1. Angel Guzman's career in jeopardy
2. Deal with Blalock very close
3. Mets uncertain what to do with red hot Mejia
4. Aroldis Chapman hits 100 mph, strikes out three in Reds debut
5. Smoltz and Pedro signing in-season with N.L. clubs
6. Peralta heading off into uncertain future
1. Angel Guzman's career in jeopardy
The Chicago Sun times is reporting "Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman said he plans to have surgery on his injured shoulder, even though he has been told few pitchers come back from this kind of surgery.
''It's going to be tough,'' said Guzman, 28, who was diagnosed over the weekend with a significant ligament tear near his armpit and instability in the shoulder. ''But it's better than not having it and not having a chance. Doing it, I have a small chance, but there is a chance. So I'm going to take the chance.''
Guzman's decision isn't final, but he's not ready to give up on his career, even in the face of another setback. He already has had shoulder and elbow surgery.
''I love pitching. I've been pitching since I was 4 years old,'' he said. ''I'm still 28. I think 28's a good age to keep pushing it.''
Guzman plans to see famed orthopedist James Andrews -- who performed both previous operations -- early this week, then consult with his agents and family before making the final call."
To read more.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/2089362,CST-SPT-csep08.article
2. Blalock agrees to minor league deal with Rays
Si is reporting Two-time All-Star Hank Blalock has agreed to a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, SI.com has learned.
Blalock will make a $925,000 in base salary and can earn and additional $350,000 in performance incentives based on plate appearances.
Blalock, 29, hit .234 with 25 homers and 66 RBIs last season for Texas, where he split time at first base and DH. He was limited to 58 and 65 games in 2007 and '08, respectively, due to injuries.
If Blalock makes the team, he would likely serve as a left-handed compliment to Pat Burrell at designated hitter and could spell Carlos Pena at first base.
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/08/rays.blalock/index.html#ixzz0hgoA2kHq
3. Mets uncertain what to do with red hot Mejia
The Ny Post is reporting There may be a bridge being built between the Mets' starters and their closer. With no slam-dunk option for the setup role and Jenrry Mejia's stock on the rise, Manuel certainly can dream about employing a tandem of Mejia-Rodriguez in the late innings. Nevertheless, Manuel may have to convince team brass the rookie is ready for the majors and suited for relief. "Let's wait until we get to the end of spring training before we get to that point," General Manager Omar Minaya said.
To read more..
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/manuel_gushing_righty_hasn_allowed_LBt8zUMThPJCOZdiRFm3vK
4. Aroldis Chapman hits 100 mph, strikes out three in Reds debut
Yahoo Sports is reporting Chris Getz(notes) confirmed what the radar gun said about Aroldis Chapman(notes).
"Yeah, he's bringing it," Getz said after Chapman's Cactus League debut.
Cincinnati's Cuban curiosity threw at least one pitch that reached 100 mph, according to the scouts that were clocking him, and he struck out three Kansas City Royals over two scoreless innings on Monday afternoon.
Chapman, via Cincinnati Reds translator Tony Fossas (remember him?) didn't see why a big fuss was being made over his velocity.
"I wasn't trying to throw any harder, or anything like that, I was just working on my pitches," the just-turned 22-year-old Chapman said. "If I did hit that high, it's just one of those things."
Yes, Aroldis, 100 is the new 90.
After relieving Bronson Arroyo(notes) to start the third inning, Chapman allowed one hit — a sharp single to countryman Brayan Pena(notes) — and a walk. Of his 26 pitches, 15 were strikes, though his control sharpened after a ragged beginning.
"I'll take 100 and command," manager Dusty Baker said.
True, it was only two innings and it was only against the Royals, who employed Rick Ankiel(notes) as a cleanup hitter and Alberto Callaspo(notes) in the five hole.
But the buzz seems justified so far for Chapman, whom the Reds signed to a $30-million contract (more if he meets incentives) in the offseason's most surprising deal.
To read more..
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Aroldis-Chapman-hits-100-mph-strikes-out-three-;_ylt=ArO7IEH7RNBT1DJzvt9uC2QRvLYF?urn=mlb,226703
5. Smoltz and Pedro signing in-season with N.L. clubs
Fox Sports is reporting Don't you dare think probable Hall of Fame pitchers John Smoltz(notes) and Pedro Martinez(notes) are finished with their careers just yet. These guys are very likely to be coming back for one more payday later in the season as the playoff race begins to sort out, according to FOXSports.
Neither one of them is expected to join an American League club. FOXSports reports that the likely teams to come after them will be the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Smoltz was 3-8 last year in 15 games and racked up a 6.35 ERA for the Boston Red Sox and Cardinals. Meanwhile, Martinez was 5-1 in nine appearances with an ERA of 3.63 for the National League champion Phillies.
To read more..
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-spring-training-buzz-021510
6. Peralta heading off into uncertain future
Fox Sports is reporting When Jhonny Peralta reported to spring training last year, he was still the Indians’ shortstop. Now, he is their everyday third baseman.
As for 2011? It’s impossible to know which position Peralta will play — and for which team.
Peralta, 27, will become a free agent after this season if the Indians decline their $7 million option. On Sunday, Peralta indicated that he won’t necessarily give preference to playing one position over the other if he hits the open market.
“Everything depends,” he said. “The more time I play third base, I’m going to feel more comfortable. I don’t know yet.”
Peralta said it was “kind of hard” to learn about the position switch early last season, but added, “I’m going to be ready to go. I’m not upset. They need me, and I’m here for that.”
Peralta will earn $4.6 million this year, a salary that would probably enable the Indians to trade him at midseason if they fall out of the American League Central race. The Indians haven’t been shy about trading veterans (CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Victor Martinez, Casey Blake, et al) in recent seasons.
Peralta said he isn’t thinking about where he will play beyond this year but acknowledged that he would like to remain in Cleveland.
To read more..
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/MLB-spring-training-buzz-021510
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