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Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien could be the answer By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 015/01/20/arizona-diamondbacks-peter-obrien-- Watch Mobile Councilwoman Bess Rich say exactly why mlb/22072885/ she voted against transferring funds for Stadium upgrades Sign up now for Prescott Valley Little League! By Kelli Dugan / Mobile Press-Register By Prescott Valley Tribune http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/01/watch_m http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2& obile_councilwoman_bess.html ArticleID=62478 Hank Aaron Stadium is still worth the investment: opinion Queen Creek High School wins $5,000 grant from Arizona By Mike Brantley / Mobile Press-Register Diamondbacks http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/hank_aaron_st By Arizona News Zap adium_is_still_wo.html http://arizona.newszap.com/eastvalley/137770-114/queen- creek-high-school-wins-5000-grant-from-arizona-diamondbacks Behind the Big Leagues: An Interview with Robby Hammock By Nick Danger / TravestyTribune.com http://travestytribune.sportsblog.com/posts/1660567/behind_t Prospect Watch: Top 10 right-handed he_big_leagues__an_interview_with_robby_hammock.html Nats' Giolito leads list, followed by Mets' Syndergaard, Pirates' Glasnow $464,000 now available for Hank Aaron upgrades By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com By Rebekah Hoeger / FOX 10 - Mobile http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106833046/prospect- http://www.fox10tv.com/story/27896903/464000-now- watch-top-10-right-handed-pitchers available-for-hank-aaron-upgrades

The market for James Shields How is the free-agent right-hander, in the third week of January, still unemployed? By Jayson Stark | ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12199140/how-free- agent-right-hander-james-shields-unemployed

30 things to look for before By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54646/30- things-to-look-for-before-spring-training

The Next Wave: The Do-Nothing GM MLB NEWS By Brian Kenny / Sports On Earth January 21, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/106868922/mlb- http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_ind offseason-do-nothing-gm-front-office ex.jsp

“A lot of teams jumping back in” on James Shields By Drew Silva / NBCSports.com January 21, 2015 • Sports.yahoo.com http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/a-lot-of-teams- http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews jumping-back-in-on-james-shields/ MLB TRANSACTIONS American baseballers being courted to play cricket January 21, 2015 • MLB.com By News.com.au http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/american-baseballers- being-courted-to-play-cricket/story-fndpt0dy-1227191744058 1

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"He has to iron everything ," Hale said. "(In the fall league), Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien could be the answer we saw a huge jump in his ability to frame. We saw his throwing By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic — we were really shocked how good he threw. It's just not as http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2 consistent as it has to be to be an everyday catcher, but you see 015/01/20/arizona-diamondbacks-peter-obrien-catcher- that he can do it." mlb/22072885/ Rival scouts' opinions vary. One says O'Brien needs to move off For the better part of a decade, the Diamondbacks haven't had catcher. Another compares him with White Sox catcher Tyler to worry much about with their catching situation. Since Chris Flowers, generally considered a subpar defender. A third scout Snyder emerged as the everyday guy in 2007 and after Miguel calls O'Brien's defense "not abysmal, but not desirable at all." Montero overtook him in 2009, the Diamondbacks have, more years than not, rated in the top half of the league in offensive Of course, even if O'Brien is a below-average defender, it would production from the position. be forgiven if he hits the way he has in his minor league career. In 1,058 professional at-bats, he has a career .267/.319/.534 line They go into 2015 with no such assurances. With Montero with 66 homers and 72 doubles. In 287-at-bats in Double-A last traded to the , the Diamondbacks have two season, he 24 homers. apparently light-hitting, glove-first types — last year's backup Tuffy Gosewisch and Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez. And though some scouts were wary of his low walk total, he showed a more patient approach in the fall league, drawing 17 But neither represents the main reason General Dave walks in 107 plate appearances to roughly triple his walk rate Stewart says he won't be seeking help from the outside. That from the minor league season. would be Peter O'Brien, the power-hitting catcher the club acquired from the in the Martin Prado trade The bat might be ahead of the glove, but the Diamondbacks in July. don't think the glove is too far behind.

In recent weeks, the Diamondbacks have seemingly sped up "He's got some tools," Sherlock said, "and I think the fact he's O'Brien's timeline. Earlier in the offseason, they were saying he going to be behind the plate, getting consistent playing time at would likely be ready for the big leagues by midsummer. Lately, the catcher position will only help things. He's got good hands they've been saying it wouldn't be out of the question for him to and good actions and he's very determined, and that all adds up break with the team on . to good things."

Sign up now for Prescott Valley Little League! This line of thinking runs counter to that of some rival By Prescott Valley Tribune evaluators. It's not that they disagree so much with when he'll be http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2& ready — it's that many don't see O'Brien ever being a capable ArticleID=62478 defender behind the plate.

Citizens may sign up their children for the next season of the The Diamondbacks disagree, for a few reasons. For one, they Prescott Valley Little League in person from 10 a.m . to Noon like O'Brien's tools. Bench , who serves as Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Prescott Valley Public Library, Crystal the team's catching coach, says O'Brien has good hands and Room. actions behind the plate to go with a strong arm, and the club liked the way he worked with pitchers during the Arizona Fall The cost ranges from $60 to $80 depending on the age of your League. child.

"He's a great learner," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said. Please bring a copy of your birth certificate, proof of residency, "One of the things we were really impressed with in the fall medical release form, registration form and parent/player code league was his ability to work with different pitchers and earn of ethics form (school waiver if needed). their trust. You really need to know if your pitchers like to throw to him and feel good throwing to him." This year, the are providing team

uniforms, to include hats, for all players! They like that he's committed to being a catcher and willing to put in the work to make it happen, including showing up to Salt In addition, if your child lives outside of the Prescott Valley River Fields early this month to work with Sherlock. Little League boundary but attends school within the boundary,

he or she may play on the PV League. "He's very determined, a very hard worker," Sherlock said. "We talked in the fall and he told me he wanted to come in early, he PVLL registration already is available online. For more was going to be here, he wanted to work. That's what he's been information and to register, visit doing." prescottvalleylittleleague.weebly.com.

The Diamondbacks also believe O'Brien will benefit from Queen Creek High School wins $5,000 grant from Arizona getting a chance to dedicate himself fully to the position. Diamondbacks Coming up with the Yankees, he bounced between catcher, third By Arizona News Zap base, first base and the . 2

