Russ Ortiz Rumors

Rockies Release Russ Ortiz

Diamond Leung reports that the Rockies have released veteran righthander Russ Ortiz, who had been pitching with Triple-A Colorado Springs. After spending most of the year in the Astros rotation, Ortiz agreed to the minor league contract with the Yankees before opting out of the deal in hopes of finding a better big league opportunity. Colorado signed him to a minor league pact two weeks ago. In three starts with the Rockies' top minor league affiliate, Ortiz allowed 28 baserunners and 12 runs in 14 IP. The former 21-game winner hasn't been an effective pitcher since 2004.   Continue Reading

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Rockies To Sign Russ Ortiz

Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports the Rockies will announce the signing of veteran Russ Ortiz. Along with the signing of Jason Giambi, the Rockies have significantly increased their veteran presence for the stretch run. Ortiz was released by the Astros after posting a 5.57 ERA in 23 games, 13 starts. After signing with the Yankees and going 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA in Triple A, he opted out when he wasn't promoted. Ortiz wanted to pitch for a contender and signing with the Rox gives him that chance.   Continue Reading

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Russ Ortiz Opts Out, Becomes A Free Agent

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Russ Ortiz has exercised a clause in his contract that allows him to become a free agent. The Yankees agreed to let the righty become a free agent if they didn't promote him after three minor league starts. Ortiz pitched well in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the Yanks asked him to remain in the organization, but he declined. Instead, Ortiz, wants to pitch in the majors for a contender. As Rosenthal points out, the Dodgers are looking for pitching, especially after seeing Hiroki Kuroda take a line drive to the head.   Continue Reading

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Yankees Sign Russ Ortiz

According to Tyler Kepner at the New York Times, the Yankees have signed RHP Russ Ortiz to provide minor-league depth at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Ortiz was released by the Astros in July after putting up a 5.57 ERA and 65/48 K/BB ratio in 85.2 innings as a starter.   Continue Reading

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Astros Release Russ Ortiz

According to Alyson Footer via Twitter, the Astros released pitcher Russ Ortiz. Ortiz's nine earned run drubbing today was apparently the last straw, as his ERA rose to 5.57. The Astros had signed Ortiz to a minor league deal in January and named him the fifth starter in April.   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Hinske, Pirates, Astros

Links for Tuesday... Joel Sherman of the New York Post heard that Eric Hinske cleared waivers two weeks ago.This means the Mets, Yankees or any other team could have had him for the $800k remaining on his salary. Sherman believes the Pirates won the other trade they made today, acquiring Lastings Milledge and Joel Hanrahan from the Nats. Tom Verducci of SI.com names his All-Star team and it's heavy on youth. Astros first rounder Jiovanni Mier told MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo that the pace of the game is noticeably faster in the pros. Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says Mike...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Free Agents, Orioles, Ortiz

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new column up. Rosenthal discusses the unprecedented number of decent free agents available, a few games into the season (click here for our free agent list). He suggests the hitters will have a harder time getting jobs than the pitchers due to the time needed to shake off the rust. In talking with execs, Rosenthal learned that the trade market for mediocre players (Jarrod Washburn, Nate Robertson, Austin Kearns) may be depressed this summer due to the available free agents. As he wrote in February, Rosenthal says that Braden Looper turned down more...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Smoltz, Cordero, Colon, Byrd

Links for Thursday... John Smoltz told Dan Patrick that the Yankees and Dodgers also courted him. KNBR had interviews with Scott Boras and Ned Colletti yesterday. The Dodgers are "only monitoring" Kris Benson and Chad Cordero. The Phillies have "kept tabs" on Cordero and Eric Milton. Baseball America ranked the Rangers' farm system as the best in baseball. Andy MacPhail says the Orioles don't necessarily have to add a first baseman. South Side Sox and Sox Machine on the Bartolo Colon signing. Jon Paul Morosi says Jason Isringhausen is a "natural fit" for the Tigers. The Red Sox will only...   Continue Reading

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Astros Sign Russ Ortiz

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Astros signed pitcher Russ Ortiz to a one-year deal. Ortiz had Tommy John and flexor tendon surgery in August of '07.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Huff, Hardy, Russ Ortiz

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new column up. Mark Attanasio set a dangerous precedent by firing Ned Yost. Will he interfere with GM Doug Melvin's plans in the future? Rosenthal considers Aubrey Huff a "highly desirable trade commodity" this winter. That begs the question - why did Huff pass through waivers unclaimed in August? Trading J.J. Hardy is more likely than moving him to third base. Hardy is under team control for two more seasons. The Jays, Tigers, Royals, Twins, Giants, Dodgers, and Cardinals could be in the market for a shortstop. Demand certainly outstrips supply. Rosenthal believes...   Continue Reading

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