Twins Designate Matt Maloney For Assignment
The Twins announced via Twitter that they have designated left-hander Matt Maloney for assignment. The move, along with their demotion of Danny Valencia to Triple-A, will allow the club to promote Darin Mastroianni and select the contract of right-hander P.J. Walters.
Minnesota first acquired the 27-year-old off of waivers from the Reds last Halloween. Maloney didn’t impress in his limited opportunities this year as he allowed ten runs with five strikeouts and a walk in eleven innings.
D’Backs Open To In-Season Talks With Montero
Diamondbacks General Manager Kevin Towers confirmed that the club will be open to discussing a long-term deal with catcher Miguel Montero this season, according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert and Tyler Emerick. Previously, the two sides agreed to table extension talks until after the season.
"We agreed with Miggy and his agent that we'd give it until the end of Spring Training, and if nothing happened then, we're certainly open throughout the season if he feels like he's comfortable," the GM said. "But any negotiations that we have, both sides decided to keep it confidential."
Even though Arizona is willing to talk about a contract extension with Montero during the season, Towers stopped short of saying that he would actually make him a proposal. Earlier today, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that he heard that talks between the two sides could start up soon. The 28-year-old is said to be seeking a four-year, $52MM contract.
AL East Notes: Rays, Matsui, Keppinger, Yankees
The weather is now cooperating in the Bronx as the Rays looks to put an end to their three-game skid tonight against the Yankees. Here's a look at Tampa Bay and other items out of the American League East..
- If called up to the majors, Hideki Matsui will make a salary of about $900K, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Last season, the veteran earned $4.25MM with Oakland, the previous low of his career. In the meantime, Matsui will earn $10K a month with Triple-A Durham.
- Jeff Keppinger's absence from the Rays and placement on the restricted list is related to his ongoing divorce case, writes Topkin. Keppinger's case is set to go before a judge on May 29th when the Rays are at home facing the White Sox. Within the Matsui article, Topkin notes that the infielder could still get paid for missed games with MLB approval.
- While some have speculated that the Yankees could look to fortify the backend of their bullpen with an out-of-house addition, Mariano Rivera likes what he has seen out of David Robertson, writes Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Castro Won’t Talk Long-Term Deal During Season
Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro is off to a fine start this season and is likely in position to start talking about a long-term deal with the club. However, agent Paul Kinzer told Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune that he won’t seek a new contract for his client during the season.
“Maybe after the season, but I’m not really interested during the season to talk about it,” Kinzer said. “I don’t want any distractions.”
Kinzer went on to say that Castro enjoys playing in Chicago and expects to talk with the club eventually about a long-term pact. As it stands now, the All-Star will become eligible for arbitration after this season and is in line for free agency after the 2016 campaign. The 22-year-old has Super Two status, giving him an additional year of arbitration eligibility.
Quick Hits: Hamels, Buchholz, Red Sox, Nationals
Earlier tonight, the Nationals' Bryce Harper became the first teenager to steal home since Ed Kirkpatrick did it for the Angels in 1964. Meanwhile, tonight's injury sustained by Jayson Werth could shift the youngster over to right field for the time being. Here are some links on this Sunday night..
- Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter) believes that Cole Hamels can approach C.C. Sabathia's record $161MM deal if he reaches free agency. The Phillies haven't made much progress with Hamels on a new deal lately.
- If the Red Sox decide to send Clay Buchholz to the minors, the pitcher will first have to clear optional waivers, writes Alex Speier of WEEI.com. It's unlikely that Buchholz would be claimed, however, as optional waivers are revocable.
- The Nationals worked out pitcher David Ramos, the younger brother of catcher Wilson Ramos, earlier today, according to Mark Zuckerman of CSNwashington.com (via Twitter). Wilson caught for his brother as he threw 89-91 mph and GM Mike Rizzo was in attendance, tweets Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com.
This Date In Transactions History: Roger Clemens
Of all the dramatic things Suzyn Waldman has ever seen, the comeback of Roger Clemens ranks pretty highly. On this date in 2007, the Rocket appeared in George Steinbrenner's box at Yankee Stadium during the seventh-inning stretch as the Bombers faced the Mariners. Clemens told the rabid crowd over the PA system, "Thank y'all. Well they came and got me out of Texas, and I can tell you its a privilege to be back. I'll be talkin' to y'all soon."
The return marked Clemens' fourth return from retirement, enough to make even the most indecisive boxer or professional wrestler roll his eyes. Coaxing the hurler out of the Lone Star State wasn't cheap either as he inked a deal worth the pro-rated portion of $28,000,022 (the "22", of course, for his jersey number). That worked out to $18.7MM in total, good for roughly $4.7MM per month and $1MM per start. The contract also included a "family plan" clause that excused Clemens from traveling with the club for trips in which he was not scheduled to start.
It wasn't hard to understand why the Yankees would back up a Brink's truck for his services – the club was in desperate need of pitching and Clemens had posted a 2.40 ERA with 8.4 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 across parts of the last three seasons in Houston. The 44-year-old's final return from retirement wasn't quite as sharp. Clemens made 17 starts and one relief appearance in the regular season and registered a 4.18 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9. The Rocket was then shut down for the final few weeks of the season as he was bothered with a left hamstring injury.
