MLB Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Carlos Beltran makes progress with knee rehab, may return to New York Mets' lineup by early May

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March 19

New York Daily News

"Most of the Mets had just started their workday when Carlos Beltran emerged from the clubhouse gym, unhooking a heart-rate monitor from around his midsection. Beltran, his shirt drenched with sweat, had just finished a grueling two-hour, 40-minute workout, part of his rehab from surgery on his right knee. While his teammates were outside taking batting practice before a bus trip to Jupiter for Thursday night's game against the Marlins, Beltran stood by his locker talking about the progress his knee has made - enough to make him smile several times during the conversation. The knee was wrapped after the workout, but the "pinch" he felt there is gone after his winter operation and his leg ..."

Rangers deny report club was blackmailed in Ron Washington case

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March 19

Dallas Morning News

"While still concerned about how the results of Ron Washington's supposedly confidential failed drug test became public, Rangers officials Thursday denied a report that the club had been blackmailed by a former employee over the affair. A column in Thursday's Fort Worth Star-Telegram, citing unidentified sources, said a former employee attempted to blackmail the club over Washington's drug-test results from last July in exchange for "a glowing letter of recommendation." The results of the drug test and Washington's subsequent treatment through Major League Baseball's drug treatment policy were supposed to be confidential. "A blackmailer had the goods on the team's manager, and he was ..."

Ron Washington's reprieve may be short-lived

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March 18

Dallas Morning News

columnist Tim Cowlishaw

"It is not surprising that the Rangers gave manager Ron Washington a second chance after he tested positive for cocaine last year. This is the land of second chances, and the organization has no more shining example of what the best use of second opportunities can produce than in the case of Josh Hamilton. But now that the story of Washington's failed drug test is public, the question is how long the Rangers can afford to stand behind their man. My guess? Not very long. Managers and players are not the same people. They don't do similar things for their teams. That's why I have to think Washington has drawn a very short leash from the Rangers' organization. Starting with the premise that ..."

Brandon Webb hopes to return for late April

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March 18

Arizona Republic

"Right-hander Brandon Webb feels his arm suddenly has come back to life, flipping his mind-set for the better and injecting some much-needed optimism into his road back from shoulder surgery. "It felt like I was throwing hard as hell," he said, recalling a throwing session he had with teammate Dan Haren on Sunday in Surprise. "It felt like I was throwing 95." Even better for his outlook: The doctor who performed his surgery in August was there watching him throw and came away so impressed he didn't even feel the need to examine him. "I was letting it go almost all the way," Webb said. "I felt like I had more left in the tank even. It was good, really good." As good as he feels, Webb seems ..."

Rockies interested in reliever Beimel

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March 18

Denver Post

"The domino effect of injuries has led the Rockies to express interest in free- agent reliever Joe Beimel, according to a major-league source. With Huston Street pegged to start the season on the disabled list, pushing Franklin Morales toward the closer's role, the Rockies are short- handed with left-handers. Randy Flores has pitched effectively this spring, but sustained a nasty bruise to his left forearm Wednesday after being struck by a line drive. Jimmy Gobble was also impressive early in camp, but hasn't pitched in a week because of a strained left groin. After years of interest, the Rockies acquired Beimel from Washington last July. He posted a 4.02 ERA in 26 appearances. Beimel has ..."

Holliday still out. . . but La Russa not worried

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March 18

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Outfielder Matt Holliday has been out nearly two weeks now with a right rib-cage strain and isn't hitting yet, but Cardinals manager Tony La Russa professed to not being concerned this morning. "Not yet," said La Russa, who added he wouldn't be really worried until the day before Opening Day. "He's a veteran. He's got a good idea," said La Russa. La Russa admitted it wasn't ideal for a regular player to miss that much time but he said, "What was it, 1990? We had three weeks of spring training (after the labor dispute was settled) and (his Oakland team) won 103 games.""

Jerry Manuel points to Fernando Martinez being left off New York Mets' Opening Day roster

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March 18

New York Daily News

"Fernando Martinez is doing everything he can to stay with the Mets. But even if he keeps hitting like this, it probably won't be enough for him to make the Opening Day roster and start in center field. Martinez blasted his third home run of the spring Wednesday, a three-run shot in the eighth inning off Boston reliever Ramon Ramirez that erased a one-run deficit. He has a team-best 10RBI, is batting .538 and slugging 1.115, but Jerry Manuel said Wednesday that it would be "difficult in all honesty" for Martinez to force his way onto the team, even as a reserve."

