Posted on May 7th, 2008 by McFleece
Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman has a piece out today about impending free agent Mark Teixeira. The Braves 1st baseman is, of course, close to cashing in on a phat contract this offseason if he can stay healthy and put together a fine year. The inevitable payload will be a payoff for Teixeira after he risked a lot of cheddar by not […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers | 4 Comments »
Posted on April 18th, 2008 by Old Navy King
Just wanted to get you guys caught up on a couple of injury notes from Friday evening around baseball:
Brewers ace Ben Sheets threw five innings of two-hit, shutout ball Friday night against the Reds, but then he left with soreness in his right triceps. He threw only 60 pitches, striking out 4 batters and walking […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
Posted on April 16th, 2008 by Old Navy King
The 2008 payrolls were released earlier this month by Major League Baseball, and there were a few surprises. What isn’t much of a surprise is that the New York Yankees were once again #1 on that list, topping $209 million (yet another payroll record).
Of interest though is that both the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets have leap-froged the […]
Filed under: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
Posted on April 6th, 2008 by Old Navy King
Just wanted to get you caught up with some injury updates from around the league:
Tigers relief pitcher Fernando Rodney did not have a good bullpen session, and is still feeling quite a bit of pain in his shoulder. No timetable has been made for his return, but one can expect late April at the earliest.
Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson […]
Filed under: Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres | No Comments »
Posted on March 30th, 2008 by Old Navy King
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 […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | No Comments »
Posted on March 28th, 2008 by McFleece
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 »
Posted on March 28th, 2008 by McFleece
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 »
Posted on March 26th, 2008 by Old Navy King
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 »
Posted on March 24th, 2008 by McFleece
Because March Madness shouldn’t just be for college hoops fans…
MLB Fleece Factor introduces the Sweet Sixteen of Offseason MLB Fleeces!
We’ve set up the brackets, and we’re leaving it up to you to determine the winner of this honor…let’s call it the 2008 Offseason Golden Fleece Award!
Here’s a complete set of brackets for you:
Click Here For Your “2008 Sweet […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, _Polls | 14 Comments »
Posted on March 21st, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to Angels.mlb.com, Vladimir Guerrero was removed from Thursday’s game against the Giants due to some knee stiffness experienced after trying to leg-out a double play grounder. Manager Mike Scioscia did not seem at all concerned: “We’ll give him a day, and he’ll be fine”, Scioscia said.
Gary Matthews Jr. was also removed from Thursday’s game. His […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | No Comments »
Posted on March 20th, 2008 by McFleece
UPDATE: (Mar 20, 1:57pm EST) - Buster Olney of ESPN reiterates today that Boston centerfielder Coco Crisp is on Tampa’s radar to fill the void left by Rocco Baldelli’s latest injury, especially after Kenny Lofton spurned them. As far as a potential return for Boston, Olney writes, “Tampa Bay is loaded with a wide range […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays | No Comments »
Posted on March 19th, 2008 by Old Navy King
Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com “fame,” brings us all some more juicy rumors as Opening Day rapidly approaches:
The Chicago Cubs are getting really frustrated with the whole Brian Roberts saga, as are we! After seemingly 3 months of negoitations, and with the regular season less than 2 weeks away, the Orioles supposedly have still not even told […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays | 1 Comment »
Posted on March 19th, 2008 by Old Navy King
ESPN.com’s Buster Olney dishes out some dirt from the major-league landscape today:
Barry Lamar Bonds says that he is not going to retire. I could definitely see a team sign him after the season has begun, when it would be *slightly* less of a distraction. I think the Mariners remain a great fit, and the Angels seem […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays | 3 Comments »
Posted on March 19th, 2008 by McFleece
Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News writes that the New York Mets are unlikely to acquire Angels outfielder Juan Rivera.
