MLB FanHouse

White Sox Honing In on Omar Vizquel

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:12:00 EST

Filed under: White Sox, AL Central, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove

As FanHouse went over in our Footprints in the Snow on the Chicago White Sox earlier on Friday, the Sox aren't expected to be big buyers this offseason after making big moves to land Jake Peavy and Alex Rios last summer. Still, that doesn't mean they won't be making smaller moves to tweak their roster in the coming weeks.

Moves like trying to sign Omar Vizquel to a one-year deal to be a backup infielder as FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal is reporting.

According to Rosenthal, he's had contact with a major league source that says the White Sox are close to signing Vizquel to a one-year deal that would bring the 42-year old, 11-time Gold Glove-winner to the South Side of Chicago. It's not a move that will make people think the White Sox are the runaway favorite to win the AL Central in 2010, but it's a move that can be very beneficial to the team's young infield.

The Rangers brought Vizquel to Texas last season on a similar deal to have him mentor the young Elvis Andrus, and the White Sox would use Omar much the same way. As talented as Alexei Ramirez has been with the glove at times, he also is prone to lazy errors -- Ramirez had 20 errors in 2009 -- and the team would hope Vizquel could help him turn the corner. He'd also be used to help Gordon Beckham make the adjustment to playing second base.

He's also still useful on the field as he played at shortstop, second base and third base at times for the Rangers last season, playing error-free at all three positions.

White Sox Honing In on Omar Vizquel originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: White Sox

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: White Sox, AL Central

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The 2009 season was not one with which the Chicago White Sox were pleased. They followed their 2008 division title with a third-place finish in the AL Central and a record of 79-83. When you consider that the team's general manager Kenny Williams is never shy on making big moves when the team does well, there's no telling what he's going to do after a disappointing season.

So it's pretty safe to assume that the White Sox team that takes the field in 2010 will look a lot different than the one Sox fans saw in 2009, and we're not just talking about Jake Peavy and Alex Rios. What changes will be made on the South Side? Nobody can be sure, but FanHouse has an idea of what Chicago's "other" team might do.

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Who Might Leave

Bobby Jenks, P; Jermaine Dye, OF; Scott Podsednik, OF; Octavio Dotel, P; Paul Konerko, 1B

Shopping List

While just about every team in the majors will be looking to add a frontline pitcher to their starting rotation, the White Sox took care of that last July when they pulled off a last-minute shocker to get Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres for four pitchers. Peavy didn't start for the team until after their playoff hopes were just about gone, but in his three starts for the Sox he went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 innings.

Adding Peavy to a rotation that already features Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd and John Danks for a full season already improves the team greatly.

That means the team can focus on its other needs this winter. First and foremost a leadoff hitter. Scott Podsednik was a big surprise for the White Sox in 2009 but it doesn't seem as though the team is very confident he can repeat the feat in 2010, and it doesn't look like they'll be bringing him back for next season.

Which will of course lead to the speculation that the team will go after Chone Figgins this winter, but with the amount of money they now have locked up in Peavy and Alex Rios, combined with the fact that Jerry Reinsdorf isn't really looking to expand the payroll, such a deal isn't likely to happen.

They may throw their hats in the ring if the Yankees decide to part ways with Johnny Damon, but only if they can sign him to a one- or two-year deal. Another name that hasn't been on the radar but could generate interest in Chicago is outfielder Randy Winn.

The other need will be to replace the hole left at DH since the team traded Jim Thome. Oddly enough, Thome is one of the people the team is considering bringing back along with Hideki Matsui and Hank Blalock.

Money Matters

As mentioned above, the Sox really aren't looking to go any higher than the $96 million payroll they had in 2009, which means that they could be dumping some salaries this winter. They've started by bidding farewell to Jermaine Dye, Jose Contreras and Octavio Dotel, but all the money the team saved by trading or letting those players walk has already been spent on Peavy and Rios.

Which means that it's possible they'll be looking to move other players this winter as well. Jenks' name keeps coming up in discussions as the closer is eligible for arbitration this winter and made $5.6 million in 2009. The question is whether or not there will be much of a market for Jenks.

If not, Sox fans may have to get used to the idea of saying goodbye to longtime favorite Paul Konerko. Konerko is in the final year of a deal he signed following the team's 2005 World Series championship and has a full no-trade clause. Teams that he would be willing to go to includes the Los Angeles Angels, who have been toying with the idea of adding Konerko for years, and would like another power bat in the middle of the lineup should they part ways with Vladimir Guerrero.

Offseason Goals

The White Sox believe they already have a team that can win the AL Central in 2010, so any goals this offseason will be to help shore up what was a shaky bullpen for most of last season, maybe shed some payroll, and to get younger and more flexible. If the team does make any moves this winter, it will likely be a lot like the trade that saw them land Mark Teahen for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. The team already believes it has the best starting rotation in their division, and it's hard to argue with them. Of course, when the man pulling the trigger on an organization's decisions is Kenny Williams, you never really can be sure what they'll do next.

Footprints in the Snow: White Sox originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Twins

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Twins, AL Central

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

It's a winter of transition for the defending AL Central champion Minnesota Twins. The Twinkies are going back to their roots in every way. No longer will they be playing indoor baseball at the Metrodome as the team will open the new outdoor Target Field in 2010. The team also just unveiled their new old uniforms on Monday as well, as they revert back to their classic look from the early '60s.

Still, the field on which they play and the uniforms they wear won't be the only thing different about them. This winter they'll also be trying to make the moves necessary to ensure that they get back to the playoffs again in 2010. What moves they'll make remain to be seen, but given the club's history, it's somewhat safe to assume they'll be the right ones.

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Who Might Leave

Orlando Cabrera, SS; Carl Pavano, SP; Joe Crede, 3B

Shopping List

The Twins already filled one of their needs this winter when they traded Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for shortstop J.J. Hardy, which also gave away their plans for Orlando Cabrera. He won't return. So it seems as if the Twins lineup for next season is basically set and will once again be built around Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, along with emerging slugger Jason Kubel.

Every position is filled with the exception of what the team plans to do at third base. They brought in Joe Crede on a one-year deal in 2009, but after his back problems flared up again at the end of the season, whether they want to bring him back for 2010 remains to be seen. It's possible that the team may take a look at guys like Adrian Beltre or Pedro Feliz to fill that spot since both are very solid with the glove, and the Twins value defense.

Other than that, just about every dollar the Twins spend this winter will likely be spent on bolstering their pitching staff, both in the starting rotation and the bullpen. Carl Pavano pitched well for the Twins after they acquired him from the Cleveland Indians and they're likely to try to work out a deal to bring him back, but they'd also like to add another starter as well.

Of course, the Twins don't have a ton of money to spend so it's unlikely they'll be making a huge splash in the free-agent market, but it is possible they'll take a look at somebody like Jarrod Washburn who is from nearby Wisconsin and has expressed a desire to pitch closer to home next season.

