Twins Release Henry Sanchez
LaVelle E. Neal III of The Star Tribune reports that the Twins have released first baseman Henry Sanchez. Sanchez was the club's supplemental first round pick in 2005, taken three picks before Clay Buchholz. Sanchez hit just .216-.297-.358 in 91 minor league games, missing considerable time with various injuries. He was suspended 50-games for violating baseball's drug policy earlier this year.
Gammons’ Latest: Red Sox, Washburn, DeRosa
In his latest blog post at ESPN.com, Peter Gammons writes that "unless someone comes up with a Justin Smoak, Matt LaPorta or Brett Wallace," the Red Sox will hold on to Brad Penny and enjoy the depth. He says no one will offer up a prospect like that for a few months of Penny.
Here's the rest of Gammons' rumors:
- Takashi Saito is the pitcher on Boston's staff most likely to be traded.
- Jake Peavy and Erik Bedard "probably won't be tradeable before Aug. 1" because of their injuries.
- Jarrod Washburn could be had.
- The Red Sox have talked to the Angels about infielder Maicer Izturis, but the talks haven't gone anywhere
- Mark Mulder "made considerable progress refinding his delivery after one session with pitching coach Rick Peterson."
- The Mets are looking for an outfield bat. They made a run at Mark DeRosa, but wouldn't discuss Bobby Parnell.
- The Cardinals wouldn't discuss Jason Motte or Chris Perez in exchange for DeRosa.
- The uncertain situation surrounding the Cubs' ownership will likely prohibit any major additions.
Pirates DFA Craig Monroe
According to Dejan Kovacevic of The Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, the Pirates designated outfielder Craig Monroe for assignment after last night's game to make room on the roster for Steve Pearce. Monroe hit just .215-.287-.354 in 87 plate appearances for the Bucs.
Diamondbacks Agree To Terms With First Round Pick AJ Pollock
Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports that the Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with first round pick AJ Pollock. The deal is believed to include a $1.4MM signing bonus, which would be below MLB's expected slot recommendation of $1.55MM.The centerfielder from Notre Dame was the 17th overall selection and the second of the D-Backs' back-to-back first round selections.
The deal is still pending a physical, which is scheduled for Monday.
Discussion: Which Team Has The Best Young Core?
Young players have taken over the game thanks to their ability to produce at a below market salaries. Let's take some time tonight to discuss which club has the best core of young players in place at the big league level right now. Here's some of the obvious candidates:
- Dodgers: Chad Billingsley, Jonathan Broxton, Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, James Loney, Clayton Kershaw, Russell Martin
- Rays: Matt Garza, Scott Kazmir, Evan Longoria, Dioner Navarro, David Price, BJ Upton
- Red Sox: Dan Bard, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Jed Lowrie, Justin Masterson, Dustin Pedroia
Plenty of other teams like the Diamondbacks, Marlins, Orioles, and Reds boast an impressive collection of young players, so this should be an interesting talk. So, who ya got?
Odds & Ends: Webb, Padres, Corpas, Nationals
Some Friday evening linkage…
- Nick Piecoro says that if Brandon Webb's latest setback requires surgery, it would give the club pause about picking up his $8.5MM option for 2010.
- Paul DePodesta runs through all of the Padres' recent roster moves.
- Rockies reliever Manny Corpas had an MRI on his right elbow today according to Patrick Saunders. Both the team and Corpas were surprised since he has pitched effectively of late. Depending on the severity of the injury, this may impact the Rockies' decision to trade closer Huston Street.
- Thomas Boswell at The Washington Post says we "will see little or nothing for a long time" regarding negotiations with first overall pick Stephen Strasburg. Boswell also says the Nats have begun to discuss which free agents they will pursue next offseason, and the general assumption is that they will go after a reliever.
- Alyson Footer tweets that the Astros have signed three draft picks, including third rounder Jonathan Meyer.
- CBSsports.com's Scott Miller spoke to Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, who indicated that they haven't decided to sell off movable pieces yet.
- Dean Jones Jr. writes that the Orioles signed a pair of undrafted free agents out of Towson: infielder Gary Helmick and catcher Jason Stifler.
Padres Sign Brian Lawrence
According to a press release, the Padres have signed righthander Brian Lawrence to a minor league deal. He allowed two runs in six innings in a start for the Triple-A Portland Beavers on Wednesday night. Prior to signing, Lawrence had been with the Orange County Flyers of the independent Golden Baseball League.
Lawrence last pitched in the big leagues in 2007 for the Mets. He spent five years with the Padres from 2001-2005, drawing Opening Day assignments in 2003 and 2004.
Papelbon Backs Off Comments About Joining Other Clubs
Rob Bradford at WEEI.com spoke to Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon about the comments he made on Sirius XM Radio yesterday regarding the possibility of joining the Yankees or other clubs when he reaches free agency.
“I just think that when people hear what I said or people read what I said sometimes they can only see certain things. I want to make that clear, I don’t want to go (expletive) for the Yankees,” Papelbon said. “Believe me, I’ve got a ring here and I’m playing for a manager and general manager who are going to protect me. I’ve been on a team in baseball who has been in first-place more than any other (expletive) team in baseball. It’s just a simple fact for me that what I was stating that guys nowadays don’t necessarily get the opportunity to be with a team for a long period of time. Do I want to be with the Red Sox for as long as I can? Of course. There is no question about because I know I’m playing a manager and general manager who are going to protect me and to me that’s all that matters.”
Papelbon made it clear that his preference is to remain in Boston, but acknowledged that this is a business and he's looking out for his family first and foremost. He also said he understands that he needs the Red Sox more than they need him.
Discussion: Which Player Coming Back From Injury Helps The Most?
Last night we had a discussion about which injuries would ultimately hurt their team the most this season, with probably close to a hundred names drawing votes in the comments section. Tonight, let's discuss which currently injured players will help their team the most when they come back.
Manny Ramirez doesn't count because he was suspended, but some examples include Aramis Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Grady Sizemore, John Smoltz, Josh Hamilton, Scott Kazmir, Joey Votto, Jake Peavy, and Jake Westbrook. Who ya got?
Odds & Ends: Izzy, Baez, Nationals
Some links to peruse as you realize how lame it is when your favorite team has a scheduled off day…
- Joe Smith of The St. Petersburg Times spoke to agent Dan Horwits, who says his client Jason Isringhausen plans to come back and pitch in the big leagues again. Izzy will miss the rest of the year due to Tommy John surgery.
- The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec writes that the Orioles have a valuable trade chip in reliever Danys Baez.
- MLB.com's Bill Ladson reiterated that the Nationals are not going to bring Pedro Martinez or Tom Glavine aboard as players. The team would be interested in Glavine as a coach, though.
- Pete McElroy of of MASNsports.com lists the 16 draft picks the Nationals have signed.
- The Yankees signed catcher Buck Afenir as an undrafted free agent out of Kansas according to KUsports.com.