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Big Unit hoping for big things with Giants

by By Janie McCauley, Associated Press

Sunday December 28, 2008, 12:00 AM

SAN FRANCISCO -- With two recent back surgeries behind him, Randy Johnson is refreshed and focused on being a baseball player again this winter -- rather than a pitcher limited to rigorous rehabilitation work, his case the past two off-seasons.

The 45-year-old Big Unit has been playing catch for three weeks already -- and, now, is busy preparing to join his new San Francisco Giants teammates come the start of spring training in February.

Johnson and San Francisco agreed to an $8 million, one-year contract Friday, giving the Giants one of the deepest starting rotations in baseball with three Cy Young Award winners. Johnson has won five Cy Youngs and is five victories away from No. 300.

"I'm well ahead of schedule than I was the last two off-seasons," Johnson said Saturday during a conference call, noting he plans to be on the 2009 Opening Day roster. "It will be really nice to be in that position this year. . . . To some degree I have silenced the critics and shown that I'm healthy."

The Giants are counting on that.

Ross D. Franklin / AP Randy Johnson, seen here last season with the Diamondbacks, signed with the Giants on Friday and is now the third member of San Francisco's starting rotation with at least one Cy Young Award.

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Yankees introduce CC Sabathia at press conference

by Associated Press

Thursday December 18, 2008, 3:34 PM

AP Photo/Kathy WillensCC Sabathia smiles after donning a Yankee cap and uniform during a news conference announcing the Yankees two new pitchers, including A.J. Burnett, at Yankee Stadium in New York, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008.

The pair reached preliminary agreements last week, with Sabathia getting a $161 million, seven-year contract and Burnett an $82.5 million, five-year deal. Sabathia's agreement is a record amount for a pitcher.

New York hopes the pair will stabilize a team that missed the playoffs this year, ending a streak of 13 consecutive postseason appearances.

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MLB rumor mill

by Paul Hoynes

Friday December 12, 2008, 7:26 AM

Associated PressKerry Wood.

The Indians should know by today if Kerry Wood is their closer.

Wood took a physical Thursday in Cleveland. If he passed, his two-year deal worth a reported $20 million should become official.

Reportedly, some tests that Wood underwent needed to be evaluated further today.

Wood, one way or the other, won't be staying in Cleveland. He's expected to head back to his home in Arizona today. If the deal goes through, he'll return for the official announcement next week.

Last season, Wood's only health problem was a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand. He went 5-4 with a 3.26 ERA and saved 34 games in 40 attempts for the Chicago Cubs. It was Wood's first year as a closer.

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Versatile Punto remains with Twins

by From wire reports

Friday December 12, 2008, 7:22 AM

AP Photo/Bill Waugh, FileSan Diego Padres pitcher Jake Peavy delivers against the Milwaukee Brewers during the third inning of a baseball game in Milwaukee. Padres' general manager Kevin Towers said Thursday that Cubs GM Jim Hendry told him Chicago was ceasing its pursuit of the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner.

The versatile infielder agreed to a two-year contract with the Twins Thursday worth $8.5 million.

After an awful 2007 season at the plate, Punto bounced back to hit .284 last season and was the team's starting shortstop as the Twins chased the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central over the final two months.

He declared free agency at the end of the season and had several teams interested, including the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.

The defensive dynamo has long been a favorite of Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire, who said Punto would be the team's starting shortstop entering spring training if the club re-signed him.

Punto will make $4 million in each of the next two seasons. The deal includes a club option for 2011 at $5 million with a $500,000 buyout.

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'Tis the season - for MLB's free agents to clean up

by Jim Salisbury, The Philadelphia Inquirer

Saturday December 06, 2008, 11:43 PM

Victoria Arocho / Associated PressSheets and sheets and sheets of these will be available to free agents Monday when baseball's winter meetings begin in Las Vegas.

Baseball's winter meetings, which begin Monday in Las Vegas, will be like a trip to Alice's Restaurant.

You can get anything you want.

Big bats? Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira lead a free-agent class that also includes Raul Ibanez, Milton Bradley, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi and Adam Dunn.

Big arms? They don't get much bigger than CC Sabathia. A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets and Randy Johnson are also free agents, and Jake Peavy is available in a trade.

Closers? Both the all-time saves leader (Trevor Hoffman) and the single-season record holder (Francisco Rodriguez) are free agents.

So far, it has been a remarkably quiet off-season in the transactions column, at least in regard to big names.

The Chicago Cubs re-signed potential free-agent pitcher Ryan Dempster. The Colorado Rockies traded outfielder Matt Holliday to the Oakland Athletics, and the Boston Red Sox signed MVP second baseman Dustin Pedroia to a $40.5 million contract extension.