Money Matters

This is where things get tricky for the Twins. They've never been known for spending an exorbitant amount on payroll, though it's possible that they'll be counting on more revenue from the new stadium next season, so it wouldn't be that surprising if we see the team raise their payroll from the $65 million they spent in 2009.

Still, the team's biggest priority this winter will likely be signing Mauer to a contract extension. Mauer is a free agent after the 2010 season, and if the team allows him to hit the open market they're probably not going to be able to bring him back. So until the Twins work out a deal with Mauer and we know how much it's for, it's really hard to get a solid idea of what they'll be able to spend on filling out next season's team.

They also have to deal with their arbitration-eligible players, a list that includes names like the newly acquired Hardy, Delmon Young, Francisco Liriano, Matt Guerrier and Jesse Crain. Don't be shocked if the team tries to move someone like Liriano to make room for a more reliable veteran starter.

Offseason Goals

The biggest goal is obviously to sign Mauer to a long-term extension that won't hinder the team's ability to put together a team surrounding him and Morneau that can compete for the division year in and year out. After that, it's sign a veteran starting pitcher or two, preferably a couple that won't cost much money but can deliver 10-15 wins for the ballclub next season. Then, whatever money is left after all of this should probably be spent on thermal socks and earmuffs, because it's going to be pretty cold outside when the Twins open Target Field in April.

Footprints in the Snow: Twins originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Tigers

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, AL Central

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The Detroit Tigers are in a unique position this offseason. They missed the playoffs in 2009 after blowing their division lead during the final weeks, and then losing a one-game playoff against the Twins in Minneapolis, but they remain one of the most talented teams in the AL Central. The question is how much of that talent will be back in 2010?

Dave Dombrowski and the Tigers are usually one of the more aggressive teams during the offseason in both the free agent market and with trades, and have no problem paying top dollar for players. Still, there's a lot of speculation that things will change this winter as the economy in Detroit is still causing problems. Some are saying that the Tigers are going to be selling off a lot of that talent this winter. So odds are that, either way, the team Tigers fans see on Opening Day in April could look a lot different than the one they saw in the Metrodome last October.

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Who Might Leave

Placido Polanco, 2B; Jarrod Washburn, SP; Fernando Rodney, RP; Brandon Lyon, RP

Shopping List

One of the biggest reasons the Tigers division lead disappeared last season was their bullpen's inability to hold leads, so there's no doubt they'll be looking to bolster that area of the roster. Still, with the rumors that they may be trying to shed payroll, don't expect them to break the bank doing so. It's possible they bring back Fernando Rodney to close or set up, and it's easy to see the Tigers showing interest in someone like Billy Wagner or maybe even John Smoltz. After all, Smoltz began his professional career as a Tiger.

They'll also be looking to add to their starting rotation as odds are Jarrod Washburn -- a mid-season acquisition -- won't be coming back next year, and there's even talk that the team is looking to move Edwin Jackson. They're going to need arms behind Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello. While there haven't been any hints at the team making such a move, the Tigers are likely to look for a pitcher who they can get relatively cheap and has a high ceiling. Think someone like Justin Duchscherer, who won't be able to get a long-term deal this winter due to injury concerns, but is a very good pitcher when healthy. They could also toy with the idea of Smoltz as a fifth starter if they bring him to town.

Money Matters

This is where things get tricky. If the Tigers are serious about shedding payroll, then all those rumors you've heard in recent weeks about the team possibly moving Curtis Granderson could come true. It also seems that the Tigers are serious when you hear they're willing to move Jackson in return for younger, cheaper pitching.

It may seem odd that the team would want to trade a player like Granderson, but let's remember that any money saved could be used to sign Verlander to an extension this winter rather than going to arbitration with him.

Even if the Tigers don't start dumping salaries, the odds are that the 2010 payroll will come in below 2009's number of $115 million, which means that they team will likely have to let Placido Polanco walk whether they want to or not. They'll also likely be looking around to see if anybody is interested in Dontrelle Willis, who is in the last season of his deal and is due $12 million in 2010.

No matter how badly the team is looking to shed salary, don't believe the rumors that they're willing to trade Miguel Cabrera. The quickest way to help lose a fanbase that the organization has only recently won back would be to dump the team's best player.

Offseason Goals

The main goal for the Tigers this season is to find a way to keep the team as competitive and talented as they have been in recent years, but at the same time, to spend less money doing so. Any time you have a talented young trio like Verlander, Porcello and Cabrera to build around, you are going to be competitive, so the Tigers need to find the smaller pieces to surround those parts. If they do, they'll be fighting for a division title again next October.

Footprints in the Snow: Tigers originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Royals

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Royals, AL Central

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

Over the last few years there has been a familiar refrain coming out of the City of Fountains: this is the year that the Kansas City Royals will finally be competitive. Yet it just hasn't happened. In fact, since the team won it's lone World Series back in 1985, they've finished over .500 only six times, and only once since the strike season of 1994.

So if general manager Dayton Moore is going to put together a winning ballclub, it's obvious he has quite a bit of work to do. Still, there is talent on this Royals roster, so Moore might not have to make as many moves this winter as you would think.

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Who Might Leave

Miguel Olivo, C; Coco Crisp, OF; Sidney Ponson, SP; Bruce Chen, RP; Ron Mahay, RP; Jamey Wright, RP; Lenny DiNardo, RP; Yasuhiko Yabuta, RP

Shopping List

Both Dayton Moore and team owner David Glass have both gone on record saying that the team is looking to make more trades this winter in lieu of shopping in free agency, which is somewhat odd seeing as how they already made the first free-agent signing of the winter when the picked up reliever Brad Thompson on Thursday afternoon. That move aside, expect a lot more deals like the one the team made when they sent Mark Teahen to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields.

As for what the team needs to add this winter, there aren't many areas where they don't need some help. Cy Young winner Zack Greinke, Billy Butler, Joakim Soria and Alex Gordon aside, there really isn't anyone on the roster the team couldn't live without or upgrade over. Now that they've added Getz, expect the Royals to continue pursuing a deal with the Dodgers for A.J. Ellis, with Alberto Callaspo possibly heading out west in exchange.

The two biggest trade chips the team has are probably Gil Meche and David DeJesus. They would no doubt love to move Jose Guillen in a trade but aren't likely to find a dance partner. The Royals could use Meche and DeJesus much the same way they used Teahen, though,, dumping a couple larger salaries to acquire younger, cheaper talent.

Money Matters

The Royals have never been big spenders but in the years since Dayton Moore took over, the payroll has increased. It went from $47 million in 2006 to $67 million, $58 million and $70 million in the successive seasons. Considering the moves we've already seen the team make this winter, however, don't expect to see a number higher than last year's $70 million in 2010.

