Vancouver Whitecaps: Expanding to the Rockies

[MacIsaacM]

Vancouver Whitecaps: Expanding to the Rockies

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I'll be doing a mid-season report at the All-Star game, and break down a bit about a truly horrendous expansion season that the Vancouver Whitecaps are going through. As a teaser, it is enough to say... we're challenging the 1899 Cleveland Spiders. Yeouch.

Looking forward to it!

[MacIsaacM]

The Expansion Draft

The Vancouver Whitecaps picked first overall ahead of the Tennessee Stars, and it was clear from the get-go that both GMs had different strategies. After Vancovuer hired elite scouting director Dayton Moore throughout 2015 and stealing Joe Torre from retirement to manage the big league club, GM Michael MacIsaac was clearly geared towards the future. While Tennessee seemed to take more of a “win now” attitude, drafting the likes of Joe Blanton, Jeff Francoeur, Travis Hafner, and Casey Kotchman to name a few, Vancouver opted for more prospects, selecting names such as catcher Jorge Alfaro (1/4.5), starter Cody Buckel (3.5/5), outfielder Jaff Decker (4.5/5), shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (2.5/5), and reliever Kevin Herrera (4/4.5). Vancouver did manage to draft the injured Daisuke Matsuzaka after Boston seemingly gave up on the former Japanese star. Although all but Hechavarria have since been demoted to AAA and AA after poor big league showings, with Hechavarria mostly holding on to his starting role only due to the team’s lack of depth at shortstop, the objective was to look to the future.

Free Agent Frenzy

The pre-season predictions put a start into Vancouver. While Tennessee was pegged to do amazingly well in the AL Central at 84-78 and a 3rd place finish, Vancouver was predicted to set a new MLB standard for futility: 39-123, dead-last in the AL West. Both teams then rushed to bolster their new line-ups with free agents, and both teams had the money to make some serious impact. Tennessee left with Asdrubal Cabrera, Derek Lowe, and Billy Butler. Vancouver, along with a slew of potential star rookies that are now littered throughout their minor league system, managed to sign Alex Gordon (currently on the DL after an off-the-field incident), Brad Emaus, Aaron Cunningham, Carlos Santana, Brian Barton, Josh Tomlin, and Justin Masterson. Although most have been disappointments so far – Emaus and Cunningham have all but played themselves out of the starting line-up, and Josh Tomlin has 11 losses notwithstanding some relatively strong stats – Vancouver managed to create for themselves the 5th best minor league system according to Baseball America.

Starting Out

Both teams lived up to their pre-season predictions early. Vancouver got swept in their opening series in Texas, winning their first-ever game in San Francisco, 3-1. Matt Antonelli (2.5/4, 2B) recorded Vancouver’s first franchise home run, Matt Long (2/5, RF) stole their first base and recorded their first hit, and reliever Michael Schwimer (4.5/5) recorded their first win and Justin Grimm (4.5/5) the first save. Vancouver’s first home win didn’t come until their 10th try against the Angels, and the Whitecaps wrapped up the month of April with a 5-20 record, and a slew of demotions to the minor leagues. Tennessee, meanwhile, posted a record of 10-14, including a 5 game winning streak, and hovered around the middle of the AL Central.

Moving On

Things got no better for Vancouver. While the month of May treated Tennessee relatively calmly at 13-14, Vancouver stumbled throughout the month and ended up at 5-23, highlighted by an 8 game losing streak and a 12 game losing streak. Nothing was working: line-ups were adjusted, back-ups signed from free agency (most notably Jason Kendall and Brooks Conrad), and much of the starting rotation who began the year in Vancouver (Andrew Cashner, 2/3 and Michael Fiers, 4.5/5, most notably) found themselves in the minor leagues. One highly touted prospect fell completely off the map, with Victor Rios eventually falling to Rookie ball and posting a 66.93 ERA with a 9.87 WHIP in 3 starts. Unbelievable.

