Time to take a look back at what happened off-the-field during the first full week of the 2011 season…
- The biggest story of the week was the sudden retirement of Manny Ramirez. The Rays' DH called it quits after being informed that he tested positive for a banned substance for the second time in his career, choosing to walk away from the game rather than face a potential 100-game suspension. The overwhelming belief is that the second positive test will keep Manny out of the Hall of Fame.
- Two young right-handers agreed to long-term contracts this weekend. The Red Sox signed Clay Buchholz to a four-year deal worth $30MM with two club options while the Athletics agreed to terms on an extension with Trevor Cahill. It's unknown how many years and how much money Cahill will receive at this time. David Price said he'd be open to a long-term deal with the Rays.
- Pedro Martinez didn't pitch at all last year, but he recently said he's looking to return to help a team get to the World Series. The Red Sox have a leg up on other teams if they choose to pursue their former ace. Ian Snell may return as well.
- The Orioles are among the teams looking to add rotation depth. They're without Brian Matusz and Justin Duchscherer due to injury, and currently have prospect Zach Britton pitching well every fifth day.
- Dennys Reyes' tenure with the Red Sox lasted barely a week; he was designated for assignment on Friday. The White Sox designated Lastings Milledge for assignment after just two games played, and the Brewers DFA'd Dan Merklinger.
- The Yankees added some pitching depth by signing Carlos Silva to a minor league contract. The Cubs brought Ramon Ortiz aboard, and the Rangers did the same with Manny Corpas, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
- The other minor league contracts signed this week: Ron Mahay to the Diamondbacks, Doug Mathis to the Giants, Dan Meyer to the Pirates, and Jeff Suppan to the Royals. The Dodgers may guarantee Tim Redding's contract.
- The Rangers are close to adding 23-year-old Cuban outfielder Loen'ys Martin on a contract that could exceed $12MM. The Angels added 20-year-old pitching prospect Nataneal Rodriguez for $180K.
- The Pirates released Craig Hansen, a former first round pick that was part of the Manny trade in 2008. The Rockies cut ties with Greg Smith, who was part of the first Matt Holliday trade.
- Among the players that cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A last week: Manny Acosta (Mets), Mike Ekstrom (Rays), Mark Wagner (Red Sox), Jon Link (Dodgers), John Lindsey (Dodgers), Travis Ishikawa (Giants), Lucas May (Royals), Ryan Rowland-Smith (Astros), and Merklinger. Texas claimed Ramon Aguero off waivers from the Pirates.
Correction: Cubs signed Ortiz, after he stunk up the NL West with the Dodgers last year. Beware the giant chicken, Ramon. It’s still out to get you.
Unknown isn’t that good of a player
yankees could give him a shot in their rotation
He’s short, too. He’s only 0’0″ and 000 pounds.
I need his weight loss plan…
His trick is not eating. Ever.
He did get into a couple games last year. Two more games than I’ll ever play in professionally.
Manny retiring wasn’t the biggest story.
The biggest story was Nate McLouth doubling his hit total from last year through 7 games and yet has just a .219, .265, .250 line on the year, all from the #2 spot in the order.
Meanwhile, Jason Heyward’s .259, .429, .593 line is out of the #6 spot, despite the worst hitter on the team(after McLouth, of course) hitting directly behind him. It’s just April 10th, but I pray Fredi’s just giving McLouth a 2-week trial in the 2-hole. McLouth looks like he’s literally scared to death every time he steps up to the plate.
Sorry for the completely relevant rant, carry on…..