news

Ryan Howard (Phillies)

2/22/12 3:03 pm

Ryan Howard took live batting practice Wednesday for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn left Achilles tendon in October.

Howard is pleased with his recovery thus far, but doesn’t want to put a “time limit” on his return. The 32-year-old just started swinging a bat two weeks ago and since his leg was immobilized for much of the winter, he’s not close to being in game shape. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Howard could get some action during spring games, but it’s doubtful he’ll return before May.

Source: msnbc.com

Tagged as: news, Phillies, Ryan Howard

Brandon Phillips (Reds)

2/22/12 3:01 pm

Brandon Phillips indicated Wednesday that he would be willing to discuss a contract extension during the season.

Many players cut off contract talks so that the issue isn’t a distraction, but Phillips appears to be open-minded. “I don?t see myself saying that,” said Phillips. “I would really love to hear what they?ve got to say. I?m not going to be worry about it. I?m worrying about catching the ball and hitting the ball. I?m not no agent. I?m just going out there and playing baseball.” Phillips is currently scheduled to hit the free agent market after the 2012 World Series. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty has previously indicated that he would like to resume talks during spring training.

Source: cincinnati.com

Tagged as: Brandon Phillips, news, Reds

Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals)

2/22/12 2:46 pm

Ryan Zimmerman reiterated Wednesday that he will cut off contract talks with the Nationals if an agreement isn’t reached by Saturday.

“It’s not fair for me to answer questions about that every day,” said Zimmerman, who is currently signed through 2013. “We’ve got a good team and everybody has to worry about baseball. Everyone’s here already and they’re working and that’s what it needs to be about. It needs to be about that, and not whether this gets done or doesn’t. … If it gets done, great. If it doesn’t, I’ve got two years left and we’ll play it out.” Zimmerman’s agent, Brodie Van Waganen, is in Nationals’ camp, so there’s still a chance something could get done in the next few days. If not, the two sides will likely reexamine the situation during the offseason.

Source: masnsports.com

Tagged as: Nationals, news, Ryan Zimmerman

Ryan Braun (Brewers)

2/22/12 2:30 pm

Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM reports that a decision on Ryan Braun’s appeal is expected this week.

Braun is scheduled to report to Brewers’ camp on Friday, so logic dictates that a decision should be rendered within the next two days. However, Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reported last week that he could report to camp without a resolution. If the suspension is upheld, the 2011 National League MVP will sit out of the first 50 games of the season.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: Brewers, news, Ryan Braun

Brendan Ryan (Mariners)

2/22/12 2:23 pm

Brendan Ryan (shoulder) played catch Wednesday for the first time in Mariners’ camp.

Ryan also took part in all drills without throwing. The 29-year-old is being brought along slowly after missing the final two weeks of last season with neck and shoulder injuries, but he still has plenty of time to get ready for the start of the season.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: Brendan Ryan, Mariners, news

Scott Kazmir (Angels)

2/22/12 1:51 pm

Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger reports that the Mets are expected to have a scout watch Scott Kazmir throw on Friday.

Buster Olney of ESPN.com reported Wednesday morning that the Mets were one of six teams Kazmir was considering and that the left-hander could make a decision within the next few days. It’s unlikely the 28-year-old has much left in the tank, but he could be worth a shot on a minor league deal.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: Angels, news, Scott Kazmir

Fausto Carmona (Indians)

2/22/12 1:36 pm

Roberto Hernandez Heredia, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, told the Associated Press he hopes to obtain a judicial pardon and return to the Indians this season.

Hernandez was placed on baseball’s restricted list last month after he was arrested in his native Dominican Republic on false identity charges. The 31-year-old is currently warning young players about the risk of using a false identity. “I’m doing all that is necessary so that when the pardon is granted, I won’t have to wait long to play again,” said Hernandez. His agent, Jorge Brito, is confident he’ll pitch with the Indians this season.

Source: msnbc.com

Tagged as: Fausto Carmona, Indians, news

Burt Reynolds (Yankees)

2/22/12 1:31 pm

Yankees signed INF/OF Burt Reynolds to a minor league contract.

No, not that Burt Reynolds. This one is actually Robinson Cano’s 23-year-old cousin. He was previously a farmhand with the Rays and played last season with the Newark Bears of the independent Can-Am League. He’ll serve as organizational fodder.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: Burt Reynolds, news, Yankees

Bobby Abreu (Angels)

2/22/12 1:24 pm

Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia said Wednesday that he hopes to put Bobby Abreu in a position to be successful.

Abreu told Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com that he wants to be traded if he won’t be an everyday player, but Scioscia still sees a role for him on the team. “How much playing time he gets, we don?t have a crystal ball. We certainly have more depth now than we?ve had in a long time,” explained Scioscia. “But I don?t think Bobby would be valuable playing once or twice a week. He would have to play more than that. But there’s certainly ways to get a lot of guys in the lineup to where they?re contributing.” Abreu is making $9 million this season and most teams have already filled their DH spot, so the 37-year-old may have no choice but to accept a diminished role.

Source: mlblogs.com

Tagged as: Angels, Bobby Abreu, news

Kris Harvey (Pirates)

2/22/12 1:18 pm

Pirates signed RHP Kris Harvey to a minor league contract.

Harvey, a 2005 second-round pick, had a 4.50 ERA and 54/27 K/BB ratio over 64 innings with the Marlins’ High-A and Double-A affiliates last year. The 28-year-old converted outfielder will function as organizational depth.

Source: twitter.com

Tagged as: Kris Harvey, news, Pirates

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