The owner was already calling for the GM’s head, but the fans remained loyal, and seemed to understand the trials of tribulations of an expansion team, notwithstanding the fact that Tennessee was fairing much better. The salt in the wounds was that Tennessee’s minor league system remained just one rank behind that of Vancouver according to Baseball America.

The Draft

By the time the draft rolled around, there was only one thing on everyone’s mind: Steve “The Mechanical Man” Chapman.

Easily the most touted prospect of the draft by far, and already being pegged by some for a Hall of Fame career, this 17 year old high school phenom was high-risk, high-reward. Vancouver held the number one overall pick, and the MLB introducing draft-pick trading in time for the 2012 season, Vancouver had a very important decision to make as they continued to try to sell fans on the “Patience Train.” Draft the man pegged at 9 million dollars even though he had little desire to play in Vancouver and risk wasting the number one overall pick, or trade it away for an instant impact superstar. In the end, Steve Chapman became the 11 million dollar man, and in a major boost for the Whitecaps franchise, signed with the team and is now playing Rookie ball in Lubbock. Vancouver also managed to draft and sign right fielder Salvador Figueroa (1/5), center fielder Albert Almora (1/5), closer Octavio Vargas (2/5), starting pitcher Colm O’Day (0.5/5), starter Mark Taylor (0.5/5), and shortstop Rafael Cortez (1/4.5). [/CENTER]

As Things Stand Now

June has been a (very) marginal improvement for the Whitecaps. With Dice-K back from injury, save Alex Gordon, the line-up almost looks like the front office had intended. Highlighted by a mid-month sweep of Arizona at home, Vancouver has gone 9-13, a record that represents more of what should be expected of a regular expansion team. In fact, they have an identical record to Tennessee thus far.

How will the team continue to develop? Can they rebound from their current record, 19-56, for a .253 winning percentage that would rank as the 7th worst all-time if the season ended today? How much patience will the new owners in Vancouver have? Only time can tell.

Team Stats



Pitching Staff



Batting Order



Pitching Stats



Batting Stats



MLB Standings

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From here on out, I'll post regular team and league updates!

[MacIsaacM]

June 25-July 02

The Whitecaps

Record: 4-4

The Whitecaps started out this week by surprising even themselves. They opened up a 4 game series against divison-leading Texas (51-24) with a 4-2 victory. Scoring 4 runs in the fourth by playing small ball -- 5 singles and a double -- starter Justin Masterson (7-6, 3.42 ERA) never looked back. Throwing 7.1 innings of shut-out ball, he almost lost the decision when set-up man Daniel Klein allowed two runs in the 8th, but Greg Holland would come in for the save and shut the door.

They then followed that performance with a big 13-7 win. Texas went out to an early four run lead as starter Josh Tomlin (3-11, 4.75 ERA) struggled out of the gate, but the offence would rebound with a massive 8 run sixth inning, thanks to more small ball -- 6 singles, 2 walks and a double -- and Tomlin settled down to end a 5-game losing streak. Vancouver would drop the third game 12-8 with starter Justin Grimm (1-9, 5.95 ERA) and reliever Anthony Bass (0-5, 4.84 ERA) hardly able to get through 4 innings, but both Jayson Nix (.298/.337/.528, 10 HR) and Brent Lillibridge (.252/.314/.405, 4 HR) launched homers for the Whitecaps. Vancouver then took the series from Texas with a 5-3 win thanks to 7.2 innings from Dice-K (1-3, 6.06 ERA) and a 4-run 7th capped by a homer from Travis Ishikawa (.264/.300/.430, 10 HR).