Clemens' first start in the postseason proved to be his final of the year and his career. In Game 3 of the ALDS against the Indians, the right-hander aggravated that same hamstring in the third inning and was pulled by manager Joe Torre. The severity of the injury led the Yankees to pull him from the playoff roster, leaving him ineligible until the World Series. Unfortunately for Clemens & Co., the Yanks didn't make it beyond the ALDS as Cleveland wrapped up the series in four games. Clemens' final go-round in the majors wouldn't net him a third championship ring, but it did add to his overall net worth. According to Baseball Reference, the Rocket made nearly $151MM over the course of his 24-year big league career.
MLBTR Originals
Here's a look at the original reporting and analysis from the MLBTR writing team this week..
- Ben Nicholson-Smith spoke with Carlos Villanueva about his role with the MLBPA.
- Earlier in the week, Jason Frasor told Ben that he was on board with the changes to the CBA.
- Dan Mennella looked at closers with 2013 options with a very preliminary look at whether they will be picked up.
- Mike Axisa asked MLBTR readers how the Yankees should go about replacing Mariano Rivera in 2012 and more than 57% of you said that the club should turn the job over to David Robertson rather than giving it to Rafael Soriano or making a trade.
- Dan brought us the interesting and little-known story of Herb Washington.
- Ben brought us updates on converted relievers that have been brought into starting roles.
- This week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In included items on Rivera, Huston Street, and Albert Pujols.
- Check out the transcript of our weekly chat hosted by BN-S.
- Mark Polishuk described Bryan LaHair as having "quality sleeper potential" in a column for Roto Authority back in January, but didn't expect him to blossom into a trade candidate.
- Here's a refresher on our commenting policy. Play nice, everyone. We're also looking for folks to help us enforce our rules as moderators.
- More than 51% of MLBTR readers believe that Johnny Damon will prove to be the best minor league DH signing over Hideki Matsui, Manny Ramirez, and Vladimir Guerrero.
Quick Hits: Rays, Wright, Mets, Oswalt, Weaver
Sunday afternoon linkage..
- The Rays could look out-of-house for an answer at third base, but Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes that they could get by with what they already have.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports opines that the Mets should consider trading third baseman David Wright this offseason. If the Mets were to trade Wright mid-season, the third baseman would have the ability to void his $16MM option for 2013, weakening his trade value. Instead, Rosenthal suggests that they wait to exercise his option and then shop him.
- Jake Peavy said of friend Roy Oswalt, "I can promise you: He's getting ready to play," tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
- Angels pitcher Jered Weaver has no regrets about signing a five-year, $85MM extension with the club last summer, writes Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. As a free agent, Weaver could have gotten a deal similar to what Cole Hamels is expected to earn, in the neighborhood of $20MM per season.
Cubs Designate Blake DeWitt For Assignment
The Cubs have designated Blake DeWitt for assignment, according to Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald (via Twitter). The move will allow the club to make room for right-hander Travis Wood.
The 26-year-old started five games at second base for the Cubs this season and hit just .138/.133/.172 in 30 plate appearances. In parts of five big league seasons, DeWitt owns a .257/.324/.380 slash line for the Cubs and Dodgers.
DeWitt could be of interest to teams looking for depth at second or third base. The former first-round pick also started 17 games for the Cubs in left field in 2011.
Cafardo On Broxton, Phillies, Span, Orioles, White Sox
In today's column, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that Mariano Rivera is arguably the most important player in the American League East. The Yankees will look to in-house solutions in the back of their bullpen for now, but other teams in need of relievers will start combing the market for answers. The Cubs would obviously part with Carlos Marmol. The Pirates could move Joel Hanrahan, but the price would be steep. The White Sox might trade left-hander Matt Thornton and the Astros could be willing to deal Brett Myers.
Teams are looking to see whether the Mets would deal Bobby Parnell and whether the Royals move Jonathan Broxton. Kansas City, however, would need to receive his permission since he was signed as a free agent and otherwise couldn’t be moved until after June 15th. Here's more from Cafardo..
- Phillies people insist that they are not on the lookout for a third baseman/left fielder with Placido Polanco struggling. "We’re just trying to hold our heads above water until we get our guys back," a Phillies official told Cafardo.
- Twins center fielder Denard Span remains on the Nationals' radar, but with closer Drew Storen sidelined, a deal is on hold for a while.
- According to an Orioles source, they have received calls on Kevin Gregg and Matt Lindstrom. The O's would love to move part of Gregg's $5.8MM deal for 2012. Lindstrom, meanwhile, will earn $3.6MM with a $4MM option for 2013.
- The Astros will hang on to Wandy Rodriguez until late July when they can get the best possible deal for him.
- Even though White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is reaching the end of his contract and is 35, don’t be surprised if the club talks about keeping him for another year or two. Many in Chicago feel the mantle will be passed to Tyler Flowers, but Jerry Reinsdorf is very loyal to his veteran players.
- First baseman Derrek Lee is definitely on the Brewers’ radar with Mat Gamel out for the season. They’re thinking about moving Corey Hart from right field to first, but there may be outside options. The Red Sox’s Lars Anderson and the Orioles’ Mark Reynolds could be two names to consider.
- The Red Sox expect to have Andrew Bailey, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, Kevin Youkilis, and Daisuke Matsuzaka back at some point this summer. General Manager Ben Cherington believes, "that would be better than anything we could do in a trade deadline deal."