Chipper Jones is Optimistic for Return

Today Larry "Chipper" Jones, stated that he is optimistic for his return, possibly being as soon as Opening Day. There are some major hurdles that are in his way before he can be back at third base. The 38 year-old switch-hitter is looking to play in the 2011 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last August. This blow was a season ending injury, and possibly stopped the Braves from winning the NL East, but didn't completely stop them from entering the playoffs. Jones stated, "I've felt good since I began the treatments and I've had no limitations since," and will report to Spring Training on February 14 with pitchers and catchers. Chipper has not taken any ground balls and has yet to do any fielding exercises, but has been taking batting practice and doing some straight running exercises. The surgery causes Jones some discomfort, especially feeling tendinitis, which is the major setback. Jones wears a special pad on his knee and has an anti-inflammatory that is electronically distributed through the skin. The fact that Chipper Jones is practicing and aiming for Opening Day is a relief to Braves fans. Jones had hinted about retiring at the end of the 2010 season even before he was injured, but he vowed to come back, saying, "I don't want the fans' final image of me to be one of me hurt on the field." Chipper, who has played with the Braves since 1993, has a .300 career batting average and 436 home runs. Jones has never been outside of the Atlanta Braves organization, the first pick in the first round by the Braves in the 1990 amateur draft. Chipper is a free agent in 2013, so maybe retiring is around that date. Even though Jones is a NL East competitor to the Phillies, I wouldn't wish injury upon anyone, and look to his return. I wish Chipper Jones luck in his recovery and his goal of playing Opening Day. 

How Much is Too Much, or Too Little?

I recently found an article that is approximate one month old, so the information is a little dated, but is still relavant today. A breakdown of spending by Major League Baseball teams was conducted on December 22 and it was found that MLB teams have committed to $1.2 billion in salaries. Granted, I've found that this is about $500 million off from right now. So an estimated $1.6-1.7 billion in salaries, and people say that America is in a recession. The numbers are not exact but this doesn't include extensions and trades such as: Joey Votto, Adrian Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Zach Greinke, and many others, so my calculations may be off. Between all 30 teams, the average spending for each team would be $40.3 million. This goes from the highs of the Red Sox, and Phillies to the lows of the Indians and the Astros. Isn't it crazy that Carl Crawford's contract with the Red Sox is more money then 25 MLB teams spent individually? What should be the minimum or maximum spending for each team? Should their be a salary cap for baseball just like there is in football? This quote really explains it all, "Just because teams aren't spending doesn't mean they can't or won't spend. It sounds obvious, but fans in New York and Toronto can reasonably expect the Mets and Blue Jays to spend when they believe they have a chance to contend." It would be ridiculous for teams who don't really have cities behind them to spend enormous amounts of money, only to no one show up to the stadium. Look at Tampa Bay in the post-season, they were literally giving away tickets to fill the stadium. This was the team with the best record in baseball and I think there were approximately 12,000 tickets given away for free. I would love to see that happen in Philadelphia, have a winning team and free tickets? Where do I sign up? Now look at Tampa Bay, disbanding the team and spending approximately $11 million in new salaries. Try winning the division with those kind of numbers while the Red Sox are spending well over $200 million. Meanwhile the Nationals are spending approximately $140 million ($126 million being Jayson Werth) and are trying to contend with the Phillies, who signed a $120 million deal with Cliff Lee. I really hope it works out for them. I would like to see the Nationals get out of the "cellar" in the NL East and be a productive and contending team. Whether they spend $200 million (Boston) or $2 million (Cleveland), I wish you luck in the upcoming season. 

I do apologize for incorrect and approximate numbers, they article was from December 22 and I try my best to post correct information. 

What's at Stake in the NL Central?

