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 White Sox have traded away closer Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays, and apparently are shopping another very good reliever, Matt Thornton, to the Braves. GM Kenny Williams means business, as usual, and few guys seem safe. But if there’s one you’re near-certain not to hear in the frantic White Sox rumor mill, it’s Adam … Continue Reading →
The Tigers may be having plenty of talks with agents and other clubs, but there doesn’t appear to be anything that’s about to break with them. Two other AL Central teams, however, have started dealing. In a bit of a surprise move, the White Sox this morning in Dallas traded their closer, Sergio Santos, to the … 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 →
This weekend’s Tigers-White Sox series is huge. For the White Sox, at least. Win the series, and they’re still in the playoff hunt — at either 4.5 or 2.5 out with three more games left against the AL Central front-runners. Lose the series, and they’re most likely toast — at either 6.5 or 8.5 games … Continue Reading →
The Tigers aren’t used to drafting on the cheap. But they did this year. Baseball America just released its report on all the 2011 draft bonuses — and of a record $228,009,050 spent by the 30 major league ballclubs, the Tigers are responsible for barely 1 percent, or $2,878,700, to be exact. Detroit spent more … Continue Reading →
Maybe the White Sox, trying to climb back into the AL Central race, were simply jumpy and on edge. Or maybe the Yankees just pounded the strike zone. Whatever the reason, something absolutely remarkable happened at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago the last four days. The White Sox didn’t walk. Not once! That’s right. … Continue Reading →
When Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski last fall made the conscious decision to go after Victor Martinez over Adam Dunn in his quest to boost the lineup — and protect Miguel Cabrera from setting the Milky Way galaxy’s record for intentional walks — I was floored. And I wasn’t the only one. Not by a long … Continue Reading →