Around the Majors: Steroids

1) According to leaked grand jury testimony (which is illegal), Jason Giambi admitted to using steroids and Barry Bonds admitted to using steroids without knowing what they were.

The Yankees are reportedly expected to attempt to void the remainder of Giambi’s contract.

2) The Indians traded INF John McDonald to the BlueJays for a player to be named later.

After -14 RCAA/.614 OPS and -16 RCAA/.538 OPS seasons, McDonald had a .344 SLG, .237 OBA, .581 OPS, -8 RCAA in 66 games. He has a .577 career OPS, compared to his league average of .763, and -42 RCAA in 285 games.

3) The BlueJays re-signed 2B Frank Menechino to a 1 year, $650,000 contract, with an option for 2006.

After -7 RCAA/.637 OPS and -3 RCAA/.630 OPS seasons, Menechino hit .454 SLG, .371 OBA, .824 OPS, 7 RCAA in 84 games (first 13 with the A’s). He has a .747 career OPS, compared to his league average of .769, and -3 RCAA in 379 games.

4) The Yankees and Phillies are reportedly close to a Kenny Lofton for Felix Rodriguez trade.

5) The Yankees and Mets are reportedly close to a Mike Stanton for Felix Heredia trade.

6) The Marlins are reportedly close to signing free agent P Al Leiter.

7) According to the Boston Herald, the Redsox are talking to free agent C Jason Varitek about a 5 year contract, but with the Redsox having the right to void it after 4. Varitek had been insisting on a 5 year guaranteed deal.

8) According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are on the brink of signing free agent C Sandy Alomar Jr, after he passes a physical.

9) According to the Chicago Sun Times, the Whitesox are interested in free agent P Jaret Wright, but might not be able to match a 3 year, $15 million offer from the Mariners.

10) According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres are getting closer to re-signing free agent P David Wells. Meanwhile, the Phillies are rumored to be very interested in him, with the interest being mutual.

11) The Mets signed P Juan Padilla to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.

Padilla had a 7.71 ERA/-10 RSAA in 18 games with the Yankees and Reds.


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A Hardball Times Update
Goodbye for now.

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