The Red Sox were expected to be the stars of these winter meetings here in Nashville. And now, they’re well on their way. Reports are circulating that they’ve landed catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli, with a three-year, $39 million deal. Napoili has averaged nearly more than 26 homers a year the last three seasons, and will … Continue Reading →
Here’s a big, fat “what if” for ya to chew on. Before the Tigers shipped their star center fielder, Curtis Granderson, to the Yankees in a three-team trade in December 2009, Detroit GM Dave Dombrowski was considering trading Granderson to Boston. And here’s who he asked for: Jacoby Ellsbury. And Clay Buchholz. Now, sure, the … Continue Reading →
The folks at ESPN released a preliminary “Sunday Night Baseball” schedule Wednesday, and not surprisingly, the Yankees lead the way with three appearances so far. A little more surprising, and disappointing: The Tigers didn’t make the cut. And that’s despite having early season Sunday games against some pretty high-profile opponents, like the Yankees, Red Sox … Continue Reading →
There’s already been plenty of player movement at these winter meetings, with closers front and center. On Monday, the Marlins introduced their new ninth-inning guy, Heath Bell. On Tuesday, the Blue Jays acquired Sergio Santos from the White Sox; the Mets came to terms with deals for two possiblities, Frank Francisco and Jon Rauch; and … Continue Reading →
The Hall of Fame released its 10-person “Golden Era” (1947-72) Veterans Committee ballot today, and making the cut was Michigan’s own Jim Kaat. Kaat, who turns 73 in a few days, spent 25 years in the major leagues as a crafty left-hander, after growing up in Zeeland, Mich., and attending Hope College. He was 283-237 … Continue Reading →
There’s another high-profile managerial job opening, though this one — unlike the other two — has been expected for several months now. The Cubs today fired Mike Quade, who was on the job a little over a year. New Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer said the ballclub wants a manager with … Continue Reading →
The Red Sox finally announced tonight that a deal has been struck with the Cubs, allowing Boston general manager Theo Epstein to leave his post to become president of baseball operations in Chicago. Further comment will be made by both ballclubs Tuesday, the next scheduled day off for the World Series. Major League Baseball is … Continue Reading →
When the mighty, mighty Red Sox followed their offseason spending spree with an 0-6 start to the regular season, the baseball world was left stunned, jaw drooping. But Boston and its calm manager, Terry Franconca, didn’t show a hint of panic. Then they were .500 by mid-May and in first place by the end of … Continue Reading →
From coast to coast, Major League Baseball is joining one of the nation’s most passionate movements. Last week, the San Francisco Giants became the first major professional sports team to join the “It Gets Better” campaign, designed to let bullied kids — specifically LBGT youth — know just that, it gets better. The Cubs and … Continue Reading →