Spring Training begins next month, but more than 100 players remain unsigned. Here's an update on the top ten available free agents and here are this afternoon's links…
- Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will play in the Dominican Winter League, Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com reports. Cespedes will initially DH for the Aguilas Cibaenas, which will enable teams to get in-game looks at him before he becomes a free agent.
- Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com checks in with Dmitri Young, the 38-year-old two-time All-Star who is attempting a comeback after losing 70 pounds.
- Commissioner Bud Selig says he will “of course" commit to developing a succession plan before his new contract expires, Bill Shaikin of the LA Times tweets. Selig's extension runs through the 2014 season.
- Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com outlines some reasons that Selig has been good for baseball. John Moores of the Padres was the lone owner not to vote in favor of the commissioner's extension, Heyman tweets.
- The Rangers are increasingly optimistic about their chances of reaching a deal with Yu Darvish by next week's deadline, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports.
- Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com breaks down the Mets' projected 2012 payroll and arrives at a $90MM total — $50MM less than the club’s Opening Day payroll in 2011.
The year of the 38 year old comebacks continues.
John Moores = hero
Yup. We Padres fans are going to miss him as owner. Thought we gave him enough grief over the years. This isn’t looking to be the greatest off-season for the Padres. TV deal still hasn’t been approved. Now the block change of ownership. What have we Padres fan done to upset the baseball gods so.
So Heyman is a shill for Scott Boras AND Bud Selig. Eye roll. Should have seen that one coming, I guess.
God bless, John Moores!
Im routing for Dmitri , there are many teams that can use his experience and personality.
“Of course I will develop a succession plan! This time. I mean I didn’t last time, but that was only because despite what I said I had no plans on being succeeded.”
I think Jocketty brings D Young and B Webb to Cincy on minor league deals
The Astros could use Dmitri Young.
Ever hear of the fantasy baseball strategy “stars and scrubs”? That’s what the Mets roster looks like. They are cleaning it up, but it looks funny seeing guys making 25M, 15M, 15M, then everyone else is just getting 500k.
It would be nice to see Santana come back strong though, he was one of the most exciting pitchers to watch. Everything is stacked against the Mets this year, but some of the young cheap guys they have are pretty good.
Big pat, I agreed its funny to see the salaries at such a discrepancy. other than Ike Davis I wouldn’t really build around any of those guys. David wright should be traded this year for high impact prospects
My Mets are a woeful embarrassment. It’s a 90 million payroll with 40 million in dead money [Santana, who sound like he isn’t as far along as hoped yesterday and the alien occupying the body of Jason Bay].
So, a 50 million dollar payroll with pretty much the same ticket and concession prices as the 141 million dollar team. Dreadful.
I have no idea why people hate Selig so much. He has been great, in my opinion.
As compared to whom? it’s like like another that throw themselves into the ‘top 4″ of all time.. You have to think of who vs who.. I cannot think of a worse one over Selig in my time watching baseball and I go back to the early 60’s. Maybe there were useless, lizards around before then.. Such was the ones whom allowed segregated teams, Owners to keep 10-12 minor league teams with all the top talent stashed away etc.. For years and years like some did..
Other than that? No chance, even Giamiti was not this clueless.
John Heyman, what a bad article. He forgot to mention that under Bud Selig’s watch no baseball player has been mauled by wild wolves.
I wish Sandy Alderson would just retire with his buddy Bud Selig
Yoenis Cespedes 3-0 3k HBP In his second AB with Aguilas K on three pitches against #Mets prospect Jeurys Familia.
Yoenis Cespedes 3-0 3k HBP In his second AB with Aguilas K on three pitches against #Mets prospect Jeurys Familia.