Joe DiMaggio hit the first of his 361 career home runs against the Athletics on this date in 1936. The present-day Yankees and C.C. Sabathia host David Price and the Rays tonight in New York. Here are some AL East-related links in the meantime…
- The Orioles signed Miguel Tejada with the idea that he might replace Mark Reynolds at third base, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports. Reynolds’ bat is starting to heat up and Tejada is playing at extended Spring Training. The Orioles made Reynolds available earlier this year, but potential suitors found his $7.5MM salary to be a deterrent.
- Jeff Keppinger is back with the Rays following a brief stint on the restricted list, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports (on Twitter). The Rays had placed the infielder on the restricted list earlier in the week.
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post describes Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera as "competition junkies" who can't stay away from the game of baseball and the "camaraderie, common purpose, money and fame" that comes with Major League success. Rivera's contract will expire after the 2012 season, but he has said he intends to return, presumably with the Yankees.
- In case you missed it, the Blue Jays signed Vladimir Guerrero to a minor league deal today.
I am pondered in how Miguel Tejada would start over mark reynolds but thats beside the fact. Also the Rays are a incredible team i don’t know why they rely on Jeff Keppinger so much.as for the Blue Jays i feel that is a great signing!
Keppinger is a true contact hitter. He doesn’t strike out that much, and the Rays have too many strikeouts with players like Peña, Scott, Upton, etc. Plus, he can play multiple infield positions. Didn’t cost that much to get him and he’s done an alright job.
Guerrero will be very good, a lot motivating him. And he is a very good hitter, Arizona even liked his fielding ability. Are the Blue Jays thinking of a 1B role in the future, even?
Pettitte is worth a lot more than $2.5million this season , he’ll win more games than some of the stiffs making $12-15million / year are