2009 MLB Draft Order

Here is the order for this years MLB Draft, which is set to take place in June.

1. Washington Nationals
2. Seattle Mariners
3. San Diego Padres
4. Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Baltimore Orioles
6. San Francisco Giants
7. Atlanta Braves
8. Cincinnati Reds
9. Detroit Tigers
10. Washington Nationals*
11. Colorado Rockies
12. Kansas City Royals
13. Oakland Athletics
14. Texas Rangers
15. Cleveland Indians
16. Arizona Diamondbacks
17. Arizona Diamondbacks*
18. Florida Marlins
19. St. Louis Cardinals
20. Toronto Blue Jays
21. Houston Astros
22. Minnesota Twins
23. Chicago White Sox
24. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
25. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim*
26. Milwaukee Brewers
27. Seattle Mariners*
28. New York Yankees*
29. Boston Red Sox
30. Tampa Bay Rays
31. Chicago Cubs
32. Colorado Rockies*

10 - Washington Nationals receive this pick as compensation for not signing 2008 1st Round Pick, Aaron Crow.

# 17 - Arizona Diamondbacks receive this pick as compensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers signing 2B Orlando Hudson

# 24 - Los Angeles Angels receive this pick as compensation for the New York Mets signing Francisco Rodriguez.

# 25 - Los Angeles Angels receive this pick as compensation for the New York Yankees signing Mark Teixeira.

# 27 - Seattle Mariners receive this pick as compensation for Philadelphia Phillies signing Raul Ibanez.

# 28 - New York Yankees receive this pick as compensation for not signing 2008 1st Round Pick, Gerrit Cole.

# 32 - Colorado Rockies receive this pick as compensation for Los Angeles Angels signing Brian Fuentes.

(Courtesy of 2009 MLB Mock Draft)

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Pirates Eye Dominican Phenom

16-year old shortstop Miguel Angel Sano is the top international prospect in this years pool. The Pittsburgh-Post Gazette is reporting that the Pirates may have the inside track in signing Sano, who is 6'3'' and 189 pounds. Sano has also been coveted by the Cardinals, Cubs, Athletics, and Blue Jays, among others. 

"The Pirates are one of many teams interested, and they've got as good a shot as any team as long as the money is there," Sano's agent, Rob Plummer, told the newspaper. "There's no question they're interested, just as there's no question this is a special talent."

Sano, who has been compared to Hanley Ramirez and Albert Pujols,  is expected to land a bonus around 4 million dollars, which would be one of the highest bonuses ever given out. Sano is a long way from making it to the major leagues. He is just sixteen years old, and likely won't join the minor league system until the 2010 season. However, his body projects well and he could develop into a true hitter, hitting for both average and power. 

Here is a video  produced by the Global Post about Miguel Angel Sano. Check it out.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Zambrano Lands On DL, Miss 2-3 Weeks

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has been placed on the disabled list with a strained hamstring. Zambrano injured his hamstring beating out a bunt in the series finale against the Marlins. Zambrano is currently 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA and is hitting .278 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. "He doesn't want to go on the DL which is the part of him we like, but at the same time the doctors feel probably he needs two, two-and-a-half weeks to be 100 percent and there is no reason to push it and it would be foolish on our part to push it and have it get worse," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. 

The Cubs will call up Bobby Scales until Friday, when they will call up pitcher Randy Wells to make his debut against Milwaukee. It is a nice move by the Cubs to call up Scale, who will make his major league debut after 11 minor league seasons. Scales is hitting .303 in 21 games at Triple-A Iowa. Wells, who is 3-0 with 2.77 ERA in five games, was taken and returned in the Rule 5 draft last season by the Blue Jays. He pitched well in 5.1 innings for the Blue Jays, but was cut when the Blue Jays decided to revamp their bullpen. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals Sign MacDougal

The Nationals and Mike MacDougal have agreed to a minor league deal. MacDougal gives the Nationals another option in the bullpen, which owns a 5.28 ERA this season. MacDougal was an All-Star closer in 2003 with the Royals, but owns a 4.18 career ERA in 262 career games. MacDougal had a 12.46 ERA in five games with the White Sox in 2009, and will have to prove himself in Triple-A before getting the call up with the Nationals.

