Misc Rumor - Baseball Wiretap
Will Yankees Stick With Hughes?
The Yankees haven't made a decision on how long they are going to stick with Phil Hughes in the rotation, according to the New York Daily News.
Hughes was booed off the mound in the fourth inning on Tuesday against the Tigers.
He is the youngest pitcher in the majors at 21, and has an ERA of 9.00 with an 0-4 record.
The question's been asked (internally)," GM Brian Cashman said when asked if Hughes might lose his rotation spot. "If we decide to do something, we'll talk to the player first. But I think it's fair for us to discuss it."
Florida Spends More On Marketing Than Any Other MLB Club
The Marlins say they spend more than $10 million annually on advertising and marketing, more than any other team.
President David Samson insists they can't afford to spend anymore money on players, "because we need to advertise and be creative in our market."
RealGM Note: They also have the lowest payroll in the MLB of $21 million. Hanley Ramirez, is currently having the 12th best season in all of baseball and 'deserves' to make $16 million, but is taking home just $439k, making him and his +3545% Reina Value one of the best bargains in the game.
Smoltz May Be Willing To Re-Join Bullpen
After heading to the disabled list with persistent shoulder pain, John Smoltz admitted on Tuesday that he would accept a move to the bullpen upon his return, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He was placed on the 15-day DL on Tuesday because of inflammation in his right rotator cuff.
"Right now I'm sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I'd like to end it," he said.
He has saved 154 games for the Braves in his career.
Mientkiewicz: We Haven't Seen Real Johan Yet
Pittsburgh's Doug Mientkiewicz, who played with Johan Santana in Minnesota, doesn't believe that New York has seen the lefty pitcher at his best yet this season, according to Newsday.
"They haven't seen a really good Johan yet," said Mientkiewicz before the Mets and Pirates played on Tuesday. "Johan's always started slow. Even in Minnesota. He always started very slow. But then as soon as the season started developing, he was lights out."
"Let's put it this way: When that team needs him the most, he's going to be there. Come August and September, he's going to be dominant," added Mientkiewicz.
RealGM Note: Santana has an average FIC of 8.44 per start and is ranked 19th in baseball amongst starting pitchers in season FIC.
Report: Clemens Had Several Affairs
Just a few days after it was reported that Roger Clemens had an affair with country singer Mindy McCready, reports indicate that he may have cheated on his wife with several women during his Major League career, according to the New York Daily News.
He reportedly flew women around the country on his private jet and bought them expensive jewelry during numerous affairs.
Konerko Earns Right To Veto Any Trade
Paul Konerko earned the right to veto any trade from the White Sox as he celebrated his tenth year of service in the Major Leagues on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Tribune.
"I can't see it, really," Konerko said about leaving the White Sox. "Last year was a bad year for the organization...the way everything panned out. I don't see that happening for the team any time soon. I don't see any scenario in which I'm not a White Sox through the length of this deal (through 2010) because I see this team being competitive, and I want to play on a competitive team."
"Last year was one year where everything went down the drain. I don't see that happening again, at least in the next couple years," Konerko added.
McCready Confirms Affair With Clemens
Country singer Mindy McCready confirmed a long-term affair with pitcher Roger Clemens on Monday.
"I cannot refute anything in the story," a tearful but resolute McCready told the Daily News.
The two met at a Florida karaoke bar when McCready was a 15-year-old and Clemens was a 28-year-old ballplayer with Boston.
"Yes, I have known Roger Clemens for a long time," McCready said, reading from a prepared statement. "He's a kind and caring man. He's also a legendary athlete. The central topic in the debate, however, regards his professional life, not his personal life."
"There are legal matters working their way through the system that have nothing to do with me. From my point of view, that is where the focus should remain."
Sources claim that the two did not engage in sex when they first met and that the relationship became physical when she later moved to Nashville.
Reds' Hatteberg Would Welcome A Trade
Scott Hatteberg won't demand a trade from the Reds, but he wouldn't object to a deal away from the team either, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
He's not happy in his role as the team's pitch-hitter.
"It's difficult," Hatteberg said. "I've never been a very good pinch-hitter. I'm trying to figure it out. I'm trying."
