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Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien could be the answer By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/01/20/arizona-diamondbacks-peter-obrien-catcher-mlb/22072885/ Sign up now for Prescott Valley Little League! By Prescott Valley Tribune http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=62478 Queen Creek High School wins $5,000 grant from Arizona Diamondbacks By Arizona News Zap http://arizona.newszap.com/eastvalley/137770-114/queen-creek-high-school-wins-5000-grant-from-arizona-diamondbacks

Prospect Watch: Top 10 right-handed pitchers Nats' Giolito leads list, followed by Mets' Syndergaard, Pirates' Glasnow By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106833046/prospect-watch-top-10-right-handed-pitchers The market for James Shields How is the free-agent right-hander, in the third week of January, still unemployed? By Jayson Stark | ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12199140/how-free-agent-right-hander-james-shields-unemployed 30 things to look for before spring training By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54646/30-things-to-look-for-before-spring-training The Next Wave: The Do-Nothing GM By Brian Kenny / Sports On Earth http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/106868922/mlb-offseason-do-nothing-gm-front-office “A lot of teams jumping back in” on James Shields By Drew Silva / NBCSports.com http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/a-lot-of-teams-jumping-back-in-on-james-shields/ American baseballers being courted to play cricket By News.com.au http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/american-baseballers-being-courted-to-play-cricket/story-fndpt0dy-1227191744058

Watch Mobile Councilwoman Bess Rich say exactly why she voted against transferring funds for Hank Aaron Stadium upgrades By Kelli Dugan / Mobile Press-Register http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/01/watch_mobile_councilwoman_bess.html Hank Aaron Stadium is still worth the investment: opinion By Mike Brantley / Mobile Press-Register http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/hank_aaron_stadium_is_still_wo.html Behind the Big Leagues: An Interview with Robby Hammock By Nick Danger / TravestyTribune.com http://travestytribune.sportsblog.com/posts/1660567/behind_the_big_leagues__an_interview_with_robby_hammock.html $464,000 now available for Hank Aaron upgrades By Rebekah Hoeger / FOX 10 - Mobile http://www.fox10tv.com/story/27896903/464000-now-available-for-hank-aaron-upgrades

MLB NEWS January 21, 2015 • MLB.com http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_index.jsp ASSOCIATED PRESS January 21, 2015 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews MLB TRANSACTIONS January 21, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

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Diamondbacks' Peter O'Brien could be the answer By Nick Piecoro / The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2015/01/20/arizona-diamondbacks-peter-obrien-catcher-mlb/22072885/ For the better part of a decade, the Diamondbacks haven't had to worry much about with their catching situation. Since Chris Snyder emerged as the everyday guy in 2007 and after Miguel Montero overtook him in 2009, the Diamondbacks have, more years than not, rated in the top half of the league in offensive production from the position. They go into 2015 with no such assurances. With Montero traded to the Chicago Cubs, the Diamondbacks have two apparently light-hitting, glove-first types — last year's backup Tuffy Gosewisch and Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez. But neither represents the main reason General Manager Dave Stewart says he won't be seeking help from the outside. That would be Peter O'Brien, the power-hitting catcher the club acquired from the New York Yankees in the Martin Prado trade in July. In recent weeks, the Diamondbacks have seemingly sped up O'Brien's timeline. Earlier in the offseason, they were saying he would likely be ready for the big leagues by midsummer. Lately, they've been saying it wouldn't be out of the question for him to break with the team on Opening Day. This line of thinking runs counter to that of some rival evaluators. It's not that they disagree so much with when he'll be ready — it's that many don't see O'Brien ever being a capable defender behind the plate. The Diamondbacks disagree, for a few reasons. For one, they like O'Brien's tools. Bench coach Glenn Sherlock, who serves as the team's catching coach, says O'Brien has good hands and actions behind the plate to go with a strong arm, and the club liked the way he worked with pitchers during the Arizona Fall League. "He's a great learner," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said. "One of the things we were really impressed with in the fall league was his ability to work with different pitchers and earn their trust. You really need to know if your pitchers like to throw to him and feel good throwing to him." They like that he's committed to being a catcher and willing to put in the work to make it happen, including showing up to Salt River Fields early this month to work with Sherlock. "He's very determined, a very hard worker," Sherlock said. "We talked in the fall and he told me he wanted to come in early, he was going to be here, he wanted to work. That's what he's been doing." The Diamondbacks also believe O'Brien will benefit from getting a chance to dedicate himself fully to the position. Coming up with the Yankees, he bounced between catcher, third base, first base and the outfield.

"He has to iron everything out," Hale said. "(In the fall league), we saw a huge jump in his ability to frame. We saw his throwing — we were really shocked how good he threw. It's just not as consistent as it has to be to be an everyday catcher, but you see that he can do it." Rival scouts' opinions vary. One says O'Brien needs to move off catcher. Another compares him with White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers, generally considered a subpar defender. A third scout calls O'Brien's defense "not abysmal, but not desirable at all." Of course, even if O'Brien is a below-average defender, it would be forgiven if he hits the way he has in his minor league career. In 1,058 professional at-bats, he has a career .267/.319/.534 line with 66 homers and 72 doubles. In 287-at-bats in Double-A last season, he hit 24 homers. And though some scouts were wary of his low walk total, he showed a more patient approach in the fall league, drawing 17 walks in 107 plate appearances to roughly triple his walk rate from the minor league season. The bat might be ahead of the glove, but the Diamondbacks don't think the glove is too far behind. "He's got some tools," Sherlock said, "and I think the fact he's going to be behind the plate, getting consistent playing time at the catcher position will only help things. He's got good hands and good actions and he's very determined, and that all adds up to good things."

Sign up now for Prescott Valley Little League! By Prescott Valley Tribune http://pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=62478 Citizens may sign up their children for the next season of the Prescott Valley Little League in person from 10 a.m . to Noon Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Prescott Valley Public Library, Crystal Room. The cost ranges from $60 to $80 depending on the age of your child. Please bring a copy of your birth certificate, proof of residency, medical release form, registration form and parent/player code of ethics form (school waiver if needed). This year, the Arizona Diamondbacks are providing team uniforms, to include hats, for all players! In addition, if your child lives outside of the Prescott Valley Little League boundary but attends school within the boundary, he or she may play on the PV League. PVLL registration already is available online. For more information and to register, visit prescottvalleylittleleague.weebly.com.

