BallHype - Latest MLB/Baseball News Articles

Agent: Pitcher Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins reach impasse in contract talks

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:53:06 +0000

There will be no long-term contract for pitcher Josh Johnson with the Florida Marlins this winter, his agent said Friday.

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Pricey gift: MLB offers Series film set for $2,229

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:48:28 +0000

NEW YORK - Major League Baseball has the perfect gift to bust a budget in a recession. A 20-DVD set of World Series films can be bought for $2,299, and it contains authenticated...

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A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:58:03 +0000

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Mariners lose Chris Jakubauskas to Pirates

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:50:03 +0000

Chris Jakubauskas, whose story of moving from independent ball to the majors was one of the captivating tales of 2009, has been claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a Pirates' press release.

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Yankees finalize 40-man roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:45:00 +0000

Moving to protect their Minor Leaguers from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, the Yankees shifted seven players onto their 40-man roster late Friday afternoon.

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St. Louis Cardinals announce season ticket pricing

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:33:05 +0000

St. Louis Cardinals season ticket prices are increasing an average of 3 percent next year.

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Yankee fans say A-Rod's a keeper in News' poll

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:18 +0000

It took a World Series title, but fans are finally warming up to A-Rod. Yet, there are still doubters out there. Of the close to 500,0000 votes cast in the News' Keep 'Em or Dump 'Em online poll, 93% said the he should stick around.

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Rotation plans start with Joba and Hughes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:18 +0000

Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain finished the season as relievers, but Brian Cashman believes the two youngsters will enter spring training as starting pitchers. "I look at them as starters that can relieve," Cashman said.

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Boras sees Damon as one for ages

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:18 +0000

Although Johnny Damon has told friends that he would take a shorter deal to remain in pinstripes, agent Scott Boras didn't sound intent on settling for a one- or two-year contract.

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Agent: Japan isn't option for Matsui

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:18 +0000

Hideki Matsui may or may not return to the Yankees next season, but according to his agent, the World Series MVP won't be heading back to his native Japan to play in 2010.

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Contract showdown looms for Yanks, Jeter

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:29:18 +0000

If Brian Cashman thinks he's got his hands full figuring out what to do with free-agent fan favorites Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte, imagine what he'll face next year when Derek Jeter's contract expires.

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Teams shuffle rosters before Rule 5 Draft

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:00 +0000

At midnight ET on Friday -- or technically is that Saturday? -- scores of Minor Leaguers will have a better sense of what the immediate future looks like for them. Some have the security of having been added to their team's 40-man roster.

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Sox claim Manuel on waivers from Mariners

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:00 +0000

With several hours remaining before Friday's deadline to submit their final 40-man roster in preparation for the Dec. 10 Rule 5 Draft, the Red Sox acquired Minor League right-hander Robert Manuel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

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Jeter, Teix win Gold Gloves

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15:33 +0000

Derek Jeter has won his fourth Gold Glove at shortstop, joining Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira among the American League players honored for fielding excellence.

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GMs say Matsui done in outfield

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:15:33 +0000

More than a half-dozen general managers surveyed Tuesday unanimously agreed that Hideki Matsui's days as an outfielder were behind him, leaving a very limited market for his services.

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Let's Make a Deal: Chicago Cubs-Philadelphia Phillies

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:01:15 +0000

It's closing in on Thanksgiving and baseball circles are starting to heat up with discussion about players moving from one city to another. The wonderful part of being a fan at this time of year is the speculation that comes with rumors, whispers, and just throwing junk at the wall to see what sticks. In the spirit of discussion, I present to you an idea for discussion: the Cubs should explore trading third baseman Aramis Ramirez to the Phillies. First, let's walk through the foundation of why this deal would even be a consideration for either side. From the Phillies perspective, this could be a bold gamble to get them back to a third consecutive World Series. Adding Ramirez to a predominantly left-handed lineup would give the Phillies a batting order that rivals the best of all-time. With Jimmy Rollins leading, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez are the heart of the order. Putting a consistent 100-RBI guy like Ramirez in the middle of that from the right side of the plate would be ...

