Eye on Baseball : CBSSports.com Blogs

New Cubs manager Sveum puts together bunt tourney

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:06:16 EST

By Matt Snyder

As the Cubs franchise strives to do a complete makeover, fundamentals have been reemphasized in camp this season. More attention is reportedly being paid to baserunning and pitchers' fielding, for example. Also: Bunting.

And in the spirit of the upcoming March Madness -- watch the NCAA basketball tournament on CBS! -- new manager Dale Sveum has devised a 64-man bunting tournament that will begin Thursday. With there only being 62 players in camp, Sveum threw himself in the bracket along with strength coach Tim Buss (via Chicago Tribune). Tribune beat writer Paul Sullivan has posted a picture of the entire bracket on his Facebook page.

Sveum made setup man Kerry Wood a No. 2 seed -- and if that's an accurate ranking, it's a good thing the Cubs are refocusing on bunting considering Wood hasn't had a big-league plate appearance since 2007 -- and put himself against Wood in Round 1 as a 15.

Angels sign Jason Isringhausen

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:16:49 EST

By Matt Snyder

Relief pitcher Jason Isringhausen has signed a minor-league deal with the Angels, the club announced Wednesday evening.

Isringhausen, 39, didn't pitch in the majors in 2010, but had a 4.05 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 46 2/3 innings last season for the Mets. He even gathered seven saves, which put him at exactly 300 in his career -- good for 22nd on the all-time list.

The Angels appear to be moving forward with youngster Jordan Walden as the team's closer, but they did land the veteran depth they seeked this offseason in LaTroy Hawkins and now Isringhausen. The latter two and Scott Downs will be the bridge to Walden, but any of the three could take over if the 24-year-old -- who had 10 blown saves last season -- falters.

Mets create practice field to mirror Citi Field

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:20:10 EST

By Matt Snyder

In an effort to make the park a little less extreme -- in favor of the pitchers -- the Mets have moved in and lowered the fences in the Citi Field outfield for this upcoming season. The changes are below, with the orange line being the old wall and the blue line being the new one (also note that the left field wall was 16 feet tall and it's now only eight feet tall, among several other alterations).

And just to make things a bit more familiar for the next six weeks, the Mets have a chain-link replica of Citi Field in Port St. Lucie, Fla. for spring training.

The replica field isn't one they'll use for spring games, as it's merely a practice field (Field 7). Still, they can get in some work on the field and become more comfortable with the new dimensions. Three players -- David Wright, Daniel Murphy and Lucas Duda -- took batting practice on Field 7 Wednesday and there's already an excitement. Here are some quotes on the first day:

If no Varitek, there'll be no 'C' in Boston

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:38:03 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Jason Varitek has served as the team's captain since 2005, but if he doesn't return -- and it doesn't look like he will -- the Red Sox will go sans an official captain.

"If Varitek doesn't show up? I hadn't planned on [a captain]," new manager Bobby Valentine told reporters (via MLB.com). "If the team thinks a captain's a cool thing, I think that could be considered. It's not that I don't think a captain's necessary. Then again, I don't know that it's so necessary you can't live without it. Who was the captain last year in St. Louis? They didn't have one. So you can win a world championship without a captain."

With Tim Wakefield and (probably) Varitek gone, David Ortiz will be the longest tenured Red Sox, but it doesn't sound like he has any interest in donning the C.

Yu Darvish has an odd way of staying 'balanced'

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:23:43 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Notice anything odd about the photo of Yu Darvish above?

How about now that you look at these two photos?

Yep, the right-handed Darvish was throwing left-handed. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Darvish occasionally plays catch left-handed to keep both arms strong and balanced.

Pujols still objects to nickname 'El Hombre'

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:16:26 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

When Albert Pujols was in St. Louis, he made it clear he didn't like being called by the nickname "El Hombre," even asking fans not to call him by the monicker in 2010.

Pujols said he felt it was a disrespect -- not a clever play -- of Stan Musial's nickname, "The Man." That's why it was a surprise, in St. Louis especially, when the Angels put up billboards in Southern California with Pujols' picture next to the words "El Hombre."

On Wednesday, Pujols made it clear he still doesn't like the name and didn't authorize the billboards.

Report: Edgar Renteria leaning toward retirement

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 3:56:10 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Former World Series MVP Edgar Renteria is leaning toward retirement, although his agent, Barry Meister told FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal that the 35-year-old shortstop probably won't file official retirement papers anytime soon, leaving the door open for a return.

Renteria played for the Reds last season, but Cincinnati instead chose to go with rookie Zach Cozart as its starter at shortstop, along with backup Paul Janish. Renteria received two offers of minor-league contracts from National League teams, but he chose not go that route.