We can't know for sure if the Royals are one of the teams that Bud Selig was talking about when he admitted some teams lost money in 2009, but it's possible they may have when factoring the cost of renovating Kauffman Stadium. Whether or not the additional revenue created from those changes will go to the payroll remains to be seen.

As mentioned earlier, if they could find a taker for Jose Guillen and $12 million he's owed for 2010, they'll jump at the chance. They may try and move the $24 million they still owe Meche but it's more likely they'd prefer to keep him around as he provides some depth to the starting rotation.

Offseason Goals

The Royals have a lot of free agents in their bullpen who aren't likely to be in Kansas City next season, so finding arms to help bridge the gap from the starters to Soria should be a priority. In a division as tight as the AL Central is just about every season, a solid bullpen can take you a long way. Other than that, the team needs to get stronger in the outfield and maybe find a power bat to add to the middle of the lineup so Butler has protection.

Footprints in the Snow: Royals originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Footprints in the Snow: Indians

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: Indians, AL Central

Footprints in the Snow is FanHouse's look at the paths to be forged by MLB teams this winter as they look ahead to 2010.

The baseball season ended in a way that Cleveland Indians fans had been dreaming it would for a few years. There starting in a World Series game were CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee. The only problem was neither was wearing a Cleveland Indians uniform.

Needless to say the 2009 season was not kind to the Indians.

Last winter they hit the free-agent market to bring in guys like Mark DeRosa, Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood. By the time the season had ended, only Wood remained on the team, and he wasn't used very often since Cleveland didn't have much use for a closer.

Now they enter the winter with a brand new manager and some talented players, but if you're hoping for some kind of turnaround in Cleveland next season, then you should probably see a doctor because your dementia has taken a severe turn for the worse.

More Footprints in the Snow

Who Might Leave

Jamey Carroll, 2B

Shopping List

After reading that list of players who might be leaving via free agency this winter, you're probably thinking that it isn't much. You're right, it isn't, but that's only because the team traded everybody else away last summer. Since we're calling this section the "Shopping List" the best way I can think of to describe Cleveland's plan this winter is to go back to the grocery store and try and return everything they bought on their last visit. Then, using whatever store credit they can get, they'll go to the produce section and buy some fruit that hasn't ripened yet in hopes that one day it'll taste really good.

It's hard to come up with a list of what the Indians need and might go after since they need so many different things, and don't really have the money to buy everything they need. Odds are they'll be spending a lot of their winter trying to sell off any large contract they have that doesn't belong to Grady Sizemore to decrease a payroll that was $81 million to start last season.

Money Matters

Considering the Indians finished 26th in attendance last season and aren't likely to boost those numbers in 2010, that number is going to be coming down.

If they can somehow find a team that would be willing to take on Jake Westbrook's $11 million contract for a prospect or two, general manager Mark Shapiro will jump at the chance. Same story for Travis Hafner's albatross, though you'd have better luck finding the fountain of youth than a team willing to take on the three years and $37.5 million -- best extension ever -- left on that contract.

They might be able to find somebody to take Kerry Wood off of their hands though.

As crazy as it would have been to say it only a year ago at this time, don't be shocked at all if the Indians try and move Grady Sizemore next summer for a number of prospects if they're out of the race. Considering Sizemore's age, talent and contract (only $21.6 million through 2012) he is by far the team's best trade chip, and considering the rebuilding process that needs to take place in Cleveland, they're going to have to pull that trigger at some point.

Offseason Goals

The Indians won't be able to do too much on the open market this winter, so odds are that any move they make won't be one that makes national news. They're going to be shopping for some pitching help in the bargain bin, but really the biggest goal the team should be have is trying to win back a fanbase that has seen the organization trade away two Cy Young winners in the last two seasons. That's a goal that's not likely to be achieved until the team starts winning again, which could be a few years away.

Footprints in the Snow: Indians originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twins May or May Not Have Begun Extension Talks With Joe Mauer

Tom Fornelli — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Twins, AL Central, MLB Rumors

The Minnesota Twins didn't wait very long after being knocked out of the 2009 playoffs to begin working on their 2010 team. They made a trade that not only alleviated the surplus of outfielders on their roster but also may have filled the shortstop position for years to come when they sent Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers for J.J. Hardy.

While that trade could turn out to be a key move for the Twins and their future, it's not the only task the team has on its plate as they prepare for life in a new stadium next season. At the top of the list of things general manager Bill Smith should be working on right now is signing catcher Joe Mauer to a contract extension, and depending on who you ask, Smith may have already started doing just that.

According to a report in the St. Paul Pioneer-Press the Twins began talks with Mauer's agent Ron Shapiro on working out an extension for the possible MVP catcher whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2010 season. In the article Mauer is quoted as saying that any negotiations that may be going on are "news to me."

Which is why it's not all that surprising that a separate report, this one in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, is saying that talks haven't begun between the Twins and Mauer.

So which is it?

In the Star Tribune report, neither Smith or Jerry Bell would confirm that negotiations had begun, but at the same time neither denied that they'd started either. So I think what may be going on here is that the Twins are still trying to figure out what they can offer Mauer that would be sufficient enough to keep him in Minnesota, but at the same time not hinder their ability to further build a team around him.

Which will not be an easy task for a team with a limited payroll like the Twins, though the team is no doubt hoping that the new Target Field will help increase revenue.

Whatever the case may be it seems pretty obvious that both sides would like to get a deal done, and preferably before next season starts so it doesn't become a distraction throughout the year. Plus, the Twins know that if they allow Mauer to hit the open market as a free agent it will be almost impossible to keep him around as he could easily command upwards of $25 million a year.

So if the Twins haven't started trying to get something done with Mauer yet, they should probably get cracking.

Twins May or May Not Have Begun Extension Talks With Joe Mauer originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Teahen Traded to Chicago

Tom Fornelli — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Royals, White Sox, AL Central, MLB Transactions

The rumors started early on Thursday morning that the Kansas City Royals had agreed to trade Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Neither team would confirm the deal throughout the day, but 24 hours later it has become official.

Teahen and cash will be heading to Chicago for Getz and Fields. While it can't be known for sure, odds are the amount of cash the White Sox will receive from the Royals for the arbitration eligible Teahen is what kept the trade from being completed for 24 hours.

Teahen could be a useful player for the White Sox as he gives them a couple of options. He can play right field and replace Jermaine Dye who became a free agent on Friday, but he can also play in the infield as well. White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said during a conference call with reporters on Friday morning that the team's plan is to use Teahen at third base and move Gordon Beckham to second base.

He'll also provide a left-handed bat in a lineup that is somewhat righty-dominant in the wake of trading Jim Thome to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Royals will be getting two players that they can use to play all the positions they had Teahen try over the last few years, and they will do so at a much cheaper price. Fields was originally supposed to be Chicago's replacement for Joe Crede after he hit 23 homers and drove in 67 runs in 2007. Since then he hasn't been nearly as productive, and it was obvious that his time in Chicago was going to come to an end at some point this offseason.

