Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Chris Bahr discusses different possible trade scenarios as we approach the MLB non-waiver trade deadline.
Sporting News
Sporting News Audio is a weekly series of conversations with Sporting News experts during the MLB season. In this installment, Chris Bahr discusses different possible trade scenarios as we approach the MLB non-waiver trade deadline.
The Phillies need pitching help, but Pedro Martinez won’t be providing it.
Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, told ESPNDeportes.com on Wednesday the right-hander will sit out this season. Cuza added that Martinez has not decided to retire from baseball.
"After a meeting to discuss his immediate future, Pedro decided he wouldn’t pitch this year, in order to spend more time with his family in the Dominican Republic," the site quoted Cuza, who spoke in Spanish.
"This does not mean Pedro is announcing his retirement from baseball, because the possibility that he changes his opinion for next season still exists. But today, he asked that I call the teams that were interested to reveal his decision."
Cuza said recently that Martinez has yet to throw this year.
Martinez joined the Phillies midway through last season and went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts. He made two starts in the World Series against the Yankees and was the losing pitcher New York’s clinching Game 6 victory.
Philadelphia lost left-hander Jamie Moyer to an elbow injury Tuesday night, and it has yet to name its new fifth starter after demoting Kyle Kendrick to the minors. Reports Tuesday indicated the Phillies may be working to acquire Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt.
Sporting News staff reports
The Phillies need pitching help, but Pedro Martinez won’t be providing it.
Martinez’s agent, Fern Cuza, told ESPNDeportes.com on Wednesday the right-hander will sit out this season. Cuza added that Martinez has not decided to retire from baseball.
"After a meeting to discuss his immediate future, Pedro decided he wouldn’t pitch this year, in order to spend more time with his family in the Dominican Republic," the site quoted Cuza, who spoke in Spanish.
"This does not mean Pedro is announcing his retirement from baseball, because the possibility that he changes his opinion for next season still exists. But today, he asked that I call the teams that were interested to reveal his decision."
Cuza said recently that Martinez has yet to throw this year.
Martinez joined the Phillies midway through last season and went 5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts. He made two starts in the World Series against the Yankees and was the losing pitcher New York’s clinching Game 6 victory.
Philadelphia lost left-hander Jamie Moyer to an elbow injury Tuesday night, and it has yet to name its new fifth starter after demoting Kyle Kendrick to the minors. Reports Tuesday indicated the Phillies may be working to acquire Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt.
Astros owner Drayton McLane on Wednesday acknowledge the team is discussing trades involving right-hander Roy Oswalt, but he denied reports saying a deal is about to happen.
"[General manager] Ed [Wade] and I talk several times every day, but nothing’s imminent," McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. "Trades really don’t get done [until close to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline]. There is no imminent trade with the Phillies or anybody else. There have been lots and lots of discussions, nothing close to a trade."
Oswalt told reporters at Wrigley Field he wasn’t sure where things stood.
"I don’t know anything about it," he said. "I really don’t. I saw it on TV this morning actually. I’ve seen a bunch of other things on TV news and whatever. Until I get told something, I don’t know."
Oswalt would need to approve any deal, because he has a no-trade clause in his contract. He said earlier this season he’d be willing to waive it in the right deal to a contender. AOL FanHouse, citing an unnamed source, reported Wednesday night that Oswalt would approve a deal to Philadelphia.
Asked earlier Wednesday if he’d be willing to go to the Phillies, he said, "It would have to work for both of us. If it doesn’t work for both of us, no. But if it does, maybe."
What might make a deal work for Oswalt is if a team guarantees his $16 million club option for 2012. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Wednesday that Oswalt is asking interested teams to do that as a condition of him approving a trade. Stark reported the Phillies are unwilling to do so right now.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros owner Drayton McLane on Wednesday acknowledge the team is discussing trades involving right-hander Roy Oswalt, but he denied reports saying a deal is about to happen.
