Let's get caught up on the latest Red's trade rumors...

Dodgers Eyeing Reds' Relievers-  The Dodgers can help themselves in more ways than one if they play well against the Reds this week. As MLB.com's Ken Gurnick points out, the Dodgers can push the Reds further from contention and give themselves a better shot at obtaining one of the Cincinnati relievers they've been watching...CONTINUE READING 

Dusty Uses Rumors as Motivation- According to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, Reds manager Dusty Baker had a meeting with his players this week to discuss the looming trade deadline.  "Dusty said... that if you continue to win, they can't remove pieces," noted trade candidate Bronson Arroyo...CONTINUE READING 

Reds Still Want Hitter- Now that Jay Bruce is on the DL, the Reds need a hitter more than ever and GM Walt Jocketty is searching for one, according to MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Jocketty said the Reds won't necessarily get the bat they're looking for, but he says he's "looking for a hitter" anyways. For now Jonny Gomes and Jerry Hairston will play more, because the Reds don't want to call on prospects Drew Stubbs and Chris Heisey yet...CONTINUE READING 

O-Dawg Could Be On List- Orlando Cabrera's hitting better and he could interest the Mariners, Cardinals, Twins, Reds and Mets...CONTINUE READING 

Reds More Likely To Deal in OffSeason- Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang and Francisco Cordero make enough to scare some suitors away, and while a salary swap is possible, Rosenthal says the Reds are more likely to make offseason deals...CONTINUE READING

LATEST MLB RUMORS

MLB cincinnati reds, trade, rumors, orlando cabrera, dusty baker, jay bruce, dodger's, bronson arroyo, aaron harang, francisco cordero

The All-Star rosters were announced by Major League Baseball on Sunday. Here are few notes of interest:

REDS - Closer Francisco Cordero gets the nod and is the team's lone representative. The right-hander will be making his third trip to the mid-summer classic. He made it in 2004 as a Texas Ranger and then again while playing for the Brewers in 2007. There was speculation that Johnny Cueto would be the choice from the team, but a deep pool of starters and Cordero's solid numbers (20 of 21 save conversions) made the veteran the pick.

PUJOLS TO VOTE GETTER - The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994. Pujols has made the NL team eight times in nine seasons and will be making his sixth start.

WAKEFIELD FINALLY GETS NOD - Starter Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.

LEFT OUT - Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, both 12-time All-Stars, weren't expected to make the rosters, but their absence was compelling nonetheless. Ramirez was suspended for the first 50 games of the season for violating MLB's drug policy and A-Rod missed time following hip surgery after admitting in spring training to using steroids when he played for the Rangers.

FINAL VOTE - The 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com will determine the 33rd N.L. roster spot, a competition that will feature shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals, outfielder Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, third baseman Mark Reynolds of the D-backs, third baseman Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and outfielder Shane Victorino of the Phillies. Fans can now begin voting to select the final player for each League's 33-man roster via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com, casting their votes from a list of five players from each League over a four-day period. In the A.L. third baseman Chone Figgins of the Angels, third baseman Brandon Inge of the Tigers, second baseman Ian Kinsler of the Rangers, outfielder Adam Lind of the Blue Jays, and first baseman Carlos Peña of the Rays will be competing for the final spot.

COMPLETE ALL-STAR ROSTERS

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As expected, the Dodgers have emerged as the team to beat in the NL West with a smoking hot start. They currently sit at 10-2, one game up on the surpising San Diego Padres. In addition, to the team's success on the field there are several individuals wearing Doger Blue helping out fantasy owners early on:

SP Chad Billingsley - The right-hander has been nasty early on for LA, picking up a victory in each of his three starts while posting a 2.84 ERA. His 21 strikeouts in 19 innings has given owners and a boost and only reaffirms his potential fantasy ace status.

SP Clayton Kershaw - Despite not having a win to show for it yet this season, the Dogers' young hurler has gone from top notch prospect to solid producer. Through two starts he has yielded just two runs 12 innings of work. His 19:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio is a great sign of good things to come.

RP Jonathan Broxton - Broxton brings the heat and is going to see plenty of save chances ahead closing down games for Joe Torre.  He's converted 4 of 4 chances so far and opponents are only batting .050 against him. The only concern could be the offesne is so good, there could be a ton of Dodgers' blowouts ahead.

