Brewers Release Gagne
Tom Haudricourt writes that the Brewers have released Eric Gagne from the minor-league deal he signed with the club earlier this Spring.
An MRI revealed that Gagne has damage to his rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder. He would have made $1.5MM if he had been added to the Major League roster by March 26.
Brewers Assistant General Manager Gord Ash said that there was no animosity between Gagne and the Brewers, and that if his health improved they would consider signing him to a new deal in the future.
A-Rod Will Undergo Surgery
Joe Lapointe of the New York Times reports that Alex Rodriguez will undergo surgery on Monday to repair the torn labrum and address some bone irregularity in his right hip on Monday.
Rodriguez will miss 6-9 weeks, which means that in a perfect world for Yankee fans, A-Rod will be back on the field in early May. He could, however, miss a larger portion of May as well, depending on his rehab.
Lapointe quotes Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman as saying that the surgery is "not only a legitimate option, but the best option." A-Rod was not available for a comment of his own.
Dr. Marc Philippon said in a conference call that he was "almost 100 percent certain" Rodriguez will require further surgery following the 2009 campaign.
Ken Rosenthal also offers up his opinion for those who try to claim that the Yankees are better off without A-Rod because he’s a "distraction."
Orioles, Guthrie Agree To Terms
Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun reports the Orioles have agreed to terms on a $650,000 one-year deal with Jeremy Guthrie.
Guthrie earned $770,000 last year and has taken a pay cut on account of his salary being incommensurate with his service time. To contrast, Schmuck notes Nick Markakis made $455,000 in 2008 with similar service time.
Twins Sign 27 Players To 1-Year Deals
According to Joe Christensen, the Twins have announced they’ve signed the remaining 27 players on their roster to one-year deals. Writes Christensen,
"All 27 of those players, including Francisco Liriano, Glen Perkins, Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey, have between zero and three years of major league experience, so their salaries are likely less than $500,000."
Rockies Not Looking To Add Pitching
According to Troy E. Renck, set up man Taylor Buchholz‘s elbow injury that has him out an expected four-to-six weeks has not sparked the need to find a replacement from the outside. The Rockies contacted lefty Joe Beimel‘s agent; however, it seems the Rockies want to spend a lot less than Beimel is seeking.
Cafardo’s Latest: Mauer, Red Sox, Glavine
With every Sunday come rumors from the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo:
- Cafardo asks Tom Glavine whether he’d consider another year if 2009 is a success. Glavine didn’t say no: "I’m not prepared right now to say. It would take a lot of good things to happen this year to consider playing next year. Last year, I didn’t think I’d be sitting here this year, so I guess you never know."
- Nomar Garciaparra had placed a call to the Red Sox front office inquiring about their potential interest.
- If he hits free agency, Joe Mauer is expected to receive offers in the $20-25MM range and "The Sox are expected to be front and center." Mauer is signed with the Twins through 2010. He’ll make $10.5MM this year and $12.5MM in 2010.
- Dusty Baker thinks Barry Bonds would still be a top hitter in the league. Says Baker, "He’s one of those guys that will be able to pick up a bat when he’s an old man and still get a hit."
- Andruw Jones is 4 for 18 with 10 strikeouts to start spring training.
- Scouts agree: George Kottaras would clear waivers if designated for assignment, meaning the Red Sox may not have to deal the catching prospect.
- Cafardo would make the Clay Buchholz-Jarrod Saltalamacchia trade right now.
John Lackey Extension Talks Ongoing
SATURDAY, 10:19pm: DiGiovanna is thinking about five years, $80MM for a possible Lackey extension. Lackey wouldn’t reveal much about the status of the talks, in his quotes to Bill Plunkett of the O.C. Register.
FRIDAY, 8:43pm: According to Giovanna, Lackey is believed to be seeking a deal in the five-year, $75MM range.
FRIDAY, 4:35pm: Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times says Angels GM Tony Reagins is meeting with Lackey’s agent Steve Hilliard today.
WEDNESDAY: Let’s recap what’s gone on with Angels starter John Lackey since the season ended.
- In October, Lackey confirmed that he’d wait to see the Angels’ offensive plans before re-signing. Later that month the Halos exercised his ’09 option.
- In January, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports was unsure the Angels would be willing to offer Lackey A.J. Burnett money (five years, $82.5MM).
- The two sides had not had substantive contract talks as of February 18th, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times. Lackey said "it’s kind of on them" and said that while he’s receptive to staying he values the right to check out free agency.
Today, MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer learned that extension talks are ongoing between the Angels and Lackey’s agent. Lackey noted that "the top guys still got theirs" on the free agent market. He knows he’d be the best available free agent starter after the season, but will allow extension discussions to continue until Opening Day.
Phillies Not In On Will Ohman
MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki talked to Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr., who still does not expect to sign a free agent lefty reliever. Amaro’s quote: "I don’t think that one is going to happen."
Zolecki’s source said the Phillies are not on Will Ohman. Presumably Joe Beimel is out of their price range (less than $1MM) as well. The Marlins are known to have a standing offer to Ohman, and the Padres are another possibility. Ohman lost a suitor when the Cardinals signed Dennys Reyes.
Pedro Martinez Unlikely For Orioles
Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun talked to Orioles president Andy MacPhail, who admitted the team had internal discussions about free agent starter Pedro Martinez. However, Schmuck learned that the O’s are unlikely to sign Martinez and have not been in contact with his agent. Martinez didn’t drum up much interest this winter, and he’s hoping a fine WBC showing will improve his stock. Today in the Dominican Republic’s 3-2 upset loss to the Netherlands, Pedro tossed three scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Jays, Wade Miller Agree To Minors Deal
4:02pm: The Canadian Press adds that the Jays have an option on Miller’s deal for 2010.
11:03am: According to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick, the Blue Jays have reached agreement on a minor league contract with pitcher Wade Miller.
The deal is pending a physical exam. Miller, 32, hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2007 and hasn’t been effective on the mound since 2004, when he was with the Astros. He’s a longshot to make Toronto’s final roster.