"It had nothing to do with the team," Meister told Rosenthal. "It just had to do with the feeling that this might be the right time."

Spring primer: Seattle Mariners

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:22:16 EST

By Matt Snyder

The Mariners are coming off a 67-95 season, when they finished 29 games out in the AL West -- seven behind the third-place A's. It was the sixth time in the past eight years Seattle came in last and they haven't seen the postseason since 2001. One big trade headlined the offseason as they attempt to turn the tide.

Major additions: C/DH Jesus Montero, RHP Kevin Millwood, C John Jaso, RHP Hisashi Iwakuma

Major departures: RHP Michael Pineda, UT Adam Kennedy

Yankees sign former Mariners closer David Aardsma

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 1:42:31 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

The Yankees have signed former Mariners closer David Aardsma.

The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery last July and has signed a one-year deal worth $500,000 with a club option for 2013.

"The move could help us in 2012, but it has a lot more eyes toward 2013," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told MLB.com.

Spring primer: New York Yankees

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:01:18 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

After a one-year stint as an underdog, the Yankees are back to being the clear favorite in the American League East. New York fortified its rotation with Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda, upgrading what appeared to be its one weak link.

Yankees spring training Heyman: NYY camp report | Likes/Dislikes Could Rivera be leaning toward retirement? Yankees add Eric Chavez | DH Raul Ibanez signs Spring Training Tour 2012 Major additions: RHP Michael Pineda, RHP Hiroki Kuroda, DH Raul Ibanez

Major departures: RHP A.J. Burnett, DH Jesus Montero, RHP Bartolo Colon, DH Jorge Posada

Abreu says play him every day or trade him

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:22:35 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

The Angels apparently don't have a spot for outfielder Bobby Abreu and he's not real happy about it. Abreau told Enrique Rojas of ESPNdesportesLosAngeles.com that he'd rather be traded than be a platoon player.

"I'm an every-day player. I can still be in the lineup for a Major League team," Abreu, still in his native Venezuela, told Rojas on Tuesday. "I will not be on the bench knowing that I can play.

"If the Angels don't have a position for me, then the best thing is to trade me. It would be the correct [thing] to do. I won't be able to do nothing sitting on the bench."

Yankees agree to deal with Eric Chavez

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:07:40 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

In a move that's far from a surprise, the Yankees have signed Eric Chavez to a one-year, $900,000 major-league deal plus incentives, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman reports.

Chavez, 34, hit .263/.320/.356 with two homers in 58 games and 175 plate appearances for the Yankees last season, serving mostly as a fill-in for Alex Rodriguez. He also played first base and DH.

On Tuesday, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he expected Chavez back with the team.

JetBluePark.com redirects to Yankees website

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 8:35:43 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

He's not a Yankees fan, but New York fans will have to appreciate Eric Engelman's sense of humor.

The Fort Myers, Fla., resident -- and Cubs fan -- bought the domaine jetbluepark.com for $8 last March after it was announced the new spring training home of the Red Sox would be called jetBlue Park. If you type that URL in, it redirects to the Yankees' homepage (or at least it still did Tuesday night).

"I just thought it would be fun to have," Engleman told David Dorsey of the News-Press.

Darvish impresses catcher in first bullpen

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:47:09 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Yu Darvish is scheduled to meet with the media on Thursday at Rangers camp, but until then, he's off limits. The Rangers even took the unusual step of keeping the media from watching Darvish's initial workout with the team.

Because of that, Luis Martinez became a popular man on Tuesday. Martinez caught Darvish's first bullpen session with the Rangers and found himself surrounded by media afterward. According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Martinez answered questions from approximately 30 Japanese media members and four from Texas.

According to Martinez, Darvish threw 30 pitches at about 70-80 percent, with the last few pitches coming in somewhere in the lower 90s. Martinez said Darvish actually apologized to him when he missed his spots.

Marlins' Ramirez says he's fine with move to 3B

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:35:12 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

All the angst about Hanley Ramirez moving to third base? Apparently that's over.

"I never said I'm not going to do it," Ramirez told reporters at Marlins camp, including Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post. "I'm just happy to be here, be back in the spring with my guys, my teammates, everybody's happy. That's what we need. We got to stay together through the year. We're looking good. This is the best team I have been on in six years with the Marlins."

Ramirez took grounders at third base on Tuesday and said he should have no problems making the switch, necessitated by the Marlins' signing of shortstop Jose Reyes.

A-Rod brown bags his lunch, people snicker

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:27:59 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

So, in today's story that wouldn't be a big deal if it were anyone but the most hated player in baseball, the New York Post reports Alex Rodriguez had a special diet this offseason and was dedicated to keeping it.

