PT Today

PLAYING TIME: Gutierrez Injury and SEA Outfield

Brent

Hershey

March 02, 2012 1:05 AM GMT

Franklin Gutierrez (OF, SEA) was diagnosed with a torn pectoral muscle on February 29 that will keep him out of baseball activities for at least four weeks. Who will take advantage with Gutierrez out of action?

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PLAYING TIME: Myers named closer in Houston

Brian

Rudd

February 29, 2012 1:05 AM GMT

In a surprising move, Houston manager Brad Mills named Brett Myers the team’s new closer. Myers has been a workhorse over the last two seasons, as he has averaged 220 innings per season, with a sub-4.00 xERA in both years. Now, however, it appears he will return to the bullpen, where he last pitched in 2007, when he saved 21 games for the Phillies.

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PLAYING TIME: Pestano could get shot to close

Matt

Gelfand

February 27, 2012 1:01 AM GMT

Will Chris Perez's (RHP, CLE) oblique injury result in a closer-by-committee in CLE with Vinnie Pestano (RHP, CLE)? We tackle the Indians' possible ninth-inning shake-up, as well as the final spot in BOS rotation, Grady Sizemore's setback, and more.

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PLAYING TIME: Braun's Reprieve and the MIL OF Picture

Thomas

Kephart

February 25, 2012 1:01 AM GMT

MIL's Ryan Braun won his appeal of a 50-game suspension for a positive PED test. The ruling means Braun will not miss time, with ripple effects for other potential PT battles.

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PLAYING TIME: Yankees sign Ibanez to DH

Rob

Carroll

February 22, 2012 1:01 AM GMT

With an eye on their short RF porch, the Yankees finally inked Raul Ibanez (DH, NYY) to a one-year contract to become their DH. Does his recent performance warrant the optimism? We also take a look at OAK's signing Manny Ramirez and the ripple effect in the ATL SP ranks resulting from Tim Hudson's expected absence.

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PLAYING TIME: Burnett moves on to Pittsburgh

Jock

Thompson

February 20, 2012 1:01 AM GMT

Does A.J. Burnett have new life now that his trade to PIT is official? We also take a pre-spring training look at the Angels' #5 rotation slot ...

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PLAYING TIME: Crawford may Miss Start of Season

Brian

Rudd

February 17, 2012 1:00 AM GMT

After signing a seven-year, $142M contract prior to 2011, Carl Crawford suffered through a miserable first year in Boston. After years of putting up consistently high batting averages and stolen base totals in TAM, he hit just .255 with 18 steals in 506 at-bats. The odds of a full rebound appear to be decreasing.

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PLAYING TIME: The Cespedes Signing and the Oakland OF

Christopher

Mallonee

February 15, 2012 2:26 AM GMT

The Oakland Athletics signed Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year deal on February 13. If Cespedes wins a starting spot in the outfield, which player may find himself the odd man out?

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PLAYING TIME: Can Greene Win 2B in St. Louis?

Kristopher

Olson

February 13, 2012 1:01 AM GMT

New manager Mike Matheny has indicated he will give Tyler Greene an opportunity to play regularly at second base. Can Greene maintain the leg up?

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PLAYING TIME: Orioles, Rockies swap pitchers

Harold

Nichols

February 10, 2012 1:01 AM GMT

The Baltimore Orioles got Matt Lindstrom in trade from the Colorado Rockies, and as an experienced closer, he will give them another ninth-inning option. Lindstrom worked as the closer for Florida in 2009 and for Houston in 2010, before performing in a set-up role for Colorado last season. Does he have the skills to challenge Jim Johnson as closer in Baltimore? Let’s take a look.

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