Sporting News staff reports
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels plans to work with pitching coach Rich Dubee to add another pitch to his arsenal this spring.
Hamels already throws a fastball, a curveball and a changeup, though the newspaper noted he doesn’t have full confidence in his curveball. According to the newspaper, Hamels is likely to add a cut fastball or slider to his repertoire.
After a breakout 2008 season when he went 14-11 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.08 WHIP and was named NLCS and World Series MVP, Hamels went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA and 1.28 WHIP last season.
If Hamels returns to top form, the Phillies could have one of the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punches with him and offseason acquisition Roy Halladay.
Sporting News staff reports
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels plans to work with pitching coach Rich Dubee to add another pitch to his arsenal this spring.
Hamels already throws a fastball, a curveball and a changeup, though the newspaper noted he doesn’t have full confidence in his curveball. According to the newspaper, Hamels is likely to add a cut fastball or slider to his repertoire.
After a breakout 2008 season when he went 14-11 with a 3.09 ERA and 1.08 WHIP and was named NLCS and World Series MVP, Hamels went 10-11 with a 4.32 ERA and 1.28 WHIP last season.
If Hamels returns to top form, the Phillies could have one of the majors’ best 1-2 rotation punches with him and offseason acquisition Roy Halladay.
Sporting News staff reports
Free agent outfielder Johnny Damon told the New York Post that he has more suitors than just the Tigers and Braves.
One of those teams is the White Sox. According to the White Sox’s website, the team has interest in Damon but the website speculated he might not fit in the team’s budget. It also suggested that White Sox general manager Ken Williams merely could be trying to drive up Damon’s price for Detroit.
On Thursday, the Tigers offered him a two-year, $14 million deal, according to FOXSports.com. The Detroit News reports the Tigers appear to be "on the brink" of adding Damon and speculates he would hit second behind center field Austin Jackson.
On Wednesday, the Braves offered Damon a one-year deal, which The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported was worth between $4 million and $5 million. However, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution speculated the Braves’ offer won’t be extended to two years because outfield prospects Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer should be ready to start by next season.
Damon hit .282 with 24 homers, 82 RBIs, 107 runs for the Yankees in 2009.
Sporting News staff reports
Free agent outfielder Johnny Damon told the New York Post that he has more suitors than just the Tigers and Braves.
One of those teams is the White Sox. According to the White Sox’s website, the team has interest in Damon but the website speculated he might not fit in the team’s budget. It also suggested that White Sox general manager Ken Williams merely could be trying to drive up Damon’s price for Detroit.
On Thursday, the Tigers offered him a two-year, $14 million deal, according to FOXSports.com. The Detroit News reports the Tigers appear to be "on the brink" of adding Damon and speculates he would hit second behind center field Austin Jackson.
On Wednesday, the Braves offered Damon a one-year deal, which The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported was worth between $4 million and $5 million. However, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution speculated the Braves’ offer won’t be extended to two years because outfield prospects Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer should be ready to start by next season.
Damon hit .282 with 24 homers, 82 RBIs, 107 runs for the Yankees in 2009.
Spring training often resembles a working vacation for most veterans. You know, put in a couple innings of work and then call for your tee time. However, the list of proven veteran players who slumped in 2009 is a long one. For those players, regaining their confidence/swing/swagger starts when they report to their Grapefruit League or Cactus League camp. Which disappointing player from last season is in most desperate need of a strong spring?
Stan McNeal makes his case for Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez, but Chris Bahr says it is Cubs left field Alfonso Soriano who most needs to recapture his productive form:
Four years ago while playing with the Nationals, Alfonso Soriano joined the uber-exclusive 40-40 club during a contract year. He quickly cashed in, signing an eight-year, $136 million deal with the Cubs a couple of months before his 30th birthday.
Alfonso Soriano needs to shake off his injury woes to return to his old form.
