Ben Maller’s Sports Rumors & Notes

Rumors Archive for February 26, 2007

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NBA Rumors & Notes

Monday, February 26, 2007

That was the sound of the other boot dropping in Minnesota last week when at the end of a casual conversation about the Timberwolves again not making any key moves at the trading deadline, Kevin Garnett said: "We made no moves. Typical." Garnett added in an aside: "Thank God for opt-outs." He later insisted he said "opts," whatever that means, and Minnesota officials declared Garnett to be happy about everything. The Wolves are staring in the face of the scenario many predicted—Garnett walking away after 2007-08 without any compensation. It was why it made so much more sense for the going-nowhere T'wolves to deal Garnett by last week. With one season left before he can opt out of his deal, no team can now afford to give up much for Garnett. A team, like the Bulls, cannot afford to give up any of its starters for a player who might be with them just one season. Garnett has a home in Malibu and it has long been speculated he'll end up playing with the Lakers' Kobe Bryant and for Phil Jackson after next season. It was one thing if you could have him for two playoff runs, but for one season makes no sense to make a major deal.

Reports continue out of Minneapolis that Flip Saunders is going to be the next coach at the University of Minnesota next season, even though he has two years and $9 million left on his Pistons contract. Sid Hartman, long-time columnist at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, citing former Gophers coach Dan Monson as his source, reported that a deal already is in place to make Saunders the next coach. "That's ridiculous," Saunders said before the game Sunday. "That's not true." When told that similar stories about Brown leaving while under contract with the Pistons enraged Davidson, Saunders said, "It would make me mad, too. ... If anything were ever to come up, I would talk to him right away. But there is nothing to discuss." On top of that, Pistons president Joe Dumars never has been asked, by anybody from the university for permission to speak to Saunders.

The Bobcats have the league's lowest payroll and sagging attendance. There's speculation they'll pursue the Nets' Vince Carter, who is from North Carolina, and coach Larry Brown, another former Tar Heel.

Scottie Pippen continues to roam the periphery of the Lakers' radar, although there doesn't seem to be a dramatic sense of urgency to get to him. "I'll probably do that when I get back after this weekend," Jackson said Sunday. "I'm sure there are other people out there that have needs like ours with their injuries and they know his experience. I know that he's looking to help a team that's a winning team. He didn't mention us [yet] but mentioned some teams that were poised to make a playoff run. I haven't heard from him."

The Bulls still are considering adding size with Andres Nocioni out roughly a month with plantar fasciitis. The likely contract casualty would be guard Andre Barrett. Scratch Toni Kukoc and Luke Schenscher off the list of possibilities. Kukoc is enjoying retirement; Schenscher isn't being considered. Some wing players enjoying solid seasons in the NBA's Development League are Jeremy Richardson, Stephen Graham and former Illinois standout Roger Powell Jr.

Steve Francis is out again, and it is entirely possible that he will not play for the Knicks again, either because of injury or other factors. Francis cited a flare-up of knee tendinitis and sat out Sunday’s game. He was not ready to declare his season over, but he would not rule it out either. The team made no mention of knee troubles until just before Sunday’s game. Since the Knicks have been unable to trade Francis, a contract buyout seems likely.

Since the NBA's trade deadline passed, Chucky Atkins and Damon Stoudamire's names have appeared in numerous internet reports that suggest they are the most likely to seek contract buyouts because of the Grizzlies' youth movement. "Not me," Stoudamire said as the Griz prepared to face the Denver Nuggets tonight in FedExForum. "I'm here. Nothing happened at the trade deadline but I didn't expect anything to happen. I signed here (as a free agent in 2005) so if I ever get moved it's because they want to move me. I'm not going to ask anybody to get out. I signed up for this and with it come the good and the bad." ... "Why would I want a buyout? I don't want a buyout," Atkins said. "The Memphis Grizzlies showed a commitment to me last summer and they had an option to trade me but didn't. So I'm here the rest of the year. I don't want any parts of a buyout. I want to finish as strong as I possibly can and help these young guys."

On his name coming up in trade reports, particularly to the Nets, Channing Frye said, "I'm very happy here in New York. I hope I can stay here my whole career. I feel I have a place here in New York."

Pat Riley confirmed a report that said the Heat and Grizzlies were discussing a trade for veteran point guard Chucky Atkins before last Thursday's trade deadline. Riley said the reason the Heat did not acquire Atkins was because the Grizzlies were insisting Miami also take Stromile Swift in the deal. ''That's a good deal, but Stromile's got four years under contract that we just didn't want to digest,'' Riley said. ``That's not where we want to go with our future money.''

The next big player day is Thursday's waiver deadline, when players must be waived to be on playoff rosters. Steve Francis, Jamaal Magloire, Flip Murray and Chucky Atkins are some who have been talked about being bought out.

Rod Thorn, the Nets’ president, recently said that Vince Carter told him before the season that he wanted to be a free agent. Carter can opt out of the final year of his contract at the end of the season. Thorn’s comment brought much attention and speculation to what Carter’s plans would be after the season. After the Nets’ victory against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Carter said in an on-court television interview: “We’re going to try to work it out. Hopefully, I can be a Net for years to come.” But Carter has maintained all season that he is not thinking about his contract situation and that he would let his agent, Kurt Schoeppler, take care of it.

