Eli's MLB Rumors - Old: February 2007

Spring Training Day 14

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Transactions
- No transactions to report

Controversies
- Barry Bonds receiving death threats
- Rockies won't hesitate to send Barmes back to Triple A

Injuries
- White Sox Jenks hurt (shoulder)
- Cubs Wuertz hurt (shoulder)
- Gabe Gross hurts calf
- Cubs Floyd out for week (foot recovery)
- Reed Johnson out (back)
- Kielty out for six weeks (knee)
- Mike Hampton out (shoulder)

Rumors
- Giants near extension with Cain
- Rangers near extension with Young
- Cardinals interested in Clemens

Game Highlights
STL defeats FLA 6-3
(STL) Pujols 0-3
(STL) Ankiel 2-2 2 RBI
DET defeats NYM 5-4
(DET) Raburn 1-3 HR (2)
(NYM) Delgado 1-2

MIN ties BOS 4-4
(BOS) Murphy 2-3
(MIN) White 2-3 1 RBI
(MIN) Mauer 1-3 3-run HR

COL defeats CHW 12-4
(CWS) Crede 2-2
(COL) Ja. Lopez 2-3 2 RBI
(COL) Hawpe 3-3 2 RBI
(COL) Holliday 2-3 2 RBI HR

PIT defeats Manatee C.C.
(PIT) Herrera 2.0 IP, 0 H, O R

ATL defeats Georgia Tech 5-0
(ATL) Langerhans HR
PHI defeats Florida State University
(PHI) Utley, Dobbs HR

Highlights from Spring Training

Cardinals Interested in Clemens

The Cardinals reportedly have joined the horse race for free agent pitcher Roger Clemens, who is already being pursued by the Yankees, Red Sox, and Astros. He is currently in Astros camp pitching to the minor league players, but hasn't ruled out a return to any team. The Cardinals, who are very short on pitching and still have money to spend, could afford Clemens for one year, if he is willing to accept something less than eighteen to nineteen million. General manager Walt Jocketty met with agent Alan Hendricks at length Monday; however, Jocketty had someone pessimistic views of the meeting. "I guess you would always have interest in a guy like that," he said. "He's someone we've expressed interest in before. I'm not sure it would be mutual, though. There are so many factors involved it would be pretty tough to do any deal with them. You never know." Hendricks also represents Cardinals Kip Wells and Braden Looper.

Spring Training Day 13

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Transactions
- Twins give Jesse Crain extension
- Edgardo Alfonso signs with Long Island Ducks

Controversies
- Veterans Committee elects no new members
- Gary Sheffield plans to help with steroid investigations
- Gary Matthews Jr. involved in steroid investigation

- Former Marlins Manager helped Phillies John Lieber during year
- Washington expects Sosa to make team
- B.J. Upton practices in the outfield
- Todd Walker to be released?

Injuries
- Xavier Nady out (stomach)
- Damian Miller out (strained calf)
- Scott Linebrink injured back
- Lew Ford out indefinitely (right knee inflammation)
- Trot Nixon out for one week (herniated disk recovery)
- Adam Stern out (strained oblique)
- Brandon Claussen out til May (shoulder)

Rumors
- C.C. Sabathia nears deal with Indians

Game Highlights
DET defeats Florida Southern College 14-0
HR: Curtis Granderson, Ryan Raburn (NRI)
Marcus Thames: 3-4 2 RBI

FLA defeats University of Miami 12-7
HR: Joe Borchard, Miguel Cabrera, Jeremy Hermida
Eric Reed: 2-3 1 RBI
Scott Seabol: 2-3 1 RBI

Highlights from Spring Training

Twins Give Crain Extension

The Twins and Jesse Crain have agree to a three year deal through 2009. At first glance, Crain's numbers are not worthy of a three year deal (4-5, 3.52 ERA,60 K). However, he pitched in 68 games with a low ERA, and ended his season with a 2-0 W-L, and a 0.38 ERA (23.2 IP). He proved that he can put solid innings together no matter where in the season, and could possibly see some time as a starter this year. He is still young, 25, and shows great potential after going 12-5 in 2005, and being able to keep his ERA down in 2006 with plenty of appearances.

