Does it make sense to change a pitcher’s mechanics after two major league starts?
That’s what pitching coach Dan Warthen did. It was in response to Zack Wheeler’s second start in which he was apparently tipping his pitches. Mets TV analyst Ron Darling noticed that Wheeler was slowing down his motion when he threw his curveball. He made it a point to say he didn’t slow down his motion on his slider, just the curve. So was that worth an immediate mechanical adjustment?
Way back in the early days of this past December, I suggested that the Chicago White Sox could have interest in Francisco Rodriguez. The reaction was mixed — in terms of how realistic such a trade might be.
Yesterday, Christina Kharl made the exact same suggestion on the ESPN SweetSpot:
Yesterday was the non-tendering deadline, and as a result one of the biggest names to hit the free-agent market was White Sox closer Bobby Jenks.
This leaves the ChiSox without a legitimate 9th-inning man, since J.J. Putz is also a free agent.
The White Sox also have signed Adam Dunn to a 4-year deal, and re-signed catcher A.J. Pierzynski. It is also rumored that they will find a way to bring Paul Konerko back. Looking at these moves, and their heavily veteran roster, this team is built to win now — and GM Kenny Williams seems intent on improving upon last year’s 88-74 record by providing Ozzie Guillen with all the talent he needs.
It seems like an ideal situation for Francisco Rodriguez.
The Dodgers have traded Juan Pierre to the White Sox. What does this mean to the Mets?
The first free agents of this winter’s pool have agreed to terms with new teams: Alex Gonzalez has moved on to the Toronto Blue Jays, and both Andruw Jones and Omar Vizquel are moving from Texas to the Chicago White Sox.
How do these signings affect the Mets?
In a surprise move to bolster their pitching staff, the Mets have claimed Jack Egbert off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and added him to their 40-man roster. I say “surprise” because it’s rare to see a roster move this late in the season. To make room for Egbert, the Mets moved Fernando Martinez … Read more
MLBTradeRumors picked up this tidbit from the Chicago Sun-Times: Octavio Dotel said he approached the club about his immediate future and a contract extension last month and was told he wasn’t in the plans. The reliever at least appreciated the Sox being upfront with him. As he turns his attention to free agency, New York … Read more
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times (thanks to a link via MLBTradeRumors), Jermaine Dye does not have a future with the White Sox. Dye and the ChiSox have a mutual $12M option for 2010, and there is no way the Sox pick that up — not with the 35-year-old having the worst half-season … Read more
