Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays, It will be a short turnaround from the Tampa Bay Rays hosting the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field for the first of four crucial games between the rivals American League. Burnett and Cobb go head to head.
Tonight at 07:00 ET at Tropicana Field, AJ Burnett (8-17, 415 ERA) toes the rubber for the Pinstripers unbeaten, while Alex Cobb (2-0, 3.41) rides the blow to the Rays. Burnett won the opening betting odds (-125), although the money line is moved to -133 with the full participation of 9.

Cliff Lee

Cliff Lee, The Rangers have been to try to re-sign pitcher Cliff Lee, but a wildfire rumors about the third baseman Michael Young has continued to roar through the winter meetings at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort on Wednesday.

The Rangers insist they are not trading with other youth teams. They insist that there are other teams that arise about it. They keep saying they have serious doubts about Young being traded at all during the offseason, despite the rumors.

“It’s the byproduct of having these meetings,” the Chief Ranger Jon Daniels said. “Ninety-nine percent of players have asked about different conversations. I’m not surprised when a big name to run with. ”

Daniels has not spoken to young people. Daniels spoke to his agent, Dan Lozano, and said it was other clubs who called on young people.

“They ask him,” GM said. “I told him that’s what it was. I told him I was going to keep him informed if something changes.”

Daniels was asked if he expected something to change.

“I’m not, but … I do not speak in absolute terms,” said Daniels. “We will consider all the ways to improve the club. Do understand trade Michael Young? No, it’s not likely.”

Rockies first called the Rangers in the early evening on Tuesday and asked about young people. The conversation was brief and the names were not exchanged. Young is about to make and $ 48 million over the next three years and the Rockies have made it clear they could not cope without Texas picking up much of the treatment. That is why the conversation did not go very far.

But the story filtered Tuesday night and the Rangers have not stopped the flow of rumors. It was reported Wednesday that the Rangers have talked to the youth in the Rockies, Angels, Cardinals and Dodgers.

Texas has no other third baseman to replace youth. The club would probably get one in a trade or go to the free agent market. Adrian Beltre, who is represented by Scott Boras, is the best player of basic free-agent third parties to the contract.

“We’re open to discussions with all teams at Adrian,” Boras said. “We’ve been through a number of negotiations with a number of teams. There were many willing participants. ”

Beltre hit .321 with 28 homers and 102 RBIs for the Red Sox season after reaching last 0265 with eight homers and 44 RBIs with the Mariners in 2009. Beltre, 30, is also a two-time Gold Glove and an excellent third baseman.

Young hit .291 with 21 homers and 91 RBIs this season at the helm of the Rangers to their first World Series appearance in their history. Young is not considered a good defensive Beltre, but he is the captain of the Texas team unofficial team leader and iconic player.

Carl Crawford

Carl Crawford, It seems that Carl Crawford is no longer an option for the Yankees, now that Boston is her signature. I am a little surprised to see how much money the Red Sox are willing to give Crawford this is a very good player, but he is seven years and 142 million? I do not know.

The Sox were charged with Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez (BTW, love that “we’ll pretend he did not sign a contract extension until opening day, so we can save on tax luxury.”Only Boston could get away with this system!) Now, that means the Yankees will have to pay more even for Cliff Lee, and even then I’m not sure they will.

One side – I went to the site of the Boston Globe this morning to read news and Crawford saw a big article about how Tom Brady is doing ads Uggs. Yeah, I’m sure, will men buy these shoes a lot!

But I digress. Anyway, I wrote at the end of the season that I do not think the Yankees Cliff Lee was a sure thing. When all is said and done, could I see Lee’s stint with the Rangers? Absolutely. Nolan Ryan Lee asked the officer to tell him what it would take for him to stay in Texas. If they match the Yankees’ offer, Lee will still end up with more money, thanks to Texas cost of living and lack of income tax to the state.

Gee, I’m glad the Yankees front office has had to spend last month dispute with the new signing Derek Jeter, instead of devoting more time to do things, you know, actually improve the team. Thank you, man, to be all about the stripes!

Jayson Werth

Jayson Werth, The Nationals have authorized free agent outfielder Jayson Werth, according just before (Dictionary Form) a source, robbing the division rival Philadelphia Phillies to one of their best players and that the dramatic improvements in their immediate containment opportunities. In the wake of down first baseman Adam Dunn now free agency, the Nationals signed Werth to a child of seven years, and 126 million will pay an average of Werth and 18 million euros a year.

Werth, who turns 32 in May, signed the largest contract in the history of the Nationals, by far the richest in baseball history at 13. ‘A monumental day, “said national spokesperson presents the Director General Mike Rizzo, in a press conference at the winter meetings in Orlando. “A statement,” said manager Jim Riggleman. Rizzo called an unofficial start of “phase two” of the Nationals, who moves to the creation of a farm system waiting to win. Werth, the Nationals believe, will replace Dunn crime while providing above average defense in right field.

“It will be a centerpiece of our baseball team in the field and in the club,” said Rizzo. “In some ways it is an example of the second phase of the Washington Nationals. Phase 1 was an exploration and development of players, type of generation, the farm program system. We believe we are well on our way do that. We believe that now is the time to go to the second round and really compete for division titles and championships. ”

By taking this step, the Nationals also took a big risk. Werth contract runs through the 2018 season, when Werth was turning 39. Rizzo believes Werth will continue to improve as it enters in his mid 30’s, that money from a deep-seated tendency in the history of baseball. Rizzo also admitted that a team with the reputation of the Nationals, after losing 298 games in three seasons, sometimes have to pay more than their more popular competitors. And so the Nationals paid other than anyone expected.

“I think anybody is a bit uncomfortable with giving anyone a contract for seven years,” said Rizzo. “But we are in a position with the Washington Nationals in this place and this time we have to do a little more than championship caliber, the teams leave today. I think it’s a kind of process twice. A Sometimes you have to take years to get the player. We believe that, with that said, this is the kind of person to give a long term contract. He looks so good in your body. Our reviewers have been improving the last three years to a point where even his best days are still ahead of him. ”

Some of the game to reflect the contract too.

“A few of our contracts look pretty good,” said new general manager of the Mets, New York Sandy Alderson told reporters, according to ESPNNewYork.com. “That’s a lot of time and money. I thought they were trying to reduce the deficit in Washington.”

Werth, a client of Scott Boras, had been severely persecuted by the Boston Red Sox, including about eight teams. Werth joined a large number of citizens – including the first global project takes Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper – as mega Boras client who recently signed with the Nationals.

“The Lerner and I do not share Thanksgiving dinner,” said Boras. “But we shared many dinners lately, that’s for sure.”

Rizzo said: “.. It is always more comfortable dealing with someone when you have a relationship with them we have several agreements in the past We know that we know the style buttons to push and not push the button ..”

Adrian Gonzalez

Adrian Gonzalez, Finally, it really is. Boston Red Sox acquired Gonzalez if you pass a physical exam. Boston will send a great talent to San Diego as Casey Anthony Kelly and Rizzo, among others.

Gonzalez has averaged 30 homers and 100 RBI per year over the last five seasons. He also drew 119 walks in 2009 and 93 last season.

With Gonzalez Red Sox, Youk will move back to third base and Beltre is not necessary. Theo will now focus on Werth or Crawford to complete the puzzle. Reymond Fuentes also is sent to San Diego as part of the agreement.

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