MLB Hotstove

[Mookie]

Figured I'd create a catch all for some of the moves taking place this winter.

How 'bout the Rocket landing in Houston? I wasn't too surprised at this one, what with him being best buddies with Andy Pettitte and getting to play in his hometown. I can understand the betrayal the Yankee fans feel, but I don't think the Hall of Fame would be so naive as to put a Yankee cap on Clemens when its his time. Gotta be a Red Sox cap, no doubt.

Also, any team looking for an outfielder should put Anaheim on speed dial. They signed Vlad Guerrero after already having Garret Andserson, Darin Erstad, Tim Salmon and recently signed Jose Guillen. with 3 outfield spots and 1 DH, somebody's gonna be looking for some at bats.

[e2ipiand1]

According to several reports (ESPN, Sporting News, Detroit Free Press), Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is in negotiations with the Detroit Tigers. Apparently, no playoff contending teams have made an offer to Pudge and the few other offers he has received are nowhere near the kind of money he's looking for. Mike Illitch has publicly stated that he's willing to "slightly overpay" for real talent this year.

[Mookie]

...Mike Illitch has publicly stated that he's willing to "slightly overpay" for real talent this year.

Heh, why not? If it works for his Wings...

I'm not sure why Pudge is still available, unless his agent is Scott Boras who tends to ask for the world for his players. I also heard Baltimore was interested in signing Pudge and using Javy Lopez for DH. With Migel Tejada already there, that starts to look like a scary middle of the order. They could use Pudge to guide their young pitchers as well, they need it.

[jhardman]

I'm a lifetime Texas Rangers fan. Pudge belongs back in Texas. He's the most popular player in the history of the franchise, including Nolan Ryan.

[jhardman]

By the way, the Newburg Report says today that it appears Detroit is signing Pudge so they can immediately trade him to Florida. Florida is not allowed to negotiate with him until May 1st, so this would circumvent that process. Talk about a sleazy way to get around a rule...

And speaking of Hot Stoves... The Raleigh Hot Stove League is having their monthly dinner on January 27th, and they are honoring Jack McKeon. They are also honoring my friend Stephen Gates, most known as the Carolina sideline reporter for football, but who was also the play-by-play announcer for Carolina baseball and Burlington Indians baseball. Steve was killed by a hit-and-run driver in a well publicized accident, and was a great guy. He will receive the organization's media award, which will be presented by Marty Brennaman (Hall of Fame announcer for the Cincinnati Reds).

There are some tickets still available at Johnson and Lambe if you are interested in attending. Tickets are $25, and it will be at the McKimmon Center.

[Mookie]

...The Raleigh Hot Stove League is having their monthly dinner on January 27th, and they are honoring Jack McKeon. They are also honoring my friend Stephen Gates...

Thanks for the info. I'm glad to see them honoring Steve. What a sad story. Seems like he was making his way up in the world with a dream job.

As for Pudge, that would be a sleazy move if it were to happen, but I don't know that it would. He should never have signed Scott Boras as his agent. Teams don't like to deal with Boras cause he drives up salary demands too high. Now after making Detroit wait for an answer to their offer, Seattle may be moving into the game. I agree that Pudge should be in Texas. Doesn't seem right in any other uniform. Unfortunately, another Boras client - A-Rod, is taking up too much of Tom Hick's money. When will these owners ever learn? I forget which owner said it, but recently one of them made a statement that all other baseball owners are at the mercy of the dumbest one. Meaning there's always one ready to overpay for a star player that drives up all salary demands. Salary cap would have done wonders years ago.

[jhardman]

...The Raleigh Hot Stove League is having their monthly dinner on January 27th, and they are honoring Jack McKeon. They are also honoring my friend Stephen Gates...

Thanks for the info. I'm glad to see them honoring Steve. What a sad story. Seems like he was making his way up in the world with a dream job.

As for Pudge, that would be a sleazy move if it were to happen, but I don't know that it would. He should never have signed Scott Boras as his agent. Teams don't like to deal with Boras cause he drives up salary demands too high. Now after making Detroit wait for an answer to their offer, Seattle may be moving into the game. I agree that Pudge should be in Texas. Doesn't seem right in any other uniform. Unfortunately, another Boras client - A-Rod, is taking up too much of Tom Hick's money. When will these owners ever learn? I forget which owner said it, but recently one of them made a statement that all other baseball owners are at the mercy of the dumbest one. Meaning there's always one ready to overpay for a star player that drives up all salary demands. Salary cap would have done wonders years ago.

Amen. Couldn't agree more.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I can't say I would cry if Pudge was back in a Marlins uniform this year. The Fish are my baseball team. And yes I was a fan since they were formed...even through the awful years. :D

[Kapanen024]

By the way, the Newburg Report says today that it appears Detroit is signing Pudge so they can immediately trade him to Florida. Florida is not allowed to negotiate with him until May 1st, so this would circumvent that process. Talk about a sleazy way to get around a rule...

Ahhh!!! PUDGE! *gets all googly eyed*

[jhardman]

BTW, the Hot Stove League banquet was awesome. I recommend it next year for any big time baseball fan.

Second, I'm a subscriber to Baseball Prospectus, and this article was on their site today. If you've ever wanted to cheer for a guy in pro sports just because of where he came from/has gone through, this guy might be high on the list.

And finally, Baseball Prospectus is an awesome baseball site, but it is subscription. www.baseballprospectus.com

---------------------------

by Cliff Roscow

After being selected in the Rule 5 draft this winter and traded to the San Diego Padres, MIT graduate Jason Szuminski will have a chance to become the first person from his school to play in the major leagues. In addition to getting selected in the draft, Szuminski spent his winter working for the U.S. Air Force as an aerospace engineer, to fulfill his ROTC obligation. He hasn't taken the traditional road to the big leagues, but Szuminski showed last year that has the stuff to be a contributor in a major league bullpen. While splitting time between three levels in the Cubs organization, Szuminski posted a combined 2.78 ERA in his best season as a professional. He impressed again in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 19 in 19.1 IP. Baseball Prospectus talked with Szuminski about pitching development, rocket science, and how he keeps hitters off balance and hitting the ball on the ground.

Baseball Prospectus: Was it hard to adjust to professional baseball after coming from a D3 program at a school known for its academics?

Jason Szuminski: The jump in competition and talent and even the way the game was played couldn't have been bigger coming out of MIT. The challenge was a lot of fun though and I felt like I was able to adjust quickly.

BP: Do you think that missing out on four seasons full of the strenuous, high-leverage innings that pitchers for top colleges throw could have helped your development by keeping your arm fresh?

Szuminski: I think there were a lot of pluses and minuses playing at MIT. I definitely had to play catch-up with everybody else my age that came from top D1 programs and competition. I do think the less strenuous environment may have helped, but then again a real baseball coach probably wouldn't have let me throw 175 pitches and complete games on three days rest. However it happened, my arm strength developed a lot and gave me the opportunity to move on to the next level.

