With a solo shot off of Chris Tillman during tonight’s 4-3 Yankees win over the Orioles, Alex Rodriguez officially passed Willie Mays for fourth place on the all-time home run list. Rodriguez’s 661 career homers put him behind only Babe Ruth (714), Henry Aaron (755) and Barry Bonds (762) in the record books. While A-Rod’s feat is certainly noteworthy in its own right, his homers have drawn even more attention due to the controversy around the so-called “milestone” bonuses in his contract that the Yankees are refusing to pay. Here’s some more news from around the league…
- Cuban right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez is now eligible to sign with teams during the 2015-16 international signing period, Baseball America’s Ben Badler reports. Gutierrez has received residency in Mexico and registered with MLB, though since he still needs to be officially declared a free agent by the league, he may not be able to sign immediately when the signing period opens on July 2. Gutierrez will be subject to the international bonus pool limits, so teams that are facing $300K signing caps in the upcoming signing period (the Angels, Diamondbacks, Rays, Red Sox and Yankees) won’t be able to afford the promising youngster.
- Angels GM Jerry Dipoto was hoping to keep Drew Butera after the catcher was designated for assignment, but as Dipoto told reporters (including MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez), “it became fairly clear that he was going to get claimed on waivers, so putting together a trade made the most sense.” Butera was dealt to the Royals for infielder Ryan Jackson earlier today.
- On the Royals side of that trade, GM Dayton Moore told reporters (including MLB.com’s Jeffrey Flanagan) that Butera won’t supplant Erik Kratz as the primary backup catcher. “We’re just trying to get through this period of time,” Moore said, in reference to Kratz’s stint on the DL with an injured foot. Since Butera is out of options, I’d guess he could be on the move again once Kratz is healthy.
- Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke to reporters before a recent Rangers/Astros game about a number of baseball topics, including the possibility of a shorter schedule. The Associated Press has a partial recap of Manfred’s comments.
- One topic that isn’t a major priority for the league office is adjusting the designated-for-assignment period. As Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle tweets, Manfred said “that rule actually has functioned fairly effectively over a period of time.” Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal and MLBTR’s Charlie Wilmoth both recently explored how some players, like Alex Hassan, can have their careers essentially put on hold due to constantly being in “DFA limbo.”
- In his latest Insider-only post, ESPN’s Buster Olney cites the Athletics’ Scott Kazmir and the Reds’ Mike Leake as potential trade candidates if their teams continue to struggle. Both hurlers are scheduled for free agency this winter. Olney speculates that the Dodgers could be interested in either pitcher to bolster their rotation, while Kazmir could also be a fit with the Red Sox or Astros.
- While the Marlins bullpen hasn’t pitched very well this year, MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro doesn’t think the club needs to turn to Edward Mujica, who was designated for assignment by the Red Sox earlier today. Mujica pitched well for the Marlins in 2011-12 but as Frisaro notes, he’s struggled this year and Miami doesn’t really have any roster space for him.
Can we seriously just stop trying to change baseball… Manfred is getting on my nerves!
Why stop now….basebal doesn’t have to defend it’s integrity any longer.
True baseball fans don’t want less baseball!
Maybe not less…but integrity restored to the way the game is played on the field. It’s all a matter of opinion, but giving home field advantage to a league based off an all-star win is ridiculous. Even the nature of the playoffs doesn’t ensure the best teams make it. We’re theoretically in an era where a sub .500 team will be crowned world champion.
I don’t think that matters so much. It is more entertainment for the fans, the players get more chances, and the best team still wins out. The team that wins it all earns it for sure. They have to play all those games to get there. For example, if the Nationals were to be the second wild card team this year, would you accept them making it all the way to the world series? Obviously they are a stacked team picked to win it all. The all-star game is a matter of meaning. Look at the NBA all-star game and just the league overall. I don’t want baseball to be like that
Oh, but I do believe that baseball has tried to model itself on the NFL and other leagues…which is a mistake. I’ve gone on record here before….and I won’t get long and drawn out about it…but baseball needs to address the day of game costs. Ticket prices are expensive. A large portion of the market is forced in front of the TV…which might be OK with mlb..as it boosts the cable deals. The concern is..and it isn’t caused by baseball…but larger society….is consumer debt load. Visa and MasterCard are purchasing a large percentage of products from MLB…and Thats not sustainable. It isn’t sustainable in any entertainment industry. When the bills come in…the economy slows.
I don’t know much about the economic area of baseball but why should we focus on the economics anyway. That isn’t important but how entertaining baseball is and tradition is important. The pace and rules set baseball apart. It is unique and intrinsically valuable. Manfred is just a lawyer who hasn’t even played baseball. This focus on money is stupid.