Queen Creek High School wins $5,000 grant from Arizona Diamondbacks By Arizona News Zap

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http://arizona.newszap.com/eastvalley/137770-114/queen-creek-high-school-wins-5000-grant-from-arizona-diamondbacks Queen Creek High School’s pre-engineering program recently won a $5,000 grant from the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation as part of their “School Challenge” program. Instructor Matt Chicci’s students were awarded one of 30 grants from more than 400 submissions from Arizona schools around the state, representing 11 counties and 47 cities, said a press release. Queen Creek High School’s entry was in the “Innovation/Technology” category, and funds will be used to build a drone. QCHS will be honored and given a check on the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field this spring. Students, parents, teachers and staff will receive free tickets to attend the game at which this program is honored. The program is a partnership between the Diamondbacks and the University of Phoenix. Senior Erick Angel, president of the Robotics Club at QCHS said, “It’s great that we are able to take this grant and move from creating and coding objects that roll on the floor to those that fly in the sky. We will be able to record football games and partner with film and TV to improve both of our programs. One day we can create an app to our school drone.” Isaac Wisdom, sophomore student in pre-engineering and member of the Robotics Club said, “This grant will allow us to transition from pre-made parts that have finite options, to creating parts and objects that are truly unique. Our options are limitless.” Mr. Chicci thanked QCUSD Administration, QCHS Principal Dr. Joseph Farnsworth and governing board members for their support of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Program at QCHS, saying, “Our district leaders support our STEAM initiative 100 percent, and I am honored to be teaching these bright young scholars the skills they will need in their college careers.” Aerial robots, commonly called “drones” have captured the attention of many. Research suggests that drones have widespread use, ranging from delivering emergency supplies to capturing data during natural and man-made disasters, to providing photos for farmers. STEAM concepts will “nest” or build on each other as students construct the drone, starting with mathematical formulas, then delivering content about electricity and electric motors in lessons about battery chemistry and capacity. The success of the drone project will fundamentally be measured both formally and informally by the STEAM program objectives, as well as the success of the drone flight. Students will be challenged by gathering survey data from the farming community which they will apply to suggest uses to benefit the community, i.e. providing high-resolution images of the ground for assessment of the land available for farming. Arizona Department of Education standards will be adhered to, and Mr. Chicci will incorporate the Next Generation Science Standards developed by the National Research Council into the project, ensuring that students gain essential science literacy.

Prospect Watch: Top 10 right-handed pitchers Nats' Giolito leads list, followed by Mets' Syndergaard, Pirates' Glasnow By Jonathan Mayo / MLB.com

http://m.dbacks.mlb.com/news/article/106833046/prospect-watch-top-10-right-handed-pitchers MLBPipeline.com's 2015 Top 100 Prospects list will be unveiled on Friday, Jan. 30, on MLB.com, with the Top 50 revealed during a one-hour show on MLB Network at 9 p.m. ET. Leading up to that, MLBPipeline.com takes a look at baseball's Top 10 prospects at each position. There are always a ton of right-handed pitchers on our Top 100 list. The 2015 version is no different. All 10 on the list below are in the Top 100, and then some. Some of the names are familiar. Five right-handers -- the Mets' Noah Syndergaard, the Rockies' Jon Gray, Archie Bradley of the D-backs, the Orioles' Dylan Bundy, Robert Stephenson of the Reds -- were on this list a year ago. Bradley and Bundy have made the list four years running, while this marks the third straight Top 10 for Syndergaard. 1. Lucas Giolito, Nationals: It's looking like the risk in taking Giolito in the first round of the 2012 Draft when he was headed toward Tommy John surgery was well worth it. The 6-foot-6 right-hander made it through 2014 completely healthy, and while he was on a tight leash in terms of innings, he was dominant in the South Atlantic League and pitched in the Futures Game. The gloves could start coming off in 2015 for Giolito, who has as exciting a three-pitch mix as any pitching prospect in baseball. 2. Noah Syndergaard, Mets: Even though he was pitching at home in hitting-friendly Las Vegas, Syndergaard still managed to lead the organization in strikeouts in 2014. The two-time Futures Gamer is knocking on the door with his combination of stuff and command, a fastball that can get up to 98 mph, a curve and a changeup, all of which are above-average offerings. His 3.82 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his career thus far speaks volumes about what he's capable of. 3. Tyler Glasnow, Pirates: Glasnow just missed this list a year ago, but after backing up his 2013 breakout with a strong 2014, the 6-foot-7 flame-thrower belongs on any short list of pitching prospects. He misses a ton of bats with a fastball that hits the upper-90s with regularity, a curve that flashes plus and an improving changeup. He'll need to keep working on his command as he moves to Double-A, but he has the makings of a frontline starter. 4. Archie Bradley, D-backs: Yes, this is his fourth appearance on the list, but the Oklahoman taken No. 7 overall in the 2011 Draft is still only 22 years old. He dealt with adversity in 2014 in the form of a right elbow flexor strain and a subsequent drop in quality of pure stuff. He threw better in the Arizona Fall League and even added a pitch (a slider). He still needs to throw more strikes, but if he puts 2014 in his rearview mirror, he should be ready to graduate off of this list. 5. Jon Gray, Rockies: The No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 Draft, Gray wasn't consistently hitting triple-digits like he did during his junior year at Oklahoma, but the Rockies were never concerned. Gray spent the year in Double-A and finished third in the organization in batting average against and fourth in both strikeouts and WHIP. The stuff -- fastball, slider and changeup -

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- is still very much there, and Rockies could see it at Coors Field at some point this season. 6. Dylan Bundy, Orioles: Maybe it's something about being from the Oklahoma high school ranks that ensures placement on this list for multiple years. Bundy was taken four spots ahead of Bradley in that 2011 Draft and was in the big leagues a year later. He's making his way back from Tommy John surgery, though he did return to the mound for 41 1/3 Minor League innings in 2014. His stuff was starting to come back and there's no reason to think he won't be back with three above-average to plus pitches and outstanding command as he gets farther removed from surgery. 7. Luis Severino, Yankees: A newcomer to this list, Severino wasn't on the Top 100 at all a year ago. But after his initial breakout in 2013, he pitched across three full-season levels in 2014, finishing the year in Double-A. The Futures Gamer isn't the biggest guy in the world, but he has a quick arm that fires upper-90s fastballs deep into starts. His changeup is his best secondary pitch and his slider is improving. His ability to throw strikes and keep the ball down in the zone should help him remain in a rotation. 8. Robert Stephenson, Reds: Taken in the first round of the same 2011 Draft that saw Bundy and Bradley go in the top 10, Stephenson was selected No. 27 overall from the California high school ranks. He had an up-and-down year in Double-A in 2014, but his raw stuff is still as exciting as ever. There's work to be done to become more pitcher than thrower and that will help him rediscover his command. That would allow him to fulfill his potential as a future front-of-the-rotation starter. 9. Tyler Kolek, Marlins: Guys throwing 100 mph in high school don't exactly grow on trees and that's why Kolek was being considered to become the first prep right-hander to be taken No. 1 overall in the Draft. He went one spot later, much to the Marlins' delight. The Texas flamethrower is big and strong, with as much fastball as anyone on this list. He has two breaking balls, with the slider ahead of the curve. He needs to keep improving his changeup and his command to become a complete top-of-the-rotation type. 10. Alex Meyer, Twins: Coming to Minnesota in the Denard Span trade, Meyer's first season with the Twins was limited because of a shoulder problem. He put that behind him in 2014, pitching all year and sending many Triple-A batters back to the dugout. He does it with an outstanding slider and a solid changeup. It's all about command and control. If he has that, he'll be in the rotation soon. Next up With 36 right-handed pitchers in the soon-to-be released Top 100 list, there is plenty of talent just outside of this Top 10. Two were on last year's list, in fact, and could wind up back on the list in the future. Mark Appel, the 2013 No. 1 pick overall, may have struggled some during his first full season, but he ended the year well in Double-A. Then he threw very well in the Arizona Fall League, putting him on a path to contribute in Houston at some point this season. Pirates fans will have to wait a bit longer to see

Jameson Taillon in Pittsburgh. He had Tommy John surgery last April. He should return to the mound this season, with a landing at PNC Park more realistic in 2016.