Getz will be a useful player for the Royals, though their immediate plans for him aren't clear. The 26-year-old second baseman hit .261 for Chicago in 107 games and also stole 25 bases in 27 attempts. Getz is also a solid defender at second base, so it's possible the team is planning on having him play second, with Alberto Callaspo moving to shortstop.

Mark Teahen Traded to Chicago originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.J. Hardy Traded for Carlos Gomez

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST

Filed under: Brewers, Twins, AL Central, NL Central, MLB Transactions

It was no secret J.J. Hardy was likely going to be traded this offseason, but most believed the Brewers would use him to acquire some desperately needed starting pitching help. Instead, they have opted to move him to Minnesota for a young center fielder -- Carlos Gomez.

Hardy, 27, fell out of favor with the Brewers this past season as he failed to meet his previously set offensive standards. He ended the season with an abysmal .659 OPS and the Brewers have uber-prospect Alcides Escobar waiting in the wings (he hit .304 in 38 big-league games last season). Thus, it made sense to move Hardy, who did hit 50 home runs in his previous two campaigns, for help elsewhere.

Hardy will slide into the starting shortstop role for the Twins, who are now almost certain to allow Orlando Cabrera to walk as a free agent.

With the emergence of Denard Span in center for Minnesota, Gomez -- who came over as part of the Johan Santana trade -- became expendable for the Twins. The 23-year-old speedster hit just .248 with a .293 on-base percentage in his two years for the Twins. He flashed some promise at times, racking up impressive stolen base totals and several triples, but he largely disappointed at the plate.

Still, he's only going to be 24 on Opening Day, 2010, and the Brewers can plug him into center field in place of most-likely-departing Mike Cameron. Gomez makes much more sense for the Brewers than Cameron anyway, considering his age and the fact that the Brewers already have enough power. They need table-setters. If Gomez can find a way to work his OBP up to the .350 (or more) range, he'll be a very valuable cog in the Milwaukee lineup.

Both teams have a bit more work to do, but the World Series just ended Wednesday. For now, this is a good, mutually-beneficial trade to kick off Hot Stove season for each.

J.J. Hardy Traded for Carlos Gomez originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coco Crisp Unlikely to Remain in K.C.

Matt Snyder — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:13:00 EST

Filed under: Royals, AL Central, MLB Rumors

After one pretty lackluster season in Kansas City, it's likely Coco Crisp is going to be playing elsewhere next season. The Royals, who clearly need to avoid wasting money, would owe Crisp $8 million should they decide to retain his services. It would cost them just $500,000 to buy him out.

Crisp, who turns 30 this coming Sunday, batted just .228 with a .714 OPS in 49 games last season for the Royals. He also had surgery on both of his shoulders. Considering all that, there's no realistic reason for the Royals to not buy him out.

There would be a market for Crisp to find work elsewhere, even if it's not as an everyday starter from the get-go. He's not old by any stretch, and he has good speed. Of course, the last time he was an above average hitter was 2005, for the Indians. He's certainly going to have to take a pay cut.

Coco Crisp Unlikely to Remain in K.C. originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Indians Hire Manny Acta as Manager

Pat Lackey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Astros, Indians, AL Central, NL Central

The Cleveland Indians announced Sunday afternoon that they've hired Manny Acta as their manager. They also interviewed Bobby Valentine, Torey Lovullo, and Ron Roenicke, while Acta also interviewed for and reportedly rejected the Houston Astros managerial position.

Acta was fired by the Washington Nationals just before this year's All-Star Game after a 26-61 start and a 158-252 record over 2 1/2 seasons in D.C. The interest shown by both the Astros and Indians seems to indicate pretty clearly that teams aren't holding his ugly record over that span against him, though, and he's quickly going to have a chance to rehabilitate his reputation now that he's got another job.

Acta has long been a favorite of the sabermetric crowd (dig out your copy of Baseball Prospectus 2008 or see here for a brief explanation of how his use of defensive shifts and matchups helped cover for his terrible pitching staff in his first season in Washington), and so it makes sense that he'd be a favorite of Mark Shapiro, who certainly has a reputation as a statistically-oriented GM.

It's hard to believe the choice will be popular in Cleveland, though, given Acta's recent history in Washington. Shapiro's public approval is pretty low after the Indians' failure to follow up on their ALCS appearance in 2007 and if Acta can't turn the ship around quickly, this hiring is probably going to be viewed in a negative light.

No pressure, Manny Acta. Just turn a 97-loss team into a contender or face the wrath of Cleveland.

Indians Hire Manny Acta as Manager originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:56:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dugout: Shapiro Narrows It Down

B. Thompson Stroud — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:55:00 EST

Filed under: Indians, AL Central, The Dugout

To me, the playoffs mean one thing: the wise decision-making skills of Cleveland Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro! After firing Jim Thome/snapping turtle hybrid Eric Wedge as the Tribe head coach, Shapiro has really gotten down in the dirt to find a new skipper, looking in the only place you're allowed: the big recycling bin of failed coaches who didn't do a good job somewhere else and were fired by someone else. Why they sound PERFECT!

Fun fact: That guy in the photo to the right was eating in Heritage Park and just throwing his trash on the ground. Thanks a lot for your contributions, Cy Young! Have an eighth of a hot dog!

Tonight's Dugout is after the jump.