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Queen Creek High School’s pre-engineering program recently MLBPipeline.com's 2015 Top 100 Prospects list will be unveiled won a $5,000 grant from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, Jan. 30, on MLB.com, with the Top 50 revealed Foundation as part of their “School Challenge” program. during a one-hour show on MLB Network at 9 p.m. ET. Instructor Matt Chicci’s students were awarded one of 30 grants Leading up to that, MLBPipeline.com takes a look at baseball's from more than 400 submissions from Arizona schools around Top 10 prospects at each position. the state, representing 11 counties and 47 cities, said a press release. There are always a ton of right-handed pitchers on our Top 100 Queen Creek High School’s entry was in the list. The 2015 version is no different. All 10 on the list below are “Innovation/Technology” category, and funds will be used to in the Top 100, and then some. build a drone. QCHS will be honored and given a check on the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field this spring. Students, parents, Some of the names are familiar. Five right-handers -- the Mets' teachers and staff will receive free tickets to attend the game at Noah Syndergaard, the Rockies' Jon Gray, Archie Bradley of the which this program is honored. The program is a partnership D-backs, the Orioles' Dylan Bundy, Robert Stephenson of the between the Diamondbacks and the University of Phoenix. Reds -- were on this list a year ago. Bradley and Bundy have Senior Erick Angel, president of the Robotics Club at QCHS made the list four years running, while this marks the third said, “It’s great that we are able to take this grant and move from straight Top 10 for Syndergaard. creating and coding objects that roll on the floor to those that fly in the sky. We will be able to record football games and partner 1. Lucas Giolito, Nationals: It's looking like the risk in taking with film and TV to improve both of our programs. One day we Giolito in the first round of the 2012 Draft when he was headed can create an app to our school drone.” toward Tommy John surgery was well worth it. The 6-foot-6 Isaac Wisdom, sophomore student in pre-engineering and right-hander made it through 2014 completely healthy, and while member of the Robotics Club said, “This grant will allow us to he was on a tight leash in terms of , he was dominant in transition from pre-made parts that have finite options, to the and pitched in the Futures Game. The creating parts and objects that are truly unique. Our options are gloves could start coming off in 2015 for Giolito, who has as limitless.” exciting a three-pitch mix as any pitching prospect in baseball. Mr. Chicci thanked QCUSD Administration, QCHS Principal Dr. Joseph Farnsworth and governing board members for their 2. Noah Syndergaard, Mets: Even though he was pitching at support of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts home in hitting-friendly Las Vegas, Syndergaard still managed to and Mathematics) Program at QCHS, saying, “Our district lead the organization in in 2014. The two-time Futures leaders support our STEAM initiative 100 percent, and I am Gamer is knocking on the door with his combination of stuff honored to be teaching these bright young scholars the skills and command, a that can get up to 98 mph, a curve and they will need in their college careers.” a , all of which are above-average offerings. His 3.82 Aerial robots, commonly called “drones” have captured the -to-walk ratio in his career thus far speaks volumes attention of many. Research suggests that drones have about what he's capable of. widespread use, ranging from delivering emergency supplies to capturing data during natural and man-made disasters, to 3. Tyler Glasnow, Pirates: Glasnow just missed this list a year providing photos for farmers. STEAM concepts will “nest” or ago, but after backing up his 2013 breakout with a strong 2014, build on each other as students construct the drone, starting with the 6-foot-7 flame-thrower belongs on any short list of pitching mathematical formulas, then delivering content about electricity prospects. He misses a ton of bats with a fastball that hits the and electric motors in lessons about chemistry and upper-90s with regularity, a curve that flashes plus and an capacity. improving changeup. He'll need to keep working on his The success of the drone project will fundamentally be measured command as he moves to Double-A, but he has the makings of both formally and informally by the STEAM program a frontline starter. objectives, as well as the success of the drone flight. Students will be challenged by gathering survey data from the farming 4. Archie Bradley, D-backs: Yes, this is his fourth appearance on community which they will apply to suggest uses to benefit the the list, but the Oklahoman taken No. 7 overall in the 2011 community, i.e. providing high-resolution images of the ground Draft is still only 22 years old. He dealt with adversity in 2014 in for assessment of the land available for farming. the form of a right elbow flexor strain and a subsequent drop in Arizona Department of Education standards will be adhered to, quality of pure stuff. He threw better in the and Mr. Chicci will incorporate the Next Generation Science and even added a pitch (a ). He still needs to throw more Standards developed by the National Research Council into the strikes, but if he puts 2014 in his rearview mirror, he should be project, ensuring that students gain essential science literacy. ready to graduate off of this list.

5. Jon Gray, Rockies: The No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 Draft, Gray wasn't consistently hitting triple-digits like he did during his Prospect Watch: Top 10 right-handed pitchers junior year at Oklahoma, but the Rockies were never concerned. Nats' Giolito leads list, followed by Mets' Syndergaard, Pirates' Gray spent the year in Double-A and finished third in the Glasnow organization in batting average against and fourth in both By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com strikeouts and WHIP. The stuff -- fastball, slider and changeup -

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- is still very much there, and Rockies could see it at Coors Field Jameson Taillon in . He had Tommy John surgery last at some point this season. April. He should return to the mound this season, with a landing at PNC Park more realistic in 2016. 6. Dylan Bundy, Orioles: Maybe it's something about being from the Oklahoma high school ranks that ensures placement on this The market for James Shields list for multiple years. Bundy was taken four spots ahead of How is the free-agent right-hander, in the third week of January, Bradley in that 2011 Draft and was in the big leagues a year later. still unemployed? He's making his way back from Tommy John surgery, though he By Jayson Stark | ESPN.com did return to the mound for 41 1/3 Minor League innings in http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12199140/how-free- 2014. His stuff was starting to come back and there's no reason agent-right-hander-james-shields-unemployed to think he won't be back with three above-average to plus pitches and outstanding command as he gets farther removed Where in the world is James Shields? from surgery. Where has he been? Where is he signing? How is it even possible 7. , Yankees: A newcomer to this list, Severino that here, in the third week of January, he's still looking for wasn't on the Top 100 at all a year ago. But after his initial work, alongside all the Stephen Fifes and Scott Bakers on the breakout in 2013, he pitched across three full-season levels in baseball unemployment line? 2014, finishing the year in Double-A. The Futures Gamer isn't the biggest guy in the world, but he has a quick arm that fires These are the questions we hear round the clock all of a sudden, upper-90s deep into starts. His changeup is his best from executives all over baseball. has been off the secondary pitch and his slider is improving. His ability to throw board for almost six weeks. has now joined him. strikes and keep the ball down in the zone should help him So how did James Shields turn out to be the Last Free-Agent remain in a rotation. Ace Standing?

8. Robert Stephenson, Reds: Taken in the first round of the "I don't think anyone really knows what happened there," said same 2011 Draft that saw Bundy and Bradley go in the top 10, one GM. Stephenson was selected No. 27 overall from the high school ranks. He had an up-and-down year in Double-A in 2014, "I don't understand this," said another. but his raw stuff is still as exciting as ever. There's work to be done to become more than thrower and that will help "Something must have happened," said a rival agent. him rediscover his command. That would allow him to fulfill his potential as a future front-of-the-rotation starter. More than a month and a half ago, leading up to the winter meetings, I took a fun little survey of nine executives and agents. 9. Tyler Kolek, Marlins: Guys throwing 100 mph in high school All I asked them was to pick the date when Lester, Scherzer and don't exactly grow on trees and that's why Kolek was being Shields would sign. considered to become the first prep right-hander to be taken No. 1 overall in the Draft. He went one spot later, much to the None of them predicted Scherzer would find a team before Marlins' delight. The Texas flamethrower is big and strong, with Shields. None of them even thought Shields would be unsigned as much fastball as anyone on this list. He has two breaking on Christmas morning. So it's official. Nobody was psychic balls, with the slider ahead of the curve. He needs to keep enough to see this coming. improving his changeup and his command to become a complete top-of-the-rotation type. And now that's led to a whole new guessing game: Where will this guy end up? 10. Alex Meyer, Twins: Coming to Minnesota in the trade, Meyer's first season with the Twins was limited I've spent the past few days looking into Shields' fit with every because of a shoulder problem. He put that behind him in 2014, team he's been linked to. Here is what numerous sources have pitching all year and sending many Triple-A batters back to the told me: dugout. He does it with an outstanding slider and a solid changeup. It's all about command and control. If he has that, • Marlins: They've been connected with Shields in a barrage of he'll be in the rotation soon. reports. But I was told the chances they'll sign him are currently "zero." Next up • Diamondbacks: Their GM, , said last week he's With 36 right-handed pitchers in the soon-to-be released Top talked with Shields' agent, Page Odle, and more than once. And 100 list, there is plenty of talent just outside of this Top 10. Two as you've no doubt heard a few billion times, Stewart said his were on last year's list, in fact, and could wind up back on the list club would be interested if Shields were willing to make in the future. "concessions" to join the D-backs because he believes they're "a true baseball team." We'll stay out of the true-baseball-team Mark Appel, the 2013 No. 1 pick overall, may have struggled debate for now. But the real truth is this: The Diamondbacks are some during his first full season, but he ended the year well in already overbudget, thanks to their $8.27 million deal with Double-A. Then he threw very well in the Arizona Fall League, Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez, which is subject to a 100 percent tax putting him on a path to contribute in Houston at some point from MLB (because it put them over their allotted international this season. Pirates fans will have to wait a bit longer to see 4

