Could Oakland's Derek Norris be an All-Star candidate?

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I am pretty positive that right now 95% of you are thinking, “Who is Derek Norris?” I will get to that, don’t worry, but I must also say I wasn’t the first person to come up with this seemingly “crazy” idea. To be honest I have to credit MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince and Doug Miller for first thinking about the possibility that Derek Norris could earn a spot on the American League’s midsummer classic’s roster since a spot has more than likely being vacated by Baltimore Orioles’ catcher Matt Wieters. Wieters recently saw Dr. Andrews and while he will not be the first catcher of the season to need Tommy John surgery, he is going to spend time on the disabled list. Wieters’ elbow injury opens up the possibility for other names to emerge into the conversation for the A.L.’s starting catcher.

You now have two major clues about Derek Norris. You know he is a the catcher on an American League team, which narrows it down to approximately 15 players. Still curious? Or have you already checked baseball-reference.com?

To find out why Norris could be an All-Star candidate CLICK HERE! Brought to you by Outside Sports Pitch Network LLC

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Joel Hanrahan and the Tigers: A Perfect Match??

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Rumors had been swirling around free agent pitcher Joel Hanrahan since winter. Hanrahan is a proven closer who ran into a some issues last season with the Boston Red Sox posting a 9.82 ERA in just 7 1/3 innings. But in early May the reason for his struggles was revealed. The, now 32-year old right-hander, needed Tommy John Surgery which ended his 2013 season.

Hanrahan has a career ERA of 3.85 and a total 100 career saves. Originally a starting pitcher with the Nationals, he became the Pirates closer in 2011. Hanrahan made the All-Star Team both seasons he played in Pittsburgh collecting 40 saves in 2011 and 36 in 2012.

Hanrahan has now signed with the Tigers .... to read my article about how I think it will affect the Tigers bullpen ..... CLICK HERE!

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Kimbrel, Braves Avoid Arbitration with a Four Year Deal

My latest for MLB Nation:

Craig Kimbrel and the Atlanta Braves announced Sunday morning that they have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with an option for 2018. The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

Kimbrel, 25, is arguably one of Major League Baseball’s best closers and by far the best in the National League. He has led the National League in saves the past three seasons, including recording a MLB leading 50 saves last season. In 2013 Kimbrel posted an ERA of 1.21 and had 98 strikeouts in just 67 innings pitched. The three time All-Star was also Rookie of the Year in the National League in 2011.

With statistics like those it is no wonder the Braves wanted to avoid any arbitration issues with the young closer as well as keep him on their roster as long as they can. As it is Kimbrel will be only 29 when this contract is up. If he stays healthy over the next four years the Braves may have a hard time keeping him. Braves general manager, Frank Wren said of Kimbrel,

“”We are very excited to agree to terms with Craig, who we feel is the best closer in Major League Baseball. He is one of the key pieces of our pitching staff and we are happy to keep him in a Braves uniform for at least four more years.”

The Braves have made it their top priority to lock down all their young stars this off season. They recently signed Freddie Freeman, 24, to an eight-year, $135 million deal. They also made sure to keep outfielder Jason Heyward, also 24, and 21-year old starting pitcher, Julio Teheran, who went 14-8 last season with a 3.20 ERA.

With so many young stars the Braves are not only securing success for 2014 but for the future as well.

For More News From Around the League Check Out MLB Nation!

Mets' Matt Harvey May See Some Late Season Action

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Matt Harvey, the ace of the New York Mets, who underwent Tommy John surgery just this past October is recovering at an unexpectedly rapid pace. When it was announced that Harvey would undergo the surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow it was assumed that he would miss all of the 2014 season. The usual recovery period for someone undergoing this kind of surgery is usually 12-15 months. It can take others even longer and has been known in some cases to take up to two years.