After pulling off the improbable, things did not let up for Vancouver as they traveled to LA to face the second place team in their division, the Los Angeles Angels. Cody Buckel (1-8, 4.56 ERA) faced a tough match-up against Jered Weaver (10-3, 2.97 ERA), but both starters held their own. The game was 3-2 LA in the top of the 9th when Weaver was replaced, and Carlos Santana (.250/.368/.450, 8 HR) and Jason Kendall (.300/.352/.380) managed to put runners on 1st and 3rd with one out. Adeiny Hechavarria (.244/.270/.307, 2 HR) tied it with a base hit, but the next two batters went down on strikes. The game went into extras with reliever Joe Wieland (2-2, 3.86 ERA) eventually taking the loss for the Whitecaps after a run-scoring single in the 13th. Vancouver dropped this game as well 5-2 with Masterson taking the loss after a tough 3-run sixth inning.

In the third game of the series, Josh Tomlin was up against C.J. Wilson (6-2, 3.24 ERA). This was a pitching duel, with Vancouver eventually sealing the 3-1 win thanks to eight innings from Tomlin and Holland's 11th save, and an Aaron Cunningham (.207/.275/.327, 4 HR) 2-run shot. Unfortunately, Cunningham was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his neck after the game, and will miss 3 weeks. Vancouver then tried to split the series against LA in game 4. Shane Peterson was called up from AAA Polkton, and Justin Grimm took to the mound. Vancouver dropped the game 7-3 with Grimm taking another rough loss, including surrendering two home runs in the 3rd to Albert Pujols (.337/.442/.587, 19 HR) and Howie Kendrick (.300/.344/.432, 5 HR).

Overall, although the Whitecaps dropped a series to their second-place division rivals, they took one from the division leaders, resulting in a fair performance that Vancouver has a lot to build off.

Notable League Transactions

VAN -- Aaron Cunningham was placed on the 15 day DL; Shane Peterson called up from AAA Polkton.
VAN -- The Whitecaps resigned Sixto Romero and Carlos Herrera to minor league deals.
VAN -- Although Whitecaps GM Michael MacIsaac refuses to confirm, our hot stove tells us that the Cardinals, Marlins, and one of the New York teams have recently made trade offers to Vancouver.
STL -- St. Louis signed free agent David Eckstein to a 1 year, $768,000 deal.
TOR -- Kyle Drabek was recalled from AAA Las Vegas.
WAS -- Mark Teahen was demoted to AAA Syracuse.
PHI -- Chase Utley has been activated from the 60 day DL and will serve a rehab stint in AAA.
WAS -- Brad Lidge has been activated off the DL, and will serve a rehab stint in AAA.
CWS -- Gordon Beckham was recalled from AAA Charlotte.
MIL -- John Axford was activated off the DL.

League Injuries

PIT -- Andrew McCutchen (.312, 11 HR, 46 RBI) will miss 3 weeks with a strained hamstring
TB -- Matt Moore (3-2, 3.78 ERA) will miss 5 months due to bone chips in his elbow
ARI -- Stephen Drew (.264, 6 HR, 27 RBI) will miss 5 weeks after spraining his ankle rounding 2nd
CHC -- Reliever Brad Thomas (2-2, 3.74 ERA in 23 G) will be out for the rest of the season and into next season after tearing his UCL
CHC -- Marlon Byrd (.235, .339, .412) will be out for 3 weeks after herniating a disc
TOR -- Dustin McGowan (6-6, 3.90 ERA) will be out 5 months after being diagnosed with a serious case of shoulder inflammation

League Suspensions

VAN -- Mike McCarthy of AA Ashland was banned 10 games for violation of the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. He was released the day after the news broke.
VAN -- AA management are also said to be furious with Santiago Ortega, who missed a game this week after claiming he was stuck in traffic.

