MLB FanHouse

Latest Hot Stove, Free Agency Buzz

FanHouse Newswire — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: MLB Rumors, MLB Inside Scoop, MLB Hot Stove, MLB Free Agency

Check back regularly as the MLB FanHouse team, including national baseball writers Ed Price and Jeff Fletcher and national baseball analyst Frankie Piliere, keep you abreast of all the latest Hot Stove news, notes and gossip.

Follow on Twitter: Ed Price | Jeff Fletcher | Frankie Piliere

Tuesday Nov. 24:

o. A source says the Blue Jays are expected to re-sign shortstop John McDonald for a one-year deal totaling about $1.5 million. McDonald, who hit .258 with a .655 OPS in 2009, but is better known for his glove, made $1.9 million in each of the last two seasons. The 35-year-old has been with Blue Jays exclusively for the last four seasons.

UPDATE, Nov. 25: Blue Jays officially announce the signing, for two years and $3 million.

-- Ed Price

o. As reported elsewhere, the Phillies are expected to sign infielder Juan Castro in the coming days once he passes a physical. Castro will receive $750,000 guaranteed in the deal, making a base salary of $700,000, $200,000 in possible incentives and a $50,000 buyout if the team declines its 2011 option.

He will replace Eric Bruntlett as the team's utility infielder.

-- Ed Price

Latest Hot Stove, Free Agency Buzz originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodgers, Angels Interested in Halladay

Matt Snyder — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Angels, Blue Jays, Dodgers, AL East, AL West, NL West, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove

According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, both L.A.-area teams are in pursuit of Blue Jays' ace Roy Halladay via trade. The report cites sources familiar with talks from both teams and places the chances of the Dodgers getting the right-hander a "long shot," but it sounds like the Angels have a realistic chance at acquiring Halladay.

Reportedly, Halladay would cost the Angels a young starting pitcher, such as Jered Weaver or Ervin Santana, in addition to a prospect. New Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopolous is also said to be willing to allow a potential trading partner to negotiate a contract extension with Halladay before any deal is finalized.

Halladay is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2010 season and there is likely little hope for the Blue Jays to retain him -- due to financial constraints.

The 6-foot-6 Halladay, 32, is one of the more durable workhorses in baseball. He has thrown more than 220 innings in the past four seasons and six times in his career. He's completed 25 games (in 96 starts) in the past three seasons, and it's not like Halladay is just eating innings out there. He's as productive as anyone, sporting a stellar 2.78 ERA over the past two seasons.

If the Angels could land Halladay, they could let free agent starter John Lackey leave, though it's possible they bring Lackey back and trade for Halladay, which would give them quite an imposing 1-2 punch.

If the Dodgers did somehow pull off the unlikely heist, Halladay would immediately become the anchor to their staff and likely give them an early leg up on the Giants and Rockies in the NL West for 2010.

Of course, there will be many more teams in trade talks with Toronto when it comes to Halladay. He's a bona fide elite starter.

Dodgers, Angels Interested in Halladay originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Miguel Cabrera Available Via Trade?

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Tigers, AL Central, MLB Rumors, MLB Hot Stove

There are a lot of questions concerning what the Detroit Tigers are going to do this winter. Some are speculating that there will be a firesale as the team tries to shed payroll going into the 2010 season, while others are saying that any such talk is ridiculous.

Still, that hasn't stopped rumors from spreading around the league that players like Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson are being shopped, and now there's a much bigger name floating around. According to a report by The Detroit News' Lynn Henning, even Miguel Cabrera -- he of the rogue first-place AL MVP vote -- is on the trading block.

Nor has anything irresistible been offered for first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who might be as available as Granderson, Jackson, or seemingly any Tigers player as the team attempts to pare payroll and prepare for a fresh start heading into a new decade.

"I'm not getting into any names," Dombrowski said Monday, when asked about Cabrera, who would figure to be just the brand of hitter the Boston Red Sox would welcome to Fenway Park in their eternal quest to one-up the New York Yankees.

