Let there be news – Volume 14

Chipper Jones plans to retire after the 2012 season

For years, Jones has played poster child for injury-prone veteran superstars everywhere. Those injuries likely contributed to Jones’ decision to retire after this season. He’s already dealing with an injury; he’s expected to miss the next three weeks while he recovers from surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

Braves fans have had the pleasure of watching Jones man the hot corner for the last 17 years. He was remarkably durable from age 23 to 31. The only season he played fewer than 153 games was his rookie season in 1995. Since that age 31 season in 2003, Jones has averaged 123 games per season and spent much of his time on the field playing through various injuries.

It’s hard to gauge what (if any) effect Jones’ decision will have on the 2012 season. The club lacks an obvious candidate to fill his shoes in 2013—Martin Prado is their next best third baseman and he’s getting expensive for what he is.

Of course, saying you’ll retire and actually retiring are two different beasts…

Joba Chamberlain suffers open dislocation of ankle

“Open” is usually an innocuous word, but it can be one of the ugliest words in the English language when it’s used to modify “dislocation.” If you’re confused by that sentence, I recommend a Google image search.

Chamberlain suffered the injury while jumping on a trampoline with his son. He reportedly lost a life-threatening amount of blood in the accident. He was released from the hospital on Sunday morning and will wear a boot for the next six weeks. He was already recovering from Tommy John surgery performed last July and is now expected to miss all or most of the 2012 season.

Jason Kendall is the most recent example of a player with an open ankle dislocation. He suffered the injury by mis-stepping on first base in 1999. He went on to play for 11 more seasons, so the injury isn’t a definitive career-ender.

Royals acquire Jason Bourgeois and Humberto Quintero

The Royals acquired Bourgeois and Quintero from the Astros for Kevin Chapman and a player to be named later. There is speculation that the PTBNL is a 2011 draft pick. Such players cannot be traded officially until midseason.

Quintero provides the Royals with veteran catching depth following the injury to Salvador Perez. He will platoon with Brayan Pena while Perez recovers.

Bourgeois is likely to serve as the club’s fourth outfielder behind Alex Gordon, Jeff Francoeur, and Lorenzo Cain. He’s a better back up option than Jarrod Dyson or Mitch Maier if one of the starting three is injured.

Quick hits

The Padres signed catcher Nick Hundley to a three-year, $9 million deal with an option for a fourth season. He was already under club control for three more seasons, so the contract could extend that control by one season. Catching prospect Yasmani Grandal waits in the wings and could necessitate a trade.

The Rangers signed pitcher Derek Holland to a five year extension worth $28.5 million. The deal includes two option years that could bring the value of the deal up to $49 million.

The Orioles signed Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal. The Phillies released him in the previous week.

The Phillies released Joel Pineiro.

The Mariners released Shawn Camp and Hong-Chih Kuo.

The White Sox acquired Greg Golson from the Royals in exchange for cash considerations.

Red Sox reliever Bobby Jenks was arrested and charged with drunk driving along with four other criminal offenses.

Rays pitcher Matt Bush was also arrested on DUI charges.

More injury news

Chase Utley held a press conference to discuss the status of his knees. He continues to suffer from chondromalacia and will miss the start of the season. He will not require surgery at this time and noted that the pain he is experiencing is less than last spring. There is no specific timetable on his recovery at this time. Contrary to speculation, he is not considering retirement.

Braves pitching prospect Arodys Vizcaino will miss the 2012 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was considered a contender for a spot in the bullpen.

Braves setup man Jonny Venters is dealing with a sore elbow and hopes to be available on Tuesday.

Orioles pitcher Zach Britton underwent platelet rich plasma therapy on his shoulder on the advice of Dr. James Andrews. He’s expected to return in roughly six weeks.

Reds reliever Ryan Madson will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2012 season. The Reds signed Madson to a one-year deal this offseason to serve as the club’s closer. Sean Marshall is the front runner to fill the role.

Have I mentioned Tommy John surgery? Royals closer Joakim Soria joins the ranks of relievers undergoing Tommy John surgery. Greg Holland, Jonathan Broxton and Aaron Crow are all in the mix for saves.

Guess what Astros reliever Sergio Escalona will miss the season recovering from? If you guessed necrotizing fasciitis, you were wrong. If you guessed Tommy John surgery, go get yourself a cookie!

Logan Morrison and Giancarlo Stanton of the Marlins are both battling knee injuries. Both players hope to return in time for Opening Day.

Corey Hart is ahead of schedule and could be ready for Opening Day. It’s an outside chance. In other Hart-related news, he received eight stitches this week after hitting his head on a barbell.

Athletics outfielder Yeonis Cespedes experienced spasms in his quad and lower back over the weekend.

Phillies utility infielder Michael Martinez broke his foot and will miss six to eight weeks.

Giants closer Brian Wilson is working through elbow soreness. His disappointing 2011 season has been attributed to elbow soreness as well.

The Cardinals’ Chris Carpenter is still experiencing symptoms related to the bulging disc in his neck. There is no time table on his return.

Rangers pitcher Neftali Feliz is battling shoulder soreness and may open the season on the disabled list.

Nationals closer Drew Storen has been sidelined with elbow soreness. An MRI showed no structural damage. He will resume throwing in a few days.