Veterans Elect No One

Voting by the Veterans Committee resulted with no one being elected, with Ron Santo coming up five votes short. The Committee has not elected anyone since the committee was organized in 2003.

2007 Veterans Committee results

Player Ballot: 82 cast, 62 needed for election (75%):

Ron Santo	57	69.5%
Jim Kaat	52	63.4%
Gil Hodges	50	61.0%
Tony Oliva	47	57.3%
Maury Wills	33	40.2%
Joe Torre	26	31.7%
Don Newcombe	17	20.7%
Vada Pinson	16	19.5%
Roger Maris	15	18.3%
Lefty O'Doul	15	18.3%
Luis Tiant	15	18.3%

2007 Tigers Projections

Monday, February 26, 2007

DH Gary Sheffield
.281 AVG, 18 HR, 86 RBI
C Ivan Rodriguez
.296 AVG, 14 HR, 71 RBI
1B Sean Casey
.292 AVG, 10 HR, 77 RBI
2B Placido Polanco
.285 AVG, 6 HR, 58 RBI
3B Brandon Inge
.252 AVG, 31 HR, 96 RBI
SS Carlos Guillen
.316 AVG, 18 HR, 78 RBI
LF Craig Monroe
.258 AVG, 21 HR, 84 RBI
CF Curtis Granderson
.265 AVG, 16 HR, 63 RBI
RF Magglio Ordonez
.305 AVG, 26 HR, 89 RBI

P Kenny Rogers
15-9 W-L, 4.12 ERA, 94 K
P Jeremy Bonderman
16-8 W-L, 3.89 ERA, 181 K
P Nate Robertson
12-11 W-L, 4.01 ERA, 143 K
P Mike Maroth
10-10 W-L, 4.72 ERA, 112 K
P Justin Verlander
14-9 W-L, 3.82 ERA, 127 K

Fantasy Baseball Leagues

I am happy to see all the leagues are filling up so quickly. After hearing your requests, I have made yet another league

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Password: mlbrumors

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NEW POLL
LAST WEEKS WINNER: No, he'll just exercise his out clause

Prior Ready; Barrett Keeping the Faith

Word coming from Cubs Camp yesterday was the Cubs weren't going to rush once pitching phenoms Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, but today, Lou Piniella announced Mark Prior will start the fifth game of Spring Training against the Mariners. "I told him we wanted to give him a little more time," Piniella said of the conversation Monday. "We wanted to make sure that in his mind he was perfectly set to go. Unless there's a setback, and we don't anticipate any at all, he'll be ready to go in Game 5." Prior, who pitched to hitters yesterday, said he feels good, and will be ready to go next week. Prior has been on the Disabled List 50.1% of the time since being called up in 2002, and the Cubs can only hope he returns healthy and can pitch successfully. As for Wood, "We're just giving him a little more time," Piniella said. Michael Barrett expressed his desire to remain with the Cubs and is willing to discuss a deal whenever the Cubs want. "I will put no deadline or nothing on anything," Barrett said. "For me, I feel like I've been through a lot as a player, and I feel completely blessed to be a part of this team. For me, if there's a distraction that keeps you from appreciating putting on a Cubs uniform, then something ain't right. That's the way I feel." Barrett, who hit .306 with 16 HR, and 53 RBI, was on the verge of hitting the minors after batting .208 with 10 HR and 30 RBI. "Now that I've had the opportunity, I feel indebted to this organization for what it's done. It believed in me at a time when a lot of teams and a lot of people gave up on me...When you have that grace extended to you, it's easy to come to the yard and be appreciative."

Ramirez Arrives Early?

Three days earlier then what he had initially asked. Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez arrived at Red Sox camp early this morning and participated in hitting against Daisuke Matsuzaka, and some minor base running drills. He was expected to arrive March 1 because of an illness to his family. Ramirez, who hit .321 with 35 HR and 102 RBI, is expected to be ready for Opening Day after suffering a knee injury at the end of the season.