Beginning this season (and running through the 2014 season), Soriano will earn $18 million annually. His contract was backloaded, but the opposite apparently was true of his production. At least the Cubs don’t have to worry about paying him a $75,000 bonus for winning a Gold Glove.
If the Cubs are going to compete this season — with spring training quickly approaching, there doesn’t appear to be the usual level of this is THE year hype — several things will have to happen. They are going to need a stronger effort from their rotation, better luck in terms of health and a return to form by Soriano. The Cubs fell off the map offensively in 2009, and Soriano’s bat can help rescue them from the depths to which they sank.
Soriano’s revival must start with a strong spring. But what are the chances Soriano will deliver?
The obstacles
Eroding production. Soriano’s homer totals and OPS have dropped in each of the past three seasons, and 2009 was the first full season of his career when he failed to reach double digits in steals.
Health. Over the past two seasons, Soriano has missed 98 games (after missing 42 from 2001-06). That has contributed to his offensive decline, and it is cause for serious alarm.
Xavier Nady’s arrival. Assuming Nady’s troublesome elbow (two Tommy John surgeries) is healthy, he is expected to cut into right fielder Kosuke Fukudome’s playing time. But if Soriano gets off to a slow start, he often could find himself on the bench in favor of Nady.
The optimism
Rudy Jaramillo. The hitting guru brought out the best in Soriano (.274-64-195) during their two years together in Texas. The Cubs hired Jaramillo to repair an offense that finished 21st in OPS, 22nd in runs and 26th in batting average last season.
Lineup position. Soriano might be miscast as a left fielder, but he no longer is miscast as a leadoff man. He is expected to hit fifth this season, and that should result more RBI opportunities and less pressure. In his three seasons with Chicago (primarily in the leadoff spot), Soriano has averaged 27 homers but just 67 RBIs.
More protection. A healthy Aramis Ramirez, who missed much of 2009 because of a shoulder injury and wasn’t 100 percent when he returned, will be key. The addition of center fielder Marlon Byrd (and the subtraction of Milton Bradley) also will be a boost.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Spring training often resembles a working vacation for most veterans. You know, put in a couple innings of work and then call for your tee time. However, the list of proven veteran players who slumped in 2009 is a long one. For those players, regaining their confidence/swing/swagger starts when they report to their Grapefruit League or Cactus League camp. Which disappointing player from last season is in most desperate need of a strong spring?
Stan McNeal makes his case for Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez, but Chris Bahr says it is Cubs left field Alfonso Soriano who most needs to recapture his productive form:
Four years ago while playing with the Nationals, Alfonso Soriano joined the uber-exclusive 40-40 club during a contract year. He quickly cashed in, signing an eight-year, $136 million deal with the Cubs a couple of months before his 30th birthday.
Alfonso Soriano needs to shake off his injury woes to return to his old form.
Beginning this season (and running through the 2014 season), Soriano will earn $18 million annually. His contract was backloaded, but the opposite apparently was true of his production. At least the Cubs don’t have to worry about paying him a $75,000 bonus for winning a Gold Glove.
If the Cubs are going to compete this season — with spring training quickly approaching, there doesn’t appear to be the usual level of this is THE year hype — several things will have to happen. They are going to need a stronger effort from their rotation, better luck in terms of health and a return to form by Soriano. The Cubs fell off the map offensively in 2009, and Soriano’s bat can help rescue them from the depths to which they sank.
Soriano’s revival must start with a strong spring. But what are the chances Soriano will deliver?
The obstacles
Eroding production. Soriano’s homer totals and OPS have dropped in each of the past three seasons, and 2009 was the first full season of his career when he failed to reach double digits in steals.
Health. Over the past two seasons, Soriano has missed 98 games (after missing 42 from 2001-06). That has contributed to his offensive decline, and it is cause for serious alarm.
