We can argue over where Cliff Lee will end up, but it would be hard to argue that there's a more appealing trade chip this summer. Lee has pitched complete games in three of his last four starts and has stuck out 19 times as many batters as he has walked. The Yankees are expected to have interest in Lee once he hits free agency, but they're now focusing on other needs since their rotation is strong, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter). The rest of Olney's rumors are here:
- The Braves know that hiring Fredi Gonzalez before the end of the season would create the expectation that they have already decided to replace Bobby Cox with Gonzalez in 2011. Olney says there's a good chance the club does not hire Gonzalez before the end of the season, even though he appears to be the leading candidate to manage the team next year.
- Sources tell Olney that the Blue Jays are doing "early reconnaissance" on possible managers. Cito Gaston, who beat Cox and the Braves in the 1992 World Series, will not manage the Jays after this season.
willy9
I think the Jays will go after Ozzy Guillen.
Jeff S
I think you’re crazy.
Hopefully they show some interest in the recently fired Gonzalez from Miami.
joedub
“As I have said from the beginning of the season, we won’t comment on the manager situation till after Bobby has managed his last game with us” – Frank Wren
If you read into this, and Olney’s rumor, I think the Braves dont wan’t to name a replacement in case Bobby changes his mind about retiring. Naming a sucessor forces the Braves’ hand and risks losing Bobby to another team if chooses to keep managing.
csg
Bobby has already agreed to a 5yr deal in the front office with the Braves. He’s made his decision and will not be managing the Braves or any other team next year.
joedub
oh yeah? i must have missed that headline. maybe you could post that link for everyone?
BravesRed
He will be an adviser for the teams baseball operations, which is what csg means by that.
BravesRed
He will be an adviser for the teams baseball operations, which is what csg means by that.
Jon Stark
I am willing to bet the jays make Butterfield the new manager. He has a proven track record as a coach, a report with the organization, and is very well respected and liked by the players. I would be more surprised if they went out of organization to get somebody. However, if somebody like Torre becomes interested that might force their hand (except for the huge paycheck he demands).
Jon Stark
I am willing to bet the jays make Butterfield the new manager. He has a proven track record as a coach, a report with the organization, and is very well respected and liked by the players. I would be more surprised if they went out of organization to get somebody. However, if somebody like Torre becomes interested that might force their hand (except for the huge paycheck he demands).
bigpat
It’s a shame the Mariners were so bad this year because now that Lee is healthy, he and Felix are giving the M’s exactly what they hoped for when they made that amazing deal. If only Z would have focused a little more on offense, this team would be much better. They also got good pitching from guys like Fister and Vargas which was unexpected.
Nicolas_C
He focused a little on offense, but his focus was a failure. Chone Figgins and Milton Bradley have been huge busts. Casey Kotchman has hit much worse than they expected, even as a defensive acquisition. But who goes into the season with Rob Johnson as their starting catcher? That’s just a huge joke.
Nicolas_C
He focused a little on offense, but his focus was a failure. Chone Figgins and Milton Bradley have been huge busts. Casey Kotchman has hit much worse than they expected, even as a defensive acquisition. But who goes into the season with Rob Johnson as their starting catcher? That’s just a huge joke.
bigpat
It’s a shame the Mariners were so bad this year because now that Lee is healthy, he and Felix are giving the M’s exactly what they hoped for when they made that amazing deal. If only Z would have focused a little more on offense, this team would be much better. They also got good pitching from guys like Fister and Vargas which was unexpected.
Yankees420
Buck to Toronto!!
Yankees420
Buck to Toronto!!