"[General manager] Ed [Wade] and I talk several times every day, but nothing’s imminent," McLane told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart. "Trades really don’t get done [until close to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline]. There is no imminent trade with the Phillies or anybody else. There have been lots and lots of discussions, nothing close to a trade."
Oswalt told reporters at Wrigley Field he wasn’t sure where things stood.
"I don’t know anything about it," he said. "I really don’t. I saw it on TV this morning actually. I’ve seen a bunch of other things on TV news and whatever. Until I get told something, I don’t know."
Oswalt would need to approve any deal, because he has a no-trade clause in his contract. He said earlier this season he’d be willing to waive it in the right deal to a contender. AOL FanHouse, citing an unnamed source, reported Wednesday night that Oswalt would approve a deal to Philadelphia.
Asked earlier Wednesday if he’d be willing to go to the Phillies, he said, "It would have to work for both of us. If it doesn’t work for both of us, no. But if it does, maybe."
What might make a deal work for Oswalt is if a team guarantees his $16 million club option for 2012. ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Wednesday that Oswalt is asking interested teams to do that as a condition of him approving a trade. Stark reported the Phillies are unwilling to do so right now.
In three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Jon Beason—who played college ball at Miami—has been one of the NFL’s most prolific tacklers. If you have a question for him, send it, along with your name and hometown to kbradley@sportingnews.com. We’ll select five of the best ones and publish his answers in a future issue of Sporting News magazine.
Ken Bradley
In three seasons with the Carolina Panthers, linebacker Jon Beason—who played college ball at Miami—has been one of the NFL’s most prolific tacklers. If you have a question for him, send it, along with your name and hometown to kbradley@sportingnews.com. We’ll select five of the best ones and publish his answers in a future issue of Sporting News magazine.
A mental error by Dodgers bench coach Don Mattingly proved costly Tuesday night.
Mattingly, serving as acting manager because Joe Torre had been ejected two innings earlier, was forced to remove closer Jonathan Broxton with the Dodgers leading the Giants in the ninth inning. The reason: Mattingly inadvertently made a second trip to the mound during the same visit.
San Francisco rallied for three runs against Broxton’s replacements and won the game, 7-5. Broxton was charged with the runs and the loss.
With one out and the bases loaded in the ninth, Mattingly conferred with Broxton and the Dodgers’ infielders on the mound. Mattingly left the mound, then turned and walked back toward Broxton. That constituted a second trip in the same inning, meaning Broxton had to leave the game.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy alerted home plate umpire Adrian Johnson, who conferred with the other three umps. Crew chief Tim McClelland eventually ruled Broxton had to be removed.
"Once you leave the dirt, you can’t go back," Bochy told CSN Bay Area after the game. In fact, Rule 8.06(d) states, in part: "A manager or coach is considered to have concluded his visit to the mound when he leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s rubber."
Mattingly told reporters after the game he knew the rule, but didn’t realize he had left the dirt.
"I kind of had a feeling (it was a second trip) because Adrian was yelling ‘No, no, no. You can’t go back,’ as I turned to talk to James," he said. "It cost us a chance to win the game."
George Sherrill replaced Broxton after hastily warming up. Andres Torres doubled on Sherrill’s second pitch, giving San Francisco a 6-5 lead.
Mattingly then replaced Sherrill with Travis Schlichting, who had been warming up prior to Sherrill getting the call. After a fielder’s choice grounder, Buster Posey singled home Torres to put the Giants ahead 7-5.
San Francisco’s Jeremy Affedlt pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth to secure the victory.
Bochy told CSN that this was the second time a Dodgers manager had made that mistake against his team. He didn’t give details, but according to SN research, Grady Little did it Aug. 23, 2006, when he had to remove Brad Penny in a game against the Padres, then managed by Bochy.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Sporting News staff reports
A mental error by Dodgers bench coach Don Mattingly proved costly Tuesday night.
