MLB Daily Dish

Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee suspended for first five games

2010-03-18T01:40:07Z

Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee received a five game suspension and fined and undisclosed amount for plunking Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder, which ensued a benches clearing brawl.

If Lee doesn't appeal the suspension, it will begin Opening Day, which is April 5th. He may be able to appeal it for a lesser sentence, so he doesn't miss a start, but for now he will serve it in its entirety.

Poll

Does Cliff Lee deserve a 5-game suspension?

2010 St. Louis Cardinals Projection

2010-03-17T21:14:45Z

More photos » Jeff Roberson - AP

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C Yadier Molina

.284 AVG, 7 HR, 61 RBI

1B Albert Pujols

.331 AVG, 45 HR, 133 RBI

2B Skip Schumaker

.307 AVG, 6 HR, 43 RBI

3B David Freese

.266 AVG, 13 HR, 57 RBI

SS Brendan Ryan

.272 AVG, 4 HR, 38 RBI

LF Matt Holliday

.324 AVG, 26 HR, 113 RBI

CF Colby Rasmus

.258 AVG, 17 HR, 58 RBI

RF Ryan Ludwick

.275 AVG, 25 HR, 89 RBI

SP Adam Wainwright

16-9 W-L, 3.36 ERA, 182 K

SP Chris Carpenter

15-7 W-L, 2.92 ERA, 148 K

SP Kyle Lohse

8-12 W-L, 4.58 ERA, 93 K

SP Brad Penny

10-11 W-L, 4.18 ERA, 113 K

SP Mitchell Boggs

5-9 W-L, 4.62 ERA, 83 K

BEST 2009 PROJECTION: ALBERT PUJOLS

Me: .332, 39 HR, 123 RBI

Actual: .327, 47 RBI, 135 RBI

Nationals release Elijah Dukes

2010-03-17T17:52:17Z

More photos » Rob Carr - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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The Nationals made a brief announcement informing reporters that the team has released outfielder Elijah Dukes, an abrupt move with a little over two weeks remaining in spring training.

He hit .242 with 31 homers and 123 RBIs in three seasons with Tampa Bay and Washington. He was limited to 188 games with the Nationals the past two seasons because of injuries.

Dukes had put most of his troubled past behind him, and it will be interesting to see if a team gives him a chance to make the club out of spring training.

Knowing Dukes' history, would you want him on your club as a reserve outfielder? Dukes was a .274 hitter with runners in scoring position in 2009 and hit .400 when the bases were loaded with 1 grand slam.

Pitcher Derek Turnbow ends comeback

2010-03-17T01:25:40Z

More photos » Jeff Roberson - AP

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Righty reliever Derrick Turnbow said his comeback attempt with the Marlins is over after feeling discomfort in his shoulder during a spring training game. Turnbow, 32, signed a minor league deal with the team in January, but he has never been able to return to 2005 form.

He'll retired with a 4.30 career ERA and 65 saves.

Mike Lowell transition well at first, trade coming?

2010-03-16T16:51:48Z

More photos » Elise Amendola - AP

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Red Sox infielder Mike Lowell has been working out at first base, and early indications are that he has a good feel of the base. Lowell was the subject of serious trade negotiations before having to undergo thumb surgery. It is possible the Rangers and Red Sox will reopen negotiations for the 2x World Series champion.

"I told him, man, it looks like you’ve been playing here forever. But that’s what happens when you’re a really good defensive player," said teammate David Ortiz. Manager Terry Francona said this was an important step for Lowell.

Lowell hit .290 with 17 home runs in 119 games last season. He posted a .337 on-base percentage, a shy below his career average.

If he stays with the Red Sox, Lowell would likely split time with Adrian Beltre at third and David Ortiz at DH, but possible fill in for Kevin Youkilis at first. If he were to join the Rangers, he could play first and third, as well provide a veteran presence with playoff experience in the clubhouse.

Diamondbacks sign Mark Reynolds to extension

2010-03-16T00:54:31Z

More photos » Ed Andrieski - AP

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The Diamondbacks and third baseman Mark Reynolds have agreed to a three year extension worth 14.5 million dollars, according to the Arizona Republic.