Other League News/Awards

WAS -- Nationals owner Ted Lerner has died. His son Larry will be stepping into the role, we believe, on a full-time basis.
VAN -- Jason Kendall is rumoured to have told Whitecaps management that he believes he's more than proven his ability to take the starting position from Carlos Santana, providing a taste of drama in the Vancouver clubhouse
DET -- Miguel Cabrera (.287, 24 HR, 61 RBI) launched his 300th career home run this week against Minnesota.
DET -- Prince Fielder (.346, 22 HR, 56 RBI) was named AL Hitter of the Month of June
MIL -- Ryan Braun (.324, 12 HR, 31 RBI) was named NL Hitter for the Month of June
NYY -- Continuing an amazing story, Andy Pettite (7-1, 3.40) was named AL Pitcher of the Month
MIA -- Josh Johnson (10-4, 2.87 ERA) was named NL Pitcher of the Month
SEA -- Jesus Montero (.258, 9 HR, 28 RBI) was named AL Rookie of the Month
CIN -- Devin Mesoraco (.309, 13 HR, 33 RBI) was named NL Rookie of the Month
VAN -- Whitecaps minor leaguers also snapped up A Starter of the Month, A Batter of the Month, and AAA Starter of the Month honours

[md5423]

Great Start! I'll be following for sure!

[md5423]

Pitching looks strong but hitting is pretty weak :P

[MacIsaacM]

Oh, weak would be an understatement, I think. I submitted an offer to Hideki Matsui to take some time at DH and give us more freedom with the line-up, becaue I think part of the problem is depth. Most of my outfielders in particular are running on fumes given that I don't have a lot of freedom to take them off the field, sit them for a game, etc. We'll see!

[MacIsaacM]

July 02-July 08 (Last Week Before the All-Star Game)

The Whitecaps

Weekly Record: 1-4 – Overall Record: 23-64

The Whitecaps started the week by entertaining the New York Yankees at Telus Field. Dice-K (1-4, 6.00 ERA) took to the mound against Phil Hughes (5-2, 4.55 ERA). This one was a heart-breaker for the Whitecaps. Down 2-1 in the 5th inning, Joshua Satin (.239, 5 HR, 32 RBI) had a lead-off double that led to a 3-run inning and a 4-2 lead. In the 7th, though, the Yankees forced Dice-K out of the game scoring 3 runs on 2 hits and 2 walks, giving the Yanks a 5-4 lead. The Whitecaps would strand a runner in the bottom of the 9th, and lose by that score.

Cody Buckel (1-9, 4.81 ERA) took to the hill for game 2, and had a very forgettable performance. After giving up a solo 417 foot bomb to Robinson Cano (.313, 9 HR, 44 RBI) in the first and 3 runs off a triple to Curtis Granderson (.294, 22 HR, 59 RBI) in the fourth, Vancouver’s offence proved their futility once more. The Whitecaps managed just 5 hits in being shut-out 8-0.

In game 3, ace Justin Masterson (7-7, 3.42 ERA) faced a stiff challenge against C.C. Sabathia (10-4, 3.10 ERA). All Vancouver could do was show again why their line-up is not prepared to compete at the big league level. Managing just one hit until the 6th inning, the Whitecaps were shutout for the second game in a row, stranding 8 runners on 6 hits and dropping this one 4-0 on Sabatha’s CG SO.

The Whitecaps then traveled down south to visit the Texas Rangers, whom they beat 3 games to 1 in their last series. Josh Tomlin (4-11, 4.90 ERA) was matched up against Derek Holland (6-5, 6.29 ERA). Needless to say, Vancouver was hoping for an offensive boost this game. The bats did wake up, but Texas was not about to be outdone so easily. The game was 6-5 heading into the eighth inning, until Brent Lillibridge (.228, 4 HR, 21 RBI) came through with a huge bases-clearing double, and with one other run in the inning, Vancouver took a 10-5 lead into the 9th. Marco Estrada (3-6, 4.12 ERA) would hold the lead in his first game back, and Tomlin would take the win as the Whitecaps one-up their division-leading rivals once again. Unfortunately, Chris Dickerson (.207, 7 HR, 22 RBI) was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome after the game, further exacerbating the Whitecaps’ depth problems in the outfield by being ruled out for the next 5-6 weeks. Jaff Decker was called up.