The economics are important because baseball is built on money. The payrolls are built on income speculation. My concern is that people aren’t spending cash for entertainment…they are accruing debt. They are promising to pay the money back at compounding interest. Thats much different than in_1950_when a man walked up to a ticket booth with cash in hand to buy a ticket.
What I predict to happen is that the players union will eventually buy out major league baseball. The players are mutual partners at this point anyway.
My only qualm is that the best team over an entire season isn’t given much advantage in the postseason.
The best teams get home field advantage in the LCS and they also get privilege to face the worst record teams
Should a team a losing season record ever be allowed to play for a world championship?
If they played the best in the postseason then yes. This is very theoretical yes but what if a team had the worst record in the first half but turned it on the second and got a wildcard? The Nationals may end up one of these wildcard teams this year and you can’t deny they are good.
A 30_team league does not need a sub .500 team in the playoffs. That’s a travesty. That makes the regular season irrelevant… much like the NBA regular season
That is still 20 teams not in the playoffs though and the playoff game barely is even the postseason. So I would not count it for much. It would make a cool game for division rivals though like the pirates in 2013
The playoff game is barely the postseason…but it also sends a hot team into the playoffs and on a what has,turned to be often likely world series run.
I think what isn’t being considered is that there can be just as much drama and excitement in the playoffs with fewer teams. If excitement is the goal why not just have the remaining 20 teams play in a single loss elimination for a playoff spot. Who knows…maybe the Phillies will get hot and win a world series with after losing 100
Now your just talking crazy
I’m just revealing the logical trail of events in trying to create excitement and entertainment. It obviously has a limit where integrity DOES matter. I think we’re OK with KC last season…but there’s a line there.
Small issues…but could be easily dealt with. I’d rather see mlb do something about the schedule than mess with making sure a pitcher gets a pitch off as quickly as possible. Goodness knows after paying $40 to get into the game most fans want to hurry it up.
The thing with me is that we are changing baseball and taking away its majesty. If they prices go up, why are we getting less baseball?
In all truth….I believe baseball will be eliminating the division system soon. We’ll see two leagues and hopefully a balanced schedule…. Baseball woefully needs to make sure teams that are,competing for a playoff spot are playing equal schedules.
Who can say what a balanced schedule is?? Anyone could be good pretty much any year
What I mean is that Detroit and Kansas City should at least play the same scheduled opponents in_162 games. This is very influential, especially in a race that might only be separated by a game
Then you forget about rivalries though and old players returning home, storylines, etc. Aka, money making opportunities in your language
Outside of major rivalries….Boston-Yankees…the rivalries in the game ebb and flow. In the late 70’s and 80’s the Royals and Yankees were in some heated games…it goes and comes. But the integrity of the game should be unwavering.
I agree with that but the scheduling has nothing to do with that. Pace of game does and rule changes do. The players recognize it.
I think it all ties together, but the schedule does matter. Make a league of any kind. Put, say, 6 teams in it…and then say we’re going to award the winner a chance to go to the playoffs… But we’re not going to base the standings on even an equal schedule. That’s not the way any league would start…and a pour representation for baseball given that its the ONE game where the better team isn’t often revealed in a short series.
How do you define a fair schedule though..?? Every team can’t play every other team. You never know each year for sure what teams will be good or not.
It has nothing to quality of schedule…just same scheduled teams.
How can you get them all to play the same teams though with 30? That takes the entertainment and fun out of it too.
Jokes in Selig….he went from 28 to 30 and had a whoops moment…. It can be done. I’m just saying play the division and if the Royals play the Reds…make the Tigers play them.
Look at these rule changes too like the batter’s box rule and inning rule. Why so rushed? NFL is still slower than baseball and it is considered “exciting.” The rule changes hurt players who don’t even get a voice with this new commissioner. He even wants to change shifts or make fielders stand still where they are at all times. A basic rule
The wild card is almost a necessity with this 30 team setup. I’m somewhat a proponent of major realignment into 4 regional leagues…the travel savings could be used to keep costs down to fans in attendance. 2 teams might need to be added…but there could essentially be 4 different 8 team leagues. Can you imagine a league with the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees, Phillies, Nat’s, and Orioles all vying for a playoff in the same league?