The market for James Shields How is the free-agent right-hander, in the third week of January, still unemployed? By Jayson Stark | ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12199140/how-free-agent-right-hander-james-shields-unemployed Where in the world is James Shields? Where has he been? Where is he signing? How is it even possible that here, in the third week of January, he's still looking for work, alongside all the Stephen Fifes and Scott Bakers on the baseball unemployment line? These are the questions we hear round the clock all of a sudden, from executives all over baseball. Jon Lester has been off the board for almost six weeks. Max Scherzer has now joined him. So how did James Shields turn out to be the Last Free-Agent Ace Standing? "I don't think anyone really knows what happened there," said one GM. "I don't understand this," said another. "Something must have happened," said a rival agent. More than a month and a half ago, leading up to the winter meetings, I took a fun little survey of nine executives and agents. All I asked them was to pick the date when Lester, Scherzer and Shields would sign. None of them predicted Scherzer would find a team before Shields. None of them even thought Shields would be unsigned on Christmas morning. So it's official. Nobody was psychic enough to see this coming. And now that's led to a whole new guessing game: Where will this guy end up? I've spent the past few days looking into Shields' fit with every team he's been linked to. Here is what numerous sources have told me: • Marlins: They've been connected with Shields in a barrage of reports. But I was told the chances they'll sign him are currently "zero." • Diamondbacks: Their GM, Dave Stewart, said last week he's talked with Shields' agent, Page Odle, and more than once. And as you've no doubt heard a few billion times, Stewart said his club would be interested if Shields were willing to make "concessions" to join the D-backs because he believes they're "a true baseball team." We'll stay out of the true-baseball-team debate for now. But the real truth is this: The Diamondbacks are already overbudget, thanks to their $8.27 million deal with Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez, which is subject to a 100 percent tax from MLB (because it put them over their allotted international

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bonus-pool limit). So other teams say they're actually trying to move payroll, not add to it. • Blue Jays: If the price tag is still $110 million or even close, you can bet your copy of the Life and Times of Dave Stieb that Shields won't be a Blue Jay. They have only $5 million-$6 million left in the budget, and they've prioritized bullpen shopping over any other item on the shelves. OK, so it would be accurate to say they've kicked around whether they'd be interested if the price tag dropped dramatically. But there's no indication they've even made contact with Shields' agent. So essentially, the only way this guy will wind up in Toronto is if he comes to the Jays and says, "I've always wanted to pitch off the same mound where Juan Guzman once pitched." Or something like that. • Red Sox: Their fan base would totally sign this man, for whatever it took. But their front office? Uh, not so much. The Red Sox seem to have concluded Shields just isn't a good fit for a park like theirs. And they've seen why with their own eyeballs. In 13 starts at Fenway Park, he's 2-9 with a 5.42 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. • Yankees: We'd all concede that you can never count the Yankees out on anything or anybody. But if you've paid attention to their offseason, could it possibly be more obvious that they're steering themselves away from pricey 30-something free agents looking for $100 million paydays? They've been all about getting younger and loading up on bullpen depth. And Shields would contribute to neither. Not to mention that his career ERA in the new Yankee Stadium is 6.35. • Cubs: As many fond Tropicana Field memories as Joe Maddon may share with Shields, the Cubs have shown pretty much no interest since they signed Lester. They'll go ace shopping again next winter, but that isn't going to help James Shields find a job now. • Dodgers: While we're on the subject of fond Trop memories, it's a fact Andrew Friedman loves James Shields. But it's also a fact that, other than Lester, the Dodgers haven't chased any free agent this winter who would cost them their No. 1 pick. So there's almost no scenario (for now) where a Shields-Friedman reunion falls in place. • Giants: He seems like he'd make sense, especially in AT&T Park. But after initially jotting Shields' name on their shopping list, the Giants have made no effort to pursue him for weeks. And that hasn't changed. • Royals: That other World Series team will forever remain grateful for Shields' contributions to their renaissance the past two years. But they've moved on. Haven't talked about him for weeks. • Tigers: Team president David Dombrowski shot down those Shields-to-Detroit rumors Monday. And you can trace that reasoning to the $116.55 million the Tigers already have committed to just six players in 2015. The Tigers almost certainly would have had to trade David Price to make financial room for Scherzer. But maybe the best argument for them signing Shields, says one friend of Price, is that it would make Price more interested in sticking around Detroit for the long

haul. "If they bring James Shields there," Price's friend said, "it would increase David's level of happiness there by a lot." • Rangers: They just traded for Yovani Gallardo. So the Rangers are now out on Cole Hamels. And they're out on Shields, barring an unforeseen shift in strategy by one of these two sides, if not both. • Brewers: It took maybe 30 seconds, once the Brewers had finished off their trade of Gallardo, for people to start connecting them to Shields. And why not? "They signed [Kyle] Lohse. They signed [Matt] Garza," said one NL exec. "They've always liked jumping in there on the last starter remaining." But as Buster Olney reported Tuesday, the reason the Brewers dealt away Gallardo was to open a rotation spot for Jimmy Nelson and to free up cash to add bullpen depth. So cancel their reservation on the James Shields Express, too. • Astros: Really? The Shields-to-Houston rumors have popped up all month. But the Stros just traded for Dan Straily. And they're on the verge of signing Ryan Vogelsong. So unless they're planning to be the pioneers of the eight-man rotation, they're not signing James Shields. • Padres: Finally, here's a team that's impossible to dismiss, after a winter in which the Padres have made seven trades involving 30 players, plus some buy-low free-agent shopping (Josh Johnson, Brandon Morrow, Clint Barmes). But they've conspicuously steered away from dabbling in free agents who would force them to lose a No. 1 pick. And if they do add a starter, they're "all over Cole Hamels," said one exec who has talked with them. But while Shields would cost them a pick, he wouldn't require them to further strip-mine their system. So we'd file them under "Possible But Unlikely." • Cardinals: The rest of the sport has suspected for weeks that the Cardinals were up to something in the starting-pitching market. There's just never been any sign that Shields was that something. They've explored trading for Price or Hamels. They let Scherzer know that if he wanted to pitch in his hometown enough to discount the years and dollars, they'd be cool with that. But none of that effort has led anywhere. And over the weekend, GM John Mozeliak didn't just say the Cardinals were "out of the big-pitcher market." He said "it doesn't make sense" to do (or pay) what they'd have to do (or pay) to reel in a starter in that tier. And even if it did, adding another right-hander to a projected all-right-handed rotation would make less sense. So that's the rundown. Maybe we've missed somebody. Maybe we've been misled by somebody. But after days of following every apparent lead, we wound up connecting zero dots. And we're not alone. Across the sport, people continue to ask questions about what this means. Did Shields and his agent just scare off too many bidders by shooting north of $100 million for a 33-year-old starter with nearly 2,000 innings on his odometer? Is that too many innings? Too much age? Could there have been some sort of red flag in his medical file? Or, as some execs have pointed out, is it as simple as this: That no free agent quite like Shields has hit the market in years -- so no team is quite sure how to value him?

