Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010
CSNChicago.com
Floyd on the block
Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd is reportedly on the trading block as the MLB GMs meet in Orlando, Fla., this week.
Floyd has a contract through the 2012 season with a club option for 2013, but the 27-year-old starter may still be dealt nonetheless. He had a 4.08 ERA last year with the Sox and according to Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald, the South Siders may deal Floyd to the Rockies for 25-year-old third baseman Ian Stewart, who hit 18 homers in 121 games last year. Floyd would likely be a good fit in Colorado, posting a career-best 49.9 percent groundball rate in the '10 season.
Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors, however, believes the Brewers, Yankees, Rangers, Marlins, Nationals, Astros, Pirates, Diamondbacks and Dodgers are also expected to have interest in Floyd besides the Rockies. (MLB Trade Rumors, Daily Herald)
Cubs close to a trade?
Not to be outdone by their Chicago counterparts, the Cubs are reportedly close to a deal with the Texas Rangers. 25-year-old first baseman Chris Davis is the main component of the deal, as the Cubs are wanting to diminish their gaudy payroll, not add to it, which means a trade would help fit that bill rather than signing an expensive free agent. The Rangers are also in need of a catcher and the Cubs have two talented catchers in the minor leagues in Welington Castillo and Robinson Chirinos.
MLB
Davis is a power-hitting left-handed bat, exactly the type of player the Cubs have expressed interest in. He only hit .192 with 1 HR in 45 games last year, but hit 21 homers just two short years ago. (Cubbies Crib, SB Nation Dallas)
Four Bulls on All Star Ballot
Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah highlighted the Bulls' representatives on the NBA All Star Ballot. Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer are also on the list. Voting began Thursday at bulls.comvotebulls or at NBA Arenas and extends through Jan. 23.
The All Star game starters will be announced Jan. 27. (Chicago Tribune)
Sox keying in on Olivo
With A.J. Pierzynski filing for free agency, the White Sox need somebody to fill the hole at catcher and rumor has it they might be turning to Miguel Olivo, who began his Major League career with Chicago in 2002.
Pierzynski was a clubhouse leader, but only threw out 26.5 percent of would-be base stealers last year. Olivo, on the other hand, threw out 42.3 percent of runners, second only to Yadier Molina (48.5) in the Majors. Olivo also provided some offense, smacking 14 homers in '09. (Chicago Tribune)
Yankees extend invite to Piniella
Former Cubs manager Lou Piniella has been invited to Old Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium next year. Piniella played outfield for the Yankees for most of his career, and was part of the World Series champion 1977-78 teams. He also managed the Bronx Bombers after his playing career was over.
Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner said Piniella will "always be a consultant for me." (Chicago Tribune)
Bears somehow avoiding injury bug
It has been a truly crazy year in the NFL, including on the injury format. Alex Marvez on FoxSports.com breaks down how the injury bug has hit the league, as 311 players have been placed on the injured reserve list through 10 weeks, 34 more than last season (277). The Bears fall in the "Fit as a Fiddle" category, as they've been relatively unscatched this year. The only notable IR player is Hunter Hillenmeyer.
The Vikings are in what Marvez calls the "Stable Condition" category while Green Bay falls under "Intensive Care" and the Lions are in the worst shape, falling under the "On Life Support". (FoxSports.com)