The Dugout

	Online Host Welcome to the ramshackle hovel being used as the Cleveland Indians Front Office Chatroom!
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Slider, c'mere. Which one of these guys should I choose to be the new manager?
	PhillieFauxnatic: /nods head, pats GM on back, reads over shoulder
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: I'm leaning toward the guy who bit the rosin bag and threw it like a grenade. I think I can contact him via Youtube. What say you?
	PhillieFauxnatic: /shrugs shoulders, puts hands over mouth
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: What, you can't talk? Since when?
	PhillieFauxnatic: /offers delicious Pizza Pan[TM] brand pizza in form of empty box
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: harumph, get out of my sight.
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Dennis, c'mere. Which one of these guys should I choose to be the new manager?
	InLehmansTerms: I'm not sure I'm qualified to advise you on that, Mark, I'm the Executive Vice President, Business.
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: What does that mean?
	InLehmansTerms: It means I point people toward the LeBron James jerseys.
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: I think we can fix this ballclub, Dennis. And if not, hey, even a broken clock shows Tribe Time twice a day.
	InLehmansTerms: you guys could sell the team to somebody who likes baseball
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: I've narrowed it down to four choices based on the only types of people left willing to coach in Cleveland.
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: My first thought was, "Hey, are there any teams in the Majors WORSE than the Indians?"
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: As it turns out, yes, there was one! So then I got to thinking... why don't we use THEIR coach?
	ActaFool: baseball is all about going out there and giving it your best!
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Ha! Isn't he hilarious? Say something else, Manny!
	ActaFool: a walk is as good as a hit!
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Oh brother! Hey Dennis, this is that "Manny" all the kids in the chatrooms love so much.. "Manny being Manny!"
	InLehmansTerms: I'm not sure that's who they're talking about
	ActaFool: mark that was a lot of coaching for one day, you got a toilet somewhere i could sleep in
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: yeah, you go down the hall out this way through the big doors and keep walking until you see a sign that says "Parma"
	InLehmansTerms: Who is your second choice?
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Question: Who would still think the Indians were gonna turn that corner and become contenders again?
	InLehmansTerms: uh... the great Cleveland fans?
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: no, seriously
	InLehmansTerms: baseball fans who haven't been in the United States for several years?
	MyBobbyValentine: BOOM! Bobby V! Comin' ATCHA!
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Bobby V just lead the Hokkaido Cheese Nips and Ham Sandwiches to a Japanese baseball championship! And I think he's that guy from NC State!
	MyBobbyValentine: I haven't been paying attention to America since 2004! Tell me, is Hoobastank still the ROCKINGEST F***ING BAND EVER?
	InLehmansTerms: I thought you were an ESPN analyst?
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: don't be naive, Dennis, being an "ESPN analyst" is like being a substitute math teacher, you just read from the notes and keep telling the kids you know what you're doing
	MyBobbyValentine: So how about that Keisha Castle-Hughes, huh? What a great little actress, I bet she's got a big future ahead of her!
	InLehmansTerms: so we have to choose between someone who just failed and someone who failed several years ago who is choice number three?
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: Travis Fryman.
	InLehmansTerms: like... actual Travis Fryman?
	MeatwadAndFryman: hey
	InLehmansTerms: Why the hell would you give the job to Travis Fryman?
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: I wouldn't have to buy another hat.
	InLehmansTerms: I don't understand how your brain ... or your face works, but managerial choice #4 had better be Mike freaking Hargrove
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: who?
	InLehmansTerms: The guy who lead the Tribe to five consecutive AL Central Division titles and two World Series appearances?
	InLehmansTerms: he wants to coach again and he wants to do it here, and right now his only job is managing a semi-professional team called the "Liberal BeeJays," a team that I'm pretty sure has Gianna Michaels on the roster
	InLehmansTerms: It's your big chance to correct the mistakes of John Hart and send the Tribe back in the right direction
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: No, choice #4 is this delicious baggie of Jo Jos potato wedges. Mmmm, Jo Jos!
	InLehmansTerms: Why would... WHY?
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: because they are goddamned delicious, that's why
	ActaFool: excuse me, I'll trade you a button I found on the floor for your bag of Jo Jos
	ShapiroAndBallyhoo: That sounds fair!

Photos link to player info. (Photo Credit: Getty Images) WordUpThome.com

The Dugout: Shapiro Narrows It Down originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bobby Valentine, Manny Acta, Travis Fryman Named Finalists in Cleveland

Pat Lackey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Indians, AL Central, MLB Rumors

The Indians' managerial search has apparently whittled its way down to just three names after a round of phone interviews last week. Paul Hoynes at the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Indians have called Bobby Valentine, Manny Acta, and Travis Fryman to Cleveland for a second round of interviews and that GM Mark Shapiro is likely to name a manager before the World Series ends.

Valentine's name is the big one that's obviously going to get people talking. He's got over 1,000 career wins and a National League pennant over his 15-year career with the Rangers and the Mets, plus a Japanese Series title in 2005 with the Chiba Lotte Marines. It's been rumored that he's made it clear there are teams he won't manage for in 2010, so presumably the Indians are a job he would want.

The other names are just as interesting to me, though. Acta was supposed to be one of the best managerial prospects in baseball when he was a coach with the Mets. His stint with the Nationals ended poorly, but he did show an ability to think about baseball in a way that would be unconventional for most managers. That might appeal to a GM like Shapiro, who's known for outside-the-box thinking in Cleveland.

Fryman played for the last of the Indians' dominant squads in the late 1990s and now manages their New York-Penn League affiliate in Mahoning Valley, Ohio. He's got considerably less name recognition than the other two names on the list, but Shapiro's familiar with his work and he must be doing something the GM likes if he works in the system and has made it this far in the process.

It's hard to imagine that Valentine isn't the front-runner here, but there certainly seem to be reasons that Shapiro would be equally interested in the other two candidates. Assuming that one of the three guys from this list is hired, we may have an answer before the World Series even starts.

Bobby Valentine, Manny Acta, Travis Fryman Named Finalists in Cleveland originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Farrell Not Interested in Indians Job

Pat Lackey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:19:00 EST

Filed under: Indians, Red Sox, AL Central, AL East, MLB Rumors

It's now ten days after the end of the 2009 baseball season and the only thing the Cleveland Indians know about their vacant managerial position is that it won't be filled by Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell. That's because Farrell, who was initially seen as a front-runner for the job, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer today that while he is interested in managing some day, he's not interested in the Indians job and he'd rather stay in his position in Boston.

As the former farm director in Cleveland under Mark Shapiro, Farrell seemed like maybe the most logical choice for the job, but this isn't the first time he's turned a managerial job down. He was believed to be the frontrunner in 2007 in Pittsburgh, where former Shapiro assistant Neal Huntington is GM, but he also asked for his name to be removed from consideration then, as well.

Farrell mentions that he has a "mutual commitment" with Boston, but since Boston granted him the right to interview earlier in the week it's hard to imagine they'd begrudge him leaving for a managerial position. It could be that he simply likes being a pitching coach or working with the current Boston staff and doesn't want to give that up right now or that he feels too much loyalty towards Terry Francona to bail on his contract. Or it could be that he just doesn't want to manage somewhere like Pittsburgh or Cleveland enough to give up his job in Boston.

It is still early in the Indians' process, so Shapiro should still have plenty of time to find a suitable candidate. The Plain Dealer says that he and his staff are currently narrowing the list down to three to five names, at which point they'll begin face-to-face interviews. There are no names named, but Bobby Valentine's name has cropped up in the past week or so.

John Farrell Not Interested in Indians Job originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 MLB Postseason Schedule

Pat Lackey — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Cardinals, Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox, Rockies, Twins, Yankees, AL Central, AL East, AL West, NL Central, NL East, NL West, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series, National League Division Series

With two series over, Major League Baseball has updated the schedule for the rest of the Division Series.

The Rockies and Phillies will play their Game 4 at 4 PM ET if the Yankees-Twins series is still going on. Should the Yankees finish off a sweep Sunday night, the NL Game would move to 6 PM ET.

Series-by-series times are after the jump (all times Eastern).

