MLB Rumors: Joba Chamberlain, Johan Santana and Latest MLB Buzz
Spring training is getting closer. Top players have switched teams and fans patiently wait for America's favorite past time to get started.
There's a lot of buzz going on right now as some recent deals have occurred. Clubs are signing key players and some are losing them.
Let's take a look in to how these deals affect certain teams. As well as the latest rumors in the Major League Baseball world.
1) How Does the Signing of Soriano Affect Joba?
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The Yankees struck gold with the signing of Rafael Soriano. The addition of the right handed reliever adds crucial depth to their pitching. But what does this mean for Chamberlain? If Soriano is to set up Mariano Rivera, when is Chamberlain going to pitch?
Apparently there was a bit of a divide when it came to signing Soriano. Buster Olney is reporting there was a split opinion.
So does this mean there will be a divide when it comes to Chamberlain? Should he start? Should he be the long inning reliever? It's up in the air at this point.
His trade value is low at the moment. Have him start to begin the year and perhaps he proves himself. Then there's more appeal for a team to make a move for him.
There's still time for the Yankees to make a clear cut decision. But expect there to be a big debate about it.
2) Will Johan Santana Make It Through the Year Healthy?
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Is there a bit of Mets curse on Santana at this point? For two years now he hasn't had a full season.
His recent shoulder surgery could keep him out of the 2011 season for a few months. However, there have been reports, or rather tweets, stating Johan can begin throwing.
Can Santana stay healthy all year once he does start the 2011 season? Tough to say. Injuries happen all the time, on and off the field. No one is in control of that.
But what he can do is not rush things. Let's face it, the Mets aren't very good. No need to pressure him into returning to soon. Take your time Johan. Rehab and come back strong.
3) Possible New Playoff Format for MLB
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There's a possibility that the MLB Playoffs could be expanded. Things are just in talks as of now but it is believed the playoff format will change after 2011 when they work out a new collective bargaining agreement.
The assumption is that the new format would add one wild-card team per league. The two wild cards playing either a one-game, winner-take-all or a best-of-three format.
How do you feel about this? They want to spice things up to get more viewers.
Look, here's the deal. We as Americans love sports. And we're going to watch no matter what. Granted more people would watch if the matchup were more intriguing but still, we love sports.
No owner or commissioner controls who plays who. If they do, then we've got some serious problems.
The ratings for the 2010 playoffs were very interesting. Record highs for League Championships and record lows for the World Series.
We watch based on matchups. Would a new format really make us watch more?
4) Jim Thome's Still Playing
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This will be Jim Thome's 20th season in the Majors. Congrats Jim, that's pretty impressive.
Thome signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins worth $3 million. The Texas Rangers were also interested in Thome but he just must like it up north.
Thome hit 283 with 25 homers and 59 RBIs in 276 at-bats last season. He is eighth on the all-time list with 589 homers.
Here's to one more year Jim, or maybe more. Tweets by Joe Christensen say Thome doesn't think this will be his last season.
5) Oakland Lands a Grant
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Grant Balfour has agreed to sign with the Oakland Athletics. The two-year deal is worth $8.1 million.
The right handed reliever had a 2.28 ERA for Tampa Bay last season. Balfour was a Type A free agent. That means if a team signs him they have to give up their first round pick in the upcoming draft.
However, if the team is terrible than they only have to give up a second round pick. The A's record was so bad that they qualified for this and were able to work a deal to Balfour's liking.
Balfour is the fifth player of Tampa's rotation to leave this winter.
6) Jeff Francis Makes a Big Mistake
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Kansas City? Come on Jeff what were you thinking? Nobody's happy on that team.
Francis agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million. He also has the potential to earn up to an additional $2 million based upon how he pitches. Do well, and you get paid.
But Jeff, when teams like the Yankees, Rangers, and Rockies are also interested in you why wouldn't you want to play for a winner?
Professional athletes baffle me sometimes with their decisions during free agency. The Royals may be giving him the best deal he wanted but still, it's Kansas City. Take less money and join a winning franchise Francis.
Enjoy the American League, Jeff. It'll be interesting to see how Francis makes the transition to the AL. He's only played for the Rockies. Some pitchers struggle with it.
7) Manny Being Manny...and Working Out?
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Manny Ramirez is doing what it takes to get in shape. Not only to hit the ball better but to also play the outfield. He is training in Arizona.
Perhaps teams are thrilled to hear this because five teams have contacted Ramirez's agent, Scott Boras, about possibly signing him.
The Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays are the hopeful teams.
Notice a pattern there? Yup, all AL teams. So do you really think Manny is working out to play the outfield again? Perhaps, but teams want his bat back, not his fielding.
8) Pedro to Return?
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Pedro Martinez is still thinking about making a return to the Major Leagues.
The 39-year-old is launching a new youth baseball academy and park in the Dominican Republic on Monday. Once that officially gets under way he will begin training for a possible return.
If he does come back, it probably won't be until the middle of the season. At this point, I don't believe Martinez has enough in him to make a full season.
And that way he can try to join whatever team is hot and ride the coat tails in hopes of another championship.
9) Tampa Bay Re-Working Through the Draft
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The Tampa Bay Rays have lost several key players this off season. But somehow they're probably okay with it all. The departures of big name stars is saving them money. And giving them draft picks.
The Rays have 11 of the first 65 draft picks. Losing Carl Crawford, Rafael Soriano, and Grant Balfour have given them additional draft picks in what is expected to be a strong draft.
The front office guys will be pretty busy come June. I'm sure the scouts are already hard at work and filled with glee with all their picks.
10) Damon Needs a Home
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Johnny Damon wants to play baseball. Problem is, no team is eager to ink him up.
The Dodgers just ruled him out. The Tigers probably won't bring him back. Would Boston fans welcome him back after he bolted for New York? Doubtful.
Speaking of New York, the Yankees are reportedly interested in Andruw Jones and maybe Johnny Damon.
Damon's other options, Tampa Bay Rays, or Los Angeles Angels
