The Twins and free agent right-hander Doug Fister had discussions “many, many, many weeks ago,” but there hasn’t been any recent talk between the two sides, reports Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (Twitter link). Minnesota has played surprisingly well this year (15-13, plus-3 run differential), but it will probably have to add to its rotation in order to have any chance to hang around the playoff race. While it’s possible the 33-year-old Fister could provide a back-of-the-rotation upgrade over the likes of Adalberto Mejia, Nick Tepesch and the just-optioned Kyle Gibson, he hasn’t exactly been stellar lately. After effectively using his pitch-to-contact style to serve as a quality starter in Seattle, Detroit and Washington from 2010-14, Fister came back to earth with the Astros and Nationals over the past two years. In 283 1/3 innings, he logged a 4.48 ERA and a 4.68 FIP.
More from the American League:
- Yankees manager and Illinois native Joe Girardi had a chance to leave the Bombers to manage the Cubs in 2012, and GM Brian Cashman was prepared to help the skipper land the job, details Andrew Marchand of ESPN.com. Cashman told Girardi, who only had one year left on his contract at the time, “If you want to go to the Cubs, let me know.” Cashman explained his stance, telling Marchand: “My interest was in keeping him. But if the endgame is there, let me in, so I can privately prepare to replace you if I’m forced to do something like that. And you can get the most money you can get.” Girardi elected to stay put, of course, leading the then-rebuilding Cubs to hire placeholder Dale Sveum, who lasted two years before Rick Renteria took over in 2014. Renteria managed the team for just one season prior to the Joe Maddon era, which produced the Cubs’ first World Series title since 1908 last year. It’s quite possible Girardi would still be in Chicago had he left the Yankees for the Cubs in 2012, so his decision to remain in New York has had a profound effect on him, Maddon and both franchises (and arguably Tampa Bay, Maddon’s previous employer).
- Third base has been a black hole this year for the Red Sox, whose hot corner options have hit an AL-worst .245/.291/.340. Nevertheless, it’s too soon to do anything drastic about the position, opines Evan Drellich of CSNNE.com. Thanks to their desire to stay under the luxury-tax threshold, the Red Sox are limited in how much money they can take on for an upgrade at third, notes Drellich, who adds that they should save any prospect trade chips to address a potentially shaky rotation. As such, Boston’s best course of action for now is to wait for the the injured tandem of Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt to return, Drellich argues.
- Although Tigers closer Francisco Rodriguez suffered both his third blown save and loss of the year Saturday, the team isn’t ready to remove him from the role, according to manager Brad Ausmus (via Evan Woodbery of MLive.com). “We haven’t had any discussions about using anyone else other than Frankie,” Ausmus said. “Until we decide otherwise, he’s going to be the closer.” The 35-year-old Rodriguez allowed two earned runs in an 8-7 defeat to the Athletics, and has only racked up five scoreless appearances in 12 tries this season. Across 11 1/3 innings, Rodriguez has given up eight earned runs on 17 hits and four walks.
Watching all of the errors at the third-base position has been painful so far this year as a Red Sox fan, I haven’t checked but we have to lead the league in errors
They do at third
Should of never given up Shaw
Yes they lead the league. Around 27 I think with 12 or so at third.
Not sure why they don’t use fleet footed, slick glove Hanley out there. As a former SS he can handle it. Oh, sorry I didn’t realize that he has told management that he will not play defense this year, preferring to keep his long dreads looking good for after the game situations.
He isn’t good at defence.
I say we should select Devers from the minors and give him a couple games to see what he can do because Panda and Holt are out so it wouldn’t hurt to try
I agree with giving Devers a shot. Definite talent there. Sandoval is starting to look like a mistake and shouldn’t be counted on. Give the kid a chance.
Starting to look like a mistake..man that’s an understatement!
A little to late….Trader Dave sent Devers to the Marlins for cash considerations.
Go park it back in NY you troll
You’re like the padres of trolls
Why is a yankee fan so obsessed with the red sox?
Sandoval is starting to look like a mistake…I like your optimism!
Hernandez is doing okay, he should get a chance when he is off the DL
I’m on the fence on this one, he just turned 20 years old, but is raking in AA
Then what do you do with Rutledge, Panda and possibly Holt
Holts our utility guy, as for the other two I couldn’t tell ya lol
I agree Holt the Utility guy unless it’s an even up trade to the White Sox for Frazier.