If you are desperate for saves in your fantasy league, MacDougal could replace Julian Tavarez or Kip Wells in the closer spot if he performs well in Triple-A. Other options (unrelated to the story) include David Aardsma of the Mariners and Scott Downs of the Blue Jays.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Brad Wilkerson Retires

Red Sox outfielder Brad Wilkerson has retired. Wilkerson, currently with the Triple-A Red Sox, told his manager after the second game of the season. He was a .247 career hitter with 122 homeruns. He played for the Expos, Nationals, Rangers, Mariners, and Blue Jays in eight major league seasons. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Weekly Roundup

What started as a nice start to another baseball season, we were blindsided with the news that Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in an automobile accident. Off to a promising start with a six inning shutout performance, the top pitching prospect looked to be blossoming into a true major leaguer. The news of his death was a tragedy, not to mention the three other lives that were taken as well. The Angels, already with their three top pitchers on the DL, are now forced to find a replacement. The Angels held a very nice ceremony for the victims before Saturday's game, and were able to beat the Red Sox in his honor. On a lighter note, there were several young players who had nice weeks, and teams are looking to these guys to build off their strong starts.

Jordan Schafer, Braves: .348 AVG, 2 HR, .423 OBP.

- Schafer has put up great numbers at the plate and has shown off his speed in the outfield. 

Emilio Bonifacio, Marlins: .500 AVG, 1 HR, .517 OBP, 4 SB.

- Bonifacio is off to a great start at third for the Marlins. The talent has always been there, it's poor consistency that has been the problem.

Adam Lind, Blue Jays: .400 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI, .419 OBP.

- Entering his third major league season, Lind has taken big strides at the plate. He could play a big role in the Blue Jays playoff hopes this season.

Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles: 2-0 W-L, 2.25 ERA, 5 K, 12 H.

- Guthrie has been an Orioles project for the past three seasons, and he might be putting his stuff together. He did put up 10 wins last season, and is off to a good start this year.

Josh Johnson, Marlins: 2-0 W-L, 0.57 ERA, 1 ER, 15 SO.

- Johnson is a big, hard throwing right hander who combines his fastball with a hard slider. He was able to beat Johan Santana today, and is hoping to lead that young rotation.

Here are some other young players whose first week is something they would like to forget:

John Lannan, Nationals: 0-2 W-L, 10.00 ERA, 10 ER, 3 BB, 9 IP. 

- The Nationals hope Lannan can breakout for the Nationals after putting up 10 wins last season, but he hasn't been able to command his fastball early on.

Scott Olsen, Nationals: 0-2 W-L, 14.63 ERA, 8 IP, 13 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB.

- The Nationals hoped that when they traded for Olsen, he would emerge into a solid top of the rotation starter to lead the Nationals. So far, that hasn't been the case.

Chris Davis, Rangers: .045 AVG, 1 H (22 AB), 0 HR, 0 RBI, 10 SO.

- There is a lot of pressure on Davis to put up big numbers after having a breakout 2008 campaign. So far he has struggled mightily and the Rangers could be scrambling if Davis doesn't pick it up.

Injuries

Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: 15-day DL, shoulder tightness.

Doug Brocail, Astros: 15-day DL, strained rotator cuff.

Rumors

After Cole Hamels struggled through his first outing, several believe that he is showing the effects of an overworked pitching from last season. Hamels told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he is "fine now."

The Angels may be forced to add another pitcher with Escobar, Lackey, and Santana on the DL. Pedro Martinez is available. The LA Times mentions Anthony Ortega and Darren Oliver asi in-house possibilities.

Dodgers outfielder Delwyn Young is out of options, and several scouts have been watching him during his rehab assignment. The Indians, Pirates, and Phillies are interested.

Minor League Update

Juan Miranda, Yankees (AAA): .474 AVG, 2 HR, 11 RBI.

- The Yankees won't hesitate to recall Miranda if Teixeira goes down for an extended amount of time.

Matt LaPorta, Indians (AAA): .625 AVG, 1 HR, 1 SO, .667 OBP.

