Rotoworld.com has some updates on early injuries suffered to key players today. From the Chicago Cubs, starting pitcher and ace Carlos Zambrano had to leave today’s outing early as he experienced some forearm discomfort. The Cubs are calling it “forarm cramps”, and he is listed as day-to-day. This is great news for the Cubs, as the […]
Filed under: Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians | 3 Comments »
Getting you caught up on the news buzzing around baseball at this hour:
The Nationals placed Elijah Dukes on the 15-day disabled list, joining Wily Mo Pena in the trainer’s room. Willie Harris should see the bulk of playing time in left field during their absence. Rob Mackowiak could also see some time.
Nationals closer Chad Cordero will […]
Filed under: Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals | 1 Comment »
UPDATE: (3/31) 2:55pm (EST) - As per the Toronto Globe and Mail, Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi told reporters that he is extending the team’s self-imposed deadline by a few days so that the team can complete their deal with Rios. Ricciardi said the two sides are extremely close right now.
Mar 25, 9:28am (EST) - According to […]
Filed under: Toronto Blue Jays | 8 Comments »
According to Ian Browne at MLB.com, the Boston Red Sox, no strangers to the Japanese player pool, have signed free-agent right-hander Terumasa Matsuo. The team of course landed Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima prior to the 2007 season, both of whom helped them to a World Championship.
Matsuo, 26, was pitching for the Independent Shikoku Island League in […]
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As per Spencer Fordin at MLB.com, the Baltimore Orioles made a pretty surprising roster move by cutting outfielder/designated hitter Jay Gibbons outright, just one day before the regular season begins. Gibbons was implicated in the Mitchell Report for the purchase of performance-enhancing drugs, and faces a possible 15-game suspension from MLB for this infraction. But he […]
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According to Tony Jackson of the Los Angeles Daily News, Dodgers manager Joe Torre has officially named youngster Andre Ethier as the team’s starting left-fielder over speedster Juan Pierre. Torre said that Juan Pierre will serve as basically a fourth outfielder, pinch hitter and pinch runner. Pretty expensive bench player, huh? Assuming Ethier makes the […]
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Our apologies, but the crew here at Fleece Factor will be taking part in our second fantasy baseball draft this weekend, and will not be around for much of the afternoon and evening hours. Sorry for any rumors that we might be delayed in getting to you, but check back later and we’ll dish out […]
Filed under: _Uncategorized | 2 Comments »
The New York Mets made some final decisions on the make-up of there roster, and there were some small surprises on there. According to the New York Post, relief pitcher Joe Smith, considered to be a long-shot in the spring, made the squad and will work out of the pen. If and when Duaner Sanchez […]
Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets | No Comments »
According to Bill Plunkett and Al Balderas at the Los Angeles Daily News, it seems that Opening Day might be the “point of no return” for a long-term contract extension between the Angels and their closer, Francisco Rodriguez. K-Rod will become a free agent after the 2008 season, and as we’ve reported here before, the […]
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According to rotoworld.com, the Houston Astros have released right-handed starting pitcher Woody Williams on Saturday.As a result, the veteran starter plans on retiring. Williams had a nice little career for himself. He won 132 games over the course of his career, with an ERA of 4.19 over 15 years. His best year came in 2003 […]
Filed under: Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals | No Comments »
According to the New York Daily News, the Mets are leaning towards starting the season with Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez on the DL. As a result, he’ll probably miss his first two starts. Mike Pelfrey should be in line to make these starts, the first against the Atlanta Braves, despite struggling this spring. “El Duque” […]
Filed under: New York Mets | 3 Comments »
We get a glimpse at the Blue Jays opening day lineup in the Toronto Sun this morning. The lineup will be without Scott Rolen until late April or early may. It stacks up as follows: SS David Eckstein, LF Shannon Stewart/Matt Stairs, RF Alex Rios, CF Vernon Wells, DH Frank Thomas, 2B Aaron Hill, 1B […]
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Just a couple of news items to get you caught up on most of today’s roster activity from around the league:
The Cardinals announced that Anthony Reyes will join the team’s bullpen as their long reliever.
Colorado Rockies optioned OF Cory Sullivan to AAA, and Scott Podsednik will man the fifth outfielder spot for the club.
The Washington Nationals […]
Filed under: Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
As per John Lowe at the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers, desperate for bullpen help, signed left-hander Aaron Fultz to a minor-league contract today. Fultz was released earlier this week by the Cleveland Indians, and will give the Tigers a much-needed arm to call upon in the late innings.
With Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya on the […]
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According to Adam McCalvy at MLB.com, the Milwaukee Brewers have submitted long-term contract offers to the agents of both of their young, prized slugerrs - Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. The offer to Bruan, now playing in left field, will apparently buy out his first year of free agency and include an option for another […]
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According to the NY Daily News, the New York Mets have sent Rule 5 draft pick Steven Register back to the Colorado Rockies. The Mets had hoped to work out a trade with Colorado to keep the relief pitcher Register and send him to their AAA affiliate in New Orleans. The two sides were unable to […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets | 8 Comments »
According to John Erardi of The Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds surprisingly released relief pitcher Mike Stanton this morning. The surprising part is that the lefty was due to earn $3 million in salary this season, all of which the Reds will still need to pick up. The team will also be o the hook for […]
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UPDATE: (3/28) 9:13pm (EST) - As per Phil Miller of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Francisco Liriano will remain in the minors for awhile longer, and Nick Blackburn has claimed the team’s #5 spot in the rotation.