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"Who's another 'innings guy' who was a free agent at 33 and had pitched 200 innings as many times as James Shields?" asked one of the executives quoted earlier. "It's pretty much only Mark Buehrle. But he's not the same guy. He's a soft-tossing left-hander." All right, Shields is definitely no Mark Buehrle clone. So how about we stack him up against Ervin Santana? Check out this comparison, of Santana and Shields' final season before free agency -- Santana in 2013, Shields in 2014, both in Kansas City (see chart on right). Santana was two years younger. But he also went from one of the top free agents on the market (though with a compensation pick attached) to a guy who wound up having to settle for a one-year deal in March. And like Shields, you could argue that when his agent started talking nine figures early in the winter, a bunch of teams looked elsewhere. Well, sometimes that happens. Ask Lohse, or Stephen Drew, or Kendrys Morales, how their beautiful cruises went on the free-agent seas. And the next thing they knew, spring training was roaring right at them -- and the right deal was nowhere in sight. "What I see now is a lot of teams jumping back in," said one of the execs quoted earlier. "But part of the reason is, they're saying, 'We know now he's not getting $110 million, so why not jump back in?' But the problem is, now everyone is bottom-feeding. And when you're someone like him, that's the last thing you want, is a lot of teams bottom-feeding on you in late January." That may be true. But here's the funniest part of all: Despite all those forces that have pushed these negotiations in the wrong direction, everyone we spoke with still expects Shields to sign any time now -- and to do just fine. "I can't imagine he gets less than $80 million over four [years]," said one exec. "There's someone out there. You know that. I just have no idea who that is."

30 things to look for before spring training By David Schoenfield / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/54646/30-things-to-look-for-before-spring-training We’re a month away from the official start of spring training, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some unresolved issues and potential news items still out there in baseball land. Here are 30 things to keep an eye on: 1. Now that the Nationals have signed Max Scherzer to a seven-year contract, will the Nats look to trade impending free agent Jordan Zimmermann? A rotation of Scherzer, Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg, Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez certainly has the ability to be one of the best we’ve seen in recent years, and that doesn’t even include Tanner Roark, who quietly went 15-10 with a 2.85 ERA last year. 2. If the Nationals do look to move Zimmermann (or Fister, also a free agent at season’s end), will they use that trade to help restock the farm system or acquire depth in the bullpen? The

pen looks a little thin after they traded setup man extraordinaire Tyler Clippard and lost Rafael Soriano to free agency. 3. Where will James Shields go? The one difference-making free agent who is still unsigned, Shields reportedly turned down $110 million from a team he apparently didn’t want to play for. Or maybe that was just posturing to try to ramp up the offers. 4. Will the Marlins trade Dan Haren? The veteran right-hander, set to make $10 million, had threatened to retire if he wasn’t traded back to a California team. But the Dodgers just traded him to the Marlins and don’t have room in their rotation, and the Los Angels also added rotation depth in the offseason. The Dodgers gave the Marlins $10 million to offset Haren’s salary, which they keep even if Haren doesn’t play. It looks like the ball may be in Haren’s court, as you know Jeffrey Loria would be more than happy to keep the cash. 5. Is Billy Beane done wheeling and dealing? It’s been a whirlwind offseason for the Oakland A's general manager, who has traded away Josh Donaldson, Jeff Samardzija, Derek Norris, John Jaso and others, while acquiring Ben Zobrist, Brett Lawrie, Clippard and other young players and prospects. Yunel Escobar was even acquired from the Rays and quickly dealt to the Nationals for Clippard. 6. Are Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer done wheeling and dealing for the Cubs? They just picked up Dexter Fowler from the Astros, giving the club a more legitimate center fielder than converted infielder Arismendy Alcantara. With the addition of Fowler, the Cubs' lineup could look like this: Fowler CF Starlin Castro SS Jorge Soler RF Anthony Rizzo 1B Kris Bryant 3B Miguel Montero C Chris Coghlan LF Javier Baez 2B That lineup has potential, and it's backed up with a rotation featuring Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Kyle Hendricks and Travis Wood. But with Fowler signed only through 2015, maybe the Cubs will make one more big move to draw closer on paper to the Cardinals and Pirates. Maybe Shields, to bolster the rotation even more? 7. Will the Reds sign Johnny Cueto to a long-term contract? Cueto will be expensive to sign, and while he may not command Scherzer money due Cueto's injury history, he’s coming off a season that would have won the Cy Young Award in most years. The long-term commitments the Reds have already made to Joey Votto and Homer Bailey may mean that a third $100 million-plus player doesn’t fit into their budget. 8. Will the Reds sign Aroldis Chapman to a long-term contract? Like Cueto, Chapman is a free agent after 2015. The Reds are hosting the 2015 All-Star Game, so don’t expect them to trade either player -- at least until after the All-Star Game and only if the Reds are well out of the pennant race.

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9. Are the Cardinals satisfied with their rotation? They had been rumored to be interested in signing Scherzer or maybe acquiring David Price from the Tigers, but Price is certainly unavailable now -- not that he was in the first place -- with Scherzer out of the Detroit picture. The Cardinals did sign Lance Lynn to a three-year extension. But the health concerns of Michael Wacha, Adam Wainwright and Jaime Garcia and the uncertainty of young arms such as Carlos Martinez and Marco Gonzalez means the Cardinals have question marks within their depth. 10. Are the Braves really committed to keeping Craig Kimbrel? After trading away Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis, the Braves have all but admitted they’re building for 2017 when they open their new park. General manager John Hart insists the club can still compete in 2015, but the projection systems argue otherwise and say the Braves will be one of the worst teams in the majors. The smart move would be to cash in Kimbrel now. 11. Speaking of ... are the Tigers going to do anything about the bullpen? 12. Speaking of ... Francisco Rodriguez is still a free agent. And probably with good reason, considering he led all relievers in home runs allowed in 2014. Still, he posted a 3.04 ERA and recorded 44 saves for the Brewers, so some team may be willing to give him a shot at closing. Especially a team that had major issues up and down the bullpen last year, including in the postseason. 13. Will the Mets acquire a shortstop? I think we’re all a bit tired of this story by now. Mets fans seem to want a new shortstop. The New York media definitely believes the team needs a shortstop. Sandy Alderson would probably like a new shortstop. Troy Tulowitzki may want to become the new Mets shortstop. Meanwhile, the Wilpons are probably too busy watching old films of the Brooklyn Dodgers to care. 14. Will the Diamondbacks trade Mark Trumbo? This is probably more of a spring training decision, depending on whether Cuban free agent Yasmany Tomas can handle third base. If he can’t, he'll move to left field and the D-backs have to shop Trumbo. 15. Will Dave Stewart give us more quotes about "real" baseball teams and those apparently fake teams that worry too much about analytics? 16. Will the Mariners acquire a right-handed bat? Right now, the M’s have Nelson Cruz penciled in at DH, Logan Morrison at first base, and a right-field platoon of Seth Smith and Justin Ruggiano (with lefty-swinging Dustin Ackley in left field). Jesus Montero is still around, but a right-handed bat who can play first base or DH against southpaws (with Cruz moving to the outfield) would create more balance in the lineup. 17. Will the Phillies release Ryan Howard? At this point, it’s probably best for all if Ruben Amaro just puts Howard on waivers. Nobody is going to trade for Howard, but that doesn’t mean you need to create a negative distraction by inviting him to spring training. It’s a sunk cost. Let it sink and see if any team wants to give Howard a shot to DH.