│ bonus-pool limit). So other teams say they're actually trying to haul. "If they bring James Shields there," Price's friend said, "it move payroll, not add to it. would increase David's level of happiness there by a lot."

• Blue Jays: If the price tag is still $110 million or even close, you • Rangers: They just traded for . So the Rangers can bet your copy of the Life and Times of Dave Stieb that are now out on . And they're out on Shields, barring Shields won't be a Blue Jay. They have only $5 million-$6 million an unforeseen shift in strategy by one of these two sides, if not left in the budget, and they've prioritized shopping over both. any other item on the shelves. OK, so it would be accurate to say they've kicked around whether they'd be interested if the • Brewers: It took maybe 30 seconds, once the Brewers had price tag dropped dramatically. But there's no indication they've finished off their trade of Gallardo, for people to start even made contact with Shields' agent. So essentially, the only connecting them to Shields. And why not? "They signed [Kyle] way this guy will wind up in Toronto is if he comes to the Jays Lohse. They signed [Matt] Garza," said one NL exec. "They've and says, "I've always wanted to pitch off the same mound always liked jumping in there on the last starter remaining." But where Juan Guzman once pitched." Or something like that. as Buster Olney reported Tuesday, the reason the Brewers dealt away Gallardo was to open a rotation spot for Jimmy Nelson • Red Sox: Their fan base would totally sign this man, for and to free up cash to add bullpen depth. So cancel their whatever it took. But their front office? Uh, not so much. The reservation on the James Shields Express, too. Red Sox seem to have concluded Shields just isn't a good fit for a park like theirs. And they've seen why with their own eyeballs. • Astros: Really? The Shields-to-Houston rumors have popped In 13 starts at Fenway Park, he's 2-9 with a 5.42 ERA and a 1.45 up all month. But the Stros just traded for Dan Straily. And WHIP. they're on the verge of signing Ryan Vogelsong. So unless they're planning to be the pioneers of the eight-man rotation, they're • Yankees: We'd all concede that you can never count the not signing James Shields. Yankees out on anything or anybody. But if you've paid attention to their offseason, could it possibly be more obvious • Padres: Finally, here's a team that's impossible to dismiss, after that they're steering themselves away from pricey 30-something a winter in which the Padres have made seven trades involving free agents looking for $100 million paydays? They've been all 30 players, plus some buy-low free-agent shopping (Josh about getting younger and loading up on bullpen depth. And Johnson, Brandon Morrow, Clint Barmes). But they've Shields would contribute to neither. Not to mention that his conspicuously steered away from dabbling in free agents who career ERA in the new is 6.35. would force them to lose a No. 1 pick. And if they do add a starter, they're "all over Cole Hamels," said one exec who has • Cubs: As many fond Tropicana Field memories as talked with them. But while Shields would cost them a pick, he may share with Shields, the Cubs have shown pretty much no wouldn't require them to further strip-mine their system. So we'd interest since they signed Lester. They'll go ace shopping again file them under "Possible But Unlikely." next winter, but that isn't going to help James Shields find a job now. • Cardinals: The rest of the sport has suspected for weeks that the Cardinals were up to something in the starting-pitching • Dodgers: While we're on the subject of fond Trop memories, market. There's just never been any sign that Shields was that it's a fact loves James Shields. But it's also a something. They've explored trading for Price or Hamels. They fact that, other than Lester, the Dodgers haven't chased any free let Scherzer know that if he wanted to pitch in his hometown agent this winter who would cost them their No. 1 pick. So enough to discount the years and dollars, they'd be cool with there's almost no scenario (for now) where a Shields-Friedman that. But none of that effort has led anywhere. And over the reunion falls in place. weekend, GM John Mozeliak didn't just say the Cardinals were "out of the big-pitcher market." He said "it doesn't make sense" • Giants: He seems like he'd make sense, especially in AT&T to do (or pay) what they'd have to do (or pay) to reel in a starter Park. But after initially jotting Shields' name on their shopping in that tier. And even if it did, adding another right-hander to a list, the Giants have made no effort to pursue him for weeks. projected all-right-handed rotation would make less sense. And that hasn't changed. So that's the rundown. Maybe we've missed somebody. Maybe • Royals: That other team will forever remain we've been misled by somebody. But after days of following grateful for Shields' contributions to their renaissance the past every apparent lead, we wound up connecting zero dots. And two years. But they've moved on. Haven't talked about him for we're not alone. weeks. Across the sport, people continue to ask questions about what • Tigers: Team president David Dombrowski shot down those this means. Did Shields and his agent just scare off too many Shields-to-Detroit rumors Monday. And you can trace that bidders by shooting north of $100 million for a 33-year-old reasoning to the $116.55 million the Tigers already have starter with nearly 2,000 innings on his odometer? Is that too committed to just six players in 2015. The Tigers almost many innings? Too much age? Could there have been some sort certainly would have had to trade to make financial of red flag in his medical file? room for Scherzer. But maybe the best argument for them signing Shields, says one friend of Price, is that it would make Or, as some execs have pointed out, is it as simple as this: That Price more interested in sticking around Detroit for the long no free agent quite like Shields has hit the market in years -- so no team is quite sure how to value him? 5

