, and the Cubs aren't losing any ground, because the Brewers are losing as much as the Chi-town team.

Things have really gotten crazy out in the NL West. The Dodgers lost eight straight in August before winning their final two of the month. They've since won seven of their first eight games in September to, remarkably, pick up five games on the Diamondbacks. LA has gone from 2.5 games out to 2.5 in front. Last night they trailed the Padres 2-0 in the sixth inning when Manny Ramirez's solo home run ignited a comeback. Andre Ethier drove in four runs, including a back breaking 3-run double in the ninth inning.

The Diamondbacks meanwhile lost for the 12th time in 15 games. Chris Snyder hit a game tying, 2-run home run in the ninth against Giants closer Brian Wilson, but Eugenio Velez singled in the game winner in the home half of the ninth.

The Blue Jays continue to muck up contending team's plans. Yesterday they out pitched and out hit the White Sox in a doubleheader sweep to extend their winning streak to 10 games. A.J. Burnett won his 17th game in the opener, allowing just one hit over seven innings in a 3-1 Blue Jays win.

The Jays won the nightcap 8-2 behind seven strong innings from Jessie Litsch and three home runs. News also got worse for the White Sox, already without Carlos Quentin, when Paul Konerko went down with a sprained MCL. He'll be further evaluated today.

The Twins took advantage of the White Sox double demise with a 7-2 win over the Royals. The victory moved the Twins back to within one game of the AL Central lead. Justin Morneau continued his run at another MVP award with his 23rd home run and RBI, 118 and 119.

When Jason Bay hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning last night, it appeared the Red Sox would overtake Tampa for first place in the AL East, but the Rays had more up their sleeve. Dan Johnson took Jon Papelbon deep for a game tying home run in the ninth. One out later, pinch-hitter Fernando Perez and Dionner Navarro stroked back to back doubles to give the Rays a 5-4.

Troy Percival came on in the ninth and faced a two out challenge when pinch-runner Jacoby Ellsbury stole second base and moved to third base on Navarro's throwing error. But Percival got Coco Crisp to pop out to end the game and push the Rays lead back to 1.5 games.

10-8. Important numbers in the NL East. The Mets blew a 5-2 lead to the Nationals and then had to rally from an 8-7 deficit to beat Washington, 10-8. Carlos Delgado went from first half boos to second half chants of 'MVP' with games like last night's in which he slugged two home runs.

The Phillies trailed the Marlins 9-1 before rallying behind Ryan Howard's 41st home run. They fell short though and the Marlins emerged with a 10-8 win, dropping the Phillies 2.5 games behind the Mets.

The Cubbies struggles continue. They led the Cardinals 3-0 last night before Albert Pujols hit a game tying 3-run home run in the sixth inning. The game would remain tied until the ninth when pinch-runner Bo Ryan came home with the winning run on Caesar Izturis' grounder. The victory moved the Cardinals to within 4.5 games of the Brewers in the NL wildcard race.

The Cubs didn't lose any of their lead though as the Brewers rallied back from a 4-1 deficit, only to lose to the Reds, 5-4, in 11 innings. Ray Durham hit the game tying 3-run blast in the seventh. The Brewers remain 4.5 back of the Cubs in the NL Central, while maintaining their 3.5 game lead over the Phillies in the wildcard.

Around the Horn - 6/17

There was limited action in MLB last night, but there's a full slate on tap tonight. Before the news a recap of last night's action.

A big night for Ryan Howard in the city of brotherly love. He smashed a pair of home runs and legged out a triple in the Phillies 8-2 dismantling of the Red Sox. Howard's 4 RBI came mainly at the expense of Bartolo Colon who left, after a 4 inning, 4-run appearance, with back spasms. Cole Hamels went 7 innings for his 7th win.

The Tigers 6-game winning streak came to a screeching halt when they couldn't hold a 4-3 lead late. Fernando Rodney's first appearance of the season is one he'd like to forget- a 3-run home run surrendered to John Bowker. The Giants won it 8-6.