18. Who will be the first columnist to point out Howard’s RBI total from last year? Like, in a good way. 19. Will the Red Sox make a move for their rotation? While the Red Sox actually project to have a decent rotation, according to some projections, it’s also difficult to buy completely into Clay Buchholz, Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, Joe Kelly and Justin Masterson. 20. Will Cole Hamels be traded? Hamels may be worth more at the trade deadline than he is now, so don’t be surprised if Hamels is starting on Opening Day for the Phillies. But if he does get traded, the Red Sox and Padres still seem likely destinations; the Red Sox have a slew of prospects and the Padres have catching prospect Austin Hedges. 21. What’s going on with Dan Duquette? The only noise the Orioles’ president has made this offseason has been with the rumors that he’s leaving Baltimore to take over the presidency of the Blue Jays. If this was going to happen, it should have been resolved by now, as Duquette’s lack of activity in Baltimore could have the appearance of a conflict of interest. 22. Will the Orioles bring in a right fielder? Colby Rasmus is the best free agent out there and would be the easiest option, if inelegant. There are also unappealing trade options such as Andre Ethier or Carlos Quentin. 23. Which young star will get locked up by a long-term extension? Small-market teams have been able to remain competitive in recent years in part by signing their young stars to team-friendly extensions -- think Andrew McCutchen in Pittsburgh or Evan Longoria in Tampa Bay -- but as premium free agents continue to get $100-million plus contracts, there’s going to be less incentive for young players to potentially leave tens of millions on the table. 24. Where will the other free-agent relievers sign? Casey Janssen and Soriano are two relievers out there with closing experience. Soriano averaged 39 saves the past three seasons but lost his closer job with the Nationals late last season, while Janssen missed time with a back injury and saw his strikeout rate decline. Besides the Tigers, the Dodgers are seeking relief help. 25. Are the World Series champs done? The Giants just signed Norichika Aoki, although he and Gregor Blanco don’t make for a traditional platoon since both hit left-handed. They struck out on signing Jon Lester and Pablo Sandoval and trading for Justin Upton. The Giants could still be in on Shields, or could bring back Ryan Vogelsong for rotation depth. 26. Back to the Nationals: Could they trade shortstop Ian Desmond? It seems unlikely, but Desmond is a free agent after 2015 and reportedly turned down a $100 million extension. And the club did trade for Yunel Escobar, although moving him to shortstop would create a hole at second base. The team perhaps most desperate for a shortstop is the Mets, but they’re a division rival. 27. Arbitration tracker: Who’s left? While a lot of players have already signed, the most interesting remaining unsigned players are those who are still several years from free agency and who could potentially negotiate multiyear deals (similar to the one

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Lynn signed with the Cardinals). This group includes Josh Donaldson of the Blue Jays; Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford of the Giants; Greg Holland, Kelvin Herrera, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Lorenzo Cain of the Royals; Devin Mesoraco of the Reds; and Garrett Richards of the Angels. 28. What will happen with highly touted Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada? The 19-year-old switch-hitter is projected as a power-speed combo who will likely end up at second or third base. The Giants recently held a private workout with him, and the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, Nationals and Marlins are among those teams reported to have strong interest and financial means. MLB has declared Moncada a free agent, but he needs to be cleared by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control before he’s eligible to sign. 29. Who will join Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs in guaranteeing his team will win a division title? 30. Who will be the first player to report early to spring training in the best shape of his life?

The Next Wave: The Do-Nothing GM By Brian Kenny / Sports On Earth http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/106868922/mlb-offseason-do-nothing-gm-front-office I love the current GM landscape. The old boys -- John Hart, Dave Dombrowski, and Tony LaRussa -- duking it out with the new hired guns; A.J. Preller, Andrew Friedman/Farhan Zaidi, and Rick Hahn. Theo Epstein just slapped it into high gear. John Mozeliak and Ben Cherington are making major moves. Mike Rizzo is holding the cards and buying more chips. All the while Billy Beane seems to be wide-eyed on his phone, saying "You want crazy? I'll show ya crazy!!" So I have a half-baked theory. With all these masterminds dealing their assets frenetically, what if a GM went along, and just did ... nothing? I don't mean nothing at all. You still have player development, and you definitely lock up your young guys with contract extensions. But what if a GM just stopped flipping everyone around, and instead developed his own talent, left the free-agent market alone, and -- this is a big one -- never signed a player long-term on the wrong side of 30. Let's give you an example: In 2011, the Diamondbacks had just won 94 games and the National League West. One can only imagine if, over the next two years, they had just ... done ... nothing. Instead, they traded away: Justin Upton, Jarrod Parker, Collin Cowgill, Ryan Cook, Stephen Drew, Trevor Bauer, Ian Kennedy, Adam Eaton and Tyler Skaggs. Wow, that's a lot of talent. In exchange for these players, only the following have had any Major League impact for Arizona: Martin Prado, Trevor Cahill and Mark Trumbo.

Does sleeping through the offseason look a little more appealing to you now? So let's do this experiment for the Tigers. Max Scherzer is gone, and one of the game's great starting rotations -- one of the best ever, really -- is gone with it. But what if Dave Dombrowski of the Tigers, looking over his vaunted rotation last year, had done nothing? Let's compare his current rotation to the one he would've had, had he followed our do-nothing principles: These two would be there either way in 2015: Anibal Sanchez: 31 (age), 3.43 (2014 ERA), 126 (2014 IP) Justin Verlander: 32 (age), 4.54 (2014 ERA), 206 (2014 IP) Of course, GM-Who-Does-Nothing would not have extended a soon-to-be 30-year old Justin Verlander two years before his deal expired. And that would've been a good thing. So here's what the rest of the Tigers' rotation looks like: David Price*: 29 (age), 3.26 (2014 ERA), 248.1 (2014 IP) Alfredo Simon*: 34 (age), 3.44 (2014 ERA),196.1 (2014 IP) Shane Greene: 26 (age), 3.78, (2014 ERA), 78.2 (2014 IP) Here's what GM-Who-Does-Nothing would've had: Doug Fister*: 31 (age), 2.41 (2014 ERA), 164 (2014 IP) Rick Porcello*: 26 (age), 3.43 (2014 ERA), 204.2 (2014 IP) Drew Smyly: 26 (age), 3.24 (ERA), 153 (2014 IP) *Final year of contract I'm thinking GM-Who-Does-Nothing has a better rotation. Dombrowski's group has the best pitcher (Price), but the other group is younger. Team Dombrowski has two players going into their contract years, and a drastically overpaid (if he doesn't bounce back) Verlander. Team Do-Nothing has three contract year players, but with an extra $28 million a year not going to Verlander for the next five years (he'd have been a free agent this winter if not for that contract extension). That'd go a long way in keeping both Fister and Porcello. I would make a case that Simon and Greene's ERA's are not likely to be replicated, but Fister, with a 2.41 ERA and a 3.93 FIP, could also be due for some regression. Fister has been one of the top 15 pitchers in the game the last four years, but his 2014 BABIP was .265, about 30 points below his baseline (maybe it's the Nationals defense being better than the Tigers defense, but that's a big drop). You could also bring up that Porcello brought back Yoenis Cespedes, but then again Do-Nothing GM wouldn't have traded away Austin Jackson, either. Jackson's stock is low, but he'll be 28 and has averaged 3.4 WAR player the last three years. Cespedes is 29 and over the last three years has averaged 3.2 WAR.

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Even a card carrying member of the "Hey, Dave Dombrowski Knows What He's Doing" Club has to wonder what happened here. I'm not for slacking. I like the industrious, hard-charging GM -- barking on his cell phone like a crazed trader in a Wall Street movie. But there are times a franchise would be better off with who the GM who sleeps in, pays no attention to trade rumors and definitely does not return calls to Billy Beane's office. You have to wonder if it's possible the next competitive advantage, is doing nothing.