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees:

Game 1- Twins at Yankees, 10/7, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 2- Twins at Yankees, 10/9, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 3- Yankees at Twins, 10/11, 7:07 PM, TBS
Game 4- Yankees at Twins, 10/12, 7:37 PM, if necessary, TBS
Game 5- Twins at Yankees, 10/14, 8:07 PM, if necessary, TBS

Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Game 1- Red Sox at Angels, 10/8, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Red Sox at Angels, 10/9, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 3- Angels at Red Sox, 10/11, 12:07 PM, TBS

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1- Cardinals at Dodgers, 10/7, 9:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Cardinals at Dodgers, 10/8, 6:07 PM, TBS
Game 3- Dodgers at Cardinals, 10/10, 6:07 PM,TBS

Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Game 1- Rockies at Phillies, 10/7, 2:37 PM, TBS
Game 2- Rockies at Phillies, 10/8, 2:37 PM, TBS
Game 3- Phillies at Rockies, 10/11, 10:07 PM,TBS
Game 4- Phillies at Rockies, 10/12, 6:07 PM (7:37 PM if AL still going), TBS
Game 5- Rockies at Phillies, 10/13, 8:07 PM, if necessary TBS

AL Championship Series

Game 1-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/16, Fox
Game 2-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/17, Fox
Game 3-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/19, Fox
Game 4-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/20, Fox
Game 5-Yankees at Angels or Angels at Twins, 10/22, if necessary, Fox
Game 6-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/24, if necessary, Fox
Game 7-Angels at Yankees or Twins at Angels, 10/25, if necessary, Fox

NL Championship Series

Game 1-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/15, TBS
Game 2-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/16, TBS
Game 3-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/18, TBS
Game 4-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/19, TBS
Game 5-Dodgers at Rockies or Philliies, 10/21, if necessary, TBS
Game 6-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/23, if necessary, TBS
Game 7-Rockies or Phillies at Dodgers, 10/24, if necessary, TBS

2009 MLB Postseason Schedule originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Twins Ride Dome Field Advantage Past Tigers in AL Central Playoff

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:09:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central, MLB Playoffs, American League Division Series

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Metrodome erupted in a jet-like roar as Carlos Gomez zoomed home with the winning run to finish off an AL Central race -- and a thrilling tiebreaker -- that didn't want to end.

Minnesota wouldn't quit, while the Detroit Tigers finished their historic fade. And there was little time for the Twins to celebrate, because the New York Yankees were waiting.

Alexi Casilla singled home the winning run with one out in the 12th inning and the Twins rallied for a 6-5 victory Tuesday night, completing a colossal collapse for the Tigers.

"This is the most unbelievable game I've ever played or seen," Twins shortstop Orlando Cabrera said.

How was that for bonus baseball?

As Gomez scored from second -- well ahead of a late throw from right field -- Homer Hankies spiraled. The Twins celebrated and scrambled: They had 21 hours to get ready for Game 1 of the AL playoffs at Yankee Stadium against New York ace CC Sabathia. He'll face rookie Brian Duensing.

The Tigers will head home instead. They became the first team in history to blow a three-game lead with four games left.

"I guess it's fitting to say there was a loser in this game because we lost the game, but it's hard for me to believe there was a loser in this game," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "Both teams played their hearts out. You can't ask for anything more than that."

The Twins overcame a seven-game gap in the final month, went 17-4 to pull even on the final weekend and won their fifth division title in eight years.

"We just feel like we have nothing to lose, man," outfielder Denard Span said.

Both teams had chance after chance to end it earlier, and each club scored in the 10th. Casilla was thrown out at the plate to end that inning by left fielder Ryan Raburn after tagging up.

The Tigers thought they'd taken the lead in the 12th. But with the bases loaded, plate umpire Randy Marsh ruled that Brandon Inge was not hit by a pitch by Bobby Keppel. The replay appeared to show the pitch grazing Inge's billowing uniform.

"I did not have the ball hitting him. We looked at replays, too, and the replays we've looked at, to be honest with you, were inconclusive," said Marsh, the crew chief.

Said Inge: "No matter what we did, it seems like it wasn't meant to be. This is the best game, by far, that I've ever played in no matter the outcome."

It was the first AL tiebreaker to go to extra innings, making up for Minnesota's disappointment last year when it lost 1-0 in Chicago to the White Sox in an AL Central tiebreaker. Had the Twins lost, it would've been the final baseball game at the Metrodome. Instead, the Twins get the Yankees -- New York was 7-0 against Minnesota this season.

"We're not afraid. I can guarantee you that," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Said Yankees manager Joe Girardi: "We're not going to have to face questions like 'Can you beat them?' like we've had to answer during the course of the year. Once the playoffs start though, it's a new series and we know the importance of each game. You can pretty much throw everything else out the window."

A day after Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers at the Dome -- "Monday Night Football" is what delayed this tiebreaker for a day -- the Twins pulled off a Tuesday Night Frenzy.

Gardenhire and Leyland made so many moves for defense and relief that the lineups and pitching staffs were depleted by the end.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney (2-5) worked his longest appearance of the season, getting the last two outs of the ninth. But he didn't have enough to get out of the 12th. The Twins rushed out of the dugout in celebration even before Gomez reached the plate, and their comeback from a seven-game gap with 20 to play was complete.

Joe Mauer, who heard thunderous "M-V-P!" chants from the largest regular-season baseball crowd in Metrodome history throughout the game, led his team on a sprint around the warning track as they slapped hands with fans in the first rows.

"One of the best games I'll ever play in," Mauer said.

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates with teammates in the locker room after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins ccelebrates with Carlos Gomez #22 in the locker room after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer;Carlos Gomez

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Minnesota Twins players celebrate with fans after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins circles the field after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers to win the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joe Mauer

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Detroit Tigers' Brandon Inge argues with home plate umpire Randy Marsh after Inge thought he was hit by a pitch during the 12th inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 6-5 in 12 innings, advancing to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Orlando Cabrera #18 of the Minnesota Twins dances in the dugout with Carlos Gomez #22 after hitting a home run off the Detroit Tigers during the 7th inning of the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Orlando Cabrera;Carlos Gomez *** Local Caption *** Orlando Cabrera;Carlos Gomez *** Local Caption *** Orlando Cabrera;Carlos Gomez

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Don Kelly #32 of the Detroit Tigers slides safely into home plate to score as Joe Mauer #7 of the Minnesota Twins applies the tag during the 10th inning of the American League Tiebreaker game on October 6, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Don Kelly;Joe Mauer

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Minnesota Twins' Alexi Casilla hits the game-winning single during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 6-5 to advance to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)

Minnesota Twins' Delmon Young talks on his cell phone on the mound at the Metrodome after the Twins defeated the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in 12 innings in a baseball game Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis and advanced to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Minnesota Twins mob Alexi Casilla after Casilla hit the game-winning single during the 12th inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Twins won 6-5 and advanced to the playoffs. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)

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Keppel, Minnesota's eighth pitcher, loaded the bases with one out in the 12th. After the non-call on Inge, second baseman Nick Punto then scooped Inge's grounder and fired home in time to get the runner on the force. Then Keppel struck out Gerald Laird to squelch that rally.

