The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Cardinals were among at least 10 teams to scout Orix Buffaloes right-handed star Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s start Wednesday, and he impressed over seven scoreless innings with poise, focus and athleticism, and also with several solid-to-plus pitches — including a four-seamer up to 97 mph, cutter, curveball and splitter.
Also there to see the two-time MVP who’s expected to be posted were the Cubs, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Phillies, Rangers and Tigers. …
Notoriously loyal White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf shocked folks by firing VP Ken Williams and GM Rick Hahn after 30-plus years and 20-plus years, respectively. Reinsdorf suggested he’d appoint a single person in charge rather than the two-headed leadership system which often leads to problems. (No surprise, by the end Williams and Hahn weren’t seeing eye to eye.)
Chris Getz, who declined a chance to coach his alma mater Michigan, is one in-house candidate, and USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggested he has a good chance. Nightengale also named Dayton Moore, who remains the only GM to win a World Series in a small market (Kansas City) this century. …
Bob Melvin is a great manager but something’s amiss his second season in San Diego. Chemistry issues are clear. …
Brian Cashman very likely isn’t going anywhere. But hopefully he/they are serious about big changes in how they do business. Cashman fairly called this season “a disaster.”
This isn’t Aaron Boone’s fault, but he’s more likely at least a longer discussion. …
If Terry Francona retires, what a great Hall of Fame career it’s been.