Glen Taylor has always expressed confidence that Kevin Garnett will finish his career with the Timberwolves. And the owner of the team hasn't changed his mind. Taylor said he wasn't aware that Garnett, unhappy that the Wolves didn't make a deal at the NBA trading deadline, told the local press, "Thank God for opt-outs," referring to the fact that he can exercise his opt-out clause to become a free agent after next season. "I didn't hear what Kevin said, and I just prefer not to comment on it because some of the things you say during emotional times," Taylor said. The relationship between Taylor and Garnett has been very good, and Taylor has always questioned whether another team could pay Garnett what he draws from the Wolves. The problem Garnett faces is that there isn't a team in the league who can pay him what the Wolves do. And if Garnett wanted to finish his career with a ring, he would have to take a substantial cut unless the league dramatically changes its salary cap rules.

Sooner or later, it seems likely the Cavs will end up trading Drew Gooden. The contract he signed last summer was built to make him easier to move. Not only is it short term -- three years -- but it's reasonable at less than $7 million per season. Because he has the ability to score from the low post, rebounds well and doesn't make waves in the locker room, he has lots of value for a big man.

On the one hand, the Celtics are 1-6 with Paul Pierce back in the lineup. On the other, well, that’s not really Paul Pierce. “I’m not there yet,” Pierce said. “I still get fatigued. I don’t have a lot of lift in my legs. I can’t rebound the ball like I want to. I can’t elevate. And that’s all part of my game. But if I look at the last two months of maybe about three practices, I really just pretty much jumped into the games. I’m just trying to work my way back into shape as I play. There’s not much I can do except get thrown into the fire.” In the public eye, Pierce is pretty much in a no-win situation. He was criticized for being out on the town during his absence. And, after rushing back when he easily could have skipped the three games before All-Star Weekend, he’s now catching some heat for his ineffectiveness.

Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy said Yao Ming's practices and shootarounds have not made his return seem close enough to distract. "What we've seen in the brief things he's able to do with us, you get the sense he's a lot further away from playing NBA basketball than maybe the timetables would suggest," Van Gundy said at Sunday's game at Orlando. "He does not look comfortable at all with the brace. He does not look agile. Last year, he looked on the cusp of (returning). To me, he looks like we have problems to solve there to get him back. "He has to wear this cumbersome brace. He feels that's a huge issue to his mobility, to his jumping, to his natural running gait. He's worrying about hurting something else because of the change to his natural running gait. There are a lot of issues I think right now. He doesn't look like he did last year when he came back."

The Clippers' Corey Maggette survived another trading deadline day. The one player who has been discussed in more trade speculation in recent years than any other was rumored to be going to the Jazz, who signed him to an offer sheet two years ago. That deal could be revisited around draft time or next February, when Maggette again will lead the league in trade talk.

People who know say just before last summer's NBA draft, the Timberwolves could have traded Kevin Garnett, who turns 31 this spring, to the Chicago Bulls for 7-foot-1, 235-pound Tyson Chandler, 24; 6-9, 220-pound Luol Deng, 21; the Bulls' 2006 first-round draft pick (No. 2 overall) that ended up being 6-9, 215 Tyrus Thomas, 20, and the Bulls' first-round pick they are to receive from the Knicks in next June's draft, which is expected to be a lottery pick. That would have left the Wolves this season with Chandler at center, Thomas at power forward and Deng at small forward to play with point guard Randy Foye. The Wolves wouldn't entertain the offer, although it would have provided them a chance to rebuild with youth. Now, the Bulls, who still would like Garnett, might be willing to give up just a couple of the aforementioned players or draft picks for him. Regardless, look for the Wolves, despite a huge financial cost, to start over with new players after the season. And for assistant general manager Fred Hoiberg to become the chief decision maker in the organization.

Michael Jordan will never again have a better opportunity to mold the team. Never. Great luck in the draft lottery would help. Even with no luck, Charlotte will have a chance at a great player in this deep draft. Jordan, quite possibly, will hire a new coach to replace Bickerstaff. Jordan will have the green light to spend Johnson's money to bring in an impact free agent. Choosing the right one is essential; Vince Carter will be among the possibilities. And whether the Bobcats do this very well or very badly, the decisions made this summer will resonate for years.

Dennis Johnson told friends last week "I'm getting back in," meaning he was heading back to the NBA to take an assistant's gig. Johnson talked as if he would be returning to Seattle next season to work with Lenny Wilkens, who reportedly will take over the head coaching duties for Bob Hill. But last Thursday, Johnson died of an apparent heart attack at 52 after playing one of his "D League" players, Jamar Smith, in a game of one-on-one. "This is a guy who is deserving of the Hall of Fame," said Johnson's former Celtics teammate, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle. "In some profound way, maybe this tragic incident will bring the right kind of attention to his career and he'll finally get the recognition he deserves."

