MLB news roundup: Brewers, Matt Garza nearing deal completion
While the Brewers and Pirates sort out their pitching, another catcher may be moving from the position due to concussions.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Brewers and starting pitcher Matt Garza are expected to complete their deal within the next 48 hours, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.
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The two sides had reportedly agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal on Thursday, but there has been a holdup and the team felt the need to issue a statement saying no deal has been completed, though they were still talking to Garza’s representatives.
It appears whatever was causing a delay is nearly worked out, however. Ryan Braun, speaking at the Brewers fanfest on Sunday, said that there “may be a big announcement today. Maybe.” Braun and Garza are both represented by Nex Balelo.
Reportedly, the contract had not been finalized as there was still language that needed to be worked out. Garza did not have any issues that caused concern among Brewers’ staff during a physical.
UPDATE: Mark Attanasio announced at the team’s fanfest that they agree to a deal with the pitcher, but that the contract is still waiting for MLB’s final approval.
Pirates not going after other pitchers
The Pittsburgh Pirates do not plan on chasing any other free agent pitchers if A.J. Burnett decides to retire, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
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Burnett still has not made a decision whether he wants to pitch one more season or hang up his cleats to spend more time with his family. He is currently a free agent, though the consensus around baseball seems to be that if he does pitch again it will be for the Pirates. He may feel like he can take his time with several other top free agents still on the market.
Pittsburgh is reportedly planning on Burnett not being with the team going forward, however. If that changes, they will likely welcome him back, though.
Burnett, 37, was key to the Pirates making the playoffs last year. Over 30 starts he posted a 3.30 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. If he retires, the Pirates' rotation in 2014 will likely be comprised of Francisco Liriano, Gerrit Cole, Charlie Morton and two of Jeff Locke, Wandy Rodriguez and Edinson Volquez.
Ryan Doumit done with catching?
Ryan Doumit is not playing catcher anymore after a concussion in August caused him to miss time, reports Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer-Press.
Doumit played with the Twins last season, but was traded to the Atlanta Braves in December. After talking with his family, he came to the conclusion that his long-term health was more important than playing catcher. Thus, he has begun working at new positions.
The Braves acquired him partly in hopes that he could be a third catcher on the roster while also playing outfield and first base. That would provide more flexibility as they would feel more comfortable pinch-hitting for their catcher.
This is a similar situation to that of Twins' star Joe Mauer. A catcher for his entire career, Mauer suffered a concussion last year and decided it was best for his long-term health if he moved to first base permanently. Mauer claims he is not even keeping a catching glove handy anymore.
However, it sounds like all parties involved are not on the same page on this issue, according to David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. O’Brien reports that Atlanta general manager Frank Wren has heard nothing about Doumit’s supposed decision, and that the team acquired him to be a backup catcher in addition to playing first base and the corner outfield positions. Twins GM Terry Ryan claims that Doumit was available to catch last year and that he never expressed any reluctance to do so, via O’Brien, and the player’s agent stated that Doumit was still interested in catching just before the trade to the Braves.
Twins interest in Yoon waning?
The Minnesota Twins are still keeping tabs on Korean free agent Suk-Min Yoon, but do not appear to view him as an important piece, reports Berardino.
The Twins have been among teams with the most interest in Yoon this offseason, but with Ricky Nolasco, Phil Hughes and Mike Pelfrey signed, they do not have a pressing need for him.
Yoon had been a starting pitcher for most of his career in Korea before a mysterious shoulder injury forced him into the bullpen last year. It is unclear whether teams believe he would be a starter or reliever in the majors.
Yoon was the 2011 Korean Baseball Organization MVP with the Kia Tigers as he notched a 2.45 ERA and 1.05 WHIP while striking out 178 batters in a career-high 172 innings. In 2013, he had a 4.00 ERA as he worked through the shoulder injury.
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