The National League Central Division has more teams then any other division in the Major League. This makes the NL Central very competitive and interesting to watch. Each team "beefed" up their ball clubs with new additions as well as contract extensions. With the Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, and Pirates all  signing new players to contribute and produce for the team. A break down of each teams contributions go as follows:

•  The St. Louis Cardinals - The two largest signings by the Cardinals this off season were the signings of power-hitter Lance Berkman and shortstop Ryan Theriot. We cannot forget that the Cardinals still have Matt Holliday, and arguably the best player ever to take the field: Albert Pujols. They still have ace pitchers Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, leaving them in a position to take the NL Central.
• The Milwaukee Brewers - A personal favorite of mine, the Brewers are looking better this season than at the start of the 2010 season. The Brew Crew signed the Royals "pride and joy," pitching ace and Cy Young winner, Zack Greinke, making their rotation much more impressive. They also signed a solid and valuable starter Shaun Marcum. After extending Gallardo and Hart to long term contracts, and still having Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder slugging behind the plate, the Brewers are looking like a solid team.
• The Chicago Cubs - The Cubbies are looking to get back what they had in 2008, with over 100 wins. They lost their momentum in the 2010 season and never really got it back. But with the additions of pitchers Matt Garza and Kerry Wood, and first baseman Carlos Pena, the Cubs are looking to sit atop the NL Central.
• The Cincinnati Reds - Winners of the NL Central in 2010 since the first time since 1990, now are looking to repeat the in the 2011 season. They managed to keep Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo, and NL MVP, Joey Votto. Unknown to most, they also signed Edgar Renteria, Fred Lewis, and Dontrelle Willis, who signed a minor league deal and is trying to earn a spot in the bullpen. The main factor with the Reds team, is that it is basically the same team as in 2010, if that is a good or bad thing, I don't know.

I'm sorry to inform you, but I will not be covering the Houston Astros or the Pittsburgh Pirates, mainly due to their lack of major signings and unlikelihood of them winning the division title. But to each and every team, in the 2011 season, I wish them luck.

Chone Figgins Trade Rumors

There have been many rumors going around today about whether or not Chone Figgins would be traded to another team. The Oakland Athletics are trying to trade Kevin Kouzmanoff and possibly a pitcher for Figgins. The A's have been trying to acquire a strong third baseman for the entire off season, and are pursuing Figgins since they missed out on free agent Adrian Beltre. But there have been some serious rumors about whether or not a third team would be thrown into the trade. The Blue Jays have interest in Kouzmanoff, or at least acquiring another third baseman, but Kouzmanoff would be suitable. The Atlanta Braves were interested in Figgins early in the 2010 season, but haven't shown any interest since then. So there certainly is a market out there for Chone. The 33 year-old third baseman posted a .259 batting average in the 2010 season with 42 stolen bases and 74 walks. This is a slight downturn from the 2009 season where he posted a .298 batting average with 42 stolen bases and a league-leading 101 walks with the Angels. The Mariners still owe Figgins $26 million through 2013, and he also has an option for the 2014 season. There is one flaw in the A's race to get Figgins, and that is that Figgins has a limited no-trade list. And it just so happens that the Athletics are on that list, and he has not been asked to waive it. Another flaw in the Athletic's plan to acquire Figgins is that the Mariners GM stated that he intends to have Chone Figgins at third base on Opening Day. "I'm looking forward to Figgins being our starting third baseman ... He'll be here tomorrow [for the Mariners' FanFest]. He's been agreeable to moving back to third base and that's our plan, to have Chone be our Opening Day third baseman." Figgins is a great player and I hope he continues his success with the Mariners, mainly because they need his bat. I wish him good luck in the 2011 season and hope him the best at third base.

