May 2008 - Baseball Wiretap

Vargas Could Round Out Mets' Rotation
Claudio Vargas has reportedly cleared waivers and could become the fifth starter in the Mets' rotation.

The New York Post

Houston's Matsui May Miss First 13 Games
Kaz Matsui could miss the first two weeks of the season because of a slower-than-expected recovery.

The Houston Chronicle

Padres Pick Up Manager Black's Option For 2009
The San Diego Padres exercised Manager Bud Black's option for the 2009 season on Tuesday.

AP

Pettitte Pushed Back In Rotation
The Yankees have pushed Andy Pettitte back in the rotation in order to accommodate his aching back.

MLB.com

Torre Names Penny Opening Day Starter
Dodgers manager Joe Torre has named Brad Penny the team's Opening Day starter.

MLB.com

Rollins: Phils Are Team To Beat In NL
After predicting a division title for the Phillies last season, shortstop Jimmy Rollins said on Tuesday that they are the "team to beat" this year.

The Philadelphia Inquirer

With Sanchez Hurting, Pittsburgh Signs Rivas
Pittsburgh second basemen Freddy Sanchez's sore shoulder could keep him out on Opening Day, so the Pirates signed infielder Luis Rivas for insurance.

ESPN

Cubs Agree To One-Year Deal With OF Reed Johnson
The Cubs agreed on a $1.3M, one-year deal with OF Reed Johnson on Tuesday.

AP

Canseco's New Book Goes After A-Rod
Jose Canseco wrote he "introduced Alex to a known supplier of steroids" and that Rodriguez also pursued Canseco's wife.

Newsday

Decision To Send Longoria To Minors Proves Controversial
Tampa Bay's decision to send Evan Longoria down to the minor leagues was a controversial one.

St. Petersburg Times

Crisp Very Aware Of Trade Rumors
Coco Crisp says he has heard all the rumors that could have him sent out of Boston.

San Francisco Chronicle

Brewers Want To Lock Up Fielder And Braun
The Brewers have identified Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun as players they would like to give multi-year contracts to.

Journal Sentinel

Manny Leads Red Sox Over A's 6-5 In MLB Opener
Manny Ramirez hit a double in the 10th inning to give the Red Sox a 6-5 win over the A's in Tuesday night's MLB season opener in Japan.

AP

Angels' Matthews Injures Ankle
Gary Matthews Jr. twisted his right ankle while attempting to pull up at third base on Monday.

The Los Angeles Times

A-Rod Regrets Saying No To Mets
Alex Rodriguez regrets shunning the Mets for a huge contract with the Rangers back in 2000.

New York Daily News

2008 Season Preview: New York Yankees
For a team that won 94 games, is as talented as the Yankees and has upgraded their pitching staff via the development of their farm system, expectations appear excessively low.

Christopher Reina/RealGM

Giants' Frandsen Ruptures Achilles' Tendon, May Miss Season
Giants IF Kevin Frandsen ruptured his left Achilles' tendon in a minor-league game on Monday and could miss the entire 2008 season.

AP

Lidge Looks Good For Opening Day
Less than a month after having surgery on his right knee, pitcher Brad Lidge appears to be ready for Opening Day in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Cliff Lee Earns Spot In Indians' Rotation
Cliff Lee beat out Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers for the final spot in the Cleveland Indians' pitching rotation on Monday.

ESPN

Nathan, Twins Agree To Three-Year Extension
The Twins and closer Joe Nathan have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension that includes a club option for a fourth year.

ESPN

Cubs Name Wood Closer, Marquis Starter
The Chicago Cubs have named Kerry Wood as their closer and given Jason Marquis the fifth spot in the pitching rotation.

ESPN

Nats Looking To Deal Lopez
The Nationals are attempting to trade infielder Felipe Lopez, who will lose out to Ronnie Belliard for the everyday job at second base.

Washington Post

Patterson Signs Minor League Deal With Texas
John Patterson has agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

Star-Telegram

Rockies Trying To Deal Giles To Dodgers
The Rockies have essentially declared Jayson Nix the winner at second base, and they are attempting to trade Marcus Giles to the Dodgers.

Denver Post

Pettitte May Miss First Start Of Season
Andy Pettitte's aching back could force him to miss his first start of the 2008 season for the Yankees.

The New York Post

Toronto's Rolen Headed For DL?
The Blue Jays' biggest off-season acquisition could begin the season on the disabled list after he was struck on the right hand by a ball during fielding drills on Sunday.

The Star

Vlad Guerrero Not Sold On DH Role
Vladimir Guerrero still isn't sold on playing the role of designated hitter for the Angels this season.

The Los Angeles Times

Smoltz Could Start Season On DL
John Smoltz could start the regular season on the disabled list for the Braves.

MLB.com

Brewers' Capuano Could Have Tommy John Surgery
Chris Capuano could face season-ending Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career.

ESPN

2008 Season Preview: Chicago Cubs
It has been 100 years since the Cubs won the World Series and even 18 years since they won it in 'Taking Care Of Business'. Can this be the year?

Christopher Reina/RealGM