Quick Hits: MASN, Cubs, Mariners, Cruz, Minniti, Santana
2014/10/quick-hits-masn-cubs-mariners-cruz-minniti-santana.htmlGM Mike Rizzo made clear in a statement that Minniti was an integral part of the organization's rise over the last five years.
Offseason Outlook: Chicago Cubs
2014/10/offseason-outlook-chicago-cubs-5.html25-year-old Anthony Rizzo emerged as one of the best first basemen in baseball.
NL Central Notes: Cubs, Castillo, Martin, Bourjos
2014/09/nl-central-notes-cubs-castillo-martin-bourjos.htmlCastillo, 27, is entering his prime-age seasons but doesn't hear his name mentioned alongside younger core players like Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro.
This Date In Transaction History: DeJesus, Castro
2014/08/this-date-in-transaction-history-dejesus-castro.htmlIn various comments, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo explained that he had been making use of the team's "positioning on the waiver wire," believing that the club could add a prospect by making the claim.
Extension Candidate: Kole Calhoun
2014/08/extension-candidate-kole-calhoun.htmlExtensions for players with between one and two years of service time used to be somewhat rare, but they've become increasingly common since Paul Goldschmidt and Anthony Rizzo signed deals in Spring 2013.
Players Who Have Cleared Revocable Waivers
2014/08/players-who-have-cleared-revocable-waivers.htmlIan Desmond, Nationals -- That Desmond would clear is surprising, but it's likely that the other 29 clubs knew that GM Mike Rizzo wouldn't deal his shortstop in the midst of a playoff push anyway.
NL East Notes: Mets Plan, Nats Targets, Byrd
2014/07/nl-east-notes-mets-plan-nats-targets-byrd.htmlIn an interview with Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Nationals GM Mike Rizzo was circumspect when describing the club's needs heading into the trade deadline.
NL East Notes: Colon, Byrd, Lee, Papelbon, Zimmerman
2014/07/nl-east-notes-colon-byrd-lee-papelbon-zimmerman.htmlGM Mike Rizzo said that the team was content with playing Danny Espinosa at second for the time being, but Kilgore notes that players such as Aaron Hill or especially Martin Prado of the Diamondbacks could make sense as trade targets.
Poll: Which All-Stars Will Be Traded?
2014/07/poll-which-all-stars-will-be-traded.htmlI've left out a few like Yu Darvish, Starlin Castro, and Anthony Rizzo since they seem to be part of their club's long term plans.
NL East Notes: Desmond, Fedde, Maya, Braves, Phils
2014/07/nl-east-notes-desmond-fedde-maya-braves-phils.htmlThis is home for me." Asked about the aforementioned Rosenthal report, Desmond declined to comment but added that there's no ill will between him and the organization, and he has tremendous respect for GM Mike Rizzo's decision-making skills.
2014 All-Star Game Rosters
2014/07/2014-all-star-game-rosters.htmlAnthony Rizzo, Anthony Rendon, Casey McGehee, Justin Morneau, Justin Upton…
Astros’ Trade Discussion Notes Leaked
2014/06/astros-trade-discussion-notes-leaked.htmlWhen Nationals GM Mike Rizzo called to express interest in middling Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell, who had a 5.17 ERA at the time and nearly as many walks as strikeouts, "[Luhnow] told him we would still need a headliner like [Lucas] Giolito because we still value Harrell highly.
Padres Notes: GM Search, Byrnes, Cashner
2014/06/padres-notes-gm-search-byrnes-cashner.html"It's sad to see Josh go," said starting pitcher Andrew Cashner, who was acquired by Byrnes in a trade with the Cubs for Anthony Rizzo in January 2012.
Padres Fire GM Josh Byrnes
2014/06/padres-fire-gm-josh-byrnes.htmlPer MLBTR's Transaction Tracker, Byrnes' two highest-profile transactions were acquiring Andrew Cashner from the Cubs for Anthony Rizzo and dealing Mat Latos to the Reds for a package of Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, Brad Boxberger, and Edinson Volquez.
Cubs Notes: Bryant, Schwarber, Trades, Samardzija
2014/06/cubs-notes-bryant-schwarber-trades-samardzija.htmlMuskat spoke with manager Rick Renteria and current Cubs players Jake Arrieta and Anthony Rizzo about Bryant's future as well.
NL Notes: Toussaint, Phils, Pirates, Billingsley, Cards, Marlins, Nats
2014/06/nl-notes-toussaint-phils-pirates-billingsley-cards-marlins-nats.htmlNationals GM Mike Rizzo says that the club is not looking to deal Denard Span or Adam LaRoche to allow Ryan Zimmerman to stay in left field when Bryce Harper returns, Rosenthal reports.
Quick Hits: Cubs, Rollins, Yankees, Suarez
2014/06/quick-hits-cubs-rollins-yankees-suarez.htmlGammons points to Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro as two useful building blocks, and he credits recent trades as another reason for optimism.
Nationals Notes: Beltre, Treinen, Trade Deadline
2014/06/nationals-notes-beltre-treinen-trade-deadline.htmlGiven the uncertainty surrounding the role of Zimmerman, who is apparently set for time in left field and both corner infield spots when he returns, it seems that versatility could be an important factor should GM Mike Rizzo choose to go after a truly impactful player.
Quick Hits: Wrigley, Blue Jays, Arenado, Iglesias, Opt-Outs
2014/05/quick-hits-wrigley-blue-jays-arenado-iglesias-opt-outs.htmlToday, first baseman Anthony Rizzo expressed frustration over the delays, saying that players had been told to expect significant clubhouse renovations, as Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
NL Notes: Roark, Weeks, Gregorius, Marlins, Mets, Cards
2014/05/nl-notes-roark-weeks-gregorius-marlins-mets-cards.htmlWhile Roark was the real prize of that swap, GM Mike Rizzo says that Tatusko (who owns a 2.15 ERA…
Nationals Tried To Extend Fister In Offseason
2014/05/nationals-tried-to-extend-fister-in-offseason.htmlWashington GM Mike Rizzo employed a similar tactic when he acquired Gio Gonzalez from the Athletics prior to the 2012 season, signing him to a five-year, $42.5MM contract with a pair of $12MM club options.
Padres Notes: Gyorko, Headley, Cashner
2014/04/padres-notes-gyorko-headley-cashner.htmlAcquired from the Cubs in exchange for young slugger Anthony Rizzo, in what was a bold trade for both clubs,…
California Notes: Ramirez, Billingsley, Puig, Athletics
2014/04/california-notes-ramirez-billingsley-puig-athletics.htmlHere's the latest MLB news from the west coast: The Dodgers averted a potentially devastating injury last night when x-rays revealed that star shortstop Hanley Ramirez did not suffer a break in his hand on a hit-by-pitch, Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA reported on Twitter.
Offseason In Review: Washington Nationals
2014/03/offseason-in-review-washington-nationals-5.htmlGM Mike Rizzo narrowed things down to familiar options, ultimately choosing longtime major leaguer Matt Williams to take over as a rookie skipper.
NL West Notes: Cashner, Padres, Rockies
2014/03/nl-west-notes-cashner-padres-rockies.htmlThat led FOX Sports' Jon Morosi to wonder (via Twitter) who would ultimately win the trade that sent Cashner to the Padres and Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs.
