June 2014 - Baseball Wiretap

Hart Would Have Taken Less To Stay With Brewers
Corey Hart signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Mariners this offseason.

Todd Rosiak/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Orioles Nearing Deal With Luis Ayala
The Orioles are nearing a deal with Luis Ayala, who was released by the Nationals on Wednesday.

Jon Heyman/CBS Sports

Bedard Will Opt Out If Not In Tampa's Rotation
Erik Bedard says he will opt out of his contract with the Rays if he doesn't make the team's starting rotation.

ESPN

Medlen Undergoes Second Tommy John Surgery
Kris Medlen had a 3.11 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 157 Ks in 197 innings pitched last season.

ESPN

Jackson: Wilson Should Stick To Football
Bo Jackson, the only athlete to be named an All-Star in both football and baseball, doubts he could play both sports at an elite level in today's athletic environment.

ESPN

Aroldis Chapman Struck In Face By Line Drive
Aroldis Chapman was conscious and talking as he was taken off the field after being hit in the face by a line drive Wednesday night.

ESPN.com

Nationals Name Strasburg Opening Day Starter
The Nationals have named Stephen Strasburg their starting pitcher for their season opening day.

ESPN.com

Freezing Temperatures Take Toll On Ballparks
Baseball groundskeepers are scrambling to get their ballparks ready for Opening Day.

ESPN.com

Jimmy Rollins: 'I Can't Be Traded'
Jimmy Rollins has the right to veto any trade proposal.

ESPN.com

Iwakuma Has Splint Removed, Finger Is Pain Free
Hisahi Iwakuma will start throwing tennis balls on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

ESPN.com

Carl Crawford's Shoulder Injury Not Serious
Dodgers manager Don Mattingly doesn't feel Carl Crawford right shoulder injury is serious.

ESPN.com

Harvey Still Hoping To Return In August
Matt Harvey still really wants to return to the Mets in August, but he understands that doctors and the front office will make the call ultimately.

Adam Rubin/ESPN

Cubs Preaching Patience With Farm System
Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora, Jorge Soler and Arismendy Alcantara have received a lot of attention, but none of the five have played a Major League inning.

Jonathan Mayo/MLB

Bo Jackson Mentoring Young White Sox
Bo Jackson hasn't played in a Major League game in 20 years, but he is imparting his wisdom on the Chicago White Sox this spring.

Joey Nowak/MLB.com

Pirates Willing To Move Jose Tabata
They are also willing to listen to offers for Vin Mazzaro, who is out of options.

Rob Biertempfel/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Astros Looking For First Baseman
They have placed calls about Mike Carp, John Mayberry and Tyler Moore.

Jayson Stark/ESPN

Mets Resume Gauging Interest In Ike Davis
The Mets have called clubs to see if their is interest in Ike Davis ahead of the season.

Adam Rubin/ESPN

Tillman Will Start Opener For Orioles
Chris Tillman went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA last season and made the AL All-Star team for the first time in 2013.

Associated Press

Lincecum Learning To Live Without Strikeouts
Tim Lincecum, once overpowering on the mound, is learning to pitch without striking out hitters.

John Schlegel/MLB

Royals Tab Yordano Ventura As No. 3 Starter
Yordano Ventura, 22, was a non-roster invitee to last year's spring camp and has made all of three starts, all of them for the Royals, in the Major Leagues.

Barry M. Bloom/MLB

Lee To Start Opener For Phillies
Cliff Lee will take the mound on March 31 when the Phillies face off against the Rangers.

Associated Press

Jose Contreras Weighing Retirement
The Rangers have informed Jose Contreras that he will not make the Major League club and have offered him a Minor League assignment.

Steve Adams/MLB Trade Rumors

Rollins Must Lead Or Face Trade From Phillies
Jimmy Rollins has played his entire career with the Phillies, but faces a trade from the organization if he doesn't lead, according to sources.

Buster Olney/ESPN

Jarrod Parker To Undergo Tommy John Surgery
It will be the second time Parker has undergone the surgery in his career.

Athletics

Brewers Likely To Pursue Segura Extension
While talks haven't begun, Doug Melvin and Mark Attanasio will soon meet to discuss a possible extension with the young shortstop.

Tom Haudricourt/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Diamondbacks Expected To Scout Samardzija Again
Jeff Samardzija will be scouted by the Diamondbacks once again in the wake of Patrick Corbin's elbow injury, according to sources.

Bruce Levine/CBS Chicago

Feldman To Open Season For Astros
Scott Feldman signed a three-year, $30 million deal with Houston this winter.

Associated Press

Red Sox Making Lavarnway Available
The organization has a lot of catching depth at the major and minor league level.

Sean McAdam/CSNNE

Verlander To Start Seventh Opener For Tigers
Brad Ausmus made the decision, admitting it was tough to pass over reigning American League Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.

ESPN

Jonathon Niese Cleared To Throw
Niese received a cortisone injection in the back of his left elbow to address inflammation but was informed his ligament is fully intact.

Adam Rubin/ESPN