Initially, Harvey wanted so much to pitch in 2014 that he was prepared to skip surgery and just work on rehabilitation. Ultimately he opted for the procedure because there is a much greater chance of re-injury in taking he former course of action. Harvey says that he knows in the long run he made the right choice telling Daniel Barbarisi of the Wall Street Journal,

"It's frustrating knowing I'm not going to spring training and going to pitch, but going forward, you look at some of the deals that have been made, financially, performance-wise, it was the best decision.  Going forward, having a long career, it's a decision I'm happy I've made."

In an unexpected twist however, it was recently reported by Dan Martin of the New York Post that Harvey could begin throwing by February 22, exactly four months to the day that his surgery was performed. He is progressing much faster than anticipated and is very optimistic that he may not miss the entire 2014 season. Harvey would like to get in a couple quality starts by September.

Depending on any setbacks in Harvey's recovery and whether or not the Mets are in post season contention will likely influence how soon the young phenom will be back in the game. If the Mets are out of contention, there is no reason to rush the 24-year old right hander. The Mets have seen this happen before to Atlanta Braves' RHP Brandon Beachy.  Beachy, who returned just 13 months after his surgery re-injured himself requiring yet another surgical procedure. The Mets cannot take that chance with their budding star and Harvey understands that. In his interview with the Post he said,

"I can't throw the uniform on and go back on the mound without the permission of higher-ups."

Harvey coming back by the season's end would be a month or two short of the year long recovery period but with the way he is progressing now it looks as though it may be a strong possibility. Whether or not the Mets decide to take that chance is another story.

Up until his injury last season, Harvey was performing at a Cy Young level. He started the All-Star game at his home park and was was 9-5 with a 2.27 ERA.

For more news from around the league check out MLB Nation!

Curt Schilling Has Cancer, Ready to Fight

Former Major League Baseball pitcher and current ESPN analyst, Curt Schilling, announced Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with Cancer. In a statement released by ESPN Schilling told the world,

"I've always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges. We've been presented with another challenge, as I've recently been diagnosed with cancer."

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The 47-year old played in MLB for 20 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox. He is best remembered for his stellar post season performances. He was Co-MVP of the 2001 World Series with the Diamondbacks, sharing the honors with fellow pitcher Randy Johnson. He was heralded for his post season pitching with the Red Sox. He was part of the 2004 team that led Boston to it's first World Series Title in 86 years. Remember the bloody sock? That was Schilling. Schilling injured the tendon in his ankle that year in the American Division Series against the Anaheim Angels. By Game Six of the American League Championship Series he had had his tendon stabilized so many times his sock was bloodied and the stabilizing procedure was named the Schilling Tendon Procedure.

In his 19 career post season starts Schilling had an 11-2 record with four complete games and a 2.23 ERA. His .486 playoff winning percentage is the best ever for all pitchers who have had at least ten post season decisions. Shilling finished his career 216-146 and a 3.46 ERA and ranks 15th all time in strikeouts with 3,116. He also has six All-Star appearances on his MLB career resume.

Unfortunately for Schilling and his wife, Shonda, this is not the first time they have had to stand up to cancer. In 2001, Shonda battled stage 2 malignant melanoma but recovered. It is also not Schilling's first post baseball health scare. In 2011, Shilling reported having had a heart attack while cheering on his wife as she ran the New York City Marathon. He ended up needing surgery to place a stent in one of his arteries.

While the Schilling and his family have experienced great successes, they have also learned how to battle the many hardships and misfortunes in their lives. In more of the statement released by ESPN Schilling continued:

“Shonda and I want to send a sincere thank you and our appreciation to those who have called and sent prayers, and we ask that if you are so inclined, to keep the Schilling family in your prayers.

He added a statement about his father saying:

“My father left me with a saying that I’ve carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: ‘Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.’ Over the years in Boston, the kids at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown us what that means.

Even with the odds seemingly against the Schilling family, Schilling is not going to give in to this disease easily:

“With my incredibly talented medical team, I’m ready to try and win another big game. I’ve been so very blessed and I feel grateful for what God has allowed my family to have and experience, and I’ll embrace this fight just like the rest of them, with resolute faith and head on.”

