It's been a busy Friday for baseball's Central divisions, which have already featured prominently in a pair of trades and a pair of retirements. But the day's not over yet….
- In addition to acquiring John Whittleman, the Royals finalized two more minor league trades today. The team sent Gaby Hernandez to the White Sox and Alex Caldera to the Nationals, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star (Twitter links). The Royals figure to receive cash in return for both right-handers, according to Dutton.
- The Indians made a few roster decisions, naming Jack Hannahan the Opening Day third baseman and reassigning Doug Mathis and Anthony Reyes to the minors, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the battle for the last spot in the Cubs' bullpen is down to Carlos Silva, Casey Coleman, and Marcos Mateo. Rosenthal figures that, considering his salary, Silva will get the first crack, but notes the Cubs have said they want to open with the best possible team. MLB.com's Carrie Muskat has more on Coleman's quest for the final bullpen opening.
- Zack Greinke is confident that early-season injuries, including his own, won't set the Brewers back significantly, as he tells Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.
such interesting notes. The most interesting thing in the NL central this season could be how bad the bottom of the rotation is for the division winner. Will it be injured cards (lohse and mcclellan), brewers (mitre and rogers), reds (whoever dusty doesn’t demolish) or the naturally bad 4/5 starters of the cubs? I don’t know how national media can constantly defend the cardinals not seriously being screwed though with their only dependable pitcher out for 1 +1/2 years.
Carlos Silva… a major enigma. Some team will pick him up (NYY?) thinking his demeanor will change.It won’t.