ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas is reporting that the LA Dodgers and Manny Ramirez have agreed to terms on a two year deal. No financial terms were disclosed.
Scott Boras, Ramirez's agent, did not return a phone call to confirm or deny the information.
UPDATE 8 AM 3/4 - Scott Boras denied any deal last night, but it is believed the two teams are now very close. Manny flew to LA last night.
UPDATE 4:05 PM 3/4 - It's for real this time; Manny Ramirez has reached agreement with the Dodgers on a 2 year, $45 million deal. It includes a clause to opt out after one year.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Team USA 'Hacks' up Yankees
Eric Hacker may have many great moments as a professional baseball player, but today wasn't one of them. With the Yankees trailing 2-1, Hacker fell victim to bad control, bad fielding, and some bad breaks in a 4-run Team USA inning. It propelled the WBC competitor to a 6-5 victory at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida earlier today.Hacker gave up an infield single to Derek Jeter that set the wheels in motion. An error by Angel Berroa, two walks, two wild pitches, and a 2-run single by Kevin Youkilis highlighted the scoring.
The Yankees scored a run in the first off of the Astros' Roy Oswalt and added three runs against the White Sox' Matt Thornton in the sixth inning. Marlins' hard throwing reliever Matt Lindstrom picked up the save after allowing the Yankees final run in the ninth.
Though it was a loss, there were some definite positives for the Yankees, starting with the starting pitcher, Phil Hughes. The Yankees young right-hander threw two solid innings before he appeared to tire in the third. That's when he allowed a 2-run single to none other than Jeter to give Team USA the lead for good, 2-1.
Hughes threw 41 pitches, 25 for strikes, with two strikeouts and no walks. Phil Coke relieved Hughes with two outs in the third and threw 2.1 scoreless innings.
Brett Gardner continues to do a great job this spring in the battle for center field. The speedster went 3-3 and is hitting .615 (8-13) this spring. He's got 3 doubles, 2 home runs, 3 steals, and 17 total bases in 5 games.
Melky Cabrera replaced Gardner during the game and went for 1-2. The Melkman is hitting .333 (4-12), but has no extra base hits this spring.
Nick Swisher drove in a pair of runs, and Cody Ransom, Doug Bernier, and Jorge Posada drove in one each. Posada went 2-3 and is 7-11 (.636) this spring.
Box Score
* * *
An amusing moment happened when Derek Jeter made a nice play on a ball up the middle, did his patented 360 degree turn and threw a one hopper to Kevin Youkilis at first base. Youkilis couldn't handle the throw, prompting a chorus of boos from the home town Yankees fans. The play was scored a hit, which softened the blow.
YES announcer Michael Kay, for a change, tried to make something out of nothing today. This time it was trying to make a big deal out of the fact that Jeter played all nine innings in today's game. Kay said to his broadcast partner, John Flaherty, that Joe Girardi may be upset or concerned about Jeter being in the whole game. Flaherty agreed, saying that the infields tend to get rock hard late in the games during spring training. Kay failed to mention that Dustin Pedroia, David Wright, Curtis Granderson, and Ryan Braun played all nine innings as well.
Considering the WBC starts this Saturday for Team USA, don't you think they might want the players able to last for more than half a game?
photo courtesy of mlb.com
A-Rod Could Miss WBC
The NY Times' Jack Curry is reporting tonight that Alex Rodriguez could miss the World Baseball Classic due to a cyst on his hip. The Yankees ordered an MRI after A-Rod complained of hip discomfort, and will be sending the third baseman to a hip specialist in Colorado on Wednesday.
Even if it turns out not to be serious, there is the possibility the Yankees will block A-Rod from participating in the WBC so that he can rest up his leg.
Even if it turns out not to be serious, there is the possibility the Yankees will block A-Rod from participating in the WBC so that he can rest up his leg.
Jeter Haunts Hughes
Phil Hughes threw 2 good innings for the Yankees against Team USA today, but then Derek Jeter got him. Hughes got Jeter to hit into a double play in the first inning, but Jeter delivered a 2-run single in the 3rd to end Hughes' day.