Xavier Nady’s arrival. Assuming Nady’s troublesome elbow (two Tommy John surgeries) is healthy, he is expected to cut into right fielder Kosuke Fukudome’s playing time. But if Soriano gets off to a slow start, he often could find himself on the bench in favor of Nady.
The optimism
Rudy Jaramillo. The hitting guru brought out the best in Soriano (.274-64-195) during their two years together in Texas. The Cubs hired Jaramillo to repair an offense that finished 21st in OPS, 22nd in runs and 26th in batting average last season.
Lineup position. Soriano might be miscast as a left fielder, but he no longer is miscast as a leadoff man. He is expected to hit fifth this season, and that should result more RBI opportunities and less pressure. In his three seasons with Chicago (primarily in the leadoff spot), Soriano has averaged 27 homers but just 67 RBIs.
More protection. A healthy Aramis Ramirez, who missed much of 2009 because of a shoulder injury and wasn’t 100 percent when he returned, will be key. The addition of center fielder Marlon Byrd (and the subtraction of Milton Bradley) also will be a boost.
Chris Bahr is a senior editor for Sporting News. E-mail him at cbahr@sportingnews.com.
Spring training often resembles a working vacation for most veterans. You know, put in a couple innings of work and then call for your tee time. However, the list of proven veteran players who slumped in 2009 is a long one. For those players, regaining their confidence/swing/swagger starts when they report to their Grapefruit League or Cactus League camp. Which disappointing player from last season is in most desperate need of a strong spring?
Chris Bahr says Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano must return to form in order for the Cubs to compete, but Stan McNeal says all eyes should be on Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez:
Talk about a fast fall. In less than a year, Manny Ramirez has gone from superstar slugger to drug user to mediocre major leaguer to, well, who knows?
Questions abound as to whether Manny Ramirez can regain his old form.
This we know: At 37 and in the last year of his contract, no player is in greater need of a strong spring to set himself up for a big season. Consider what is riding on Manny’s bat: his team’s playoff chances, his future and his already-tarnished legacy.
Not long ago, Ramirez was the hero that L.A. couldn’t afford to lose. He was coming off a two-month stretch when he carried the Dodgers to the NLCS by hitting .396/.489/.783 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 187 at-bats.
Manny was rounding into familiar form in 2009 until his world as he knew it ended in early May. He was suspended for 50 games for a positive drug test, and he hasn’t been the same since. He hit .269/.389/.492 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs in 260 at-bats after his return, and the Dodgers carried him to the playoffs this time.
In the NLCS, the Phillies did what few pitchers previously dared. They challenged Manny with fastballs, and the strategy worked. He hit a two-run homer in Game 1 but ended up drawing more attention in the series for an early shower than for his hitting.
Joe Torre recently admitted to the Los Angeles Times that Manny "wasn’t himself" after his return. Torre believes Ramirez’s struggles had more to do with an unbalanced approach at the plate than declining ability. But not even Torre knows if Ramirez will return to elite status.
Ramirez is at an age when most hitters are in decline — those without chemical assistance, anyway. Manny senses this. According to mlb.com, he told his teammates last year that he’d be better off as a DH. Of course, he is in the wrong league for that.
Manny will make $20 million this season but is as likely as you or me to get that much next season. A strong season, however, could land him a nice enough deal to be a DH. On the other hand, an entire season like the latter part of ’09 and Manny could find himself in the same spot as former teammate Nomar Garciaparra — on the verge of forced retirement.
Manny already killed a certain case for the Hall of Fame with his positive drug test. If he doesn’t show his old form, his reputation will be hurt even more because many will believe his entire career was built on performance-enhancing drugs.
His best chance to remove some of the doubts is with a productive year. A strong spring is the best way to begin.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Spring training often resembles a working vacation for most veterans. You know, put in a couple innings of work and then call for your tee time. However, the list of proven veteran players who slumped in 2009 is a long one. For those players, regaining their confidence/swing/swagger starts when they report to their Grapefruit League or Cactus League camp. Which disappointing player from last season is in most desperate need of a strong spring?