BP: Pitchers seem to often develop later than hitters. Was there a specific time when you realized that you might have the stuff to make it to the major leagues? When do you think you made your greatest strides as a pitcher?

Szuminski: I have always been way more of a realist than a dreamer. Even when I knew I was doing well my goals and vision stayed on the next step, one at a time.

This 2003 season was huge for me. Everything I had been working on clicked and I was not only able to improve my pitches, but bring my quality stuff and command every day to pitch with consistency and confidence, no matter what level I was at. It was around the second half of this season and then especially into the Arizona Fall League that I convinced myself I had the stuff and was good enough to make the majors. Pitching in the AFL was a great opportunity to prove it to everyone else, and the better I did, the harder I wanted to keep going to earn myself a shot.

BP: You were drafted by the Cubs after putting up unspectacular numbers in college. So, it's safe to say that you were drafted based on scouting reports. How much of your current opportunity with the Padres do you think was due to the great numbers you posted last year in Double-A and Triple-A, and how much was due to Padres' scouting?

Szuminski: Yeah, the original draft was definitely based on scouting reports. This time around, I think my success and stats in the upper levels of the minor leagues factored in more...or at least gave credibility to my stuff and got me noticed. The scouts always want to see quality major league pitches and command, but it's a lot easier to justify what you do by consistently getting hitters out--lots of strikeouts and groundballs never hurt either.

BP: Have your obligations to the Air Force hindered your ability to develop as a baseball player?

Szuminski: No--for a while the Air Force made it possible for me to even continue in baseball. It was training for the Olympic team in the Air Force sports program that I really made my big progress. Unfortunately, the U.S.A. failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics, but my personal success and improvement led to being selected in the Rule 5 draft and this major league opportunity with the Padres. Right now, I am still on active duty and working for the Air Force, but hope to soon have things settled where I can play baseball and continue to serve the Air Force in the off-season through the active reserve.

BP: How difficult was the transition from starting to relieving?

Szuminski: For me, that transition was pretty difficult. All my life as a starter, the first inning was usually the roughest and after that I could cruise smoothly. As a reliever now, you have to be at your best right away and often enter the game in clutch situations. It was also a big adjustment to condition my arm to pitch more frequently. I do like the variety though. With the Cubs, I had the opportunity to pitch in just about every role, from starter to long relief to short relief, and feel comfortable in any of (those roles) now.

BP: Were you surprised to be selected in the Rule 5 draft?

Szuminski: Yes, a little bit surprised. I knew there was a chance and thought I had made a good showing in the Arizona Fall League, but you never know. I am excited now because the Rule 5 provides such a huge opportunity with the Padres. It has really motivated me to do everything I can to prepare for spring training.

BP: Is there a specific type of hitter that you dread facing?

Szuminski: Well, it's always fun facing the good hitters. They force me to make good pitches and really sharpen up my stuff. The hitters I really dislike are the slap guys, especially lefties. My approach is usually to throw a lot of strikes down in the zone and guys who shorten up and just go for solid contact tend to be more successful against me than the guys who just swing away. For the most part though, I would still rather pitch aggressively to my strengths than try to adjust to a particular hitter's style or weakness.

BP: You gave up only one homer in 97 innings last year. What's your secret to keeping the ball in the ballpark?

Szuminski: I finally settled into a new three-quarter arm slot last year and things really clicked. I'm able to get sharp sinking movement on my fastball and still throw my hard slider and change-up. The sinker-slider combo play off each other very well and my approach is to throw them hard and down in the zone and keep hitters on top of them. This not only helps keep the ball in the park, but out of the air as much as possible. The best indicator of my stuff working is getting groundballs.

BP: What kind of weight training do you do and what is the weight-lifting standard for pitchers?

Szuminski: Coming up through the Cubs organization we always had a fairly structured weight training and conditioning program. Ultimately the idea is to find out what is best for you. For me, I stick to pretty standard stuff. I like to do a lot of the lightweight shoulder exercises before and throughout a season to help prevent injury. It helps me feel strong through a season if I keep up full body weightlifting, but never anything real heavy, especially upper body. Even in the off-season when I lift harder and heavier, the idea is still general strength and reps, not raw power and muscle mass.

BP: You're a rocket scientist. Is there anything that you do to prepare mentally for a game that other pitchers might not? Have you ever thought about using game theory for optimal pitch selection?

Szuminski: Sadly, no. I've sat back before and tried to figure out how to break things down or try to be smarter out on the mound, but it never seems to translate.

I think I have a good approach and use my head when pitching, but none of it stems from any background I have. As much as the duel of pitching and hitting seems to be a great field example of game theory, it's really not as simple as breaking it down like that. The only way I could kind of see it is when I'm in doubt and just go with my strength and throw a sinker. My thought being, even if the hitter is looking sinker, it's still more likely to be more effective than the change-up I might fool him with. But, most pitching people will explain that by saying it's better to throw the wrong pitch with confidence than the right one without it.

BP: Do you use scouting reports as part of your preparation?

Szuminski: I like scouting reports or any info I can get on hitters I'm going to face. A lot of times our pitchers will stay in the dugout and watch the other team's hitters for a while in the first game of a series. You can get a feel for a guy from watching him, looking over old charts, stats, or even just talking with other players. I do like looking at stats a lot more than other guys. There are all sorts of little things you can pick up, especially with minor league hitters, since the range of style is so great, and there is usually a weakness or immaturity you can find. I mean, if we didn't have some kind of imperfection that needed working on, we would be in the majors.

For example, it's not uncommon to find a guy in a lineup with say, 300 ABs and only 10 walks and not a lot of Ks. You know this guy is up there hacking and you can expand the zone on him right away or start him off with a breaking ball. Or maybe a similar guy but he has a ton of Ks and you know once you get ahead you can keep throwing breaking balls in the dirt for him to chase.

On the flip side, I also see a lot of guys with a decent average, lots of walks, and very little power. They are up there to slap a single or draw a walk, so why waste pitches on them, when the worst (they're likely to) do is hit a single? By throwing strikes you still have the best chance of grounding them out on two or three pitches. These are often guys who want to run too, and the worst thing you can do is let them fight you off and draw like a seven-pitch walk, and then steal to make it a double.

BP: What is more difficult: Striking out a professional hitter, working for a U.S. Air Force satellite program, or passing an aerospace engineering class at MIT? Which are you most proud of accomplishing?