Hughes' curve ball was very sharp, freezing Adam Dunn in the second inning for a called third strike.
Hughes' curve ball was very sharp, freezing Adam Dunn in the second inning for a called third strike.
CC Gettin' His Groove On
CC Sabathia threw a 28 pitch simulated game yesterday, pitching to Kevin Cash and Hideki Matsui, neither of whom made the road trip to Kissimmee.
Anthony DiComo of mlb.com has a recap:
Anthony DiComo of mlb.com has a recap:
And aside from what would have been a ground-ball single up the middle for Matsui, Sabathia appeared in command, mixing in a curveball and cutter with his fastball and changeup.
"It was my first time throwing to guys without a cage or a screen up," Sabathia said. "It just felt good."To that end, Sabathia will be on three days' rest for his Friday start -- a typical occurrence at this point in Spring Training, when pitch counts remain low.
"I didn't do a good job of that last year," Sabathia said of his spring scheduling, which may have been a factor in his 7.76 ERA in April. "I kind of took too much rest. I think I need to throw more to be ready for the season, and I'm going to get that accomplished this spring."
Of most interest to Sabathia during the session was his command of the cutter, a pitch that he generally doesn't gain a feel for until later in the spring.
"It usually takes a while for it to get right," Sabathia said, "and I'll just keep working at it and hopefully be ready for the season."
Yankees Host Team USA Today
We never got the chance to recap yesterday's 5-5 tie with the Astros. The biggest thing to come out of it was the two excellent innings by Chien-Ming Wang. The Daily News' Anthony McCarron recaps Wang's day.
It was also an important game for Melky Cabrera and Angel Berroa, who are both fighting for jobs. The Melkman had a couple of hits and 2 RBI, and Berroa homered and doubled.
In the battle for the long spot in the bullpen, Brett Tomko allowed one run in two innings.
The Yankees take on Team USA today in Tampa (1:00 on YES). Derek Jeter has been named captain of the USA squad. Jeter talks about it in a video interview on Yankees.com
It was also an important game for Melky Cabrera and Angel Berroa, who are both fighting for jobs. The Melkman had a couple of hits and 2 RBI, and Berroa homered and doubled.
In the battle for the long spot in the bullpen, Brett Tomko allowed one run in two innings.
The Yankees take on Team USA today in Tampa (1:00 on YES). Derek Jeter has been named captain of the USA squad. Jeter talks about it in a video interview on Yankees.com
A-Rod's a Good Daddy
That's apparently the new tact that A-Rod's PR team is working on. The Yankees drama queen is working out with the Dominican Republic team in Jupiter, FL, in preparation for the World Baseball Classic.
Translation - great photo op. The former Mrs. C-Rod was in town, with kids in tow. Just like a politician, A-Rod was quick to hug and kiss babies in front of the photographers.
Translation - great photo op. The former Mrs. C-Rod was in town, with kids in tow. Just like a politician, A-Rod was quick to hug and kiss babies in front of the photographers.
Photos courtesy of NY Daily News
Monday, March 2, 2009
Yankees vs. Astros - Mar 2
The Yankees have taken a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first. Melky Cabrera's triple brought home Johnny Damon. Well, now (1:14 PM) it's 2-0. Good to see Jorge Posada right back in the lineup and he delivers with an RBI single.
1:16 PM A Cody Ranson DP ball brings home Nick Swisher for a 3rd run.
1:26 PM Nice easy inning for The Wanger. Allowed a single by Lance Berkman and that was it.
2:16 PM We had to step away for a bit. The Yankees now lead 5-0 in the 4th. Melky added a second RBI and Angel Berroa hit his first home run of the spring. Chien-Ming Wang with two scoreless innings. Brett Tomko came on in the third.
1:16 PM A Cody Ranson DP ball brings home Nick Swisher for a 3rd run.
1:26 PM Nice easy inning for The Wanger. Allowed a single by Lance Berkman and that was it.