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pen looks a little thin after they traded setup man extraordinaire "Who's another 'innings guy' who was a free agent at 33 and had Tyler Clippard and lost Rafael Soriano to free agency. pitched 200 innings as many times as James Shields?" asked one of the executives quoted earlier. "It's pretty much only Mark 3. Where will James Shields go? The one difference-making free Buehrle. But he's not the same guy. He's a soft-tossing left- agent who is still unsigned, Shields reportedly turned down $110 hander." million from a team he apparently didn’t want to play for. Or maybe that was just posturing to try to ramp up the offers. All right, Shields is definitely no Mark Buehrle clone. So how about we stack him up against Ervin Santana? Check out this 4. Will the Marlins trade ? The veteran right-hander, comparison, of Santana and Shields' final season before free set to make $10 million, had threatened to retire if he wasn’t agency -- Santana in 2013, Shields in 2014, both in Kansas City traded back to a California team. But the Dodgers just traded (see chart on right). him to the Marlins and don’t have room in their rotation, and the Los Angels also added rotation depth in the offseason. The Santana was two years younger. But he also went from one of Dodgers gave the Marlins $10 million to offset Haren’s salary, the top free agents on the market (though with a compensation which they keep even if Haren doesn’t play. It looks like the ball pick attached) to a guy who wound up having to settle for a one- may be in Haren’s court, as you know Jeffrey Loria would be year deal in March. And like Shields, you could argue that when more than happy to keep the cash. his agent started talking nine figures early in the winter, a bunch of teams looked elsewhere. 5. Is Billy Beane done wheeling and dealing? It’s been a whirlwind offseason for the Oakland A's general manager, who Well, sometimes that happens. Ask Lohse, or Stephen Drew, or has traded away Josh Donaldson, Jeff Samardzija, Derek Norris, Kendrys Morales, how their beautiful cruises went on the free- John Jaso and others, while acquiring , Brett Lawrie, agent seas. And the next thing they knew, spring training was Clippard and other young players and prospects. Yunel Escobar roaring right at them -- and the right deal was nowhere in sight. was even acquired from the Rays and quickly dealt to the Nationals for Clippard. "What I see now is a lot of teams jumping back in," said one of the execs quoted earlier. "But part of the reason is, they're 6. Are Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer done wheeling and dealing saying, 'We know now he's not getting $110 million, so why not for the Cubs? They just picked up from the jump back in?' But the problem is, now everyone is bottom- Astros, giving the club a more legitimate than feeding. And when you're someone like him, that's the last thing converted infielder Arismendy Alcantara. With the addition of you want, is a lot of teams bottom-feeding on you in late Fowler, the Cubs' lineup could look like this: January." Fowler CF That may be true. But here's the funniest part of all: Despite all Starlin Castro SS those forces that have pushed these negotiations in the wrong Jorge Soler RF direction, everyone we spoke with still expects Shields to sign 1B any time now -- and to do just fine. 3B Miguel Montero C "I can't imagine he gets less than $80 million over four [years]," Chris Coghlan LF said one exec. "There's someone out there. You know that. I just Javier Baez 2B have no idea who that is." That lineup has potential, and it's backed up with a rotation 30 things to look for before spring training featuring Jon Lester, , Jason Hammel, Kyle By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com Hendricks and Travis Wood. But with Fowler signed only http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54646/30- through 2015, maybe the Cubs will make one more big move to things-to-look-for-before-spring-training draw on paper to the Cardinals and Pirates. Maybe Shields, to bolster the rotation even more? We’re a month away from the official start of spring training, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some unresolved issues and 7. Will the Reds sign to a long-term contract? potential news items still out there in baseball land. Here are 30 Cueto will be expensive to sign, and while he may not command things to keep an eye on: Scherzer money due Cueto's injury history, he’s coming off a season that would have won the Award in most years. 1. Now that the Nationals have signed Max Scherzer to a seven- The long-term commitments the Reds have already made to Joey year contract, will the Nats look to trade impending free agent Votto and Homer Bailey may mean that a third $100 million- ? A rotation of Scherzer, Zimmermann, plus player doesn’t fit into their budget. , Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez certainly has the ability to be one of the best we’ve seen in recent years, and 8. Will the Reds sign Aroldis Chapman to a long-term contract? that doesn’t even include Tanner Roark, who quietly went 15-10 Like Cueto, Chapman is a free agent after 2015. The Reds are with a 2.85 ERA last year. hosting the 2015 All-Star Game, so don’t expect them to trade either player -- at least until after the All-Star Game and only if 2. If the Nationals do look to move Zimmermann (or Fister, also the Reds are well out of the pennant race. a free agent at season’s end), will they use that trade to help restock the farm system or acquire depth in the bullpen? The 6

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9. Are the Cardinals satisfied with their rotation? They had been 18. Who will be the first columnist to point out Howard’s RBI rumored to be interested in signing Scherzer or maybe acquiring total from last year? Like, in a good way. David Price from the Tigers, but Price is certainly unavailable now -- not that he was in the first place -- with Scherzer out of 19. Will the Red Sox make a move for their rotation? While the the Detroit picture. The Cardinals did sign to a Red Sox actually project to have a decent rotation, according to three-year extension. But the health concerns of , some projections, it’s also difficult to buy completely into Clay and Jaime Garcia and the uncertainty of Buchholz, , , Joe Kelly and Justin young arms such as Carlos Martinez and Marco Gonzalez means Masterson. the Cardinals have question marks within their depth. 20. Will Cole Hamels be traded? Hamels may be worth more at 10. Are the Braves really committed to keeping Craig Kimbrel? the trade deadline than he is now, so don’t be surprised if After trading away Jason Heyward, and Evan Hamels is starting on Opening Day for the Phillies. But if he Gattis, the Braves have all but admitted they’re building for 2017 does get traded, the Red Sox and Padres still seem likely when they open their new park. General manager John Hart destinations; the Red Sox have a slew of prospects and the insists the club can still compete in 2015, but the projection Padres have catching prospect Austin Hedges. systems argue otherwise and say the Braves will be one of the worst teams in the majors. The smart move would be to cash in 21. What’s going on with Dan Duquette? The only noise the Kimbrel now. Orioles’ president has made this offseason has been with the rumors that he’s leaving Baltimore to take over the presidency of 11. Speaking of ... are the Tigers going to do anything about the the Blue Jays. If this was going to happen, it should have been bullpen? resolved by now, as Duquette’s lack of activity in Baltimore could have the appearance of a conflict of interest. 12. Speaking of ... Francisco Rodriguez is still a free agent. And probably with good reason, considering he led all relievers in 22. Will the Orioles bring in a ? Colby Rasmus is the home runs allowed in 2014. Still, he posted a 3.04 ERA and best free agent out there and would be the easiest option, if recorded 44 saves for the Brewers, so some team may be willing inelegant. There are also unappealing trade options such as to give him a shot at closing. Especially a team that had major Andre Ethier or Carlos Quentin. issues up and down the bullpen last year, including in the postseason. 23. Which young star will get locked up by a long-term extension? Small-market teams have been able to remain 13. Will the Mets acquire a ? I think we’re all a bit tired competitive in recent years in part by signing their young stars to of this story by now. Mets fans seem to want a new shortstop. team-friendly extensions -- think Andrew McCutchen in The New York media definitely believes the team needs a Pittsburgh or Evan Longoria in Tampa Bay -- but as premium shortstop. would probably like a new shortstop. free agents continue to get $100-million plus contracts, there’s Troy Tulowitzki may want to become the new Mets shortstop. going to be less incentive for young players to potentially leave Meanwhile, the Wilpons are probably too busy watching old tens of millions on the table. films of the Brooklyn Dodgers to care. 24. Where will the other free-agent relievers sign? Casey Janssen 14. Will the Diamondbacks trade Mark Trumbo? This is and Soriano are two relievers out there with closing experience. probably more of a spring training decision, depending on Soriano averaged 39 saves the past three seasons but lost his whether Cuban free agent Yasmany Tomas can handle third closer job with the Nationals late last season, while Janssen base. If he can’t, he'll move to left field and the D-backs have to missed time with a back injury and saw his strikeout rate decline. shop Trumbo. Besides the Tigers, the Dodgers are seeking relief help.

