http://ownersedge.fanball.com/player_notes/mlb MLB Newsbreakers en-us Copyright 2004-2008 Fantasy Sports Acquisition, LLC. A FUN Technologies Company. All Rights Reserved Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:31:34 CST The News
Updating a previous report, number-one overall pick Stephen Strasburg will not need surgery on his injured left knee, according to MLBlogs.com. Strasburg injured his knee shagging fly balls on Thursday.

Our View
This injury wasn't believed to be serious, but you never know when it has to do with the knee. Strasburg will need to rest the knee and get therapy, but there is no reason to think he won't be ready for spring training. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/7668/notes#149937 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/7668/notes#149937 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:30:39 CST The News
ESPN.com is reporting that the Florida Marlins and ace Josh Johnson are not close to a contract extension. Johnson's agent told ESPN that negotiatons with the team have reached an impasse.

Our View
Johnson will likely play under a one-year deal for next season before entering free agency in 2011. If Johnson and the Marlins can't get talks resumed, look for the team to try to trade him before the deadline next season. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/5718/notes#149936 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/5718/notes#149936 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:16:54 CST The News
The Blue Jays have contacted the Cubs regarding ace hurler Roy Halladay, according to MLBblogs.com.

Our View
Halladay is due $15.75MM in 2010, which the Cubs cannot currently handle. Toronto will also want some top prospects in return, making him unlikely to land in Chicago. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/2103/notes#149935 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/2103/notes#149935 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:13:22 CST The News
The Red Sox are believed to be interested in Matt Holliday, according to the Boston Herald.

Our View
The club will reportedly consider the elite outfielder as an alternative if they do no re-sign Jason Bay. The Cardinals would also like to keep him in St. Louis. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/3366/notes#149934 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/3366/notes#149934 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:42:32 CST The News
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates have designated catcher Robinzon Diaz for assignment. Diaz played in 41 games for the team last season.

Our View
Diaz was in an unfortunate situation in Pittsburgh, as he was behind Ryan Doumit and Jason Jaramillo on the depth chart, and out of minor league options. He filled in admirably while both catchers were down last season, as he hit .279 with 19 RBI in 129 at-bats. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/6785/notes#149933 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/6785/notes#149933 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:21:04 CST The News
The Red Sox have claimed pitcher Robert Manuel off waivers from the Mariners, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View
Manuel did not allow any runs over 4.1 innings of relief with the Reds in 2009, and had one walk and two strikeouts. The Red Sox have a well-stocked bullpen, but the 26-year-old right-hander should be given a shot to compete for a job in spring training. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/7705/notes#149932 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/7705/notes#149932 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:14:15 CST The News
The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated pitcher Jeff Karstens for assignment, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Karstens was 4-6 with a 5.42 ERA in 39 appearances (13 starts) last season.

Our View
It looks like Karstens isn't in the future plans for the Pirates next season, which is a bit of a surprise. He is out of minor league options, which could have been a major reason why this move was made, but he will be in someone's plans next year. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/6353/notes#149931 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/6353/notes#149931 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:11:00 CST The News
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that the Pirates have claimed right-handed pitcher Chris Jakubauskas from the Mariners. Jakubauskas was 6-7 with a 5.32 ERA in 35 appearances for Seattle last season.

Our View
Jakubauskas struggled through injuries for much of last season, and he wasn't great when he did get on the mound. He made eight starts, so he could work out of the rotation or bullpen for the Pirates next season. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/7599/notes#149930 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/7599/notes#149930 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:04:56 CST The News
Catcher Paul Phillips has signed a one-year contract to stay with the Rockies, according to the Denver Post.

Our View
It's a minor league contract that will pay him $450,000 if he's added to the major league roster. Chris Iannetta will be the Rockies starter in 2010. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/3413/notes#149929 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/3413/notes#149929 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:09:14 CST The News
Laynce Nix has refused to be out-righted to Triple-A, and is now a free agent, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.

Our View
Nix showed some decent power for the Reds last season, clubbing 15 home runs in 309 at-bats. Despite a lifetime .236 average, he should find a place on someone's bench for 2010. ]]> http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/4950/notes#149928 http://ownersedge.fanball.com/mlb/player/4950/notes#149928 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:43:01 CST