Yankees Lose Abreu

The Yankees announced Bobby Abreu will be out for two to three weeks with a strained oblique. The injury happened during batting practice at Legends Field. "It's just one of those things," Torre said. "I guess the good news is that it's early and you can afford a couple of weeks right now." Torre shot down any ideas that Bernie Williams will be back with the team. Abreu was .297 with 15 HR and 107 RBI with the Phillies and Yankees last season. Johnny Damon also returned to Yankees camp after missing two days for personal reasons.

I'm Back!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

The tournament went well in Phoenix, we got 2nd place! Anyways, here is what I missed while I was gone:

Transactions
- Todd Walker wins arbitration, signs with Padres
- Chad Cordero wins abritration, signs with Nationals
- Mets sign Mike Bynum
- Rockies sign Mike Dejean
- Rockies sign Steve Finley to a minor league deal

There is also a new fantasy league (at your requests)

League ID: 121720
password: mlbrumors

Attention Readers!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

I regret to inform you that I will not be able to work on the site this weekend. My baseball team has been invited to the Phoenix Invitational Baseball Tournament for sixteen, seventeen, and eighteen year olds. It is from tomorrow to Saturday, so I should be home Sunday in the late afternoon. I am sorry for the inconvenience and I hope you will all continue coming to the site next week. Don't forget about the FANTASY BASEBALL LEAGUES!! The winners of each league will be given a baseball related gift courtesy of the site. Signing up is free and with the different stats and gameplay, should make the season very interesting.

Spring Training Day 6

Transactions
- Cubs sign Carlos Zambrano

Controversies
- Bernie Williams rejects Yankees offer
- Papelbon still an option for closer
- Schilling's last year in Beantown?
- Walker not upset about losing spots to Kouzmanoff and Giles
- Jeter: "I dont have a rift" with A-Rod
- Ichiro ready to become free agent?

Injuries
- Scott Elarton back from injury (shoulder)
- Rickie Weeks had a cortisone shot in his wrist
- Bartolo Colon took fielding, but did not throw - Logan Kensing to return in July
- Edmonds will not hit or run for two weeks (shoulder, toe)
- Sean Burroughs out indefintely? (separated shoulder)

Rumors
- A-Rod won't opt out?
Teams that reported (full-squad)
- Angels, Cardinals, Cubs, Giants, Mariners, Nationals, Orioles, Phillies, and Yankees

Highlights from Spring Training

Zambrano Signs Deal Just Before Hearing

The Cubs and Carlos Zambrano have agreed to a one year deal, worth 12.4 million dollars, minutes before their hearing was to begin. Zambrano is hoping the Cubs can get a deal done before Opening Day, and avoiding arbitration is certainly a positive thing. Zambrano was 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA. He is seeking a deal around five years, worth 17-18 million dollars annually.

SIGN UP FOR FANTASY LEAGUES TO BELOW...

Yahoo Fantasy Baseball Leagues

After reviewing the leagues, I see that come draft time, the good players would be too spread out and the elite players would barely make it around to each team. I decided to scrap those leagues and create three new ones. I am sorry for the inconvience and hope you will still join. Just click the link...

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League 1 Saturday March 10 (1:00 p.m. CT)

League ID: 85766
password: mlbrumors

League 2 Saturday March 3 (1:00 p.m. CT)

League ID: 85787
password: mlbrumors

League 3 Sunday March 18 (11:30 a.m. CT)

League ID: 85818
password: mlbrumors

Spring Training Day 5

Monday, February 19, 2007

Transactions
- Mets sign Alomar Jr.
- Manager Gibbons signs extension with Blue Jays

Controversies
- A-Rod and Jeter's relationship has cooled

- Carlos Zambrano expects to avoid arbitration hearing tomorrow
- Bernie not at Yankees camp
- Manny Ramirez will be late to camp
-Sweeney knows hold grudge after Bonds' accusations

Injuries
- Khalil Greene's finger still hurt
- Cardinals Encarnacion a week away from hitting (wrist)
- Kerry Wood a week away from pitching to hitters
- Carl Pavano out with heavy legs
- Juan Rivera out for at least 3 weeks until he is fully healed (broken leg)
- Sean Chacon diagnosed with knee arthritis
- Rickie Weeks will see a doctor (wrist)

Rumors
- Tigers Guillen ready to walk?
- Buehrle, Dye, Iguchi entering last years?