How About That? The 2006-07 Miami Heat could become only the third team to win the NBA title and fail to make the playoffs the following year, joining the 1969 champion Boston Celtics (minus Bill Russell) and the 1998 champion Chicago Bulls (minus Michael Jordan).

Former NBA veteran and two-time NBA Champion Jason Caffey was ordered arrested and incarcerated Friday in Fulton County Superior Court for his failure to pay over $77,000.00 in child support and attorney's fees. The Order goes on to say that he shall remain in jail until he pays the full amount and proves that he has medical, dental and life insurance for his child. Caffey won two NBA Championships while playing with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in 1996 & 1997.

Referring to his situation on the Cavs, Damon Jones said the ``wind has gone out of my sails.'' He has lost nearly all of his playing time, and it wasn't really his fault. Though his play slipped a touch in January, he was the victim of coach Mike Brown's decision to increase the playing time of Pavlovic and Daniel Gibson. That has proven to be the right decision for the team, but it has broken Jones' spirit. The ultimate blow came just before the All-Star break when Jones' streak of 297 consecutive games played, fourth-longest in the league, ended when Brown decided not to play him against the Utah Jazz. The Cavs also were aggressive in trying to trade Jones in the past week -- a move, Jones said, that he might have welcomed. The stone-cold truth, though, is the Cavs will need Jones at some point.

The Nuggets considered adding veteran point guard Anthony Carter to the roster before waiving him at the end of training camp in October. The key reason Denver didn't keep Carter was because guard Julius Hodge had a guaranteed contract. Hodge is gone, and the franchise has two roster spots available. But after joining Legea Scafati Basket of the Italian league in January, Carter is expected to stay with the team through the rest of the regular season, which ends May 13.

As for the failure of the Wolves to post a better record, Glen Taylor said he doesn't believe that personnel is the problem. Rather, it's a lack of chemistry and the inability to play as a unit that has led to a number of defeats. Asked if this problem could be corrected, Taylor said: "Well it can be, but it's not an easy task, it's the same thing that we have in business sometimes too, where people work for their own benefit rather than for the benefit of the organization. It's probably going to take a little while and that's one of the things that's facing [coach Randy Wittman]." Taylor said he believes Wittman has the personality to correct the problem but added, "I certainly wouldn't put all the weight and all the responsibility on him because sometimes people, there are people that just have their personalities, and they're hard to change." Taylor added that he had approved a trade at the deadline and was confident it was going through, but the third party involved in the deal backed out at the last minute.

So many teams are under orders from their owners not to exceed the tax threshhold, now at $65.4 million per club, that it played a major role in keeping all but four reserves from changing teams. "There was a lot of conversation, but trades have become more complex these days, and that's why there were so few," said Danny Ainge, Boston's executive director of basketball operations. "It's not like we've got 15 to 20 teams out there who are totally satisfied with their teams. There are a lot of people who would like to make changes. But it's not easy with the salary cap and especially the luxury tax. A lot of teams have budgetary restrictions, so trading is not as simple as, "We want to do this, so let's do it. It's difficult to make deals in the NBA right now."

The intrigue continues surrounding last Thursday's trade deadline deal that sent backup big man Alan Henderson to the Utah Jazz. There apparently was some payroll miscalculating by league bean-counters, who alerted the Sixers more than a week ago that they were slightly above the luxury-tax threshold. That necessitated moving a contract, and it turned out to be Henderson's, which at least partly explains why the Sixers sent along some cash in the transaction; the full details of the deal have yet to be revealed

While the team evaluates Caron Butler's sore back with the hope that he will be able to play Tuesday night in New Jersey, Antawn Jamison will miss his 11th straight game, according to Coach Eddie Jordan. "We're still going on the original timetable and that's going to be another 8 to 10 days," Jordan said. The Wizards are 4-6 without Jamison, but they are 4 1/2 games ahead of Miami in the Southeast Division.

Most NBA observers figured the Denver Nuggets clinched a playoff berth when Allen Iverson was acquired from Philadelphia Dec. 19. Some even thought the Nuggets became a genuine championship contender. So far, no good. Denver was 14-9 when the trade was made and is 12-19 since. In fairness, Iverson and Carmelo Anthony have played in only nine games together — but the Nuggets are 2-7 in those games. Iverson, who averaged 31.2 points for the 76ers this season, is averaging 26.3 points for Denver (he's shooting less but has a higher field-goal percentage). Philadelphia, 5-18 when the trade was made (5-10 with Iverson in the lineup), is 13-20 since.

Stories out of Boston said the Cavs showed interest in backup big man Michael Olowokandi near the deadline, offering just cash. Those talks were a secondary move in case they had been able to pull off a deal that cost them forwards Gooden, Scot Pollard and/or Dwayne Jones.

The late Dennis Johnson's main credentials for the Basketball Hall of Fame include NBA All-Defensive first team six times and second team three times, 1979 NBA Finals MVP, five All-Star Game appearances and a strong endorsement from Larry Bird, who called him his all-time best teammate. Johnson's career scoring average was a relatively modest 14.1 points per game for 14 seasons, but he averaged 17.3 points in 180 playoff games (18.3 points per game in 37 games in the Finals). He was a winner, an excellent defender and a clutch money player. He was a marginal Hall of Famer when he was alive but might get enough votes now. Who could object?

