June 2009 - Baseball Wiretap

Soriano Would Move Back To 2B If Cubs Signed Manny
After three years in the outfield, Alfonso Soriano says that he'd move back to second base if the Cubs were able to sign free agent Manny Ramirez.

Chicago Tribune

Torre: I'm Done After 2010 Season
Dodgers manager Joe Torre has reiterated that he will retire after the 2010 season, when his three-year contract with the team runs out.

Los Angeles Times

Prospect Fooled Nationals Out Of $1.4 Million
Esmailyn ?Smiley? Gonzalez, a top baseball prospect from the Dominican Republic, liked about his age and name.

Yahoo!

ESPN Finds A-Rod's Cousin
It took just a few days for ESPN to find Alex Rodriguez's cousin.

ESPN

Grading The Deal: Griffey Returns To Seattle
The city of Seattle probably would rather have Kevin Durant back, but Ken Griffey Jr. is a nice consolation prize who can still hit right-handed pitching.

Christopher Reina/RealGM

MLB Wants To Speak With A-Rod
League investigators want to meet with Alex Rodriguez to get a more detailed explanation of his admitted experiences with performance-enhancing drugs.

MLB.com

Rollins: Phils Have Something To Prove
The Phillies may be the defending World Series Champions, but shortstop Jimmy Rollins still believes that the team has something to prove this season.

MLB.com

Rays Avoid Arbitration With Aybar
The Rays agreed to a two-year deal with utilityman Willy Aybar worth $2.6 million on Wednesday.

ESPN

Thome Wants To Play Another Two Seasons
White Sox slugger Jim Thome said Wednesday that he plans to play at least two more seasons to reach 600 home runs and hopefully earn the World Series ring that he eluded him.

ESPN

Jeter: Not Everyone Was Doing Steroids
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter spoke out on the use of steroid use in baseball and teammate Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday.

Newsday

Dodgers Considering 2B Orlando Hudson
The Dodgers are active in talks with free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson.

Los Angeles Daily News

Willie Mays Helped Convince Griffey On Seattle Return
Willie Mays called Ken Griffey Jr. and helped convince him to sign with the Mariners.

MLB Network

Griffey Chooses Seattle 22 Years After They Drafted Him
Ken Griffey Jr. has decided to return to the Seattle Mariners.

MLB.com

Austin Jackson Claims To Be Stronger, Faster
Austin Jackson is one of the Yankees top prospects and represents a great hope for them in center field.

Journal News

Saito Asked Manny About Wearing No. 24
Takashi Saito asked Manny Ramirez prior to wearing No. 24 for the Red Sox this season.

Boston Herald

Bowa: Brad Penny Is 'Lazy'
Brad Penny recently made comments about clashing with some of the coaching staff during his time with the Dodgers, and third base coach Larry Bowa has fired back.

Los Angeles Times

Schmidt: I Would Have Been Tempted To Use Steroids
Legendary Philadelphia star Mike Schmidt believes that Alex Rodriguez is handling his steroid crisis well.

ESPN

Braves, Johnson Agree To One-Year Deal
The Braves have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.825 million with second baseman Kelly Johnson.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

O's Closing In On Extension With Roberts
The Orioles are reportedly close to an agreement with second baseman Brian Roberts on a four-year contract extension.

Baltimore Sun

Boston's Owner Now Wants A Cap Again
After watching the Yankees sign CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett, Boston Red Sox owner John Henry is calling for a salary cap.

Yahoo!

Beltran Out For Revenge On Hamels
Cole Hamels labeled the Mets as 'choke artists' over the offseason and Carlos Beltran had a reply this week.

New York Daily News

Jeter To Address Media On Wednesday
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will address the media on Wednesday for the first time regarding Alex Rodriguez's current steroid scandal.

MLB.com

Tejada Apologizes To Astros For Distractions
Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada apologized to the team recently for the distractions that his legal woes have caused the team.

MLB.com

Braves Still Trying To Land Griffey
Ken Griffey Jr. denied a report on Tuesday that he had decided to play for the Braves this season, but the team is still working to sign the outfielder.

ESPN

A-Rod's Timeline Reveals Inconsistencies
Alex Rodriguez attempted to improve his image and answer more questions about his recent admission on Tuesday, but many believe he ended up hurting his cause.

New York Times

Royals Sign Jacobs To One-Year Deal
The Royals on Tuesday signed first baseman Mike Jacobs to a one-year contract for the 2009 season, avoiding arbitration.

Press Release

Royals Sign Jacobs To $3.3M Deal
First baseman Mike Jacobs agreed to a one-year, $3.275-million contract with the Royals on Tuesday night.

MLB.com

Cain Addressing Conditioning Concerns
Matt Cain hasn't had a history of the best conditioning, something the Giants have pressed on him over the years.

San Francisco Chronicle

Bay's Future Uncertain With Red Sox
Jason Bay expected to discuss a possible contract extension with the Red Sox this offseason, but the market for free agents was weak and he'll enter the season without a contract for next year.

Boston Herald

Gagne Gets Invite To Brewers' Camp
The Brewers and reliever Eric Gagne have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

ESPN