That’s the NBA…. And NHL. And NFL. And any league where more than 50% of the teams make the playoffs…
Its fully possible in mlb with a 3 division format. St. Louis won a series without being much over..and I believe one season that San Diego made the playoffs with 81 wins
Baseball from a purely competitive “true champion” standpoint isn’t at it’s best crowning very many champs that finish the regular season with less than 90 wins. Thats like saying a B grade is the new A.
Then why have playoffs at all? Why not just award the world series victory to the team with the highest record at the end of 162 games? There is a reason that the playoffs are exciting in sports (really any sport) and that is because anything can happen.
Look at the circus surrounding March Madness – people love it because the last 2 minutes can be the difference between a team winning or going home. The MLB playoffs are no different. The Royals got hot at the right time last year and rode that to an AL championship. The same happened with the Rockies in 07 (and then they had a huge layoff and couldn’t get that mojo back).
I really don’t have an issue with the current playoff format. It gives non massive market teams hope. My issue is with how the 162 games are decided. Teams within a division need to play the same schedule.
I’m not really opposed to the current playoff system. But the All Star game home field advantage needs to be abolished, and the divisions scheduling needs to be balanced so that teams face the same opponents over 162 games.
Call it semantics if you will, but I can’t accept the term “officially” in reference to A-Rod passing Mays.
agreed. He passed Mays…..just as Bonds passed Aaron and Aaron passed Ruth. The word “officially” is not necessary.
Mr. Armstrong. is that you?
I’ve noticed the same redundant wording in articles. It’s not great journalism, but I’m not nit picky too much. My college journalism professor would say…”passing Mays MADE it official…no need for the extra wording.”
the reds are a mess! Have to trade cueto and leake (very underrated) over paid for votto and homer bailey(big time) Hamilton can’t get on base and chapman is literally the only guy in the bullpen that can get anyone out! their great young catcher can’t squat and needs hip surgery! bruce can’t hit .200 AND Phillips is washed up !
They had a chance on trading Phillips to the Yankees awhile ago but it seemed like the Reds wanted eliete prospects or Brett Gardner which wasn’t going to happen.
nobody wanted phillips contract! gardner for phillips is fair but not phillips contract.
Leake is fairly well paid at this point. He’s not exactly a bargain.
he is going to get a lot more very soon!
Probably, but he’s already making around 10m
PROB get 12-15m per year 4-5 years!
While A-Rod’s feat is certainly noteworthy in its own right, his homers
have drawn even more attention due to the controversy around the
so-called “milestone” bonuses in his contract…… You know what everyone could do here especially since the Yankees clearly have the money to pay and A-Rod probably can afford the financial hit and you all might think I am getting soft because I can come off like Scrooge McDuck! =P Anyway, why don’t the Yankees and A-Rod agree to give all the money that is achieved through milestones to charity like ALS or Cancer or Diabetes. I mean how many former ball players have suffered or died from this. Lou Gehrig would be proud and I would be happy. Then we all can get on with it and start talking baseball again instead of milestones. Remember Happy Faces everyone! =P
The Yankees are probably in a quandary. They obviously don’t want to pay A-Rod (plus luxury tax) for monetary reasons. But they also seem to have contractual reasons that are worth exploring. And this all has to be done in public, which wasn’t exactly what they had in mind when they were thinking about “marketing”. If you assume that the Yankees marketing would have been akin to the marketing with Jeter and Rivera, they obviously thought they could monetize the event (s). It’s pretty clear that they can’t. So, from a business perspective, if that was the intent of the contract, they have to challenge it. A-Rod, and MLBPA, clearly have to push back. Maybe the result in the future is better drafting. Whatever the monetary disposition of this case, the Yankees aren’t going to be getting what they bargained for. That has to be fixed for next time.
In what way is it clear that they can’t market him? They made no effort to, but now he is powering a first place team, and if Yankee fans are like all other fans (which they undoubtedly are) they will cheer for one of their best players. Just ask Bonds or Petitte or Nelson Cruz, the fans are very forgiving, as long as you produce.
Realistically, his reputation is in ruins–that’s not the type of person you can build a marketing campaign around, such as those that were done for Jeter or Mo. You can market a successful team, of course, and to the extent he’s producing, he’s part of that. But you can’t market around him specifically. It’s not realistic.
Again, standing ovation, curtain call. Yankees fans love him again. 100% marketable.
Your opinion. I don’t agree that the Yankees will make an institutional effort to market him. Neither they nor the league wishes to celebrate the achievements of a player who has acted the way Mr. Rodriguez has.
Yeah…you don’t sue the league or a team and give it a.black eye and get the Jeter treatment.