Rockies' Street suffers big setback

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March 17

Denver Post

"Rockies closer Huston Street suffered a setback with his injured right shoulder on Tuesday, creating a strong possibility that he will open the season on the disabled list. Street said that he will undergo an MRI today to try and get a better understanding of what caused the shoulder tightness that is identical to what shut him down nearly three weeks ago. "It's really frustrating - opening day is definitely in jeopardy," Street said this morning. "It would be the first time in six years I would not be ready to go." Street, who signed a three-year. $22.5 million deal during the offseason, was caught off guard Tuesday by the stiffness in his shoulder, especially because his simulated game ..."

Marlins Check Out Mike Lowell

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March 17

Miami Herald

"Mike Lowell made his Grapefruit League debut on Monday for the Boston Red Sox and the Marlins were among those with a scout on hand in Fort Myers to see the long-time third-sacker try his mitt at first base for the first time. Lowell's name has come up in discussions within the Marlins organization, but it's unclear what their interest level is in the former Fish. And there would be a number of issues -- financial and physical being two of the primary ones -- that would need to be resolved before any serious thoughts of a reunion could be put into action."

Nathan to test elbow in 'near future'

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March 17

MLB.com

"Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Tuesday that closer Joe Nathan will test his right elbow soon, but it's not necessarily going to happen on Saturday. Nathan said Monday that he thought he'd play catch and give his elbow a vigorous test on Saturday, but Gardenhire said Tuesday that's not a guarantee, as it could happen on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. The skipper said they'll let the doctors and training staff figure out what day it will be."

Twins fans want Joe Mauer to sign anytime, as long as it's now

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March 17

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Tom Powers

"Hey, Joe, when are you going to sign? Hey, Joe, we want you to stay in Minnesota. Hey, Mauer, ya bum, what the heck are you waiting for? Joe Mauer has heard it all during his contract negotiations with the Twins. Frankly, he's embarrassed that personal business is out there in front of the public, but there's no getting around it. "I try to be private," Mauer said. "Only three people on our side know what's going on: my agents and me. We want to keep it as private as possible." Fat chance. In Minnesota, there would be a better possibility of keeping the start of World War III a secret. Yeah, it's Twins territory. More specifically, it's Mauer territory. Minnesotans like nothing better than ..."

Adam Dunn leaves with back spasm, considered day-to-day

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March 17

Washington Post

"First baseman Adam Dunn left the Nationals split-squad game against the Marlins today with a back spasm. The Nationals classified him as day-to-day. With an off day Thursday, it's a good bet the Nationals will simply let Dunn rest until at least Friday. Dunn told reporters he felt a cramp in his back as he reached for a groundball and he wants to play tomorrow. Asked how long he'll be out, Dunn asked what time the game in Kissimmee starts tomorrow."

Girardi: Chamberlain has to 'pick it up' to win Yankees' No. 5 spot

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March 17

New York Post

"Joba Chamberlain's chance to be the Yankees' fifth starter is dwindling quickly.s Chamberlain is slated to be the Yankees' third pitcher today against the Phillies in Clearwater. And in order to have any chance to remain in the hunt, Chamberlain needs to show manager Joe Girardi improvement from the first two outings. "Got to pick it up, we have told him you got to pitch now," Girardi said before last night's 4-1 win over the Astros at George M. Steinbrenner Field. "We gave you those couple of starts to get under your belt. Now you have to show us, you got to pitch." When camp opened, Phil Hughes and Chamberlain were the co-favorites to win the No. 5 spot. Though Girardi refuses to say who ..."

Marlins fishing for Lowell?

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March 17

Boston Globe

"A blog post by the Miami Herald mentioned that the Marlins had a scout in Fort Myers yesterday. It also so happened that Mike Lowell was playing first base and the Marlins could use a first baseman. Therefore, the Marlins are interested in Mike Lowell. Right? Well, maybe. It's worth noting that every major league team has scouts in Florida and Arizona during spring training and their job is to see as many games as they can. On a given day, 20-25 scouts will be on hand for a game."