In their final game this week, Dice-K (1-4, 6.00 ERA) was still trying to find his form this season, and was hoping this game would be it. It wasn’t. Vancouver took a humiliating loss, 15-1. A 6-run Texas third, capped by an Adrian Beltre (.292, 18 HR, 63 RBI) big fly, followed by a grand slam from Mike Napoli (.228, 13 HR, 37 RBI) in the 7th put this game way out of reach. Of particular disgust were the 12 walks issued by Vancouver pitchers. To add insult to injury, reliever Daniel Klein (2-3, 5.88 ERA) was placed on the DL with elbow soreness. Jonathan Blythe was called up.

The Whitecaps’ success was shortlived: they went 1-4 this week, and hardly deserved anything better.

Next up: the All-Star Game!

Notable League Transactions

VAN: Justin Grimm (1.9, 5.95 ERA) lost his spot in the starting rotation. Joe Wieland (2-2, 3.48 ERA) will now secure the number 3 spot.
VAN: Reliever Marco Estrada (3-6, 4.12 ERA) is off the DL.
VAN: The Whitecaps signed Hideki Matsui to a 1 year, $952,000 deal, and Salvador Perez to a 1 year, $2,590,000 deal. The Whitecaps are expected to either make room for these two on the roster, or use them as part of a trade.
TRADE: The Milwaukee Brewers sent Nyjer Morgan and $1,870,000 to Seattle for reliever Tom Wilhelmsen and minor leaguer Martin Peguero.
TRADE: Jamie Moyer isn’t done yet. The Rockies sent him to the Rays in exchange for minor leaguers Juniel Querecuto and Tyler Goeddel.
TRADE: The Boston Red Sox sent minor leaguers Brandon Jacobs and Matt Barnes to San Diego for reliever Luke Gregerson.
TRADE: The Tampa Bay Rays sent Matt Joyce and minor leaguer Alexander Colome to the New York Mets for Ike Davis.
TRADE: The Tennessee Stars moved Eduardo Nunez to San Diego for John Baker.
TEX: The Rangers re-signed Colby Lewis to a 4 year, $26 million deal.
PHI: The Phillies re-signed Cole Hamels to a massive 4 year, $64,000,000 deal.
TB: The Rays re-called Jose Molina from AAA Durham.
SEA: Justin Smoak was demoted to AAA Tacoma.
COL: Jason Giambi has been activated from the DL.
MIL: Cesar Izturis has been demoted to AAA Nashville.
NYY: Dewayne Wise has been designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers.

League Injuries

DET: Major League Baseball lost a potential superstar today. 26 year old reliever Al Albuquerque (6-1, 1.87 ERA, 4/4.5), in his first full season with the Tigers, was diagnosed with a career-ending tear of his UCL this morning. He seemed to be upbeat about the situation, saying he would like to remain with the Tigers organization in some capacity.
VAN: Chris Dickerson will be out for 5-6 weeks with post-concussion syndrome.
PHI: Jonathan Papelbon, with a torn labrum, will miss the rest of the season.
ATL: Jack Wilson will miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
TEX: Michael Young is out for the next 3-4 weeks after herniating a disc in a game one week ago.
TB: Evan Longoria will miss at least the next 6 weeks after spraining his ankle running the bases.
PIT: A.J. Burnett is suffering from severe shoulder inflammation that will keep him out for at least 4 months.
SD: Huston Street received some bad news that a broken elbow off a line drive will keep him out for at least a few months.

League Suspensions

MIA: Jose Reyes was suspended 7 games today for making contact with an umpire during a game in St. Louis. Ozzie Guillen was irate and quoted as saying, ”If they want to take arguments away, let’s all go to Sunday school and be choir boys.”

Other League News/Awards

TB: With a somewhat average record of 45-40 and 8.5 games back in the AL East, the Tampa Bay Rays made a surprise declaration today by saying that they are in re-build mode. As a result, Carlos Pena, Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta were all officially made available by the Rays’ GM.