Who Knew? Ex-Gopher J.B. Bickerstaff, 27, of the Charlotte Bobcats is the youngest assistant in the NBA. J.B.'s father, head Bobcats coach Bernie, was the youngest assistant when he came into the league at age 29 in 1973.

Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas returned after missing four games for personal reasons. The reason, Ilgauskas revealed Sunday, was his wife gave birth to stillborn twins. ''After the Lakers game [Feb. 11], my wife went into preterm labor,'' Ilgauskas said. ``They took her to the emergency room and eventually she had to be hospitalized and ended up delivering stillborn twins, a boy and a girl. Obviously, just had to take some time for myself to take care of things.''

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MLB Rumors & Notes

Monday, February 26, 2007

Todd Helton's spring will be watched closely given his importance to the Rockies' lineup and the Red Sox's simmering interest. Rockies ownership said last week that talks are dead with Boston. But they might be revisited this spring because the Red Sox like Helton and Colorado covets payroll flexibility because so many young core players are starting to make more money.

Contract negotiations between the Rangers and shortstop Michael Young continued Sunday, with the club hoping to reach an agreement this week on an extension that would keep Young through the 2013 season. A person with knowledge of the negotiations said no deal has been struck, but the Rangers' offer is in the "ballpark" of a five-year, $75 million extension. Young's agent, Dan Lozano of the Beverly Hills Sports Council, said the parties are still discussing details. "We have two or three outstanding issues that we're trying to work through," Lozano said. "Hopefully, we can and if we can't, we still have next off-season."

Michael Barrett said Sunday he's willing to negotiate before, during or after the season if that's what it takes to stay with the Cubs. "I will put no deadline or nothing on anything," Barrett said. "For me, I feel like I've been through a lot as a player, and I feel completely blessed to be a part of this team. For me, if there's a distraction that keeps you from appreciating putting on a Cubs uniform, then something ain't right. That's the way I feel." The Cubs hope to re-sign Barrett but have not yet opened talks. Barrett's offensive numbers the last two seasons suggest he's one of the top-hitting catchers in the league, but the Cubs still would like to see him improve defensively and in his game-calling skills before deciding how much he's worth.

The Yankees don't plan to negotiate a new contract until after the season, but Jorge Posada clearly isn't worried by the uncertainty. He dismisses the thought so quickly, it's as if he's swatting a fly. "If you do what you're supposed to, everything is going to take care of itself," Posada said. "And if it doesn't work out here, you've got other places to go." Not that Posada foresees that. He takes his role as one of the veteran leaders very seriously, and his influence in the clubhouse seems to grow each year.

It looks to be a longshot that Paul Lo Duca will sign a new contract with the Mets prior to the season. Lo Duca, the All-Star catcher, is going to be a free agent after this year, and last week, his agents, Jeff Kahn and Andrew Mongelluzzi, met with Omar Minaya in Port St. Lucie. Yesterday, the Mets GM said the team is unlikely to agree to a new deal with Lo Duca during spring training. "The way it is right now," Minaya said, "there's no plan to extend him before the season."

Corey Patterson will be eligible for free agency after this season, and the free-agent class of center fielders could include Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves, Torii Hunter of the Minnesota Twins and Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners. Wanting to see if Patterson is able to string together back-to-back solid seasons, Duquette said the Orioles and Patterson's agent, Scott Boras, will not have any contract talks until after the season. "I'd definitely love to play here, especially with all of the guys that we have here now," Patterson said. "But obviously, I am at a point where this is my free-agent year. I really don't want to focus on that. Whenever that situation comes up, we'll address it then."

The Padres will gauge the trade market for right-handed hitters who can come off the bench and play multiple positions. One in-house candidate for that role, No. 3 catcher/first baseman Todd Greene, won't play for at least a month because of the dislocated right shoulder suffered Tuesday. The Padres decided against bringing back Phil Nevin, who is a free agent. “It's got to be the right guy,” Kevin Towers said. “I don't want to get a right-handed bat just to get a right-handed bat. It would have to be the right individual. In the National League, you have to be more than a right-handed batter.”

Nobody is more on the spot this spring than Angel Berroa as the Royals move toward the start later this week of their Cactus League schedule. Club officials make it clear they aren’t willing to tolerate a continuation of his alarming decline in on-field performance. “We need him to have a good year,” manager Buddy Bell says bluntly. “I’m very supportive of him. I want him to do well. I love the kid. But he knows he’s got to play better.” It is Berroa’s free-swinging tendency that most exasperates fans — and his major-league-worst .259 on-base percentage a year ago is a definite concern — but the Royals view his defensive regression as the greater problem. ... Berroa remains under contract through next season with a club option for 2009. That ensures he’ll get every opportunity to prove himself, but the Royals sought to protect themselves in the offseason by signing veteran Alex Gonzalez to a minor-league deal.

