"We have strengthened our team by adding an impact starting pitcher in Garza and an everyday shortstop in Bartlett. We have capitalized on our depth in certain areas to address more pressing areas of need. Because of that, we are now a better ball club." ~ Rays Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman.   more »

The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have acquired outfielders Delmon Young and Jason Pridie along with infielder Brendan Harris from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitchers Matt Garza, Eduardo Morlan and infielder Jason Bartlett.

Notes gathered via the Twins conference call with GM Bill Smith:

- Twins have done a lot of homework on Delmon Young. He's a good player with a good attitude. He's competitive...first to the park, does extra running, takes extra BP, etc.

- Twins didn't get Young to play CF

- Harris, Nick Punto, Alexi Casilla, and other options from within will be considered for shortstop

- Pridie can play CF, but the the organization will keep looking

- Tampa Bay insisted on Bartlett and Garza in the deal

- "Nothing is wrong with Juan Rincon"...according to Bill Smith

- Minnesota's priorities going forward...continue to try to upgrade the offense...need a 3B, a CF

- Michael Cuddyer has not been discussed as an option for third base

- The Twins will continue to talk to Craig Monroe despite adding another outfielder

Notes from Delmon Young via conference call

- Delmon is excited about the young nucleus on the Twins and their playoff history

- He's not concerned with playing left or center field

- He feels like he's matured over the years

I have to say that Delmon seemed pretty pumped up about this deal. In fact he almost seemed like a different player from the one I spoke with a few years ago. This is an interesting deal for both sides and really could turn into one of those moves that helps both clubs.

Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg announced today the plans for a new 34,000 seat, retractable-roof, open-air ballpark on the St. Petersburg waterfront at the site of historic Al Lang Field. And to think, this is where I might have been working.

From the team press release...

At a press conference conducted in the outfield of Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field, Sternberg and the Rays introduced renderings of the proposed ballpark which will provide an intimate baseball venue and offer sweeping views of the picturesque St. Petersburg waterfront.  The design draws upon the 100-year history of baseball and spring training on the Al Lang site.  In addition to modern fan- and family-friendly amenities, the ballpark will feature 360 degree circulation, air-conditioned concourses with open views to the playing field, the smallest upper deck in baseball, and a new public park that will seamlessly link the waterfront park system to the north of the ballpark with the emerging cultural district to its south.

The ballpark design also includes a unique retractable roof which will shield the playing field and fans from the elements yet still maintain an intimate environment. The total cost for the ballpark is estimated to be $450 million.

The Rays and the City of St. Petersburg have been evaluating financing alternatives for the facility.  The ballpark financing will include a large contribution by the Rays.  An essential component of the financing is the redevelopment of the Tropicana Field site into a major retail, entertainment, and housing development.  The Rays also expect to seek financing assistance from the State of Florida.

The Kansas City Royals have signed right-handed pitcher Yasuhiko Yabuta to a two-year contract with an option for 2010. Yabuta, 34, will become just the second Japanese-born player to appear for the Royals, joining Mac Suzuki, who pitched for the Royals from 1999-2002. Yabuta has spent his entire 12-year professional career pitching for the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan's Pacific League from 1996-2007. A native of Osaka, Japan, the 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is 44-59 with nine saves and a 4.03 ERA in 343 career appearances, including 86 starts.   more »