You are viewing marketing in a limited aspect. The idea of marketing “a milestone” would not be just to Yankees fans but to fans of baseball everywhere. Outside of New York City he is not very popular. When Rivera and Jeter retired they were honored by opposing ball clubs across the country and opposing fans showed their appreciation. Do you honestly believe the same can be done with A-Rod? He destroyed the marketing deal because the only people (for the most part) that like him are Yankees fans….period.
What do the Yankees care about a national marketing effort? Their goals are winning games, selling Yankee merchandise, putting butts in the seats and people watching the YES network. That is all stuff pretty much entirely aimed at Yankee fans. Not to mention, the hatred other fans feel for him is also a marketable trait.
Neither the Yankees, nor MLB, nor, can I imagine any team outside of Yankee Stadium would possibly be interested in honoring A-Rod right now.
“Not to mention, the hatred other fans feel for him is also a marketable trait.” Really? The way that translates into dollars is for the teams playing against the Yankees and their fans come out to boo A-Rod. If you believe that the only marketing a team is interested in is to their existing fans, then I’m sorry…. You do not understand marketing whatsoever.
I really don’t believe arod effects the Yankees marketing around baseball and in America one bit. It’s THE storied franchise. People in KC show up to see the Yankees play as Yankee fans because they grew up Mantle fans or loved Thurman Munson or Paul O’Neill. Arod is a cameo player.
The separate marketing contract was designed for 2 things. A-Rod wanted $300m but the Yankees wouldn’t budge from $275m so Warren Buffet suggested to The Boss that marketing was the key. If A-Rod performs you have “another Yankee great” setting records. Kids and adults across the country will cheer like they did Ruth, Maris, Mario and Jeter. They didn’t count on Alex’s narcissism. As far as the current atmosphere, Alex is a master at faking convincing contriteness. Look at his 2009 confession and apology. People bought into that and they are buying into him (on a limited basis) now. It’s sad.
Warren Buffett needs to stick to investing, because he neither understands baseball nor the Yankees. How many great and beloved Yankee icons have historically come from outside their own system…or that Kansas City A’s quasi farm they ran? Ruth? The Chief Allie Reynolds? Actually… The immortals always seem to be their own. Even a.guy like Gossage is second tier.
I don’t know Alex is even that popular IN new york. I saw the video of him passing Mays last night and it was not like everyone was on their feet cheering him on. Even his teammates were not gathered at home plate waiting for him after he hit the HR.
Arod is viewed as retired by most fans. He’s someone to put in the rearview. Actually, a retirement tour might get more standing o’s than a home run chase. I draw no issue wishing the man banished.
Everytime I see Arod…I’m reminded of the times I’ll be watching a movie and see a former child star…I have one of those…”oh, wow…what happened to….”moments
Until he takes down Ruth’s record, then the yankee fan whining will commence.
Marketing isn’t just about Yankees fans. They cannot market him to the vast majority of baseball fans, dedicated or casual.
Absolutely correct. Even if every Yankee fan threw him bouquets every time he came to the plate (and we don’t–there are some who cheer, and some who stay silent), the rest of the fans around the league have no use for A-Rod. Watch Tiger’s fans give Thome a huge hand when he hits his 600th in Comerica, That’s not going to happen to A-Rod
It is amazing that many of the fans ann much of the media is making it seem like every Yankee fan in the world is kneeling at A-Rod’s feet when it’s obvious that they are not. I can tell that just by comments on sites like this and by video of the games. I have been a diehard Phillies fan since 1962 and after Antonio Bastardo was busted I could not wait for the Phillies to get rid of him and despite my loyalty to the Phillies… I was actually rooting for him to fail. I have no use for cheats. On a side note regarding Alex. It will be interesting to see how well he holds up throughout the season. His body was well rested having a year off but now he faces a full grind without any growth hormone. hGH, iGH-1 etc. like he was taking do not build muscle, they enhance recovery time from workouts and increase stamina thereby minimizing the toll that a 162 game schedule takes.
Phils fan since ’62….wow…you’ve seen some droughts and some runs! You have my respect.
LOL…thanks….it hasn’t always been easy that’s for sure. It’s been especially tough considering I’ve lived most of my adult life away from the Delaware Valley. I just can’t be a fair whether fan. I live in AZ now (and have for 16 years) and I take some flak from those that say “You have to be a D-Backs fan because they are your hometown team”. Wrong….my hometown is Wilmington DE…I just happen to reside in AZ.
I get it. They’re your team. But you’re probably the example of why teams like AZ and Tampa have a hard time building a fan base. So many have relocated with their teams intact.