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Bush questionable for Tampa Bay

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:32:14 +0000

New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush has been held out of practice for the third straight day, and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Tampa Bay.

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Prospect Rogers satisfied with long season

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Forget what the numbers say. Brewers pitching prospect Mark Rogers is satisfied with his stint in the Arizona Fall League and the end of a long but healthy season.

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White Sox expecting to ink SS Vizquel

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:00:08 +0000

The Chicago White Sox are talking to veteran shortstop Omar Viquel about a contract and a deal is expected in coming days, sources tell SI.com.

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Marlins add five to fill up 40-man roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:51:00 +0000

In anticipation of the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 10, the Marlins filled up their 40-man roster on Friday, adding right-handers Jose Ceda, Jay Buente, Brett Sinkbeil and Kris Harvey, as well as outfielder Scott Cousins.

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Grabow gets $7.5 million, 2-year deal from Cubs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:50:27 +0000

Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs.

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CB Josh Wilson doesn't look like he'll play

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:37:43 +0000

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Twins add six to fill out 40-man roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:36:00 +0000

The Twins maxed out their 40-man roster by protecting six players in preparation for the Dec. 10 Draft that will take place at the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis.

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The Chicago White Sox are in negotiations with Omar Vizquel's agent

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:26:07 +0000

The Chicago White Sox are close to signing veteran infielder Omar Vizquel.

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Nationals sign McLaren, Lett, Radison as coaches

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:23:26 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Nationals have hired former Seattle Mariners manager John McLaren as bench coach, Jim Lett as bullpen coach and Dan Radison as first-base coach.

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Cubs sign reliever Grabow to 2-year, $7.5M deal

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:21:38 +0000

CHICAGO (AP) -- Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs.

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Cubs reach 2-year, $7.5M deal with lefty Grabow

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:11:36 +0000

The Chicago Cubs and left-handed reliever John Grabow have agreed to a two-year contract. The 31-year-old Grabow combined to go 3-0 with a 3.36 ERA last season in a career-high 75 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cubs. He pitched 30 games for the Cubs after he was traded from the Pirates along with lefty Tom Gorzellany for pitchers Jose Ascanio and Kevin Hart, and minor league infielder Josh Harrison on July 30.

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Grabow gets $7.5 million, 2-year deal from Cubs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:02:08 +0000

Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs.

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The Blue Jays Can Contend in 2010: Part I—Offense Has Power Potential

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:03 +0000

If you're thinking, sure, the Toronto Blue Jays “can” contend in 2010, but they likely won't, well, you're probably right. The odds are much greater that the team finishes 2010 in last place than second place and in the playoffs. Good management in any business or sports organization dictates that personnel are slotted in where they have the best chance to succeed. At the same time, the Peter Principle—as individuals are promoted or given more responsibility within an organization, each will eventually reach a level of incompetence—applies equally to sport as it does to business. Keeping this dynamic in mind, the Blue Jays' front office people have reached a sticky crossroads. They have to consider both the short-term and long-term repercussions of decisions they must make prior to the onset of the 2010 season. The main issue is what to do about Harry Leroy “Doc” Halladay. So much conjecture has already been written about this subject that I won't dwell on it. There is no point flailing a ...

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Grabow gets $7.5 million, 2-year deal from Cubs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:57:06 +0000

Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs.

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Knicks looking for a little Yankee magic

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:52:37 +0000

Now that the Knicks have apparently decided not to sign Allen Iverson, it seems like they're looking for some positive PR. Enter Joe Girardi. The Yankees manager was named as the winner of the Knicks' Sweetwater Clifton "City Spirit" Award for the month of November. The award, named in honor of Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African-American to play for the Knicks, recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others. The winner is chosen monthly by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at center court during a Knicks game with a $2,000 donation in his or her name made out to a charity of their choice. Just hours after leading the Yankees to the World Series title on Nov. 4, Girardi served as a good Samaritan by stopping to aid Marie Henry, who had been involved in a car accident on the Cross County Parkway in Westchester County. Girardi, who was driving home, came to her assistance and flagged down police. Henry sustained only minor ...