Szuminski: What hitter, and what class? I don't even know how to begin comparing those. The only thing they have in common is that they cause me pain and stress. But, the difficulty and challenge is what makes success that much sweeter. I'm not trying to dodge the question, but just not sure what I even think. The Air Force, and having the opportunity to serve my country is definitely something I am most proud to be a part of. It's just bigger than sports. My most proud accomplishment though is graduating from MIT. I'm still not sure how I managed to do it. As for baseball, I still have the feeling at times that I'm not supposed to be here. But I am here, and I want to keep playing. It's a really exciting feeling having come this far and being so close to the major leagues. Striking out hitters has come a little easier lately, so hopefully I can keep it up and make that final push to the Show.

BP: The game is on the line. How do you pitch to Barry Bonds?

Szuminski: He's no slap hitter, but I'd probably throw him fastballs for strikes. Sinkers away. Let him try and yank one. If I got ahead maybe mix in a fastball inside or wrap-around slider to tie him up. Spring training starts Feb. 20 and we play the Giants plenty during the season. I intend to find out.

----------
Cliff Roscow is currently a pitcher for the MIT baseball team. He could try to follow the Jason Szuminski career path to the major leagues, but for now is content with being a Baseball Prospectus intern. You can reach Cliff at hicheese@mit.edu.

[jhardman]

BTW, the Hot Stove League banquet was awesome. I recommend it next year for any big time baseball fan.

Second, I'm a subscriber to Baseball Prospectus, and this article was on their site today. If you've ever wanted to cheer for a guy in pro sports just because of where he came from/has gone through, this guy might be high on the list.

And finally, Baseball Prospectus is an awesome baseball site, but it is subscription. www.baseballprospectus.com

---------------------------

by Cliff Roscow

After being selected in the Rule 5 draft this winter and traded to the San Diego Padres, MIT graduate Jason Szuminski will have a chance to become the first person from his school to play in the major leagues. In addition to getting selected in the draft, Szuminski spent his winter working for the U.S. Air Force as an aerospace engineer, to fulfill his ROTC obligation. He hasn't taken the traditional road to the big leagues, but Szuminski showed last year that has the stuff to be a contributor in a major league bullpen. While splitting time between three levels in the Cubs organization, Szuminski posted a combined 2.78 ERA in his best season as a professional. He impressed again in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 19 in 19.1 IP. Baseball Prospectus talked with Szuminski about pitching development, rocket science, and how he keeps hitters off balance and hitting the ball on the ground.

Baseball Prospectus: Was it hard to adjust to professional baseball after coming from a D3 program at a school known for its academics?

Jason Szuminski: The jump in competition and talent and even the way the game was played couldn't have been bigger coming out of MIT. The challenge was a lot of fun though and I felt like I was able to adjust quickly.

BP: Do you think that missing out on four seasons full of the strenuous, high-leverage innings that pitchers for top colleges throw could have helped your development by keeping your arm fresh?

Szuminski: I think there were a lot of pluses and minuses playing at MIT. I definitely had to play catch-up with everybody else my age that came from top D1 programs and competition. I do think the less strenuous environment may have helped, but then again a real baseball coach probably wouldn't have let me throw 175 pitches and complete games on three days rest. However it happened, my arm strength developed a lot and gave me the opportunity to move on to the next level.

BP: Pitchers seem to often develop later than hitters. Was there a specific time when you realized that you might have the stuff to make it to the major leagues? When do you think you made your greatest strides as a pitcher?

Szuminski: I have always been way more of a realist than a dreamer. Even when I knew I was doing well my goals and vision stayed on the next step, one at a time.

This 2003 season was huge for me. Everything I had been working on clicked and I was not only able to improve my pitches, but bring my quality stuff and command every day to pitch with consistency and confidence, no matter what level I was at. It was around the second half of this season and then especially into the Arizona Fall League that I convinced myself I had the stuff and was good enough to make the majors. Pitching in the AFL was a great opportunity to prove it to everyone else, and the better I did, the harder I wanted to keep going to earn myself a shot.

BP: You were drafted by the Cubs after putting up unspectacular numbers in college. So, it's safe to say that you were drafted based on scouting reports. How much of your current opportunity with the Padres do you think was due to the great numbers you posted last year in Double-A and Triple-A, and how much was due to Padres' scouting?

Szuminski: Yeah, the original draft was definitely based on scouting reports. This time around, I think my success and stats in the upper levels of the minor leagues factored in more...or at least gave credibility to my stuff and got me noticed. The scouts always want to see quality major league pitches and command, but it's a lot easier to justify what you do by consistently getting hitters out--lots of strikeouts and groundballs never hurt either.

BP: Have your obligations to the Air Force hindered your ability to develop as a baseball player?

Szuminski: No--for a while the Air Force made it possible for me to even continue in baseball. It was training for the Olympic team in the Air Force sports program that I really made my big progress. Unfortunately, the U.S.A. failed to qualify for the 2004 Olympics, but my personal success and improvement led to being selected in the Rule 5 draft and this major league opportunity with the Padres. Right now, I am still on active duty and working for the Air Force, but hope to soon have things settled where I can play baseball and continue to serve the Air Force in the off-season through the active reserve.

BP: How difficult was the transition from starting to relieving?

Szuminski: For me, that transition was pretty difficult. All my life as a starter, the first inning was usually the roughest and after that I could cruise smoothly. As a reliever now, you have to be at your best right away and often enter the game in clutch situations. It was also a big adjustment to condition my arm to pitch more frequently. I do like the variety though. With the Cubs, I had the opportunity to pitch in just about every role, from starter to long relief to short relief, and feel comfortable in any of (those roles) now.

BP: Were you surprised to be selected in the Rule 5 draft?

Szuminski: Yes, a little bit surprised. I knew there was a chance and thought I had made a good showing in the Arizona Fall League, but you never know. I am excited now because the Rule 5 provides such a huge opportunity with the Padres. It has really motivated me to do everything I can to prepare for spring training.

BP: Is there a specific type of hitter that you dread facing?

Szuminski: Well, it's always fun facing the good hitters. They force me to make good pitches and really sharpen up my stuff. The hitters I really dislike are the slap guys, especially lefties. My approach is usually to throw a lot of strikes down in the zone and guys who shorten up and just go for solid contact tend to be more successful against me than the guys who just swing away. For the most part though, I would still rather pitch aggressively to my strengths than try to adjust to a particular hitter's style or weakness.

BP: You gave up only one homer in 97 innings last year. What's your secret to keeping the ball in the ballpark?

Szuminski: I finally settled into a new three-quarter arm slot last year and things really clicked. I'm able to get sharp sinking movement on my fastball and still throw my hard slider and change-up. The sinker-slider combo play off each other very well and my approach is to throw them hard and down in the zone and keep hitters on top of them. This not only helps keep the ball in the park, but out of the air as much as possible. The best indicator of my stuff working is getting groundballs.

BP: What kind of weight training do you do and what is the weight-lifting standard for pitchers?