The All-Star Game rosters and game will be announced tomorrow!

League Leaders at the All-Star Break

League Leader in AVG: 1. Prince Fielder, DET, .346…2. Lucas Duda, NYM, .341…3. Troy Tulowitzki, COL, .338
League Leader in H: 1. Elvis Andrus, TEX, 116…2. Troy Tulowitzki, COL, 113…3. Austin Jackson, DET, 108
League Leader in HR: 1. Jose Bautista, TOR, 29…2. Joey Votto, CIN, 29…3. Nelson Cruz, TEX, 27
League Leader in RBI: 1. Nelson Cruz, TEX, 72…2. Miguel Cabrera, DET, 65…2. Carlos Gonzalez, COL, 65
League Leader in OBP: 1. Prince Fielder, DET, .459…2. Lucas Duda, NYM, .457…3. Adrian Gonzalez, BOS, .433
League Leader in SB: 1. Brett Gardner, NYY, 36…2. Ben Revere, MIN, 30…2. Jose Reyes, MIA, 30
League Leader in W: 1. James Shields, TB, 13…2. Alfredo Aceves, BOS, 12…2. Homer Bailey, CIN, 12
League Leader in SV: 1. Jordan Walden, LAA, 26…2. 1. Brian Wilson, SF, 26…3. Craig Kimbrel, ATL, 25
League Leader in ERA: Tim Lincecum, SF, 2.03…2. Greg Holland, VAN, 2.45…3. Yovani Gallardo, MIL, 2.48
League Leader in WHIP: 1. Yovani Gallardo, MIL, 0.92…2. Julio Tehran, ATL, 0.97…3. Jon Lester, BOS, 1.00
League Leader in K: 1. Justin Verlander, DET, 173…2. Tim Lincecum, SF, 166…3. Jon Lester, BOS, 160

[deandean1998]

No matter what, keep justin masterson!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MacIsaacM]

Originally Posted by deandean1998

No matter what, keep justin masterson!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't think I'd trade him for the moon, to be honest.

[MacIsaacM]

American League All-Star Batters

American League All-Star Pitchers

National League All-Star Batters

National League All-Star Pitchers

[MacIsaacM]

July 11-July 18

The Whitecaps

Weekly Record: 4-2 – Overall Record: 28-66

After the All-Star break has come and gone, and with some interesting roster changes with more pending, the Whitecaps began the second half of the season at home against the Oakland Athletics (45-43). Vancouver trailed early but had an explosive 7-run fifth inning, where Shane Peterson (.324/.375/.514), Carlos Santana (.237, 9 HR, 30 RBI) and recent call-up Aaron Luna all went deep, giving Justin Masterson his eighth win on the season.

In game 2 of the series, Josh Tomlin had a very bad day. Oakland led 8-1 after just 2 innings, although Vancouver would fight back to make the final 8-5. Vancouver left 13 men on base as Tomlin suffered his 12th loss, and no doubt management will be looking at what to do with him in the rotation. Aaron Luna and Shane Peterson, for the second straight game, both hit home runs.

In game 3, Joe Wieland got his first start since being added as a permanent member of the rotation. This was a treat to watch, as both pitchers held both line-ups scoreless through 5. Vancouver came out in the 6th with 3 runs thanks to a Brent Lillibridge (.248, 5 HR, 24 RBI) lined shot that just cleared the left field fence. From there, Wieland was lights out, impressing everyone with a 5 hit shutout, easily earning him Player of the Game honours.

After the game, Alex Gordon was finally eligible to come off the DL, which should prove as a huge boost to the Whitecaps. The final game against Oakland did nothing to help Dice-K’s trade stock. He allowed 6 runs off 7 hits to drop to 1-6, 7.21 ERA, and the bullpen did no better. With a final score of 13-4, Vancouver split the series with Oakland 2 games a piece. Alex Gordon went 1-5 in his first game back, and Mitch Moreland was 0-4 in his first game as DH.