Rivera seemed like a perfect fit for the Mets, who are in need of a right-handed bat that can play both the outfield and first base. But Rubin writes that “Mets officials are unwilling to further deplete […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets | 1 Comment »
Posted on March 17th, 2008 by Old Navy King
UPDATE: (3/17) 9:17am (EST) - According to the LA Times, Lackey will be sidelined until at least mid-May with a strained right triceps. This is a bit longer than initially expected. With Escobar already out, as well, the Angels’ starting staff will be hurting to start 2008.
Mar 15, 4:32pm (EST) - According to Bill Plunkett […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | 6 Comments »
Posted on March 16th, 2008 by McFleece
With the completion of the A’s today, we have now finished 2008 team outlooks for all American League West teams. I’ve linked the individual team outlooks for that division below alphabetically. Check them out and then vote in the poll below for the team that you think will win this division. Also, for all you homers out there, […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, _Team Outlooks (2008) | No Comments »
Posted on March 16th, 2008 by McFleece
Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post has the following minor tidbits out in his column today regarding Colorado Rockies trade rumors:
Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd tells Saunders that “he has no plans to trade infielder Clint Barmes.” Barmes had been rumored to be possibly heading to the Angels or Orioles. I’m not sure why O’Dowd would close […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels | 1 Comment »
Posted on March 14th, 2008 by McFleece
Here’s a rundown of some decent MLB rumors and notes from baseball guru Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports:
Seven teams have expressed interest in left-hander Horacio Ramirez after he was released by the Mariners, according to the pitcher’s agent, Steve Canter. Ramirez was a bust for the M’s (check out our review of his time in Seattle here) […]
Filed under: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays | 2 Comments »
Posted on March 11th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (3/11) 9:34pm (EST) - Lackey made his spring debut on Tuesday, pitching 1 2/3 innings surrendering 1 ER. He did not report any soreness. He may be pushed back in the rotation to start the year in order to give him more time to get ready, as per rotoworld.com.
UPDATE: (3/2) 8:48pm (EST) - According […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | No Comments »
Posted on March 11th, 2008 by Old Navy King
UPDATE: (3/11) 10:07am (EST) - Troy Renck is back again on Barmes, and adds the Orioles as another suitor for his services. But unlike with the Angels, Barmes might be the starting SS for the O’s.
Mar 9, 12:56pm (EST) - According to Troy E. Renck at The Denver Post, the Los Angeles are looking around […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels | 1 Comment »
Posted on March 9th, 2008 by Old Navy King
Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal dishes out the latest goods:
The Milwaukee Brewers seem serious about hitting catcher Jason Kendall 9th, after the pitcher. They feel it could help the club score 25-30 more runs this season.
The Dodgers interest in trading for third basemen Joe Crede or Brandon Inge is “all about the budget and whether (owner […]
Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, Washington Nationals | No Comments »
Posted on March 8th, 2008 by Old Navy King
The always knowledgeable Buster Olney, of ESPN.com, gives us his insight today. Here is the best of the rumors:
Talent evaluators predict that Maicer Izturis and Erick Aybar will split time at shortstop for the Angels this season.
In light of the Andy LaRoche injury, Olney expects to Dodgers to inquire about Joe Crede or Brandon Inge.
Pitching […]
Filed under: Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets | No Comments »
Posted on March 8th, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times, Juan Rivera is the odd-man out in a crowded Angels outfield. With the team already figuring out how to find at-bats for Vlad Guerrero, Torii Hunter, Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews, Jr., Rivera seems destined to ride the pine. Reggie Willits is another OF who could […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants | No Comments »
Posted on March 8th, 2008 by McFleece
On the heels of a Jim Edmonds injury that made an already thin Padres outfield even thinner, Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that Padres GM Kevin Towers and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein were in contact yesterday discussing Boston centerfielder Coco Crisp. Though unconfirmed, Krasovic writes that the Red Sox would probably want either […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres | 2 Comments »
Posted on March 1st, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
According to the New York Daily Bews, Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez is still having problems with his right foot. Hehas felt uncomfortable when trying to push off during his pitching sessions. This is becoming a tired routine for the Mets, as El Duque’s inability to stay healthy is becoming increasingly frustrating. This coming from the […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates | 1 Comment »
Posted on February 26th, 2008 by McFleece
Baseball America has issued it’s list of the 100 best prospects heading into the 2008 season. I’ve listed the top 25 below, but definitely check out Baseball America’s list in it’s entirety. And don’t forget to also check out MLB Fleece Factor’s very own interview with Baseball America’s Jim Callis.
