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Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

On January 1, Major League Baseball followed in the footsteps of the NFL and NHL by unveiling its own channel -- the MLB Network.If you don't already know what this exactly is, MLBNetwork.com's about page helps:MLB Network stands for Major League Baseball Network, which means access to more baseball than America's ever seen! This new 24-hour network delves into the world of baseball, going far beyond the field. Fans can tune in at any time for fresh perspectives, current news, the latest trade rumors, pre and post-game banter, highlights and more.Again, if you've seen the NFL or NHL networks, just picture those and think baseball. I wasn't sure if I'd receive the channel (I get the NFL network, but not the NHL), so I was surprised to see it coming in through my satellite. Obviously, I checked it out.I was impressed with my first viewing. The first show I saw...

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Cordero to audition for teams.

By Sean Heyboer | January 6, 2009 | Trumbull and Michigan

Chad Cordero is feeling healthy and will throw for a few interested teams in the very near future it seems. According to the report, the interested teams are the Angels, Mets, Rangers, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Tigers. I am hoping the Mets and Angels will pass on him due to their Fuentes signing and K-Rod/Putz signing respectively. I have said it before, but Cordero could be a great fit - if healthy.-s...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chad Cordero, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Tigers

Fourth Outfielder Candidates: Eric Byrnes

By Ryne Crabb | December 31, 2008 | Fire Brand of the American League

Is Byrnes the guy the Sox need? (Photo by Ztil301)

Concluding our series on the fourth outfielder today is Eric Byrnes, the erstwhile outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Unlike the first two candidates, Byrnes is not a free agent, but Arizona has given indications he would be available for a team willing to take his contract. Let's take a look at Byrnes as a fourth outfielder candidate. First off, why would an up and rising team like Arizona want to unload a 32 year old outfielder who can play all three positions and just two years ago finished 11th in MVP voting? Clearly, it's because the Diamondbacks are run by the United States Congress.

Read more | 10 Comments | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, MLB

Chris Burke non-tendered, get him, Theo!

By Evan | December 12, 2008 | Fire Brand of the American League

Burke (in air) -- grovesa16

With the news that Chris Burke is going to be non-tendered tonight, he immediately becomes the top option to fill the spot of backup infielder on the Red Sox.

Read more | 11 Comments | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, MLB

James Skelton is a former Tiger prospect

By Matt Wallace | December 11, 2008 | Take 75 North

Well, what I had chalked up as nearly inevitable happened in the Rule 5 draft. James Skelton was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks. My acceptance of his being available deflects some of my disappointment, but it's really just poor roster management that allowed this to happen. I'm not saying Skelton is going to be an All Star. I'm just saying it was a bad risk to let him go for nothing, and I think there are a number of players on the roster right now who'd I'd rather have seen made available. As for Skelton himself, I wish him the best. I've followed him closely over the last couple years, and even interviewed his father, which started a fairly regular correspondence. I've argued for quite a while now that I think "too small to catch" is just a self-perpetuating baseball myth, and even though he'll have to do it elsewhere...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Detroit Tigers, Diamondbacks, Rule 5 draft, Tigers

Morning Rumor Roundup: Lugo for Byrnes

By Tim Daloisio | December 11, 2008 | Fire Brand of the American League

ESPN's Steve Phillips is reporting that the Red Sox are in conversations with the Arizona Diamondbacks surrounding a Julio Lugo for Eric Byrnes swap. Byrnes is due $11 million dollars in 2009 and 2010 and would be brought in to replace Coco Crisp in the fourth outfielder role. He could also, in theory, provide some coverage in the outfield in 2010 should the Red Sox and Jason Bay part ways after this season.

This deal would likely not involve the Red Sox absorbing any of Julio Lugo's contract. Lugo is due $9 million dollars in both 2009 and 2010.

With the Red Sox apparent waning interest in Rocco Baldelli and their desire to move Julio Lugo, I think this rumor has merit.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Arizona catcher Miguel Montero added to this mix in a larger deal involving a young Red Sox pitcher.

Read more | 10 Comments | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Eric Byrnes, Hot Stove, Julio Lugo, Miguel Montero, MLB

Royals Offer Arbitration To Grudz

By Craig Brown | December 1, 2008 | Royals Authority

EDIT: I changed the title... Because it was wrong. :)So the Royals offered salary arbitration to Mark Grudzielanek. This would be a horrible move for the Royals, but there's this:""I'm probably 95 percent, 98 percent sure I'm going to pass on it."Whew.That's the only reason this move makes any kind of sense. You can be certain that GMDM and Grudz talked this over and the Royals (former) 2B gave his assurances that he would decline the offer. There's no way arbitration is offered if the Royals thought Grudz would accept. At least I'll tell myself that's the case. Because if it's not, I would be extremely disappointed in how this organization operates. Grudz has been making noises over the last several months that it's more important that he finish his career with a contender, rather than a fat wallet. Of course, he would probably like both. Who wouldn't?In 326 career...

Read more | 10 Comments | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals, MLB

Peter Gammons checks in with Fire Brand

By Evan | December 1, 2008 | Fire Brand of the American League

Peter Gammons - 64Jazzbass

Peter Gammons stops by Fire Brand to answer a few questions. He cautions not to write off David Ortiz and muses about an Eric Byrnes and Miguel Montero to Boston trade.

Read more | 57 Comments | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, MLB, Texas Rangers

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

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Hot Stove Dishes - November 22, 2008

By Brian Joseph | November 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The latest buzz served up from baseball's Hot Stove League. Ten of the hottest stories, moves and rumors from the past week: The Giants are the dark horse to be big time players this offseason.Out of nowhere, rumors swirled that the Giants would be inserting themselves into the CC Sabathia chase. San Francisco already went out and signed one of the better lefty relievers on the market. Besides Sabathia, the Giants are after Edgar Renteria and might jump into the fray on another higher end infielder to fill their middle infield needs. If the Giants land Sabathia, they would instantly be contenders in the National League West. Mike Mussina retires!We can move on from the discussion of will Mike Mussina return to the Yankees or not for 2009 since he officially announced his retirement this week. The 270-game winner now will be discussed based on his merits for Hall of...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, CC Sabathia, Chase Utley, Edgar Renteria, Francisco Rodriguez, Joe Beimel, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mike Hampton, Mike Mussina, MLB, MLB Playoffs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Ramon Vazquez, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Trever Miller

Being the GM: 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks

By Evan | October 27, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Randy Johnson - SD Dirk

No one's discounting this team out, not with talent the likes of Stephen Drew, Chris Young, Justin Upton and the two-headed pitching monster of Brandon Webb and Dan Haren.Read more

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB

MLB Power Rankings

By Daniel Rathman | September 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The MLB Power Rankings will run on Outsider every Monday night until the conclusion of the regular season.� This is the second-to-last edition of the Rankings; next Monday's edition will be the last.� The final week of the regular season is upon us.� Yeah, already.� Hard to believe, isn't it?� The Halos, Rays, and Cubs are into the playoffs.� The Dodgers and Red Sox are, for all practical purposes, in.� Two of the Mets, Phillies, and Brewers will make it, as will either the White Sox or Twins.� All the other teams will be hitting their La-Z-Boys when the final outs of their games are recorded on Sunday.� Here's how the league stacks up in the penultimate edition of the Power Rankings. Note: some of the statistics and records below are through SATURDAY's games. 1.� Los Angeles Angels, 95-59 With the AL West division locked up and home-field advantage essentially...Read more

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