Rosenthal On Edmonds, Cooper, Angels
The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
- Jim Edmonds still wants to play in 2009. Rosenthal learned from his agent that the outfielder intensified his workouts recently. It still may take him up to three weeks to be game-ready.
- Rosenthal finds the Astros' decision to exercise Cecil Cooper's 2010 option questionable. Rosenthal had wondered earlier in the week if Cooper might be the first manager fired. While we're on the topic, Ron Washington's job in Texas does not seem to be in jeopardy according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan.
- Rosenthal notes that calling up Derek Holland now instead of letting him break camp with the Rangers will delay his free agency by a year. The Rangers were willing to make that sacrifice with Elvis Andrus (assuming he's not demoted in the future).
- The Angels could consider several recently-designated pitchers: Steven Shell, Wil Ledezma, Darren O'Day, Nelson Figueroa, and Philip Humber.
Rangers DFA Rupe, Call Up Derek Holland
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Rangers have designated reliever Josh Rupe for assignment.
Rupe had allowed 12 hits and eight earned runs during 4 2/3 innings of work. He was replaced on the 25-man roster by Derek Holland, the club's 2008 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Holland, 22, went 13-1 with a 2.27 ERA in 26 starts last season between Single-A and Double-A. He'll work out of the bullpen initially.