Around the Majors: Backman’s fired

1) The Diamondbacks fired manager Wally Backman and hired Bob Melvin.

Backman had just been hired on Monday. But, that was before it was revealed that he’s pled guilty to harassment charges after a confrontation with a family friend, a DWI conviction, allegations of spousal abuse, multiple financial problems, tax liens and bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Backman now faces jail time for violation of his probation from his DWI conviction. Before the matter became public knowledge, the judge didn’t know about the subsequent assault conviction.

2) Astros OF Lance Berkman tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee playing flag football. The team is hoping he can be ready for opening day.

After 55 RCAA/.982 OPS and 40 RCAA/.927 OPS seasons, Berkman hit .566 SLG, .450 OBA, 1.016 OPS, 69 RCAA in 160 games. He has a .980 career OPS, compared to his league average of .777, and 254 RCAA in 775 games.

Over the past 4 years, Berkman ranks 6th in the majors in RCAA–

RCAA     
1    Barry Bonds                 597   
2    Todd Helton                 284   
3    Albert Pujols               281   
4    Jim Thome                   250   
5    Manny Ramirez               240   
6    Lance Berkman               236   
7    Jason Giambi                225   
8    Alex Rodriguez              218   
9    Jim Edmonds                 216   
10   Gary Sheffield              210   

3) According to the LA Times, during next week’s GM meetings, the Dodgers and Cubs are expected to discuss a Sammy Sosa for Shawn Green trade.

4) The Orioles declined their 2005 option on P Buddy Groom.

After 1.60 ERA/19 RSAA and 5.36 ERA/-5 RSAA seasons, Groom had a 4.78 ERA/0 RSAA in 60 games. He has a 4.63 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.62, and -5 RSAA in 739 games. After having 3 consecutive years with exactly 70 games, Groom followed that up with exactly 60 in each of the past 2 seasons.

5) The Tigers exercised their 2005 option on P Ugueth Urbina.

After 3.00 ERA/9 RSAA and 2.81 ERA/15 RSAA seasons, Urbina had a 4.50 ERA/0 RSAA in 54 games. He has a 3.42 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.37, and 68 RSAA in 502 games.

6) There is a roadblock over where to the put the Expos’s new stadium in DC. According to AP, that could be a roadblock in the team moving, but none of the local news reports agree with that.

7) The Cubs re-signed INF Neifi Perez to a 1 year, $1 million contract.

After -57 RCAA/.564 OPS and -20 RCAA/.632 OPS seasons, Perez had a .336 SLG, .296 OBA, .632 OPS, -23 RCAA in 126 games (first 103 with the Giants). He has a .681 career OPS, compared to his league average of .776, and -302 RCAA in 1108 games.

Perez moved into the top 10 for worst career RCAA (since 1900)–

RCAA    
1    Ski Melillo                -355   
2    Tommy Thevenow             -351   
3    Bill Bergen                -312   
4    Tim Foli                   -309   
5    Larry Bowa                 -307   
6    Alfredo Griffin            -306   
T7   Don Kessinger              -305   
T7   Ozzie Guillen              -305   
9    Neifi Perez                -302   
10   Ed Brinkman                -300   

8) According to the Boston Herald, the Redsox may be interested in SS Barry Larkin, who will be a free agent.

9) The Yankees declined their 2005 option on P Jon Lieber.

After missing the 2003 season, Lieber had a 4.33 ERA/2 RSAA in 27 starts. He has a 4.20 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.38, and 25 RSAA in 299 games.

10) A’s assistant GM David Forst denied a rumor that they are talking the Yankees about a Jorge Posada for Tim Hudson trade, while GM Billy Beane denied a rumor that he’s talking to the Rockies about an Arthur Rhodes for Charles Johnson trade, although he admits the Rockies initiated such talks during the season. Meanwhile, there were also been a rumor of a Posada for Randy Johnson deal.

11) According to the Toronto Globe, the Orioles and mariners are interested in 1B Carlos Delgado, who will be a free agent.

12) Phillies P Randy Wolf will have surgery to excise a nerve in his foot and is expected to be ready for spring training.

After 3.20 ERA/13 RSAA and 4.23 ERA/-4 RSAA seasons, Wolf had a 4.28 ERA/1 RSAA in 23 starts. He has a 4.13 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.37, and 17 RSAA in 169 games.

13) The Cardinals exercised their 2005 option on P Chris Carpenter.

After missing the 2003 season, Carpenter had a 3.46 ERA/14 RSAA in 28 starts. He has a 4.59 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.62, and 7 RSAA in 180 games.

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