Szuminski: Coming up through the Cubs organization we always had a fairly structured weight training and conditioning program. Ultimately the idea is to find out what is best for you. For me, I stick to pretty standard stuff. I like to do a lot of the lightweight shoulder exercises before and throughout a season to help prevent injury. It helps me feel strong through a season if I keep up full body weightlifting, but never anything real heavy, especially upper body. Even in the off-season when I lift harder and heavier, the idea is still general strength and reps, not raw power and muscle mass.

BP: You're a rocket scientist. Is there anything that you do to prepare mentally for a game that other pitchers might not? Have you ever thought about using game theory for optimal pitch selection?

Szuminski: Sadly, no. I've sat back before and tried to figure out how to break things down or try to be smarter out on the mound, but it never seems to translate.

I think I have a good approach and use my head when pitching, but none of it stems from any background I have. As much as the duel of pitching and hitting seems to be a great field example of game theory, it's really not as simple as breaking it down like that. The only way I could kind of see it is when I'm in doubt and just go with my strength and throw a sinker. My thought being, even if the hitter is looking sinker, it's still more likely to be more effective than the change-up I might fool him with. But, most pitching people will explain that by saying it's better to throw the wrong pitch with confidence than the right one without it.

BP: Do you use scouting reports as part of your preparation?

Szuminski: I like scouting reports or any info I can get on hitters I'm going to face. A lot of times our pitchers will stay in the dugout and watch the other team's hitters for a while in the first game of a series. You can get a feel for a guy from watching him, looking over old charts, stats, or even just talking with other players. I do like looking at stats a lot more than other guys. There are all sorts of little things you can pick up, especially with minor league hitters, since the range of style is so great, and there is usually a weakness or immaturity you can find. I mean, if we didn't have some kind of imperfection that needed working on, we would be in the majors.

For example, it's not uncommon to find a guy in a lineup with say, 300 ABs and only 10 walks and not a lot of Ks. You know this guy is up there hacking and you can expand the zone on him right away or start him off with a breaking ball. Or maybe a similar guy but he has a ton of Ks and you know once you get ahead you can keep throwing breaking balls in the dirt for him to chase.

On the flip side, I also see a lot of guys with a decent average, lots of walks, and very little power. They are up there to slap a single or draw a walk, so why waste pitches on them, when the worst (they're likely to) do is hit a single? By throwing strikes you still have the best chance of grounding them out on two or three pitches. These are often guys who want to run too, and the worst thing you can do is let them fight you off and draw like a seven-pitch walk, and then steal to make it a double.

BP: What is more difficult: Striking out a professional hitter, working for a U.S. Air Force satellite program, or passing an aerospace engineering class at MIT? Which are you most proud of accomplishing?

Szuminski: What hitter, and what class? I don't even know how to begin comparing those. The only thing they have in common is that they cause me pain and stress. But, the difficulty and challenge is what makes success that much sweeter. I'm not trying to dodge the question, but just not sure what I even think. The Air Force, and having the opportunity to serve my country is definitely something I am most proud to be a part of. It's just bigger than sports. My most proud accomplishment though is graduating from MIT. I'm still not sure how I managed to do it. As for baseball, I still have the feeling at times that I'm not supposed to be here. But I am here, and I want to keep playing. It's a really exciting feeling having come this far and being so close to the major leagues. Striking out hitters has come a little easier lately, so hopefully I can keep it up and make that final push to the Show.

BP: The game is on the line. How do you pitch to Barry Bonds?

Szuminski: He's no slap hitter, but I'd probably throw him fastballs for strikes. Sinkers away. Let him try and yank one. If I got ahead maybe mix in a fastball inside or wrap-around slider to tie him up. Spring training starts Feb. 20 and we play the Giants plenty during the season. I intend to find out.

----------
Cliff Roscow is currently a pitcher for the MIT baseball team. He could try to follow the Jason Szuminski career path to the major leagues, but for now is content with being a Baseball Prospectus intern. You can reach Cliff at hicheese@mit.edu.

[e2ipiand1]

According to both MLB.com and the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers' latest offer to Pudge contains a clause whereby they can terminate his contract if he spends more than five weeks on IR because of a spinal injury. Seems like the Tigers' really put some thought into this one.

[e2ipiand1]

According to both MLB.com and the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers' latest offer to Pudge contains a clause whereby they can terminate his contract if he spends more than five weeks on IR because of a spinal injury. Seems like the Tigers' really put some thought into this one.

[jhardman]

According to both MLB.com and the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers' latest offer to Pudge contains a clause whereby they can terminate his contract if he spends more than five weeks on IR because of a spinal injury. Seems like the Tigers' really put some thought into this one.

I'm sure the Marlins, er...Tigers did.

[jhardman]

According to both MLB.com and the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers' latest offer to Pudge contains a clause whereby they can terminate his contract if he spends more than five weeks on IR because of a spinal injury. Seems like the Tigers' really put some thought into this one.

I'm sure the Marlins, er...Tigers did.

[Kapanen024]

Saturday, January 31, 2004
ESPN.com news services
DETROIT -- The Tigers and Ivan Rodriguez have reached a verbal agreement on a four-year contract, two Detroit radio stations reported Saturday.
However, agent Scott Boras said later Saturday that the deal is not done yet. "We are still negotiating contract language, but there has been no 'verbal agreement,'" Boras said in a statement. "Mr. Rodriguez has completed and passed a physical [for the Tigers]. We will not have any more comment until Monday."
Both WXYT-AM (1270) and WDFN-AM (1130) have reported that the two sides have agreed on a four-year, $40 million deal that includes clauses that would allow the Tigers to shorten the deal in case of injury.
Under the terms being negotiated, Detroit could terminate the contract after the 2005 season if Rodriguez is on the DL for a lumbar spine injury for 35 or more days in either 2004 or 2005, a baseball source, on the condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press earlier in the week.
Detroit also would have the right to end the contract after the 2006 season if he is on the DL for 35 or more days because of a lumbar spine injury that year, the source said.
The 10-time All-Star catcher does not currently have any injuries, but the provision would protect the Tigers if one occurs.
Rodriguez, 32, played his first 12 major league seasons with the Rangers, winning the 1999 AL MVP award.
He signed a $10 million, one-year contract with the Marlins and hit .313 last season with 16 homers and 85 RBIs. He was MVP of the NL championship series win over the Chicago Cubs, then helped Florida beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.