- LaPorta could be playing for the Indians very soon if he continue to swing a big bat.

Tyler Flowers, White Sox (AA): .417 AVG, 1 HR,  2 RBI, .500 OBP

- Flowers is the young power hitter the White Sox hope can fill the shoes of Jim Thome or Jermaine Dye when there time with the team runs out. So far he is looking really good.

David Price, Rays (AAA): 0-0 W-L, 4.91 ERA, 4 SO, 3.2 IP.

- Price will be pitching for the Rays at the major league level really soon. Once he gets comfortable and into more of a routine will the Rays give him the opportunity. 

What to look for next week...

Interviews will start to be scheduled next week.

Rich Harden, who is coming off a solid 10 strikeout performance, will be making his second start of the season. Some think that Harden is already DL bound, so it will be interesting to see if he can string together back to back strong outings.

The Pirates, Cubs, Nationals, Rays, Dodgers, and Mets all have their home openers. 

Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello will make his second start of the season.

 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 American League Predictions

American League East

1. Tampa Bay Rays: 93-69

2. Boston Red Sox: 89-73

3. New York Yankees: 86-76

4. Toronto Blue Jays: 82-80

5. Baltimore Orioles: 73-89

The AL East is going to be a really close race, but the depth the Rays have will keep them on top the whole season. While the Yankees have strong pitching, they are more vulnerable to injuries because of their age.

American League Central

1. Chicago White Sox: 90-73

2. Minnesota Twins: 86-76

3. Cleveland Indians: 83-79

4. Detroit Tigers: 79-83

5. Kansas City Royals: 77-85

The AL Central is up in the air so it is hard to predict, but I expect strides from all teams in the Central. If the Tigers don't hold a fire sale midseason, they could pose a threat for the division. 

American League West

1. Los Angeles Angels: 86-76

2. Texas Rangers: 83-79

3. Oakland Athletics: 78-84

4. Seattle Mariners: 75-87

The Athletics and Rangers both made improvements over the offseason, but the A's young pitching and the Rangers spotty rotation still has them behind the Angels. As for the Mariners, they need to trade their veterans to bring in more young prospects. 

American League MVP: Evan Longoria, Rays

American League Cy Young: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays

American League Rookie of the Year: Matt LaPorta, Indians

American League Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen, White Sox

ALDS: Red Sox defeat Rays; White Sox defeat Rays

ALCS: Red Sox defeat White Sox

American League Champion: Red Sox

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 Toronto Blue Jays Projection

DH Adam Lind

.293 AVG, 19 HR, 85 RBI

C Rod Barajas

.245 AVG, 11 HR, 46 RBI

1B Lyle Overbay

.264 AVG, 15 HR, 63 RBI

2B Aaron Hill

.284 AVG, 9 HR, 54 RBI

3B Scott Rolen

.265 AVG, 14 HR, 66 RBI

SS Marco Scutaro

.261 AVG, 7 HR, 43 RBI

LF Travis Snider

.269 AVG, 22 HR, 69 RBI

CF Vernon Wells

.282 AVG, 18 HR, 87 RBI

RF Alex Rios

.295 AVG, 17 HR, 76 RBI

SP Roy Halladay

22-9 W-L, 3.00 ERA, 217 K

SP Jesse Litsch

9-12 W-L, 4.13 ERA, 106 K

SP David Purcey

9-7 W-L, 4.53 ERA, 112 K

SP Ricky Romero

5-11 W-L, 5.43 ERA, 64 K 

SP Scott Richmond

7-6 W-L, 4.63 ERA, 73 K

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Blue Jays May Trade Halladay

The Boston Globe is reporting that the Blue Jays may be forced to trade Roy Halladay if they are forced to cut their payroll. Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi responded saying they would have to "exhaust every avenue" before that would happen, but didn't rule out the possibility. Halladay has a full no trade clause, but would likely waive it to pitch for a winner. Halladay is making 14.25 million dollars in 2009 and 15.75 in 2010, so he may be hard to move. Halladay has a career 15-6 record against the National League, and was 20-11 last season with a 2.78 ERA. 