Other than that, the wheeling-and-dealing has lacked sizzle.

That could change this week when baseball executives and player agents invade the Bellagio hotel for the annual dance over dollars.

One or two signings could break the logjam and set off a flurry of activity.

There will be several high-profile characters and subplots at these meetings. They include Sabathia, the New York Yankees, agent Scott Boras and the national economy.

Sabathia, 28, is the prize of the starting pitching market after putting together an awesome salary drive with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2008. He was 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts after joining the club from the Indians in a July trade. The Brewers and Yankees have made bids for Sabathia, but he may be interested in pitching for a West Coast team, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants could all be in the hunt for his services.

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What if Yankees come up empty?

by Phil Rogers/Chicago Tribune

Saturday November 22, 2008, 8:54 PM

With no playoffs in 2008 and a new stadium opening in 2009, the New York Yankees are trying their hardest to make the three top free-agent starting pitchers extremely rich. But it takes two parties to finish a deal.

Imagine the horror in the Big Apple if the Yankees somehow struck out on CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.

That would be the ultimate low blow to the Yankees' self-esteem and would leave manager Joe Girardi wondering how he's going to fill the 200 innings he got from Mike Mussina, who is retiring. It might force General Manager Brian Cashman to stop trying to get Andy Pettitte to take a pay cut. And it could happen.

It's easy to think of players as the ultimate mercenaries, but the highest offer doesn't guarantee a deal. Remember when the late Syd Thrift said he felt like he was offering "Confederate money" when free agents wouldn't come to Baltimore under any terms?

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerFormer Indian CC Sabathia is just one of the big-time pitchers the New York Yankees are trying to sign.

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Cy Young: Forever the best in Newcomerstown

by Bill Lubinger

Sunday November 16, 2008, 8:31 AM

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerCy Young Park in Newcomerstown, Ohio, is the recreational home to many looking to play basketball, tennis and, yes, baseball.

See more photos

By now, the cornfields of Tuscarawas County are brown stubble. The village ball diamond, where summer tourists stop to take pictures, is strewn with oak leaves.

Come November, baseball is an afterthought -- except when thoughts turn to Cy Young.

Around Cleveland, they're toasting Cliff Lee, who was voted the American League's best pitcher this season.

Around here, about an hour and 45 minutes due south of Progressive Field, they celebrate the man for whom the award was named: Cy Young, the best pitcher -- ever.

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Philadelphia Phillies' boss proud to add 'winner' to title

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Thursday October 30, 2008, 8:56 PM

David J. Phillip/Associated PressPhiladelphia manager and former Indians skipper Charlie Manuel addresses the crowd Wednesday night after his Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3, to win the World Series.

Ruben Amaro, the general manager in waiting, told him, "You deserve it, Charlie."

Manuel, answering with mischief in his eyes, said, "It couldn't happen to a better fella. Naw, I'm just kidding."

Dallas Green, a drink in his hand, stormed into the office and wrapped Manuel in a hug.

"You're a world champion, a world champion," Green repeated over and over again.

Green managed the Phillies to their last World Series title in 1980. Twenty-eight years later, Manuel matched him as the Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.

In 2006, Green criticized Manuel on a radio show. The two men went nose-to-nose afterward, but Wednesday night Green toasted him with a glass of champagne.

"World champion." Manuel was still trying to get a hold of the idea as revelers and reporters came and left his office in a steady stream.

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Just phabulous: Phillies make quick work of Rays in Game 5 (Part II), claiming Series crown

by Paul Hoynes

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 10:29 PM

Chris O'Meara/Associated PressBrad Lidge, who was perfect in his 48 save opportunities in the regular season and playoffs, revels in the championship moment after striking out Eric Hinske to finish off Philadelphia's 4-3 victory in Game 5 of the World Series over Tampa Bay at Citizens Bank Park. It's the Phillies' first Series title since 1980, and only the second in franchise history.

"Tell them in Cleveland, we just won a World Series!" said the Philadelphia manager.

Manuel's Phillies, in Part II of Game 5 of World Series, out-sprinted the Rays to a 4-3 victory at Citizens Bank Park on Wednesday night to win their first world championship in 28 years. It's the first world championship won by any of the four major Philadelphia teams since the 76ers won the NBA championship in 1983.

It was the Phillies' first World Series title since 1980 and only the second in franchise history. It ended the third-longest drought in World Series history. The Cubs at 100 years and the Indians at 60 are still waiting.