“A lot of teams jumping back in” on James Shields By Drew Silva / NBCSports.com http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/20/a-lot-of-teams-jumping-back-in-on-james-shields/ Jon Lester signed a six-year, $155 million contract with the Cubs in December and Max Scherzer struck a seven-year, $210 million deal Monday with the Nationals, which leaves James Shields as the last remaining front-line starting pitcher on this winter’s free agent market. That can be seen as a good thing for Shields — he’s the best available player at any position and teams are still looking to spend — but it’s also a good indication that no offers have met his asking price. ESPN’s Jayson Stark spoke to multiple executives this week about Shields’ situation … “What I see now is a lot of teams jumping back in,” said one of the execs. “But part of the reason is, they’re saying, ‘We know now he’s not getting $110 million, so why not jump back in?’ But the problem is, now everyone is bottom-feeding. And when you’re someone like him, that’s the last thing you want, is a lot of teams bottom-feeding on you in late January.” Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported over the weekend that Shields has been looking for a five-year, $125 million contact but that interested teams are making proposals in the four-year, $80 million range. Shields, 33, registered a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 180/44 K/BB ratio across 227 innings (34 starts) last season for the American League-champion Royals. He has topped 215 innings every year since 2007. The Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Marlins are among the clubs that have been linked to him.

American baseballers being courted to play cricket By News.com.au http://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/american-baseballers-being-courted-to-play-cricket/story-fndpt0dy-1227191744058 PLANS are afoot to field a US team filled with failed minor league baseballers at a cricket World Cup. English coach Julien Fountain is recruiting baseballers to a scheme he calls Switch Hit 20, convinced he can revolutionise Twenty20 cricket with superior athletes from the States. “These guys have the potential to take the world of T20 cricket by storm,” Fountain told CNN.com. “For the last few years you have heard cricket announcers use the phrase, ‘That was a real baseball shot.’

“Well now you will be able to see those so-called baseball shots executed by guys who really can hit a ball 400 feet — with a bat whose hitting area is a fraction of the width of a cricket bat.” Fountain helped forge the path for coaches like current Australian fielding mentor Mike Young. He played baseball for Great Britain at international level before becoming the first baseballer to be used as a specialist fielding coach when he toured South Africa with the West Indies in 1998. He’s also worked with Pakistan, Bangladesh and England and even fielded for a West Indies team short of players against an Australian Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra in 2000 — and showed off his arm strength with a direct hit run-out from deep cover. “Having moved back and forth between the two sports myself, I know the potential these guys have for success in T20 cricket,” Fountain said. “I was the first to introduce baseball fielding techniques to international cricket, because a major league outfielder will out-throw a professional cricketer every time. This is a sport that Americans can do well at.” Fountain coached South Korea’s national team at last year’s Asian Games and wants to coach a US team at a World Cup. He believes T20 — with the influx of riches from tournaments like the Indian Premier League — is a viable option for baseballers struggling to make ends meet. “Any current minor leaguers who feel they aren’t going to make it, or guys who have recently been cut or quit because they simply cannot afford to carry on; they are perfect for a career in modern cricket. And the key things for these guys is that it pays considerably better,” Fountain said. One young player sold on Fountain’s vision is Boomer Collins, who was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays out of college but found himself battling in the minors. “The athleticism that Americans can bring to the table could revolutionise the game of cricket even more to become a bigger, faster, stronger sport,” Collins also told CNN.com. “I’m going to go and try and be the best cricket player in the world.” While Collins is keen to switch from baseball to cricket, there have been high-profile instances of cricketers wanting to make the opposite move. Current Australia batsman David Warner was reportedly being courted by Major League Baseball sides in the US a little over a year ago, while bowler Brett Lee has discussed the time more than 10 years ago when he underwent a trial as a pitcher with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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Watch Mobile Councilwoman Bess Rich say exactly why she voted against transferring funds for Hank Aaron Stadium upgrades By Kelli Dugan / Mobile Press-Register http://www.al.com/news/mobile/index.ssf/2015/01/watch_mobile_councilwoman_bess.html District 6 Councilwoman Bess Rich has made no secret in recent weeks of her displeasure regarding proposed capital upgrades to Hank Aaron Stadium, and she said plenty on the subject during Tuesday's regular Mobile City Council meeting. Prior to casting the lone no vote against the request to transfer nearly $500,000 in unspent park funds to address lighting, audio and field rail padding at the stadium - the current home of the Mobile BayBears - Rich read aloud a lengthy statement detailing her problems with the request. She expressed repeated exasperation at the inability of the city to obtain any documentation proving if the Southern League baseball team's owners have actually completed roof repairs they were obligated to address when the contract was last renegotiated in 2011, forgiving about $820,000 in back rent and interest. Rich also said it's clear to her the organization's payment history has not improved, considering the team currently owes the city $150,000 in back rent. "The contract signed and promised by the BayBears' owners does not contain language that unilaterally allows them to stop payments to the city. The contract signed by the BayBears' owners does not permit them to threaten the citizens of Mobile that they will leave Mobile if they are forced to pay the terms they agreed to in 2011," Rich said. In addition, she said it simply does not make sound business sense to move forward with upgrades in the absence of an updated contract. "Yes, the stadium is our responsibility...Yes, we don't want the stigma of losing a minor league team, but it could be worse if we spend the $500,000 on upgrades and realize after they had no intention of staying in Mobile," she said. The 2011 contract referenced commits the BayBears to the city through 2022. Watch the video above to see exactly what else Rich had to say.

Hank Aaron Stadium is still worth the investment: opinion By Mike Brantley / Mobile Press-Register http://www.al.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/01/hank_aaron_stadium_is_still_wo.html It's going to take some effort to convince rank-and-file Mobilians that the city should pump even more money into Hank Aaron Stadium. The Mobile BayBears organization owes

$150,000 in back rent, and last year was the worst-attended season since minor league baseball arrived in Mobile in 1997. However, the alternative -- abandoning the Hank just as the ball club comes under new management - would be to relegate it to the ranks of subpar baseball facilities. That would be a shame for Mobile, a city whose baseball legends include Satchell Paige and the true all-time home run leader for whom the stadium is named. To his credit, Mayor Sandy Stimpson has come up with a way to pay for critical capital improvements without breaking the bank. The $464,649 he proposes using on stadium repairs would come from money not spent after the work at McCants Park. The Mobile City Council should approve this allocation to maintain the Hank's credibility with Major League Baseball, for which it is obligated to provide an adequate training facility for 30-plus players. The investment would take care of the stadium's most pressing capital needs: bringing field lighting into compliance, upgrading the audio system and installing rail padding in 2015. Future improvements can include resurfacing the playing area and fixing drainage problems, which contributed to the fact that the club led the Southern League in rainouts last year. Such improvements would be particularly timely with the McGowin Park shopping center taking shape to the north of the stadium. The transformation of that area wouldn't be complete if the Hank's problems were ignored. Then it will be up to the BayBears organization to reignite enthusiasm for games so that there will be a steady revenue stream to help it stay current on rent. General Manager Chris Morgan, four months on the job, also recognizes the need to generate interest in the off-season, as the stadium hosts the BayBears High School Classic in February and the University of Alabama's three-game series in March. Mobile deserves credit for having been most supportive of the BayBears organization over the years. The City Council's reallocation of funds for stadium upgrades would put the team in the best possible shape to succeed going forward - and honor Mobile's baseball legacy in the process.