LF Manny Ramirez - The power numbers haven't been spectacular early on (2 HR, 7 RBI), but it's hard to complain about his .326 batting average and .491 OBP. He is going to keep on producing at a high level as long as he stays healthy.

RF Andre Ethier - Even though he's no longer hitting in front of Manny Ramirez (batting 4th, behind Ramirez), the young outfielder is picking right up on last year's solid finish. Through the first two weeks of the season Ethier leads the NL with 16 RBIs and is batting .298 with 4 HR's (2 two-homerun games). He's solid No 3 fantasy outfielder already with big time upside.

CF Matt Kemp - With Juan Pierre having played his way out of the lineup, Kemp is finally getting enough at bats to be considered a legitimate starting fantasy outfielder. He has delivered for those who have given him the chance early on with solid numbers (.383, 3 HR, 14 RBI) and steady play.

2B Orlando Hudson - O-Hud has already hit for the cycle and is off to a hot start. Second base is a thin position in fantasy baseball, making Hudson's .385 average, team-leading 12 runs, and 4 for 4 stolen base success rate that much more valuable.

C Russell Martin - It hasn't been the most triumphant of starts for Martin, but he has heated up of late. He's much better than his current .244 average would indicate and should be considered a top three fantasy backstop until further notice, particularly in this line-up.

Fantasy Baseball dodgers, chad billingsley, clayton kershaw, jonathan broxton, manny ramirez, andre ethier, matt kemp, orlando hudson, russell martin

Let’s wrap-up our predictions with the National League West. The division offers a garden variety of teams with World Series aspirations to those entering heavy rebuilding modes. Without further ado, here’s how I see things unfolding.

ORDER OF FINISH
Dodgers – Joe Torre’s first season in Hollywood took off once he landed his headline star in Manny Ramirez. The two are together again in LA this season and the supporting cast is outstanding. Russell Martin gives the Dodgers one of the best offensive producing backstops in the game. Young outfielders Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp are ready to deliver on their promise. The team added second baseman Orlando Hudson and re-signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to shore up the middle. The rotation has upside, but lacks a proven No. 1. However, Chad Billingsley is poised to be that guy and it might come as soon as this season. Jonathan Broxton will nail it down in the ninth as good as anybody in the division and the setup depth in unmatched.

Diamondbacks – The front of the rotation makes the D-Backs automatic contenders in this competitive division. Brandon Webb and Danny Haren could easily combine to win 36-40 games and pitch 200 innings. The 3-4-5 spots will contribute as well, especially young phenom Max Scherzer. The line-up has some pop and upside, but also is a bit unproven. The raw power of outfielders Justin Upton and Chris Young is a hidden gem. Conor Jackson is a nice bat in the middle of the order and is a versatile contributor. The bullpen is the reason I pick them to be also rans as Chad Qualls and Tony Pena Jr are expected to battle for the closer’s role.

Giants – The Giants have the best arm in the division in starter Tim Lincecum. Matt Cain is another young arm to be excited about and will be the team’s No. 2 starter. If veterans Randy Johnson and Barry Zito deliver on some of their former promise, the Giants will stay in this race. Brian Wilson is adequate at closer and the bullpen in general is above average. The line-up has a few too many what-ifs for my liking though. Youngster Pablo Sandoval needs to succeed for the offense to click. Veteran Edgar Renteria was the biggest off-season acquisition and his ceiling is limited.

Rockies – The Rockies simply don’t have the horses to run with the top three teams. Two years removed from the World Series, Colorado has too many holes to count. Brad Hawpe is solid in the outfield, but with Matt Holliday departing he’s going to be hard-pressed to take his game up another notch. Garrett Atkins and Todd Helton are on the decline. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has nice potential. Many young player will be counted on to deliver, one expect to live up to the hype is five-tool outfielder Dexter Fowler. The rotation is a huge question mark once again, although I am pretty high on Ubaldo Jimenez and expect him to open many people’s eyes around the league in ‘09.

