The big news out of the AL East today is that longtime Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek will announce his retirement later this week. The 15-year veteran will retire with two World Series rings, three All-Star Game selections and 193 home runs. Here are some notes on his former division rivals…
- Nick Johnson told Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com that the success of his 2012 season will come down to health. The Orioles signed Johnson to a minor league contract, but the first baseman didn't draw much interest this offseason. "There weren't a lot of teams giving me an opportunity," he said.
- Andy Pettitte visited Yankees camp and told reporters, including MLB.com's Bryan Hoch, that he doesn't plan on making a comeback. Pettitte said he's "loving life" away from the ballpark and enjoying time with his family.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports asked Joey Votto about his interest in playing for the Blue Jays and didn't sense much enthusiasm from the Etobicoke, Ontario native (Twitter link). Votto, who is under contract with the Reds through 2013, recently said he prefers to keep contract talks private.
LOL The awkward moment when Votto gets asked about Playing for the Blue Jays xD
Andy just had to drop off a “package” for his buddies in pinstripes.
He should have given it to Nick Johnson to heal some injuries, but Johnson will get injured just lifting up the package.
Nick Johnson…the Joel Zumaya of position players…
Can we say that Joel Zumaya is the Darren Dreifort of relievers then?
zumayas arm is like greg odens knees
if we combine zumayas knees and odens arms we would have 1 healthy athlete
Nick Johnson, the Eric Chávez of the firstbasemen.
I remember when Johnson played for the O’s a few years ago. I think his name was David Segui at the time.
Nick Johnson…the Joel Zumaya of position players…
Etobicoke isn’t even a city… it was amalgamated into Toronto over 10 years ago…
Come on now. Just say he’s from Toronto.
If I weren’t doing a detox I would drink to your use of the word amalgamated. Well done sir!
Pettitte is happy now that he can take whatever he want’s without any pesky people asking embarrassing questions.
Joey Votto is and will remain a Red.. Get over it you Canadians!
Where is there an outcry of Canadians in this topic saying he is going to be a Blue Jay? Chill out you homer.
I’m willing to bet they don’t fork up the money to resign him when his deals up. And they probably shouldn’t.
Everybody thought the same “aboot” Pujols and the Cardinals… and to paraphrase an spanish phrase popular in hispanoamerica “poderoso señor es Don Dinero” (“powerful lord is Mister Money”)
I love how they are reading in to Votto’s comments..
What is he supposed to say after his team just traded away pieces and spent money to build a winner around him?
Oh yah Toronto? Can’t WAIT to go play there and get out of here. C’mon, Joey’s a class act and wouldn’t disrespect the reds like that.
Note* I’m not saying if he does/does not want to play in Toronto, I’m just saying its silly to ask him while he’s still under contract.
It is not at all surprising that Votto showed no enthusiasm when asked about joining the Blue Jays. He is presently under contract to the Reds for two more years. He is not going to say or do anything right now to disrespect the Reds’ fanbase or to alienate himself from them (which is exactly what would happen if he indicated that he can’t wait to leave via free agency in two years).
Ridiculous—If he says “yes” the Cinci fans would go crazy. Is JPM really that thick?
Yes, Votto is under contract for 12 and 13, but he could have said what many others say. Yeah, Cincy is a nice town, but I want to be paid like a superstar. If Cincy doesn’t give it to me and I hit free agency, I will go to the team that throws 250M at me for ten years. If it is Toronto, fine, I can live with that, but the bottom line is show me the money and who cares which team gives it to me. That is the mentality now in 2012 and why should Votto be any different? lol.