"First and foremost, I'd like to be here and help the team win," he added. "I play baseball to play."
Glavine 'Concerned' About Being Rusty
The Braves' Tom Glavine is concerned about getting rusty following his short stay on the disabled list, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"The good thing is that I've been able to throw at least a little bit," said Glavine. "So it's not like I haven't picked up a ball."
"But there's still going to be some concerns for me, going out there, not having been out there in a while ? that I might feel too strong or my command might not be where I want it to be," he added.
Giants Demote Zito To Bullpen
The Giants' Barry Zito was demoted to the bullpen Monday, in hopes the former ace can correct his problems by working in relief, according to an Associated Press report.
Zito, who only 16 months ago signed a $126M, seven-year deal to lead their rotation, was informed of the move in a meeting with manager Bruce Bochy.
?I?m certainly not happy with it, by any means,? Zito said. ?But this is the bed that I?ve made. I have to lay in it for the time being and I have to overcome. I trust management and I trust what their decisions are.?
Posada: I Won't Play First Base
Jorge Posada does not want to move to first base should his shoulder issues linger and hinder his production as the catcher of the Yankees.
Giants Consider Moving Zito To Bullpen
The Giants are considering moving Barry Zito to the bullpen.
Smoltz Complains Of Sore Shoulder After Shaky Outing
John Smoltz complained of a sore shoulder after a rough outing against the Mets on Sunday.
Leyland: Sheffield Will Stay At No. 3
Despite his early struggles, Gary Sheffield will remain in the third spot in the lineup for the Tigers.
Report: Clemens Had Affair With Country Singer
Roger Clemens reportedly had a decade-long affair with country star Mindy McCready.
Pirates Release Morris
The Pirates decided to cut veteran pitcher Matt Morris on Sunday, which will cost the team more than $10M.
Home-Plate Umpire Hurt At Dodger Stadium
Home-plate umpire Kerwin Danley briefly lost consciousness after being hit in the mask with a fastball thrown by the Dodgers' Brad Penny on Saturday.
Experts Peg Joba As A Top Starter
Baseball experts that have seen Joba Chamberlain pitch as a starter in the minor leagues believe that he would be a top starter for the Yankees.
Rangers' Ryan: No Decision Yet On Washington
Texas Rangers team president Nolan Ryan says a decision has not yet been made on the future of manager Ron Washington.
Yanks Call Up Duncan, Demote Traber
The Yankees called up Shelly Duncan from the minor leagues on Saturday and started him in right field against the Indians.
Surgery To End Bruney's Season In N.Y.
Brian Bruney will miss the rest of the season for the Yankees after finding out that he will need surgery to repair a tear in the Lisfranc joint of his right foot.
Struggling Liriano Sent To Triple-A Rochester
After losing all three of his starts, LHP Francisco Liriano was sent to the minors on Friday.
Maddux: 'Closing Is The Hardest Job'
Greg Maddux believes that the role of closer is the toughest job in baseball.
Thomas To Be 'Everday DH' For A's
Frank Thomas will reportedly be an everyday designated hitter as a member of the Oakland A's.
Fuentes Replaces Corpas As Rockies' Closer
Brian Fuentes has replaced Manny Corpas as the closer of the Rockies.
Soriano Will Hit Leadoff When He Returns
Alfonso Soriano will bat in the leadoff spot for the Cubs when he returns to the active roster.
Leyland Won't Explain Cabrera-Guillen Switch
Tigers' Manager Jim Leyland will not explain why he switched the team's defensive alignment, swapping Carlos Guillen and third baseman Miguel Cabrera.
Zito Will Keep Pitching Through Slump
Giants' starter Barry Zito will remain in the team's starting rotation despite his incredible slump.
Cubs Get 10,000th Win In 10th Inning
The Cubs won their 10,000th game as a Major League franchise on Wednesday night with a 10-inning victory against the Rockies.
Mattingly Trying To Fix Andruw's Swing
Dodgers' hitting Coach Don Mattingly is reportedly trying to fix the swing of new outfielder Andruw Jones.