The deal includes a one million dollar signing bonus, with a 500,000 dollar salary in 2010, 5 million dollars in 2011, and 7.5 million dollars in 2012. The deal includes 13 million dollar club option with a 500,000 dollar buyout.

Reynolds, 26, set career highs in home runs with 44 and runs batted in with 102. However, he struck out 204 times in 2008 and 223 in 2009, setting a league record each time.

Blue Jays sign Angel Hechevarria

2010-03-15T17:09:29Z

More photos » Darren Calabrese - AP

Alright so they didn't have any Hechevarria pictures... but this one is pretty cool of Jose Bautista.

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Hardball Talk is reporting that the Blue Jays and Cuban shortstop Angel Hechevarria have agreed to a 10 million dollar contract. This is a nice snag for new GM Alex Anthopoulos.

Hechevarria was heavily courted by the Yankees, Cubs, and Angels, but opted for the Blue Jays who offered him 2 million more than his Cuban counterpart Jose Iglesias, who signed for 8.1 million last year with the Red Sox.

The 21-year old shortstop has nice range and a good arm at short, along with a solid smooth swing at the plate. His skills are raw, but Hechevarria could rise quick through the Jays organization.

2010 Baltimore Orioles Projection

2010-03-15T01:15:23Z

More photos » Brian Blanco - AP

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DH Luke Scott

.257 AVG, 22 HR, 74 RBI

C Matt Wieters

.294 AVG, 18 HR, 76 RBI

1B Garrett Atkins

.268 AVG, 15 HR, 66 RBI

2B Brian Roberts

.281 AVG, 11 HR, 59 RBI

3B Miguel Tejada

.285 AVG, 16 HR, 70 RBI

SS Cesar Izturis

.254 AVG, 3 HR, 31 RBI

LF Nolan Reimold

.275 AVG, 23 HR, 78 RBI

CF Adam Jones

.284 AVG, 21 HR, 77 RBI

RF Nick Markakis

.301 AVG, 21 HR, 98 RBI

SP Kevin Millwood

11-10 W-L, 4.46 ERA, 128 K

SP Jeremy Guthrie

9-12 W-L, 4.67 ERA, 123 K

SP Brad Bergeson

8-10 W-L, 4.32 ERA, 86 K

SP Brian Matusz

9-12 W-L, 4.53 ERA, 114 K

SP Chris Tillman

7-9 W-L, 4.84 ERA, 104 K

BEST 2009 PROJECTION: ADAM JONES

Me: .275 AVG, 17 HR, 68 RBI

Actual: .277 AVG, 19 HR, 70 RBI

Commentary: Do White Sox Grow Players Better Than the Cubs Do?

2010-03-14T18:38:39Z

More photos » Paul Connors - AP

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The New York Times' Dan McGrath wrote in Times' Sunday paper that the White Sox develop players better than the Cubs do. It is hard to argue one way or the other, considering it was 2008 when catcher Geovany Soto won Rookie of the Year and in 2009 White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham had a breakout year.

The Cubs will only have two position players in their Opening Day lineup that are homegrown while the White Sox will have just one (excluding Kosuke Fukudome and Alexei Ramirez).

Both teams have a slew of pitchers that are homegrown, the notables - Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Marmol, and Randy Wells - and for the Sox - Mark Buehrle and Bobby Jenks - make up key parts of their respective teams pitching staffs.

McGrath argues that the White Sox not only draft better, but develop their talent better than their rival Northsiders. Since the Cubs added amateur scout Tom Wilken, they have actually done very well in the draft. The farm system is restocked and several players are nearing the major league level. Let's take go back to 2006 and see who the Cubs have taken and where are they now.

2006 notables - OF Tyler Colvin, P Jeff Samardzija - both in major league camp.

