Here's the latest from the AL Central…
- Royals closer Joakim Soria has suffered "definite damage" in his right elbow's UCL, GM Dayton Moore told media (including Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star) today. Soria will visit Dr. Lewis Yocum on Tuesday to determine if Tommy John surgery is necessary and, if so, it would be the second time Soria has undergone a Tommy John procedure in his career. Greg Holland and Jonathan Broxton would seem like the top candidates to close games for the Royals in Soria's absence, but to keep tabs on the situation, follow MLBTR's Tim Dierkes on Twitter @CloserNews.
- Some baseball people "have said for a while" that the Royals should've traded Soria while his value was at its highest, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Soria had an off-year by his standards in 2011 but still drew some trade interest over the winter, with Kansas City demanding a top starting pitcher in return.
- Even if Scott Baker struggles in 2012, the Twins could still be justified in picking up his $9.25MM option for 2013, writes John Bonnes of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
- Indians GM Chris Antonetti discusses Shin-Soo Choo, the importance of assembling a good defensive corps to help a pitching staff and several other topics with Grantland's Jonah Keri.
wadebets
Man, the Royals are getting their butt’s kicked by injuries this year. I had high hopes for them this year.
MauerPower
Reminds me of last year’s Twins.
Peter Francis Schneider
Yeah, pretty terrible rotations. That’s about where the similarities end.
MadisonMariner
Just a quick note: It’s Chris Antonetti, not Antonelli. I made that mistake the first few times I heard his name a few years ago, too. 🙂
Cobby Box
Doh, this is what I get for thinking I was so smart for drafting Soria late in the draft in both my leagues. My gut reaction is to add up Holland, any signs of them leaning one way or another?
Carter
Smart. Soria has a history of injuries.
Carter
Smart. Soria has a history of injuries.
2001morecowbell2001
I just put in a waiver claim for Holland in one of my leagues. Sounds like they aren’t leaning one way or the other between Holland/Broxton. However, it appears Holland has been lights out all spring and the Royals would be taking an obvious risk in Broxton so I had to pull the trigger
2001morecowbell2001
I just put in a waiver claim for Holland in one of my leagues. Sounds like they aren’t leaning one way or the other between Holland/Broxton. However, it appears Holland has been lights out all spring and the Royals would be taking an obvious risk in Broxton so I had to pull the trigger
Peter Francis Schneider
The wheels have officially fallen off the Royals bandwagon before the season even started!
NatsTown
Feel bad for the guy.
rizdak
I didn’t even know it was possible to have two Tommy John surgeries. On the same ligament? Ouch…
bustinsuds
If I’m not mistaken, Chris Capuano had two TJ procedures.
Lunchbox45
so has shawn hill i believe
The Website Creator
Oddly enough, this could benefit the Royals.
Something was clearly wrong with Soria last year — though I don’t know that it was physical.
Holland, Herrera, or one of the other young arms will likely provide more than what Soria would have.
I hate to see this happen to a class guy who has been lights out in previous years.
But I really don’t think it will impact their season that much.
The Website Creator
Oddly enough, this could benefit the Royals.
Something was clearly wrong with Soria last year — though I don’t know that it was physical.
Holland, Herrera, or one of the other young arms will likely provide more than what Soria would have.
I hate to see this happen to a class guy who has been lights out in previous years.
But I really don’t think it will impact their season that much.
Dock_Elvis
I’m not actually sure the Royals miss a beat without Soria..and are better off not having him at all than having him pitching with injury. Not sure they were gonna be in contention anyway.
Dock_Elvis
I’m not actually sure the Royals miss a beat without Soria..and are better off not having him at all than having him pitching with injury. Not sure they were gonna be in contention anyway.