Can the Indians sign Jake Westbrook? If they do, it will be the first significant player in a long time who entered his free-agent year to sign with the Tribe -- and stay in Cleveland. The good news is Westbrook is not obsessed with free agency. Nor does he have any issues with staying in Cleveland. Just the opposite. ``I moved around a lot early in my career,'' he said. ``This is the organization that gave me a chance. I really do love it here.'' Westbrook is not about to make any promises, other than he'll seriously consider whatever the Indians offer this spring.

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, who visited camp Saturday and will return this weekend, was well aware that veteran outfielders Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench publicly complained earlier in camp about the possibility of platooning in left field. Attanasio said he was not upset over that development, however, because it reflected the club's improved depth. "Here and there, (that depth) might create some issues but that's OK," he said. "I view that as a high-caliber, high-class problem, that there is competitions for spots. Guys are jockeying for position, a little bit. "I expect Ned can manage that."

Cubs coach Alan Trammell would like another chance to manage, but he said he could be just as happy working as a coach. "I'm a lifer," Trammell said. "Baseball's not a job to me. There's no other place I'd rather be than on a baseball field. That's where I'm most comfortable."

Astros OF Lance Berkman, who will make $14.5 million annually through 2010 with a team option for 2011, has hinted he might not play beyond his contract. He will turn 35 in 2011.

The Mariners are trying to sign second baseman Jose Lopez to a long-term contract extension. Lopez's agent, Martin Arburua, is in Peoria and meeting with Mariners officials. Arburua has other clients on the team, including pitchers Julio Mateo and Miguel Batista and DH Jose Vidro, but they all have contracts past this season. Arburua's focus is getting the same for Lopez.

According to Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees haven't approached them about long-term deals. If they don't agree to terms of a one-year deal by March 11 they will be renewed. "I would like that,'' Cano said of a multi-year offer.

After Manny Ramirez essentially shut it down the last six weeks of last season, Red Sox manager Terry Francona implored GM Theo Epstein to trade the eccentric slugger over the winter. Epstein tried, but couldn't find a team willing to give him equal value for his cleanup hitter.

Mark Prior won't be in the Cubs' rotation for the first week of Cactus League games, but manager Lou Piniella called it a "precautionary" measure. Prior threw 35 pitches in an 8 a.m. batting practice session Sunday, saying he felt good. The Cubs are taking it slow with Prior as he returns from shoulder problems

The upcoming exhibition season represents a showcase for reliever Sean Tracey and first baseman Casey Rogowski, who are buried at their respective positions. White Sox GM Ken Williams plans to speak with each player to see if either or both would prefer a trade to another organization. "Where [Tracey] is now, it's an uphill battle," Williams said. "What I need to tell him is he deserves an opportunity. So if it isn't here, I will see to it we put him in an opportunity to succeed. "Don't misunderstand that as thinking we don't see value to these guys because we do. Each one has a place in the big leagues, but for whatever reason, there's a backlog at those positions. It's terribly unfair."

Roy Oswalt last year signed a five-year, $73 million extension that will keep him in an Astros uniform through 2011. There's a team option for 2012, the year Oswalt will turn 35.

Brewers manager Ned Yost has played around with different lineup possibilities but each one has Rickie Weeks batting leadoff. Weeks eventually settled into the top spot last season and was starting to take off when he injured his wrist and missed the final two months. "Rickie was on pace to score 100 runs last year before he got hurt," Yost said. "Rickie probably fits the prototype better than anybody else we have. He's got some speed, can steal a base, his on-base percentage is good (.363 last year). "He's a little like Rickey Henderson. His power numbers are much better than a prototypical No. 1 guy. You want somebody who gets on base. Like most of the players, he just needs to cut his strikeouts down."

Former Mariner Scott Spiezio was quoted as saying he advised Jeff Weaver not to come to Seattle. Spiezio had a tough time with the Mariners after signing a four-year contract for about $14 million. He was injured, he didn't hit and the Mariners got almost nothing in return for their investment. He wound up in St. Louis last season and won a World Series ring -- his second in six years. Weaver landed in St. Louis for the second half of last season, too, and was instrumental in the World Series victory. He was the winning pitcher in the decisive Game 5. When asked Sunday if Spiezio had warned him off the Mariners, Weaver said no. "He did talk to me about his experiences here and they weren't great, I guess," Weaver said. "He said he didn't get along with (manager Mike) Hargrove too well.

Bob Melvin has several candidates for most of the spots in the Diamondbacks’ batting order, but he said Sunday that he would like to keep Chad Tracy out of No. 4. Tracy, who spent the majority of last season hitting third, will hit third in the D-Backs’ exhibition opener against the Chicago White Sox at Tucson Electric Park on Thursday, Melvin said. “Sometimes you puff your chest out a little bit in that fourhole and try to do some things differently,” Melvin said. “The fact that he’s trying to go to using the whole field may prohibit me from hitting him in the four-hole.” The situation may be fluid and could be driven by matchups as it was last season, when Melvin used 112 lineups.