Behind the Big Leagues: An Interview with Robby Hammock By Nick Danger / TravestyTribune.com http://travestytribune.sportsblog.com/posts/1660567/behind_the_big_leagues__an_interview_with_robby_hammock.html Tonight on Behind the Big Leagues, we sit down with former Diamondbacks catcher and current manager of their Double-A affiliate, Robby Hammock. NICK- First of all, congratulations on your promotion from the Visalia Rawhide to the Mobile BayBears. Mobile was loaded with talent in 2014. Guys like Chase Anderson, Jake Lamb, and David Peralta have already been called up to the big leagues. Who is one player not named Archie Bradley that you believe could take the 'next step' in 2015?

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HAMMOCK- I can really only speak on the guys I had last year in Visalia. And although I don't know what my team will be until the last day of Spring Training, I can give you a few names that the organization is very high on to possibly take the next step in 2015. Brandon Drury is an obvious choice since coming over in a trade a few years ago. He's young, very talented, and gets better each year. Another guy that made a huge splash during his games at big league camp last year was Rudy Flores. He then followed it up with a dominant year in Visalia. Also, Alex Glenn could be a guy that flies under the radar but he was very good for me last year. NICK-Speaking of Archie Bradley, when you watch him take the mound, is there anyone he reminds you of in terms of his talent and mechanics? HAMMOCK- I have had limited time watching [Bradley] pitch. I know of his struggles last season. And if he is with me this season, I am anxious to see where he is at and hopefully help with getting him over the hump. NICK-Who are some your managerial influences? HAMMOCK- I'm very early in my managerial career and continue to learn each year. I try to draw off all past experiences as a player along with everyone I get to work with every year to try and take something from their experiences also. NICK- I have fond memories of you playing for the Diamondbacks, particularly in 2003. Are you still close the guys like Matt Kata, Brandon Webb, Andy Green and Lyle Overbay? HAMMOCK- I'm still close with Matt Kata and Andy Green. Andy has helped me a ton over the past few years with my coaching career and I was thrilled to see him get the big league job this year. NICK- As a manager, have you been thrown out of a game yet? Is there any strategy involved to be tossed from the game by an umpire? HAMMOCK- Sometimes being tossed from a game definitely has value as far as waking up your team. Most of the time it's simply from a poor call at a very crucial moment or poor calls that add up. NICK- How does players being called up between minor league levels work? Do the managers have influence over that or is it mainly taken care of by [Farm Director] Mike Bell? HAMMOCK- Players being called up between Minor league levels is the ultimate decision of the Farm Director. But coach's and coordinator's opinions are of high value to Mike Bell which is one thing that sets him apart from most organizations. NICK- I have to ask the obligatory Randy Johnson question. What was it about you that made Johnson decide you were HIS battery mate? HAMMOCK- I can't put a finger on why RJ wanted to throw to me. I know he was a very intense competitor on the mound. As was I when I played. My priority was always the pitcher and I think he realized that.

NICK-What is it going to take for the BayBears to be The Southern League Division Champions? HAMMOCK- In order to win a Championship, we have to start from zero. We have to create a culture and environment that gives everyone that best opportunity to perform at their best each day. And we have to keep our nose to the ground and grind out each day until we finally look up at the end of the season and we will be exactly where we need to be.

$464,000 now available for Hank Aaron upgrades By Rebekah Hoeger / FOX 10 - Mobile http://www.fox10tv.com/story/27896903/464000-now-available-for-hank-aaron-upgrades In a 5-1 vote, the Mobile City Council agreed to transfer nearly $500,000 into a capital account for Hank Aaron Stadium upgrades. The mayor's office wants to use the money for minor league compliant lighting, an improved audio system and field rail padding. Before the money can be spent and construction can begin, the Baybears and Mobile administration have to have another approval from the city council on what the money will be used for. The Baybears General Manager says he plans to get all of the upgrades done by opening night in April. A council divided Councilwoman Bess Rich voted against the transfer because she says the Baybears are more than $150,000 behind on rent. She says they have not been upholding their end of the contract so she doesn't think the city should pay for repairs on the city-owned stadium. "I can't in good conscience agree to transfer $500,000 of taxpayer money before a new agreement or contract is negotiated with the Baybears," said Rich during council discussion. Councilman Levon Manzie voted to transfer the funds, but he said the Baybears need to show some initiative and get attendance up. "Hopefully this will encourage Baybears leadership to reinvest in their own ball club so it'll be a win-win for everybody," said Manzie. Much needed repairs Baybears General Manager Chris Morgan says the upgrades are far overdue. The stadium is nearly two decades old and is the oldest stadium in the Southern League. “We need to be compliant with major league and minor league baseball standards and we have not really been compliant since the facility's been built in terms of lighting.”

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According to email records, in July, a minor league representative found seven non-compliances with the stadium and demanded they are fixed prior to the 2015 season. In September, the Arizona Diamondbacks contacted the Baybears about making stadium repairs in order to maintain their relationship. In a letter to the Director of Player Development said, “It is apparent that our organization has upheld its end of the bargain. Unfortunately, the efforts have not been reciprocated in the fashion of necessary improvements to the ballpark.” Baybears, city relationship At the city council meeting there was discussion about the need to improve the Baybears relationship with the city of Mobile. The team has been using the city-owned stadium since 1997. In 2011, the city forgave some of $820,000 in back rent in exchange for the Baybears replacing the stadium's leaky roof. Rich said the team's history in addition to current debt makes her wary to make $464,649.57 available for the stadium. "I know that we are not actually entering into an agreement, but it's like showing your hand that the funds are available and they are not meeting their contract obligations," she said. "So I thought it was a misstep, but I only have one vote and I voted as my conscience directed me." The newly hired General Manager says he is aware of the issues, but intends to work with the Stimpson administration to form a new contract and improve the relationship. Councilman Fred Richardson said regardless of the situation between the Baybears and the city, the stadium is an attraction and it needs to be kept up. "It is our stadium we need to fix our stadium up we will move enough money into an account so the mayor can have the stadium fixed up i don't oppose that," Richardson said.

January 21, 2015 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

January 21, 2015

Colby Rasmus was just not that into Orioles 8:34 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Before you hit “publish” on your A-Rod/Barry Bonds hot take 8:26 am EST (NBC Sports)

Shockingly, Pete Rose backtracks on something he’s been saying for years 7:36 am EST (NBC Sports)

Alex Rodriguez has been working out with Barry Bonds 12:06 am EST (NBC Sports)

January 20, 2015

Washington Nationals 2015 roster preview: Jayson Werth 11:27 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Cliff Lee has already begun throwing off a mound 11:21 pm EST (NBC Sports)

White Sox manager Robin Ventura shoots the puck 11:15 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Phillies GM Ruben Amaro: “I think Cole Hamels is going to be in our uniform, frankly” 10:14 pm EST (NBC Sports)

2015 Category Sleepers: Runs 10:13 pm EST (Rotoworld)

Braves pursuing free agent outfielder Jonny Gomes 9:27 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Rooftop owners sue Cubs over Wrigley renovations 8:56 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Nori Aoki finalizes $4.7M, 1-year deal with Giants 8:52 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Orioles have been in contact with Nate Schierholtz 8:35 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Mets don’t view Cuban shortstop Yoan Moncada as realistic option “given their budget” 7:48 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Mariners to have 1st major league stadium with LED lights 7:21 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Rose says best from Steroids Era belong in Hall of Fame 7:07 pm EST (Reuters)

