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Odds & Ends: Bergmann, Maddux, Red Sox

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Some Odds & Ends to round out this Sunday morning's news:

  • Right-hander Jason Bergmann, who has an option left, is not happy that the Nationals have sent him to Triple-A, says Pete McElroy of masnsports.com. In nine games, Bergmann didn't give up a run. He had 6 K and 2 BB in 11 1/3 innings.
  • Not a rumor, but a headline of importance: Unsurprisingly, the Braves are going to retire Greg Maddux's number in July.
  • Daniel Barbarisi of the Providence Journal praises the Red Sox shrewdness by improving their ballclub while reducing their payroll by $13MM, from fourth highest to sixth. Back-loaded extensions to key players could mean the Sox could add payroll if a marquee player becomes available this summer.
  • Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star has a short but interesting article up noting that paying for a free agent pitcher does not usually work out. It would be interesting to actually see the numbers on this. Mellinger writes,
"We looked at the 47 contracts worth $5 million or more per year signed by active players, and analyzed their innings pitched, ERA and adjusted ERA for up to three years before and after the contract. Our executive said this would be a crude but effective way to make a judgment.

"The results are brutal: Thirty pitchers regressed after signing, and only 13 improved. Four contracts were close enough to be judged either way. That’s a fail ratio of 2:1."

Yankees Set Roster, Choose Pena Over Berroa

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Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports the Yankees have set their 25-man roster by choosing to go with infielder Ramiro Pena over Angel Berroa. Dan Giese was designated for assignment to make room. Hoch writes,

"Despite having not played above Double-A Trenton, Pena opened eyes in camp when Derek Jeter left the club for the World Baseball Classic, showcasing a slick glove and a developing bat. Pena batted .277 (18-for-65) with two doubles, a triple and seven RBIs in 30 Spring Training games for New York."

Pena's mother cried when given the news, writes Peter Abraham.

The Jason Bay Trade Revisited

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Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsbugh Post-Gazette recounts the details of the deadline deal that sent Jason Bay to Boston, specifically the final 7 minutes that reshaped the future of the Pirates organization. It's a really interesting read for any rumor-enthusiasts. Some points of interest:

  • According to Kovacevic, before finally dealing Bay at the buzzer, Pittsburgh had been working on dealing Bay for over a year and a half.
  • Before the 2008 season, the Bucs had come close to dealing Bay and catcher Ronny Paulino to Cleveland for Cliff Lee, Franklin Guttierez, and Kelly Shoppach. The Pirates did not feel it was enough and killed it.
  • Just 20 minutes before the 4p.m. deadline, Kovacevic says the Braves and Rays were considered the primary trading partners, particularly the "prospect-rich Rays." But with only 15 minutes left, "the Pirates called each [team] to insist upon a specific prospect package and summarily were rejected," writes Kovacevic.

The Rays Index takes a look at this article from a Tampa Bay perspective.

Reds Cut Jonny Gomes

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John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports the Reds have cut Jonny Gomes and offered him a spot in Triple-A. Fay says Gomes is a little surprised and unsure what to do next.

Gomes hit .250 in 44 at bats this spring, and led the Reds with 4 homeruns while knocking in 12 runs.

Mark Sheldon of MLB.com is "totally shocked" by this move. He notes that Paul Janish and lefty Daniel Herrera have made the team.

White Sox Sign Jimmy Gobble

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Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports the White Sox have signed Jimmy Gobble to a minor-league deal. The 27 year old left-hander will report to Triple-A Charlotte this week.

Just five years ago, Gobble was a top prospect for the Royals but never found success against right-handers and was released by Kansas City on March 17th. The Rangers signed Gobble to a minor league deal but opted to go with lefties Eddie Guardado and C.J. Wilson instead, cutting Gobble on March 30th.

Gobble held left-handed hitters to a .200/.246/.323 line in 2008 and can be retained by his new team for 2010 as an arbitration-eligible player.

Odds & Ends: Opening Day Rosters

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After the longest spring training in history, it felt like Opening Day might never arrive. As teams finalize their 25-man rosters, here are some notes from yesterday and today's headlines:

Morrow To Close, Walker Released

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This is not a trade rumor, but it's somewhat related. Larry LaRue of the The News Tribune reports Brandon Morrow is the likely closer for the Mariners. Geoff Baker writes that with no chance of making the starting rotation, according to manager Don Wakamatsu, the would-be starter approached coaches with a desire to close. Says LaRue,

"The only thing Morrow needs to prove now is that he can close regularly despite diabetes, a disease that can rock him unexpectedly. On Sunday, for instance, Morrow’s blood sugar level was high and his energy level down.He dealt with using his insulin pump – and last year, closing was not a problem for Morrow when J.J. Putz went down. Now that Putz is gone and he closing job wide open, Morrow wants it badly. Barring an unforeseen physical problem, it’s his."

This sounds vaguely familiar.

Morrow's decision spelled the end of Tyler Walker's time with the Mariners, according to Baker. He was released earlier this morning after pitching 5.2 innings this Spring. He allowed 3 ER with 8 hits, 4 Ks, 2 BBs, and one hit batter.

Tigers, Mets Deal Fell Through

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According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers have had serious talks recently with the Mets about reliever Brian Stokes; however, any deal fell apart when Stokes became likely to make their roster.

Morosi mentions Tigers infielder/outfielder Ryan Raburn would've been a part of the deal.

With Joel Zumaya heading to the disabled list to start the season, the Tigers are looking for relief help with just over one week to go until the start of the season, says Morosi. Along with Rayburn, the Tigers have put outfielder Marcus Thames on the trading block

Odds & Ends: Twins, Rockies, Yankees

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Ed Price at FanHouse.com has some Odds & Ends of his own in the Overheard and Understood section of his column.

  • The Twins are looking for a setup man who can provide good control. Internally, it's a big deal for them.
  • The Rockies could wind up dumping contracts midseason if they find themselves out of contention. Price quotes one exec saying, "Unless they move ($3.5-million salaried backup catcher Yorvit) Torrealba, they're not taking on any money."
  • The Mariners say no player is untouchable. The M's are seeking "athletes" says Price.
  • Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill will get the last two spots in Oakland's rotation.
  • The Padres are "dying for pitching" and "will claim anybody" on waivers, says Price.
  • If Cody Ransom gets exposed by playing on a daily basis, then the Yankees may need a stopgap to fill third base until Alex Rodriguez's mid-may return.

Pirates, Wilson Discussing Extension

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Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the Pirates and Jack Wilson are beginning to discuss a contract extension. Wilson apparently initiated talks this week, indicating a desire to stay with the club beyond next year when his contract could expire.

Wilson is set to make $7.25MM in 2009, with a club option for $8.4MM or a $500K buyout. In this economic climate, Wilson will almost certainly have to accept a salary reduction. During the offseason he was shopped aggressively but no market was found for the 31-year old shortstop.

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says Wilson contacted them to renegotiate the option-year of his contract in an effort to remain in Pittsburgh. While this is somewhat contrary to Kovacevic report, it's not unreasonable to expect both reports to be true. If staying in Pittsburgh is Wilson prerogative, then renegotiating his club option would buy him more time to get an extension done, and any extension would presumably begin next season in place of the option.

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