Without further ado, here are the top 25 according […]
Filed under: Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays | 12 Comments »
Posted on February 22nd, 2008 by McFleece
UPDATE: (2/22) 12:24pm (EST) - According to MLB.com, K-Rod lost his arbitration case, and will “only” make $10 million in 2008. It matches the highest sum awarded in arbitration, along with Phillies 1B Ryan Howard. Teams finished arbitration at 6-2 over the players. Our readers had this one right, yet again.
Feb 22, 8:23am (EST) - A ruling […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | 3 Comments »
Posted on February 19th, 2008 by Old Navy King
As per Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register, Vlad Guerrero said that his right elbow is still sore, even after a full offseason of rest. If you recall, Vlad was relegated as the designated hitter, exclusively, for the final month of the 2007 season due to inflammation in that elbow. He had received a […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | 1 Comment »
Posted on February 18th, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Bill Plunkett at the Orange County Register, Francisco Rodriguez believes 2008 will be his last season with the Angels. Currently, the two sides are going to arbitration over K-Rod’s salary for next year, and Rodriguez is a free agent following the season. Said K-Rod about the possibility of this being his final go-round […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | No Comments »
Posted on February 16th, 2008 by McFleece
Like Ryan Howard, Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez finds himself at odds with his club regarding a 2008 salary, and will probably be looking at a third party deciding that salary.
Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times is reporting that no progress appears to have been made between K-Rod and the Angels, and that such an arbitration hearing […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, _Polls | 1 Comment »
Posted on February 7th, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
UPDATE: (2/7) 2:08pm (EST) - According to the LA Times, an MRI of Escobar’s shoulder didn’t show any serious damage. However, manager Mike Scioscia said, “It’s doubtful he’ll be ready for the start of the season…”
Feb 6, 11:14pm (EST) - Angels’ right-handed starting pitcher has reported some soreness in his shoulder, as per rotoworld.com. He […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels | 6 Comments »
Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Old Navy King
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Florida Marlins signed former Angels 3B Dallas McPherson to a 1-year deal, worth $425,000. McPherson will compete with Jose Castillo and Jorge Cantu for the starting job at the hot corner.
McPherson missed all of 2007 while recovering from back surgery. In 2006, he batted .261 with 7 HR’s […]
Filed under: Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels | No Comments »
Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Mr. Fleece
The Los Angeles Angels have been a formidable opponent in the American League for the better part of the last six seasons, as they have managed to make the playoffs in four of those six years (including a World Series title in 2002). Yes, they got swept by the Red Sox in the 2007 ALDS… […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, _Team Outlooks (2008) | 22 Comments »
Posted on January 28th, 2008 by Old Navy King
UPDATE: (1/28) 10:28am (EST) - According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Twins original contract offer to Johan Santana “remains on the table”. That offer was for 4 years and $80 million. Johan is said to be seeking an extension of 6 or 7 years. Then again, the left-hander could also be traded any minute. The Twins […]
Filed under: Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees | 5 Comments »
Posted on January 24th, 2008 by McFleece
In Mike DiGiavonna’s question and answer session in today’s LA Times, the topic of Oakland A’s third baseman Eric Chavez availability arose. Chavez, one of the few remaining veterans on the Athletics, can most certainly be had if General Manager Billy Beane receives an adequate offer.
Citing his tremendous defense and left handed power, DiGiavonna believes Chavez, […]
Filed under: Los Angeles Angels, Oakland Athletics | No Comments »