Lyon to make spring debut Thursday

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March 17

Houston Chronicle

"Astros relief pitcher Brandon Lyon threw 21 pitches Tuesday in a simulated game and will make his spring training debut Thursday against the Detroit Tigers. Lyon is in recovery from surgery to drain a cyst on his right shoulder roughly a week before spring training started. "I still don't feel like I'm up to 100 percent strength-wise, but I'm to the point where I can start pitching, and that's just going to come with time," Lyon said. With 19 days until the season opener at Minute Maid Park, Lyon remains optimistic for a return for opening day because of how well his recovery has begun. "Two weeks ago, I would have told you I wouldn't be at this point right now," Lyon said. "Things are ..."

No decision on Strasburg regarding Minors

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March 17

MLB.com

"Is Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg starting the 2010 season in the Minor Leagues? General manager Mike Rizzo is leaning toward that direction although no official decision has been made. Strasburg, the No.1 overall pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, is scheduled to pitch Friday night against the Cardinals at Space Coast Stadium. "In all probability, Stephen would benefit from going to the Minor Leagues," Rizzo said via text message. "The official decision has not been made.""

Shoulder tightness leads to MRI and likely DL for Street to start season

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March 17

Denver Post

"Closer Huston Street will likely open the season on the disabled list after suffering a setback with his shoulder injury, The Denver Post has learned. While playing catch Tuesday, he experienced the same tightness that caused the team to shut him down roughly three weeks ago."

Mo' Confirms the Obvious: Albert Going Nowhere

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March 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak was making a move toward his rental car moments after Thursday's 6-5 walk-off loss to the New York Mets when he was overtaken by a question about first baseman Albert Pujols' possible availability for trade. Mozeliak initially had no comment Sunday about an ESPN report about the Philadelphia Phillies contemplating a trade proposal of first baseman Ryan Howard for the Cardinals' three-time NL MVP, Albert Pujols. Monday, he sought to quash any percolating intrigue. "We're not trading him… period," Mozeliak said before making his getaway with assistant GM John Abbamondi."

Lilly might pitch before opener

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March 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"A major part of the Cubs' pitching concerns this spring could be alleviated if the latest progress reports on rehabbing veteran Ted Lilly hold up when he returns to his throwing program this week. Lilly, who left camp Sunday for the birth of his first child, is expected to return Thursday, and manager Lou Piniella said the left-hander could be ready to throw live batting practice to Cubs hitters almost immediately after that. Live BP is the last major step before being ready to pitch in an exhibition game. And if Lilly can throw BP by, say, next weekend, he might have a chance to pitch in two games before the club breaks camp."

La Russa, Pujols irritated about trade rumors

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March 16

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals are quickly discovering that enjoying the game's premier player comes with a price. Three-time NL Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols is two seasons shy of reaching free agency. However, his insistence that he will not engage in negotiations for an extension once the season begins and his subsequent leverage to veto any trade have already incited a speculative flash fire. A day after declining to address published innuendo by ESPN citing a claim by anonymous sources that the Philadelphia Phillies were willing to offer first baseman Ryan Howard for Pujols, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said Monday, "We're not trading him ... period." Mozeliak had little else to say on ..."

David Purcey Drawing Attention

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March 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Blue Jays lefty David Purcey is "drawing attention from clubs," tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal also notes that the Cubs had a scout on hand Sunday for Jason Frasor's ugly Sunday stint (four hits and four earned runs in a third of an inning). Rosenthal says Frasor was under the weather during the appearance. Purcey, 28 in April, was J.P. Ricciardi's first-round pick in 2004. He posted respectable strikeout rates at most minor league stops, but was plagued by control problems. He seemed to figure it out by his third Double A stint in '07, trimming his walks per nine to 2.3. However, surgery to remove cysts in his forearm and triceps cut that season short."

Source: Mauer talks still progressing

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March 15

Foxsports.com

(scroll down)

"The absence of news in the Twins' negotiations with catcher Joe Mauer should not be misinterpreted. The talks, according to a source with knowledge of the discussions, "are not stalled by any means." The sides continue to talk and negotiate, the source said. Opening Day — the likely deadline for Mauer, who is a free agent at the end of the season — is still three weeks away."