The idea of the Tigers trading Cabrera would have seemed ridiculous a year ago considering that the team signed him to a seven-year contract extension in March 2008, only a few months after they brought Cabrera along with Dontrelle Willis from the Florida Marlins via trade.

Now it still seems ridiculous on a baseball level, as Cabrera is the centerpiece of the Tigers offense and should be for years to come, but economically, the team may not have much choice. The economy in Detroit isn't doing the team any favors, as it's likely the Tigers lost money in 2009 and could stand to lose even more in 2010.

So clearing the $126 million the team would owe Cabrera through 2015 would no doubt bring some relief to the team's bottom line.

Still, I wouldn't put too much stock into this rumor just yet. It seems like Henning's just playing with doomsday scenarios.

Is Miguel Cabrera Available Via Trade? originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Marquis Wants to Pitch for Mets

Pat Lackey — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Mets, NL East, MLB Rumors

In the six weeks since the Mets' disastrous season has ended, lots of people have opined on how to fix the Mets. One person who'd like to chip in to the conversation is Jason Marquis. The Mets need to add a starter and, well, what do you know! Marquis is a free agent starter! After adding those two together, the Staten Island native has gone ahead and declared himself a "perfect fit" for the Mets.

Marquis had a nice enough year for the Rockies in 2009, notching 15 wins, a 4.04 ERA, and his first career All-Star nod. He's not a bad pitcher. He'd make a nice enough fit for a contender looking for a back-end starter to eat some innings and not embarrass himself. For a team like the Mets that trotted out Mike Pelfrey, John Maine, Oliver Perez, Tim Redding, and Livan Hernandez after Johan Santana, well, I dunno if I'd call him a "perfect fit."

As much as Marquis' wins, WHIP, and ERA make 2009 look like a career year for Marquis, his strikeout rate was lower than it's ever been since he left St. Louis (only 4.8 per nine innings) and his 1.44 K/BB ratio isn't particularly strong, either. In fact, a lot of his success in 2009 was predicated on a 2.03 GB/FB ratio (meaning two ground balls for every flyball), which is much higher than the ratio he has (around 1.5 in the past).

Cavernous Citi Field is a nice place for any pitcher to keep his stats down and if Marquis can keep getting ground balls, he might continue to find some success as he enters his 30s. Still, he'd better be the second- or third-best pitcher the Mets add this winter, or they're still going to have some concerns going in to 2010.

Jason Marquis Wants to Pitch for Mets originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Jason Bay Turns Down Red Sox, Will Hit Open Market on Friday

Josh Alper — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Red Sox, AL East, MLB Rumors

To no one's surprise, Jason Bay has decided to see what the 29 other teams in the big leagues have to offer before deciding whether or not he wants to return to the Red Sox. Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that Bay turned down a four-year contract offer worth approximately $60 million just before free agency officially kicks off a minute past midnight on Friday morning.

It would have been quite a surprise if Bay had decided to skip the free agency process, something that Red Sox GM Theo Epstein admitted to Heyman.

"It's not a surprise that a player that's gone this far wants to see what's out there."

Bay, who hit 36 home runs and posted a 921 OPS in 2009, figures to draw a lot of interest on the open market. The Red Sox offer was decent, but the paucity of other strong bats on the free agent landscape would suggest that he could get either more years or more money once several bidders are in the mix.

Bay's decision should also impact Matt Holliday. The Red Sox may now be in play for his services, which could pit them against the Yankees, Mets, Cardinals and others in a heated battle for the slugger. That kind of talk is music to agent Scott Boras's ears as the more big-money teams get involved with Holliday the more likely it becomes that he'll land a contract that will help put another wing on Boras' house.

It's hard to think that there would be many teams who would prefer Bay to Holliday, which probably means Bay will have to let Holliday talks play out for awhile before finding his home for 2010 and beyond. That makes him a consolation prize, albeit one who can console himself by drying his eyes on many stacks of $100 bills.

