June 2012 - Baseball Wiretap

Valentine Says Technology Would Help Umps
The Red Sox manager said technology should be used to eliminate human error in calling balls and strikes.

Associated Press

Zambrano Told To Take It Easy During Batting Practice
Carlos Zambrano complained of a stiff back in his most recent start.

Associated Press

Report: Pirates Checking Trade Market For Help
The Pirates are looking for help on the trade market, inquiring with the Red Sox, Padres and Cubs.

Rum Bunter

Less Than Two Months After Perfect Game, Humber May Go To Bullpen
Philip Humber continues to struggle and Robin Ventura suggested for the first time that he might be moved to the bullpen if things don't turn around.

Chicago Sun-Times

Morrow Leaves Start With Side Strain
Brandon Morrow left Monday night's loss to the Nationals after just nine pitches because of a strained muscle in his left side.

ESPN.com

Source: Ethier, Dodgers Agree To Extension
Andre Ethier has agreed in principle to a five-year, $85 million contract extension with the Dodgers.

Tony Jackson/ESPN.com

Report: Cubs Get Jorge Soler
Chicago was aggressive in their pursuit of the Cuban outfielder.

Joel Sherman/New York Post (via Twitter)

Middlebrooks Getting Comfortable In Boston
Will Middlebrooks was only supposed to help the Red Sox tread water while Kevin Youkilis spent time on the disabled list, but the rookie has excelled at the Major League level.

MLB.com

Martin Falls At Home Plate After Game-Winning Home Run
Russell Martin hit a walk-off home run for the Yankees against the Mets on Sunday afternoon, but the jubilation was short-lived.

Big League Stew

Hamilton No Longer Seeing Inside Pitches
Josh Hamilton crushed inside pitches early this season.

Jeff Passan/Yahoo! Sports

Erick Almonte Has Drug Ban Lifted
Erick Almonte is now the second player in the Brewers organization to have a drug ban reversed.

Enrique Rojas/ESPN.com

30-Team MLB Scoop, June 11th Edition
Questioning the decisions of Fredi Gonzalez, the Cubs on pace for worst-ever season, Torii Hunter thrives hitting second and Edwin Encarnacion plays in the outfield.

Andrew Perna/RealGM

Maddon Improvises Amid Bullpen Phone Glitch
Joe Maddon wanted a call made to the bullpen on Sunday against the Marlins, but pitching coach Jim Hickey could not reach the bullpen because the phone was dead.

MLB.com

Pettitte Has Swelling In Hand, Hopes To Make Next Start
The left-hander was hit on the hand by a comebacker in the sixth inning, his last frame of the game.

New York Daily News

Jorge Soler's Decision Could Be Made Soon
The Cubs have been considered the favorites since November to land the touted Cuban outfield prospect.

Chicago Sun-Times

Chris Perez Saves Game, Throws Up On Mound
Chris Perez recorded his 20th save of the season as the Indians defeated the Cardinals on Sunday in St. Louis.

The Score

Bochy Still Has Confidence In Struggling Lincecum
Tim Lincecum suffered yet another loss on Sunday against the Rangers, marking the eighth straight loss for the Giants when the right-hander is on the mound.

San Jose Mercury News

Wright Stands By Decision To Discuss Contract Later
David Wright is taking a gamble by not discussing a contract extension until the offseason.

New York Post

Angels Not Looking To Move Bourjos
Peter Bourjos has been reduced to a bench player, but the Angels have no plans to demote him or trade the outfielder.

MLB.com

Oswalt To Make Third Minor League Start
Roy Oswalt, who was signed as a free agent by the Rangers on May 29, made two previous starts for Triple-A Round Rock.

ESPN.com

Red Sox Swept, Valentine Rips Umpires
The Red Sox have lost six of their last seven games, including a sweep at the hand's of the Nationals this weekend.

Joe McDonald/ESPN.com

Jeter Grounding Into Double Plays Often
After a hot start to the season, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has begun grounding into double plays at an alarming rate.

Associated Press

Moustakas Misses First Base, Settles For Single
Mike Moustakas and Andrew McCutchen teamed up to botch a routine base hit on Saturday night as the Royals played the Pirates.

Big League Stew

Orioles Send Arrieta To Bullpen
Jake Arrieta was pulled from the rotation after losing his sixth straight decision.

Associated Press

Nelson Cruz Has Sore Achilles
Nelson Cruz left Saturday's 5-2 loss to the Giants with a sore right Achilles tendon.

ESPN.com

Chipper Jones Returns To Braves
The Braves activated Chipper Jones for Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

Associated Press

Shields Beats Marlins, Ends Losing Streak
James Shields allowed one run in six-plus innings on Sunday against Marlins to win for the first time in five starts.

Associated Press

Yankees Aren't Looking For Outfield Help
New York has been without Brett Gardner for a majority of the season because of a lingering elbow issue.

Journal News

Diamondbacks Agree With 26th Overall Pick
The terms aren't yet confirmed. Arizona used the 26th overall pick on the catcher.

MLB Trade Rumors

Sandoval Vows To Improve Conditioning
Bruce Bochy doesn't want to hear Pablo Sandoval talk about better conditioning, he wants to see it.

San Francisco Chronicle