Twins to skip Blackburn, hoping to solve knee woes

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March 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins righthander Nick Blackburn has had problems with his right knee going back to his days at Seminole State (Okla.) College. He had a synthetic lubricant injected into knee while in the minors because 90 percent of his cartilage had been removed through surgery. He still has to watch out for both knees. The right one is so sore, in fact, that he probably will be held out of his next scheduled start Wednesday. "We have to take care of this now.'' Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. Gardenhire said he wasn't sure who would start in Blackburn's place. He said Blackburn would not miss the game if it were a regular-season start, an indication the injury isn't serious. The Twins are confident ..."

Marlins Check Out Mike Lowell

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March 16

Miami Herald

"Mike Lowell made his Grapefruit League debut on Monday for the Boston Red Sox and the Marlins were among those with a scout on hand in Fort Myers to see the long-time third-sacker try his mitt at first base for the first time. Lowell's name has come up in discussions within the Marlins organization, but it's unclear what their interest level is in the former Fish. And there would be a number of issues -- financial and physical being two of the primary ones -- that would need to be resolved before any serious thoughts of a reunion could be put into action. However, the corner infield situation for the Marlins is not etched in stone. The only certainty is that Jorge Cantu will man one ..."

Jays' Carlson has MCL damage

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March 16

Toronto Star

(scroll down)

"There was troubling news back at Dunedin Stadium regarding the team's perceived strength, the depth of its relievers. Slender lefty Jesse Carlson had not thrown off the mound until last Wednesday because of a wonky left knee. It turns out he has some medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage that may be serious. He will try it out again on Wednesday."

Blue Jays reportedly have 4-year, $10M deal with Hechevarria

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March 15

SportingNews.com

"The Toronto Blue Jays have reached a four-year, $10-million deal with Cuban shortstop Adeinys Hechevarria, according to several reports. GM Alex Anthopoulos wouldn't comment on reports Sunday that the team was close to signing Hechevarria."

Albert Pujols for Ryan Howard? Tony La Russa calls rumor 'abusive'

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March 15

USA Today

"St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa calls the trade rumor "abusive" and "disrupts the players," according to USA TODAY's Steve DiMeglio. More after the jump. It doesn't take much to send the online world into a frenzy these days, and ESPN's Buster Olney lobbed a trade-rumor grenade into the blogosphere with his report that the Philadelphia Phillies have had internal discussions about a swap of first basemen, sending Ryan Howard to the St. Louis Cardinals for Albert Pujols. Other than the fact that both of these guys are likely headed to the Hall of Fame, one is regarded as the best hitter in the game right now and the other has the brand appeal to share air time with Jared from ..."

Derek Jeter's 'heir' headed to Jays instead

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March 15

New York Post

"Cuban refugee shortstop Adeinis Hechavarria is going to get more money than the $8 million Jose Iglesias received from the Red Sox, The Post has learned. However, it won't be from the Yankees. And that fact has nothing to do with the Yanks not wanting to spend the money on Hechavarria. According to an industry source, Hechavarria is close to signing a $10 million deal with the Blue Jays -- because he doesn't envision himself playing short for the Yankees. Hechavarria, 21, was leery of Derek Jeter's impending extension, which will keep the Yankee captain at short for the foreseeable future. Having seen Hechavarria work out often in the Dominican Republic, the Yankees were high on the ..."

Will money influence Nats' decision for SS?

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March 15

Foxsports.com

"On Sunday morning, Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo told the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore, "Money has nothing to do with who's going to play." But later that day, Rizzo balked when I asked him about the possibility of releasing Cristian Guzman if Ian Desmond won the shortstop job. Guzman is guaranteed $8 million this season. "He's still a long way from that type of discussion," Rizzo said. "He's a .300 hitter. He can still play short. He's not an old player by any means." Guzman, who turns 32 on Sunday, is not a .300 hitter — his career batting/on-base/slugging line is .271/.307/.386. He also is coming off arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. Desmond, 24, batted .280-.318-.561 ..."