01/31/2004 5:40 PM ET
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
DETROIT -- The Tigers' pursuit of Ivan Rodriguez goes on.
Both WXYT-AM 1270 and WDFN-AM 1130 reported Saturday morning that the Tigers and Rodriguez had reached a verbal agreement on a four-year, $40 million contract. However Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, denied the deal had been reached Saturday afternoon in a statement to another broadcast outlet.
While the radio reports said a press conference could happen as soon as Monday, a Tigers spokesperson said Saturday no press conference has been scheduled.
Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski was unavailable for comment Saturday. On Friday, he said the two sides continue to talk. Negotiations were expected to last into the weekend.
Concern over Rodriguez's back is believed to be one of the hurdles to a deal. An Associated Press report Thursday night said the Tigers wanted clauses that would allow them to cancel the remaining years of the deal if Rodriguez spent five weeks or more on the disabled list with certain back problems between 2004 and 2006.
The pursuit of Pudge has now well outlasted the Tigers' chase for free-agent Miguel Tejada earlier this offseason. If successful, the Tigers would have the biggest free-agent signing in franchise history, not to mention their richest contract in terms of average annual salary.
Detroit appears to be the only team actively negotiating for Rodriguez. The Los Angeles Dodgers became a potential pursuer Thursday when Major League Baseball approved new owner Frank McCourt, who stressed the need to acquire a right-handed bat for the middle of the order. However, published reports suggest general manager Dan Evans is pursuing other options. Moreover, the Dodgers can fill that need with a first baseman or outfielder and without the premium price for Rodriguez, who would supplant another All-Star catcher in Paul Lo Duca.

[Kapanen024]

Saturday, January 31, 2004
ESPN.com news services
DETROIT -- The Tigers and Ivan Rodriguez have reached a verbal agreement on a four-year contract, two Detroit radio stations reported Saturday.
However, agent Scott Boras said later Saturday that the deal is not done yet. "We are still negotiating contract language, but there has been no 'verbal agreement,'" Boras said in a statement. "Mr. Rodriguez has completed and passed a physical [for the Tigers]. We will not have any more comment until Monday."
Both WXYT-AM (1270) and WDFN-AM (1130) have reported that the two sides have agreed on a four-year, $40 million deal that includes clauses that would allow the Tigers to shorten the deal in case of injury.
Under the terms being negotiated, Detroit could terminate the contract after the 2005 season if Rodriguez is on the DL for a lumbar spine injury for 35 or more days in either 2004 or 2005, a baseball source, on the condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press earlier in the week.
Detroit also would have the right to end the contract after the 2006 season if he is on the DL for 35 or more days because of a lumbar spine injury that year, the source said.
The 10-time All-Star catcher does not currently have any injuries, but the provision would protect the Tigers if one occurs.
Rodriguez, 32, played his first 12 major league seasons with the Rangers, winning the 1999 AL MVP award.
He signed a $10 million, one-year contract with the Marlins and hit .313 last season with 16 homers and 85 RBIs. He was MVP of the NL championship series win over the Chicago Cubs, then helped Florida beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.

01/31/2004 5:40 PM ET
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
DETROIT -- The Tigers' pursuit of Ivan Rodriguez goes on.
Both WXYT-AM 1270 and WDFN-AM 1130 reported Saturday morning that the Tigers and Rodriguez had reached a verbal agreement on a four-year, $40 million contract. However Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, denied the deal had been reached Saturday afternoon in a statement to another broadcast outlet.
While the radio reports said a press conference could happen as soon as Monday, a Tigers spokesperson said Saturday no press conference has been scheduled.
Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski was unavailable for comment Saturday. On Friday, he said the two sides continue to talk. Negotiations were expected to last into the weekend.
Concern over Rodriguez's back is believed to be one of the hurdles to a deal. An Associated Press report Thursday night said the Tigers wanted clauses that would allow them to cancel the remaining years of the deal if Rodriguez spent five weeks or more on the disabled list with certain back problems between 2004 and 2006.
The pursuit of Pudge has now well outlasted the Tigers' chase for free-agent Miguel Tejada earlier this offseason. If successful, the Tigers would have the biggest free-agent signing in franchise history, not to mention their richest contract in terms of average annual salary.
Detroit appears to be the only team actively negotiating for Rodriguez. The Los Angeles Dodgers became a potential pursuer Thursday when Major League Baseball approved new owner Frank McCourt, who stressed the need to acquire a right-handed bat for the middle of the order. However, published reports suggest general manager Dan Evans is pursuing other options. Moreover, the Dodgers can fill that need with a first baseman or outfielder and without the premium price for Rodriguez, who would supplant another All-Star catcher in Paul Lo Duca.

[Kapanen024]

ESPN.com news services
DETROIT -- Ivan Rodriguez finalized his long-discussed contract with the Detroit Tigers on Monday, leaving the World Series champion Florida Marlins to join a team that last year set the American League record for losses.
"This is an exciting day for me," Rodriguez said. "I know they had a bad season last year, but I think this is going to be a completely different season."
The signing of the 10-time All-Star catcher is the latest high-profile move by the Tigers, who went 43-119 last season. Detroit won five of its last six games to avoid tying the post-1900 major league record of 120 losses, set by the 1962 Mets.
"If you don't mind for a moment, I'm going to soak this up a little bit," said Tigers manager Alan Trammell, who indicated Rodriguez could hit in the No. 3 spot in the lineup. "This is how it starts. This is how we get better."
Although Rodriguez's contract was announced as a four-year, $40 million deal, Major League Baseball officials told ESPN.com that in terms of economic reality, the guaranteed value of the contract is actually less than half of the announced figure.
MLB officials have confirmed that, in reality, Rodriguez has a two-year guaranteed contract worth about $19 million in present-day value.
Rodriguez, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and the MVP of the 2003 NL Championship Series, will get $7 million this year, $8 million in 2005 and $11 million each in 2006 and 2007, according to contract information obtained by The Associated Press. The Tigers have a $13 million option for 2008 with a $3 million buyout.
Detroit will defer $2 million of his salary in 2004 and $3 million each in 2006 and 2007, all at 1 percent interest.
If Rodriguez goes on the disabled list for 35 or more days in 2004 or 2005 because of a lower spine injury, Detroit could void the rest of contract by paying a $5 million buyout. If he goes on the DL for 35 or more days in 2006 because of a lower spine injury, the Tigers could terminate the deal by paying a $4 million buyout.
Because the Tigers can void the contract after the first two years, Rodriguez's $22 million in salary in 2006 and 2007 is not, in normal economic terms, guaranteed. Only the $5 million buyout of those two years is, in fact, truly guaranteed.
Therefore, Rodriguez's actual guarantee is his $7 million salary for this year, his $8 million salary for 2005 and the $5 million buyout. That comes to $20 million. But MLB officials have confirmed that deferrals would lessen the present-day value to about $19 million.
It is believed that this is the first contract in modern history to include clauses that void entire seasons of a deal involving a previously healthy player for health reasons. Normally, contracts of this sort are structured as two-year deals, with option years that vest if the player stays healthy.
In order for this contract to be constructed in an opposite way, indications are that both the commissioner's office and the Major League Baseball Players Association had to accept a special agreement on the wording of the contract.
Rodriguez would also get a $500,000 bonus of he's voted the American League MVP, an award he won with Texas in 1999. If he wins the award twice under the contract, he would get $1 million the second time.
Rodriguez had a $10 million, one-year deal with the Marlins last season. He asked for a $40 million, four-year contract from Florida, which broke off talks Dec. 7.
Scott Boras, Rodriguez's agent who negotiated the deal with the Tigers, said his client was excited about playing in the AL Central.
"Pudge said to me, 'I know that division. That division could be mine,'" Boras said.
Rodriguez also said the personal involvement of Detroit owner Mike Ilitch played a part in his decision.
"It kind of evolved where I started to get into the process a little bit more," Ilitch said. "Before, things weren't working well. We weren't getting the right players in. We weren't performing well."
The Tigers have been active in the free-agent market, but they had not signed an undisputed star such as Rodriguez.
Second baseman Fernando Vina and outfielder Rondell White agreed to $6 million, two-year deals in December, and starting pitcher Jason Johnson signed a $7 million, two-year contract later that month.
At a lower level, Detroit also agreed to one-year contracts with right-hander Al Levine ($925,000) and catcher Mike DiFelice ($650,000) and to minor league deals with third baseman Greg Norton and pitcher Esteban Yan.
DiFelice was signed to back up Brandon Inge, a solid catcher defensively, who hit .203 with eight home runs in 104 games.
The Tigers also traded for Seattle shortstop Carlos Guillen.
Information from ESPN.com senior writer Jayson Stark and The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Kapanen024]