Chris Bahr says Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano must return to form in order for the Cubs to compete, but Stan McNeal says all eyes should be on Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez:
Talk about a fast fall. In less than a year, Manny Ramirez has gone from superstar slugger to drug user to mediocre major leaguer to, well, who knows?
Questions abound as to whether Manny Ramirez can regain his old form.
This we know: At 37 and in the last year of his contract, no player is in greater need of a strong spring to set himself up for a big season. Consider what is riding on Manny’s bat: his team’s playoff chances, his future and his already-tarnished legacy.
Not long ago, Ramirez was the hero that L.A. couldn’t afford to lose. He was coming off a two-month stretch when he carried the Dodgers to the NLCS by hitting .396/.489/.783 with 17 homers and 53 RBIs in 187 at-bats.
Manny was rounding into familiar form in 2009 until his world as he knew it ended in early May. He was suspended for 50 games for a positive drug test, and he hasn’t been the same since. He hit .269/.389/.492 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs in 260 at-bats after his return, and the Dodgers carried him to the playoffs this time.
In the NLCS, the Phillies did what few pitchers previously dared. They challenged Manny with fastballs, and the strategy worked. He hit a two-run homer in Game 1 but ended up drawing more attention in the series for an early shower than for his hitting.
Joe Torre recently admitted to the Los Angeles Times that Manny "wasn’t himself" after his return. Torre believes Ramirez’s struggles had more to do with an unbalanced approach at the plate than declining ability. But not even Torre knows if Ramirez will return to elite status.
Ramirez is at an age when most hitters are in decline — those without chemical assistance, anyway. Manny senses this. According to mlb.com, he told his teammates last year that he’d be better off as a DH. Of course, he is in the wrong league for that.
Manny will make $20 million this season but is as likely as you or me to get that much next season. A strong season, however, could land him a nice enough deal to be a DH. On the other hand, an entire season like the latter part of ’09 and Manny could find himself in the same spot as former teammate Nomar Garciaparra — on the verge of forced retirement.
Manny already killed a certain case for the Hall of Fame with his positive drug test. If he doesn’t show his old form, his reputation will be hurt even more because many will believe his entire career was built on performance-enhancing drugs.
His best chance to remove some of the doubts is with a productive year. A strong spring is the best way to begin.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
The Reds have won the bidding for hard-throwing Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman.
Cincinnati has agreed to a $25 million major league contract with Chapman, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The pact, which will become official if Chapman passes a physical this week, is for five years with a player option for a sixth. The club, though, will make payments over 10 years, the newspaper reports.
Chapman, 22, has been in high demand since defecting last July, but Cincinnati was not considered his likely destination. Last week, the Blue Jays and Angels appeared to be the front-runners. Teams like the Marlins, Yankees and Red Sox had dropped out in recent days.
There is debate in baseball circles about Chapman’s readiness to pitch in the big leagues. The Enquirer reports the Reds believe Chapman could reach the majors sometime in 2010.
What isn’t in dispute is his raw ability; he regularly touches 100 mph with his fastball and complements the pitch with a mid-80s slider.
"He’s the real deal," a scout told ESPNBoston.com last week. "He’s not ready for the big leagues yet, but he has a fabulous arm. His slider is going to be a plus pitch, and though he has no feel yet for the changeup, his arm action is good, and that could come with time."
Sporting News staff reports
The Reds have won the bidding for hard-throwing Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman.
Cincinnati has agreed to a $25 million major league contract with Chapman, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. The pact, which will become official if Chapman passes a physical this week, is for five years with a player option for a sixth. The club, though, will make payments over 10 years, the newspaper reports.
Chapman, 22, has been in high demand since defecting last July, but Cincinnati was not considered his likely destination. Last week, the Blue Jays and Angels appeared to be the front-runners. Teams like the Marlins, Yankees and Red Sox had dropped out in recent days.