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Reds make moves, fill out roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Faced with a slew of prospects that needed protection, the Reds added some players to their 40-man roster on Friday while also cutting a few.

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Washington Nationals Hope To Build Foundation For Winning

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:42:54 +0000

The Washington Nationals announced today the hiring of Jim Riggleman's 2010 field staff. Some of the names we knew. Others? Not so much. But the new names certainly aren't new to the skipper, each having extensive experience working alongside Riggleman at various points in their careers. Returning are Rick Eckstein (hitting coach), Steve McCatty (pitching coach) and Pat Listach (infield/third base coach). The new hires are John McLaren (bench coach), Dan Radison (first base coach) and Jim Lett (bullpen coach). What's apparent (and important) is that the organization allowed Riggleman the opportunity to bring in folks he was familiar and comfortable with. Radison worked with Riggleman in Chicago and San Diego, and Eckstein in St. Louis, while Lett was with the Dodgers when Riggleman was Jim Tracy's bench coach there. And of course, Riggleman was MacLaren's bench coach in Seattle, and took over for MacLaren when he was dismissed mid-season in 2008. These announcements come on the ...

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New-age stats shed light on Cy Youngs (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:38:56 +0000

For so many years, the formula for winning a Cy Young Award was pretty simple: Win a lot of games. Denny McLain was a unanimous pick in 1968 and deservedly so. He posted 31 victories -- the combined total of this year's Cy Young starters, Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke. A whopping win total, a good ERA and a bunch of strikeouts often brought home the hardware.

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New-age stats shed light on old Cy Young votes

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:36:13 +0000

For so many years, the formula for winning a Cy Young Award was pretty simple: Win a lot of games.

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Tigers add four players to roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:24:00 +0000

The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has purchased the contracts of second baseman Scott Sizemore and shortstop Audy Ciriaco from Triple-A Toledo and first baseman/outfielder Ryan Strieby and outfielder Brennan Boesch from Double-A Erie.

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Déjà Vu: Mike Lowell May Be on Red Sox's Trading Block

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:16:52 +0000

The Boston Red Sox are considering acquiring a marquee first baseman. The club is reportedly interested in San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera. If either one is acquired in a trade, the Red Sox would move incumbent first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third base on a permanent basis. Sound familiar? It certainly does to Mike Lowell. “I figure I am no stranger to trade rumors,” Lowell said. “I understand the team’s desire to always look to upgrade.” The Red Sox third baseman was in a similar situation a year ago when the club was looking to acquire All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira. The difference between now and then is that Lowell, for the most part, is healthy. A year ago, Lowell was recovering from hip surgery, and it was likely that he would spend spring training rehabbing with Boston, simply to showcase himself for potential suitors. Lowell is now a full year removed from surgery and figures to head into spring training healthier than he has ...

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Byrd's future home up in air

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Marlon Byrd wants to return to the Rangers, but early discussions between the team and his agent have not been particularly productive, leading to the distinct possibility that Byrd will be playing elsewhere in 2010.

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Fall Classic memorabilia at Hall of Fame

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

Artifacts from baseball's most memorable moments from this past postseason -- one that saw the Yankees notch their 27th World Series championship -- have been put on display at the Autumn Glory exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.

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Cubs reach 2-year deal with lefty reliever Grabow

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:43 +0000

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White Sox add five to 40-man roster

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:00 +0000

On Friday, the deadline for clubs to protect prospects from next month's Rule 5 Draft, the White Sox added five players to their 40-man roster.

