May 2011 - Baseball Wiretap
Tony Reagins Steps Down As GM Of Angels
Angels General Manager Tony Reagins abruptly resigned Friday.
He will remain with the ballclub as a special assistant to club chairman Dennis Kuhl.
“In moving forward, we felt a change was needed," said owner Arte Moreno, whose team has missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2000-2001.
Francona Out As Manager Of Red Sox
The Red Sox have parted ways with Terry Francona.
Francona helped lead the Red Sox to their first World Series since 1918 when they defeated the Cardinals in 2004. Boston won the World Series again in 2007.
The Red Sox were eliminated from playoff contention on the final day of the season, culminating a September in which a sizable Wildcard lead over the Rays disappeared.
Yankees Leave Colon Off ALDS Roster
The Yankees will carry an 11-man pitching staff in their ALDS against the Tigers.
They have tabbed CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia as their only starting pitchers. Sabathia would pitch Game 4 on short rest, while Nova would take Game 5 on normal rest.
The eight-man bullpen will also include starters A.J. Burnett and Phil Hughes.
Bartolo Colon is the odd man out.
Jesus Montero will serve as the reserve designated hitter and catcher.
Chipper Reiterates Commitment To Play In 2012
Chipper Jones has reiterated his desire to return to the Braves and Major League Baseball next season.
Jones said Atlanta's September collapse would have no bearing on his decision.
"I've committed to playing next year," he said. "I won't commit past that; let's put it that way. [But] I'm looking forward to it. As tough a pill as it is to swallow, for a lot of these young guys it's a learning experience.
"We got our butts kicked for the last couple of weeks of the season, and they're going to learn a lot from it and be better ballplayers for it."
Jones, 39, came back from season-ending knee surgery in August 2010 to hit .275 with 33 doubles, 18 homers and 70 RBIs in 126 games in 2011.
Greinke Could Start Game 2 For Brewers
There is still a chance that Zack Greinke could start Game 2 of the NLDS against the Diamondbacks.
Greinke would be appearing on short rest if he pitched against Arizona on Sunday.
He pitched six innings on short rest Wednesday night against Pittsburgh to clinch home-field advantage for the NLDS.
Kemp Won't Discuss Contract Once Season Begins
Coming off an incredible offensive season, Matt Kemp is in line for a new contract with the Dodgers.
The organization has never paid a player more than $105 million and they will need to shell out more money over the next six months or risk losing Kemp in free agency.
"This is not going to be a cheap deal; you're talking about some pretty heavy dollars," said agent Dave Stewart.
Kemp wants to remain with the Dodgers, but at his agent's request he will not discuss a deal once the 2012 season begins.
"I know it is not a good thing to negotiate a contract during the course of the year; it's just not," Stewart said. "The player needs to be clear of mind and just do his job, and the organization also doesn't need the distraction."
If Kemp doesn't sign a new deal before the 2012 season, Stewart will also suggest that he entertain offers from elsewhere next winter.
White Sox Sign Santos To Multiyear Deal
White Sox right-handed reliever Sergio Santos has signed a three-year deal with the team.
Santos, a former shortstop, will earn $8.25 million over the new contract.
The contract includes three guaranteed years (2012-14) and three option years for the White Sox (2015-17).
Rays Leave Niemann Off Roster
The Rays have left right-handed starter Jeff Niemann off their roster for the ALDS against the Rangers.
Niemann was 0-2 against Texas this season, allowing 12 runs and four homers in 9 2/3 innings.
Tigers Put All Five Starters On ALDS Roster
The Tigers have included all five of their starting pitchers on their roster for the ALDS against the Yankees.
Detroit manager Jim Leyland had already stated that Justin Verlander, Doug Fister and Max Scherzer would start the first three games of the series.
They are brining along starters Rick Porcello and Brad Penny instead of adding an extra reliever to the bullpen.
Arizona's Baylor Hospitalized After Fainting
Diamondbacks batting coach Don Baylor was taken to a hospital after fainting at Miller Park on Friday morning.
Arizona general manager Kevin Towers said Baylor had a "fainting episode" after eating breakfast in the clubhouse, and one of the team's trainers caught him as he fell.
"Anytime somebody faints, loses consciousness for a while, it's scary," Towers said.
"He's a big part of this ballclub, means a lot to these players. And hopefully everything turns out well and he's in uniform tomorrow, hopefully helping us win a ballgame against a very good Brewers club."
Francona, Red Sox Meet
Terry Francona met with Red Sox management on Friday to discuss his future as manager, but the team said a decision has not been reached.
MLB Posts Fifth-Highest Attendance Total
Overall, the last eight years make up the eight best-attended seasons in MLB history.
Thome Leaning Towards Return In 2012
Jim Thome hasn't made a final decision, but the slugger is leaning towards a return to baseball next season.
Cubs Going After Theo Epstein?
The Cubs would love to hire Theo Epstein, but there is no guarantee that the Red Sox would let their general manager talk to other teams.
Marlins Had Valentine Has Backup Managerial Candidate
Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has long coveted Bobby Valentine, who he negotiated with last season.
White Sox Wanted Morrison For Guillen
The Marlins countered with a pair of prospects and the White Sox accepted.
Cardinals Will Start Lohse In Opener
Kyle Lohse was set to start a possible 163rd game against the Braves on Thursday.
Moore, Shields To Start For Rays In Games 1-2
Matt Moore has made just one Major League start in his career, pitching five scoreless innings against the Yankees on Sept. 22.
Girardi: A-Rod Healthy Enough To Play Every Day
Alex Rodriguez says his right knee is good and ready to go Friday night against the Tigers.
Epstein Wants Big Papi, Papelbon Back In 2012
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein would like both David Ortiz and Jonathan Papelbon back next season.
Francona To Leave Red Sox?
Terry Francona may depart as manager of the Red Sox, a well-placed source within the organization said Thursday.
Cubs Move Zambrano Back To 40-Man Roster
The Cubs moved Carlos Zambrano from the inactive list back to the 40-man roster on Thursday.
Alderson: Don't Expect Quick Reyes Deal
Mets GM Sandy Alderson plans to reach out to the representatives for free-agent-to-be Jose Reyes in the next couple of days.
Indians Exercise Option On Acta
The Indians have exercised their 2013 option on manager Manny Acta.
MLB Offense Drops To Two-Decade Low
A new era of pitching has caused scoring and home runs to drop to levels not seen in 19 years.
Epstein Doesn't Blame Francona For Collapse
Boston GM Theo Epstein made it a point on Thursday of not blaming manager Terry Francona for the club's collapse in September.
Posada To Be Yankees DH
Jorge Posada will serve as the DH for the Yankees against the Tigers in the ALDS.
McClure, Gibbons Out In Kansas City
Pitching coach Bob McClure and bench coach John Gibbons will not return with the Royals next season.
Belcher Returns To Indians' Front Office
Tim Belcher has stepped down as pitching coach to become a special assistant in Cleveland's front office.
RealGM's MLB Team Rankings, End Of Season Edition
The Rangers have wrestled the top spot away from the Yankees. Will the two clubs meet in the ALCS for the second year in a row?