ESPN.com news services
DETROIT -- Ivan Rodriguez finalized his long-discussed contract with the Detroit Tigers on Monday, leaving the World Series champion Florida Marlins to join a team that last year set the American League record for losses.
"This is an exciting day for me," Rodriguez said. "I know they had a bad season last year, but I think this is going to be a completely different season."
The signing of the 10-time All-Star catcher is the latest high-profile move by the Tigers, who went 43-119 last season. Detroit won five of its last six games to avoid tying the post-1900 major league record of 120 losses, set by the 1962 Mets.
"If you don't mind for a moment, I'm going to soak this up a little bit," said Tigers manager Alan Trammell, who indicated Rodriguez could hit in the No. 3 spot in the lineup. "This is how it starts. This is how we get better."
Although Rodriguez's contract was announced as a four-year, $40 million deal, Major League Baseball officials told ESPN.com that in terms of economic reality, the guaranteed value of the contract is actually less than half of the announced figure.
MLB officials have confirmed that, in reality, Rodriguez has a two-year guaranteed contract worth about $19 million in present-day value.
Rodriguez, a 10-time Gold Glove winner and the MVP of the 2003 NL Championship Series, will get $7 million this year, $8 million in 2005 and $11 million each in 2006 and 2007, according to contract information obtained by The Associated Press. The Tigers have a $13 million option for 2008 with a $3 million buyout.
Detroit will defer $2 million of his salary in 2004 and $3 million each in 2006 and 2007, all at 1 percent interest.
If Rodriguez goes on the disabled list for 35 or more days in 2004 or 2005 because of a lower spine injury, Detroit could void the rest of contract by paying a $5 million buyout. If he goes on the DL for 35 or more days in 2006 because of a lower spine injury, the Tigers could terminate the deal by paying a $4 million buyout.
Because the Tigers can void the contract after the first two years, Rodriguez's $22 million in salary in 2006 and 2007 is not, in normal economic terms, guaranteed. Only the $5 million buyout of those two years is, in fact, truly guaranteed.
Therefore, Rodriguez's actual guarantee is his $7 million salary for this year, his $8 million salary for 2005 and the $5 million buyout. That comes to $20 million. But MLB officials have confirmed that deferrals would lessen the present-day value to about $19 million.
It is believed that this is the first contract in modern history to include clauses that void entire seasons of a deal involving a previously healthy player for health reasons. Normally, contracts of this sort are structured as two-year deals, with option years that vest if the player stays healthy.
In order for this contract to be constructed in an opposite way, indications are that both the commissioner's office and the Major League Baseball Players Association had to accept a special agreement on the wording of the contract.
Rodriguez would also get a $500,000 bonus of he's voted the American League MVP, an award he won with Texas in 1999. If he wins the award twice under the contract, he would get $1 million the second time.
Rodriguez had a $10 million, one-year deal with the Marlins last season. He asked for a $40 million, four-year contract from Florida, which broke off talks Dec. 7.
Scott Boras, Rodriguez's agent who negotiated the deal with the Tigers, said his client was excited about playing in the AL Central.
"Pudge said to me, 'I know that division. That division could be mine,'" Boras said.
Rodriguez also said the personal involvement of Detroit owner Mike Ilitch played a part in his decision.
"It kind of evolved where I started to get into the process a little bit more," Ilitch said. "Before, things weren't working well. We weren't getting the right players in. We weren't performing well."
The Tigers have been active in the free-agent market, but they had not signed an undisputed star such as Rodriguez.
Second baseman Fernando Vina and outfielder Rondell White agreed to $6 million, two-year deals in December, and starting pitcher Jason Johnson signed a $7 million, two-year contract later that month.
At a lower level, Detroit also agreed to one-year contracts with right-hander Al Levine ($925,000) and catcher Mike DiFelice ($650,000) and to minor league deals with third baseman Greg Norton and pitcher Esteban Yan.
DiFelice was signed to back up Brandon Inge, a solid catcher defensively, who hit .203 with eight home runs in 104 games.
The Tigers also traded for Seattle shortstop Carlos Guillen.
Information from ESPN.com senior writer Jayson Stark and The Associated Press was used in this report.

[Mookie]

Can anyone else believe Bud Selig would allow such a lopsided trade go thru? What a joke baseball has become. A-Rod for Mr. "I-strike-out-twice-a-game" Soriano and a minor leaguer?! Ridiculous, plain and simple. I'm in shock. As bad as baseball has become they let this robbery happen?! What a joke. Hockey can learn something from this. SALARY CAP!!

[e2ipiand1]

ESPN's 2004 preseason rankings (as of 1/25/04) have the Tigers at 12th in the league. This is before adding Pudge. Also, according to the Detroit FreePress, the Tigers are $6 million short of their maximum budgeted payroll, so they can afford to fix any problems that come up. I'm hoping for a good year.

[jhardman]

Yep - Rangers fans rejoice. Yeppers, yesindeedadoody. We should all feel so wonderful that the best baseball player on earth has left our team so we can save a little money. Screw you, Tom Hicks. You've had a big part in screwing up both my sports.