Jason Bay Turns Down Red Sox, Will Hit Open Market on Friday originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MLB Live Chat: Free Agency Nears

Frankie Piliere — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EST

Filed under: MLB Live Blogging, MLB Rumors, Prospects, Scout's Eye View

Hot Stove season will get in to full swing on Friday, the first day free agents are allowed to discuss finances with teams other than the one they played for in 2009.

With the market about to open, FanHouse's National Baseball Analyst Frankie Piliere is assembling his list of the top 50 free agents. While he won't unveil the whole thing until Friday, he is ready to talk about the lay of the free-agent landscape, address some of the biggest rumors, size up the intentions of buyers and sellers and, of course, talk prospects.

Piliere chatted live on Wednesday afternoon. After the jump, read a wrapup.

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;altcast_code=178388f9c9" >Frankie Piliere Live Chat, Nov. 18</a>

MLB Live Chat: Free Agency Nears originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: John Wetteland Taken to Hospital With 'Mental Issue'

Tom Fornelli — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:44:00 EST

Filed under: Mariners, AL West, MLB Rumors

Former major league closer and current Seattle Mariners bullpen coach John Wetteland was taken to a Texas hospital on Thursday with what is being described as a "mental issue," according to news reports. It seems that police arrived at Wetteland's house shortly after receiving a phone call around 1:30 PM ET about a "possibly suicidal person."

After police arrived at the home Wetteland apparently came out of his house with both arms in the air and told police that he "needed help." Wetteland was then taken to Denton Regional Medical Center outside Dallas.

Wetteland, of course, was the Yankees closer at the beginning of their dynasty years in the late '90s and won the World Series MVP award in 1996 after he saved all four of the Yankees' victories in their six-game defeat of the Atlanta Braves. Wetteland retired from baseball following the 2000 season.

He was brought on to be the Seattle Mariners' bullpen coach this season when the team hired Don Wakamatsu as their manager last winter.

The Mariners are aware of the situation but have not released any comments or official statement regarding it.

Report: John Wetteland Taken to Hospital With 'Mental Issue' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:44:00 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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MLB Live Chat: Hot Stove, Prospects

Frankie Piliere — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: MLB Live Blogging, MLB Rumors, MLB Transactions, Prospects, Scout's Eye View

With the season wrapped up, we can collectively turn our attention to off-the-field topics. As always, there is plenty to be discussed with the Hot Stove already burning. As each team turns their attention to 2010 there a number of questions to answer. How will each trade and free-agent signing impact the clubs involved? Which prospects, like Washington's Stephen Strasburg pictured on the right, can fans look forward to next year?

MLB FanHouse's Frankie Piliere examined all those questions and more, after the jump, in a live chat on Wednesday afternoon.

Piliere, who spent the last three seasons working as a scout, most recently in the professional scouting department for the Texas Rangers this year, now serves as a National Baseball Analyst for FanHouse.

&lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;altcast_code=080274af7e" &gt;Frankie Piliere Live Chat&lt;/a&gt;

MLB Live Chat: Hot Stove, Prospects originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mariners Talk Extension With Jack Wilson, Rejected by Russell Branyan

Pat Lackey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:07:00 EST

Filed under: Mariners, AL West, MLB Rumors

The Mariners built their 24-win improvement in 2009 on both a renewed focus on defense and finding contributions from cheap, unexpected players. With that in mind, it's no surprise that they approached both Jack Wilson and Russell Branyan about contract extensions, a little more than a week before both players hit the open market.

The offer to Wilson was reportedly a multi-year deal that would presumably be for less money per year than the $8.4 million team option that the M's hold on the shortstop. The offer to Branyan was apparently a one-year deal that the slugger has already turned down in hopes of milking a two-year deal out of someone, though he says he'd prefer to remain in Seattle.

Wilson only donned the Mariners' uniform 31 times after being traded from Pittsburgh, but he's widely regarded to be a premium defensive shortstop, when healthy. He's never won a Gold Glove (though he may have had a chance this year had he not switched leagues mid-season), but he was recently named one of the Fielding Bible Award winners for 2009. With GM Jack Zduriencik's focus on defense, it's understandable why he wants Wilson around long-term.