15. Will Dave Stewart give us more quotes about "real" baseball 25. Are the World Series champs done? The Giants just signed teams and those apparently fake teams that worry too much Norichika Aoki, although he and Gregor Blanco don’t make for about analytics? a traditional platoon since both hit left-handed. They struck out on signing Jon Lester and and trading for Justin 16. Will the Mariners acquire a right-handed bat? Right now, the Upton. The Giants could still be in on Shields, or could bring M’s have penciled in at DH, Logan Morrison at back Ryan Vogelsong for rotation depth. first base, and a right-field platoon of Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano (with lefty-swinging Dustin Ackley in left field). Jesus 26. Back to the Nationals: Could they trade shortstop Ian Montero is still around, but a right-handed bat who can play first Desmond? It seems unlikely, but Desmond is a free agent after base or DH against southpaws (with Cruz moving to the 2015 and reportedly turned down a $100 million extension. And outfield) would create more balance in the lineup. the club did trade for Yunel Escobar, although moving him to shortstop would create a hole at second base. The team perhaps 17. Will the Phillies release ? At this point, it’s most desperate for a shortstop is the Mets, but they’re a division probably best for all if Ruben Amaro just puts Howard on rival. waivers. Nobody is going to trade for Howard, but that doesn’t mean you need to create a negative distraction by inviting him to 27. Arbitration tracker: Who’s left? While a lot of players have spring training. It’s a sunk cost. Let it sink and see if any team already signed, the most interesting remaining unsigned players wants to give Howard a shot to DH. are those who are still several years from free agency and who could potentially negotiate multiyear deals (similar to the one 7

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Lynn signed with the Cardinals). This group includes Josh Does sleeping through the offseason look a little more appealing Donaldson of the Blue Jays; Brandon Belt and Brandon to you now? Crawford of the Giants; Greg Holland, Kelvin Herrera, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and of the Royals; So let's do this experiment for the Tigers. Max Scherzer is gone, Devin Mesoraco of the Reds; and Garrett Richards of the and one of the game's great starting rotations -- one of the best Angels. ever, really -- is gone with it. But what if Dave Dombrowski of the Tigers, looking over his vaunted rotation last year, had done 28. What will happen with highly touted Cuban infielder Yoan nothing? Let's compare his current rotation to the one he Moncada? The 19-year-old switch-hitter is projected as a power- would've had, had he followed our do-nothing principles: speed combo who will likely end up at second or third base. The Giants recently held a private workout with him, and the These two would be there either way in 2015: Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Nationals and Marlins are among those teams reported to have strong interest and financial means. Anibal Sanchez: 31 (age), 3.43 (2014 ERA), 126 (2014 IP) MLB has declared Moncada a free agent, but he needs to be cleared by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control before he’s : 32 (age), 4.54 (2014 ERA), 206 (2014 IP) eligible to sign. Of course, GM-Who-Does-Nothing would not have extended a 29. Who will join Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs in guaranteeing his soon-to-be 30-year old Justin Verlander two years before his deal team will win a division title? expired. And that would've been a good thing.

30. Who will be the first player to report early to spring training So here's what the rest of the Tigers' rotation looks like: in the best shape of his life? David Price*: 29 (age), 3.26 (2014 ERA), 248.1 (2014 IP) The Next Wave: The Do-Nothing GM By Brian Kenny / Sports On Earth Alfredo Simon*: 34 (age), 3.44 (2014 ERA),196.1 (2014 IP) http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/106868922/mlb- offseason-do-nothing-gm-front-office Shane Greene: 26 (age), 3.78, (2014 ERA), 78.2 (2014 IP)

I love the current GM landscape. The old boys -- John Hart, Here's what GM-Who-Does-Nothing would've had: Dave Dombrowski, and Tony LaRussa -- duking it out with the new hired guns; A.J. Preller, Andrew Friedman/Farhan Zaidi, Doug Fister*: 31 (age), 2.41 (2014 ERA), 164 (2014 IP) and Rick Hahn. Theo Epstein just slapped it into high gear. John Mozeliak and Ben Cherington are making major moves. Mike Rick Porcello*: 26 (age), 3.43 (2014 ERA), 204.2 (2014 IP) Rizzo is holding the cards and buying more chips. All the while Billy Beane seems to be wide-eyed on his phone, saying "You Drew Smyly: 26 (age), 3.24 (ERA), 153 (2014 IP) want crazy? I'll show ya crazy!!" *Final year of contract So I have a half-baked theory. With all these masterminds dealing their assets frenetically, what if a GM went along, and I'm thinking GM-Who-Does-Nothing has a better rotation. just did ... nothing? Dombrowski's group has the best pitcher (Price), but the other group is younger. Team Dombrowski has two players going into I don't mean nothing at all. You still have player development, their contract years, and a drastically overpaid (if he doesn't and you definitely lock up your young guys with contract bounce back) Verlander. Team Do-Nothing has three contract extensions. But what if a GM just stopped flipping everyone year players, but with an extra $28 million a year not going to around, and instead developed his own talent, left the free-agent Verlander for the next five years (he'd have been a free agent this market alone, and -- this is a big one -- never signed a player winter if not for that contract extension). That'd go a long way in long-term on the wrong side of 30. keeping both Fister and Porcello.

Let's give you an example: In 2011, the Diamondbacks had just I would make a case that Simon and Greene's ERA's are not won 94 games and the West. One can only likely to be replicated, but Fister, with a 2.41 ERA and a 3.93 imagine if, over the next two years, they had just ... done ... FIP, could also be due for some regression. Fister has been one nothing. Instead, they traded away: of the top 15 pitchers in the game the last four years, but his 2014 BABIP was .265, about 30 points below his baseline Justin Upton, Jarrod Parker, Collin Cowgill, Ryan Cook, Stephen (maybe it's the Nationals defense being better than the Tigers Drew, Trevor Bauer, , and Tyler defense, but that's a big drop). Skaggs. You could also bring up that Porcello brought back Yoenis Wow, that's a lot of talent. Cespedes, but then again Do-Nothing GM wouldn't have traded away Austin Jackson, either. Jackson's stock is low, but he'll be In exchange for these players, only the following have had any 28 and has averaged 3.4 WAR player the last three years. Major League impact for Arizona: Martin Prado, Cespedes is 29 and over the last three years has averaged 3.2 and Mark Trumbo. WAR.