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World Series Insider: Hamels named MVP

by Paul Hoynes

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 10:10 PM

Julie Jacobson/Associated PressPhiladelphia left-hander Cole Hamels carries the World Series MVP award late Wednesday night after going 4-0 in the postseason.

Wednesday night the Phillies completed the job Hamels started Monday by beating the Rays, 4-3, in the resumption of Game 5 to win their first world championship since 1980. The Phillies went 6-0 in the postseason at Citizens Bank Park.

Hamels, who won Game 1 at Tropicana Field, went 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in the World Series. He was MVP in the NLCS as well. He went 4-0 with a 1.80 in the postseason.

"Winning a World Series ring means more to me than the MVP," said Hamels. "I'm just one of 25 guys. Without them, I'm nothing. You can't win by yourself."

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Phillies' fans buying up merchandise at amazing rate

by Nancy Armour Associated Press

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 9:05 PM

What does it sound like when Philadelphia Phillies fans let loose after nearly 30 years of frustration?

Cha-ching.

Thrilled to have their hard-luck team in the World Series, Phillies fans have been buying up team hats, T-shirts, jackets and just about everything else you can imagine.

"This has blown away everyone's expectations, including the team, including our vendors," Howard Smith, Major League Baseball's senior vice president of licensing, said Wednesday.

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If you think the weather's bad this year ....

by Ronald Blum Associated Press Baseball Writer

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 9:02 PM

Philadelphia - Hey baseball fans, grab your ski caps, gloves, parkas and boots. It's time for the World Series!

Next year, the Series doesn't start until Oct. 28 and Game 7 would be Nov. 5.

If the resumption of Game 5 Wednesday night was any indication -- 44 degrees at the start and forecast calling for temperatures to dip into the mid 30s -- the 2009 season could end on a ch-ch-chilly note.

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It's business as usual at concession stands

by Dan Gelston Associated Press

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 8:54 PM

Philadelphia - The beer taps were open and the suds flowed. The hot dogs sizzled, cheesesteaks were served and every other gluttonous goodie was ready to eat.

About the only shortage for Game 5 of the World Series were the innings.

Let's play 3½! No wonder fans were in a rush to stuff their bellies.

Two days after Philadelphia and Tampa Bay were suspended after 5½ innings because of rain with the score 2-2, the cliffhanger resumed Wednesday. Game 5, Take II was no ordinary World Series night.

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World Series Game 5 (Part II) chatter

by Paul Hoynes

Wednesday October 29, 2008, 7:34 PM

Clubhouse confidential: Rays manager Joe Maddon, a fan of rock and soul music, missed a symmetrical moment Wednesday. His team had to find emergency housing in Delaware after they checked out of their Philadelphia hotel before Game 5 of the World Series on Monday night only to have the game suspended and their original hotel sold out after their departure.

This postseason Maddon has amused writers by saying he listens to Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones and the Four Tops while preparing game strategy. When a writer asked him if he took advantage of being in Delaware to listen to George Thorogood and the Delaware Destroyers, Maddon laughed and said, "I missed that opportunity. I regret it already."

Armed and dangerous: Philadelphia's Brett Myers, scheduled to pitch Game 6 of the World Series on Thursday night in Tropicana Field if necessary, spent part of Wednesday's off-day shooting at a nearby target range.

"I shoot in a controlled area," said Myers. "It's fun to do. I have one buddy that's a former Navy Seal that's taught me how to use weapons."

Stat of the day: The Phillies entered the continuation of Game 5 Wednesday night hitting .145 (8-for-55) with runners in scoring position.

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In Series chill, both Rays and Phillies know they need to come out hot to finish Game 5

by Paul Hoynes

Tuesday October 28, 2008, 8:42 PM

David J. Phillip/Associated PressWith another cold and rainy day on Tuesday, there was no chance to get Game 5 completed at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park. Wednesday's resumption is scheduled for 8:37 p.m.

Suspended Monday and postponed Tuesday, Game 5 of the World Series, when it's finally completed, could resemble the restart of a red-flagged Daytona 500 with five laps to go.

"We've got 12 outs, they've got nine," said Phillies manager Charlie Manuel.

Said Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon, "It's almost like overtime, in a sense. Like [former TV announcer] Chris Schenkel used to say, 'Sudden victory.'"

The Phillies have a 3-1 lead in the World Series and just might win their first championship since 1980 on home ground if it stops raining long enough Wednesday night for the first suspended game in World Series history to be finished. Play was stopped at 10:40 p.m. Monday at Citizens Bank Park with the score tied, 2-2, and the Phillies due to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The wind was whipping, a cold rain, mixed with sleet, was falling and the infield was covered in puddles when play was stopped.

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