Padres – The Padres have already trimmed a ton of payroll this off-season and next likely to go is ace Jake Peavy. The team is going to a heavy rebuilding period and ready to take a hit for a year or two if they need to do so. Peavy and Chris Young are solid frontline guys, but the rest of the rotation and much of the bullpen is unproven. Adrian Gonzalez is the most underrated hitter in the division, but he too could be dealt at some point this year. A safe bet for last place this season.

AWARDS
MVP – Manny Ramirez (LA)

Cy Young Candidate – Tim Lincecum (SF)

Biggest Bust – Garrett Atkins (COL)

Biggest Breakout – Andre Ethier (LA)

Comeback Player – Randy Johnson (SF)

Rookie of Year – Dexter Fowler (COL)

MLB 2009 mlb predictions, nl west, dodgers, diamondbacks, giants, rockies, padres

Here are some of the latest headlines from around the MLB Hot Stove to heat you up:

DODGERS STILL WAITING FOR MANNY (ESPN.com)
The Dodgers made a $45 million offer to Ramirez in November and then withdrew it when Boras did not respond, and then the Dodgers made an offer of arbitration, and again, Boras did not respond, according to L.A. officials. So the Dodgers have sat back and waited for any other serious bidder for Ramirez to emerge, waited to see if there was any reason to extend their own offer...MORE

VARITEK STAYING IN BOSTON (Boston Globe)
The captain is not going anywhere. Ending a three-month saga hours before a team-imposed deadline, the Red Sox and catcher Jason Varitek agreed to a one-year contract with a team option for 2010, two sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed yesterday. Varitek, who turns 37 in April, will receive $5 million in 2009. The Sox hold a $5 million option for 2010...MORE

SHEETS RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS (MLB.com)
Ben Sheets and the Brewers have not spoken since the Brewers asked whether Sheets would consider an incentive-based contract similar to John Smoltz's ($4.5MM in incentives) or Brad Penny's ($3MM in incentives). It appears that Sheets was not open to an similar offer, but the Brewers won't offer a multi-year deal. GM Doug Melvin maintains the club isn't likely to sign Sheets, but he hasn't completely ruled out the possibility...MORE

CUBS SHOPPING HILL (Baltimore Sun)
The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about Cubs left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the teams have had talks about Hill, a one-time top prospect who is struggling to regain his command. Tne industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named, who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore...MORE

IT'S OFFICIAL, CUBS ADD BAKO (Cubs.com)
The Cubs signed catcher Paul Bako, who had been with the Reds, to a one-year, $725,000 contract. The deal was done a month ago, but Bako had to wait for the Cubs to open a roster spot before it was made official. Bako was no longer a fit for Cincinnati with the emergence of Ryan Hanigan and following the trade for veteran Ramon Hernandez...MORE

FOGG LANDS IN COLORADO (ColoradoRockies.com)
Rockies signed RHP Josh Fogg to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. With Jeff Francis potentially starting the year on the DL, there could be room for Fogg at the back of the rotation. Fogg, 32, went 10-9 with a 4.94 ERA in 2007 and won several matchups with big-name pitchers. Fogg signed with the Reds last season and went 2-7 with a 7.58 ERA in 22 games, including 14 starts...MORE

MLB dodgers, giants, manny ramirez, red sox, jason varitek, brewers, ben sheets, cubs, ken hill, paul bako, rockies, josh fogg

from MLBTradeRumors.com:

Buster Olney reports that Scott Boras seems to be taking the same approach with Manny Ramirez as he did with Derek Lowe; that is, to wait.

Olney says "Camp Manny" is "waiting for some other team to be tempted by what Ramirez could do for them, waiting for an offer larger than that made by the Dodgers to develop."

The Dodgers are waiting as well. Olney reports they are not likely to increase their offer of 2 years, $45MM that was offered and promptly ignored in November. Also waiting for something to happen are Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn. Should Manny wind up on the Giants, Abreu and Dunn may find themselves with leverage to negotiate with the Dodgers. Olney writes, "And given that Dunn and Abreu know that they can find homes at any time for one-year deals, there really is no downside for them to see how the Ramirez situation plays out."

MLB dodgers, giants, manny ramirez, adam dunn, bobby abreu

The Dodgers have released outfielder Andruw Jones after a disappointing debut season in Los Angeles. Disappointing is a HUGE understatement. Jones hit only .158 with three homers and 76 strikeouts in 209 at-bats in his only season with Los Angeles.