Adam Dunn's average has slipped from .266 to .247 to .233 over the last three years - this from a guy who hit .304 in 1,208 minor-league at-bats. The Reds are hoping Brook Jacoby can reverse the downward trend. Jacoby got a head start on the Dunn project by going to Houston to work with Dunn in January. "We're trying to have less movement," Jacoby said. "It allows him to better recognize the pitch." Not exactly a swing makeover. "It's a slight tweak," Jacoby said. "I told him that. It's not going to rock your world."

Manager Joe Maddon was not the only one bothered by the lack of professionalism in the Devil Rays clubhouse last season. Several veteran Rays said Sunday the problem was widespread, most evident in terms of poor pregame preparation and the product of having many inexperienced players. "It's about every player in that clubhouse taking the time to make sure they are prepared to play," infielder Ty Wigginton said. "And I think there were a lot of instances last year when we had guys who weren't. ... I don't think their sole focus on that day was always to win a ballgame." Reliever Dan Miceli said the lack of professionalism went beyond that. "It was not just from the players," said the veteran of 14 major-league seasons who has been outspoken in previous stops. "That's all I'm going to say. You know what I mean? From everybody that was involved in the organization, not just the players."

Orioles bench coach Tom Trebelhorn rejoined the team yesterday and ran one of the infield drills on the main field. He was scheduled to return to Arizona later in the day, where his wife remains hospitalized after suffering a stroke Feb. 18 that was caused by a ruptured aneurysm in her brain. Elizabeth Black's condition has improved and Trebelhorn said she has been responsive, but she's still in a delicate stage. "Nobody knows the damage of the hemorrhaging and what the residual effect is going to be. It's just wait and see," he said. "The good thing is, it seems to be getting a little better every day. She's still in intensive care and still ventilated and it's still pretty serious. Anything can happen. And anything that happens now to cause a problem somewhere else in the body is going to be critical because there's not much there to fight it." Trebelhorn has a return flight to Fort Lauderdale on March 5, but it's possible he'll remain home. If his wife's condition worsens, Trebelhorn said, he might be "done with baseball."

Todd Helton, mindful of critics and eager to rejuvenate his career, underwent a radical physical transformation, bulking up from his sickness-induced 200 pounds to approximately 230. Helton wouldn't divulge his exact weight, but admitted it was higher than 225. "I feel stronger, but it hasn't translated on the field yet because I am not swinging with 100 percent effort," Helton said. "I am not worried about spring training. Everything is geared for the season." In years past, Helton has played at about 215 pounds. He dropped 15 pounds last year after contracting a stomach virus that forced him into a hospital and onto the disabled list. Helton displayed his new strength during batting practice Sunday, repeatedly launching home runs over the right-field fence. He finished with cardio work, wearing an undershirt with cut sleeves that revealed ripped biceps. Helton has been careful about putting on pounds as a concession to a back injury he has dealt with since 2002. This offseason, he practiced yoga to increase flexibility.

The Twins can't use pitcher Sidney Ponson in an official exhibition game until he obtains his work visa from Aruba. Ponson plans to work on it today. If there's a delay, Ponson will be relegated to making his first start in a "B" game, mostly against minor league players.

How About That? Yanks lefty Mike Myers made $1.15 million to face 132 batters last year, meaning he was paid $8,712 per batter. On the other hand, Randy Johnson, who faced a total of 860 batters with a salary of $15.6 million, was paid $18,210 per batter and Mariano Rivera, who faced a total of 203 batters while earning $10.5 million, was paid $35,836 per batter. Then again, mind-boggling as all of that may seem, consider the fact the Yankees paid Carl Pavano $8 million last year to face no batters.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he's impressed with the way Alfonso Soriano has taken to center field in workouts, though the games will show if the transition is going smoothly.
"I'll tell you what, if you can play center field here, you can play it anywhere, just about," he said, referring to Arizona's high sky.

The A's re-signed utility infielder Hiram Bocachica, who had been released by the team last week. Bocachica, 30, agreed to a minor-league deal and will arrive in camp as a non-roster player today.

Francisco Cordero got off to such a poor start with Texas last year that he lost his closer's job a month into the season. The Milwaukee Brewers have a plan in the works to avoid a repeat of those struggles. They are taking it slow with the big right-hander in camp, to the point of withholding him from intrasquad games today and Tuesday. "We don't want to have what happened to him last year happen again," manager Ned Yost said. "He rushed to play in the World Baseball Classic. He really tried to push it. We're just kind of picking our days (for him to throw). "He's not sore, he's not hurt, but he's one of the main guys we want to make sure is ready on April 1. We're not pushing him at all. You look at Frankie's history and it has not been very good in the spring. He always ends up stiff and sore. We're trying to stay away from that."

The Rockies signed Steve Finley, 41, to a one-year deal Saturday in the hopes he can add veteran depth to the outfield and an effective bat off the bench. If he makes the 25-man roster and plays this season, he will become the oldest player in franchise history, passing left-handed pitcher Jeff Fassero, who was 41 years, 252 days old when he made his final pitch for the Rockies in 2004. Finley, however, is not enamored with celebrations of age- based milestones. He says he is a baseball player, pure and simple. Not an over-40 baseball player. "I just love putting on the uniform; it's what I have done since I was 6 or 7 years old," Finley said. "It's the life I know. If I didn't love the life of baseball, I wouldn't work out like I do every winter. I know I can still play."

Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka could face significantly stiffer tests such as David Ortiz, Wily Mo Pena and Julio Lugo in today’s session. The right-hander’s slated to throw approximately 50 pitches, a slight increase from the 44 on Saturday. Fellow starting pitchers Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelbon are also scheduled to face batters for a second time today, while Curt Schilling will do so for a third time.

The Phillies are banking on the abilities of in-house pitchers Geoff Geary and Ryan Madson. Geary solidified himself as a major leaguer last season with a breakout year: 7-1 with a 2.96 earned run average in 81 games. By the end of the season he was pitching in the setup role left vacant by injured veteran Arthur Rhodes. Madson, meanwhile, fought through his most difficult year as a pro. A good starting prospect after six minor league seasons, Madson was a successful reliever his first two major league seasons.

Without a changeup, Chris Carpenter is 51-18 with a 3.10 ERA in three seasons with the Cardinals. Asked why he would tinker with success, Carpenter said it is more a case of reclaiming something that worked well for him during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays. "It was something I used a lot. It's something my first few years that got me out of a lot of situations," Carpenter replied. "I never threw a cutter. I threw my fastball, and I didn't throw my curveball for strikes as much as I do now. It was very inconsistent." Irritated he had lost feel for the pitch, Carpenter refused to concede it was gone forever.

Ozzie Guillen predicted that Freddy Garcia would win 20 games for Philadelphia, but Guillen still said the Sox got the better of off-season trades with the Phillies and Rangers because of the quantity and quality of the pitchers they received. "The arms are there," said Guillen, who has marveled at the bullpen depth. "The reports I have from scouts are right on the money." Guillen and son Oney speak on a daily basis with Garcia, who is training in Clearwater, Fla. "He says it's cool," Guillen said. "He loves it when he has to hit. They asked him who's crazier, [Charlie] Manuel or Ozzie? I beat him."

They gave up on the idea that Gavin Floyd would ever become the kind of pitcher they envisioned when they drafted him, at least in Philadelphia. They traded him even though he's still just 24 years old. Floyd, for his part, appears more at ease this spring than at any time the last couple of years with the Phillies. He says it's because he has regained his lost focus. It's also possible that he's on to something. White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper remembers catching a Phillies game that Floyd started on television last year and remarking, "This kid has no rhythm." Floyd swears that's all been smoothed out.

Ryan Howard has less than 2 years of service, so he shouldn't expect special kid-gloves treatment afforded decorated players during spring training. Then again, Phils manager Charlie Manuel pointed out, Howard traveled to almost every road trip last season: "He didn't get many days off and he was the MVP"

Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla, who hit .307 before the All-Star break but .256 after (with one strikeout every 4.2 at-bats), said ``pitchers adjusted in September by pitching inside a lot more for balls, not strikes. I need to be more selective.''

Though several position players joked around about how long defensive drills lasted, Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo is determined to improve a defense that ranked sixth worst in the American League last year with 102 errors. "We're just emphasizing the total game," Perlozzo said. "Defense is a part of our game. If we're going to win games, we have to do everything better. Keeping our guys healthy and keeping them out there and winning some games will make us better. Our players are better defensively than I think we showed last year."

The A's might bunt more ... for base hits. "I'd like to do that," infielder Marco Scutaro said. "And if you do that a couple of times then they might start to play you in a little bit -- and that might give you chance to get a knock, too." Manager Bob Geren mentioned Mark Kotsay and Bobby Crosby as candidates to bunt for hits on occasion. Shannon Stewart said he's not asked to bunt much, but he's done well when he has. "You use all the weapons you have," said new bench coach Bob Schaefer, who's running the bunt station this spring. Geren said the A's probably won't bunt much in sacrifice situations but noted, "When you do do it, it's really important."

Pirates manager Jim Tracy expressed satisfaction with Humberto Cota's offseason, and he was adamant that Cota was not destined for his doghouse despite how last season ended. But he stressed that Cota must handle the pitchers with the level of diligence expected by the coaching staff.

Pirates manager Jim Tracy has not announced his opening day starter. Nor has he offered so much as a hint. But there are several signs that point to the nod for April 2 in Houston, ultimately, going to Ian Snell. The most obvious is that he led the Pirates in most pitching categories last season, not the least of which were a 14-11 record and 169 strikeouts.

How About That? Since 1996, of the 10 rookie pitchers who threw the most innings (counting the postseason), seven have either required major arm or shoulder surgery or spent significant time on the disabled list. Another, Joe Blanton of Oakland, noticeably declined after his solid 2005 season.

Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernández, if healthy, are assured spots in the Mets rotation. John Maine and Oliver Pérez are considered favorites for the third and fourth slots. The Mets are eager to see just how much more Philip Humber, 24, and Mike Pelfrey, 23, need to develop.

Yanks hitting coach Don Mattingly likens Jason Giambi to the Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, who played so hard that he kept being injured, until he became a full-time designated hitter late in his career. “It’s more acceptance of the role, and not fighting it,” Mattingly said. “We’ve got a chance to keep him healthy, keep him in the lineup and get more production out of him.”