If it were any other player, it'd be an anecdote in a "best shape of their life" story. Instead, the Post ran it on its infamous Page Six. Rodriguez's crime? Bringing his own food to restaurants.

According to one of the Post's sources, he's on a special high-protein diet and takes his own cooler full of food to restaurants when he goes out with his girlfriend, Torrie Wilson. He did apparently ask a waitress to heat it up in the kitchen -- I'm not going to pass judgement on that without knowledge of the size of the tip he left.

Harper wants to start the season in D.C.

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:03:28 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Bryce Harper showed up at the Nationals' training camp on Tuesday morning and said he's hoping to start the season with the big-league team.

"I'm going to work as hard as I can, keep my mouth shut and play," Harper told reporters, including Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. "I'm going to make their decision hard as much as I can. I want to be up here. I want to play, and I want to play in D.C."

Harper said something similar last season -- even though there was no shot he'd break camp with the team. This year's different. Manager Davey Johnson has asked Rizzo to keep an open mind in the decision about Harper.

Video: Halladay on his anaconda encounter

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:41:06 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

A no-hitter in the playoffs? Nothing compared to Roy Halladay's anaconda story. And to be fair, his anaconda story is much better than the move Anaconda, too.

This offseason Halladay, the Cardinals' Chris Carpenter (not the Red Sox Chris Carpenter) and former big-league closer B.J. Ryan were in Brazil and helped rescue a man who had been attacked by an anaconda.

On Tuesday, Halladay talked to reporters and told the story -- and for the record, he didn't wrestle the snake or anything, the trio just helped the man flip his boat back over and get him going. David Hale of DelawareOnline.com has the video:

Red Sox receive RHP Chris Carpenter for Epstein

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:51:28 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

In what only seems fitting, the Red Sox and Cubs have agreed upon the compensation for new Chicago president Theo Epstein, but there are still players to be named for both teams to complete the deal, dragging out the case even longer. The two teams have been trying to figure out the compensation for Epstein's move from Boston since the World Series, when Epstein was hired.

The Red Sox will receive right-hander Chris Carpenter (no, not that Chris Carpenter) and a player to be named, while the Cubs will also receive a player to be named. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington told reporters the players to be named will be decided by the end of spring training. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said the two players to be named are just a "procedural" thing to satisfy MLB transaction rules.

Phillies' Brown: 'I'm fighting to win a job'

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:24:04 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

A year ago, the Phillies' right fielder's job was Domonic Brown's to lose. And, well, he did.

A broken hamate bone in spring training followed by a thumb sprain slowed Brown at the beginning of the season and then his lack of production led the Phillies to go out and get Hunter Pence at the trading deadline. Brown hit .245/.333/.391 with five home runs and 19 RBI in 210 plate appearances as a 23-year-old last season. He was sent to the minors after Pence joined the team on July 30 and called up in September. He struck out in his only plate appearance in September.

This season the expectations aren't as high for Brown, the team's former top prospect. He's among those in contention for the left field job, along with John Mayberry Jr. and Laynce Nix, but it appears the deck is stacked against him.

Epstein compensation may be announced Tuesday

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:08:58 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Major League Baseball is expected to announce the compensation the Red Sox will receive from the Cubs in return for the hiring of president Theo Epstein on Tuesday, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman reports.

According to Heyman, the compensation was negotiated by both parties with input from MLB. One thing that worked in the Cubs' favor was the fact Epstein only had one year to go on his contract and his relationship with John Henry was seen as deteriorating. The Red Sox are expected to receive a minor-league player or players in compensation for allowing Epstein to go to Chicago, but the perceived value of that player or players is what has been in question since Epstein's hiring in October.

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Braves' Hanson suffered 'mild' concussion

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:46:30 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Doctors diagnosed Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson with a Grade 1 concussion -- the lowest grade -- after a Monday morning car accident, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The concussion will keep Hanson out a few more days.

He will be re-evaluated after resting for 48 hours and if he no longer feels dizzy or shows any other concussion symptoms then, he will be allowed to start working out, but he'll still gradually move toward a full workout. The 25-year-old could be back to full workouts by this weekend or early of next week, according to the team.

"If everything progresses like we think it will, he'll be fine," Gonzalez told reporters (including Bowman). "The thing [trainers] do not want to do is bring him back too early and then he gets dizzy because of the concussion. It's just a natural progression."

Rockies extend Tracy via 'handshake agreement'

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:16:47 EST

By Matt Snyder

The Colorado Rockies have announced via their official Twitter feed that there's a "handshake agreement" in place to keep Jim Tracy as the manager beyond the 2012 season. His current contract is set to expire after this coming season, but with this agreement he won't be a lame duck manager.