Carlos Beltran gave Willie Randolph a going away present, 2 home runs to propel the Mets to a 9-6 win over the Angels. Perhaps if Beltran and his teammates had played with fire and desire all year Randolph might still be manager.

The Marlins continued the Mariners misery with a 6-1 win on the left coast. Andrew Miller, who started the season so badly, allowed 1 run over 7 innings to improve to 5-5.

In the lone intraleague game, Jair Jurrjens threw 7.2 shutout innings to beat the Rockies 7-1. Chipper Jones returned to the lineup with a pair of RBI and raised his average to .403.


News

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Tigers are interested in free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia.

This just in...the Mets are still gutless.

The Indians have signed recently released Morgan Ensberg to a minor league deal.

The Denver Post reports that Troy Tulowitzki could return from the DL this Friday.

The White Sox placed Paul Konkero on the DL with a strained oblique.

The Red Sox are expected to activate Dice-K this weekend.

Around the Horn - 6/17

There was limited action in MLB last night, but there's a full slate on tap tonight. Before the news a recap of last night's action.

A big night for Ryan Howard in the city of brotherly love. He smashed a pair of home runs and legged out a triple in the Phillies 8-2 dismantling of the Red Sox. Howard's 4 RBI came mainly at the expense of Bartolo Colon who left, after a 4 inning, 4-run appearance, with back spasms. Cole Hamels went 7 innings for his 7th win.

The Tigers 6-game winning streak came to a screeching halt when they couldn't hold a 4-3 lead late. Fernando Rodney's first appearance of the season is one he'd like to forget- a 3-run home run surrendered to John Bowker. The Giants won it 8-6.

Carlos Beltran gave Willie Randolph a going away present, 2 home runs to propel the Mets to a 9-6 win over the Angels. Perhaps if Beltran and his teammates had played with fire and desire all year Randolph might still be manager.

The Marlins continued the Mariners misery with a 6-1 win on the left coast. Andrew Miller, who started the season so badly, allowed 1 run over 7 innings to improve to 5-5.

In the lone intraleague game, Jair Jurrjens threw 7.2 shutout innings to beat the Rockies 7-1. Chipper Jones returned to the lineup with a pair of RBI and raised his average to .403.


News

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Tigers are interested in free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia.

This just in...the Mets are still gutless.

The Indians have signed recently released Morgan Ensberg to a minor league deal.

The Denver Post reports that Troy Tulowitzki could return from the DL this Friday.

The White Sox placed Paul Konkero on the DL with a strained oblique.

The Red Sox are expected to activate Dice-K this weekend.

Around the Horn - 3/6

Serious news out of Cardinals' camp. Team doctor George Paletta says Albert Pujols has a high grade tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The tear seems to have also caused bone spurs, inflammation and arthritis in the joint. Pujols will need Tommy John surgery if and when the ligament finally gives out.

Rondell White earned the nickname RonDL because of his frequent inactivity due to injuries. Well, pretty soon Moises Alou may be known as Moises DLou. The Mets left fielder didn't even wait until the regular season to make his 1st trip to the disabled list this year. Alou is set to undergo hernia surgery and is out 4-6 weeks. The Mets HAVE to be looking for a right-handed bat.

Bartolo Colon had his 2nd positive bullpen throwing session and is on track to make his first spring start for Boston March 15.

When will the Rays finally cut bait with Rocco Baldelli? Baldelli was too sore to DH today after playing last on Tuesday. Is there such a thing as a hamstring transplant?

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the White Sox and Giants continue to discuss a Joe Crede deal, but so far can't agree on the players involved.

According to a source of Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, White Sox 1st Baseman Paul Konerko can still be had in a trade.

The Mets' Johan Santana bounced back from a rocky 1st outing with a solid 3 inning performance on Wednesday. The ace left-hander allowed a run on 2 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4.

