East Notes: Red Sox, Napoli, Chen, Stanton
The Red Sox have dropped three straight heading into tonight's game against the Blue Jays, but they find themselves very much in the AL East mix early in the season. Boston's front office took some criticism this offseason for their moves, but so far, things are going well for them as their acquisitions are paying off. Here's more on that and other notes out of the AL and NL East..
- Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req'd) ran down his top ten free agent signings of the winter and the Red Sox make the list twice thanks to Mike Napoli and Ryan Dempster. Napoli's deal was in flux for some time thanks to hip troubles, but his current performance could push Boston to consider giving him back his original three-year, $39MM pact. Dempster, meanwhile, turned down a more lucrative offer from the Brewers and seems to have found a home in Boston where he turned in a 2.93 ERA with 11.5 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9 through seven starts.
- After switching from Octagon to agent Scott Boras, Orioles pitcher Wei-Yin Chen says that the club has yet to approach him about an extension, writes Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore.com. “I believe [Boras] is a really professional agent and he’s not only helped me on the field, but off the field, too,” Chen said through an interpreter. “I trust him, and I think I will have a better career with him.”
- Marlins star Giancarlo Stanton has been the subject of trade speculation for months, but manager Mike Redmond still isn't sure when he'll be back in action after his recent hamstring injury, tweets Joe Capozzi of The Palm Beach Post. “We still don’t have time frame for him He’s still a ways off," said the skipper.
NL Central Notes: Pirates, Grilli, Choo, Marte
Here's a look at the latest out of the National League Central, where the Cardinals currently are in the lead..
- It looks like the Pirates made the right move in trading Joel Hanrahan to the Red Sox this winter, as new closer Jason Grilli is thriving in the ninth inning, writes CBS Sports’ Danny Knobler. Grilli has adjusted nicely to the closer role, as the 36-year-old right-hander owns a 1.26 ERA with 23 strikeouts and four walks through 14 and 1/3 innings.
- Meanwhile, Jon Morosi of FOX Sports has the story on Reds leadoff hitter Shin-Soo Choo and his upcoming free agency. Morosi argues that Choo is in line for a major contract this winter as he is raking in Cincinnati. So far, the outfielder has a .323/.453/.569 slash line with seven homers.
- In a separate piece, Knobler compares Pirate outfielders Starling Marte and Andrew McCutchen. While Marte lacks the notoriety of McCutchen and other top young players, that could soon change in Knobler's view. Marte is off to an early .321/.385/.515 line with ten stolen bases so far this season.
Max Fogle contributed to this post.
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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Yankees, A’s, Hernandez
On this date in 1910, Billy Purtell earned the dubious distinction of becoming the first player in major league history to strike out twice in the same frame. During the sixth inning of the White Sox 10-3 victory over Washington, the third baseman struck out twice against future Hall of Famer Walter Johnson. Here's this week's look around the baseball blogosphere..
- Pinstripe Pundits looks at how the Yankees have performed vs. their ZiPS projections.
- A's Farm caught up with top prospect Michael Choice.
- Prospect Insider tries to figure out Felix Hernandez.
- Climbing Tal's Hill makes the case for Brian Wilson.
- I R Fast evaluates Mark Buehrle's past and future.
- Phoul Ballz spoke with Cameron Rupp, who has some things in common with Carlos Ruiz.
- The Shea Faithful wants you to cut Lucas Duda some slack.
- Jays Journal wonders if the J.A. Happ injury will lead to change in MLB.
- MLB Reports gives Ryan Howard some dap.
- That Ball's Outta Here explains why Roy Halladay's surgery isn't such a big deal.
- Grading On The Curve credits the Marlins for ignoring service time concerns.
- Baltimore Sports And Life looks at the correlation between catcher performance and rest.
- Camden Depot breaks down Nate McLouth's offensive resurgence.
- Talking Sports examined the offseason's contract extensions.
- The Baseball Big Brother Project wonders if Carlos Santana is hitting his stride or just lucky.
Los Angeles Notes: Angels, Scioscia, Dodgers
Here's a look at the Angels and Dodgers as they look to turn things around..
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Angels’ GM Jerry Dipoto is not likely to make any major changes to the club, despite the poor start to the season reports Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. “There is no move to make,” Dipoto said, “Our best talent, our best team, is here.” DiGiovanna agrees, citing the Angels’ weak farm system as an important difference from last season, when the Halos were able to promote an impact talent in Mike Trout.
- Though many outside the Angels organization have speculated on skipper Mike Scioscia's job security, Albert Pujols offered public support for his manager, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. Scioscia, signed through 2018, finds himself on the hot seat as his Angels have gotten off to a disappointing 11-21 record.
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Earlier today, ESPN.com's Jim Bowden (Insider sub. req'd), gave his thoughts how to fix the two L.A. teams. Bowden argued that the Dodgers should focus on their future at this year’s trade deadline, speculating on a potential match with the Mets on an Andre Ethier deal. Meanwhile, Bowden suggested the Angels could look to improve their rotation by sending top hitting prospect C.J. Cron to the Rays in exchange for Jeremy Hellickson.
