Clemens Asked To Testify

On December 13th, Roger Clemens was listed in the Mitchell Report, accusing him of using steroids between 1998-2001. According to his personal trainer Brian McNamee, who was hired by Clemens in 1997, the year he went 21-7 with a 2.05 ERA with 292 strikeouts, said he injected him with Winstrol. Clemens' attorney noted that Clemens has never tested positive for a drug test, but testing didn't start till the 2005 season, four years after Clemens reportedly stopped using steroids. Could his attorney be twisting around facts, or is McNamee a "a troubled and unreliable witness," like his attorney put it.

It is hard not to avoid a spike in his stats. In 1996, Clemens was 10-13 with a 3.63 ERA. The year before, in just 23 starts, he was 10-5 with a 4.18 ERA. In the years after he hired Brian McNamee (1998-2001), Clemens put up record highs, and enjoyed arguably the best success in his career. Now, nearly ten years later, they are in a battle of he-said he-said.

Yesterday, Clemens, among others, was asked to testify before a congressional committee on January 16th. Now he, and former trainer Brian McNamee will get to tell their side of the story under oath. Personally, I think they will get no where from the hearings because their attorney's will strategically prepare every answer so they do not hurt themselves legally. One approach is the Mark McGuire approach. Go to the hearings to only talk about improving the future, and mention nothing about the past, or your personal past. Another approach is saying 'I didn't knowingly take anything,' or, 'Everything I took was prescribed by a doctor.'

The Hall of Fame results will be announced Tuesday and if Mark McGuire is passed up on again, it will send a clear message that steroid users should not be in the Hall. Hopefully, we see some of the players who have been waiting too long get in. Players like Andre Dawson, Bert Blylevlen, and Goose Gossage might finally get the recognition they deserve. If nothing gets resolved on January 16th, will Roger Clemens get passed on for other players in his class?

Personally, I think if Clemens was clean, he would have been the first person to come out and say 'I did not do it, that is final.' Instead, he has sent out one attorney after the other to say he has not done it. Then he final comes out and says he didn't, and now he is going on 60 Minutes to further deny steroid use. How many times does he need to deny it? Now these players asked to testify do not need to show up, and it is very possible that they will not show up. I doubt that will happen, and I doubt anything will happen from the hearings on the 16th. But we will see.

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Cardinals Sign Miles, Royals Land Nomo

Just a month after being non-tendered, the Cardinals re signed Aaron Miles to a one year deal. Miles is very versatile having played five different positions for the Cardinals last season. Not only that, but he hit .290 with 2 HR and 32 RBI in 133 games. I think the main reason they brought him back was because of the lack of depth they had in the infield. Now they have two solid back ups with Brendan Ryan and Miles. Across the way, the Royals signed veteran arm Hideo Nomo to a minor league deal. Nomo is the second Japanese player the Royals have signed this off season, probably because new manager Trey Hillman, who managed over in Japan. Nomo is 123-109 in his career with a 4.21 ERA in 12 professional seasons. He was very good his rookie year going 13-6 with a 2.54 ERA, but his best year came in 2002 when he went 16-6 with a 3.39 ERA. I don't think he will be anything special for the Royals if he does make the squad, but he should be a good mentor for Yasuhiko Yabuta, who the Royals signed a couple months back.

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White Sox Cool On Crisp

Despite reports before the New Year that said the White Sox were in talks with the Red Sox about Coco Crisp, they are no longer interested. Probably because of the addition of Nick Swisher, who was told by GM Kenny Williams that he will be playing center field. I think Swisher is better than Crisp, mostly because he hits for power, gets on base, and is above average in the outfield. There are still a couple teams interested in Crisp, but he probably won't be leaving until the Santana saga ends. Among teams interested, the Cardinals, Braves, Twins, and Cubs remain interested, but are not ready to give up too much to land him. I expect the Red Sox to platoon Ellsbury and Crisp in 2008, with Ellsbury getting the majority of the playing time. We'll see what happens, but the longer the Red Sox wait on Santana, the less likely it is that they trade Crisp.

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Tigers Hope To Add Dotel

The Tigers would like to lock up Miguel Cabrera before the season starts, but would also like to add another reliever. The Detroit News believes owner Mike Ilitch does not want to dig into his pockets anymore this off season, so the Tigers might have to work with what they got in the bullpen. A possible addition would be Armando Benitez who was 2-8 with a 5.36 ERA and 57 K. They probably do not need to go above 1 or 1.5 million dollars with Benitez, so that looks more likely than Dotel, especially if they try and lock up Cabrera.

