Baseball Season Kicks Off with Roster Moves and Contract Talks

Strategic Insights -

The Montreal Expos trimmed their roster to 28 players, optioning several players to their Class AAA Ottawa affiliate, while the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs avoided salary arbitration with pitchers Jack McDowell and Sammy Sosa, agreeing to one-year contracts worth $5.4 million and $4.3 million, respectively. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are considering Rheal Cormier as their No. 2 starter, and the Texas Rangers placed slugger Juan Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list due to a herniated disc in his back.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Montreal Expos trimmed their roster to 28 players, optioning pitcher Joey Eischen, catcher Rob Fitzpatrick, and outfielder Curtis Pride to their Class AAA Ottawa affiliate.
  • The Expos will open the season on Wednesday in Pittsburgh with 13 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders, and five outfielders, including six rookies.
  • Jack McDowell and the New York Yankees avoided salary arbitration with a $5.4-million, one-year contract, a raise of just $100,000 from his previous salary.
  • Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $4.3-million, one-year contract to avoid salary arbitration.
  • Rheal Cormier impressed Boston Red Sox manager Kevin Kennedy with his performance and is being considered as the No. 2 starter.
  • The Cincinnati Reds claimed outfielder Nigel Wilson off waivers from the Marlins and designated him for assignment.
  • The Texas Rangers placed slugger Juan Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, due to a herniated disc in his back.

Statistics:

  • Jack McDowell has 83 victories in the last five years, making him the third-leading winner among major-league pitchers in that time period.
  • Sammy Sosa hit .300 last season with 25 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases.
  • Rhéal Cormier pitched three innings against Minnesota, allowing two hits and a walk, and striking out two.
  • Juan Gonzalez will miss up to three weeks due to a herniated disc in his back.
  • The Expos will open the season with a roster of 13 pitchers, three catchers, seven infielders, and five outfielders.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • New York Yankees press release (McDowell contract agreement)
  • Chicago Cubs press release (Sosa contract agreement)
  • Boston Red Sox press release (Cormier performance and potential No. 2 starter)
  • Texas Rangers press release (Gonzalez injury and 15-day disabled list)
  • MLB.com (roster moves and injuries)