The Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox pulled the trigger on a deal sending centerfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher to the White Sox in exchange for three minor leaguers from the White Sox system.

AP sports reporter Josh Dubrow reports for Yahoo sports;

The White Sox are hoping that the addition of Swisher will help them rebound from a 72-90 season and get back to the level they were at when they won the 2005 World Series.

The 27-year-old Swisher batted .262 with 22 homers and 78 RBIs in 150 games in 2007, his third full big league season. He also drew 100 walks, ranking him sixth in the AL, for a career-best .381 on-base percentage.

Swisher’s patience could be an important addition to the White Sox, who were last in the majors in 2007 with a .318 on-base percentage.

The interesting thing about Swisher’s stats is that he knows how to work walks.  In 2006, his 2nd full MLB season, he worked 97 walks vs 152 strikeouts while hitting .254 and had a .372 OBP while hitting 35 homers and driving in 95 runs.  In 2007, he worked 100 walks, but cut down his strikeouts to 131.

AP also reports that free agent starting pitcher Matt Clement and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to terms of a 1 year, $1.5M deal laden with incentives.

Clement had missed last season while recovering from shoulder surgery and had last pitched for the Boston Red Sox in 2006 compiling a 5-5 record in 12 games compiling an 6.61 ERA, on the high side of Adam Eaton.

The AP post reported;

The 33-year-old right-hander is 87-86 with a 4.47 ERA in nine major league seasons with San Diego, Florida, the  Chicago Cubs and Boston. An AL All-Star in 2005 with the Red Sox, he made at least 30 starts in each of his first seven full big league seasons from 1999-2005 before shoulder problems limited him to 12 starts for Boston in 2006.

Clement gets a $1.25 million salary this year and can earn an additional $5.25 million in performance bonuses, receiving the full amount if he pitches 200 innings.

The Cardinals have an $8.75 million option for 2009 with a $250,000 buyout. The option would increase to $9 million and the buyout $500,000 if Clement reaches 160 innings this season; $9.5 million and $1 million for 180 innings; and $10 million and $1.5 million for 200 innings.

The option would become $11 million and the buyout $2 million if Clement finishes in the top five in 2008 Cy Young Award balloting.

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Baseball news over the past few weeks has mostly centered around the bidding for a Johan Santana trade, the Mitchell steroids inquiry and allegations of usage against Roger “the Rocket” Clemens, Barry Bonds,  Andy Pettitte and others as well as the baseball pundits regarding the Hall of Fame Class of 2008. 

Boston slugger David “Big Papi” Ortiz, one of Santana’s closest friends  recently indicated to the media that he “doesn’t think Boston will make a deal for the pitcher.”

Meanwhile, new Yankees boss Hank Steinbrenner, upon returning to his office after the holidays and working on a possible deal, is quoted by NY Daily News sports writer Anthony McCarron as saying;

“I think the Twins realize our offer is the best one,” Steinbrenner said Wednesday in a telephone interview. “I feel confident they’re not going to trade him before checking with us one last time and I think they think we’ve already made the best offer.”

Steinbrenner said the offer “does not include two of the three young pitchers” - Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, from a group that also includes untouchable Joba Chamberlain - “but it’s still the best one. And let’s face it, we’re the best able to handle the kind of contract (extension) Santana will be after.”

Steinbrenner would not divulge the Yanks’ offer, but multiple reports have pegged it as Hughes, outfielder Melky Cabrera, pitching prospect Jeff Marquez and another prospect. Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, probably would require a huge extension with his potential new team to waive his no-trade clause. Some reports have said it could be as much as six years for $120 million.

Wow, I can still remember the joint holdouts of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale in 1966 where they haggled with the Dodgers and ended up with 1 year deals for a total of roughly 1% of the projected of Santana’ projected pay for a single season.  Drysdale probably made more for his TV segments on the Brady Bunch.

Meanwhile, the Yanks senior vice president Steinbrenner has turned thumbs-down on re-signing steroids allegation-besieged Roger Clemens.  NY Daily News sports writer McCarron reports;

“I’m not signing Clemens,” Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ senior vice president, said in a telephone interview yesterday. He said the Yanks are not looking for rotation stopgaps - like they were last season - because they are so enamored of their young starting pitchers. And Steinbrenner feels the Yanks already have a strong mentor to the young arms in Andy Pettitte, whom Steinbrenner praised for his “veteran leadership.

“Andy is (signed) for one year and he’s only 35 and he knows how to pitch in the big games,” Steinbrenner said. “Roger does, too, but let’s face it, he’s going to be 46 (in August).

“Pettitte is just as good with the young pitchers, though Clemens was great with the young kids last year. I don’t think Roger is going to come back anyway.”

Hmmm, Clemens not signed for 2008?  How would “the Rocket” look in red pinstripes?  Perhaps mentoring young lefty ace Cole Hamels and spot starting instead of Adam Eaton and his nuclear mushroom ERA?  But, alas, I don’t think that the Phillies have $28M for a handful of starts.