Sandoval–PHitter and ready for a trade for another bad contract that needs a change of scenery.
Hernandez needs more seasoning–2B is more of his position.
Holt for Frazier would never happen….Holt is a Utility guy and the White Sox, regardless of Frazier’s contract is not going to do a straight up trade for a backup player.
Time to move K Rod to the 8th inning role, where having someone warming up while you pitch isn’t a sign of no confidence. Justin Wilson is the hot hand, and of late, the rest of the bullpen has picked up. As this is the last year to challenge, before key pieces leave, Detroit can’t afford to take a wait and see stance. If JD, J-Up, Avila, K Rod, and J. Wilson all leave as FA’s, they will probably trade Kinsler and Iglesias, which won’t leave a whole lot for next year. It’s time to play like there is no tomorrow, Because there isn’t one.
Agreed, this is the Tigers last hurrah. I see many sub .500 seasons in there future. Give Wilson a chance, if you don’t, you will be a seller at the trade deadline.
K-Rod is done as a closer. I don’t see why Detroit re-signed him in the 1st place. Give Justin Wilson or someone else a shot.
I agree…. I was shocked that the tigers brought him back. His stuff looks so much softer(he is older so). The breaking stuff doesn’t have the snap anymore.
I am basing my call for a change based on what he has done THIS YEAR. Only a fool would have refused to pick up his option after the year he had in 2016. Did you not see what closers were going for this past offseason? Rondon came in 50#s heavier, so it looked like an even better call in spring training.. I will question how they are currently using him, but I will never even pretend that they shouldn’t have picked up his option.
Cespedes will encounter a conflict with the Cracker Jack Mets’ training and medical staff. He will demand to play right away and Alderstein will cave. Two or three games into it he will go down again. If you want to see where this is going search google for Jose Reyes’ hammy injuries. A repeat performance is in its way to you!
The Red Sox should buy low on SD’s 3B Ryan Schimpf. He is one dimensional hitter but may improve away from SD. His defense is great. He on pace to break Graig Nettles’ single season record for Assists as a 3B.
The Tigers’ Francisco Rodriguez and Bruce Rondon shouldn’t have made the team out of Spring Training. How many games do they have to loose to prove they should’ve been cut?
Isn’t setting an assists record mostly a function of opportunity rather than any skill?
Defensive assists aren’t a skill.
Rather expected IMO
I think the answer is to trade for Todd Frazier of the White Sox. Frazier had 40 HR’s last year and he plays 3 b and and 1 b, though batting .178 but with 3 HR’s and 10 RBI he should do better in Boston with some stronger bats in the lineup.
You might be able to get him for a Sox prospect plus taking on his salary.
Lineup strengthened;.
Betts, Pedroia, Bogaerts, Bene, Frazier, Hanley, Moreland, Leon, Chris Young/ (Bradley,Jr)
When Sandoval comes back he can play some for Frazier and be a PHitter.
If DD brought up Devers he may be overmatched early but he might be able to adjust. Dominguez with the PawSox had played for the Astros a few years back.–he might surprise management if given a chance. He plays 3B every day–should be better than Rutledge, Hernandez and Holt..
I saw Devers in a Sea Dogs game in April. He was the DH and looked okay. Size was a little on the heavy side. He had a “slam” yesterday, his 6th HR of the season. Last season at High A Salem he got off to a slow start and came back strong the second half. As has been noted he is only 20. He will be the 3 B next season unless he is traded.
I’m with you on Matt Dominguez. At one time, I thought Matt Dominguez was going to be an all star 3B for many years to come. Both his offense and defense tanked his 2nd year full time. Id like to see him get another chance full time.
Todd Frazier is not very good defensively and having a bad season. Why would the BoSox make another deal with the ChiSox after they already had to give up the farm to them?
Did you see what they got for Eaton? They are leading division and not going to trade anybody unless they get Devers and other prospects. They will only take a haul for their players. DD is not afraid to finish dumping the farm. The DD effect on a team looks like starting to kick in. Red Sox only shot is to pay and forget about threshold.
The Red Sox should move Mooke Betts to 3rd and put Young in the lineup full time. Time to write off Sandoval and use Holt strictly as a utility player.
No.
Absolutely not
I could see moving Betts to Second in an absolute emergency, but why would you move him to a position he’s never played?