March 2011 - Baseball Wiretap
Chipper Hopeful He'll Be Ready By Opening Day
Chipper Jones is hoping he'll be ready to play by Opening Day.
Jones began receiving daily cortisone treatments last week that have calmed the tendinitis in his surgically repaired left knee. He will soon start agility drills.
"I'm starting to get ready to do it for real," Jones said. "That's when I'll see where I'm really at."
Jones, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in August, will report to Spring Training on Feb. 14.
Reds, Volquez Avoid Arbitration
The Reds have agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander Edinson Volquez.
The deal is worth $1.6 million and includes $50,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 24 and 28 starts.
Cincinnati offered a multiyear deal to Volquez, who returned from re-constructive elbow surgery last season.
Mets, Dickey Finalize Two-Year Contract
The Mets and right-hander R.A. Dickey have finalized a two-year contract with an option for 2013.
The deal will guarantee Dickey, who would have been eligible for free agency next offseason, $7.8 million.
He gets a $1 million signing bonus, $2.25 million this year and $4.25 million in 2012 under Monday's agreement.
Dickey emerged as a finalist for National League Comeback Player of the Year after resurrecting his career with the Mets last season at age 35.
Giants Hope Pitching Will Lead To Another NL West Crown
The Giants are hoping their strong pitching staff will allow them to win another National League West crown.
They have kept their 2010 pitching staff in intact, which isn't a bad idea considering the fact that they won the World Series last season.
It was their first championship since 1955.
"I think legitimately we can start the season saying that our goal is to win the division," general manager Brian Sabean said. "We should be in a position to be favored to do that. We have to live up to that."
Viola Returns To Mets As Triple-A Coach
Frank Viola is returning to baseball, agreeing to become the pitching coach for the Class A Brooklyn Cyclones, an affiliate of the Mets.
The 1988 AL Cy Young Award winner, now 50, pitched for the Mets from 1989-91 and retired as a player in 1996.
Manny Arrives To Tampa To Finalize Contract
Manny Ramirez arrived in Tampa on Sunday to finalize his contract with the Rays.
Ramirez, 38, has been working out in Arizona and looked to be in tremendous shape.
"I am. I am," he said. "Last year, I weighed like 237. This offseason, I'm down to 225, and I feel good."
Ramirez hit .293 with 28 homers and 105 RBIs in 196 games over the past two seasons with the Dodgers and White Sox.
Isringhausen To Throw For Reds
Jason Isringhausen will attempt another comeback with the Reds.
He is scheduled to throw on Monday at the Reds complex in Arizona with the hopes of securing a Minor League deal and Spring Training invite.
"He's contacted me and said he was healthy again and wanted to throw for us," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said.
"He'll throw for [pitching coach] Bryan Price on Monday in Goodyear and we'll see how he throws and how healthy he is."
Isringhausen, 38, signed a Minor League deal with the Reds on July 22, 2010, and posted a 9.53 ERA in seven appearances with Triple-A Louisville before he was shut down on Aug. 16 with a strained right elbow.
Ackley Won't Rush Major League Debut
Dustin Ackley, Seattle's top prospect, isn't going to rush his major league debut.
He is expected to be called up at some point this season.
"I really haven't thought about where I'm going to be," Ackley said.
"I'm hoping for good things this Spring Training. I'm going to push for a job, whether that's Triple-A or the big leagues. I'll accept either way. They're going to put me where it's best for the team. And if that is Triple-A, then that's where it'll be."
Ackley made the jump from Double-A West Tennessee to Triple-A Tacoma around midseason last year, then dominated the Arizona Fall League with a Most Valuable Player campaign in which he hit .424.
The second overall pick in 2009, Ackley is the fifth-rated prospect in baseball in the recent MLB.com rankings.
Mauer Focused On Greater Durability
Twins catcher Joe Mauer is focused on being more durable heading into the 2011 season.
He is coming off a number of nagging injuries suffered last season and minor surgery in December to alleviate some swelling in his left knee.
Mauer has also advised closer Joe Nathan, who had elbow surgery last year, to take it slow.
"My advice to Nathan, I'm taking that to heart, too," Mauer said, looking ahead to his own spring plan.
"I should be ready to go when we report. Just got to be smart about it and get ready for the season."
Duchscherer Agrees To Deal With Baltimore
The Orioles and free-agent pitcher Justin Duchscherer have reach an agreement on a one-year contract, according to a source.
The deal, which is pending completion of a physical exam, could pay Duchscherer up to $4.5 million in salary and incentives.
Duchscherer, 33, has a 33-25 record with a 3.13 ERA in eight seasons with Texas and Oakland.
Rockies, Betancourt Agree To Extension
Rafael Betancourt could be in Colorado through the 2013 season.
Orioles Offer Contract To Duchscherer
Baltimore has offered a contract to Justin Duchscherer, according to reports.
Bernie Williams: Jeter Can Play Any Position
Bernie Williams believes Derek Jeter is skilled enough to play any position aside from catcher.
Weeks Will Discuss Deal Until Spring Training
Rickie Weeks is discussing a new contract with the Brewers.
Rangers Agree To Deal With Dave Bush
Dave Bush had a 4.54 ERA in 32 games for Milwaukee last season.
Bruce Expects Big Things For Reds In 2011
Jay Bruce set career-highs across the board in 2010.
Citi Field To Host 2013 All-Star Game
Citi Field is expected to host the 2013 All-Star Game.
MLK III Wants To Buy Share Of Mets
Martin Luther King III would like to purchase a share of the New York Mets.
Figgins Doesn't Want To Be Traded
Chone Figgins doesn't want to be traded.
Glaus To Sit Out Beginning Of Season
Troy Glaus has decided against signing a contract with a major-league team.
Rangers, Napoli Agree To One-Year Deal
Mike Napoli will make $5.8 million in 2011.
Posada Adjusting To Role As DH
Jorge Posada plans to catch at some point during the 2011 season.
Penny Says He's Healthy After Injury-Plagued 2010
Brad Penny went on the DL with a back injury last May and never pitched again for the Cardinals.
Twins Have Thought About Playing Mauer At Another Position
Joe Mauer's history of injury may force the Twins to play him at a less demanding position.
Minnesota To Retire Blyleven's No. 28
Bert Blyleven will be just the sixth player to have his number retired by the Twins.
Twins Take Down Trees At Target Field
Hitters complained of the not being able to pick up the ball because of the trees planted in center field.
Orioles May Have Competition For Guerrero
The Angels and Blue Jays may have interest in Vladimir Guerrero.
Wilson Upset Over Berkman's Comments
C.J. Wilson found Lance Berkman's comments funny, but he did take exception.
GM Downplays Figgins-To-A's Talk
The Mariners are downplaying reports that Chone Figgins could be dealt to the Athletics.
Mets, R.A. Dickey Agree To Two-Year Deal
R.A. Dickey will keep his knuckleball in New York.