First Ever MLB “Cast” Across The Plate
September 27, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
It is the first time in Major League History that the opening pitch was “cast” across the plate. It happened last Monday night in a game between the Blue Jays and the Orioles.
Minor Leagues Going With Harder Helmets
September 1, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
Minor League Baseball announced yesterday that it will be requiring a harder helmet to be worn in the batter’s box for next year. Rawlings has also sent a few prototypes to each team to try for the remainder of this year.
The change comes after David Wright of the New York Mets was hit by a 94 M.P.H fastball last month, landing him in the hospital with a severe concussion and placing the slugger on the DL for almost 30 days.
The Rawlings S100 helmet has been said to be “very bulky” and much heavier, something most MLB players may not prefer.
David Wright returns to the Mets lineup tonight and is expected to wear a Rawlings S100 helmet.
A Phillies/Mets Fan Fight You Must See!
September 1, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
Defending yourself at a baseball game while in the seats is a necessity, but there is no way I would ever waste my beer by pouring it on an opposing fan. Then to miss both punches? What was this guy thinking?
Dodgers String Up Jon Garland, Jim Thome
September 1, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired right handed pitcher Jon Garland from the Diamondbacks and Jim Thome from the White Sox Monday night, in a last minute trade which has been described as a total roster make over by MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick. The news came to Garland about halfway through yesterday’s game. He knew a deal was brewing but was not certain about the situation.
“For me, born and raised in L.A., the chance to come back and play for the Dodgers, be right in the thick of a pennant race, it’s exciting.”
Jim Thome told the Dodgers he is not physically ready to play first base, but would love to contribute to the offensive lineup with his right handed bat.
Phillies Still After Nomar?
August 31, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
As of last evening, reports began to surface about Nomar Garciaparra stating “there remains a small chance that the slugger will go to a contender” before Monday’s waiver trade deadline.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said last week that the franchise was done dealing for this year, and expects to make no immediate additions to the team. However, the San Francisco Chronicle has confirmed that the Phillies still may be interested in Nomar for bench help.
NESN.com reports that a return to Boston for Nomar is highly unlikely. Garciaparra cleared waivers a while ago, but has reportedly drawn little interest.
Phillies, Dodgers Emerge As Roy Halladay Front Runners
July 17, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
The Blue Jays have made it apparent that they will not trade their ace pitcher Roy Halladay across the division to the Yankees or Red Sox.
Jon Heyman – of SI.com reports that the Yankees and Red Sox have been recently informed by the Blue Jays that their chances to land Halladay are slim. He also calls the Phillies “the logical winner” of the Halladay situation.
It looks as if the Phillies would have to surrender prospect Kyle Drabek – who has been recently declared “untouchable”.
A few Phillies prospects that may potentially be involved in a trade are; J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp; outfielders John Mayberry Jr., Dominic Brown and Michael Taylor; catcher Lou Marson and shortstop Jason Donald) and of course Kyle Drabek.
Thursday’s Version of Roy Halladay Rumors
July 16, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
The Roy Halladay market tends to keep growing as interest increases around the league. The Blue Jays are in search of young talent that will contribute to their franchise growth. Who will offer the Jays’ the best package deal in the Halladay Sweepstakes? We will soon find out!
Joel Sherman of SI.com explains why trading the ace pitcher will benefit everyone involved. “It is simply just the wrong place and time for Halladay to be in Toronto any longer.”
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports – The Angels and Cardinals are among the teams interested in Roy Halladay, but rival executives are skeptical that either club can produce a strong enough package to land the Blue Jays’ ace.
Foster’s Daily – Adding Martinez isn’t expected to prevent the Phillies from pursuing All-Star Roy Halladay. The Toronto Blue Jays are listening to offers for the 2003 AL Cy Young Award winner, and Philadelphia already has expressed strong interest.
Halladay was the Blue Jays’ first draft selection in the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft, the 17th pick overall, and has played for the team since 1998. On April 6, Halladay made his team-record seventh straight Opening Day start for Toronto, defeating the Detroit Tigers before a near-capacity crowd at Rogers Centre.
Phillies Sign Pedro Martinez
July 15, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
Three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez, has signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Phillies according to multiple sources around MLB. The signing was confirmed by the Phillies organization this morning, and the deal was worth $1MM for one year.
Martinez was immediatley placed on the 15-day DL because of a slight shoulder strain. There is no timeline on when the Phillies expect Pedro to take part in a rehab assignment.
Wednesday’s Version of Roy Halladay Rumors
July 15, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
During the All-Star game last evening, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports told Joe Buck that Roy Halladay will almost certainly be traded within the next two weeks. He mentioned that Blue Jay scouts are all over the country researching minor league talent.
STLToday.com reports that the Cardinals are going to make a generous run at the pitcher, but they will not “over do it” for Halladay.
The Bleacher Report featured an article today that explained why the San Francisco Giants should consider signing Halladay.
The Yankees and Red Sox continue to be in the conversation when it comes to potential suitors, though it would likely take a lot for Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi to deal the ace to a division rival.
No Obstacles For Pedro In Philadelphia?
July 14, 2009 by Ribbie3b
Filed under Baseball Rumors
We all know Pedro Martinez lives for the big game, but can he get through 6 or more innings in atleast 12 attempts for the Phillies in 2009?
ESPN’s Jayson Stark says that if Pedro does indeed pass his physical there is absolutley no obstacle in the way of seeing him in red pinstripes. Stark also says, Texas is also apparently out of the hunt for the ex-Met.
David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily news says Pedro will sign for sure if he does pass the physical. The terms of the agreement – and, therefore, the amount of monetary risk the Phillies will assume – is unknown. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr., in St. Louis for the All-Star Game, has declined to comment other than to acknowledge that the Phillies scouted Martinez last week.