If someone calls, Eyre would consider pitching again

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March 15

Philadelphia Daily News

"On a day when the Phillies' lack of healthy and proven lefthanded relievers moved closer to center stage, Scott Eyre rejoined the team. Well, sort of. Eyre, who had a 1.50 earned run average in 42 games as a lefty bullpen specialist for the Phillies last year, was at Ed Smith Stadium to participate in a postgame radio show hosted by team publicity director John Brazer. Bothered by bone chips in his elbow late in the season, the 37-year-old didn't sign a contract last winter. But he hasn't announced his retirement, either. Hmmmm . . . "I'm not against [a comeback] completely," Eyre said with a laugh during a break in the show. "Somebody would have to call me. But my elbow feels good. I ..."

Jays close to signing Cuban shortstop

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March 15

Toronto Star

"The Jays are close to signing 21-year-old Cuban defector Adeinis Hechavarria for a $10 million (U.S.) bonus that would tie him to the team for four years, according to George King in Sunday's edition of the New York Post. The free-spending Yankees were considered frontrunners for the shortstop but, according to King, Hechavarria's mind was changed because of the reported contract extension being negotiated by New York captain Derek Jeter. "Especially when it comes to free agents, whether they're Latin American or real free agents, opportunity is a big component of it," a vague and non-committal Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos explained while refusing to confirm his interest in the ..."

Howard unfazed by 'false' trade rumor

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March 15

MLB.com

"Ryan Howard spoke and Shane Victorino chanted. "Al-bert! Al-bert! Al-bert!" Howard on Monday morning addressed an ESPN.com story that the Phillies have discussed proposing a Howard-for-Albert Pujols swap. Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said, "It's unequivocally false," on Sunday night. Howard gathered his thoughts before he addressed reporters in the Phillies' clubhouse at Bright House Field. Victorino said Pujols' name in the distance, ending the interview as Howard cracked up. "I don't really have anything to say about it, to be honest with you, really, truthfully," Howard said. "I can go back to all the stuff that happened when I was in Double-A and all the talk about trade ..."

Phillies GM Amaro denies swap talks

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March 14

ESPN.com

"It's the sort of thing that is much more likely to happen in fantasy baseball than in real life, but according to sources, an idea has been kicked around the Phillies' organization internally, with discussions about proposing a swap of slugger Ryan Howard for St. Louis superstar Albert Pujols. It's not fully clear whether the Phillies actually have approached the Cardinals with the idea, and even if St. Louis were to seriously consider such an offer, executives with the Cardinals would have to swallow very hard before dealing Pujols, a player widely regarded as the best in the sport."

Cuban SS Hechavarria will pass on Yankees for Blue Jays

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March 14

New York Post

"The Post has learned Adeinis Hechavarria is going to get more money than the $8 million Jose Iglesias Iglesias got from the Red Sox. However, it won't be from the Yankees. And it has nothing to do with the Yankees not wanting to spend the money on the Cuban refugee shortstop. According to an industry source Hechavarria is close to signing a $10 million deal with the Blue Jays because he didn't envision himself playing short for the Yankees. Hechavarria, 21, was leery of Derek Jeter's impending extension that will keep him at short for the foreseeable future."

MacPhail "less confident" about Roberts

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March 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles officially have stopped denying their concern about the Brian Roberts situation. Andy MacPhail said today that he already had instructed his major league scouts to begin scouring for alternatives in case Roberts is not ready to play on Opening Day. "We're already started the process of lining up whatever options we need, depending on how long we think he's going to be out,'' MacPhail said. "Every day that goes by you have to be less confident because that's one less day to get at-bats and repetitions.""

Red Sox ace sidelined with undisclosed illness

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March 14

MLB.com

"Josh Beckett will not be making his scheduled start on Sunday against the Twins, his turn scratched because of illness.No details about the nature of his illness were available this morning. The Red Sox ace was slated to make his third start of the Grapefruit League season."

