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Archives for February 2009

Brewers To Sign Braden Looper

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TUESDAY, 8:02pm: Tom Haudricourt, who’s done a great job staying on top of this whole saga, revealed today that Looper’s contract comes with a mutual option for 2010.  His ’09 salary is thought to be $4.75MM.

MONDAY, 7:57pm: Haudricourt says the agreement is in place, pending a physical.  It’s a one-year deal with an option of some kind for 2010.

2:55pm: Haudricourt talked to Brewers GM Doug Melvin, who is "optimistic" about signing Looper1:56pm: Haudricourt keeps the updates coming.  He’s "pretty sure" Looper has reached an agreement with the Brewers.

12:59pm: Haudricourt  has now heard from two more sources and says the Brewers will sign Looper. Apparently Looper’s wife didn’t deny the signing when she was contacted.

11:36am: Haudricourt says, "Just got word from one more source that the Looper signing is going to happen."

11:00am: Taking a cautious approach with the scoop, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says the Brewers might sign Braden Looper:

I’m starting to hear that the Brewers have changed their minds about adding a starting pitcher prior to camp and might sign Looper.  From what I hear, the sides could be working toward a deal at this very moment.

Haudricourt figures Looper wouldn’t require more than the $5MM guaranteed to Randy Wolf.  Looper, 34, posted a 4.16 ERA in 199 innings for the Cardinals in ’08.  He pitched to contact, but walked only 2.04 per nine innings.

Diamondbacks Invite 17 To Spring Training

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The Diamondbacks have extended 17 non-roster invitations.  Steve Gilbert compiled the list for MLB.com.

Right-handed pitchers Hector Ambriz, Tony Barnette, Brooks Brown, Seth Etherton, and Reid Mahon; outfielders Evan Frey, Trent Oeltjen, Gerardo Parra, Chris Roberson and Brandon Watson; infielders Ryan Roberts, Rusty Ryal and Josh Wilson; catchers Luke Carlin, Ed Easley and John Hester, and left-handed pitcher Daniel Schlereth.

The Diamondbacks are hosting a workout for pitchers and catchers on Sunday.  Position players must report by Tuesday, February 17.

Sheets Not Welcome Back In Milwaukee

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Brewers GM Doug Melvin said Tuesday that the club will not re-sign free agent Ben Sheets under any circumstances.  Adam McCalvy has the report over at MLB.com.

"There’s probably logic to it, but it’s not going to happen," said Melvin. 

Some readers have speculated that it would make sense for Sheets to return to Milwaukee since they’re already footing the bill for his shoulder surgery and rehabilitation.  Melvin put a stop to those kind of ideas Tuesday, adding that Sheets should have "some other avenues."

Report: Dodgers Could Make ‘Big Splash’

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The East Valley Tribune’s Scott Bordow reports that the Dodgers "could make a big splash in the next 72 hours."

"Don’t be surprised if the Dodgers not only sign Manny Ramirez but Orlando Hudson as well," writes Bordow.  It sounded like speculation at first, but Bordow confirmed to me in an e-mail that he heard the news from a "pretty reliable source."

The Dodgers have been linked to Hudson at times this offseason, but have only admitted to having mild interest in the second baseman.  The Dodgers would lose their #17 pick in the June draft if they sign Hudson, but they’re in need of a guy that can play second base every day and he’s the best man available.  Then again, as some readers have pointed out, it might block the development of Blake DeWitt.

Rockies Non-Roster Spring Training Invitees

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The Colorado Springs Gazette has a list of the Rockies’ non-roster spring training invitees.  The club will audition seven pitchers, three infielders, four outfielders, and five catchers.  Here they are, in all their glory:

RHP Matt Belisle, INF Christian Colonel, OF Chris Frey, C Edwin Bellorin, LHP Cedrick Bowers, INF Luis Gonzalez, OF Matt Miller, C Michael McKenry, RHP Jhoulys Chacin, INF Jonathan Herrera, OF Dan Ortmeier, C Paul Phillips, RHP Matt Daley, OF Scott Podsednik, C Wilin Rosario, RHP Josh Fogg, C Sal Fasano, RHP Brandon Hynick and LHP Glendon Rusch.

Pitchers, catchers, and those participating in the World Baseball Classic are scheduled to report to spring training on Friday, February 13.

Giants, Ramon Ortiz Agree To Terms

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According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants signed right-hander Ramon Ortiz to a minor league contract.

Ortiz will be invited to spring training.  The 35-year-old spent last season in Japan, going 4-7 with a 5.82 ERA in 17 starts.  Schulman assumes that he’ll start the ’09 season with the club’s Triple-A affiliate in Fresno and will only be brought up if the Giants need a spot starter.

Cardinals Hope To Avoid Arb With Ludwick

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According to MLB.com’s Matthew Leach, the Cardinals hold "some sliver of hope" that an arbitration hearing can be avoided with outfielder Ryan Ludwick.

Ludwick asked for $4.25MM and the Cardinals countered with a $2.8MM bid back when figures were due.  That gap is obviously going to be tough to overcome, but the Red Birds do have some time.  Ludwick’s hearing won’t take place until Tuesday, February 17.

The 30-year-old exploded last season, finising with a line of .299/.375/.591, including 37 home runs and 113 RBI.

Manny Ramirez Rumors: Tuesday

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The New York Post reports that Dodgers owner Frank McCourt told the MLB Network Tuesday that his club is still hoping to sign free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez.

"Well hopefully we are going to sign him soon," McCourt told the "Hot Stove" program. "That is certainly our intention."

"You know Manny had a tremendous impact on L.A. and made great contributions to our run at the end of last season," McCourt continued.  "I’ve seldom seen a situation like his with our fans. I mean that love affair was tremendous. It’s our intention to try and bring Manny back. We’ve tried to do that, been unsuccessful to date, but that doesn’t mean we are going to stop trying."

Rays-Shouse Deal Close To Official

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Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times writes that the Rays’ signing of left-handed reliever Brian Shouse is "pretty official." 

Shouse has agreed to a one-year deal with an option for 2010.  The exact financial terms and a corresponding 40-man roster move will be announced Wednesday.  There was some confusion as to the exact length of the deal back when the signing was initally reported.  It appears Topkin had it right all along.

Royals, Jamey Wright Agree To Terms

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According to a press release, the Royals signed right-hander Jamey Wright to a minor league contract.

Wright’s deal comes with an invitation to spring training.  The 34-year-old posted a 5.12 ERA in 75 relief appearances with the Rangers last season.  He’s a 13-year MLB veteran, and went 1-2 with a 4.26 ERA in four starts for the Royals back in 2003.

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