2:16 PM We had to step away for a bit. The Yankees now lead 5-0 in the 4th. Melky added a second RBI and Angel Berroa hit his first home run of the spring. Chien-Ming Wang with two scoreless innings. Brett Tomko came on in the third.
The Daily Yankeeland - 3/2
A foot of snow is falling on the tri-state area; even more reason to wish we were in Tampa right now. Here's what's going on down there.
Alex Rodriguez met with MLB investigators for a couple hours on Sunday and was "cooperative", according to a press release. With A-Rod off to the WBC now, the Yankees will gladly welcome less distractions.
Former Yankees pitcher Tom Sturdivant passed away Saturday at the age of 78. He was a member of the Yankees from 1955-1959 before being part of one of the many trades the Yankees that made with the Kansas City Athletics back then. The deal brought Ralph Terry and Hector Lopez to the Bombers.
Sturdivant enjoyed a 10 year career, but his first two full seasons in Pinstripes were his best, winning 16 games in back to back seasons, and he posted an AL second best 2.54 ERA in 1957. He was a member of four pennant winners and two world champions while in the Bronx, contributing with a victory in the 1956 series with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.
The Yankees are in Kissimmee today for a game with the Astros. This will mark the first spring appearance for Chien-Ming Wang. We went to a game in Kissimmee back in 2000, seeing El Duque face off against Doc Gooden, who was trying to make the Astros. He later joined the Yankees that year and won some key games. It's a 1:00 start and you can hear Ma and Pa Yankee on WCBS radio.; turns out the game is NOT on WCS radio.
Jack Curry of the Times has a great piece today on Mark Teixeira's admiration for Don Mattingly. Though Teixeira grew up in Maryland and was an Orioles fan, Donnie Baseball was the man. A poster of the hit man still hangs in his parent's house in his old room.
Mark Carig is the new guy on the block at the Star Ledger. He's got an interview with the Yankees new guy on the block, Nick Swisher. Swish was miserable in Chicago last season, when he hit a career low .219 and found himself in Ozzie Guillen's dog house.
Ron Gardenhire thinks the Yankees will end up with Manny Ramirez. Might be a little sun stroke. Manny and the Dodgers are now $1.5 million apart from a deal.
Alex Rodriguez met with MLB investigators for a couple hours on Sunday and was "cooperative", according to a press release. With A-Rod off to the WBC now, the Yankees will gladly welcome less distractions.
Former Yankees pitcher Tom Sturdivant passed away Saturday at the age of 78. He was a member of the Yankees from 1955-1959 before being part of one of the many trades the Yankees that made with the Kansas City Athletics back then. The deal brought Ralph Terry and Hector Lopez to the Bombers.
Sturdivant enjoyed a 10 year career, but his first two full seasons in Pinstripes were his best, winning 16 games in back to back seasons, and he posted an AL second best 2.54 ERA in 1957. He was a member of four pennant winners and two world champions while in the Bronx, contributing with a victory in the 1956 series with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.
The Yankees are in Kissimmee today for a game with the Astros. This will mark the first spring appearance for Chien-Ming Wang. We went to a game in Kissimmee back in 2000, seeing El Duque face off against Doc Gooden, who was trying to make the Astros. He later joined the Yankees that year and won some key games. It's a 1:00 start and you can hear Ma and Pa Yankee on WCBS radio.; turns out the game is NOT on WCS radio.
Jack Curry of the Times has a great piece today on Mark Teixeira's admiration for Don Mattingly. Though Teixeira grew up in Maryland and was an Orioles fan, Donnie Baseball was the man. A poster of the hit man still hangs in his parent's house in his old room.
Mark Carig is the new guy on the block at the Star Ledger. He's got an interview with the Yankees new guy on the block, Nick Swisher. Swish was miserable in Chicago last season, when he hit a career low .219 and found himself in Ozzie Guillen's dog house.