And speaking of HGH and other steroids, I’m just bored to tears with all of the Mitchell investigations’ machinations regarding Clemens and the others.  Aside from tangently mentioning the HGH/steroids issue here, this blog steers clear of all such steriods discussion and conjecture and sticks to MLB purism.

Personally, I’d rather see a few certain “too tired” political leaders shot up with steroids — it might endow them with some strong backbone.

And here are some of the Hall of Fame 2008 class of candidates.  We once again find lefthanded starter Tommy John, imposing reliever Goose Gossage, outfielders Jim Rice, slugger Mark McGwire, Andre “the Hawk” Dawson, pitcher Bert Blyleven, shortstop Dave Concepcion and Dave Parker all vying for the Hall along  with first-time candidates shortstop Shawon Dunston and pitcher Jack Morris, base-stealer extraordinaire Tim Raines and dominant reliever Robb Nen.

Tuesday, January 8 is Hall of Fame selection announcement day.  As always, “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” should be interesting.

Finally, I’m waiting for the 2008 version of Jimmy Rollins setting the stage announcement that the Phillies are once again the team to beat in the NL East.  See ya Mets, wouldn’t wanna be ya!

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Free Agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins, who filled a middle relief and set-up role for the Colorado Rockies in 2007, agreed to contract terms of $3.75 million, 1 year with the New York Yankees who solidified their bullpen behind future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera.  The trade helped the Yanks move closer to being in position to transfer youngster Joba Chamberlain to the starter rotation.

The AP report on the deal for Yahoo Sports provides background on the deal;

Hawkins, who turned 35 last Friday, was 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA last season for the Colorado Rockies. He made $3.25 million and Colorado declined a $3.75 million option, choosing to pay a $250,000 buyout.

New York’s middle relievers struggled last season, with Kyle Farnsworth and Luis Vizcaino pitching inconsistently for long stretches. The Yankees converted Joba Chamberlain, a starter in the minors, into a reliever for the final two months of the season. Chamberlain became Mariano Rivera’s primary setup man, but New York plans on including Chamberlain in its starting rotation next year.

Vizcaino agreed to a $7.5 million, two-year contract with the  NL champion Rockies this month.

Hawkins was consistent in both middle relief and set-up roles with the Rockies in 2007 posting a 25 mark with a 3.42 ERA.  A 12 year veteran who began his career as a starter and who posted a career mark of 56-76 with 75 saves and a 4.68 ERA, Hawkins posted his best years in 2002 (6-0, 80 1/3 inn., 2.13 ERA) and 2003 (9-3, 2 SV, 77 1/3 inn., 1.86 ERA) with the Minnesota Twins and with the Chicago Cubs in 2004 (5-4, 25 SV, 82 inn., 2.63 ERA).

Hawkins raised some eyebrows on New York talk radio while being questioned about the impact of steroids.  He responded to questions about allegations against Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens this way;

“It’s not any of my business. First of all the thing is I don’t care. Only person cared about that was [Commissioner Bud] Selig. I don’t care about it. That’s just my own personal opinion.”

Then when asked if he cared “if hitters are juicing up,” he responded;

“No, I don’t. That’s just my personal opinion. Still got to hit the ball, brother.”

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The San Diego Padres announced a $1 million, 1 year deal with free agent  oft-injured former Chicago Cubs starter Mark Prior according to the team’s Wednesday press release.

Prior, who was a second year sensation going 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and striking out 245 batters while walking only 50 while leading the Cubs to the  NL Central Division title in 2003.    

But amidst a string of injuries at least as long as his righthanded pitching arm spanning from mid-season 2003 through the 2007 season, Prior saw abreviated service in 2004, came back in 2005 with a decent season recording an 11-7 mark with a 3.67 ERA and 188 strikeouts in 166 2/3 innings but his ERA mushroomed to 7.21 in 2006 with a 1-6 record.  Prior was out with for the entire 2007 season having had shoulder surgery in April and is only expected to return to the MLB in May, 2008.

Prior received many offers ranging from minor league contracts to lucrative multi-year offers but chose the Padres as Union-Tribune staff writer Bill Center reports;

Not that the Padres exactly outbid other clubs for the 27-year-old right-hander.

Over the past two weeks, 13 other clubs contacted Prior. The offers for what many teams viewed as damaged goods – remember, Prior missed the entire 2007 season – ranged from minor league contracts to multiseason deals.

“Houston made a valiant attempt,” said Prior, who also said  St. Louis, the New York Mets and Texas Rangers made lucrative proposals.

But Prior opted to come home for a variety of reasons, including – in no particular order – San Diego (where he lives year-round); the pitcher-friendly dimensions of Petco Park; the Padres training staff; a chance to pitch with former teammate Greg Maddux, Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy and all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, and the chance to pitch on a team managed by a former pitcher and former pitching coach.