Twins closer Joe Nathan found trouble in the ninth when consecutive singles put runners at the corners, but he got a strikeout and a line-drive double play to end that threat. The four-time All-Star gave two huge pumps of his right arm as he spun to thank his defense and run to the dugout, preserving the tie.

Inge's two-out double in the 10th gave the Tigers a 5-4 lead, but Michael Cuddyer sliced a triple past Raburn in left and scored on Matt Tolbert's bouncing single through the middle in the bottom of the inning.

On the potential winning sacrifice fly, though, Casilla strayed a bit too far from third and was thrown out by Raburn trying to score to end the inning. The split-second Casilla needed to retouch the base might have cost him the run.

He more than made up for that mistake later.

According to sports researcher STATS LLC, only three teams since 1901 have blown a three-game lead in the standings with four games left. The Houston Astros lost three straight games to Los Angeles in 1980, but they recovered to defeat the Dodgers in a tiebreaker game for the NL West. Milwaukee lost three in a row to Baltimore in 1982 to force a tie, but beat the Orioles in the final regular season game to win the AL East.

After splitting four in Detroit last week -- a loss in the series finale Thursday would've given the division to the Tigers -- the Twins came home for the final scheduled series in the bubble needing a sweep of the Kansas City Royals and did just that.

So with 54,088 fans in attendance, the place was erupting with noise and excitement. The chants for Mauer, who wrapped up his third batting title, were deafening. Leyland even told his players before the game to think of the loudest experience of their life and multiply it by four to anticipate the decibel level for this game. Dome ball came in handy again, on a day when the city was drenched by cold rain.

Rookie starter Rick Porcello pitched well beyond his 20 years for the Tigers, and Miguel Cabrera made up for a miserable weekend - on and off the field - with a two-run homer against Scott Baker in the third inning that made it 3-0. The crowd chanted ``al-co-ho-lic'' right before Cabrera went deep, a rude reference to the first baseman's fight with his wife after he came home late and drunk.

The Twins crept back, though, and Orlando Cabrera's two-run homer in the seventh gave them a brief lead that Magglio Ordonez ended with his leadoff homer in the eighth.

"We were dead and buried a couple times, and our team just kept coming back," Twins general manager Bill Smith said.

Notes: This was the ninth tiebreaker game in baseball history, and the third straight year with a 163rd game. Only two of them went to extra innings. ... Seven members of the Metrodome's cleaning and maintenance crews were honored on the mound before the game for the work of those groups in converting the field back and forth from baseball to football in light of Monday's Packers-Vikings game.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Twins Ride Dome Field Advantage Past Tigers in AL Central Playoff originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers: 1-Game Playoff Live Chat

Andrew Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central, MLB Live Blogging

For the third straight year, 162 games were not enough to complete the postseason. For the second straight year, the AL Central title and the Minnesota Twins are involved in the tiebreaker.

Minnesota's remarkable sprint to the finish was enough to catch the Tigers, who had a seven-game cushion exactly a month ago on Sept. 6. Lest you think that leaves Detroit in a fragile state as it heads to the Metrodome to determine the division champion once and for all, keep in mind it split with the Twins in a four-game series last week and its strength is starting pitching -- something which can take a team very far in October.

It's the Tigers' Rick Porcello against the Twins' Scott Baker for all the Central marbles. Here at MLB FanHouse, we're just getting warmed up for the month ahead. Join us after the jump for a wrapup of the chat that went from first pitch to final out of the one-game playoff.

Price: Pressure on Poised Porcello

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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers: 1-Game Playoff Live Chat originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tigers' Hopes Lie With Poised Porcello

Ed Price — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central

If the Tigers are going to pop champagne, they will need help from someone who is not allowed to drink it.

Detroit will start 20-year-old Rick Porcello in Tuesday night's one-game playoff at Minnesota for the AL Central title. But Porcello has already shown he is far from an ordinary 20.

"Oof," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said recently. "He's a nice pitcher. He's just got really good stuff. He's got a great sinker, slider. And you know what, quick arm action. A little deception to him. His ball moves all over the place."

Porcello is 14-9 with a 4.04 ERA in 30 starts, and this will be his third start out of four against Minnesota, against whom he is 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA this year.

More Coverage: 1-Game Playoff Chat, 4:45 PM ET | Twins-Tigers Preview

The Tigers drafted Porcello 27th overall in 2007 from Seton Hall Prep in West Orange, N.J. Although he was considered among the top five prospects that year, he was asking for a large signing bonus to give up a scholarship to North Carolina.

Ignoring MLB's "slotting" recommendations, Detroit signed Porcello to a $7 million big-league contract. And less than two years later, he made the team's rotation out of spring training.

And his poise has held up all year.

He showed that in his last start, when he allowed the Twins one run in 6 1/3 innings but got no decision.

"You do what you always do," he said afterward. "You stay focused and you try to make every pitch."

Porcello has become the youngest to win 14 games since Dwight Gooden in 1984, and he has done it with almost all fastballs -- and most of those are two-seam sinkers.

His curve and changeup are still works in progress. But the sinker is so good he leads the AL in groundball percentage (69.4) and is fifth with 24 groundball double plays induced.

"It's diving all over the place," Gardenhire said. "It's really tough. His ball's diving -- hard."

In that game last Tuesday against Minnesota, Porcello allowed seven hits. But six were singles, and two of those were infield hits off Porcello's body and another than second baseman Placido Polanco should have fielded.

"It didn't surprise me that he pitched well," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said.

"But there was a built-in story with him no matter which way it turned out.

"If he did well, then, 'How about this kid's poise, a big game, what he showed?' If he hadn't done well, they'd have said, 'Well, You think it's because he's so young and in a big situation?' No. I think he's mature 20-year-old with very good stuff and a good pitcher and a very good competitor."

Tigers' Hopes Lie With Poised Porcello originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miguel Cabrera Fought With Wife, Picked Up by Dombrowski at Police Station

Pat Lackey — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, AL Central, MLB Police Blotter

Miguel Cabrera's facial cuts are a mystery no more. After the Tigers' win Sunday night, police gave a full report on just how the Tigers' slugger got his wounds. He was apparently out late on Friday night/Saturday morning, came home drunk, and got into a fight with his wife, which resulted in a 911 call from his wife at 6 AM Saturday.

It gets worse; police came to Cabrera's house and picked the All-Star up and took him in for questioning, leaving Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski to pick him up from the station at 7:30 AM Saturday morning. Cabrera hasn't talked about the situation publicly, but it's safe to say that the rumors that the Tigers were upset with him are probably true.

The same report also says Cabrera blew at .26 BAC at the police station, which is more than three times the legal limit to drive of .08. So with the Tigers season on the line and their playoff chances shrinking daily, Cabrera was out drinking, got into a fight with his wife, and ending up being picked up by the team's GM at the police station.