The next opponent came in the form of familiar Texas. Justin Masterson was wonderful through 6, but ran into some trouble in the 7th. Justin Grimm eventually bailed him out, but a 6-0 lead dwindled to 6-4 heading into the 8th. Thankfully, Kelvin Herrera held the 8th and Greg Holland secured his 13th save as Vancouver won, 6-4. Matt Antonelli, whose recent struggles have relegated him to bench duty, had a 2-hit, 2-run ballgame.

The final game in this update was Josh Tomlin’s shot at redemption. This time, he found it. Tomlin went the distance, throwing a seven-hit shutout for his long-awaited 5th win of the season. Shane Peterson continued his tear, launching his 4th home run in 6 games, raising his average above .300.

Not a bad week for Vancouver! A positive record of 4-2, including 2 more wins against Texas.

Notable League Transactions

VAN TRADE: In a surprise move, Vancouver was able to move Dewayne Wise to Oakland for first baseman Daric Barton. Vancouver GM Michael MacIsaac is rumoured to have told those in his office that he was surprised when Billy Beane offered Barton when Wise was shopped around.
VAN TRADE: Alex Gordon was activated off the DL. To free up room, recently signed Hideki Matsui was traded to Texas for Mitch Moreland, having never taken an at-bat for the Whitecaps. The Whitecaps are now shopping first baseman Travis Ishikawa, who was demoted to AAA to make room for Moreland.
VAN: The Whitecaps claimed Eric Young Jr. off waivers from Colorado. Their plans for him remain unclear, but they just have one day to move both him and Salvador Perez before their 10 days on the DFA list runs out.
VAN: Brian Barton, Brooks Conrad, and Jaff Decker were demoted to AAA Polkton while Aaron Luna was placed on the active roster.
VAN: The Whitecaps are rumoured to be shopping around Dice-K.
TRADE: Adam Wainwright is no longer a Cardinal. St. Louis sent him to the Red Sox for minor leaguers Kolbrin Votek, Xander Bogaerts, Bryce Bentz, and Garin Cecchini.
TRADE: The Phillies have moved Hall-of-Fame candidate Jim Thome to Washington for starter Tom Gorzelanny.
TRADE: The Oakland Athletics sent Eric Sogard and minor leaguer Chad Lewis to Milwaukee for Taylor Green.
TRADE: Tampa Bay wasted no time moving one of their trade-blocked members, sending Kyle Farnsworth and minor leaguer Jake Hager to Baltimore for minor leaguer Jamie Hoffmann.
PHI: Shane Victorino signed a 6 year contract extension worth a whopping $90,000,000.
OAK: Bartolo Colon was demoted to AAA Sacramento.
BAL: Nick Johnson was designated for assignment.
WAS: Zach Duke was demoted to AAA Syracuse.
PHI: The contract of Scott Podsednik was purchased from AAA Tacoma.
STL: David Eckstein was demoted to AAA Memphis.
TOR: Kyle Drabek was demoted to AAA Las Vegas.
TOR: Travis Snider was recalled from AAA Las Vegas as J.D. Drew was retroactively placed on the 15 day DL.

League Injuries

BAL: Nick Markakis will miss 8-9 months with a torn labrum.
NYY: A huge piece of their puzzle was lost as Brett Gardner will miss at least the next two months after tearing a ligament in his thumb.
MIA: Giancarlo Stanton is going to miss 4 months on account of a fractured ankle.
NYY: Alex Rodriguez will be out 3-4 weeks with chronic back soreness.
MIL: In a huge blow, Ryan Braun will miss about 7 weeks with a strained hamstring.

League Suspensions

Other League News/Awards

PIT: Damaso Marte (24-27, 3.55 ERA, 36 SV lifetime), will retire at the end of the season.

Next Post: Updates on Standings and Line-ups!