Just like that much younger Curt Schilling who battled in that ALCS Game 6 with his bloody sock, 10 years has not changed the man. Schilling does not seem to have the capacity to give up even in the face of such adversity.

To Read the rest check out Sports Unbiased - Your Site For All Sports News, Polls and Predictions

Nats Interested in Balfour; Overbay inks Minor League Deal with Brewers

Nationals Interested in Balfour

Free agent closer Grant Balfour may have finally found a home with the Washington Nationals — or at least they have expressed their interest, according to a source at  MLB.com. Balfour was an All-Star closer for the Oakland Athletics last season. Unfortunately for Balfour, the Nationals have had their closer,Rafael Soriano, signed to a two-year, $28-million contract since January 2013. If Balfour ultimately makes a deal with Washington, he would have to pitch in the set-up role. 

After leaving the A’s via free-agency this off-season, both Balfour and the Baltimore Orioles expected him to be their new closer. But after a physical on Balfour, the Orioles rescinded their offer of $15 million for two years because of issues with his wrist and knees, though it was first reported that it may have been his throwing shoulder. Balfour was unhappy about this and voiced his opinion to the media. He made a statement to The San Francisco Chronicles’ Susan Slusser who tweeted,

Balfour told me he told (Orioles’ executive vice president Dan) Duquette that he deserves to be treated w/ respect and he was not & #Orioles just lost their best chance at winning.

He is also quoted by Slusser as saying,

I am 100 percent fine. I am the All-Star pitcher I was last season. My shoulder is fine. Everything’s fine. I’m ready to come out there in the ninth inning, do what I do.

Last season with the Athletics, Balfour, 36, acquired 38 saves in 65 games and posted a 2.59 ERA. He also beat Oakland’s record, previously held by Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley, for consecutive saves.

As of today, the Nationals’ roster is at the 40-man limit, so if they were to sign Balfour, someone would have to be traded or designated for assignment. According to a baseball source that could be reliever,Drew Storen. Storen struggled towards the end of the 2012 season for Washington and in the National League Division Series that year. He lost his job as closer in 2013 when Soriano was signed. During the 2013 season, his struggles continued to mount and he was eventually sent back to Triple-A Syracuse but did finish the season with the Nationals.

As the Nationals are in the process of fine tuning their roster before Spring Training and Grant Balfour is still available and looking for a place to play in 2014, this might just be the right match.

Read more on MLB Nation - delivering the latest news, insights, and analysis from around the league.

Overbay Inks Minor League Deal with Brewers

Even quite a few other options available to play first base in 2014, the Milwaukee Brewers signed Lyle Overbay to a minor-league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training. The signing was announced on Twitter earlier today by the team’s official account.

This comes as a bit of a shock as just last week they also signed Mark Reynolds to a minor league contract complete with an invite. Not to mention the fact that there will be three other players, Juan Francisco, Sean Halton and Hunter Morris, also competing for a spot at the big league level.

Overbay, 36, has played with a number of teams in his career including the Brewers. In his two seasons with Milwaukee, Overbay hit.289 with 35 homers and 87 doubles, setting a club record in his first year with 53 doubles.  He spent last season with the New York Yankees appearing in 142 games and hitting .240 with 14 home runs and 59 RBI.

After first breaking into the majors with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Overbay was traded to the Brewers in 2003 and became their starting first baseman in 2004 and 2005. He was then traded to the Toronto Blue Jays where he spent five seasons after which he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a free agent in 2010. Since then he has played with the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox and the Yankees and has been released three times.

OverBay, who turns 37 this week, has played in 1,446 games over his thirteen-year career hitting .267 with 342 doubles, 147 home runs and 640 RBI.

Read More on MLB Nation - delivering the latest news, insights, and analysis from around the league.