"We expect this relationship to continue for a number of years," general manager Dan O'Dowd said in a statement. "We are building a culture of value together in a world of performance."

Tracy, 56, is 230-210 as Rockies' skipper, with a career mark of 792-782. He took over in Colorado when Clint Hurdle was fired after an 18-28 start in 2009. Under Tracy, the Rockies caught fire, going 74-42 the rest of the way, winning the NL wild card for the third time in club history. The 92 total wins were a club record. They stumbled to 83-79 in 2010 and then to 73-89 last season, finishing fourth.

Rendon, Zimmerman not battling at third base, yet

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:40:39 EST

By Matt Snyder

Much of the attention in Nationals camp this spring will focus on the likes of Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper and Gio Gonzalez. There will surely be talk of Jayson Werth, Wilson Ramos and Mike Morse for varying reasons as well. But a major storyline that's lying in the weeds and could be an issue as soon as 2013 is Ryan Zimmerman vs. 2011 first-round pick Anthony Rendon at third base.

Rendon, 21, is a third baseman by trade, though he had played second base some in college, too. Speculation from many of the scouting websites (Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, etc.) have him being big-league ready very soon, as early as the start of the 2013 season. And they also say he's best suited for third base, even a plus defender there, while he'd be below average at second or short.

Crawford surpises Valentine, aims for opening day

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:37:45 EST

By Matt Snyder

Just a few days ago, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said he expected left fielder Carl Crawford to miss a few weeks to start the 2012 season. Crawford had surgery on his left wrist a month ago, so having him miss some time wouldn't be altogether shocking. Monday, however, Crawford surprised his new manager, who may have spoken too soon late last week.

"I didn't know (Carl) was there," Valentine said (ESPN Boston). "I walked around the corner and he was throwing the ball. It was great to see him. His health looks much better than I expected. (I was) pleasantly surprised."

And Crawford doesn't want to miss any games.

Manny just the latest A's retread

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:11:06 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

The A's adding Manny Ramirez was hardly a surprise -- it had been rumored for a while.

But it should be even less surprising considering the track record of A's general manager Billy Beane. Beane, of course, is probably the most famous general manager since Branch Rickey thanks to Moneyball (the book and the movie), in part because of his eye for a bargain. While the biggest bargains in baseball are usually young players under team control, there's also value in older players that other teams don't want anymore. Beane's had more than his share of those types of players.

In Moneyball (again, both the book and the movie), Beane's addition of a declining David Justice paid dividends as the 36-year-old hit 11 homers in 118 games (not to mention putting up a .376 on-base percentage). Last season Beane picked Hideki Matsui out of the bargain bin along with a Stephen King novel at Barnes and Noble. This season, it's Ramirez, who will get $500,000 contract with the big-league club after serving his 50-game suspension.

Beltran gives former teammate a nosejob

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:54:56 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

It's not unusual to hear of teammates giving each other gifts -- from watches to cars and just about everything in between. But this is a new one.

Carlos Beltran, now a Cardinal, got Mets pitcher Jonathon Niese a new nose.

Yep, Beltran paid for Niese's nose job this offseason after making a playful barb that Niese needed a new nose. Beltran went so far as to offer to pay for it, according to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.

Rivera on retirement: 'I know,' but won't say

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:40:16 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Mariano Rivera arrived at Yankees camp a day later than the rest of the Yankees' pitchers and catchers report and he said he has a decision about if he will report next year -- he's just not going to share that decision.

"I know now," Rivera told reporters (via ESPNNewYork.com). "I just don't want to tell you. I know now. I will let you guys know when I think I should tell you."

When? "I will tell you that in October, maybe," he said.

Manny Ramirez to sign with A's

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:16:43 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Manny Ramirez and the A's have agreed to a minor-league deal, CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman reports. Ramirez will earn $500,000 with the big-league club, according to Heyman.

Ramirez, 39, will be suspended the first 50 games of the A's season, but will be able to take part in spring training. Ramirez missed all of last season after a positive drug test resulted in his second violation of Major League Baseball's drug policy. He had his 100-game suspension reduced to 50 after sitting out all of last season. He played in just five games for the Rays before his suspension.

He will not be paid during his suspension. The A's 51st game is June 2 at Kansas City.

Braves' Hanson examined after car accident

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:01:11 EST

By C. Trent Rosecrans

Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson went to the hospital on Monday after being involved in a car accident in the morning, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman (via Twitter).

According to Bowman, Hanson blew a tire and bumped his head and is being checked for a possible concussion. The Braves have yet to receive word on his condition.

Hanson, 25, came into the team's spring training home after the accident, but then chose to go to the hospital to get checked out.