Justin Verlander says Tigers manager Jim Leyland can relax if he is worried about his ace trying to do too much to justify his big contract. “I can’t give any more than I’ve been giving,” Verlander said Sunday. He has a point. The 27-year-old right-hander led the major leagues in games started (35), innings pitched (240), strikeouts (269) and total pitches (3,937).
Archive for February, 2010
RHP Park has first workout with Yankees (AP)
South Korean right-hander Chan Ho Park took part in his first workout with the New York Yankees on Sunday. The 36-year-old agreed to terms last week on a $1.2 million, one-year deal with an additional $300,000 in incentives. “He’s a guy we’ve noticed the past few years, how he plays up out of the bullpen,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
Romero, Lidge hope to be ready by opener (AP)
In 2008, they comprised the back end of the best bullpen in baseball on the season’s best team. Last year, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge had the worst seasons of their respective careers, dealing with injuries and other off-field distractions. After a winter filled with surgeries and soul-searching, the two were back on neighboring mounds Sunday in the Phillies’ bullpen for the first time in a…
Bucs hope for big things from McCutchen (AP)
A few days ago, a sleepy morning in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ clubhouse was brightened when Andrew McCutchen walked into the room. McCutchen was laughing, as usual, and soon other players were, too. Everyone seemed to perk up as McCutchen quickly changed into his workout gear and headed onto the field.
Outfield could again hold key for Cubs (AP)
With Milton Bradley moping, Alfonso Soriano limping and Kosuke Fukudome whiffing, the 2009 Chicago Cubs were done in by their $214 million outfield. Bobby Scales was called up after 10 1/2 years in the minors and asked to save the day. Jake Fox was all-hit, no field. Sam Fuld was all-field, no-power. First baseman Micah Hoffpauir, thrown into the outfield to supply offense, batted .239.
Blue Jays won’t rush RHP McGowan (AP)
Dustin McGowan was pitching to major league hitters on Sunday for the first time in more than a year and a half. Making Toronto’s opening-day roster is not a priority for the Blue Jays — and shouldn’t be for McGowan either. “We’ve talked to him about it. That date is non-existent for us with him,” general manager Alex Anthopoulos said.
Rangers’ Borbon has lead for CF job (AP)
Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said the center field and leadoff starting jobs are Julio Borbon’s to lose. “For me, Borbon is in the same position that (shortstop) Elvis Andrus was last year,” Washington said Sunday. “It’s up to us to keep him relaxed and let him be who he is.” Borbon made his debut with the Rangers last season as a substitute for an injured Josh…
Ruiz, 32, hopes to stick with Blue Jays (AP)
Randy Ruiz had bounced around the minors for 10 years before getting his first taste of the majors. This year he hopes to stick with one club: the Toronto Blue Jays. He knows from experience, though, not to get his hopes up too high. “I put no pressure on myself,” Ruiz said Saturday. “I would love to be up there with the club but right now I’m just going to have fun and try to do…
Chipper says he could retire after 2010 (AP)
An offseason of reflection hasn’t softened Chipper Jones’ stance. The Atlanta Braves’ third baseman still says he will walk away from the game if he can’t bounce back from a disappointing season. Jones, who will turn 38 in April, said this week he won’t hang around just to collect a paycheck if he’s no longer playing up to the standards which have made him one of the best…
Baez, Contreras together again in Philly (AP)
When word first started spreading that veteran pitcher Jose Contreras was joining the Philadelphia Phillies last month, no one was happier than Danys Baez. This was no ordinary new teammate for Baez. Hardly. Contreras’ signing with the Phillies completed a remarkable reunion of two men who escaped Cuba and found success in the major leagues.