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Even a card carrying member of the "Hey, Dave Dombrowski Knows What He's Doing" Club has to wonder what happened “Well now you will be able to see those so-called baseball shots here. I'm not for slacking. I like the industrious, hard-charging executed by guys who really can hit a ball 400 feet — with a bat GM -- barking on his cell phone like a crazed trader in a Wall whose hitting area is a fraction of the width of a cricket bat.” Street movie. But there are times a franchise would be better off with who the GM who sleeps in, pays no attention to trade Fountain helped forge the path for coaches like current rumors and definitely does not return calls to Billy Beane's Australian fielding mentor Mike Young. office. He played baseball for Great Britain at international level before You have to wonder if it's possible the next competitive becoming the first baseballer to be used as a specialist fielding advantage, is doing nothing. coach when he toured South Africa with the West Indies in 1998. “A lot of teams jumping back in” on James Shields By Drew Silva / NBCSports.com He’s also worked with Pakistan, Bangladesh and England and http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/a-lot-of-teams- even fielded for a West Indies team short of players against an jumping-back-in-on-james-shields/ Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in 2000 — and showed off his arm strength with a direct hit -out from deep Jon Lester signed a six-year, $155 million contract with the Cubs cover. in December and Max Scherzer struck a seven-year, $210 million deal Monday with the Nationals, which leaves James Shields as “Having moved back and forth between the two sports myself, I the last remaining front-line on this winter’s free know the potential these guys have for success in T20 cricket,” agent market. That can be seen as a good thing for Shields — Fountain said. he’s the best available player at any position and teams are still looking to spend — but it’s also a good indication that no offers “I was the first to introduce baseball fielding techniques to have met his asking price. ESPN’s Jayson Stark spoke to international cricket, because a major league outfielder will out- multiple executives this week about Shields’ situation … throw a professional cricketer every time. This is a sport that Americans can do well at.” “What I see now is a lot of teams jumping back in,” said one of the execs. “But part of the reason is, they’re saying, ‘We know Fountain coached South Korea’s national team at last year’s now he’s not getting $110 million, so why not jump back in?’ Asian Games and wants to coach a US team at a World Cup. But the problem is, now everyone is bottom-feeding. And when you’re someone like him, that’s the last thing you want, is a lot of He believes T20 — with the influx of riches from tournaments teams bottom-feeding on you in late January.” like the Indian Premier League — is a viable option for baseballers struggling to make ends meet. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported over the weekend that Shields has been looking for a five-year, $125 million contact but “Any current minor leaguers who feel they aren’t going to make that interested teams are making proposals in the four-year, $80 it, or guys who have recently been cut or quit because they million range. simply cannot afford to carry on; they are perfect for a career in modern cricket. And the key things for these guys is that it pays Shields, 33, registered a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 180/44 considerably better,” Fountain said. K/BB ratio across 227 innings (34 starts) last season for the -champion Royals. He has topped 215 innings One young player sold on Fountain’s vision is Boomer Collins, every year since 2007. who was signed by the out of college but found himself battling in the minors. The Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Marlins are among the clubs that have been linked to him. “The athleticism that Americans can bring to the table could American baseballers being courted to play cricket revolutionise the game of cricket even more to become a bigger, By News.com.au faster, stronger sport,” Collins also told CNN.com. http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/american-baseballers- being-courted-to-play-cricket/story-fndpt0dy-1227191744058 “I’m going to go and try and be the best cricket player in the world.” PLANS are afoot to field a US team filled with failed minor league baseballers at a cricket World Cup. While Collins is keen to switch from baseball to cricket, there have been high-profile instances of cricketers wanting to make English coach Julien Fountain is recruiting baseballers to a the opposite move. scheme he calls Switch Hit 20, convinced he can revolutionise Twenty20 cricket with superior athletes from the States. Current Australia batsman David Warner was reportedly being courted by sides in the US a little over a “These guys have the potential to take the world of T20 cricket year ago, while bowler Brett Lee has discussed the time more by storm,” Fountain told CNN.com. than 10 years ago when he underwent a trial as a pitcher with the Arizona Diamondbacks. “For the last few years you have heard cricket announcers use the phrase, ‘That was a real baseball shot.’ 9

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$150,000 in back rent, and last year was the worst-attended season since arrived in Mobile in 1997.

However, the alternative -- abandoning the Hank just as the ball Watch Mobile Councilwoman Bess Rich say exactly why club comes under new management - would be to relegate it to she voted against transferring funds for Hank Aaron the ranks of subpar baseball facilities. That would be a shame for Stadium upgrades Mobile, a city whose baseball legends include Satchell Paige and By Kelli Dugan / Mobile Press-Register the true all-time leader for whom the stadium is http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/01/watch_m named. obile_councilwoman_bess.html To his credit, Mayor Sandy Stimpson has come up with a way to District 6 Councilwoman Bess Rich has made no secret in recent pay for critical capital improvements without breaking the bank. weeks of her displeasure regarding proposed capital upgrades to The $464,649 he proposes using on stadium repairs would come Hank Aaron Stadium, and she said plenty on the subject during from money not spent after the work at McCants Park. Tuesday's regular Mobile City Council meeting. The Mobile City Council should approve this allocation to Prior to casting the lone no vote against the request to transfer maintain the Hank's credibility with Major League Baseball, for nearly $500,000 in unspent park funds to address lighting, audio which it is obligated to provide an adequate training facility for and field rail padding at the stadium - the current home of the 30-plus players. The investment would take care of the stadium's Mobile BayBears - Rich read aloud a lengthy statement detailing most pressing capital needs: bringing field lighting into her problems with the request. compliance, upgrading the audio system and installing rail padding in 2015. Future improvements can include resurfacing She expressed repeated exasperation at the inability of the city to the playing area and fixing drainage problems, which contributed obtain any documentation proving if the Southern League to the fact that the club led the Southern League in rainouts last baseball team's owners have actually completed roof repairs they year. were obligated to address when the contract was last renegotiated in 2011, forgiving about $820,000 in back rent and Such improvements would be particularly timely with the interest. McGowin Park shopping center taking shape to the north of the stadium. The transformation of that area wouldn't be complete if Rich also said it's clear to her the organization's payment history the Hank's problems were ignored. has not improved, considering the team currently owes the city $150,000 in back rent. Then it will be up to the BayBears organization to reignite enthusiasm for games so that there will be a steady revenue "The contract signed and promised by the BayBears' owners stream to help it stay current on rent. General Manager Chris does not contain language that unilaterally allows them to stop Morgan, four months on the job, also recognizes the need to payments to the city. The contract signed by the BayBears' generate interest in the off-season, as the stadium hosts the owners does not permit them to threaten the citizens of Mobile BayBears High School Classic in February and the University of that they will leave Mobile if they are forced to pay the terms Alabama's three-game series in March. they agreed to in 2011," Rich said. Mobile deserves credit for having been most supportive of the In addition, she said it simply does not make sound business BayBears organization over the years. The City Council's sense to move forward with upgrades in the absence of an reallocation of funds for stadium upgrades would put the team updated contract. in the best possible shape to succeed going forward - and honor Mobile's baseball legacy in the process. "Yes, the stadium is our responsibility...Yes, we don't want the Behind the Big Leagues: An Interview with Robby stigma of losing a minor league team, but it could be worse if we Hammock spend the $500,000 on upgrades and realize after they had no By Nick Danger / TravestyTribune.com intention of staying in Mobile," she said. http://travestytribune.sportsblog.com/posts/1660567/behind_t

he_big_leagues__an_interview_with_robby_hammock.html The 2011 contract referenced commits the BayBears to the city through 2022. Tonight on Behind the Big Leagues, we sit down with former Diamondbacks catcher and current manager of their Double-A Watch the video above to see exactly what else Rich had to say. affiliate, Robby Hammock. Hank Aaron Stadium is still worth the investment: opinion By Mike Brantley / Mobile Press-Register NICK- First of all, congratulations on your promotion from the http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/hank_aaron_st Visalia Rawhide to the Mobile BayBears. Mobile was loaded with adium_is_still_wo.html talent in 2014. Guys like Chase Anderson, Jake Lamb, and David Peralta have already been called up to the big leagues. Who is It's going to take some effort to convince rank-and-file one player not named Archie Bradley that you believe could take Mobilians that the city should pump even more money into the 'next step' in 2015? Hank Aaron Stadium. The Mobile BayBears organization owes

