Philly Sports News

The Dodgers have hired Dontrelle Willis as a special assistant in the player development department.  Willis made the announcement himself via Twitter, joking “Special assistant sounds dope even tho i don’t know what it means.”  A veteran of nine MLB seasons, the D-Train is best remembered for his time with the Marlins from 2003-07, a stint that included NL Rookie Of The Year … [Read more...] about NL Notes: Willis, Syndergaard, Myers

Mets President Sandy Alderson said that he expects extension talks with Francisco Lindor and Michael Conforto to begin soon, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). Both players are scheduled for free agency after the 2021 season. Lindor, for his part, has made clear that he will not negotiate an extension beyond opening day, so the window is now for Alderson and the … [Read more...] about East Notes: Mets, Orioles, Nationals

The Phillies payroll is roughly where it was last year – at least as long as they entertain rostering Brandon Kintzler and Tony Watson on opening day. A lot remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a possibility that the pair of veteran relievers makes the team. In that case, they would both make $3MM, pushing their luxury tax payroll close to $208MM, writes the Athletic’s Matt … [Read more...] about Phillies Likely Done Spending For Now

Xander Bogaerts will take a couple games off to rest a sore shoulder, per Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com (via Twitter). The Red Sox do not believe he should have any problem being ready for opening day. Bogaerts might be the most important position player on the roster, as Boston doesn’t have a ready-made everyday replacement for him at short. Christian Arroyo started one game … [Read more...] about Red Sox Notes: Bogaerts, Latest Investment News, Closer Competition

The shoulder impingement that slowed Eric Lauer last March was more serious than reported at the time, as the Brewers southpaw tells MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy and other reporters that there was actually a tear to the shoulder capsule of his throwing arm, as later tests revealed.  The shutdown allowed time for Lauer to recover physically, but he then missed two weeks of Summer Camp … [Read more...] about NL Central Notes: Lauer, Cubs, Hoyer, Pirates

After a difficult start to his career, White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito established himself as a bona fide top-of-the-rotation starter over the previous two seasons. The 26-year-old now looks like a long-term cornerstone for the franchise, though it doesn’t appear either side has aggressively pursued a contract extension. “There haven’t really been discussions about an … [Read more...] about Lucas Giolito On Potential Extension

Catching up on the latest minor league transactions… Newest Moves The Yankees announced that they’ve outrighted outfielder Greg Allen to Triple-A. Allen, whom the Yankees designated last week, will remain in MLB camp. The Yankees acquired Allen from San Diego in January, but he lost his roster spot when the team signed reliever Justin Wilson. Allen, 27, has batted … [Read more...] about Minor MLB Transactions: 3/1/21

After months and months of waiting, Phillies fans were finally able to watch their squad play some actual baseball earlier this afternoon. Taking on the Baltimore Orioles in a seven inning affair that finished 4-4, Joe Girardi and the rest of his coaching staff had yet another opportunity to evaluate some of their team’s starters, […] Phillies stock watch: Matt Joyce’s power … [Read more...] about Phillies stock watch: Matt Joyce’s power highlights tie against Baltimore