The majority of teams are not looking to add payroll, but that could change if injuries come up. The Dodgers, Braves, Phillies, Cubs, and Giants are all teams that could make a move for Halladay. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Quick Hits: Matthews, Geren, Garcia, Blue Jays

Quick Hits:

• Angels outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. is unhappy with his role with the Angels and could waive his no trade clause if something doesn't change. He is entering the third year of his five year, fifty-million dollar deal, so he may be hard to move. If it gets any worse between Matthews and the Angels, they could work out a deal that includes deferred cash.
• Manager Bob Geren's entension runs through 2010 with a club option for 2011.
• Mets pitcher Freddy Garcia was reassigned to minor league camp and will likely work in Triple-A before receiving a call up. That means that Livan Hernandez is the Mets' fifth starter. 
• The Blue Jays are scouting shortstop Chin-Lung Hu of the Dodgers, as well as Eric Patterson of the A's. They could be looking to add a young middle infielder.  

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Koskie Ends Comeback With Cubs

Corey Koskie, out of baseball since 2006, decided to end his comeback with the Cubs after feeling lightheaded during their Spring Training game on Saturday. Koskie, 35, was up for one of the final bench spots with the Cubs, but his retirement opens up opportunties for younger players. "After that play, I just thought, 'What am I doing out here?"' he said Saturday. "Whether I got the wind knocked out of me a little bit, I did feel a little funky after it. I don't think it was a concussive event. But I did feel a little funny, whether it was the heat, because it was hot out there."

In nine seasons with the Twins, Blue Jays, and Brewers, Koskie was a career .274 hitter with 124 career homeruns.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Blue Jays Talking With Hill

The Blue Jays are reportedly in talks with free agent pitcher Shawn Hill. Hill has some upside despite battling elbow injuries. Hill, who was 4-5 with a 3.42 ERA in sixteen games in 2007, pitched in just two games this Spring not surrendering a run. He could be a cheap addition to the Blue Jays who could give them a dozen or so spot starts.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Guzman to Padres?

Cubs pitcher Angel Guzman is out of options, opening up speculation that he could be on the move before Opening Day. The Padres have been looking to add cheap pitching, and may be willing to part with a low level prospect or cash for him. Guzman was once considered a highly touted prospect for the Cubs, but hasn't been able to put a full season together since dealing with shoulder problems in 2005. Guzman also had elbow surgery in 2007, cutting his seasons short. 

However, Guzman has shown flashes of a good pitcher and is just 27 years old. He played well in Winter Ball, but is having a tough Spring. Other teams that could make a play for Guzman include the Astros, Athletics, Marlins, and Blue Jays, among others.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Blue Jays Sign Miller

The Blue Jays and Wade Miller have agreed to a minor league with an invitation to Spring Training. Miller, who last pitched in the majors in 2007, had a 4.10 ERA in 151 games over the course of his career. The Blue Jays have an influx of veteran pitching with Matt Clement, Mike Maroth, and Miller on their roster. Miller said that he is feeling great, but the Blue Jays will see if his velocity is still there.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Blue Jays Interested In Crosby

The Blue Jays, who pursued shortstop Orlando Cabrera in a sign-and-trade deal with the White Sox, would like a potential starter to play shortstop. Crosby, who last season hit .237 with 7 HR 145 games for the Athletics, won the Rookie of the Year in 2004. However, Crosby has never carried much of an average, and his power numbers steadily declined. Injuries have been a factor in his development, and his defense hasn't given teams reason to pursue him. 

The Blue Jays currently have Marco Scutaro starting at shortstop, so expect them to make a move by Opening Day. They did inquire about now Mariners infielder Ronny Cedeno when he was with the Cubs, as with Jack Wilson of the Pirates. In December, GM J.P. Ricciardi told me that the Blue Jays have virtually no money to spend. With the economy worsening, and the Blue Jays already forced to cut jobs, it is likely that they cannot take on too much extra payroll.  