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HAMMOCK- I can really only speak on the guys I had last year in Visalia. And although I don't know what my team will be until NICK-What is it going to take for the BayBears to be The the last day of Spring Training, I can give you a few names that Southern League Division Champions? the organization is very high on to possibly take the next step in 2015. Brandon Drury is an obvious choice since coming over in HAMMOCK- In order to win a Championship, we have to start a trade a few years ago. He's young, very talented, and gets better from zero. We have to create a culture and environment that each year. Another guy that made a huge splash during his games gives everyone that best opportunity to perform at their best at big league camp last year was Rudy Flores. He then followed it each day. And we have to keep our nose to the ground and grind up with a dominant year in Visalia. Also, Alex Glenn could be a out each day until we finally look up at the end of the season and guy that flies under the radar but he was very good for me last we will be exactly where we need to be. year. $464,000 now available for Hank Aaron upgrades NICK-Speaking of Archie Bradley, when you watch him take By Rebekah Hoeger / FOX 10 - Mobile the mound, is there anyone he reminds you of in terms of his http://www.fox10tv.com/story/27896903/464000-now- talent and mechanics? available-for-hank-aaron-upgrades

HAMMOCK- I have had limited time watching [Bradley] pitch. In a 5-1 vote, the Mobile City Council agreed to transfer nearly I know of his struggles last season. And if he is with me this $500,000 into a capital account for Hank Aaron Stadium season, I am anxious to see where he is at and hopefully help upgrades. The mayor's office wants to use the money for minor with getting him over the hump. league compliant lighting, an improved audio system and field rail padding. NICK-Who are some your managerial influences? Before the money can be spent and construction can begin, the HAMMOCK- I'm very early in my managerial career and Baybears and Mobile administration have to have another continue to learn each year. I try to draw off all past experiences approval from the city council on what the money will be used as a player along with everyone I get to work with every year to for. try and take something from their experiences also. The Baybears General Manager says he plans to get all of the NICK- I have fond memories of you playing for the upgrades done by opening night in April. Diamondbacks, particularly in 2003. Are you still close the guys like Matt Kata, , and ? A council divided

HAMMOCK- I'm still close with Matt Kata and Andy Green. Councilwoman Bess Rich voted against the transfer because she Andy has helped me a ton over the past few years with my says the Baybears are more than $150,000 behind on rent. She coaching career and I was thrilled to see him get the big league says they have not been upholding their end of the contract so job this year. she doesn't think the city should pay for repairs on the city- owned stadium. NICK- As a manager, have you been thrown out of a game yet? Is there any strategy involved to be tossed from the game by an "I can't in good conscience agree to transfer $500,000 of umpire? taxpayer money before a new agreement or contract is negotiated with the Baybears," said Rich during council HAMMOCK- Sometimes being tossed from a game definitely discussion. has value as far as waking up your team. Most of the time it's simply from a poor call at a very crucial moment or poor calls Councilman Levon Manzie voted to transfer the funds, but he that add up. said the Baybears need to show some initiative and get attendance up. NICK- How does players being called up between minor league levels work? Do the managers have influence over that or is it "Hopefully this will encourage Baybears leadership to reinvest in mainly taken care of by [Farm Director] Mike Bell? their own ball club so it'll be a win-win for everybody," said Manzie. HAMMOCK- Players being called up between Minor league levels is the ultimate decision of the Farm Director. But coach's Much needed repairs and coordinator's opinions are of high value to Mike Bell which is one thing that sets him apart from most organizations. Baybears General Manager Chris Morgan says the upgrades are far overdue. The stadium is nearly two decades old and is the NICK- I have to ask the obligatory question. oldest stadium in the Southern League. What was it about you that made Johnson decide you were HIS battery mate? “We need to be compliant with major league and minor league baseball standards and we have not really been compliant since HAMMOCK- I can't put a finger on why RJ wanted to throw to the facility's been built in terms of lighting.” me. I know he was a very intense competitor on the mound. As was I when I played. My priority was always the pitcher and I think he realized that. 11

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According to email records, in July, a minor league January 21, 2015 representative found seven non-compliances with the stadium  Colby Rasmus was just not that into Orioles 8:34 am and demanded they are fixed prior to the 2015 season. EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Before you hit “publish” on your A-Rod/Barry Bonds In September, the Arizona Diamondbacks contacted the hot take 8:26 am EST (NBC Sports) Baybears about making stadium repairs in order to maintain their  Shockingly, backtracks on something he’s relationship. been saying for years 7:36 am EST (NBC Sports)

has been working out with Barry In a letter to the Director of Player Development said, “It is Bonds 12:06 am EST (NBC Sports) apparent that our organization has upheld its end of the bargain.

Unfortunately, the efforts have not been reciprocated in the January 20, 2015 fashion of necessary improvements to the ballpark.”  2015 roster preview: Jayson Baybears, city relationship Werth 11:27 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  has already begun throwing off a mound At the city council meeting there was discussion about the need 11:21 pm EST (NBC Sports) to improve the Baybears relationship with the city of Mobile.  White Sox manager Robin Ventura shoots the puck The team has been using the city-owned stadium since 1997. 11:15 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Phillies GM Ruben Amaro: “I think Cole Hamels is In 2011, the city forgave some of $820,000 in back rent in going to be in our uniform, frankly” 10:14 pm EST exchange for the Baybears replacing the stadium's leaky roof. (NBC Sports)  2015 Category Sleepers: Runs 10:13 pm EST (Rotoworld) Rich said the team's history in addition to current debt makes  Braves pursuing free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes her wary to make $464,649.57 available for the stadium. 9:27 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Rooftop owners sue Cubs over Wrigley renovations "I know that we are not actually entering into an agreement, but 8:56 pm EST (The Associated Press) it's like showing your hand that the funds are available and they  Nori Aoki finalizes $4.7M, 1-year deal with Giants 8:52 are not meeting their contract obligations," she said. "So I pm EST (The Associated Press) thought it was a misstep, but I only have one vote and I voted as my conscience directed me."  Orioles have been in contact with Nate Schierholtz 8:35 pm EST (NBC Sports) The newly hired General Manager says he is aware of the issues,  Mets don’t view Cuban shortstop Yoan Moncada as but intends to work with the Stimpson administration to form a realistic option “given their budget” 7:48 pm EST (NBC new contract and improve the relationship. Sports)  Mariners to have 1st major league stadium with LED Councilman Fred Richardson said regardless of the situation lights 7:21 pm EST (The Associated Press) between the Baybears and the city, the stadium is an attraction  Rose says best from Steroids Era belong in Hall of and it needs to be kept up. Fame 7:07 pm EST (Reuters)  Colby Rasmus agrees to $8 million deal with Astros "It is our stadium we need to fix our stadium up we will move 6:57 pm EST (The Associated Press) enough money into an account so the mayor can have the  “A lot of teams jumping back in” on James Shields 6:52 stadium fixed up i don't oppose that," Richardson said. pm EST (NBC Sports)  Rangers acquire Gonzalez Germen from the Yankees 6:07 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Rangers obtain pitcher Gonzalez Germen from

Yankees for cash 5:49 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Cubs: What Kris Bryant learned in his first full year of pro ball 5:03 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

