Here's the latest from around the majors…
- Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers thought Vladimir Guerrero performed well in his tryout with the team but will have to consult with team management before deciding whether to offer Guerrero a contract, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Towers speculated that Guerrero's only possible role with the club could be as a DH during interleague games, a role that Wily Mo Pena filled for the Snakes last season.
- The Brewers may check in with Derrek Lee in regards to their hole at first base, GM Doug Melvin told reporters (including Scott Miller of CBS Sports) earlier this week. Lee said he didn't plan to officially retire despite a lack of interest this offseason, though he seemed to be holding out for "a perfect situation." The Pirates, Lee's last team, would receive a compensatory draft pick if Lee were to sign a Major League deal, though it's likely that Lee would only be offered a minor league contract, if anything, by the Brewers or another club.
- Torii Hunter tells Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he would consider returning to the Twins next season if he doesn't re-sign with the Angels. Given that Hunter's stated goal is to play for a contender in 2013, it's hard to see him returning to Minnesota unless he gets no other offers (and, of course, presuming that the Twins would be interested).
- Carl Crawford has been moved to the 60-day DL to create a 40-man roster spot for the called-up Aaron Cook, the Red Sox announced tonight. In a corresponding move, Jose Iglesias was sent down to create space for Cook on the 25-man roster.
- Right-hander Carlos Torres has been called up by the Rockies and filled the last spot on their 40-man roster, reports Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Jhoulys Chacin has been sent down to Triple-A in a corresponding move that opens a spot for Torres on the 25-man roster. Torres last pitched in the majors in 2010 as a member of the White Sox.
- Major League Baseball and the NCAA are in talks regarding increased partnership between the two entities, such as MLB providing funding for scholarships, reports Bryan Fischer of CBS Sports.
- White Sox starter John Danks told reporters (including MLB.com's Scott Merkin) that he isn't feeling any additional pressure from his offseason contract extension. After allowing six earned runs in seven innings against Cleveland tonight, Danks' ERA stands at 6.51 through six starts.
Indians should vie for hunter given the # of HRs he’s had against them
Lee may sign in Milwaukee, Guerrero in Detroit maybe, lots of rumours come to not. Lots.
If Arizona sell has injury issues I think they might sign Vlad and platoon him. Might.
Seattle Mariners would be a perfect fit for Vlad Guerrero to sign w/ the team that’s struggling on offense. He can share time at DH w/ Jesus Montero, while Montero can also catch w/ Miguel Olivo out w/ an injury. Chone Figgins needs to go as he’s not working out well for the team as he’s been struggling on offense.
I’ll call my shot and say that Torii Hunter signs with the Dodgers next season. Likely to be a contender, I think the Dodgers make sense for a couple of reasons. First off, I could see Magic Johnson and the team wanting to sign such a strong African-American presence like Hunter, and he could act as a mentor of sorts to guys like Dee Gordon and Kemp. Further, as I suspect Juan Rivera isn’t going to be a suitable starting outfielder next season (despite his 2-year deal), he would certainly be an upgrade there. If they kept Ethier, you could still play Hunter in left field. It would also be a signing that Colletti likes; he likes veteran players whenever possible. And you know Hunter likes southern California. The one downside to this prediction is that Hunter has played his entire career in the AL and may not want to change leagues. If he were to stay in the AL, I think Texas and the Tigers are decent possibilities, and maybe even the Rays as well (BJ Upton is likely to leave, they can play Jennings in center, and I know for a fact Joe Maddon has respect for Hunter).
Texas not an option for Hunter. One, he burned that bridge the last time he was a FA with his stupid comments in the media. Two, we don’t need an over the hill OF
Funny thing about the old/young debate: years ago I read a story about a guy whining that a young ChiSox pitcher had been signed to a five-year contract while an aging pitcher who had virtually the same stats was unemployed. Young guy lasted one more year then was out of baseball, old guy lasted 3 more and won a WS. Just an anecdote to show that teams need to plan for the future but play for today. Which is why free agents are still so valuable, you can and them today without abandoning the future. Will Guerrero be in Arizona/Detroit/Seattle this year, Lee in Milwaukee/Atlanta/Philly, Hunter/Hamilton in LA next year?
If hitters weren’t so hard to find, pitchers who really can pitch a rare commodity, few there’d be almost nobody past 36 on a roster. But there’s Moyer, there’s Damon, there’s Thome, next Guerrero….
Cooking with gas, eh? Not today….