[e2ipiand1]

Tigers, Urbina agree to terms
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

LAKELAND, Fla. -- The Tigers are closing in on a changing of the guard at closer, agreeing to terms Thursday on a one-year deal with free agent Ugueth Urbina and outrighting Matt Anderson to Triple-A Toledo.
The team can't comment on Urbina's contract status until he passes a physical, though president/general manager Dave Dombrowski confirmed Wednesday night to Booth Newspapers that they've had interest. Urbina said the deal was done pending a physical later today, but Urbina already passed a physical earlier this spring.

"I'm already home," he said as he put some of his belongings in a clubhouse locker following a workout at Joker Marchant Stadium.

The fact that Anderson was outrighted to Toledo instead of optioned opens up a spot on 40-man roster for Urbina.

Terms of the deal are not known. Urbina said the deal for one year plus a club option for 2005 is close to his salary from last year. Urbina made $4.5 million last season.

Urbina, 30, is the last of the major free agents from this past offseason to find a home. Like new Tiger and longtime friend Ivan Rodriguez, he was a hero on the Florida Marlins' run to the World Series championship.

Urbina went 3-4 with a 2.81 ERA and 32 saves in the regular season with Texas and Florida. He racked up four more saves in the postseason, including two of the Marlins' four victories in the World Series.

Urbina's signing answers the lingering question once and for all of who would close games for the Tigers, a debate that only grew more muddled as Spring Training continued. Anderson and Fernando Rodney entered camp as the front-runners for the role. However, Rodney has been sidelined since March 14 with triceps tendinitis and Anderson has been hit hard much of this spring.

Enter Urbina, who had been receiving encouragement from Rodriguez to join him in Detroit. That grew from a remote possibility to a likelihood earlier this week when the Cleveland Indians passed on signing Urbina. Though he had passed a physical for the Indians, Urbina said the Indians told him that they didn't believe he would be ready to pitch until May.

Urbina felt like he could be ready to throw as soon as a week into the regular season. "I said I don't need that much time," he said. "Every Spring Training, I come late because I know I can be ready quickly."

Urbina has not pitched off of a mound since closing out the World Series clinching Game 6 last October. He threw long toss with pitching coach Bob Cluck while manager Alan Trammell watched.

"I'm very happy that he's here," Trammell said. "Ugie has been a good closer, so I think that's a good option if it works out."

The friendship Urbina has with Rodriguez and other new Tigers such as Fernando Vina and Rondell White, he said, played a major factor in convincing him to sign with a team whose leaders in saves last season were Franklyn German and Chris Mears with five apiece.

"[Pudge] was calling me every day saying to come here," Urbina said. "And then three days ago, he really talked to me and said, 'I want you to play with me.' I was really close to signing with the Indians and, when that fell through, I said, 'I'll come play with you.'"

[jhardman]

I'm gazing into my crystal ball.....aahhhhmmm....

Transactions Analysis - Baseball Prospectus, July 30, 2004...

Detroit Tigers trade close Ugueth Urbina to Oakland for outfielder Bobby Kielty and two minor leaguers.....

[Mookie]

Good guess, jhardman. The only thing that might prevent that from coming true is if the Yankees need bulpen help, and Bud Selig allows the Tigers to trade Ugie for a couple dozen hot dog wrappers. hehe

[e2ipiand1]

If the Tigers' keep it going, Urbina's going nowhere!

First place in the AL baby!

[e2ipiand1]

19 games in, here's what we have:

AL
Boston Red Sox
Minnesota Twins
Anaheim Angels
Chicago White Sox

NL
Florida Marlins
Los Angeles Dodgers
Cincinnati Reds
Chicago Cubs

(I can't believe I had the Cubbies in there twice)

[e2ipiand1]

A quarter of the way through the season:

AL
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox/Minnesota Twins
Anaheim Angels
New York Yankees

NL
Philadelphia Phillies
Cincinnati Reds
Los Angeles Dodgers
Florida Marlins/Houston Astros

The Yankees are right back in it and the Marlins pick up where they left off.

[e2ipiand1]

A quarter of the way through the season:

AL
Boston Red Sox
Chicago White Sox/Minnesota Twins
Anaheim Angels
New York Yankees

NL
Philadelphia Phillies
Cincinnati Reds
Los Angeles Dodgers
Florida Marlins/Houston Astros

The Yankees are right back in it and the Marlins pick up where they left off.

[Night Train]

Going to watch the Phillies play the Braves on Friday and Saturday. Looking forward to seeing the new ballpark in Philly.

[Night Train]

Going to watch the Phillies play the Braves on Friday and Saturday. Looking forward to seeing the new ballpark in Philly.

[Mona]

Have a fun and safe trip N T..

[Mona]

Have a fun and safe trip N T..

[CaneZilla]

One of the things we're going to do for my brother's bach. party is to catch the Yankees v Padres game on Jun. 11th. Can't wait!

[CaneZilla]

One of the things we're going to do for my brother's bach. party is to catch the Yankees v Padres game on Jun. 11th. Can't wait!

[Night Train]

Philly's new ballpark is way cool. I'll post a link to my pics as soon as I can download them. Friday night's game ended on a walk-off homer in the 10th inning for Philly. Atlanta pounded them on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Braves, Chipper Jones missed most of Friday's game and all of Saturday's game after being hit by a pich in the leg.

[Night Train]

Philly's new ballpark is way cool. I'll post a link to my pics as soon as I can download them. Friday night's game ended on a walk-off homer in the 10th inning for Philly. Atlanta pounded them on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Braves, Chipper Jones missed most of Friday's game and all of Saturday's game after being hit by a pich in the leg.

[tommy]

by the way, Pittsburgh (well, before we got shelled by the Cubs last night) is above .500 for the first time at this point in the season in 5 years!!! Go Bucs!!!

[tommy]

by the way, Pittsburgh (well, before we got shelled by the Cubs last night) is above .500 for the first time at this point in the season in 5 years!!! Go Bucs!!!

[Night Train]

Lots o' photos of the new park, plus some others...

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ehmorgan75/album?.tok=phJ4ONBBeiYR8QKD&.dir=/d22c&.src=ph

[Night Train]

Lots o' photos of the new park, plus some others...

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ehmorgan75/album?.tok=phJ4ONBBeiYR8QKD&.dir=/d22c&.src=ph

[e2ipiand1]

The Detroit Tigers just signed Troy Percival and are pursuing Troy Glaus, Adrian Beltre, and Steve Finley.

I guess Ilitch decided to spend some of the Red Wings payroll on the Tigers...

[puck_it]

must have a thing with wanting to burn money

[Mona]

MLB Owners, Players Reach Deal On Steroid Testing
Agreement Includes Suspensions For First-Time Offenders

POSTED: 8:56 pm EST January 12, 2005
UPDATED: 3:15 pm EST January 13, 2005

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball players and owners announced Thursday a tougher steroid-testing program that includes penalties for first-time offenders.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said he wants to "restore the confidence" of baseball fans.