Olsen is getting closer, but he's not there yet

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March 14

Washington Post

"Scott Olsen still plans on being ready for the first week of the regular season, which for him mattered most Saturday after his second preseason start. "My arm's still attached," Olsen said. "Nothing broke today." In the Nationals ninth consecutive loss to begin spring training, Olsen started and allowed one run on four hits and no walks in three innings. More important than the results, Olsen felt he took another step forward in his recovery from last year's shoulder surgery. His fastball zipped at 88 miles per hour, an upgrade from his first start. "I'm getting there," Olsen said. "I'm real close. I don't know how close, but I think I'm real close. Maybe another start and another couple ..."

Roberts slated to see back specialist

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March 14

MLB.com

"Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts was scheduled to fly to Baltimore on Sunday night to be evaluated by back specialist Dr. Lee Riley of The John Hopkins Hospital on Monday. Roberts, who partook in infield practice prior to Sunday afternoon's game, insisted his visit to Riley is not a setback, but a more aggressive approach in treating a slightly herniated disc, an injury suffered during offseason workouts at the Athletes Performance Institute in Arizona. "I feel fine doing [infield] sort of stuff," Roberts said. "I still have a little bit of discomfort in certain areas and in certain ways, so those are the kinds of things that we're just going to check and make sure that we don't need ..."

Anyone For Jermaine Dye?

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March 13

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Jermaine Dye hit 27 HR last season. That's tied for 37th most home runs among players in either league last year, one less than Joe Mauer and one more than Justin Upton. And he has no job. Joe Pawlikowski did a good job breaking down why Dye doesn't have a job on FanGraphs . To recap for the lazy, he had a terrible second half and his defense is utter excrement. Basically, Dye's a DH or nothing. Problem is, AL teams have generally sorted out their DH slots. It seems like everyone has some version of the big dude with bad knees and a boppin' bat. Dye's on his last legs, so he's probably best used on a one-year contract for a team that needs just a little more offense to contend. Sure, he'd ..."

Greg Olson makes pitch for John Smoltz to join Twins

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March 13

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Will John Smoltz be closing games for the Minnesota Twins, the team that beat the Braves, and the longtime Brave righthander, in a grueling Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. Maybe. At least if Smoltz's friend and former battery mate in Atlanta has his wish. Former Braves catcher Greg Olson, who now lives in Minnesota, text messaged Smoltz after learning Twins closer Joe Nathan would undergo surgery to repair an elbow ligament, according to an article posted on the Pioneer Press Web site. "Perfect. Closer in Minny. Here comes Johnny," Olson messaged Smoltz. Olson meant it in a lighthearted way, according to the article. Olson has not heard back from the Atlanta resident, who, at 42, is an ..."

Tejada, 20, could be kid to fill void for Mets

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March 13

New York Post

"As Jose Reyes gets his prescribed rest, Ruben Tejada's days as a virtually anonymous figure in the Mets' clubhouse are over. Tejada arrived in camp as a highly regarded prospect whom the Mets wanted to get a feel about. He could leave as the Opening Day shortstop. It's Tejada and veteran Alex Cora battling for that spot while the Mets wait for Reyes' increased thyroid levels to drop. That could take anywhere from another week to almost two months. "I feel sad for Jose because he is a great player and a big part of this team," Tejada said yesterday. "But if I get the opportunity, I will be happy and willing to do the best I can for the team.""

Fransisco Liriano may replace Joe Nathan as Twins Closer

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March 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Asked this week what he would look for in a closer if Joe Nathan ends up out for the season, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire mentioned two things: the ability to get strikeouts in big situations and the mental fortitude to handle the pressures that come with protecting slim leads and quickly forgetting blown saves. Among Minnesota's in-house candidates, there is one pitcher who has excelled in one of those areas as much as he's faltered in the other. Francisco Liriano is pitching for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, but the Twins have a bevy of starters to choose from, and the left-hander's wicked slider is seemingly restored to its 2006 glory. So, could Liriano be an enticing ..."

Speculation about Mauer trade premature

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March 12

MLB.com

"As the start of the 2010 season draws closer, and Joe Mauer remains unsigned beyond this season, the concern from Twins fans over the catcher's future will likely continue to grow. The expectation all winter has been that the Twins will re-sign Mauer to a long-term contract extension. Yet there has been little news regarding the catcher's contract status in recent weeks. Neither side is speaking publicly about the negotiations, so not much is known about the status of those talks or what the Twins may be offering Mauer in either years or dollars. There still appears to be a sense of optimism that a deal between the two sides will get done. But as Opening Day approaches and no deal is in ..."