I’ve enjoyed watching the Phillies broadcasts on Mlb.TV.. I watched the second half of last season. Team wasn’t great, but oddly Howard started getting a little aggravated at the press and started hitting a bit. I know the broadcast team has taken some flack…. But I enjoyed them…Moyer and Stairs were an interesting combo.
I was in Philadelphia once…but it was after the season while the Army-Navy game was being played. Pretty country.
You have a great point regarding some cities problems with fan base. Even if the MLB allowed it a place like Las Vegas could never support a team despite what some fans think. They have failed whenever they have tried. I lived there for 9 years and watched a few attempts at other sports fail. The nights in LV belong to the casinos, the stands would be empty.
I would move back to the DE Valley in a heartbeat if my health allowed but sadly it doesn’t so I will be content with seeing limited games (like right now on the MLB network). My guys are up 3-1 and Cole has only given up 3 hits. Opps….4 now as I was typing.
Are you able to get out to see the Phillies when they get to town?
Reminds me of a friend of mine. He’s been a member of the Cubs fan club since 1942. He talks about the feeling of the 1945 season. Talk about a life of disappointment! Every time I want to relegate the Cubs fan base to being yuppies and frats boys…I always think of Bob. He’s the real deal… that gets lost in these massive fan bases like the Cubs have.
I’ll never forget a few seasons ago. Last game of the season at Wrigley. Astros last game in the NL. Cold and blustery….the casual party crowd had long moved on to other places. 10,000 or so real deal folks showed up at the park to root on the team. Both had combined to lose 200 games. Just amazing….I remember looking around and seeing many older fans. Made me wonder how many wouldn’t be around the next season….they’d gone all their life and not see much more than some hope in 1969, and Sandberg.
I live a few hundred miles northwest and travel is now very difficult for me. Last game I saw at Chase Field was in early 2008.
Memories are what baseball is all about. I remember Johnny Callison (my avatar picture) winning the 64 All-Star game with a 3-run HR…bottom of the 9th…2 outs…3-2 count. It doesn’t get better than that and that was when the players and coaches selected the ASG players. Now it’s a popularity contest.
I hear ya. Baseball is all about the continuing story. Fun to be able to follow something between late winter all the way into fall. Yeah…I think you’ll have some hope later in the season. I think you’ll at least feel better about the prospects.
The Giants couldn’t market Barry either. Do you forget how hated Barry was by other team’s fans?
This isn’t the case though. The Giants do market Bonds, and he get huge ovations in SF. Maybe other teams fans hate him, but not the Giants fans, and they take advantage of that. Sports need villains, and Bonds was a great one, and realistically the Yankees are one and have been for nearly a century. Arod is the villain of this era and the team that trademarked “The Evil Empire” seems strangely reluctant to take advantage of it.
That’s because it’s never been about marketing A-Rod. It’s about not paying A-Rod, I’m surprised some have failed to recognize that. I agree with everything you said. I was referring to marketing Bonds outside of SF, of course the Yanks could sell A-Rod HR milestone shirts to Yankee fans.
Alex got a standing ovation and a curtain call yesterday when he hit 661. The Yankees absolutely could have marketed the race to 660, they were just too stubborn to try. Yankees fans, for the most part, have welcomed Alex back with open arms.
Not many people talk about it, but A-Rod has real chance to break Barry Bonds record. He is 100 or so away and with the DH spot he could hang around 4-5 years and make it. He is mashing balls 440 feet so I think there is a good chance that power can carry him to an old age. Only problem is his current deal won’t last long enough and someone would have to sign him up.
Which would be a total shame as his whole reason behind PEDs and his life goal back in the 2000s was to some day break that record.
Sham* not shame.
He will be 42 at the end of this deal. I doubt someone is gonna pay him to hang around. I dont think he will even be that close after this deal is up.
Well we’re about a fifth of the way through the year right now and A-Rod has 7 HR. If he hits another 25 this year, he’s at 686. 25 next year puts him at 711 and to the year after puts him at 731, just over 30 away. I doubt A-Rod makes it but he’s got the most realistic chance out of anyone in the game today at 101 away.
I doubt he keeps up that production rate. He’s never gonna be as rested as he is now. He only has two years left on his contract and it would take him probably 2-3 years after that. What team is gonna want him for that long? He’s not worth it really unless your goal is to get him to hit 763 in your uniform.
I don’t believe ANY team wants that notoriety.
The Reds “continue to struggle,” really? The Reds are .500, 6-4 in their last 10, are tied for the 2nd wild card, and have one of the best starting rotations, statistically in baseball, and they are doing it all without Homer Bailey and Devin Mesoraco.