- Tim Dahlberg of the Associated Press compares the early struggles of the Dodgers and Angels. Both Los Angeles teams have owners willing to spend money, but Dahlberg argues what both Los Angeles teams really need is a plan going forward.
Max Fogle contributed to this post.
Phillies Notes: Halladay, Amaro, Lee
The Phillies received some bad news earlier today when they learned that Roy Halladay will have to undergo shoulder surgery to remove a bone spur and repair a partially torn rotator cuff. Will they look outside for help? Here's the latest on that and other news from the Phillies..
- General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. indicated the Phillies will actively seek help for their rotation with Roy Halladay undergoing surgery reports Matt Gelb of Philly.com. Recently recalled Tyler Cloyd will take Halladay’s turn in the rotation, while veteran John Lannan is still sidelined with a knee injury. Amaro is reportedly “not even thinking that far ahead” concerning Halladay’s free agency after the season.
- ESPN’s Jayson Stark tweets that since Cloyd was already on their 40-man roster, the Phillies will have an opening if they decide to add a veteran starter from outside the organization. Stark also notes (link) that several pitchers may soon be available via opt-outs in their contracts, including Chris Young, Chien-Ming Wang, and Tim Stauffer.
- Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has a breakdown on starting pitchers who could be moved this season, including the Phillies’ Cliff Lee. Lee may be a “game changer,” but as Heyman notes, the left-hander is still owed $82MM through 2015, which could prove to be too pricey, especially with the Dodgers possibly not being a buyer this time.
Max Fogle contributed to this post.
Scott Boras Likely To Advise Kris Bryant
Agent Scott Boras is likely to advise top prospect Kris Bryant as the 2013 draft approaches, according to Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com (on Twitter). With right-hander Mark Appel and left-hander Sean Manaea also in tow, Boras has three clients likely to come off of the board within the first ten picks.
All three are said to be in the mix for the Astros' No. 1 pick along with Oklahoma right-hander Jonathan Gray and Georgia high school outfielders Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows. However, the Georgia products might be at a disadvantage as Houston is said to be leaning more towards college players.
Bryant, a third baseman/outfielder out of the University of San Diego, currently leads the nation in homers and has turned heads with his power. Manaea has impressed scouts as well, but a hip issue has caused trouble for him as of late. Appel, meanwhile, is entering the draft yet again after being unable to reach agreement with the Pirates, who nabbed him with the No. 8 pick last year.
Indians Designate Ezequiel Carrera For Assignment
The Indians announced that they have designated outfielder Ezequiel Carrera for assignment. In a related move, the Tribe recalled left-hander Scott Barnes from Triple-A Columbus.
The move marks the second time that Carrera has been designated for assignment by Cleveland this season. For those of you keeping track of the 25-year-old's travels, Carrera was DFA'd by the Tribe and went to the Phillies before winding back up with the Indians.
Carrera had three hits in 21 plate appearances for the Indians and Phillies this year. In parts of three big league seasons, Carrera owns a .251/.306/.339 slash line with two homers. He's fared better at the Triple-A level where he has hit .286/.351/.372 across three seasons.
MLBTR Regular Features
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Cafardo On Peavy, Orioles, Lee, Vazquez, Dodgers
In today's column, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that it would be a shame if David Ortiz can't stay healthy given his level of production so far this year. Even as he seems locked in at the plate, he's not in perfect health. “I’m seeing the ball and hitting the ball good,” the 37-year-old said. “I just keep going out there, seeing and hitting the ball. I’m keeping it simple right now. I’m not trying to do too much and the hits are falling. And some hits get taken away. I’m still not 100 percent down there [pointing to his legs].” Here's more from today's column..
- Right-hander Jake Peavy is on the disabled list again, but he’s going to be very much in demand before the trading deadline if the White Sox start selling off. “He’s a great fit for a team like [the Orioles],” said one National League GM. “They’re looking to add that veteran, battle-tested pitcher to really finish off their staff and that Peavy type would be ideal.” The only problem is that the money might deter them. Cliff Lee of the Phillies would also be an ideal guy, but he too is pricey.
- Teams are still monitoring Javier Vazquez's recovery from knee surgery because he could be talked into pitching again and could be a solid mid-rotation starter. Vazquez was in winter ball and wanted to come back to the majors, but the knee issue seemed to put that to rest. For the right contract, however, he can have a change of heart.
- Twins skipper Ron Gardenhire doesn’t have a contract for next year, but he is earning one with Minnesota’s better-than-expected start. With the pitching staff performing well and the lineup exceeding expectations, don’t be surprised if he gets a mid-season extension.
- Hanley Ramirez is signed through 2014, so the Dodgers may eventually move Dee Gordon to second base, unless they feel they can sign Robinson Cano as a free agent after the season. The Dodgers are unlikely to pick up their $5.75MM option on Mark Ellis.