Ron Gardenhire thinks the Yankees will end up with Manny Ramirez. Might be a little sun stroke. Manny and the Dodgers are now $1.5 million apart from a deal.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Yankees Lead Blown Away
For a while it appeared today's game in Sarasota, FL might end up with a higher score than the last Super Bowl. Strong winds and the Cincinnati Reds prevailed, 13-11, over the Yankees on Craig Tatum's seventh inning grand slam. It was the eighth home run of the day; the fifth by the Reds.
No Yankees pitcher escaped unscathed, with only Mark Melancon's ERA not affected as he allowed an unearned run. The Yankees had plenty of offense, but couldn't hold 2-0 and 11-8 leads.
Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, and John Rodriguez all went deep for the Yankees, who banged out 19 hits. Cano and Derek Jeter led the way with three hits each, and Cano paced the RBI producers with four.
But after being handed a 2-0 lead in the first, Al Aceves became the first victim of the wind as Chris Dickerson hit the first of his two home runs to help put the Reds on top 4-3.
Brett Gardner hadn't hit a home run in 127 career at-bats, but he tied in the game third off of Aaron Harang with his second blast of the spring. The lead see-sawed and the game was tied 5-5 entering the sixth inning (Cano and J-Rod hit solo shots off of former Yankee reliever David Weathers.). The Yankees took their final lead with three runs against Francisco Cordero, but it would be short lived.
Box Score
Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Damaso Marte are now all off to the World Baseball Classic.
Jason Johnson, who was diagnosed recently with retinal cancer, is expected to throw off a mound tomorrow.
CC Sabathia will pitch a simulated game tomorrow after rains prevented it today.
Jonathan Albaladejo had to leave the game after hitting being hit in the calf with a come backer. He's listed as day-to-day.
Jesus Montero strained his groin chasing down a passed ball, and have to leave the game as well.
No Yankees pitcher escaped unscathed, with only Mark Melancon's ERA not affected as he allowed an unearned run. The Yankees had plenty of offense, but couldn't hold 2-0 and 11-8 leads.
Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, and John Rodriguez all went deep for the Yankees, who banged out 19 hits. Cano and Derek Jeter led the way with three hits each, and Cano paced the RBI producers with four.
But after being handed a 2-0 lead in the first, Al Aceves became the first victim of the wind as Chris Dickerson hit the first of his two home runs to help put the Reds on top 4-3.
Brett Gardner hadn't hit a home run in 127 career at-bats, but he tied in the game third off of Aaron Harang with his second blast of the spring. The lead see-sawed and the game was tied 5-5 entering the sixth inning (Cano and J-Rod hit solo shots off of former Yankee reliever David Weathers.). The Yankees took their final lead with three runs against Francisco Cordero, but it would be short lived.
Box Score
Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Damaso Marte are now all off to the World Baseball Classic.
Jason Johnson, who was diagnosed recently with retinal cancer, is expected to throw off a mound tomorrow.
CC Sabathia will pitch a simulated game tomorrow after rains prevented it today.
Jonathan Albaladejo had to leave the game after hitting being hit in the calf with a come backer. He's listed as day-to-day.
Jesus Montero strained his groin chasing down a passed ball, and have to leave the game as well.
NL '09 Rookie Preview - NL East
The Cubbies' catching sensation, Geovanny Soto, took home the rookie of the year honors last season, doing a great job both at, and behind the plate. He took 31 of the 32 first place votes, with Cincy's Joey Votto grabbing the lone hold out vote to in finishing in second place. Who will be this year's NL top freshman? Let's start by taking a look at the NL East.
Phillies
The defending world champions have one of the best young players in the game in pitcher Cole Hamels. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are both young in experience, but have either hit 30 years of age or are about to.
No rookie should have an impact on the Phillies lineup this season, though starter J.A. Happ, ranked 7th in the organization by BA, could eventually supplant Jamie Moyer or Kyle Kenrick, if either struggles.
Mets
Like their Bronx counterparts, the Mets are a team filled with veterans. But the outfield and starting rotation could see rookies have a major impact.