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Nationals Like LaCava

John Perotto of Baseball Prospectus is reporting that the Nationals are strongly considering firing General Manager Jim Bowden and hiring Blue Jays assistant GM Tony LaCava. Bowden is reportedly being investigated by the FBI for involvement in the skimming bonuses off contracts. LaCava definitly has a GM job in his future, having been interviewed twice in the past year and a half. He may be inclined to joining the Nationals in the event that the Blue Jays clean house and fire J.P. Ricciardi; however, he could replace Ricciardi in the event that he is let go. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Blue Jays Acquire Bush

The Blue Jays have acquired former number one draft pick Matt Bush from the Padres in exchange for a player to be named later. Bush was designated for assignment after an off the field incident at a local high school. Bush has yet to be charged with anything, but Bush's checkered past has given the Padres no options but to deal him. Bush is still recovering from Tommy John Surgery, but has the potential to be a solid pitcher.

The Padres will likely keep him in extended Spring Training before shipping off to the minors.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

2009 Preseason Projections

2009 Preseason Projections are coming up in the next week. We'll have a couple other additions coming to the site as well lead into Spring Training, so stay tuned. If you have any ideas or are interested in contributing, email me at mlbrumors@gmail.com.

1. Baltimore Orioles

2. Arizona Diamondbacks

3. Boston Red Sox

4. Atlanta Braves
5. Chicago White Sox

6. Chicago Cubs
7. Cleveland Indians
8. Cincinnati Reds
9. Detroit Tigers
10. Colorado Rockies
11. Kansas City Royals

12. Florida Marlins
13. Los Angeles Angels

14. Houston Astros
15. Minnesota Twins
16. Los Angeles Dodgers
17. New York Yankees
18. Milwaukee Brewers
19. Oakland Athletics
20. New York Mets

21. Seattle Mariners
22. Philadelphia Phillies
23. Pittsburgh Pirates
24. San Diego Padres
25. Tampa Bay Rays
26. San Francisco Giants
27. Toronto Blue Jays
28. Washington Nationals
29. Texas Rangers
30. St. Louis Cardinals

31. 2009 American League Predictions
32. 2009 National League Predictions

2009 AL Champion: Red Sox

2009 NL Champion: Mets

2009 World Series Champion: Boston Red Sox

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Millar in Toronto?

The Toronto Globe and Mail is reporting that the Blue Jays have made a minor league offer to Kevin Millar. The deal includes an invitation to Spring Training, with incentives if he were to make the team. Millar, 37, hit .234 with 20 HR for the Orioles last season. Millar is a very smart player, who is not just familiar with the AL East, but a proven leader in the clubhouse. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Tuesday Arbitration Deals

Arbitration Deals:

• The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with Jason Frasor, Jeremy Accardo, and Jose Bautista.
• The Rangers and C.J. Wilson have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year deal worth 1.85 million dollars.
• The Rays and Jason Bartlett have agreed to a one year deal worth 1.9 million dollars, avoiding arbitration.
• The Cardinals and Brad Thompson have agreed to a one year deal. 
• The Mariners and Erik Bedard have agreed to a one year deal worth 7.75 million dollars. 
• The Giants and Jack Taschner have agreed to a one year deal, avoiding arbitration. 
• The Pirates and Adam LaRoche have agreed to a one year deal worth 7.05 million dollars, avoiding arbitration. 
• The Mets avoided arbitration with Angel Pagan and Ryan Church, but signed Tom Martin, Casey Fossum, and Omir Santos to minor league deals.
• The Brewers signed Seth McClung to a one year contract, avoiding arbitration. 
• The Angels and Robb Quinlan have agreed to a one year deal worth 1.1 million dollars.
• The Royals have signed Joel Peralta and John Buck to one year deals.
• The Astros have agreed to one year deals with Brandon Backe and Tim Byrdak.
• The Tigers have agreed to one year deals with Edwin Jackson, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, and Gerald Laird. They also signed Juan Rincon to a one year deal. 
• The Cubs have avoided arbitration with Michael Wuertz. They also signed Japanese pitcher Ken Kadokura to a minor league deal. 
• The Red Sox and Jon Papelbon have agreed to a one year deal worth 6.25 million dollars. They also signed Javier Lopez to a one year deal. 
• The Orioles and Luke Scott have agreed to a one year deal worth 2.4 million dollars. 

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.