On the bright side (if there is one), neither Cabrera nor his wife suffered serious injuries and neither wants to press charges. And the Tigers almost certainly benefit here from their one-game playoff against the Twins being moved to Tuesday, because this would make for one heck of a distraction if the game were Monday night.

Cabrera issued a short statement on the eve of Detroit's one-game playoff against Minnesota.

"There was an incident that took place on Saturday and it is a personal matter," he said. "I am sorry this has become a distraction, and I apologize to the Tigers, my teammates, and all of the fans. I would appreciate it if you would respect my family's privacy as I prepare for our next game."

UPDATE: The Detroit News has posted audio of the 911 call by Cabrera's wife, Roseangel.

The News also has the details of an August altercation at the same Birmingham, Mich.-area bar that the slugger was reportedly at this past weekend. Cabrera was warned to stay away from the establishment then after a confrontation with a man and a teen in which he intimated that he had a gun.

In the August incident, according to the information, a man told Birmingham police that he and an unnamed teen encountered Cabrera at the Rugby Grille on Aug. 31 about 6:30 p.m. Cabrera allegedly asked the teen, who weighs about 300 pounds, "What's up, big boy? You need to work out," according to the information provided to The News.

The teen then asked Cabrera to stop taunting him and said, "Let me be."

But it became confrontational, the man told police: Cabrera allegedly challenged the man and the teen. "Let's go right now. I'll fight both of you right now. Let's go outside." At one point, the man told police he felt that Cabrera intimated that he had a gun, saying he was going to go to his vehicle and get his "click-clack" and making a motion with his hands that he interpreted as the racking of a handgun.

Richard Fenton, the Tigers security representative, told police that he later searched Cabrera's vehicle and did not find a weapon, and he said Cabrera indicated he did not have a gun. The incident prompted the Tigers to hold a meeting with Cabrera, General Manager Dave Dombrowski and a team lawyer, Fenton told police. It was then that Cabrera was told to stay out of the Townsend.

Miguel Cabrera Fought With Wife, Picked Up by Dombrowski at Police Station originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Comeback Complete as Twins Force 1-Game Playoff for AL Central Title

FanHouse Newswire — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:38:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, Twins, AL Central, MLB Playoffs

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- More than 51,000 fans and dozens of players from Metrodome lore turned out on Sunday to say goodbye to this big, dingy building after 28 weird, wacky and sometimes wonderful baseball seasons.

Hang on to those Homer Hankies: The Metrodome showed this weekend that it still has some of that old magic left and isn't ready to let the Minnesota Twins go just yet.

Jason Kubel got those familiar white towels waving with a pair of three-run homers and Minnesota beat Kansas City 13-4 Sunday, putting the Twins into a one-game playoff with the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central title.

"The place doesn't want to go away quietly yet," Kubel said.

More: Verlander, Raburn Carry Tigers | MLB Sets Game Times

The Twins and Tigers, who beat the White Sox 5-3, will meet at 4 p.m. CDT Tuesday with the division title and a postseason date with the New York Yankees going to the winner.

"When we need a win, where do we go?" former first baseman Kent Hrbek asked the fans during a postgame ceremony. "We go to the Dome."

They need one more.

Scott Baker will start the tiebreaker for the Twins against Detroit rookie Rick Porcello. The teams get a day off because the Minnesota Vikings host Green Bay on Monday night.

Delmon Young added two solo home runs and Michael Cuddyer also went deep for the Twins, who overcame a three-game deficit by winning 16 of 20, including the final four, to reach the playoff.

"It's been fun to watch," manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Just a group of guys that were on a mission."

Carl Pavano (14-12) pitched on three days' rest, giving up four runs and striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings in what was supposed to be the final regular-season baseball game in the Metrodome.

The Twins move outside to Target Field next year, but they're more than happy to keep playing under the shabby white roof for the time being.

Alex Gordon homered for the Royals, who fell behind 8-1 but rallied to bring the tying run to the plate in the sixth. Reliever Jon Rauch struck out Billy Butler with the bases loaded to end the threat, and the crowd was able to exhale.

Minnesota was seven games down to the Tigers on Sept. 6 and appeared all but finished after losing two of the first three games in their four-gamer at Detroit last week.

"Everybody's written us off and rightfully so," Gardenhire said. "We looked pretty ugly. But we didn't write ourselves off and that's all that matters."

They came home needing a sweep of the Royals and the Tigers to lose two of three to the floundering White Sox in Motown.

That's just what they got.

"I guess it just says a little bit about the tenacity of this baseball team," Gardenhire said. "They keep playing until the end. The fans want a full 162-game schedule and they're getting it."

And then some.

The Twins have been here before.

Last season they went to a one-game tiebreaker for the AL Central against the White Sox, losing a 1-0 heartbreaker in Chicago to miss out on postseason. That game was played in the Windy City because the White Sox won a coin flip, something that infuriated the Twins after they won the season series.

Major League Baseball changed the tiebreaker rule this season, giving home field to the team that won the head-to-head season series. The Twins went 11-7 against the Tigers this season, including 7-2 at the Metrodome.

"We've been in these games before," Cuddyer said. "We're not a stranger to big games."

Homer Hankies that first made the national scene with the Twins' run to the World Series title in 1987 were back on display, and 51,155 fans -- the largest crowd since opening day of 1993 -- got an early reason to use them.

Luke Hochevar (7-13) walked Denard Span, who stole second, to start the game. Then, with chants of "MVP! MVP!" raining down, he pitched around Joe Mauer with one out and first base open. Kubel followed with an upper deck homer to right field and, two batters later, Young hit a solo shot to make it 4-0.

"These guys got a lot of momentum going right now," Royals manager Trey Hillman said.

Mauer went 0-for-3 and is hitting .364 for the season, all but assuring him of his second straight AL batting title and third in his career.

Kubel's second homer of the game landed just over leaping left fielder Willie Bloomquist's glove for a 7-0 lead. From then on, the crowd turned its eyes to the scoreboard, hoping the same White Sox that spoiled their season last year would help turn the day into a coronation.

Chants of "Let's go, White Sox!" filled the Dome, and one of the loudest roars of the day came when the scoreboard showed Chicago cutting Detroit's lead to 5-3. But the Tigers held on.

"We're happy to be here," closer Joe Nathan said. "A lot of people coming into September would have probably said there was no chance and I'm sure 99 percent of the people in Minnesota probably thought there was no chance either. So to be where we are, we've got a good feeling."

So, to paraphrase the late, great Jack Buck's call after Kirby Puckett's game-winning homer in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series against Atlanta ...

And we'll see ya Tuesday afternoon!

Notes: Royals head athletic trainer Nick Swartz worked his last game. He is retiring after 21 years with the team and 33 in the organization.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comeback Complete as Twins Force 1-Game Playoff for AL Central Title originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 17:38:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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