Fernando Martinez, the Mets top prospect, will likely start the season in Triple-A, but with no start in the outfield other than Carlos Beltran, he could be recalled early on. A couple of things must be remembered though. Martinez won't turn 20 until after the season has ended and he has not played above Double-A. That being said, a fast start at Triple-A could land him in Flushing, with Ryan Church, Dan Murphy, and Fernando Tatis contending for playing time.
The back end of the rotation could be bolsted by Jon Niese. The 3rd best prospect in the Mets organization and number 77 in all of baseball, per Basbeall America, Niese made 22 starts for Double-A Binghamton before a promotion to Triple-A New Orleans. He made 7 starts for the Zephyrs, posting a very respectable 3.40 ERA and struck out 32 in 39.2 innings pitched.
With a fastball in the low 90's and a good curveball, Niese should get a long look for the back end of the rotation, and could beat out retreads Freddy Garcia and Livan Hernandez.
Braves
The Braves have two of the brightest young players in the game in their middle infield combo of Yuniel Escobar and Kelly Johnson. One "veteran" rookie and one true rookie, could have a big impact on the Braves 2009 season.
Though not a true rookie, this is Japanese veteran Kenshin Kawakami's first year in MLB. The 33-yr old won 112 games in 11 season with the Chunichi Dragons. Kawakami isn't over powering, his fastball tops out at about 91 mph, but he has a sinker, forkball, cutter, and curve ball. Greg Maddux is one of Kawakami's idols, and just like his hero, the key to Kawakami's success is his ability to control his pitches.
Tommy Hanson has worked his way up the Braves charts the traditional way, via the minor leagues. Hanson, whose fastball has been clocked at 99 mph, was recently named the first pitcher to garner Arizona Fall League MVP honors.
Hanson has struck out 373 hitters in 323 innings. As you would imagine, a player with that velocity also has a tendency to walk hitters - 119. The number four rated prospect, by BA, in all of baseball will most likely start the season in Triple-A.
Marlins
Florida is of course continually pushing youngsters into their lineup, but the regular center fielder could be the guy everyone has been waiting for to hit it big. Cameron Maybin was part of the blockbuster deal that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit. After looking like a fish out of water in 24 games for the Tigers in '07, Maybin bounced back nicely, going 16-32 (.500) with 4 stolen bases in an eight game call up this past September.
Like the Mets' Martinez, Maybin has never played above Double-A, where he struck out 124 times last year. He has a shot to play every day for the Marlins, but might better off taking it slowly with him.
Nationals
The Nationals are another team that won't hesitate to put younger players out on the field in order to save money. That approach shouldn't change with GM Jim Bowden's resignation earlier today.
The Nats are hoping that former top prospects Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes still pan out, and that Ryan Zimmerman produces the way he's expected to. Starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (No relation to Ryan) is the top ranked prospect in the organization and should be in the starting rotation at some point in '09.
In two seasons in the minor leagues, Zimmermann has struck out 205 batters in 187 innings, while posting a 15-7 record and 2.74 ERA. He's a plus fastball with a heavy sinking motion, and has a solid curve and change up. He had a good slider in college, but the Nats had him stop throwing it. That could change of course.
Ranking the NL East ROY Prospects
1. Jordan Zimmermann
2. Kenshin Kawakami
3. Jon Niese
4. Fernando Martinez
5. Tommy Hanson
6. J.A. Happ
Phillies
The defending world champions have one of the best young players in the game in pitcher Cole Hamels. Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are both young in experience, but have either hit 30 years of age or are about to.
No rookie should have an impact on the Phillies lineup this season, though starter J.A. Happ, ranked 7th in the organization by BA, could eventually supplant Jamie Moyer or Kyle Kenrick, if either struggles.
Mets
Like their Bronx counterparts, the Mets are a team filled with veterans. But the outfield and starting rotation could see rookies have a major impact.Fernando Martinez, the Mets top prospect, will likely start the season in Triple-A, but with no start in the outfield other than Carlos Beltran, he could be recalled early on. A couple of things must be remembered though. Martinez won't turn 20 until after the season has ended and he has not played above Double-A. That being said, a fast start at Triple-A could land him in Flushing, with Ryan Church, Dan Murphy, and Fernando Tatis contending for playing time.
