The Seattle Post Intelligencer reports that Ken Griffey Jr. has signed a one year contract for approximately $2 million laden with incentive clauses based on games played, attendance and plate appearances. Griffey Jr. broke in with the Mariners as a rookie in 1989.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ken Griffey Jr. Likely To Make His Decision On Wednesday
MLB.com reports that current free-agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. "hopes to make a decision later today (Tuesday) or tomorrow morning" regarding his signing with either the Braves or Mariners. Griffey Jr. spent his first 11 MLB seasons with the Mariners, but his Orlando, Florida residence is closer to Atlanta. Both officials from the Braves and Mariners have confirmed that a decision has yet to be made. The 39 year old Griffey Jr. hit a combined .249 with 18 HR's and 71 RBI's in 143 games with the Reds and White Sox last season.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Oil Can Boyd Wants a Comeback at 49
Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd is looking for another opportunity to pitch in the big leagues at age 49. Boyd likens himself to Satchel Paige, who pitched professionally into his 50s.
"Satchel being my idol and knowing he didn't come into the (majors) until he was in his early 40s, that's always been in the back of my mind," Boyd told The Boston Globe.
"Now, I've been given back the fastball I once had. I want to play."
Boyd told the Globe his fastball is in the low 90s and his offspeed pitches still bite well. Former Sox catcher Mike Stanley recently caught Oil Can during Red Sox fantasy camp, had the following remarks regarding his prowess.
"He looks no different to me now than when I caught him in Texas (with the Rangers). He still has the same passion. I don't know if he was getting to 90 because we didn't have a (radar) gun, but he still had the same stuff. The same tight slider, curve, fastball," the Globe quoted Stanley as saying.
This is not Boyd's first attempted comeback. He pitched in the Northern League from 1994-1997 and then most recently in 2005 with the Brockton Rox of the independent Can-Am League, where he posted a record of 4-5 with an era of 3.83 in 110 innings. Boyd last pitched in the majors in 1991 for the Rangers; he left the game with a 78-77 record over 10 seasons with the Red Sox, Rangers and Montreal Expos.
"I have nothing to lose, and all a major league team has to lose is 15 minutes," said Boyd to the Globe. "Give me 15 minutes and I'll show I can still pitch. That's all I want."
"Satchel being my idol and knowing he didn't come into the (majors) until he was in his early 40s, that's always been in the back of my mind," Boyd told The Boston Globe.
"Now, I've been given back the fastball I once had. I want to play."
Boyd told the Globe his fastball is in the low 90s and his offspeed pitches still bite well. Former Sox catcher Mike Stanley recently caught Oil Can during Red Sox fantasy camp, had the following remarks regarding his prowess.
"He looks no different to me now than when I caught him in Texas (with the Rangers). He still has the same passion. I don't know if he was getting to 90 because we didn't have a (radar) gun, but he still had the same stuff. The same tight slider, curve, fastball," the Globe quoted Stanley as saying.
This is not Boyd's first attempted comeback. He pitched in the Northern League from 1994-1997 and then most recently in 2005 with the Brockton Rox of the independent Can-Am League, where he posted a record of 4-5 with an era of 3.83 in 110 innings. Boyd last pitched in the majors in 1991 for the Rangers; he left the game with a 78-77 record over 10 seasons with the Red Sox, Rangers and Montreal Expos.
"I have nothing to lose, and all a major league team has to lose is 15 minutes," said Boyd to the Globe. "Give me 15 minutes and I'll show I can still pitch. That's all I want."
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Mets sign Livan Hernandez to a Minor League deal
MLB.com reports the New York Mets have signed pitcher Livan Hernandez to a Minor League contract that could earn him up to $1 million if he makes the Major League roster. Hernandez will vie for the 5th starting spot in the rotation with Freddy Garcia, Jon Niese and Tim Redding. The soon-to-be 34 year old Hernandez produced a 13-11 record with a 6.05 ERA in 31 starts with the Rockies and Twins.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
NY Daily News Reports Roberto Alomar Allegedly has AIDS
The February 10th, 2009 edition of the New York Daily News reports that former All-Star Second Baseman Roberto Alomar allegedly has full-blown AIDS after allegedly testing positive for HIV in 2006. He is being sued by his former live-in girlfriend, Ilya Dall for $15 million for potentially exposing her and her children to the virus. Further updates will come as this story develops, as Alomar was unavailable for comment and his lawyer would not give specifics on the status of his health. Look for the Mets to have a smaller version of the Spring Training media circus that their Bronx counterparts are experiencing as Alomar's father and brother are both coaches for the Mets. Alomar is eligible for election to the Hall of Fame in 2009.
UPDATE
Roberto Alomar tells ESPN that he is in good health, and asks that "people respect his privacy at this time."
UPDATE
Roberto Alomar tells ESPN that he is in good health, and asks that "people respect his privacy at this time."