The Phillies have “tapped out” their payroll and have “nothing brewing” on the Michael Young front, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com. Here’s the latest from Heyman as the Phils contemplate whether or not to pursue new free agent Luis Castillo…
- The expectation is that Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski, whose contract expires after the season, will be back. Dombrowski declined to comment on the matter.
- Manny Ramirez wanted to play for the Rays or the Blue Jays this year, according to Heyman. Rumors linked Ramirez to Toronto early in the offseason, partly because of the slugger’s affinity for incoming manager John Farrell and partly because he rooted for the great Dominican Blue Jays of the 1980s.
- Team officials say Rays infielder Elliot Johnson has been very impressive this spring.
BenchedMark
If only the Jays were two years older as a team & Manny was two years younger. He’d be a great fit on a contending Jays team.
JacksTigers
The only way I see Dave Dombrowski getting resigned is if the Tigers win the central. Which is a possibility, but will not be easy. The White Sox matched Detroit stride for stride in free agent moves and the Twins just will not die unless you cut off their head and burry it seperately from their body.
vonhayesdays
with three legit contenders in the central its gotta be the most competitive division and if not tied for first , should be a good year in Central may the best team lose to redsox in the playoffs
PostMoBills
The only division in baseball with 3 $100+ million payrolls.
JacksTigers
1. Detroit Tigers- $122,864,928
2. Chicago White Sox- $105,530,000
3. Minnesota Twins- $90,309,166
4. Kansas City Royals- $71,405,210
5. Clevelan Indians- $60,778,966
Where is this third team?
PostMoBills
Obviously you have a different source. I wish the Twins had payroll that low. We’ll have to wait for Opening Day numbers, but Cot’s Baseball Contracts, which is generally used by this site, shows the Twins having $110 million committed in 2011.
ballmich
Detroit isn’t even close to $122MM. More like between $105MM to $110MM.
Mark S
I actually find that a very surprising comment. I figured the NL East would have 3 of them as well. I didn’t realize how low the Braves’ payroll is.
PostMoBills
That’s the problem. They’re the Twins; they have 2 heads. If you cut off one, the other will grow back before you can cut off the other. If you read this whole post in anticipation of me telling you how to really kill them at the end, you will be disappointed.
JacksTigers
As far as talent goes, they are third in the division. Don’t act like they have this thing locked up.
PostMoBills
Congratulations on killing your straw man. I never said it was locked up. All I was implying is the generally accepted notion that the Twins always seem to defy expectations and compete no matter what (in the regular season). Last year they were the favorite though, so it wasn’t as true.
whatever
The Twins have the best lineup in that division..
JacksTigers
Explain.
Slopeboy
Everyone knows how to kill the Twins-Feed them to the Yankees.
paul_oneills_lovechild
To paraphrase the quote that Dr. Manhattan said to Adrian Veidt in “Watchmen,” in relation to the Twins & Yankees: “I have walked across the surface of the sun. I have witnessed events so tiny and so fast, they could hardly be said to have occurred at all.” But you, Minnesota Twins, you’re just a team. The Twins pose no more threat to me than does its smartest termite. Take that, Joe Mauer & Co.!!
Slopeboy
Wow! Who said Yankees fan are not articulate? Spoken like a true BleacherCreature!
ballmich
Dombrowski has never won a division in his career as a GM. Ever. I hardly think not winning it in 2011 will result in the Tigers not re-signing him. If they are competitive, he’ll be retained.
vonhayesdays
not only do the phillies not have the cash but the rangers still think they are trading micheal young of 2005, i heard they wanted colorado to eat all the money he is owed and dexter fowler in return , i think all that heat has finally gotten to nolan’s head
vonhayesdays
i think it would involve an accident wink wink involving morneau mauer span and maybe kubel and then the twins would only win 90
MaineluvstheSox
Manny wanted play for the Jays or Rays. How does Heyman say that with a straight face. Actually he prob laughed his @ss off when he wrote it. That’s the most obligatory statement you will ever hear and athlete say. I really wanted to play here.
Encarnacion's Parrot
Slow news day.