Could Minnesota Twins turn to John Smoltz?

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March 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Greg Olson, a former Minnesota Twins and Gophers catcher from Edina, caught for John Smoltz for four seasons with the Atlanta Braves. Following Twins closer Joe Nathan's debilitating elbow ligament injury this week, Olson text-messaged Smoltz. "Perfect. Closer in Minny. Here comes Johnny," Olson messaged Smoltz. Olson meant it in a lighthearted way. As of this morning, Olson hasn't heard back from Smoltz, who is 42 and an unsigned free agent following a split season between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals last year. Olson and Smoltz are pals. Olson figures Smoltz still can get hitters out. "He's still able to throw hard with real good command," Olson said. "He's still got pop on ..."

Cubs, Piniella unsure of 2011 managerial plans

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March 12

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella has not decided whether to come back in 2011, and the Cubs haven't decided whether he will be invited back. While Piniella has opened the door a crack to his return, it doesn't appear that the Cubs are willing to let him walk right in. "If he feels well and wants to keep going, we'll have an interesting conversation," Cubs president Crane Kenney said Thursday. "He's done a great job. He's raised the bar and that's a little bit of the burden we all carry now. "As I tell everybody in our organization, it's a lot better than being picked to finish fourth or fifth and having everybody talk about failure all the time." Photo: Lou Piniella's future with the Cubs beyond this ..."

Cubs, Piniella in 'interesting conversation' without speaking directly

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March 12

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella said he doesn't want his status to be a distraction for the Cubs as he enters the final year of his four-year contract. But management hasn't exactly made Piniella feel as though he's wanted back, which could affect his thinking come October. The latest twist in the ongoing saga occurred Thursday when Cubs President Crane Kenney was asked if the organization wanted Piniella to return in 2011. "If he feels well and wants to keep going, we'll have an interesting conversation," Kenney said. "He has done a great job. He has raised the bar and that's a little bit of the burden we all carry now. "As I tell everybody in our organization, it's a lot better than being picked to finish ..."

Could Twins trade Mauer?

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March 12

New York Post

"With an expected contract extension still not signed, the Twins may have to trade AL MVP Joe Mauer, a Minnesota columnist speculates. Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune writes, "Mauer's hesitancy to accept a record-setting contract offer from his hometown team has made his signing less than a sure thing and raised this previously unthinkable question: 'Won't the Twins have to trade him if he refuses their best offer?' " Souhan does continue to say a deal "is still more likely than not, and at any moment Mauer's agent, Ron Shapiro, could call the team and make it happen." However, Souhan says without a new contract, and Mauer in the last year of his current deal, "a combination of modern ..."

Ruben Tejada could be New York Mets shortstop on Opening Day in Jose Reyes' absence

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March 12

New York Daily News

"The Opening Day shortstop for the Mets? With Jose Reyes expected to open the season on the disabled list, it very well could be Ruben Tejada. The 20-year-old middle infielder hit .289 with five homers and 46 RBI in 488 at-bats with Double-A Binghamton last season. He suggested he wouldn't be overwhelmed. "It's baseball," Tejada said. "Everywhere I play the game normal. I'm ready for everything." The alternative is Alex Cora, although Jerry Manuel appears to prefer going with the rookie - at least if he shows he can handle it the next three weeks of spring training. Neither GM Omar Minaya nor Manuel mentioned Anderson Hernandez as an option. A trade may not make sense given that Reyes could ..."

Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero.

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March 12

Arizona Republic

"The Arizona Diamondbacks aren't ready to admit it, but right-hander Brandon Webb's chances to start the season on time are just about zero. As of now, it's unclear how much time Webb might miss. But replacing a Cy Young contender, of course, is virtually impossible. Mentally getting over his loss might not be easy, either. Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick said throughout the off-season that the return of Webb was tantamount to a big-ticket free-agent acquisition. Right-hander Dan Haren said last month that the Diamondbacks "will probably go as far as (Webb) takes us." Even General Manager Josh Byrnes spoke strongly in December about Webb's importance, saying, "I don't think there's ..."

MLB Trade Rumors