In Branyan, the Mariners found a cheap power source. For just $1.4 million, Branyan homered 31 times and put up an OPS of .867 in 116 games against mostly right-handed pitching. He's right to try and cash in on his big year because he's 33 and he might not get another chance, but on a multiyear deal for presumably a lot more money, he's also a bigger risk given his back problems and tendency to put up very low batting averages and on-base percentages. He may be able to find a two-year deal somewhere, but it probably won't be in Seattle.

Mariners Talk Extension With Jack Wilson, Rejected by Russell Branyan originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Torre May Not Retire After 2010

Pat Lackey — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Rumors

For most of the summer, Joe Torre indicated that he was planning on retiring from managing after his contract with the Dodgers expires in 2010. Both he and people who have followed his career closely noted that he's made similar statements in the past, and he's still in the dugout. Accordingly, Torre admitted to T.J. Simers on Sunday that he's considering negotiating a contract extension with the Dodgers that would keep him in L.A. beyond the 2010 season.

In his two years with the Dodgers, Torre's taken the team to the NLCS twice, but failed to get past the Phillies both times. Dating back to his years with the Yankees, he's taken his team to a playoff spot in 14 consecutive seasons. Unsurprisingly, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti indicates in the same story that he'd be happy to negotiate with Torre, should he want an extension.

The one person this might affect adversely is the Dodgers' hitting coach, Don Mattingly. Mattingly has long been thought to be a future major league manager and he was supposed to have interviews with the Indians and Nationals this fall, but he turned the Nats down and the Indians hired Manny Acta before he met with the team. Most people thought that was because he was expecting to take the Dodgers job in 2011 after Torre retires.

Mattingly says that it's not a big deal if Torre sticks around a few more years, but he's already been passed over once as Torre's heir (by Joe Girardi in New York). If Torre's not planning on retiring any time soon, Mattingly may not stick around L.A. long enough for it to happen again.

Joe Torre May Not Retire After 2010 originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sammy Sosa's Skin? Just 'Rejuvenation'

Tom Herrera — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cubs, MLB Rumors

Sammy Sosa's skin has not been digitally altered in the recent photo you see on the left. And despite the theories flying, this also isn't Michael Jackson Part II -- his skin hasn't been stripped of any pigment by a disorder such as Vitiligo.

It turns out Sosa has just been undergoing a "rejuvenation process," according to Cubs employee Rebecca Polihronis, who speaks frequently with the baseball legend.

"He is going through a rejuvenation process for his skin," Polihronis told the Chicago Tribune. "Women have it all of the time. He was surprised he came out looking so white. I thought it was a body double. Part of (the photo appearance) is just the lighting.

"He is in the middle of doing a cleansing process to his skin. The picture is deceiving. He said, 'If you saw me in person, you would be surprised. When you see me in person, it is not going to seem like the picture.' "

The photo in which Sosa's skin appears bleached was taken Nov. 4, when Sammy and his wife Sonia attended an awards event at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

After the startling photos circulated around the Internet, many began to question what exactly had caused Sosa's pale skin color. But as Polihronis said, Sosa is "not trying to be Michael Jackson."

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Yes, That's Sammy Sosa

Sammy Sosa, accompanied by his wife Sonia Sosa, recently showed up to an awards after-party looking pale as a ghost, which led many to speculate what had happened to the former baseball star's skin pigment. Click through to see more photos of Sosa.

