My Sports News Digest

Not having an owner isn’t stopping the Dodgers from spending money this offseason. Matt Kemp’s eight-year, $ 160 million contract is all but finalized and now Buster Olney of ESPN.com reports that the Dodgers are “on the verge” of signing free agent second baseman Mark Ellis to a two-year contract. According to Olney the deal is worth around $ 4.5 million per season, which is a big commitment for a 35-year-old who hit just .248 with a .288 on-base percentage and .346 slugging percentage in 132 games for the A’s and Rockies this season. Ellis gets $ 1 million more [...]

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Hiring managers without managing experience is the new fad in baseball. The White Sox chose former third baseman Robin Ventura from way out of left field, and the Cardinals just picked their old catcher, Mike Matheny, over a two-time World Series champion manager who seemed like a pretty perfect fit for a veteran team. So, why shouldn’t the Red Sox hand the reins over to Jason Varitek as they look to replace Terry Francona? Many believe Varitek will be a manager someday. Boston’s captain since Dec. 2004, he’s well regarded throughout the game for his quiet leadership. It seems he’s [...]

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It looks like Ryan Doumit will be the next catcher to exit the free agent pool, but he won’t be signing with the Dodgers, according to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. He turned down a one-year offer worth nearly $ 3 million to replace Rod Barajas in L.A. The fit would have been interesting: Barajas just signed with Pittsburgh for $ 4 million to replace Doumit next year. But whereas Barajas will be the Pirates’ everyday catcher, Doumit was likely looking at more of a job-share situation in L.A. Doumit is being looked at by most teams as [...]

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Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano surrendered two runs over 2 2/3 innings in his Venezuelan Winter League debut earlier this week. On Saturday afternoon, he made his second VWL appearance. Rafael Rojas of Viva Colorado has the goods. Big Z allowed five hits and three earned runs over six innings, issuing two walks while striking out five. The 30-year-old is trying to prove that he still has the ability to be a reliable starter and there are Cubs people on hand in Venezuela tracking his progress. Zambrano, who registered an underwhelming 4.82 ERA and 101/56 K/BB ratio in 145 2/3 innings [...]

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According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, Ryan Doumit’s agent Paul Cobbe said his client received two new offers today and could sign a contract in the next few days. The Pirates declined 2012 and 2013 options on Doumit late last month totaling $ 15.5 million. Crasnick reported earlier this week that the 30-year-old has already received multiple contract offers and expects to sign by the end of the month. Doumit was limited to just 77 games this season due to a left ankle injury, but batted .303/.353/.477 with with eight homers, 30 RBI and an .830 OPS over 236 plate [...]

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Picture of the Day: Wilson Ramos hugs mom D.J. Short Nov 12, 2011, 9:18 AM EST 1 Comment Some images don’t need much setting up. Via STR/AFP/ , here’s Wilson Ramos reunited with his mom. Skip to Comments (1) Tweet Email Older – Astros’ sale on the agenda for MLB owners’ meeting next week More HardballTalk Astros’ sale on the agenda for MLB owners’ meeting next week Wilson Ramos found safely The Marlins officially become the Miami Marlins; unveil new logo, uniforms Back to Homepage iPhone iPad Android About this Blog Send Tip/Feedback Login/Register Subscribe to RSS Add to Facebook [...]

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Picture of the Day: Wilson Ramos hugs mom D.J. Short Nov 12, 2011, 9:18 AM EST 1 Comment Some images don’t need much setting up. Via STR/AFP/ , here’s Wilson Ramos reunited with his mom. Skip to Comments (1) Tweet Email Older – Astros’ sale on the agenda for MLB owners’ meeting next week More HardballTalk Astros’ sale on the agenda for MLB owners’ meeting next week Wilson Ramos found safely The Marlins officially become the Miami Marlins; unveil new logo, uniforms Back to Homepage iPhone iPad Android About this Blog Send Tip/Feedback Login/Register Subscribe to RSS Add to Facebook [...]

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John Harper of the New York Daily News is reporting that the Marlins plan to offer Jose Reyes a three-year contract with a high annual salary. Like, north of $ 20 million a year. That’s way shorter than your typical high-end free agent normally wants to sign, but give the Marlins points for creativity. And maybe it works on Reyes’ ego to say he’s the highest paid shortstop in the game. We don’t really know what motivates these guys. Personally I always think that it has to be miserable to be an injured or useless albatross of a player at [...]

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