Mattingly, serving as acting manager because Joe Torre had been ejected two innings earlier, was forced to remove closer Jonathan Broxton with the Dodgers leading the Giants in the ninth inning. The reason: Mattingly inadvertently made a second trip to the mound during the same visit.
San Francisco rallied for three runs against Broxton’s replacements and won the game, 7-5. Broxton was charged with the runs and the loss.
With one out and the bases loaded in the ninth, Mattingly conferred with Broxton and the Dodgers’ infielders on the mound. Mattingly left the mound, then turned and walked back toward Broxton. That constituted a second trip in the same inning, meaning Broxton had to leave the game.
Giants manager Bruce Bochy alerted home plate umpire Adrian Johnson, who conferred with the other three umps. Crew chief Tim McClelland eventually ruled Broxton had to be removed.
"Once you leave the dirt, you can’t go back," Bochy told CSN Bay Area after the game. In fact, Rule 8.06(d) states, in part: "A manager or coach is considered to have concluded his visit to the mound when he leaves the 18-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s rubber."
Mattingly told reporters after the game he knew the rule, but didn’t realize he had left the dirt.
"I kind of had a feeling (it was a second trip) because Adrian was yelling ‘No, no, no. You can’t go back,’ as I turned to talk to James," he said. "It cost us a chance to win the game."
George Sherrill replaced Broxton after hastily warming up. Andres Torres doubled on Sherrill’s second pitch, giving San Francisco a 6-5 lead.
Mattingly then replaced Sherrill with Travis Schlichting, who had been warming up prior to Sherrill getting the call. After a fielder’s choice grounder, Buster Posey singled home Torres to put the Giants ahead 7-5.
San Francisco’s Jeremy Affedlt pitched a scoreless bottom of the ninth to secure the victory.
Bochy told CSN that this was the second time a Dodgers manager had made that mistake against his team. He didn’t give details, but according to SN research, Grady Little did it Aug. 23, 2006, when he had to remove Brad Penny in a game against the Padres, then managed by Bochy.
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.
The Phillies are pursuing a major trade for a starting pitcher, perhaps the Astros’ Roy Oswalt, and are working to deal right fielder Jayson Werth in a separate move, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Tuesday night.
Stark did not identify whom Philadelphia would acquire, but he reported the Phillies have been working on a deal for Oswalt, who has a full no-trade clause and as many as two-plus years remaining on his contract. Oswalt has said he’d waive his no-trade privilege to pitch for a contender.
AOL FanHouse’s Ed Price reported via Twitter that a source told him the Astros "may be close to putting the ball in [Oswalt’s] court" regarding a trade.
Oswalt, Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren, Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly and A’s righty Ben Sheets are among the top trade targets ahead of the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. Haren told FoxSportsArizona.com on Tuesday he’d waive his limited no-trade rights in the right deal, though he indicated he’d prefer to stay on the West Coast.
Earlier Tuesday, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro hinted to reporters that he’s working on acquiring an arm. He demoted fifth starter Kyle Kendrick to the minors without naming a replacement. Kendrick’s turn is due to come up Saturday.
"I think we know exactly what we’re going to do," Amaro told reporters. "I just choose not to tell you."
Amaro’s hand may have been forced Tuesday night when left-hander Jamie Moyer left his start after one inning because of an elbow strain.
Werth was batting .280 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and an .873 OPS entering Tuesday’s game, but he has struggled the past three weeks. He also can become a free agent after the season and is expected to command a huge contract. Stark reported the Rays appear to be the team most interested in Werth.
Sporting News staff reports
The Phillies are pursuing a major trade for a starting pitcher, perhaps the Astros’ Roy Oswalt, and are working to deal right fielder Jayson Werth in a separate move, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported Tuesday night.
Stark did not identify whom Philadelphia would acquire, but he reported the Phillies have been working on a deal for Oswalt, who has a full no-trade clause and as many as two-plus years remaining on his contract. Oswalt has said he’d waive his no-trade privilege to pitch for a contender.