Getty Images

Getty Images North America

Yes, Thats Sammy Sosa

Sammy Sosa and Sonia Sosa attend the Heineken 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards After Party at Mandalay Bay Convention Center on November 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards - After Party - Arrivals Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, NV United States November 5, 2009 Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com To license this image (58844112), contact WireImage.com

John Shearer/WireImage.com

Former professional baseball player Sammy Sosa arrives with his wife Sonya at the 2009 Person Of The Year Honoring Juan Gabriel, in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 4, 2009. The 2009 Latin Grammys take place November 5 in Las Vegas. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Sonia Sosa and Sammy Sosa attend 2009 Person Of The Year Honoring Juan Gabriel at Mandalay Bay Events Center on November 4, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 2009 Person Of The Year Honoring Juan Gabriel - Arrivals Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Las Vegas, NV United States November 4, 2009 Photo by Rodrigo Varela/WireImage.com To license this image (58828204), contact WireImage.com

Rodrigo Varela/WireImage.com

LAS VEGAS - NOVEMBER 04: Former baseball player Sammy Sosa (R) and guest arrives at the 2009 Person Of The Year Honoring Juan Gabriel held at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino on November 4, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Sammy Sosa

Getty Images

(FILES) This file photo taken on March 18, 2003 shows Chicago Cubs' Sammy Sosa watch his fifth-inning home run sailing over the leftfield wall in Peoria, Arizona during a Spring Training game. Sosa was among the players who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2003, when Major League Baseball was trying to gauge the extent of doping in the game, the New York Times reported on June 16, 2009. AFP PHOTO / FILES / ROY DABNER (Photo credit should read ROY DABNER/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

(FILES) This file photo taken on April 17, 2003 shows Chicago Cubs' rightfielder Sammy Sosa airborne as he watches his home run in the fifth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Sosa was among the players who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2003, when Major League Baseball was trying to gauge the extent of doping in the game, the New York Times reported on June 16, 2009. AFP PHOTO / FILES / John ZICH (Photo credit should read JOHN ZICH/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

(FILES) This file photo taken on March 17, 2005 shows baseball slugger Sammy Sosa testifying before a House Government Reform Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, concerning steroid use in the MLB. Sosa was among the players who tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug in 2003, when Major League Baseball was trying to gauge the extent of doping in the game, the New York Times reported on June 16, 2009. AFP PHOTO / FILES / Luke FRAZZA (Photo credit should read LUKE FRAZZA/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

"People who saw him in person did not react the same way. He can't believe it is such a big deal," said Polihronis, who is the former Cubs Care/Community Relations manager for the team.

According to the Tribune report, some of the possible side effects for this kind of laser skin rejuvenation include discoloration, as the treated area may become lighter or darker in appearance. Sosa reportedly sought the dermatological process in order to repair some of the UV damage from playing so many years of baseball in the sun.

Sosa announced his intention to retire from baseball on June 3, and if that retirement stands, he'll finish his career with a whopping 609 home runs and 1,667 runs batted in.

Well, now that the skin mystery has been solved, we can move on to other questions -- like wondering why Sosa has taken a liking to green contact lenses.

Sammy Sosa's Skin? Just 'Rejuvenation' originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brett Myers, Phillies to Part Ways

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:00 EST

Filed under: Phillies, NL East, MLB Rumors

After eight seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies, 29-year-old pitcher Brett Myers will reportedly be playing for a new team in 2010. According to Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Myers has been told by Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., that he will definitely not be a Phillie next season. The report also states that Myers wasn't given a specific reason that he won't return.

Myers has spent his entire professional career in the Philadelphia organization after being selected in the first round in the 1999 draft. He went 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA and added 21 saves during his time in Philly.

Myers' time with the Phillies was marked by vast peaks and valleys. At times he looked like an All-Star-caliber pitcher and at others he was flat-out awful. He made three Opening Day starts, but also went through several demotions to the minors and to the bullpen. There were also some off-field issues, including an alleged incident of battery against his wife.

Considering Myers was a first-round pick and has had eight years to fulfill his potential, it appears he's not too shocked they Phillies decided a change was in order.

"I was just like, 'OK, thanks for putting up with my [stuff],' " Myers said. "He thanked me and wished me and my family well. "I'll miss the guys on the team and the fans who have supported me. Hopefully I'll be playing against the Phillies and when I do, I want the roughest treatment the fans can give me -- when I'm pitching. I'm an opposing player -- you have to give it to me."