The back end of the rotation could be bolsted by Jon Niese. The 3rd best prospect in the Mets organization and number 77 in all of baseball, per Basbeall America, Niese made 22 starts for Double-A Binghamton before a promotion to Triple-A New Orleans. He made 7 starts for the Zephyrs, posting a very respectable 3.40 ERA and struck out 32 in 39.2 innings pitched.
With a fastball in the low 90's and a good curveball, Niese should get a long look for the back end of the rotation, and could beat out retreads Freddy Garcia and Livan Hernandez.
Braves
The Braves have two of the brightest young players in the game in their middle infield combo of Yuniel Escobar and Kelly Johnson. One "veteran" rookie and one true rookie, could have a big impact on the Braves 2009 season.Though not a true rookie, this is Japanese veteran Kenshin Kawakami's first year in MLB. The 33-yr old won 112 games in 11 season with the Chunichi Dragons. Kawakami isn't over powering, his fastball tops out at about 91 mph, but he has a sinker, forkball, cutter, and curve ball. Greg Maddux is one of Kawakami's idols, and just like his hero, the key to Kawakami's success is his ability to control his pitches.
Tommy Hanson has worked his way up the Braves charts the traditional way, via the minor leagues. Hanson, whose fastball has been clocked at 99 mph, was recently named the first pitcher to garner Arizona Fall League MVP honors.
Hanson has struck out 373 hitters in 323 innings. As you would imagine, a player with that velocity also has a tendency to walk hitters - 119. The number four rated prospect, by BA, in all of baseball will most likely start the season in Triple-A.
Marlins
Florida is of course continually pushing youngsters into their lineup, but the regular center fielder could be the guy everyone has been waiting for to hit it big. Cameron Maybin was part of the blockbuster deal that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit. After looking like a fish out of water in 24 games for the Tigers in '07, Maybin bounced back nicely, going 16-32 (.500) with 4 stolen bases in an eight game call up this past September.Like the Mets' Martinez, Maybin has never played above Double-A, where he struck out 124 times last year. He has a shot to play every day for the Marlins, but might better off taking it slowly with him.
Nationals
The Nationals are another team that won't hesitate to put younger players out on the field in order to save money. That approach shouldn't change with GM Jim Bowden's resignation earlier today.The Nats are hoping that former top prospects Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes still pan out, and that Ryan Zimmerman produces the way he's expected to. Starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann (No relation to Ryan) is the top ranked prospect in the organization and should be in the starting rotation at some point in '09.
In two seasons in the minor leagues, Zimmermann has struck out 205 batters in 187 innings, while posting a 15-7 record and 2.74 ERA. He's a plus fastball with a heavy sinking motion, and has a solid curve and change up. He had a good slider in college, but the Nats had him stop throwing it. That could change of course.
Ranking the NL East ROY Prospects
1. Jordan Zimmermann
2. Kenshin Kawakami
3. Jon Niese
4. Fernando Martinez
5. Tommy Hanson
6. J.A. Happ
A-Rod Heads to Sarasota
MLB investigators were supposed to meet with Alex Rodriguez today to discuss his steroid use, his cousin, his association with baseball persona non grata. Except A-Rod was on his way to Sarasota for today's game with the Reds.
After today's game, A-Rod will be traveling with the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic, making it harder to set up a meeting.
Perhaps will get an OJ like chase down the highway sans Ford Bronco.
After today's game, A-Rod will be traveling with the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic, making it harder to set up a meeting.
Perhaps will get an OJ like chase down the highway sans Ford Bronco.
Baseball Digest is Now Online
The longest, and best, running show on baseball magazines - Baseball Digest - is now online. Yours truly had a chance to be part of the initial roll out with a piece on the Yankees bullpen.
Here it is Baseball Digest - Yankees Bullpen
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