Week in Review: 4/12 – 4/18
Here's your weekly look back at the happenings of the MLBTR world…
- More sad news continues to roll in this week, as long-time Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas died at the age of 73. Kalas had been calling Philadelphia games for over 30 years, but had the pleasure of seeing his beloved Phils take home a World Series title in his final season in the booth. RIP Harry.
- Unfortunately that wasn't the only bad news of the week: Mark Fidrych, perhaps better known as "The Bird," was found dead at his home at just 54 years of age. Fidrych was outstanding in his first season with the Tigers, but his career was derailed by injuries. His antics on the mound and tremendous personality will never be forgotten by baseball fans though. RIP Mark.
- The Yankees' outfield depth took a hit this week when it was announced that Xavier Nady may have to miss the remainder of the season with an elbow injury. Their decision to hang onto both Nady and Nick Swisher this offseason definitely looks like a good decision right now. Here's a look at some additional options they could pursue to add depth to their bench.
- Staying within the division, the Red Sox may have lost Jed Lowrie for the season as well. Lowrie had his wrist examined, and if he undergoes surgery, 2009 will essentially be a lost season. The BoSox still have Julio Lugo on his way back from a rehab assignment, but a wrist injury for their shortstop of the future is certainly not good news looking down the road.
- The Nationals may be closing in on an extension with Ryan Zimmerman. It's believed to be five years, $45MM, and could include the 2009 season.
- Tim conducted a Q&A session with both Troy E. Renck and Jerry Crasnick.
- Also, he finished up the Offseason in Review series with the Phillies.
Rays Looking To Brazil For Talent
According to Kevin Kaduk from Yahoo Sports, the Rays are planning on becoming the first team to open a training center in Brazil. The Rays will invest $6.5MM in the camp, located in Marilia, over the next five years. Up to 4,000 young people will have the chance to learn baseball in a free after-school program.
Kaduk points out that strides have been made in other new regions of the world, including China and the Pirates' recent signings from India.
Andres Reiner, the Rays' special director of development, mentions the athleticism of Brazilian soccer players, and wonders if that athleticism could transfer over into baseball as well:
Morales To Rejoin Rockies
Franklin Morales will rejoin the Rockies on Monday and is scheduled to start on Tuesday, according to Tracy Ringolsby.
Morales was Colorado's most consistent starter in spring training and carried over that success into his first April start where he threw six innings of one-run ball against the Diamondbacks, striking out six. He followed that start with five scoreless ones for Triple-A Colorado Springs.
The lefty was a prized prospect whose control, command and velocity problems set him back in 2008. Morales has been working on his consistency and still has front of the rotation upside. Ringolsby says "the Rockies feel they need to recall him to keep Morales moving forward."
Pedro In No Rush
The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reports Pedro Martinez is in no rush to sign as he continues to work out and wait for teams to develop interest. His agent, Fernando Cuza, won't talk price, but it's believed Martinez is still seeking a $5MM contract to pitch in 2009.
A number of teams have expressed interest, including the Dodgers, Indians, Phillies, Brewers, Pirates, Diamondbacks and Mets.
Cafardo’s Latest: Peavy, Mulder
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a couple notes in his Sunday column:
- Should he be dealt this season, the Red Sox appeal to Jake Peavy, who hit it off with Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia in the World Baseball Classic. Padres GM Kevin Towers is hopeful his clubs success will continue and trading Peavy won't have to come up. Only twelve games into the season and the Pads are tied with the Dodgers at 9-3.
- The Nationals, A's, and Dodgers are all interested in Mark Mulder who believes he "could be ready two weeks after signing."
Figueroa Recalled, O’Day Designated For Assignment
Due to Mike Pelfrey's right forearm tendinitis, the Mets recalled Nelson Figueroa on April 18 and designated relief pitcher Darren O'Day for assignment, according to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com. Because O'Day was a Rule 5 Draft Pick, he has to be offered back to his original team, the Angels.
Astros Pick Up Cecil Cooper’s Option
4:55pm: MLB.com's Alyson Footer has confirmed the news.
4:37pm: During FOX's telecast of the Indians-Yankees game on Saturday, Ken Rosenthal mentioned that the Astros have a press conference scheduled for 5:45pm, where they are expected to announce that manager Cecil Cooper's 2010 option has been exercised.
Rangers DFA Rupe, Call Up Derek Holland
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Rangers have designated reliever Josh Rupe for assignment.
Milton Bradley Suspended Two Games
As Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports, Milton Bradley has been suspended two games and fined an undisclosed amount for making contact with umpire Larry Vanover during Thursday's game against the Cardinals.
Odds And Ends: Wieters, Guerrero, Gonzalez
A few links for Saturday morning…
- Steve Melewski of MASN.com spoke with the Orioles Director of Player Development, David Stockstill, about Matt Wieters, who left last night's minor league game with an apparent right hamstring cramp.
- More bad news for Angels fans, as Vladimir Guerrero is out for at least a month.
- Luis Gonzalez tells Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post that he's already missing baseball and he wouldn't ask for much salary-wise.
- Ozzie Guillen still doesn't have an answer in center field according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Cowley wrote earlier in the week that the Giants are looking to unload Aaron Rowand.
- ESPN.com's Keith Law discusses high school prospect Donovan Tate, who's the son of former NFL running back Lars Tate. Law says Tate is the "top prep position player in this draft."