One year ago today, the Reds won the bidding for Aroldis Chapman. The Cuban left-hander made 15 relief appearances in the majors last year and figures to have an even bigger impact on the 2011 season. Here are today's links…
- The Cardinals' negotiations with Albert Pujols could resemble the Yankees' negotiations with Alex Rodriguez, writes Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Cardinals executives have acknowledged that an extension with their first baseman would take the organization "places it hasn't gone" in terms of contract value and potential incentive clauses, Goold writes.
- Benjamin Kabak of River Ave. Blues says he'd lean toward Andruw Jones over Marcus Thames for the Yankees in 2011.
- Meanwhile, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rockies still have some interest in Jones (Twitter link).
- The Rangers are concerned that Jim Thome would prefer to return to Minnesota, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports (on Twitter). The Rangers are interested in Thome, though he's not a perfect fit for their needs.
- The Nationals need a utility player who can back Danny Espinosa up at second base and potentially play in the outfield, according to Ben Goessling of MASNSports.com. He lists Willie Bloomquist, David Eckstein and Willie Harris as possible fits.
- Dan Szymborski explains the challenges the Giants face if they want to repeat as World Champions in a piece for ESPN.
- The Blue Jays announced that they outrighted Wil Ledezma to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Getting demoted is never fun… but getting sent to Vegas is kinda awesome
Hence the young guys end up staying in NH for as long as they can leave them there. Being 21 in Vegas can never be a good thing.
especially with a 1st round draft pick signing bonus!
Andruw Jones versus Marcus Thames? Hard to get excited about that debate…
As for Thome, what in the world would Texas do with him? Rangers are over their DH limit as it is.
DH Thome against RH Pitching, Young can rest or play 1B, 2B, SS or 3B that day.
It gives Texas great lineup options and keeps guys rested and healthy.
SS?
He played SS before moving to 3B.
not saying he will play SS or 2B for that matter brilliantly, but he wouldn’t embarrass texas having the odd game at either.
I’m pretty sure no one wants Willie Harris to go anywhere NEAR Washington. I could see them getting Boomquist, though
My guess is Thome gets no more than 3 million.
you’re guess is insane.
The Twins agreed to a one-year deal with Jim Thome, the team announced. The SFX client gets a $3MM guarantee