Hey, Simmer down here folks!

[renny]

ESPN - Twins ask for last offers, with decision coming soon - MLB



Executives involved in the Johan Santana trade talks expect the Minnesota Twins to make their decision soon, perhaps as early as Tuesday, on what they intend to do with the left-handed superstar, after the team asked on Monday for last and best offers from teams involved in the trade talks.

The Twins could weigh the offers and decide to keep Santana into spring training, in the hope that a more aggressive market for the left-hander develops.

For instance: If Andy Pettitte's involvement in the Roger Clemens-Mitchell report case seems to be distracting the left-hander, Hank Steinbrenner -- who has been the most prominent member of the Yankees organization in favor of making a Santana trade -- could spur the team to give the Twins the package they have requested, which includes pitchers Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Or if the Red Sox suffered multiple pitching injuries, they might push for a Santana deal.

Or the Twins, who just signed Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to extensions totaling $104 million, might prefer to turn the page and make a deal now. The Mets have the most obvious need for Santana and reason to be the most aggressive, and have indicated a willingness to offer a package of four or five players.

[pfiggy]

Free agent Ryan Klesko told former teammate Chipper Jones that he's opted for retirement.
The Red Sox were believed to have some interest in Klesko before signing Sean Casey, but no one else had gone public with any desire to add him. The 37-year-old Klesko hit .260/.344/.401 in 362 at-bats for the Giants last season.

[LongtimeBravesFan]

Would anyone want him back if he didn't cost too much? I wouldn't mind.

[Snowman]

I would. He has absolutely nothing left in his tank. As much as I dislike Thorman, he and Klesko are about the same player at this point, and he makes the league minimum, something to which I don't think Klesko would ever agree.

[jpx7]

<i>"Free agent Ryan Klesko told former teammate Chipper Jones that he's opted for retirement."</i>

I liked to see Chipper (supposedly) communicating directly with the pfans through these internets — and O'Brien's blog got the scoop, as opposed to any of the other possible venue for "insider" message-boarding.

[Snowman]

From the truth really is stranger than fiction department:

Rowand gives Giants a hard-nosed and upbeat presence in center field

"He walks the walk," general manager Brian Sabean said. "He said he was going to be as outgoing as he possibly could. He's still a young guy, too, so that's what's interesting. While he's had a lot of great baseball experience, we liked him for his love of the game, his respect for the game."

Yup, Rowand is only 31. Barely out of diapers, man. But here's the good news:

Bochy is planning to use Rowand in the No. 5 hole of the batting order, behind new cleanup hitter Bengie Molina, who's in Bonds' old spot.

They're letting a real man hit cleanup. .275/.309/.411 lifetime, .276/.298/.433 last year.

Watch out, National League!

[bedir than average]

31 is young for the Giants

[Snowman]

Yeah, that's what I found funny about it. It's almost like Sabean is in on the joke at this point.

[pfiggy]

pFrom the AUC:

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Jeff Francoeur added 17 pounds over the offseason and came to camp at 239, and it's obvious that he didn't gain that weight sitting on the couch eating pizza. The young rightfielder is "ripped," as the players say, noticeably more muscular in his shoulders, neck and legs.

"He's country strong," said new Braves center fielder Mark Kotsay, an 11-year veteran. "One of his legs is bigger than both of mine."

[Perfect Cell]

Cant say i like that news. Getting all bulked up on beefcake pills from the local GNC at buckhead will only lead to him getting slower, less athletic and hurting him defensively

[Snowman]

They gotta have something at the GNC that's supposed to help your eyes, don't they?

[Snowman]

B**t B***e comes out of retirement, signs MLC with Nats


This should warm the cockles of Mike Adams' heart.

[Snowman]

From Rotoworld:

Reds manager Dusty Baker has already decided he doesn't like Joey Votto's approach at the plate.

The approach that led to a .321/.360/.548 line and 17 RBI in 84 at-bats following his callup last season. "He needs to swing some more," Baker said. "I talked to him about that. Strikeouts aren't the only criteria. I'd like to see him more aggressive." Baker doesn't want Votto, Adam Dunn or anyone else taking called third strikes. "I really, really hate the called third strike," Baker said. "I hate that. You're guess and you ain't ready to hit." That Scott Hatteberg rarely strikes out makes Votto a particularly risky pick this year.

[pfiggy]

Dusty may be the worst manager in the history of history.....Someday someone is gonna take his toothpick and shove it up his ass sideways.

[renny]

couple of tidbits from Dave O'Brien's blog:

Talked to Edgar Renteria briefly by the batting cage, before a Tigers PR guy asked us to not talk to Tigers players until after the workout. Edgar looks good, though his average (.176, 3-for-17) does not.

Tigers writers said he’s played well in the field, been great in the clubhouse, etc. Leyland said he’s been so-so on the field, but he has no concerns about Edgar, knows what a player he is after having him in Florida years ago.

Oh, and Bowman and I are talking to Edgar when Jeff Francoeur walks over to greet his former teammate. Edgar looks at him and says playfully, “What’s wrong with you? You’re getting fat.”

Francoeur put on 17 pounds this winter, up to 239, but anyone who’s seen him knows it’s hardly fat. He’s ripped. There are a couple of Braves with bellies to work off, but he’s not one of them.

Speaking of bellies, how ‘bout that L.A. Times story about Andruw? Let’s just say, he’s not hitting his weight so far. Actually, he’s not hitting half his weight. Oy. Even Joe Torre said folks have noticed, though he added that Andruw gets benefit of doubt for now, based on his track record.

...if anyone thought the pressure was on last year... it's only gonna get worse...