Around the Horn - 3/6

Serious news out of Cardinals' camp. Team doctor George Paletta says Albert Pujols has a high grade tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The tear seems to have also caused bone spurs, inflammation and arthritis in the joint. Pujols will need Tommy John surgery if and when the ligament finally gives out.

Rondell White earned the nickname RonDL because of his frequent inactivity due to injuries. Well, pretty soon Moises Alou may be known as Moises DLou. The Mets left fielder didn't even wait until the regular season to make his 1st trip to the disabled list this year. Alou is set to undergo hernia surgery and is out 4-6 weeks. The Mets HAVE to be looking for a right-handed bat.

Bartolo Colon had his 2nd positive bullpen throwing session and is on track to make his first spring start for Boston March 15.

When will the Rays finally cut bait with Rocco Baldelli? Baldelli was too sore to DH today after playing last on Tuesday. Is there such a thing as a hamstring transplant?

According to SI's Jon Heyman, the White Sox and Giants continue to discuss a Joe Crede deal, but so far can't agree on the players involved.

According to a source of Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, White Sox 1st Baseman Paul Konerko can still be had in a trade.

The Mets' Johan Santana bounced back from a rocky 1st outing with a solid 3 inning performance on Wednesday. The ace left-hander allowed a run on 2 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 4.

Weekend Hot Stove

Chicago White Sox G.M. Kenny Williams categorically denies it, but rumor has it Williams is talking to his Angels' counterpart Tony Reagins about Paul Konerko. When he was acquired the other day, Nick Swisher was told he would playing a lot of centerfield for Chicago, but if Konerko is moved, there's always the possibility Swisher could become the White Sox every day 1st Baseman.

The Texas Rangers have agreed to a 1-year, $3.85 million deal with free agent 1st Baseman Ben Broussard.

The Chicago Cubs sent minor league outfielder Angel Pagan to the Mets for a pair of minor leaguers- 22-year-old reliever Ryan Meyers and 25-year-old outfielder Corey Coles. The Cubs had picked up Pagan from the Mets prior to the 2006 season.

Brian Cashman has said he's perfectly happy with the Yankees 1st Base situation (he also said the same thing about centerfield right before he signed Johnny Damon prior to the 2006 season), with Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit, and Shelley Duncan sharing the spot. Cashman also feels that Juan Miranda, who played this past season in Double-A, could also play a factor.

How do you say "Lima time" in Korean? We may find out soon since Jose Lima is rumored to be signing with the Kia Tigers of the Korean baseball league.


photo couresy of mlb.com

Weekend Hot Stove

Chicago White Sox G.M. Kenny Williams categorically denies it, but rumor has it Williams is talking to his Angels' counterpart Tony Reagins about Paul Konerko. When he was acquired the other day, Nick Swisher was told he would playing a lot of centerfield for Chicago, but if Konerko is moved, there's always the possibility Swisher could become the White Sox every day 1st Baseman.

The Texas Rangers have agreed to a 1-year, $3.85 million deal with free agent 1st Baseman Ben Broussard.

The Chicago Cubs sent minor league outfielder Angel Pagan to the Mets for a pair of minor leaguers- 22-year-old reliever Ryan Meyers and 25-year-old outfielder Corey Coles. The Cubs had picked up Pagan from the Mets prior to the 2006 season.

Brian Cashman has said he's perfectly happy with the Yankees 1st Base situation (he also said the same thing about centerfield right before he signed Johnny Damon prior to the 2006 season), with Jason Giambi, Wilson Betemit, and Shelley Duncan sharing the spot. Cashman also feels that Juan Miranda, who played this past season in Double-A, could also play a factor.

How do you say "Lima time" in Korean? We may find out soon since Jose Lima is rumored to be signing with the Kia Tigers of the Korean baseball league.


photo couresy of mlb.com