Teams that reported
- Reds and Twins

Highlights from Spring Training

Mets Sign Alomar Jr.

The Mets have agreed to a minor league deal with Sandy Alomar Jr and invited him to Spring Training. With the Dodgers and White Sox, he hit a combined .278 with 1 HR and 17 RBI.

POLL OF THE WEEK UPDATED

LAST WEEKS WINNER: RICH HILL

2008 Top 100 Prospects

Sunday, February 18, 2007

1. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 1-10
2. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 11-20
3. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 21-30
4. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 31-40
5. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 41-50
6. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 51-60
7. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 61-70
8. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 71-80
9. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 81-90
10. 2008 Top 100 Prospects: 91-100

Baseball is Back!

Readers,
I have created a fantasy baseball league at Yahoo Fantasy. It is custom, so it should get very interesting. If you are interested in joining, go to http://baseball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/b1/register/createjoin?.scrumb=

League ID: 58151
Password: mlbrumors

Draft time is March 25 (sunday) at 11:45 a.m. CDT

Since the League filled up so quickly, I have created another one:

Leaue ID: 63369
Password: mlbrumors

Draft time is March 10(saturday) at 1:00 p.m. CDT

Nationals Sign Belliard

The Nationals and Ronnie Belliard have agreed to a minor league (not guaranteed) that will pay him 750,000 dollars if he makes the team. "It gives us protection in the middle, flexibility in the middle, depth." "We feel it gives us protection in the middle of the diamond going into spring training, plus a good right-handed bat off the bench, which is something this club needed," general manager Jim Bowden said. Belliard hit .272 with 13 HR and 67 RBI. This is a great move for the Nationals: Belliard has proven he can consistently hit compiling a .272 career average. He also can hit a significant amount of home runs. He has proven that he can hit a good amount of home runs for his size with 42 home runs and 215 RBI over the past three years. With the Nationals going with Guzman and Lopez up the middle, Belliard provides a lot of depth that in case one gets hurt, or plays poorly, he can step in and do his job effectively.

Spring Training Day 3

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Transactions
- Orioles sign Bedard
- Marlins sign Cabrera
- Dodgers sign Stinnett

Controversies
- Griffey comes clean about hand
- Hudson on his way out
- Zito fixes delivery
- Wood, Prior throw off mound
- Prior unhappy with critism

Injuries
- Randy Johnson to miss start of season (back)
- Dodgers Brad Penny has sprained knee
- Brad Ausmus has shoulder stiffness
- Brandon League day to day (hamstring)
- Jered Weaver out for couple of weeks (shoulder)
- Angels Rodriguez/Escobar day to day
- Nate Robertson missed workouts Friday (foot fungus)
- Chad Qualls experiencing shoulder problems
- Jose Guillen still recovering from Tommy John surgery
- Mark Mulder continues to throw from flat ground
- Brad Lincoln out for t wo weeks

Rumors
- No rumors to report

Teams that reported
- A's, Blue Jays, Devil Rays, Diamondbacks, Devil Rays, Dodgers, Indians, Mets, Royals, and White Sox.