Did You Know? In his 12-year career, Jason Giambi has hit far worse as a designated hitter (.246) than when he plays the field (.307). His numbers last year emphasize the point; he batted .289 as a first baseman and .224 as a designated hitter.

The "gyroball," Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka's pitch, remains the stuff of urban legend, but that hasn't stopped some pitchers, including Texas' C.J. Wilson, from trying to master it. Pity the first one to come down with "gyro" elbow

The car alarm gave him away. Rockies lugger Matt Holliday, per usual, turned batting practice into an insurance claim for some unlucky fans, bouncing balls over and onto vehicles in the parking lot more than 400 feet away.

Phils manager Charlie Manuel continues to be impressed with what he has seen from righthander Antonio Alfonseca. Manuel also has liked outfielder Karim Garcia, saying he thinks he is a better player than former outfielder David Dellucci

The Phillies will play Florida State on Wednesday night at Bright House Networks Field, and 19-year-old righthander Kyle Drabek will start. Drabek was the team's first-round pick in June. He negotiated an invite to big-league camp as part of his signing bonus, but this could be his only action with the Phillies before minor-league camp opens Friday at the Carpenter Complex. "He's excited," said former Cy Young winner Doug Drabek, Kyle's father. Doug is in town with Kyle and his other son, Justin, who tried out for the Phillies this weekend. "Pitching against Florida State, everyone is saying we'll get to see what would have happened if he went to college."

Can the Chicago Cubs win their first World Series since 1908? The Cubs spent a baseball-record $297.55 million in the offseason to retain and import players and they're capable of going from worst-to-first in the NL Central, but they still don't have enough pitching to make a serious bid for the world championship. The Cubs are going to have some huge offensive afternoons when the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field with this lineup: CF Alfonso Soriano, 2B Mark DeRosa, 3B Aramis Ramirez, 1B Derrek Lee, RF Jacque Jones, LF Matt Murton/Cliff Floyd, C Michael Barrett, SS Cesar Izturis/RonnyCedono.

It's not unusual for folks selling baseball equipment to set up shop in the Yankees' clubhouse every now and again. Yesterday, however, the bat manufacturer here wasn't your typical company. Don Mattingly's personal bat company put up a rack of bats in the middle of the clubhouse, and several Yankees stopped by throughout the morning to try out their bench coach's product. But backup catcher candidate Todd Pratt caused a scene when he attempted to toss his sweaty clothes into the bin behind the rack. He missed, hitting one bat and causing a domino effect. The clubhouse roared with laughter. "Nice job, Pratt!"

The Phils bolstered their minor league stables with four new arms after a 2-day invitational tryout camp for independent-league players. They acquired lefthanders Jake Ociesa, who showed a 93-mph fastball; and Cory Willey, who displayed a good cut fastball; as well as righthander Jason Wylie, a 25-year-old former Red who took a year off baseball, returned last season and showed up at the camp at 6-5, 245 pounds with a 92-mph fastball; and righthander Michael McTamney, 24, of Toms River, N.J. It was the first tryout camp of its kind run by the Phillies.

There is a 40-acre City Terminal site near Interstate 94 and the Mississippi River a few miles north of the proposed downtown Minneapolis Twins ballpark location that could become a serious alternative for Hennepin County if the stadium land impasse isn't resolved soon. The site, owned by the City of Minneapolis, is being used by barge dealers who store sand and salt there. And it hasn't been profitable for the city. Don't be surprised if it surfaces as a viable relocation for the new ballpark.

Legendary coach and minor-league instructor George Kissell donned his uniform Sunday, extending a connection with the Redbirds that extends more than a half-century. Kissell, a St. Petersburg resident, retired as Cardinals minor league field coordinator after the 2004 season but remains an unmistakable thread within the organizational tapestry. Kissell has attended Cardinals camp for 67 years, and the team's clubhouse at Roger Dean Stadium bears his name.

Former Princeton basketball star Chris Young says the the Georgetown Hoyas and the Dallas Mavericks will win the NCAA men's and NBA basketball championships this spring. Young admits to being biased. Hoyas coach John Thompson III runs an offense that is similar to what Young knew at Princeton, and the Mavericks are Young's favorite team dating to his childhood in greater Dallas.

The Twins will pass the 1 million mark in ticket sales by the end of the month for the first time since 1992, the year after the team last won the World Series. They have also sold more than 2,500 new season tickets to reach the 10,000 mark.

Bill Mueller, forced to retire as a third baseman because of chronic knee problems, is on a new career track. He's a special assistant to Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti. Mueller (DeSmet) had a good 10-year career in the majors, winning an American League batting title in 2003 and helping the Red Sox win a World Series in 2004. Colletti, who apprenticed in the Giants' front office, came to admire Mueller during Mueller's six seasons in San Francisco. "As a player, he had the utmost respect for the game and how to play it right," Colletti said on our KSLG (1380 AM) radio show. "His character, personality and ability to teach and lead are off the charts."