Text message convo. between Lee and Kinsler
Here is a text message conversation between Ian Kinsler and Cliff Lee, via the New York Times. Currently, Rangers executives are meeting with Lee at his Arkansas home:
Kinser: “Well, just sign whatever they give you.”
Lee: “Let’s see what happens.”
Kinsler: “[I enjoyed being your teammate.]“
Lee: “I do, too, but we have to wait it out.”
Kinsler: “Just sign it.”
Lee: *Sent an image of a deer that a friend had shot*
This is nothing deliberate, but it is clear that Lee has not made his mind up yet. Even if he does want to stay in Texas, he is clearly willing to take other offers.
Yankees targeting Upton
No, not B.J. Upton. According to Jon Heyman of SI.com (via Twitter) the Yankees are targeting Justin Upton, the brother of Rays star B.J. Upton.
Yankees talks with Rivera ‘non-active’
“While the Yankees met with Jeter, talks with Mariano Rivera and his agent Fernando Cuza were described yesterday by a Yankees source as ‘not active.’”
Source: The New York Post
Just an interesting update. Not very significant considering that it’s 99% certain that Rivera will be a Yankee next season.
Yanks to interview Gil Patterson
The Yankees will interview Gil Patterson on Thursday as a possible replacement for Dave Eiland as the Yankees pitching coach. Patterson is currently in the A’s system, but is also a former Yankee. The A’s have granted him permission to speak to the Yankees.
The free agent market is officially open
As of 12 am ET, the free agent market is
officially open. Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford will be
receiving quite a lot of phone calls. Lee is expected to go
to either the Rangers or Yankees, while Crawford has not
drawn much interest as of now, with just the Red Sox showing
minimal interest. Derek Jeter might also get some calls from
teams. It is 99.9% certain that he will go to the Yankees,
but, if something goes wrong, you never
know.
The Buzz: Gregg an option?
According to a team press release, the Blue Jays did not pick up a club option on Kevin Gregg, and he will now become a free agent.
Future doesn’t look bright for Ortiz, Red Sox
Here is a quote from David Ortiz during the 2010 All-Star break, via ESPN.com:
“I’m going to tell you, I ain’t going nowhere. “I don’t want one year. Why should I return for one year and go through the same [stuff] I’m going through now, just because it’s my last year? No. I like to be left alone when I’m playing baseball. I know how to clean my [stuff] up.”
In addition to some pretty horrible grammar, this quote illustrates some pretty scary effects that could take course next season for the Red Sox. Despite what he feels or says now, clearly Ortiz doesn’t like playing when he knows there is no contract for him in the following year. Couple that with his recent trend of atrocious starts to the season, Ortiz — and thus the Red Sox — could have a very dark future.
Get ready for a disaster
Hal Steinbrenner on the upcoming Derek Jeter negotiations:
“There’s always the possibility that things could get messy. I know our fans are emotional and that’s what we love about them. But I’ve got to try to do my job on behalf of the partnership and the partners and everybody else involved in the organization. Hank and I need to keep a level head and realize that we’re running a business here.”
This is where things get interesting. Yes, Jeter will be back, but I can’t imagine that the Yankees are going to do this quietly. Hopefully, the Yankees won’t give him something he doesn’t deserve.
mlblogsjesskcoleman
Recent Comments