2007 notables - 3B Josh Vitters (reassigned to minors), C Josh Donaldson (sent to Oakland for Rich Harden)

2008 notables - RP Andrew Cashner (in major league camp), INF Ryan Flaherty (in major league camp), P Chris Carpenter (2.82 ERA in Double-A)

2009 notables - OF Brett Jackson (reassigned to minors)

Prior to 2005, the Cubs draft picks are "one Ozzie Timmons after the other," but the Cubs are on the verge of adding several homegrown prospects to their roster in the next two to three seasons.

Away from the draft boards, we can't forget about some of the young talent the team has added. Anyone heard of Starlin Castro? Castro is coming off a tremendous 2009 season and is hitting .400 in spring training. He is expected to start (key word, start) in Triple-A this season.

Another shortstop prospect, Hak-ju Lee, is making a name for himself at the lower levels and if he follows up on his 2009 campaign, his name could be in the mix of top ten Cubs prospects.

Back to the White Sox.

Let's go back to 2006 and see how the White Sox have done in drafting and developing talent.

2006 notables - P Kyle McCulloch (now 24, posted a 4.65 ERA in 2008 and a 4.58 ERA in 2009, both in Double-A), P Brian Omogrosso (in major league camp)

2007 notables - P Aaron Poreda (traded to SD in Jake Peavy Deal), P John Ely (traded to LA in Juan Pierre deal)

2008 notables - 2B Gordon Beckham (well, he's pretty good), P Dan Hudson (in major league camp), OF Jordan Danks.

2009 notables - Jared Mitchell (in major league camp, 2010 season in question after injury)

From everyone in both lists, the Cubs have only had two of their players make major league appearances (Colvin and Samardzija) while the White Sox have had two as well (Beckham and Poreda).

The White Sox made a tremendous signing in Alexei Ramirez, who is a .283 hitter in two seasons. They also signed Dayan Viciedo, but he has yet to make a serious impact or generate buzz for that matter.

The bottom line is that the Cubs are in a transitional phase waiting to see how their young players perform at the upper levels of minor leagues. However, the same can be said for the White Sox, who will likely send Dan Hudson and Jordan Danks to Double-A, maybe Triple-A.

When the two Chicago teams can clear some unwanted payroll from the roster, it will give way to some of their young players to emerge and become a team built from the ground up, similar to the Rays, Twins, or Rockies.

Poll

Who has better prospects going into the future?

Kris Benson working out for Diamondbacks

2010-03-14T17:02:54Z

More photos » Jeff Chiu - AP

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FOX SPORTS is reporting that free agent pitcher Kris Benson is in Diamondbacks camp to throw a simulated game, presumably to be a replacement in the rotation for Brandon Webb.

The team has yet to decide whether or not to offer him a major or minor league deal, but either way, Benson has a very good chance of making the team.

Benson appeared in 8 games with the Rangers last season after missing all of 2007 with a torn rotator cuff and in the minor leagues in 2008.

Spring Training Injury Wire

2010-03-14T01:38:18Z

More photos » Charles Krupa - AP

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Astros first baseman Lance Berkman had a successful knee surgery but is expected to miss the next two-four weeks. The doctors and team staff believe Berkman will make a full recovery, but he isn't expected to be ready until the middle or end of April. Jeff Keppinger, Geoff Blum, and Chris Shelton could all see time at first while he is out.
Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was unable to throw a bullpen session today because of a stiff neck. Matsuzaka has been battling his way back all spring training, now with his second setback since he reported in February. This will certainly impact his fantasy value.
Both Cubs infielders Aramis Ramirez and Derek Lee were out on Saturday. Lee is day-to-day with a bruised foot, but the Cubs expect him to be ready by Tuesday. Ramirez left Saturday's game early with a tricep strain. He is also day-to-day.
Indians infielder Asdrubal Cabrera will be out for several days with a strained left groin. Cabrera hit a solid .308 last season with 42 doubles in 131 games.
Rangers second baseman is day-to-day with an ankle strain. Kinsler rolled it when running on some wet grass before a practice.

Twins sign Denard Span to extension

2010-03-13T19:20:40Z

More photos » Ted S. Warren - AP

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The Twins and outfielder Denard Span have agreed to a five year extension worth 16.5 million dollars with a 9 million dollar team option for a sixth season. Span, in his first full season, answered after a strong rookie season to hit .311 with 8 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and a .392 on-base percentage.