Awesome. Phillies fans don't really need to be cued up to take proper care of their opposition, but it's nice to see Myers goading them anyway. Hopefully he'll catch on with another team in the NL East and they'll have ample chance to fulfill his wishes. Something tells me his 4.40 career ERA after being a first-round pick will be enough for the Philly fans to oblige.

Speaking of which, there should be a pretty good market for Myers. It's entirely possible a change of scenery would do him some good, and everyone's seen his ability (when he's on). He's still under 30, so it's not like he's past his prime. It's good to see accountability for his "[stuff]," whatever that may be. Plus, he's willing to work from the bullpen, enter a rotation or fight for a rotation spot. The guess is he won't be without a team for long.

Brett Myers, Phillies to Part Ways originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J.J. Putz Likely to Depart New York

Matt Snyder — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST

Filed under: Mets, NL East, MLB Rumors

Last offseason, in an effort to bolster their ineffective late-inning relief, the Mets made a three-team, 12-player trade of which J.J. Putz was the centerpiece. Putz had previously been a very effective closer for the Mariners, but he would get eighth-inning duty for the Mets, considering they paid a hefty sum to bring in Francisco Rodriguez to close.

Less than one year later, it appears Putz and the Mets will go their separate ways. According to Ben Shpigel of the New York Times, the Mets will decline Putz's $9.1 million player option for 2010 and instead buy his contract out for a cool million -- making him a free agent.

Technically, the Mets could still bring Putz back with a different contract, but it's unlikely, considering Putz has always expressed his belief that he is a closer. With more than a handful of teams in the market for a closer, Putz won't have any trouble finding work.

The 32-year-old right-hander missed much of last season due to injury issues in his throwing elbow. In 2006-2007, his last two full seasons as a closer, Putz saved 76 games and rocked a solid 1.86 ERA and 0.81 WHIP. If he can battle back from the injuries of the past two seasons, he can be one of the better closers in the game, but he'll likely have to prove his health with a one-year contract in light of the past two seasons.

J.J. Putz Likely to Depart New York originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vicente Padilla Shot by Instructor

Tom Fornelli — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, MLB Injuries, MLB Rumors

UPDATE: It seems that Padilla did not shoot himself, but was in fact shot by a shooting instructor. Full details here.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla is back home in his native Nicaragua now his team's season has ended, and while there he's decided to do some hunting. Unfortunately for Vicente it seems his aim with a gun is a lot like his aim with his fastball. Sometimes he loses control of the thing and ends up hitting somebody.

Though this time it was himself.

Padilla was treated in a hospital on Tuesday after suffering what is being called a "minor" gunshot wound to his right leg.

[Padilla's agent Adam] Katz described the incident as a "hunting accident," saying that Padilla was grazed in his right thigh by a bullet. Katz said that Padilla spent 30 to 40 minutes at a hospital and was discharged.

"He's fine," Katz said.

News reports out of Nicaragua stated that Padilla was hurt at a shooting range. At least two news outlets reported that Padilla was accidentally shot by his "escort," who was trying to fix Padilla's malfunctioning gun.

Now Padilla is a free agent this winter, and there's no telling how this little accident may affect that. He has said he'd like to return to the Dodgers, who gave him a chance after he was released by the Texas Rangers in August. He went 4-0 with a 3.20 ERA for Los Angeles to help them get to the postseason, and he started three games in the playoffs going 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA.

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said that he'd have to find out the extent of the injury before making any decisions on whether or not the team will bring him back.

Whether they do or not, Padilla should just be grateful he was hunting in Nicaragua and not a night club in New York. You end up in prison when you shoot yourself there. Just ask Plaxico.

Vicente Padilla Shot by Instructor originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Derek Jeter May Have a Bridge Named After Him

Tom Fornelli — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Rumors

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has achieved many things since beginning his career in the Big Apple. He's won four World Series championships -- and is only a win away from his fifth -- a World Series MVP in 2000, three Gold Gloves and is a 10-time All Star.

He's also a New York institution and Yankee legend with the likes of Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Babe Ruth. Except there's one thing Jeter may end up with that none of those other Yankee heroes had. There are plans to have a bridge named after him in New York.