 The 19th Greatest GM of all time made the Orioles a winner and picked the Yankees up off the ground 4:29 pm EST (NBC Sports)

 Pete Rose on Sosa: Get rid of skeletons in the closet on PED use 4:25 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Washington Nationals 2015 roster preview: Denard

Span 4:24 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Aoki would 'like to hit at the top,' but picked Giants to win 3:35 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Max Scherzer might bump him from Nationals’ January 21, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews rotation, but Tanner Roark is saying all the right things http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews 3:22 pm EST (NBC Sports)

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is drawing interest from the Yankees,  Breaking down the Nats-Scherzer deal: are they WS Blue Jays, and Padres and more 3:15 pm EST (NBC favorites? 10:46 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Sports)  Looking at the biggest contracts for pitchers after  Kuiper: Aoki 'not a sexy signing' for Giants, but 3:14 Scherzer's deal 10:35 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) Atlantic)  Rasmus in Houston for Astros physical 2:49 pm EST  Angels release right-hander Yoslan Herrera so he can (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) pitch in Japan 9:58 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Yasiel Puig bought a house and it’s kind of boring and  Cubs GM Jed Hoyer says moving Luis Valbuena I’m sad 2:33 pm EST (NBC Sports) doesn’t change Kris Bryant’s timetable 8:55 pm EST  Plenty of flexibility in Phillies' outfield picture 1:57 pm (NBC Sports) EST (Comcast SportsNet )  Aoki passes physical, deal with Giants official 8:03 pm  Giants introduce Nori Aoki -- NOW 1:56 pm EST EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Hoyer doesn't see Cubs making big pitching deal now  A's position-by-position breakdown: Shortstop 1:40 pm 8:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Brewers trade pitcher Yovani Gallardo to Rangers 8:01  Astros sign Colby Rasmus for $8 million 1:38 pm EST pm EST (The Associated Press) (NBC Sports)  Brewers GM Doug Melvin doesn’t expect to pursue  FGCU to retire Chris Sale's college jersey number 1:27 James Shields 7:57 pm EST (NBC Sports) pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Sports News Minute: Cubs taking renovation route  The Yankees had a private workout for Yoan Moncada over new ballpark 7:07 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet 1:00 pm EST (NBC Sports) Chicago)  The 20th best GM of all time didn’t get to truly enjoy  Report: Astros in 'serious discussions' with Vogelsong the fruits of his labor 12:30 pm EST (NBC Sports) 6:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Kang can earn $750,000 annually in bonuses from  Rangers had “in-depth” trade talks about Cole Hamels Pirates 11:56 am EST (The Associated Press) before the Yovani Gallardo deal 6:31 pm EST (NBC  Pirates designate Jake Elmore for assignment 11:50 am Sports) EST (NBC Sports)  Report: Rangers acquire Gallardo from Brewers 6:13  If you can’t hack it in baseball, try cricket? 11:32 am pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) EST (NBC Sports)  Cards pitcher Martinez honors Taveras, hopes to start  Phil Coke is in The Best Shape of His Life 11:03 am 6:06 pm EST (The Associated Press) EST (NBC Sports)  Giants held private workout for Yoan Moncada 5:55  Players to Avoid: AL East 10:48 am EST (Rotoworld) pm EST (NBC Sports)  Do the Orioles have a surplus of ? 10:32 am  Fowler traded from Astros to Cubs for Valbuena and EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Straily 5:49 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Here’s one reason why baseball isn’t dying, you guys  Here's what's on the Orioles' to-do list 5:45 pm EST 10:30 am EST (NBC Sports) (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Will the Rangers try to sign Yovani Galllardo long  Sources: Rangers acquire Yovani Gallardo from term? 10:20 am EST (NBC Sports) Brewers 5:29 pm EST (Yahoo Sports)  The Tigers basically cut bait on Max Scherzer after he  Yovani Gallardo trade to the Rangers finalized 5:16 pm rejected their $144 million offer last year 9:40 am EST EST (NBC Sports) (NBC Sports)  Coveted hurler Scherzer reportedly headed to Nats  The man who invented instant replay has died 9:10 am 4:58 pm EST (AFP) EST (NBC Sports)  Fans at Cubs Convention react to Rizzo's bold  Free agent shopping has slowed, but hasn't stopped prediction 4:42 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) 9:05 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  AP source: Scherzer, Nationals agree to $210M, 7-year  Given all the advantages he’s had, is Brian Cashman deal 4:25 pm EST (The Associated Press) the 21st best GM of all time? 8:28 am EST (NBC Sports)  Kevin Gregg throwing a showcase for about 15 teams  Major League Baseball puts Fred Wilpon in charge of 4:09 pm EST (NBC Sports) its finance committee. No, really. I’m not joking 7:38  Nationals favored again to win World Series after am EST (NBC Sports) signing Scherzer 3:58 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid  ‘Fill in the blank’- Scherzer contract means ____ for Atlantic) Sox 12:04 am EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)  Report: Nationals likely to host the 2018 All-Star Game 3:02 pm EST (NBC Sports) January 19, 2015  Pros/cons of trade options post-Scherzer signing 2:18  UPDATE: Astros in “serious discussions” with Ryan pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Vogelsong 11:47 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Michael Wacha says he is “extremely healthy” 1:53 pm  The Mets will have a bigger scoreboard at Citi Field EST (NBC Sports) this season 11:02 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Krukow on Giants adding Aoki: 'Bochy likes guys like that' 1:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

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San Francisco Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015; Opt Nori Aoki Giants 2016)(one-year contract)

January 21, 2015 • MLB.com Sunday, January 18, 2015 http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions Team Player Transaction Last updated: Wed, January 21, 2015, 03:34 EST Boston Red Quintin Signed to a Minor League

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Sox Berry Contract

Team Player Transaction Signed to a Minor League Chicago Cubs Daniel Bard Contract Signed to a Minor League Josh Prince Contract Los Angeles Signed to a Minor League Erik Bedard Dodgers Contract Thad Signed to a Minor League Detroit Tigers Weber Contract Signed to a Minor League Contract Miguel Signed to a Minor League Detroit Tigers Gonzalez Contract Washington Kila Signed to a Minor League

Nationals Ka'aihue Contract Houston Colby Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015)(one- Astros Rasmus year contract) Houston Carlos Designated for Assignment Astros Corporan

Gonzalez Traded From from Yankees, NY Germen Yankees (for cash considerations)

Washington Max Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015-

Nationals Scherzer 2021)(seven-year contract)

Monday, January 19, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Traded From from Astros, Dexter Chicago Cubs Houston (for RHP Dan Straily Fowler and 3B Luis Valbuena)

Traded From from Cubs, Chi. Houston Dan Straily Cubs (w/3B Luis Valbuena for Astros OF Dexter Fowler)

Traded From from Cubs, Chi. Houston Luis Cubs (with P Dan Straily for OF Astros Valbuena Dexter Fowler)

Los Angeles Yoslan Signed to Play in Japan,

Angels Herrera (Yokohama DeNA BayStars)

Traded From from Rangers, Milwaukee Corey Texas (for P Yovani Gallardo, Brewers Knebel four-player deal)

Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015- Pittsburgh Jung-ho 2018; Opt 2019)(four-year Pirates Kang contract)

Pittsburgh Jake Designated for Assignment Pirates Elmore

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