Frank Robinson expected to be MLB’s next VP of baseball development
Look for Frank Robinson to replace Jimmie Lee Solomon, who was fired last week from his position as MLB’s executive vice president, baseball development. Robinson would be on equal footing with Joe Torre, who returned to his position as executive vice president, baseball operations, after being part of an unsuccessful attempt to buy the Dodgers....
Although Thomas Tull’s group has added Tony Gwynn and Phil Mickelson as a piece of the Peter O’Malley effort, Steven Cohen remains the frontrunner in bidding for the San Diego Padres. Cohen’s net worth has been estimated at $8.3 billion....
The Twins must really like outfielder Byron Buxton. They looked beyond their need for pitching and the availability of Stanford’s Mark Appel, LSU’s Kevin Gausman and San Francisco’s Kyle Zimmer to take the Georgia high-schooler with the second overall pick in the draft …
Though the Mariners say they’ve been pleased with Jesus Montero behind the plate, they expect the University of Florida’s Mike Zunino to become their long-term catcher, with Montero possibly remaining as a part-time catcher/DH....
The Phillies play nine straight games in AL parks, and that could be a farewell tour for Jim Thome. He needs to do well as the DH to show that he still has some value, and his back remains a concern....
Josh Hamilton wants a new contract, not the kind of attention he would have received from serving as a captain in the Home Run Derby. He declined the chance, saying he feels his swing suffered after the prolific showing at Yankee Stadium in 2008....
Winless Cliff Lee is being painted as a symbol for the Phillies’ problems, but he has been very unlucky, with nothing to show for six quality starts. He’s 0-3 despite ranking 17th among 62 NL qualifiers with a 2.92 ERA. Don’t be surprised if he blows a gasket one of his next two times out, as it gets tougher and tougher to win and he’ll be facing the Orioles and Blue Jays with DHs in the lineup....
What’s wrong with the Tigers? They counted on a big year from Doug Fister and are 2-9 behind him and the guys who have replaced him, the latest being Casey Crosby, who beat Cleveland on Thursday.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
