Some tidbits from the NL Central….
- Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, GM Doug Melvin and agent Scott Boras (who represents Prince Fielder) had a meeting late last night that Melvin tells Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel was unplanned and more of a check-in session. "Scott just said he wanted to give us an update," Melvin said. "You never really close the door on anything because you don't know what's going to happen. You can't really read anything into it."
- Haudricourt doesn't think the meeting is a sign that the Brewers could re-sign Fielder, believing that "Boras basically was giving them a chance to jump in and make an offer that he could shop around to other clubs….More likely, [the team] gave an indication of what they might be willing to do if Fielder decided he wanted to seriously entertain the possibility of staying in Milwaukee."
- Boras also represents Francisco Rodriguez, and Haudricourt reports the Brewers "got the feeling" in speaking to the agent that Rodriguez will reject the club's arbitration offer today.
- The Pirates are no longer pursuing Wilson Betemit, reports Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (Twitter link). Biertempfel reported yesterday that the Bucs were close to deals with both Betemit and Nate McLouth, and the club agreed to terms on McLouth's contract today.
- Kerry Wood wants to return to the Cubs but wants a raise, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Wood has said he will either pitch for Chicago next season or retire, and last winter signed a one-year, $1.5MM contract with the Cubs that was well below what other teams offered him.
- The Reds have spoken to the un-retired Dmitri Young, reports John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link). Young, 38, has lost 70 pounds and is looking to make a comeback in either the Major Leagues or Japan. Young played in Cincinnati from 1998-2001.
- The Astros are looking at Marlins assistant GM Dan Jennings as a candidate for their open general manager's job, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network (Twitter link). Jennings' name has been connected to several GM openings in recent years but the Marlins have turned down at least four clubs' requests for interviews. Jennings is under contract to Miami for four more years.
demitri young needs money for his card collection..
Not to be a total homer here, but give Kerry whatever the heck he wants. He deserves it.
I totally agree. He was an amazing guy to play for the Cubs for so little last season. I was SHOCKED he took only $1.5 million.
They should give him about $3 million with a guaranteed, meaningful job with the Cubs the second he retires, if he wants it.
They should do like they did with Sandberg, but in the RIGHT way–make him a minors pitching coach and let him work his way up, if that’s his desire. Otherwise, make him some kind of scout or special assistant.
Seriously–he deserves everything they give him and more. He’s pretty much this generation’s Greg Maddux.
Yeah! What this guy said!
I was at wrigley this year for opening day. The place went CRAZY when Kerry was introduced. It was pretty awesome. i think he is the “new generation” Mr. Cub!
I was at wrigley this year for opening day. The place went CRAZY when Kerry was introduced. It was pretty awesome. i think he is the “new generation” Mr. Cub!
With Young…..don’t you actually have to be something to come back?
Dmitri is a boss, plain and simple.
He be 70 pounds lighter, mon!
In hindsight, that’s ridiculous. I weigh 160 pounds. Dmitri Young lost almost half of my body weight in an effort to get back to playing shape.
“Wood wants to return to the Cubs, but wants a raise.”
The nerve!
really Pirates, Betemit would have been a great add. Id take him over Mclouth anyday
really Pirates, Betemit would have been a great add. Id take him over Mclouth anyday
Sign McLouth but not Betemit? Okay then, Pirates.
Sign McLouth but not Betemit? Okay then, Pirates.
Betemit to the Cubs? I like the idea of low-risk high-reward acquisitions to fill our corner infield spots
Toothpick Baker saw how Lance Berkman performed for the Cardinals and thinks Dmitri Young can do the same for the Reds. Never mind that Berkman is younger, a better hitter and has actually PLAYED in the Majors the last few years.
You know, I am actually going to pull for Dmitri to succeed.
Unlike Manny, Dmitri seems like he is willing to put in effort for a return. Losing 70 lbs. definitely is a positive step.