“Bud Black was one of the reasons why San Diego was such a good fit,” said Prior. “Playing for someone who understands what a pitcher goes through . . . that was another aspect that was definitely appealing.”

The acquisition of San Diego hometown boy Prior makes the Padres starting rotation, which is rounded out by young Chris Young, one of the most imposing in the National League on paper.

ESPN’s Buster Olney records Padres’ management’s reactions to Prior’s acquisition and recollects Prior’s 2003 post-season with the Cubs;

“Mark Prior is a competitor and is working hard to regain the form that made him one of the great young pitchers in the game,” general manager Kevin Towers told The Associated Press. “We are confident he is going to help us in our rotation this season. It’s exciting that Mark is coming home to San Diego to pitch for the Padres.”

 ”I think it’s a great day for the Padres and for Mark,” manager Bud Black said. “It strengthens an already strong pitching staff. Whenever he’s able to take the mound, we feel we have an impact guy to step in and help our staff.”

He has been throwing on flat ground, and to date, has been free of pain since his surgery.

 In 2003, Prior nearly pitched the Cubs to their first World Series appearance since 1945. He took a 3-0 lead into the eighth inning against Florida in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series before the Marlins rallied for eight runs and an 8-3 victory at Wrigley Field.

Florida also won Game 7 in Chicago and went on to beat the  New York Yankees in the World Series.

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The Phillies announced Sunday that they moved to consolidate and add flexibility to their outfield as well as to gain a pinch-hitting threat in signing a one year deal with former St. Louis Cardinal So Taguchi. The deal reportedly also includes an option for 2009.

Not only does utilityman Taguchi bring a career batting average of .283 to the Phillies, AP’s report for Yahoo sports notes that “he led all National League pinch hitters with a .406 (13-32) batting average” and MLB.com’s Ken Mandel reports that right-handed-hitting Taguchi is a .284 hitter in 120 career pinch-hit appearances.

Last season, Taguchi hit .290 getting 89 hits in 307 at bats in 130 games for the Cardinals. 

Mandel further notes that;

Taguchi’s greatest value to manager Charlie Manuel is his ability to play all three outfield positions, and be a longer-term solution in center field should Shane Victorino suffer an injury such as the strained right calf that cost him most of the final two months of 2007.

Taguchi completes a five-man bench that also consists of  Jayson Werth, catcher Chris Coste, Eric Bruntlett and whoever doesn’t start at third between Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms.

The AP report also notes;

As a member of the World Series champion Cardinals in 2006, Taguchi hit .400 (6-15) with two home runs and four RBI in the playoffs. He started in three of the five World Series games.

“Taguchi gives our team more defensive versatility in the outfield,” Assistant General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said in a statement released by the team. “And he has proven over his career that he can get key hits in big situations.”

And so another Japanese ballplayer is acquired pre-emptively by the Phillies so as to not skip a beat should Victorino go down with injury, just as 2nd baseman Tadahito Iguchi was acquired by trade and performed after starting 2nd baseman Chase Utley went down.

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The Phillies announced on Wednesday that they have acquired both former Milwaukee Brewers free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins and veteran journeyman pitcher Chad Durbin.

With the signing of Jenkins, the Phillies moved to compensate for the loss of centerfielder Aaron Rowand who recently signed a 4 year, $60 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.

Ticker reports on the probable Jenkins contract terms and backgound for Yahoo sports;

According to the report, the contract is believed to be worth $13 million. The deal also includes a third year vesting option on plate appearances that could increase the total package to $20 million.

Jenkins, 33, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Milwaukee Brewers. He became a free agent after this past season when the team declined his $9 million contract option.

After losing center fielder Aaron Rowand in free agency and trading speedy outfielder Michael Bourn to the Houston Astros…, the Phillies have been looking for a lefthanded bat to share time with Jayson Werth in right field.

A career .277 hitter with 212 home runs, Jenkins could be a fit for the Phillies, who play their home games at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park.

In 132 games last season, Jenkins batted .255 with 21 homers and 64 RBI.

Associated Press Writer Randy Pennell reports on how the Phillies project Jenkins’ role;

“He can play right or left field and will give Charlie lineup options on an everyday basis,” general manager Pat Gillick said, referring to manager Charlie Manuel.

ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick adds;

By signing Jenkins, the Phillies are now committing to Shane Victorino as their regular center fielder.

Also signed was veteran righthanded pitcher Chad Durbin, who finished 8-7 with a 4.72 ERA in both starter and relief rolls for the Detroit Tigers last season.   He started 19 games, had 17 relief appearances recording his one career save.

AP’s Randy Pennell reports;

In eight major league seasons, Durbin is 25-37 with a 5.75 ERA in 114 games.

With brother J.D. Durbin already on the roster from last season, the team now has a corner, a monopoly on all of the Durbins in MLB.

Phillies Nation’s Tim Malcolm reports that there are already pundits penciling in this Durbin as the Phils’ No. 5 starter.  Heaven help us all!

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