Highlights from Spring Training

2007 Rockies Projection

C Javy Lopez
.284 AVG, 17 HR, 63 RBI
1B Todd Helton
.323 AVG, 18 HR, 82 RBI
2B Jamey Carroll
.286 AVG, 3 HR, 29 RBI
3B Garrett Atkins
.312 AVG, 26 HR, 107 RBI
SS Troy Tulowitzki
.273 AVG, 13 HR, 52 RBI
LF Matt Holliday
.316 AVG, 37 HR, 118 RBI
CF Wily Taveras
.287 AVG, 4 HR, 43 RBI
RF Brad Hawpe
.278 AVG, 20 HR, 71 RBI

SS Clint Barmes
.247 AVG, 9 HR, 49 RBI

P Aaron Cook
9-12 W-L, 4.29 ERA, 82 K
P Jeff Francis
15-12 W-L, 4.09 ERA, 143 K
P Rodrigo Lopez
10-14 W-L, 5.46 ERA, 121 K
P Josh Fogg
9-10 W-L, 5.39 ERA, 78 K
P Byung-Hyun Kim
9-8 W-L, 4.84 ERA, 113 K

Angels Weaver Out

Angels pitcher Jered Weaver experienced some tightness in his throwing shoulder and the Angels are going to shelf him for the next couple of weeks. Although this comes as a surprise to some of the Angels staff, Weaver says this feeling has come up before. "The way I throw, it's going to be an issue — I've had it since high school," he said. "It sticks around for a long time, and it's a matter of knocking it out. With my long mechanics and different arm slot, I put a little more stress on my shoulder." In his rookie season, Weaver was 11-2 with a 2.56 ERA and 105 K. The Angels also held Kelvim Escobar and Francisco Rodriguez out of fielding drills because Escobar felt tightness in his left knee and Rodriguez had a sore hamstring.

Johnson Out, Zito Returns to Form, Wood Back

Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said pitcher Randy Johnson won't be able to pitch until mid to late April. The Diamondbacks expected this when they traded for him, but expected him to be ready earlier then late April; however, they are content with the situation. "He'll play catch," Melvin said. "I have, potentially, the first bullpen date written down, but I'm not going with it yet. We'll just see if we get there." Johnson was 15-11 with 5.00 ERA.

New Giants pitcher Barry Zito and Giants pitching coach Dave Righetti have discussed the changes Zito made to his delivery and have decided to go back to his original form.

Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood threw 10 pitches off the mound today, and pitching coach Larry Rothschild said he looked good. "He really looked good," Rothschild said of Wood, who bruised his chest in the fall. "It was only 10 pitches, but the fact that he's on his legs tells me that he feels good arm-wise.

Cabrera Wins Arbitration

Florida Marlins third basemen Miguel Cabrera won his arbitration case and will make 7.4 million dollars next season. Cabrera, who batted .339 with 26 HR, was offered 6.7 million dollars from the Marlins. He is the first place to win his arbitration case.

The Orioles and Erik Bedard agreed to a one year deal worth 3.4 million dollars, avoiding arbitration. Bedard was 15-11 with a 3.76 ERA last season.

Spring Training Day 2

Friday, February 16, 2007

Transactions
- Keith Foulke retires

- Red Sox sign Pena

Controversies

- Clemens: "I don't want to play"
- Glavine to retire after season?
- Juan Uribe will report to camp on time
- Mussina, Pavano make nice

Injuries

- Cubs Sean Marshall a week behind schedule
- Jose Acevedo second Oriole to go down for season
- Astros Hector Gimenez still recovering from elbow tendinitis
- Nick Johnson out til June (broken leg)

Rumors
- Nationals interested in Belliard
- Dodgers continue to dangle Penny

Teams that reported

Tigers, Braves, Rockies, Astros, Pirates, and Padres

Highlights from Spring Training

Red Sox Sign Pena

The Red Sox have agreed to a one year deal with Wily Mo Pena. Pena, who hit .301 with 11 HR, will be the Red Sox fourth outfielder.

Keith Foulke to Announce Retirement

One of the biggest position battles set to take place in Cleveland ended before it even started. Keith Foulke and Joe Borowski were contending for the spot, but now it appears Borowski will take it. Foulke, who was the favorite to get the closer role, was set to make a guaranteed salary of five million dollars. Whether he retired because of injuries or because he had enough, Foulke will go down as one of the key players that brought a World Series to Boston in 2004. Foulke has a career record of 41-34 with a 3.30 ERA and 190 SV with the White Sox, Giants, A's, and Red Sox.