August 17th was a busy transaction day one year ago, as the Tigers acquired Aubrey Huff and the Rangers and Red Sox released Vicente Padilla and John Smoltz, respectively. Both pitchers performed well for their new teams; who will follow that script this year? While you ponder the question, here are today's links…
- Baseball fans are mourning the passing of Bobby Thomson, famous for his "shot heard 'round the world" with the New York Giants.
- MLB.com's Mark Bowman and the AJC's David O'Brien have contrasting reports on whether the Braves explored acquiring Aramis Ramirez from the Cubs. Both seem to agree that it's not happening.
- RotoAuthority looks at five catchers who were undervalued in fantasy baseball drafts before the season.
- Agent Dave Stewart nearly lost Matt Kemp to Scott Boras during the offseason, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. In January, Kemp signed a two-year deal covering his first two arbitration years.
- Neither Rosenthal nor Joel Sherman of the New York Post think the Mets can get Francisco Rodriguez's entire contract voided, but Sherman thinks they might win a case aiming to get out of the salary he has coming for the rest of the season.
- Agent Gregg Clifton left Gaylord Sports, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. Clifton represented players such as Kris Benson and Mark Mulder and the now-retired Tom Glavine, Luis Gonzalez, and David Wells. In another tweet Crasnick says Clifton joined Jackson Lewis LLP as a partner and will be part of their Sports Industry Practice Group.
Padilla was let go by Texas not Boston.
That’s why it says “Rangers and Red Sox released Vicente Padilla and John Smoltz, respectively”. Link the first team to the first name, and the second team to the second name. You just misread it.
“Rangers and Red Sox released Vicente Padilla and John Smoltz, respectively”
Rangers released Padilla, Red Sox released Smoltz, it was written that way and it was only slighting confusing.
“respectively”
So, he committed 3rd degree assault towards the grandfather of his children, in the stadium, in front of other players’ family, suffered an injury that has shelved him for the year, faces up to a year of imprisonment if found guilt, and STILL gets to keep his job? Can anyone else name an occupation where that would happen?
president of the united states of america….
It’s probably easier to impeach the President than it is to win a case against the MLBPA.
Is it just me, or are we losing too many former Baseball Players/Owners/Announcers?
Anyways Rest In Peace fellow Baseballers.
It’s been 50 something years and still hate Bobby Thomson….
Sure, but you should put those feelings aside when he’s passed. Have some respect for him and his family.
I saw a report that said the Braves are considering trading for Clint Barmes to play 2B and keep Omar Infante in a utility role. He hasn’t been put on waivers yet.
RIP Bobby Thompson. A true Giant hero. He lived every little boy’s fantasy.
I would of like to see how a Cubs- Braves trade would work out. I doubt it would happen, but stranger things have happened like, the Alex Rios claim last year. I just don’t know who the Braves would give up. Also, with the money too cause Ramirez makes 15.75 mil this year and 14.6 mil if player option is exercised. If it does happen, then I will be happy but sad. Happy we would shed some payroll and maybe get a MLB player and 2 prospects in return. Yet, A-Ram has been one of my favorites since ’03 when he came over from Pittsburgh.
Don’t forget about the vesting option. It vests for 16 million if he is traded and exercises the 2011 option.
Braves are NOT going to pony up the big bucks for Ramirez, when Chipper and his large contract have committed to come back next year.
What good would any trade for an infielder do right now? Just put our hottest hitter (Infante) back on the bench?
R.I.P. Bobby, The Shot heard ’round the World is still echoing in heaven!