AOL FanHouse’s Ed Price reported via Twitter that a source told him the Astros "may be close to putting the ball in [Oswalt’s] court" regarding a trade.
Oswalt, Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren, Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly and A’s righty Ben Sheets are among the top trade targets ahead of the July 31 nonwaiver deadline. Haren told FoxSportsArizona.com on Tuesday he’d waive his limited no-trade rights in the right deal, though he indicated he’d prefer to stay on the West Coast.
Earlier Tuesday, Phillies GM Ruben Amaro hinted to reporters that he’s working on acquiring an arm. He demoted fifth starter Kyle Kendrick to the minors without naming a replacement. Kendrick’s turn is due to come up Saturday.
"I think we know exactly what we’re going to do," Amaro told reporters. "I just choose not to tell you."
Amaro’s hand may have been forced Tuesday night when left-hander Jamie Moyer left his start after one inning because of an elbow strain.
Werth was batting .280 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and an .873 OPS entering Tuesday’s game, but he has struggled the past three weeks. He also can become a free agent after the season and is expected to command a huge contract. Stark reported the Rays appear to be the team most interested in Werth.
Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown reports the Dodgers have intensifited their efforts to trade for pitching help. Brown, citing unnamed sources, reports L.A. has inquired about Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt, Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly, Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren and Indians right-handers Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona.
L.A. also is among the many clubs interested in Blue Jays relievers Kevin Gregg, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor.
The Dodgers recalled right-hander James McDonald from Triple-A to start Monday night’s series opener against the Giants. McDonald replaced rookie John Ely, who faltered after having initial success. The rest of L.A.’s rotation consists of Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Vicente Padilla.
Sporting News staff reports
Yahoo! Sports’ Tim Brown reports the Dodgers have intensifited their efforts to trade for pitching help. Brown, citing unnamed sources, reports L.A. has inquired about Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt, Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly, Diamondbacks right-hander Dan Haren and Indians right-handers Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmona.
L.A. also is among the many clubs interested in Blue Jays relievers Kevin Gregg, Scott Downs and Jason Frasor.
The Dodgers recalled right-hander James McDonald from Triple-A to start Monday night’s series opener against the Giants. McDonald replaced rookie John Ely, who faltered after having initial success. The rest of L.A.’s rotation consists of Clayton Kershaw, Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and Vicente Padilla.
McCarver likened the Yankees’ understating the accomplishments of former manager Joe Torre with World War II-era totalitarian regimes removing images of certain generals.
Fox spokesman Dan Bell said in a statement that McCarver regrets making the comment.
"We’ve discussed the situation with Tim, and relayed in no uncertain terms that his choice of analogies was inappropriate, which he completely agrees with and regrets using," network spokesman Dan Bell said Monday in a statement. "Given his contrition and flawless 25-year track record, we’re comfortable no further action is necessary."
McCarver likened the Yankees’ understating the accomplishments of former manager Joe Torre with World War II-era totalitarian regimes removing images of certain generals.
Fox spokesman Dan Bell said in a statement that McCarver regrets making the comment.
"We’ve discussed the situation with Tim, and relayed in no uncertain terms that his choice of analogies was inappropriate, which he completely agrees with and regrets using," network spokesman Dan Bell said Monday in a statement. "Given his contrition and flawless 25-year track record, we’re comfortable no further action is necessary."
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have extended manager Bud Black’s contract for three years through the 2013 season, with club options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Black has had the surprising Padres in first place in the NL West since April 20. They have an NL-best 54-37 record and a four-game lead over the Colorado Rockies.
Black was hired after Bruce Bochy left following the 2006 season. He has a record of 281-297, including 89-74 in 2007, his first season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sporting News staff reports
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres have extended manager Bud Black’s contract for three years through the 2013 season, with club options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Black has had the surprising Padres in first place in the NL West since April 20. They have an NL-best 54-37 record and a four-game lead over the Colorado Rockies.
Black was hired after Bruce Bochy left following the 2006 season. He has a record of 281-297, including 89-74 in 2007, his first season.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.