Mar 24, 9:48am (EST) - According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Carlos Gomez (acquired via the NY Mets in […]
Filed under: Minnesota Twins | 2 Comments »
UPDATE: (3/28) 9:08pm (EST) - As per rotoworld, Charlie Manuel has named Adam Eaton the team’s #5 starter.
Mar 28, 2:28pm (EST) - According to David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News, Adam Eaton was pretty much assured of the fifth spot in the Phllies pitching rotation. But in his last Grapefruit League appearance yesterday, […]
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In some extremely sad news today, we learn from Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic that Diamondbacks left-hander Doug Davis has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Despite that, Davis was expected to make his start Friday night at Chase Field.
Davis is expected to make his next few starts actually, before undergoing surgery sometime in late […]
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Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times reports that the Tampa Bay Rays “could deal one of their young starters, Edwin Jackson or Jason Hammel, who are out of options” in order to acquire an outfielder.
As we’ve documented at the Fleece Factor, the Rays are seeking an outfielder to take the place of injured Rocco Baldelli. Names that have […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays | 1 Comment »
On March 24th, MLB Fleece Factor kicked off the 2008 Sweet Sixteen of Offseason Fleeces. This tournament - whose winners will be determined by you - is Fleece Factor’s version of the NCAA March Madness Tournament. The last FLEECE standing in this tournament will be awarded the 2008 Offseason Golden Fleece Award.
After an incredibly impressive turnout for first […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, _Polls | 2 Comments »
Despite the distinct possibility of receiving a discount for his services due to league-wide disinterest, the San Francisco Giants are holding steady in their refusal to bring back outfielder Barry Bonds* for another go around in San Francisco, according to the L.A. Times.
Regarding the Bonds* issue, Giants team president Peter Magowan tells the Times, “No, […]
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According to Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News, we can add yet another infielder to the medical staff’s treatment list, as Dodger Tony Abreu will now open the season on the disabled list as well. Abreu has a strained grown, and won’t be available to return to the lineup until April 11th (vs. Padres). He […]
Filed under: Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers | No Comments »
Some news and notes brought to you today by Jon Heyman over at Sports Illustrated:
The Indians are the latest team to inquire about right-hander Freddy Garcia, who will be out until at least June. Several teams had shown prior interest, including the Red Sox.
A member of the Orioles ballclub said this about Brian Roberts, “He can’t […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Texas Rangers | 3 Comments »
According to mlb.com, Red Sox ace starting pitcher Josh Beckett started a minor league game on Thursday. He threw 4 innings, allowed one hit, no runs, and threw a total of 47 pitches. Most importantly, he seems to be healthy. He was placed on the 15-day DL back on Tuesday, and will be eligible to […]
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As per Foxsports, San Diego Padres’ starting pitcher Mark Prior faced live batters on Thursday for the first time in the last year. He said he felt good after completing the 25-pitch, 8 minute session. He threw all fastballs and change-ups, and manager Bud Black seemed impressed. “He threw free and easy, his delivery looked […]
Filed under: San Diego Padres | 3 Comments »
As per John Hickey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners are still deciding on whether or not to trade outfielder Jeremy Reed. They have apparently held talks with both the Tampa Bay Rays and San Diego Padres about the left-handed hitter, however. The M’s need to decide how many bats they want to keep on their bench, […]
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According to George King at the New York Post, Derek Jeter and Bobby Abreu of the New York Yankees were fleeced by fellow teammate, and supposed “friend,” Hideki Matsui. Apparently at the beginning of Spring Training, Jeter and Abreu made a bet where the first person to get married wins… um, Jeter… married (a list […]
Filed under: New York Yankees, _Off-Field Fleeces | 5 Comments »
The health of perpetually injured aces Rich Harden and Ben Sheets will undoubtedly have a dramatic impact on the MLB trade market this season.
In Rich Harden’s case, if the Oakland right-hander can stay healthy, it will allow the A’s to attempt a major fleece job this summer by shopping him on the market in exchange […]
Filed under: Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics | 1 Comment »
UPDATE: (3/27) 12:11am (EST) - As per rotoworld, the Rockies released Marcus Giles, as they were not able to complete a trade with the Dodgers. Of course, Giles could still sign in L.A. before Opening Day.
UPDATE: (3/25) 6:24am (EST) - Marcus Giles’ agent, Joe Bick, has told the L.A. Times that a deal between the Dodgers […]
Filed under: Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers | 1 Comment »
According to Paul Sullivan at the Chicago Tribune, Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail told reporters that the expected trade of second baseman Brian Roberts to the Chicago Cubs is now off the table. Said MacPhail on the subject, “We worked at it this long and we don’t have deal. There’s other sides characterizing it as […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs | No Comments »
UPDATE: (3/26) 3:59pm (EST) - As per Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, Kelvim Escobar has a tear in his right shoulder, which could require season-ending surgery. The injury may even end his career. Said Escobar, “I’m concerned, I don’t know what’s going to happen, I don’t even know if I’ll be able to pitch […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | 1 Comment »
This is just a reminder to all those who haven’t voted yet: There is only one day left to vote in MLB Fleece Factor’s 2008 Sweet Sixteen of Offseason Fleeces, before the Elite 8 of Offseason Fleeces is announced. So get your vote on!
In cased you missed it, the Sweet Sixteen of Offseason Fleeces is […]
Filed under: _Polls | No Comments »
According to rotoworld.com, the Dodgers have released 16-year veteran reliever Rudy Seanez. Seanez has had a rough spring, but he did pitch pretty well for the Dodgers last year (3.79 ERA), and is relatively inexpensive ($550,000, with a $150,000 roster bonus). The total value of the deal, including incentives, could have reached a max of […]
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