• Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have picked up the option on centerfielder Torii Hunter for the 2007 season. Hunter, 31, batted .278 (155-557) with 21 doubles, two triples, 31 homers and 98 rbi in 147 games in 2006. “The Twins are excited about bringing back Torii Hunter in 2007,” said Twins General Manager Terry Ryan. “He has been with this organization for 14 years and is an integral part of the continued success of Twins baseball. Torii Hunter exemplifies leadership on the field, in the clubhouse and in the community.”
• ATLANTA – The Atlanta Braves announced three roster moves today, as outfielder Josh Burrus was sent outright to Richmond (AAA), left-handed pitcher John Foster was released and left-handed pitcher Wayne Franklin cleared waivers and has chosen to become a free agent.
• Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have announced the majority of the team of MLB All-Stars traveling to Japan this November to play in a newly-formatted, best-of-five-game championship competition against their counterparts from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in “All-Star Series 2006.” The latest roster of MLB All-Stars headed to Japan promises to be one of the most talented in the history of the event. The pitching staff is anchored by Minnesota Twins ace left-handed starter Johan Santana (American League leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts) and the lineup features many of the game’s most dynamic offensive players, including 2006 Major League home run king, Ryan Howard (58 HR) of the Philadelphia Phillies, American League batting champion, Joe Mauer (.347 batting average) of the Minnesota Twins, and National League stolen base leader, Jose Reyes (64) of the New York Mets. Manager Ken Macha of the 2006 A.L. West Champion Oakland Athletics will manage this talented group. The current roster is listed below (note: the final three players will be announced in the coming week).
• OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland A’s today released left-handed pitcher Scott Sauerbeck. Sauerbeck was released to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for infielder Mark Kiger, who was added to the A’s ALCS roster. Sauerbeck was signed by the A’s as a free agent on June 19 after he was released by Cleveland and he posted a 3.65 ERA in 22 relief appearances with Oakland. He had a loss and a 6.23 ERA in 24 relief appearances with the Indians and was 0-1 with a 4.97 ERA in 46 games overall.
• I spoke recently with Jim Hendry, the Chicago Cubs General Manager, and he made it perfectly clear that he is looking for a manager with Major League experience. Hendry also said that no decision has been made on the coaching staff. He has spoken to each of the coaches and told them they are free to pursue other jobs. But ultimately, the new manager will make the decision on who stays and who goes. And finally, Hendry stated that they are interested in bringing Kerry Wood back in some capacity, but obviously won't exercise the team's high priced option on the pitcher.

The Arizona Fall League kicked off today and here are some of the performances from the early action:

Troy Tulowitzki (COL) - 1-5, 1 R
Matthew Miller (COL) - 3-5, 2 R, 1 HR, 6 RBI
Neil Walker (PIT) - 1-5
Trevor Crowe (CLE) - 3-5, 2 R,1 2B, 1 RBI
Brett Carroll (FLA) - 2-4, 1 BB, 2 RBI
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (ATL) - 1-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI
Hunter Pence (HOU) - 0-3, 3 K
Eric Patterson (CHC) - 0-3
Kevin Melillo (OAK) - 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI
Jeff Niemann (TAM) - 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Luke Hochevar (KC) - 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K