Bronx leaders have proposed naming the soon-to-be-built East 153rd Street bridge for the Yankee shortstop.

"There have been conversations at the community board, and I know the idea is being examined," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., a Bombers fan who confesses to a "man crush" on the Captain.

"It's something I am ready to support. We're moving on it."

The 512-foot-long "Derek Jeter Bridge" would span the Metro-North tracks that bisect East 153rd Street between Park Avenue and the Grand Concourse. It will cost $87 million.

So Jeter's bridge will cost less than Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and Jeter himself.

There is no word on what kind of UZR rating the bridge will have, but since it's a bridge, I doubt it will have all that much range to its left. Still, its intangibles are off the charts.

Derek Jeter May Have a Bridge Named After Him originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tim Hudson, Braves Close to Extension

Matt Snyder — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:41:00 EST

Filed under: Braves, NL East, MLB Rumors

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Atlanta Braves are near a deal that would extend the contract of 34-year-old Tim Hudson by another three years. Rosenthal cites major league sources, and one source told him it would be shocking if the extension wasn't complete within the next four days.

Hudson was once a Cy Young-type pitcher -- he finished in the top-6 three times in a four year span -- but those days are long gone. He can be a valuable part of a pitching staff, though, as he went 16-10 with a 3.33 ERA in his last full season (2007). Since then he's made just 29 starts in two seasons, due to having to undergo and come back from Tommy John surgery.

Despite the arm woes, Hudson was still productive, compiling a 3.61 ERA in 42 1/3 innings last season for the Braves.

The extension is most interesting from the standpoint of what it does to the Braves' starting rotation. We've discussed it before, but, with Hudson, the Braves would have six guys worth a spot in the rotation for 2010: Hudson, Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens and Kenshin Kawakami. I previously speculated the Braves would look to deal either Vazquez or Kawakami. Rosenthal, in his report, mentions the possibility of trading Lowe or Vazquez for a bat.

It will be interesting to see what the Braves end up doing, because they do have great pitching and are in need of a bit more offensive firepower. They finished third in the National League with a 3.57 ERA, but were held back by a lack of power. They ranked 10th in the NL in slugging percentage and home runs.

Tim Hudson, Braves Close to Extension originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:41:00 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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Jamie McCourt Called 911 on Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt

Tom Fornelli — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Dodgers, MLB Rumors

While the Los Angeles Dodgers season may be over it appears that team owner Frank McCourt's divorce drama with his wife Jamie is going to continue for a while. The latest story being reported about the estranged couple is of Jamie calling 911 after being startled at home by Frank.

According to the police report that was filed, Frank did not attack Jamie in anyway, but rather came over to the house while she was swimming, which prompted her to make the call.

It happened Sept. 5 2009, at 10:10 in the morning. We're told Jamie was swimming in the pool of her Holmby Hills home when Frank suddenly and unexpectadly appeared. Jamie called 911, explaining that she was frightened because of previous incidents in which Frank had allegedly lost his temper and scared her.

Jamie then called the couple's private security for assistance.

By the time the LAPD responded, private security had already arrived to make sure Jamie was OK.

When cops arrived, the officers interviewed both Jamie and the couple's housekeeper -- who told police she had heard Jamie scream.

The story according to Frank's attorney is somewhat different. The couple hasn't been living together, obviously, with Jamie calling their Malibu residence home and Frank living in West Los Angeles. Frank's side of the story is that he was at his house and went out for a morning jog.

When he returned back to his house, he found Jamie swimming in the pool with her personal "security assistant" Jeff Fuller. Also, it seems that "security assistant" is the new term for "boyfriend." Jamie has been linked romantically with Fuller, whom she met while he worked as the Director of Protocol for the Dodgers.

As you'd expect, much like Jamie, Fuller no longer works for the Dodgers because he apparently forgot to read the Dodgers' protocol for sleeping with the boss' wife.

Jamie McCourt Called 911 on Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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