There is debate in baseball circles about Chapman’s readiness to pitch in the big leagues. The Enquirer reports the Reds believe Chapman could reach the majors sometime in 2010.
What isn’t in dispute is his raw ability; he regularly touches 100 mph with his fastball and complements the pitch with a mid-80s slider.
"He’s the real deal," a scout told ESPNBoston.com last week. "He’s not ready for the big leagues yet, but he has a fabulous arm. His slider is going to be a plus pitch, and though he has no feel yet for the changeup, his arm action is good, and that could come with time."
The Phillies can become the first National League team to reach three consecutive World Series since the Cardinals in 1942-44. The defending NL champions made the offseason’s biggest move by trading for righthander Roy Halladay, but two of the three teams with the best chance of unseating Philadelphia in the NL haven’t changed much.
A look at three threats to the Phillies, with analysis from each team’s manager:
Rockies
Last season, no NL club won more after May, and Colorado is likely to get better. The Rockies’ lineup is intact, and lefthanded starter Jeff Francis is healthy after a lost season (shoulder surgery). The club accomplished its No. 1 offseason goal by retaining setup man Rafael Betancourt, whose return assures a deep bullpen with defined roles.
Manager Jim Tracy says: "Depthwise, you feel really, really good about where you’re at. (In keeping Betancourt) you know you’ve made serious progress as a championship-caliber team."
Tony La Russa says he prefers having Brad Penny on his side.
Cardinals
Any team with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright has a chance to beat the best. Add righthanded starter Brad Penny, whom pitching guru Dave Duncan has long admired, and that chance improves. By signing Penny, the Cardinals added proven depth to an already formidable rotation.
Manager Tony La Russa says: "Whenever a guy faces you and you’re not happy, you always think, Boy, it would be nice to get him on your side. (Penny is) a guy that we thought would be a real good starter for our side."
Braves
Even after trading righthander Javier Vazquez for center fielder Melky Carbrera, Atlanta’s rotation is deeper than Philadelphia’s. The Braves covet an impact bat, but they scored more runs than the Phillies after the All-Star break last season. Signing Billy Wagner was risky, but Atlanta is convinced he will provide a late-inning upgrade.
Manager Bobby Cox says: "We spent a lot of time with Billy, and he’s excited to do this. (G.M.) Frank (Wren) had the scouts on him when he went to Boston; they had all glowing reports."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the January 4 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
The Phillies can become the first National League team to reach three consecutive World Series since the Cardinals in 1942-44. The defending NL champions made the offseason’s biggest move by trading for righthander Roy Halladay, but two of the three teams with the best chance of unseating Philadelphia in the NL haven’t changed much.
A look at three threats to the Phillies, with analysis from each team’s manager:
Rockies
Last season, no NL club won more after May, and Colorado is likely to get better. The Rockies’ lineup is intact, and lefthanded starter Jeff Francis is healthy after a lost season (shoulder surgery). The club accomplished its No. 1 offseason goal by retaining setup man Rafael Betancourt, whose return assures a deep bullpen with defined roles.
Manager Jim Tracy says: "Depthwise, you feel really, really good about where you’re at. (In keeping Betancourt) you know you’ve made serious progress as a championship-caliber team."
Tony La Russa says he prefers having Brad Penny on his side.
Cardinals
Any team with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright has a chance to beat the best. Add righthanded starter Brad Penny, whom pitching guru Dave Duncan has long admired, and that chance improves. By signing Penny, the Cardinals added proven depth to an already formidable rotation.
Manager Tony La Russa says: "Whenever a guy faces you and you’re not happy, you always think, Boy, it would be nice to get him on your side. (Penny is) a guy that we thought would be a real good starter for our side."
Braves
Even after trading righthander Javier Vazquez for center fielder Melky Carbrera, Atlanta’s rotation is deeper than Philadelphia’s. The Braves covet an impact bat, but they scored more runs than the Phillies after the All-Star break last season. Signing Billy Wagner was risky, but Atlanta is convinced he will provide a late-inning upgrade.
