Jackie Robinson signed a Major League contract with Dodgers GM Branch Rickey on this date in 1947. Robinson played in his first MLB game five days later and went on to be named Rookie of the Year. Here are some notes from around MLB on the anniversary of that historic day…
- Things are looking up for the Dodgers now that they've put 2011 behind them and are about to undergo an ownership transition, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports writes.
- Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com suggests the Cardinals will be fine this season, even with longtime star Albert Pujols playing for the Angels.
- The Orioles, Cubs, Tigers, Red Sox, Astros and Tigers have expressed interest in John Lannan, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. However, the Nationals are inclined to hold onto the left-hander. "We feel he's a solid major-league starting pitcher," GM Mike Rizzo said. "But we feel we have five guys who are better than him." The Tigers haven't ruled Lannan out, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports tweets.
- High school center fielder Byron Buxton and college catcher Mike Zunino top Keith Law's list of amateur player eligible for this summer's draft (ESPN Insider link).
how are things looking up for the dodgers? there are going to be no players for them to sign next winter!! they’re going to have a bunch of money sitting around with nothing to spend it on. all while their young players are getting more expensive.
they will just end up over paying for the talent that might be available (hamels)
Which could take a toll on them long term no matter how much money they have. If they over pay now they’re going to have to go over years too. It’ll be interesting to see how they spend next winter.
yea.. or they are going to try and make a trade at deadline which will suck also… like trade for soriano and his bad contract…
regardless of what happens.. whenever a team gets a new owner they always try and make a “splash” with a big FA/trade…
just have to hope that the dodgers mess it up some how
Looks like you guys have it all worked out. Is Magic returning your calls?
C’mon, Nats! Free John Lannan! The Padres are two men down in their rotation. Call them.
So basically, Mike Rizzo is trying the Cartmanland strategy to get something out of Lannan.
Pitching bad in aaa wont help his cause
Byron Buxton is EVERYTHING the Braves need in an OF of the future and don’t have in the system. Yes, he’s young, but from GA, a 5-tool athlete and has the mental make-up. There’ll be 3 GA boys going in the top 10 and we (ATL) may not get any of them, though Duane Underwood is a nice consolation at pick 21.
So….are both Tigers teams vying for him?
Definite interest from the Tigers, who seem insistent upon having a lefthander as part of their rotation. They’re currently picking from a stable of 4-5 rookie LH for that role. They could assume some or most of Lannan’s salary but the Nationals aren’t going to get anything in return. I’m sure that’s the sticking point with most teams. While Lannan fits the bill of a league-average back-end starter, that role certainly isn’t worth 5 million (his sub-4 ERA and current arb season can thank Nationals Park).
I’ve heard that the Tigers are also interested in Lannan.
Unless it’s something good, don’t get rid of Lannan
Going to need another starter when Strasburg reaches his innings limit.
I surely wish Boston would cease being named every time Lannan’s name is mentioned. Ohlendorf threw a 2IP shutout over 6IP at Pawtucket if they want one of these puff ball south paws and Cook threw a masterpiece for the PawSox (another shutout) on their opening night and hit 93mph. Even their real prospect Alex Wilson threw a 5IP shutout.. They just don’t need this NL back end rotational filler making 5m.
It’s like these writers just keep dragging up the same names to make stories or something sometimes.
Why don’t we ever hear about an actual player a team is wlling to give up for Lannan? When Wang comes back they’ll have six starters better.
Red sox get him to close
Are you Jesse miller