For a leadoff hitter, the Twins made a pretty favorable deal. The deal buys out all his arbitration years and locks him up through his best years. The 26-year old is a career .305 hitter 238 career games.

Who's playing in the Commissioner League?

2010-03-11T20:21:29Z

More photos » Ed Andrieski - AP

Who's taking Webb?? I'm not...

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MLB Daily Dish's Commissioner League with CBSSports.com is a little over two weeks away and we still have a few spots left! Come join our competitive fantasy league on one of the top fantasy baseball systems on the web.

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Receive 50% for starting your own league and take advantage of the 14-day free trial to test out the system. This one time offer won't last forever!

Kevin Towers joining Yankees

2010-03-11T19:53:11Z

AOL Fanhouse is reporting that the former Padres GM Kevin Towers will join the Yankees as a special assistant to GM Brian Cashman. Towers will make 50,000 dollars, on top of an additional one million the Padres owe him.

Towers will be responsible for scouting both amateurs and professionals, and will be a great advisor in trade and contract negotiations coming up this season and next offseason.

Towers hopes to one day return to the GM role, and honestly, he will be at the top of several teams lists when the next vacancy opens.

Brian Giles announces retirement

2010-03-11T19:46:43Z

More photos » Lenny Ignelzi - AP

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Slowed by a bum knee, Dodgers outfielder Brian Giles has decided to announce his retirement from baseball, ending an impressive 15-year career with the Indians, Pirates, and Padres.

"We went into this with our eyes open to what the challenges were going to be and how difficult it was going to be [for Giles]," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said Thursday. "My only regret is that he won't have a chance to play here. Most of the last 14 years, I've watched him do damage to whatever team I was with at the time."

Giles amassed 1,897 hits over the course of his career and is a .291 hitter with 287 career homeruns and a .400 on-base percentage. He was also a two-time All-Star.

His retirement leaves infielder Doug Mientkiewicz and outfielder Garret Anderson to compete for the final spot on the bench.

Twins making moves on Jason Frasor?

2010-03-11T19:31:08Z

More photos » Kathy Willens - AP

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The Twins are reportedly still talking with the Blue Jays about reliever Jason Frasor, who would presumably compete for the vacant closer spot if the Twins are forced to shut down Joe Nathan.

It seems highly unlikely that Nathan will be able to make it through the 2010 season, which is unfortunate considering how valuable he has been to the Twins over the past six seasons. Regardless, the Twins are monitoring Frasor in the event they need an extra arm in the pen.

The Cubs could force the Twins' hand on this trade as they are also talking to the Jays about acquiring the Chicago native. The Cubs will be without Angel Guzman for the 2010 season, barring a miraculous recovery, and would like another arm to bridge the gap to the later innings.

Frasor posted a 2.50 ERA in 61 appearances for the Blue Jays last season, striking out 56 and walking 16. The 2009 season was certainly Frasor's career best, so the Jays likely won't just dump him for a low level prospect. And teams looking to add him aren't unloading a major league ready anything for a reliever with a collective 4.36 ERA from 2006-2008.

One NL executive reminded me that the Padres shopped Heath Bell this offseason and for most of last season, and he could emerge as an option for the Twins as a full-year option or half-year rental. The Twins are expected to be in the AL Central race all season, and adding a closer like Bell could salvage the bullpen and maybe even there season.

Rockies extend Todd Helton

2010-03-11T17:42:50Z

More photos » David Zalubowski - AP

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The Rockies have agreed to a contract restructuring that will extend first baseman Todd Helton's contract through the 2013 season. Helton would be 40 when the contract runs up, and there is an option in his contract to join the club in another role.

Helton is set to earn 19.5 million dollars in 2011 with a 4.5 million dollar buyout in 2012. Under his contract restructuring, Helton will receive a 4.5 million dollar signing bonus along with a 6 million dollar base salary in 2011, with 13 million dollars being deferred until after his playing career.

Helton will earn 4.9 million dollars in 2012 and 5 million dollars in 2013 under his new deal.