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Lett, Radison join Nationals' coaching staff

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:49:24 +0000

The Nationals have announced that Jim Lett and Dan Radison have been added to their 2010 coaching staff as bullpen and first-base coach, respectively. The team also made official the hiring of former Seattle Mariners manager John McLaren as bench coach, and that Pat Listach (third base), Rick Eckstein (hitting) and Steve McCatty (pitching) are all returning. Lett, 58, has 15 years of big league coaching experience, including stints as a bench coach in Toronto, Cincinnati, Los Angeles (Dodgers) and Pittsburgh. As bullpen coach for the Dodgers from 2001-04, he worked alongside current Nationals Manager Jim Riggleman, who was Jim Tracy's bench coach at the time. Most recently, Lett worked as a coach in the Milwaukee Brewers' farm system. Radison, 59, was a coach during both of Riggleman's previous full-time managing jobs -- with the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs. He has also worked in the Yankees, Cardinals and

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Roundup: Vizquel to light Hot Stove?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

Veteran shortstop Omar Vizquel is reportedly close to signing a one-year deal with the White Sox, which could serve to get the Hot Stove burning.

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The Fall Of The Republic: NL Cy Young Voting Shows BBWAA's Incompetence

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:24:48 +0000

From Plato to Voltaire, the Republic has been the government of choice for intellectuals for millennia. Dismissive of people’s ability to rule themselves, yet similarly wary of totalitarianism, they champion a government run exclusively by the most enlightened members of society. As in any democratic system, the health of the Republic hinges the electorate’s ability to keep itself informed and think logically. If the voters—however many or few—become incapable of comprehensively analyzing issues or are blinded by irrationality, the whole system goes down the toilet. Of course, I speak not of Congress (though the shoe certainly fits), but of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. When the results for the NL Cy Young Award were released yesterday, the tallies revealed that the BBWAA voters are criminally incapable of performing their duties. My problem is not so much with the winner (though the best man did not win), but with third-place finisher Adam Wainwright. While he ended ...

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Nationals' coaching staff in place

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:22:00 +0000

The Nationals have retained hitting coach Rick Eckstein, pitching coach Steve McCatty and third-base coach Pat Listach. The club also named John McLaren the bench coach, Jim Lett as bullpen coach and Dan Radison the first-base coach.

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Cubs, LHP Grabow agree on 2-year deal (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:19:52 +0000

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Dunn, Kennedy shine in AFL stint

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:50:00 +0000

The Arizona Fall League, if nothing else, opens eyes. Strong performances in the desert can lead to big reputations -- just ask Tommy Hanson of the Braves -- and big opportunities.

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Where will the top MLB free agents end up?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:47:53 +0000

Free agents can officially sign. But since they'll take their time doing it, Bob Klapisch tells you where the top ones will end up.

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Milton Bradley: What's His Trade Market?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:41:32 +0000

On Jan. 6, 2009 Chicago Cubs GM Jim Hendry signed OF Milton Bradley to a three-year, $30 million contract. At that point everyone screamed “Nooooooooooooo!!!” This was a disaster waiting to happen, and it did happen. Not only did Bradley grossly under-perform in a Cubs’ uniform, but on Sept. 20, Bradley was suspended for the rest of the season because of conduct detrimental to the team. “Recently, it’s become intolerable to hear Milton talk about our great fans the way he has,” Hendry said. “We pride ourselves on having the greatest fans in baseball, so at this time we felt it was best to send him home for the rest of the season.” Now, almost one year later, Hendry is looking to ship Bradley out of town. Who would possibly take on Bradley and his contract? Let’s take a look at the pros and the cons of Bradley and what teams would be interested in trading for the beleaguered outfielder. Pros If there is one thing that has been consistent with Bradley’s play on the field throughout ...

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White Sox reportedly near Vizquel deal

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:00 +0000

The White Sox are close to signing Omar Vizquel to a one-year deal to be their backup infielder, according to FoxSports.com.

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