News
– The Miami Herald is reporting that the Marlins will have a 2 game exhibition series with the Yankees the 2 days before the season starts. It’ll be interesting to see Joe Girardi face his old team and the reception he gets. The 2000 or so fans their should definitely applaud him; he didn’t want to leave.
– It’s official: Joe Torre will manage the Dodgers. We all knew it was happening; Torre signed a 3 year deal worth $13 mil. I still don’t know what this will do as far as A-Rod is concerned; there are some reports saying A-Rod won’t play for Torre, while other claim this will definitely bring him to the Dodgers. Time will tell.
– Bonds won’t visit the Hall of Fame if they accept the asterisk ball. I can’t really say I blame him; he accomplished something incredible and the ball is tarnished because of speculation. He’s gone as far as saying he wouldn’t be there for his induction to the hall, if he were inducted.
Rumors
– The newest team to enter the A-Rod sweepstakes is San Fransisco. Brian Sabean stated that he will inquire about the star, but is cautuous to tie up his payroll in one player. Instead, he wants to work deals out with 2 of their free agents: Pedro Feliz and Omar Viquel. I’d rather tie up the money with A-Rod; he can field as well as either, but can also hit. They also will need star power since their biggest drawing player is not coming back (Bonds). They will also listen to offer on Noah Lowry and Jonathan Sanchez; they want a young, MLB ready position player back.
– The Rockies are interested in bringing back Jason Jennings. The Rockies traded Jennings to the Astros for a boatload of talent (Wily Taveras, Jason Hirsh, Taylor Buchholz). Jennings was injured most of the season and is expected to take a short term deal (either 1 year or a 2 year, incentive deal a la Mark Mulder). The Astros are also said to be interested.
Transactions
Declared Free Agency:
Mike Cameron, Cliff Floyd, Eric Gagne, Freddy Garcia, Luis Gonzalez, Andruw Jones, Byung-Hyun Kim, Kyle Lohse, Rodrigo Lopez, Rob Mackowiak, Corey Patterson, Kenny Rogers, Mike Sweeney, Yorvit Torrealba, Steve Trachsel, Ron Villone, Jeff Weaver, Brad Wilkerson.
Refused Assignment to Minors; Now Free Agents:
Shawn Camp, Devil Rays
Jorge Velandia, Devil Rays
Option Declined; Now Free Agents:
Rod Barajas, Kris Benson, Tom Glavine, Eddie Guardado, Mike Lieberthal, Ramon Martinez, Odalis Perez, Randy Wolf.
Option Picked Up:
Moises Alou
Aaron Cook
Adam Dunn
Scott Hatteberg
Javier Valentin
Re-Signed:
Joaquin Benoit, Rangers (2008-2009, avoids arbitration)
Damion Easley, Mets (2008)
Feedback
From Rocky:
I like your writing and wish I had found it sooner; however, I think you missed something with the Ausmus signing. He is coming back as the backup catcher to J. R. Towels, who has put some impressive offensive numbers . . . even for a catcher.
Thanks for reading Rocky; I love getting feedback (so send some more). I’ve heard rumblings about this, but not from the team. Mostly, it’s fan saying that this is what should happen; I agree with it. I do think that the 2 will battle it out in Spring Training, but Ausmus will somehow win the job.