What do you guys this of this deal? Helton has really had only one misstep in terms of batting average, hitting .264 in 2008 in an injury-shortened season.

Poll

Did the Rockies make the right move in extending Todd Helton?

Red Sox sign Nomar Garciaparra, then announces retirement

2010-03-10T16:35:45Z

More photos » Winslow Townson - AP

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The Red Sox and Nomar Garciaparra have agreed to a one-day contract, allowing the once All-Star shortstop to retire with his first organization. Garciaparra appeared in 65 games with the A's last season, hitting .281 with 3 home runs and a .314 on-base percentage.

In 14 professional seasons, Garciaparra is a career .313 hitter with a .361 on-base percentage. Garciaparra's best years came at the end of the 1990s, when he hit .357 and .372 in 1999 and 2000, respectively.

He will join Baseball Tonight as a analyst for the 2010 season.

Rangers acquire Edwar Ramirez

2010-03-09T21:43:44Z

More photos » Paul J. Bereswill - AP

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The Rangers have acquired pitcher Edwar Ramirez from the Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. The Yankees designated Ramirez for assignment last week after posting a 5.73 ERA for the Yankees last season.

However, Ramirez had a tremendous 2008 season, so it is possible 2009 was a fluke year and that he will return to form in 2010.

Ramirez went 5-1 with a 3.55 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings in 55 appearances for the Yankees in 2008 and held the opposition to a .215 batting average, with right-handers hitting just .195. His 10.25 strikeouts per nine innings were seventh-best among American League relievers that year.

Ramirez has low-90s fastball that he mixes well with a potentially devastating slider. Yankee fans saw it at its true best in 2008, but he had issues commanding it in 2009.

Perhaps working with pitching coach Mike Maddux along with Nolan Ryan can work out some of the kinks in his mechanics.

Joe Nathan headed for Tommy John surgery?

2010-03-09T15:18:22Z

More photos » Mark Duncan - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com is reporting that Twins closer Joe Nathan is set to meet with Dr. James Andrews to discuss options concerning his torn ulnar collateral ligament. Nathan is coming off a 47 save season, posting a 2.10 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP in 70 appearances.

If Nathan is forced to shut down for the entire season, it would be a huge blow to the Twins' bullpen. Mayo says that the 35-year old closer will rest a week or two before determining if he can pitch again.

The former All-Star will not immediately have surgery. Instead, he will rest and rehab, working to build up the elbow, over the next week or two. After that time period, Nathan will make a determination if he can pitch with the injury or will need an operation to repair it.

Despite missing all of the 2009 season, it is possible we could see Pat Neshek fall into the closer role if he can prove to be fully healthy this spring. So far, he's appeared in two innings, striking out two. Another option would be reliever Matt Guerrier, who posted a 2.36 ERA in 79 games last season.

The Twins have solid relievers, but losing one means the whole bullpen would have to be reshuffled, which is certainly a concern for manager Ron Gardenhire.

Poll

MLB Daily Dish

Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee suspended for first five games

Does Cliff Lee deserve a 5-game suspension?

2010 St. Louis Cardinals Projection

Nationals release Elijah Dukes

Pitcher Derek Turnbow ends comeback

Mike Lowell transition well at first, trade coming?

Diamondbacks sign Mark Reynolds to extension

Blue Jays sign Angel Hechevarria

2010 Baltimore Orioles Projection

Commentary: Do White Sox Grow Players Better Than the Cubs Do?

Who has better prospects going into the future?

Kris Benson working out for Diamondbacks

Spring Training Injury Wire

Twins sign Denard Span to extension

Who's playing in the Commissioner League?

Kevin Towers joining Yankees

Brian Giles announces retirement

Twins making moves on Jason Frasor?

Rockies extend Todd Helton

Did the Rockies make the right move in extending Todd Helton?

Red Sox sign Nomar Garciaparra, then announces retirement

Rangers acquire Edwar Ramirez

Joe Nathan headed for Tommy John surgery?

If the Twins are forced to shut down Joe Nathan, who should be the teams closer?