Orioles Make Vladimir Guerrero an Offer

There have been many questions of where Vladimir Guerrero will be playing in the 2011 season, but as of right now, the Baltimore Orioles are the only team willing to offer him a contract. This afternoon, the Orioles offered Vlad a one-year $2 million contract, but it is very likely that he will turn it down. Why he would turn down the only offer he has gotten, I don't know. Guerrero was apparently "not excited" about the offer. The offer can go up to approximately $3-5 million if Guerrero accepts to terms with the Orioles, but the offer stands at one year. The 35 year-old is looking for at least a two year deal, and certainly does not want to sit out for any part of the 2011 season, so the deal makes sense for both sides. The Orioles are one of the teams that have a spot for Guerrero and do have the money to spend for a two year contract. The question is, will their front office deal with Vlad? Another possible suitor for Guerrero are the Toronto Blue Jays. They are looking for a DH to hit against left-handed pitchers after transitioning Adam Lind to first base. The Rangers have been a possible team throughout the off season, but do not have a roster position for Guerrero, putting them out of the picture, especially with the addition of Mike Napoli. Michael Young and Mike Napoli will most likely be the Rangers' DHs, leaving Vlad without a position to play. The Los Angeles Angels are still in somewhat contention, stating that they are willing to bring back Vladimir Guerrero, putting him in the outfield with Bobby Abreu. The Angels GM even stated that he wouldn't mind having Vlad back on the team because he's a valuable asset. I hope the the Orioles, or any team for that matter, figure out a deal Guerrero because he is a great player. Good luck to Vlad in the 2011 season, for whomever he is playing for.

Charlie Manuel Isn't Concerned About His Contract Extension

Charlie Manuel appeared today on 610 WIP, an AM station based in Philadelphia, to discuss the Philadelphia Phillies and other things regarding the sport of baseball. Manuel was then asked about his contract extension and whether or not he was worried that he hasn't been resigned. To this question, Charlie responded, "It's just a matter of time" before he and the Phillies front office reach an agreement. Manuel is signed through this season and his hoping to manage for at least two more years. In three years, Charlie will be 70 years-old, and after that he and the Phillies will have to discuss his future with the organization. But Uncle Charlie did that he would like to be signed before Opening Day, or even Spring Training so he does not cause a distraction to the ball club. In his career as a Major League manager, Charlie is 746-618 in wins and losses, and is 544-428 with the Phillies. In the 6 years that Charlie has managed the Phillies, he has led his team to four NL East Pennants, two National League Pennants, and one World Series Title in 2008. What a guy! He's made countless decisions, not all of which I agree, and has led the team to many victories. I do hope the Phillies extend Charlie's contract until he would like to stop managing the team. Whether that be in 3 years, or even more, I will stand by Charlie Manuel. Phillies fans know that he is a huge step above Larry Bowa.  So I wish Charlie good luck in getting his contract extended and managing the Phillies in the 2011 season, I know I'll be watching his every move.

Wait, Where is Mike Napoli?

This afternoon I was at work and my friend Will came up to me and showed me his ESPN sports update. It stated "Mike Napoli, C/1B, has been traded to the Rangers," and I had a read it twice. It was Friday that Napoli was traded with Juan Rivera to the Toronto Blue Jays and now he's headed to the Texas Rangers. Mike Napoli was traded for Frank Francisco and cash money. There is space in the catching position and at first base so Napoli will have plenty of playing time. But it was pointed out that with the acquisition of Napoli, there is no room for Vladimir Guerrero, (former Texas Ranger). In the 2010 season, Napoli posted 26 homeruns, a .238 batting average, and a career high 137 strikeouts. He has a .931 OPS against left-handed pitchers, which will help out the Rangers who have a two left-handed first basemen who struggle to hit other lefties. Frank Francisco joins a completely remade Toronto bullpen, with pitchers such as Jason Frasor, Jon Rauch, and Octavio Rotel. The 31 year-old, right-handed pitcher posted a 3.76 ERA in 52 2/3 innings. In 2009, Francisco saved 25 games, proving that he is versatile in the bullpen. This appears to be a good trade for both sides, giving them strength where they need it. In all honestly, I hope that Mike Napoli still had his suitcase packed and did not get too settled in Toronto. And talk about going from one extreme to the other, Los Angeles to Toronto, to Texas. I do not envy this catcher, but am still looking to pick him up in my fantasy league. Especially with a loaded Rangers lineup to back him up. Good luck in Texas Mike Napoli, and try to stay there longer than 4 days!