Rob Manfred, the executive vice president for labor relations for Major League Baseball, outlined the major aspects of the new agreement.

A first positive test would result in a suspension of up to 10 days and the penalties would increase to a one-year suspension for a fourth positive test. Second-time offenders will be suspended for 30 days, and a third offense will bring a 60-day suspension.

Players will be tested at least once per year, and there is a possibility several players could be tested a number of times each year.

Also, there will be a large number of substances added to the list of banned drugs, including THG, but stimulants will not be addressed in the new agreement.

The new agreement falls far short of the World Anti-Doping Agency's code, which has been adopted by most Olympic sports. It states the "norm" is two-year bans for a first positive test and a lifetime ban for a second, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Under the old policy, a first positive test for steroid use results in treatment. A second offense carries a 15-day suspension or fine of up to $10,000. A third offense is a 25-day suspension or up to a $25,000 fine and a fourth a 50-day suspension or a fine up to $50,000. A fifth positive test is either a one-year suspension or a fine of up to $100,000. All suspensions are without pay and there is no out-of-season testing.

In the old policy, players are tested only once in-season. No player was suspended for using steroids in 2004.

The Players Association indicated earlier this winter it was open to a tougher testing policy than the one currently in place. Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball have received criticism from lawmakers for a loose testing policy, which was reached under the collective bargaining agreement in 2002 by the union and management. It expires following the 2006 season.

Even after the new agreement, the rules are more stringent at the minor league level. Under that policy, which is not subject to collective bargaining, there is a year-round testing program and first-time offenders are hit with a 15-day suspension without pay. Players who test positive a second time receive a 30- day suspension, and a third offense means a full season suspension without pay.

In the NFL's drug testing policy, a first-time offender is hit with a four- game suspension, which is a quarter of the regular season. The NBA hits first- time offenders with a five-game suspension.

According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle in early December, Giants slugger Barry Bonds admitted to using a clear substance and cream provided to him from his trainer, but said he didn't know they were steroids.

The newspaper reported Bonds, a seven-time National League MVP, testified before a federal grand jury in December 2003 and that earlier that year he used both clear and cream substances provided by his personal strength trainer, Greg Anderson. According to the testimony obtained by the Chronicle, Bonds said he was told the substances were the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for arthritis. The substances are similar to steroids described from the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, the center of a scandal.

Another newspaper report said New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi claimed in his grand jury testimony that he took a human growth hormone in 2003 and also used steroids for at least three seasons.

Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield also testified before a federal grand jury on the steroids issue.

[Mona]

MLB Owners, Players Reach Deal On Steroid Testing
Agreement Includes Suspensions For First-Time Offenders

POSTED: 8:56 pm EST January 12, 2005
UPDATED: 3:15 pm EST January 13, 2005

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball players and owners announced Thursday a tougher steroid-testing program that includes penalties for first-time offenders.

Baseball commissioner Bud Selig said he wants to "restore the confidence" of baseball fans.

Rob Manfred, the executive vice president for labor relations for Major League Baseball, outlined the major aspects of the new agreement.

A first positive test would result in a suspension of up to 10 days and the penalties would increase to a one-year suspension for a fourth positive test. Second-time offenders will be suspended for 30 days, and a third offense will bring a 60-day suspension.

Players will be tested at least once per year, and there is a possibility several players could be tested a number of times each year.

Also, there will be a large number of substances added to the list of banned drugs, including THG, but stimulants will not be addressed in the new agreement.

The new agreement falls far short of the World Anti-Doping Agency's code, which has been adopted by most Olympic sports. It states the "norm" is two-year bans for a first positive test and a lifetime ban for a second, unless there are mitigating circumstances.

Under the old policy, a first positive test for steroid use results in treatment. A second offense carries a 15-day suspension or fine of up to $10,000. A third offense is a 25-day suspension or up to a $25,000 fine and a fourth a 50-day suspension or a fine up to $50,000. A fifth positive test is either a one-year suspension or a fine of up to $100,000. All suspensions are without pay and there is no out-of-season testing.

In the old policy, players are tested only once in-season. No player was suspended for using steroids in 2004.

The Players Association indicated earlier this winter it was open to a tougher testing policy than the one currently in place. Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball have received criticism from lawmakers for a loose testing policy, which was reached under the collective bargaining agreement in 2002 by the union and management. It expires following the 2006 season.

Even after the new agreement, the rules are more stringent at the minor league level. Under that policy, which is not subject to collective bargaining, there is a year-round testing program and first-time offenders are hit with a 15-day suspension without pay. Players who test positive a second time receive a 30- day suspension, and a third offense means a full season suspension without pay.

In the NFL's drug testing policy, a first-time offender is hit with a four- game suspension, which is a quarter of the regular season. The NBA hits first- time offenders with a five-game suspension.

According to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle in early December, Giants slugger Barry Bonds admitted to using a clear substance and cream provided to him from his trainer, but said he didn't know they were steroids.

The newspaper reported Bonds, a seven-time National League MVP, testified before a federal grand jury in December 2003 and that earlier that year he used both clear and cream substances provided by his personal strength trainer, Greg Anderson. According to the testimony obtained by the Chronicle, Bonds said he was told the substances were the nutritional supplement flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for arthritis. The substances are similar to steroids described from the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative, the center of a scandal.

Another newspaper report said New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi claimed in his grand jury testimony that he took a human growth hormone in 2003 and also used steroids for at least three seasons.

Yankees outfielder Gary Sheffield also testified before a federal grand jury on the steroids issue.

[jhardman]

So glad this thread still exists...someplace to have some hope, since pitchers and catchers have reported. :-)

Hockey's only competitor in boneheaded business manuvers still manages to keep plenty of egg on its face though with all the steroids controversy and such. However, at least they are playing, so there's something to talk about.

Have any of you run into the issues with licensing for fantasy baseball sites? If you play anywhere besides ESPN.com, CBSsportsline, or Yahoo, chances are that you have. if so, I'd love to know what they are telling their customers. Our good buddies at MLB are true boneheads for this one - charging fantasy providers licensing fees for use of the players names. Geez...

[jhardman]

So glad this thread still exists...someplace to have some hope, since pitchers and catchers have reported. :-)

Hockey's only competitor in boneheaded business manuvers still manages to keep plenty of egg on its face though with all the steroids controversy and such. However, at least they are playing, so there's something to talk about.

Have any of you run into the issues with licensing for fantasy baseball sites? If you play anywhere besides ESPN.com, CBSsportsline, or Yahoo, chances are that you have. if so, I'd love to know what they are telling their customers. Our good buddies at MLB are true boneheads for this one - charging fantasy providers licensing fees for use of the players names. Geez...