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News and Notes: Santana Talks Heating Up?

Although several outlets report talks have slowed, it looks like the Twins are asking for final offers in preparation for closing out a deal. Yankees Senior VP Hank Steinbrenner said the Yankees have made their best offer to the Twins, a deal that reportedly includes Phil Hughes, Jeff Marquez, Melky Cabrera, and another prospect. The Mets have recently cut off talks with the Twins unless they are willing to back off their demands for Jose Reyes. The Red Sox have waited patiently this whole time to wait for a Twins decision, but might getting restless. It is believed they have two offers on the table, one that includes Jon Lester, and the other that includes Jacoby Ellsbury. I still think a deal will not get done because teams are getting restless with the Twins, as they continue to ask for more. I do have one prediction though. If a team besides the Yankees land Santana, Hank Steinbrenner will come out and say that 'the Yankees did not even want Santana.'

Tigers Hope Inge Will Reconsider: The Tigers are still looking to trade Brandon Inge, but remain hopeful that he will reconsider and stay. Inge has been the face of the franchise for several years and is a fan and player favorite. I think he will stay mostly because teams are not looking for a player like Inge making nearly 20 million dollars.

Yankees Interested In Rodriguez?: Could A-Rod and K-Rod be together in the Bronx? Seems very likely. Francisco Rodriguez has always been a fan of Yankee Stadium and they could offered the big salary he will ask for. The Angels have a good bullpen, and would rather keep Vlad Guerrero than Rodriguez.

Jays, Mariners, Reds, still in on Bedard?: The Blue Jays, Mariners, and Reds continue to talk with the Orioles about a trade involving Erik Bedard, but talks are not very far. The Reds seemed to have the best chance before the New Year, but they have not talked since early last month.

Red Sox not looking long-term with Youk, yet: Kevin Youkilis is shaping up to be the Red Sox first baseman of the future, but the Red Sox are not looking long-term just yet. Youkilis batted .288 with 16 HR and 83 RBI, and is just 28, so expect him to land a four year deal, worth 24-28 million dollars. The Red Sox plan to wait until he gets closer to free agency before going long-term. For now, they seem fine with going year-to-year.

Blue Jays looking for catching?: The Blue Jays are looking for another catchers and are interested in Ronny Paulino, Johnny Estrada, and Michael Barrett. Whether a deal will get done is in question, but I think the Blue Jays would like someone to start over Gregg Zaun and Sal Fasano.

Ian Stewart moving to second?: The Rockies plan is to bring Marcus Giles in to play second for 2008, but hope third base prospect Stewart can continue to have success as he makes the switch to second base. Garrett Atkins is not going to be traded by the Rockies and Stewart, who is one of their top prospects, is not drawing much interest on the trade front.

Pirates desperate to trade Morris?: The Pirates have contacted nearly a dozen teams about the availability of Matt Morris. Morris has got a big salary, so they Pirates might have to absorb some in a trade. Although Pittsburgh Post-Gazette thinks the Mets and Yankees are likely landing spots, I think the Mariners might look to him as a fall back in case they miss out on Bedard.

Mike Piazza probably done?: Mike Piazza is looking to play in 2008, but is not finding much luck. AL teams are not desperate for DH's, certainly not one on the decline either. Piazza could go to Japan, or platoon at catcher and first in Pittsburgh, which is very unlikely.

Derek Jeter spotted in Costa Rica: According to a close source of mine on vacation, Derek Jeter is vacationing in Costa Rica before getting back to prepare for Spring Training.

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Cardinals Sign Clement

The Cardinals and Matt Clement have reportedly agreed to a major league deal, according to one Cardinals executive.

More details soon...

UPDATE: Report confirmed by St. Louis Post Dispatch.

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White Sox Acquire Swisher

Today, the Oakland A's traded Nick Swisher to the White Sox in exchange for Ryan Sweeney, Gio Gonzalez, and Fautino De Los Santos. Although the White Sox acquire a switch hitting outfielder who is signed through 2012, they give up three top prospects who are nearing the MLB. "Nick is a quality switch hitter who consistently gets on base, hits for power and drives in runs," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said of Swisher. Gonzalez, 22, finished 9-7 with a 3.18 ERA in 27 starts for Double-A last season. He struck out 185 in 150 innings, but was an unlikely candidate to make the White Sox rotation in 2008. De Los Santos, 21, was 10-5 with a 2.65 ERA in 26 games between Class A Kannapolis and Class A Winston-Salem. I don't see these guys making the roster to start the season, but Beane has done his job this off season to set up the A's for the future.