It was enough for the Dodgers to eat $21.1 million on Thursday when they said c-ya to the 31-year outfielder.

Should the Reds make a move for him? I don't see why they wouldn't. Trust me somebody is going too and it is going to be soon.

Now if Jones finds another job, the signing club will be responsible for only the Major League minimum salary offset ($400,000), with the Dodgers paying the rest. Speculation has centered on Jones returning to his original team, the Braves. Jones has been working out recently with former Braves teammates at Turner Field.

But David O'Brein of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Braves' interest is tepid and, at best, Jones would have to sign a Minor League contract and win a job in Spring Training.

The Braves didn’t try to re-sign Jones following the 2007 season, when he won his 10th consecutive Gold Glove but hit just .222 with 26 homers and a .311 on-base percentage — a big dropoff after hitting .263 average with 92 homers and 257 RBIs during the 2005-2006 seasons.

It’s been a precipitous decline for the Curacao native, at an age — he’ll be 32 in April — when stars are usually still very productive. He has gone from 2005 major-league home run leader and National League MVP runner-up to colossal bust.

I'd take a shot on him if I were the Reds. Great American Ball Park would be a nice place for him to play as I eluded to him before. 

Where ever he lands it will be on a one-year deal and it will be his last chance.

MLB dodgers, braves, reds, andruw jones

Let's check out some of the latest Hot Stove rumors and moves:

BREWERS GET CLOSER (Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel)
The Brewers have agreed to terms with free agent Trevor Hoffman on a one-year, $6 million contract. The deal carries $1.5 million in incentives, but it does not carry an option for 2010. Hoffman, baseball's all-time saves leader, posted a 3.77 ERA last season while closing out 30 games in 34 opportunities. This is a win-win move for the veteran who could still cash in next year with a good effort and for the Brew Crew, who struggled after losing Francisco Cordero last off-season...MORE

MANNY LIKELY TO GET THREE-YEAR DEAL (SI.com)
The Giants "look like a major threat" to the Dodgers for Manny Ramirez and are "making a serious run at him." Former teammate J.T. Snow apparently raved about him. Nonetheless Heyman says the Dodgers are "probably still considered the favorite." Heyman lists the Rangers as "intrigued." He believes Ramirez will get three guaranteed years somewhere. The Giants are in excellent position to outbid the cautious Dodgers if so inclined. San Francisco has an excellent TV situation and has now paid off more than half its debt on its beautiful franchise-owned AT&T Park...MORE

RED SOX SIGN SMOLTZ, PENNY, AND BALDELLI (Boston Herald)
The Yankees may be spending the big buck, but the Red Sox are going bargain shopping in this slow baseball economy.  With the signing of outfielder Rocco Baldelli, and deals with starters Brad Penny and John Smoltz, as well as first baseman-outfielder Mark Kotsay close to being finalized, the Red Sox' offseason kicked into another gear yesterday. Considering the Yankees already entered hyperspace with three high-profile signings at the end of last year, the Red Sox’ non-splashy entry, with catching still on the docket, puts the three-way American League East battle in 2009 with the Yankees and Rays into better focus...MORE

GIAMBI RETURNS TO OAKLAND (Oakland Tribune)
Athletics signed first baseman Jason Giambi, who had been with the Yankees, to a one-year, $5.25 million contract with a club option for 2010. Giambi, who already received a $5 million buyout from the Yankees, will make $4 million this season. The option for 2010 is worth $6.5 million and includes a $1.25 million buytout.  Giambi batted .247 with 32 home runs and 96 RBI in 145 games with New York last year, reaching the 30-homer plateau for the eighth time in his career. He tied for eighth in the American League in home runs and was second in at bats per home run (14.3) and at bats per RBI (4.8)...MORE

YANKEES READY TO DEAL OUTFIELDER? (FoxSports.com)
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com reports that the Yankees would prefer to trade Xavier Nady rather than Nick Swisher for three reasons, according to a rival executive. Swisher is A) under control for four years and Nady only one, B) a switch-hitter while Nady is right-handed and C) a more versatile defender, playing all three outfield positions and first base. Nady does not play center...MORE