Colby Rasmus agrees to $8 million deal with Astros 6:57 pm EST (The Associated Press)

“A lot of teams jumping back in” on James Shields 6:52 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Rangers acquire Gonzalez Germen from the Yankees 6:07 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Rangers obtain pitcher Gonzalez Germen from Yankees for cash 5:49 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Cubs: What Kris Bryant learned in his first full year of pro ball 5:03 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

The 19th Greatest GM of all time made the Orioles a winner and picked the Yankees up off the ground 4:29 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Pete Rose on Sosa: Get rid of skeletons in the closet on PED use 4:25 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Washington Nationals 2015 roster preview: Denard Span 4:24 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Aoki would 'like to hit at the top,' but picked Giants to win 3:35 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Max Scherzer might bump him from Nationals’ rotation, but Tanner Roark is saying all the right things 3:22 pm EST (NBC Sports)

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Johan Santana is drawing interest from the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Padres and more 3:15 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Kuiper: Aoki 'not a sexy signing' for Giants, but 3:14 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Rasmus in Houston for Astros physical 2:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Yasiel Puig bought a house and it’s kind of boring and I’m sad 2:33 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Plenty of flexibility in Phillies' outfield picture 1:57 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)

Giants introduce Nori Aoki -- NOW 1:56 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

A's position-by-position breakdown: Shortstop 1:40 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Astros sign Colby Rasmus for $8 million 1:38 pm EST (NBC Sports)

FGCU to retire Chris Sale's college jersey number 1:27 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

The Yankees had a private workout for Yoan Moncada 1:00 pm EST (NBC Sports)

The 20th best GM of all time didn’t get to truly enjoy the fruits of his labor 12:30 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Kang can earn $750,000 annually in bonuses from Pirates 11:56 am EST (The Associated Press)

Pirates designate Jake Elmore for assignment 11:50 am EST (NBC Sports)

If you can’t hack it in baseball, try cricket? 11:32 am EST (NBC Sports)

Phil Coke is in The Best Shape of His Life 11:03 am EST (NBC Sports)

Players to Avoid: AL East 10:48 am EST (Rotoworld)

Do the Orioles have a surplus of catchers? 10:32 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Here’s one reason why baseball isn’t dying, you guys 10:30 am EST (NBC Sports)

Will the Rangers try to sign Yovani Galllardo long term? 10:20 am EST (NBC Sports)

The Tigers basically cut bait on Max Scherzer after he rejected their $144 million offer last year 9:40 am EST (NBC Sports)

The man who invented instant replay has died 9:10 am EST (NBC Sports)

Free agent shopping has slowed, but hasn't stopped 9:05 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Given all the advantages he’s had, is Brian Cashman the 21st best GM of all time? 8:28 am EST (NBC Sports)

Major League Baseball puts Fred Wilpon in charge of its finance committee. No, really. I’m not joking 7:38 am EST (NBC Sports)

‘Fill in the blank’- Scherzer contract means ____ for Sox 12:04 am EST (Comcast SportsNet New England)

January 19, 2015

UPDATE: Astros in “serious discussions” with Ryan Vogelsong 11:47 pm EST (NBC Sports)

The Mets will have a bigger scoreboard at Citi Field this season 11:02 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Breaking down the Nats-Scherzer deal: are they WS favorites? 10:46 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Looking at the biggest contracts for pitchers after Scherzer's deal 10:35 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Angels release right-hander Yoslan Herrera so he can pitch in Japan 9:58 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Cubs GM Jed Hoyer says moving Luis Valbuena doesn’t change Kris Bryant’s timetable 8:55 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Aoki passes physical, deal with Giants official 8:03 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Hoyer doesn't see Cubs making big pitching deal now 8:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Brewers trade pitcher Yovani Gallardo to Rangers 8:01 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Brewers GM Doug Melvin doesn’t expect to pursue James Shields 7:57 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Sports News Minute: Cubs taking renovation route over new ballpark 7:07 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Report: Astros in 'serious discussions' with Vogelsong 6:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Rangers had “in-depth” trade talks about Cole Hamels before the Yovani Gallardo deal 6:31 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Report: Rangers acquire Gallardo from Brewers 6:13 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

Cards pitcher Martinez honors Taveras, hopes to start 6:06 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Giants held private workout for Yoan Moncada 5:55 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Fowler traded from Astros to Cubs for Valbuena and Straily 5:49 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Here's what's on the Orioles' to-do list 5:45 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Sources: Rangers acquire Yovani Gallardo from Brewers 5:29 pm EST (Yahoo Sports)

Yovani Gallardo trade to the Rangers finalized 5:16 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Coveted hurler Scherzer reportedly headed to Nats 4:58 pm EST (AFP)

Fans at Cubs Convention react to Rizzo's bold prediction 4:42 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

AP source: Scherzer, Nationals agree to $210M, 7-year deal 4:25 pm EST (The Associated Press)

Kevin Gregg throwing a showcase for about 15 teams 4:09 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Nationals favored again to win World Series after signing Scherzer 3:58 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Report: Nationals likely to host the 2018 All-Star Game 3:02 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Pros/cons of trade options post-Scherzer signing 2:18 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)

Michael Wacha says he is “extremely healthy” 1:53 pm EST (NBC Sports)

Krukow on Giants adding Aoki: 'Bochy likes guys like that' 1:49 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)

│

14

January 21, 2015 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

Last updated: Wed, January 21, 2015, 03:34 EST

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Detroit Tigers Josh Prince

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Detroit Tigers

Thad Weber

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Detroit Tigers

Miguel Gonzalez

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Houston Astros

Colby Rasmus

Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015)(one-year contract)

Houston Astros

Carlos Corporan

Designated for Assignment

Texas Rangers

Gonzalez Germen

Traded From from Yankees, NY Yankees (for cash considerations)

Washington Nationals

Max Scherzer

Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015-2021)(seven-year contract)

Monday, January 19, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Chicago Cubs

Dexter Fowler

Traded From from Astros, Houston (for RHP Dan Straily and 3B Luis Valbuena)

Houston Astros

Dan Straily

Traded From from Cubs, Chi. Cubs (w/3B Luis Valbuena for OF Dexter Fowler)

Houston Astros

Luis Valbuena

Traded From from Cubs, Chi. Cubs (with P Dan Straily for OF Dexter Fowler)

Los Angeles Angels

Yoslan Herrera

Signed to Play in Japan, (Yokohama DeNA BayStars)

Milwaukee Brewers

Corey Knebel

Traded From from Rangers, Texas (for P Yovani Gallardo, four-player deal)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jung-ho Kang

Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015-2018; Opt 2019)(four-year contract)

Pittsburgh Pirates

Jake Elmore

Designated for Assignment

San Francisco Giants

Nori Aoki

Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015; Opt 2016)(one-year contract)

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Team Player Transaction

Boston Red Sox

Quintin Berry

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Chicago Cubs Daniel Bard

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Los Angeles Dodgers

Erik Bedard

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Miami Marlins Don Kelly

Signed to a Minor League Contract

Washington Nationals

Kila Ka'aihue

Signed to a Minor League Contract