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Pirates, Marlins Grumblings

MARLINS: The Marlins are still interested in adding even more third base possibilities, and have had talks with both Dallas McPhearson and Jorge Cantu. From what I am hearing, they are more interested in bringing in Cantu than McPhearson, but remain interested in both. According to one NL executive, the Tigers and Marlins talked briefly about trading Brandon Inge, but the Marlins were only interested if the Tigers would absorb nearly his entire contract. Aside from third base, they are also interested in pitcher Mike Maroth.

PIRATES: The Pirates are interested in signing Johnny Estrada, who was acquired by the Mets earlier this off season, but talks are not very far. As for pitching, they have showed some interest in Matt Clement, but they have not talked since early December.

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Royals "Very Interested" In Colon

According to sources who requested not to be named, the Royals are impressed by Colon's play in Winter League and are interested in bringing him in in 2008. I think it would be a solid pick up for the Royals, who are looking for a veteran to help some of their young pitchers. In 2005, Colon went 21-8 with a 3.48 ERA and 157 K. Since then, he has gone 7-13 with a 5.72 ERA in 29 games. Colon is still working to get his arm strength up and is just 34, so he still has time to make a successful comeback. Not only that, but Colon had nine straight double-digit win seasons, so he could really help the Royals. I think they should make an offer for Colon. If they signed him, they would have Meche, Bannister, Greinke, Colon, and either Hochever, Davies, or De La Rosa. I think the Royals would like to see him play more in Winter League before getting a deal done, so expect something probably in the next two weeks.

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Orioles Acquire Roberson

Today, the Orioles acquired speedy outfielder Chris Roberson from the Phillies in exchange for cash consideration. Roberson will probably compete for the everyday job in center, along with Payton and Redman. This trade also indicates that Corey Patterson will not be returning to Baltimore. In seven minor league seasons, Roberson has hit .278 with 33 HR and 176 SB, but is widely known for his defense. Roberson does have some work to do before he can rewarded the everyday job, but he does he could make for a solid part time player. He does not have a great plate presence, which leads to a lot of strike outs and not too many walks. Nevertheless, it is a solid pickup for the Orioles who give up next to nothing.

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Rockies Still On Giles, Towers

The Rockies continue to work out the kinks in a one year deal with Marcus Giles, according to his agent. Giles struggled with the Padres last season but has seen success in previous years with the Braves. His agent, Joe Bick, has said that other teams are interested, and it seems that the Rockies have the best chance. The Rockies are also very serious about Josh Towers, solely because he will provide pitching depth. They are also interested in pitcher Victor Zambrano, but have pitchers Franklin Morales and Brandon Hynick emerging as legitimate prospects. I have heard some news that the Cubs are shopping Sean Marshall, mostly because he cannot thrive behind similar pitchers Ted Lilly and Rich Hill. He would be a solid pickup, because he has potential and would not cost too much, maybe a pair of prospects, like pitcher Keith Weiser and a position player. The Marlins, Orioles, Twins, and Rangers are some of the teams I have been hearing have had interest, but nothing seems imminent. I do not know if the Rockies will contend for the division in 2008, but they certainly have the players to contend in the future.

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Giants Eye Sweeney

Talks between Mike Sweeney and the Royals have slowed, and it looks like Mike Sweeney will look elsewhere for a job in 2008. Sweeney is just thirty-four, but struggled last season batting .260 with 7 HR and 38 RBI in seventy-four games. I think the Giants are looking at Sweeney as a platoon player with Dan Ortmeier, which would make sense because he put up similar numbers to Sweeney, but has more upside. Sweeney would probably have to take a one year deal, worth about 1-4 million dollars. I know that seems low, but if he wants a job this year he might have to drop from the eleven million he made last year. Personally, I think the Giants should pass on Sweeney. It does not make sense for the Giants to grab another aging player, they need to accept the fact that they are rebuilding and try to improve. They have cooled on the idea of trading Matt Cain, and are still looking for a third baseman while trying to improve their bullpen.

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