Manager Bobby Cox says: "We spent a lot of time with Billy, and he’s excited to do this. (G.M.) Frank (Wren) had the scouts on him when he went to Boston; they had all glowing reports."
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the January 4 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite being the subject of trade rumors this offeason, right-hander Derek Lowe remains a member of the Braves’ rotation. Because he is owed $45 million over the next three seasons, he was tough to move. Instead, Atlanta traded Javier Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera.
So, is Lowe upset about the rumors, and does he want to be traded?
"Absolutely not," Lowe told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that he merely was frustrated about the idea of being traded one season after signing a four-year deal with the Braves as a free agent.
Lowe went 15-10 last season but posted a 4.67 ERA, his worst ERA since 2004. In his final 21 starts in 2009, Lowe had a 5.59 ERA.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite being the subject of trade rumors this offeason, right-hander Derek Lowe remains a member of the Braves’ rotation. Because he is owed $45 million over the next three seasons, he was tough to move. Instead, Atlanta traded Javier Vazquez to the Yankees for Melky Cabrera.
So, is Lowe upset about the rumors, and does he want to be traded?
"Absolutely not," Lowe told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that he merely was frustrated about the idea of being traded one season after signing a four-year deal with the Braves as a free agent.
Lowe went 15-10 last season but posted a 4.67 ERA, his worst ERA since 2004. In his final 21 starts in 2009, Lowe had a 5.59 ERA.
Sporting News staff reports
The Tigers are among the teams interested in right-hander Jose Valverde, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The Detroit Free Press noted Valverde would fill the team’s need for a proven closer, but he would cost the team a first-round pick in compensation. He also might be out of the team’s price range, as ESPN reported Valverde is seeking $8 million per season.
The Diamondbacks, with whom Valverde pitched from 2003-07, reportedly are one of the other teams giving him a look.
Sporting News staff reports
The Tigers are among the teams interested in right-hander Jose Valverde, according to Yahoo! Sports.
The Detroit Free Press noted Valverde would fill the team’s need for a proven closer, but he would cost the team a first-round pick in compensation. He also might be out of the team’s price range, as ESPN reported Valverde is seeking $8 million per season.
The Diamondbacks, with whom Valverde pitched from 2003-07, reportedly are one of the other teams giving him a look.
Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein told the Boston Herald that there is mutual interest in signing righth-hander Josh Beckett to a contract extension.
Beckett will be a free agent after the 2010 season. In four seasons with Boston, Beckett is 65-34 with a 4.05 ERA in the regular season and 5-1 with a 3.88 ERA in the postseason.
Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein told the Boston Herald that there is mutual interest in signing righth-hander Josh Beckett to a contract extension.
Beckett will be a free agent after the 2010 season. In four seasons with Boston, Beckett is 65-34 with a 4.05 ERA in the regular season and 5-1 with a 3.88 ERA in the postseason.
Sporting News staff reports
Talks between the Twins and free-agent lefthander Jarrod Washburn have stalled, according to the Star Tribune of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The newspaper reported Washburn recently turned down a one-year, $5 million offer from the team.
Washburn slumped badly (7.33 ERA in seven starts) after being traded from Seattle to Detroit late last season, but a knee injury was at least partially to blame. He had knee surgery following the season.
The Brewers also have expressed interest in signing Washburn.
Sporting News staff reports
Talks between the Twins and free-agent lefthander Jarrod Washburn have stalled, according to the Star Tribune of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
The newspaper reported Washburn recently turned down a one-year, $5 million offer from the team.
Washburn slumped badly (7.33 ERA in seven starts) after being traded from Seattle to Detroit late last season, but a knee injury was at least partially to blame. He had knee surgery following the season.
The Brewers also have expressed interest in signing Washburn.
