Word Around the Majors

A couple days ago a report emerged that the Pittsburgh Pirates had signed two pitchers from India to minor league contracts. In a corresponding move, the Cleveland Indians have signed two pirates to minor league contracts. "We can't let them one up us." Explained General manager Mark Shapiro, "They [Pittsburgh] crossed a line, and we've crossed it back. I believe fully in Captain Mayhem and Comodore Bounty. They've been rowing boats all their lives. You should see the shoulder muscles they have."

All continues to be quiet on the Sabathia front since a decision is not expected until after Thanksgiving. Speaking of quiet fronts, the Yankees continue to remain mum on a deal for Pettitte. As a result, Pettitte started talking to Joe Torre about the Dodgers. The Yankees know what Pettitte is capable of, and I'm not talking from a pitching perspective, I'm talking from a "leaving the Yankees and signing with another team when he doesn't feel wanted" perspective. Personally, I think its a smart move for Pettitte if only to get the Yankees attention, and who wouldn't want to play for Torre besides middle relievers?

Lastly, it looks like the Red Sox are close to signing Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa violating an unwritten rule between Japanese and American baseball that they won't pursue each others prospects. Although the Red Sox were not the only team interested, it should be noted that the New York Yankees have honored the unspoken rule. So it would appear that the Red Sox are becoming the "evil empire" they once hated and criticized, but in reality admired and looked up to. Peter Abraham argues that in doing this, nothing stops Japanese teams from sending scouts to High Schools and Universities across the states to try and sign our would-be prospects. Think about it, Japanese baseball is a step below American baseball, which means that prospects are more likely to make it over there. With that being the case, Japanese teams can probably offer higher signing bonuses knowing that some of the better prospects will be on their professional rosters within a couple years. Just their presence would drive up the signing costs of prospects. Like always, the Red Sox are ruining baseball for everyone.