METS ADD A STARTER (ESPN.com)
The New York Mets have agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract Friday with free-agent starter Tim Redding, a baseball official told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand. He must pass a physical before the deal will be official. Redding, 30, posted a 10-11 record with a 4.95 ERA in 182 innings covering 33 starts with Washington last season. The right-hander has a career record of 34-51 in seven seasons with Houston, San Diego, the Yankees and Nationals...MORE

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In this day of blogs and blackberry devices news and rumors spread at the speed of the light. This year's Winter Meetings were a great example of this. Look no further than the news of the Reds signing Livan Hernandez. A Seatte reporter posted to his blog and suddenly the news bit was quoted on hundreds of website within a matter of matters. Shortly thereafter it was realized that the reporter actually heard the Reds were about to get Ramon Hernandez and messes it up. RETRACTION PLEASE!

Another player that had various reports surrounding his name was Rafael Furcal, but in this case that is because he was changing his mind and breaking is word rather than a reporter jumping the gun. Furcal's agents, the Wasserman Media Group, used the media throughout the off-season to create a market for their client that in some cases was exaggerated or non-existent. Earlier in the week Furcal reportedly verablly agreed to a contract with the Braves and the club sent over an offer sheet, only to findout that Furcal resigned with the Dodgers at the last minute.

John Schuerholz, the Braves’ president and former general manager, Thursday called the dealings of Furcal’s agents “despicable” and “disgusting” and said the franchise would no longer entertain signing players represented by them — ever.

“Having been in this business for 40-some years, I’ve never seen anybody treated like that,” Schuerholz told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The Atlanta Braves will no longer do business with that company — ever. I told [agent] Arn Tellem that we can’t trust them to be honest and forthright. I told him that in all my years, I’ve never seen any [agency] act in such a despicable manner.

“It was disgusting and unprofessional. We’re a proud organization, and we won’t allow ourselves to be treated that way. I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list. Take the name of the Atlanta Braves off their speed dial. They can deal with the other 29 clubs, and we’ll deal with the other hundred agents.”

Tellem, the lead agent in the Wasserman Media Group, released a seven-point e-mail statement Thursday night, saying in part: “Losing out on an all-star player like Furcal is always disappointing, and we understand the Braves’ frustration with the outcome of this negotiation, but it does not change in any way the fact that we conducted ourselves with integrity and complied with all rules of Major League Baseball.

I am not blaming for Furcal for wanting to make as much money as possible. People that due aren't very honest with themselves. Still, your word is in the end your most valuable asset. Whether it was him or the agents acting in his place if these allegations are true Furcal is in the wrong.  

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Maddux started his career in 1986 with the Chicago Cubs and finished it last season playing for two teams, the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. Maybe it was the fact that by the end of the year he was handling mop-up duties out of L.A.’s bullpen that finally broke the straw.

The nine-time All-Star ranks eighth in Major League history with 355 wins. The prime of his career was spent with the Atlanta Braves when he joined fellow future Hall of Famers Tom Glavine and John Smoltz to help lead the Braves to a decade of dominance.

Maddux didn’t need steroids, or a hot-temper to intimidate opposing hitters, he did with his brains. He is arguably the smartest baseball alive and that’s a big reason he was able to pitch 23 years at the big-league level. Being on the mound was more like a game a chess than it was a sport for Maddux, and more often than not he left hitters in check mate.

SI.com’s Tom Verducci shared some classic Maddux quotes that say it all:

The key to pitching: "Make the strikes look like balls and the balls look like strikes."

How to get out of a jam: "When you're in trouble, think softer. Take advantage of the hitter's eagerness. Don't throw harder. Locate better."

Why he throws more warmup and bullpen pitches out of the stretch than the windup: "Think about it: when is it most important to execute a pitch? With runners on base."

On radar guns: "I'd rather have movement and location than velocity any time."

On getting to the majors: "In the minor leagues, it was always about getting better. I was never too worried about results."

On out-thinking hitters: "You have to alter patterns. I don't surprise anybody with what I throw. You just have to mix your pitches up. Even if the hitter is guessing right, if you locate it you won't get hurt. You might give up a single or a double, but it's not the end of the world."

CAREER STATS

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