Dodgers hire Dave Roberts as manager
In a bit of shocking move, the Dodgers tabbed Padres coach Dave Roberts as the successor to Don Mattingly. Many believed Gabe Kapler would win the role considering he was already the team's director of player development. Roberts is the eighth Dodgers manager in 20 years and is the first minority manager in team history.
Jed Lowrie traded back to the A's
Just one year into a three-year deal with the Astros, Jed Lowrie has been traded back to the A's for minor-league pitcher Brenden McCurry. Lowrie was also involved in the trade that sent Chris Carter to the Astros in 2013. Lowrie himself seemed disappointed in the move, but admitted he enjoyed playing for Bob Melvin.
Lowrie: "I'm disappointed to leave Houston. I think the Astros are obviously a team headed in right direction."
— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) November 25, 2015
More Lowrie on trade: "I signed the three-year deal here thinking I'd be here for those three years."
— Brian McTaggart ⚾️ (@brianmctaggart) November 25, 2015
Jed Lowrie tells me "obviously when I signed in Houston I was hoping to spend 3 years there. But I enjoyed playing for Bob Melvin."
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) November 25, 2015
Rod Carew in need of a heart transplant
Hall-of-Famer Rod Carew suffered a heart attack back in September and is currently awaiting a heart transplant. He underwent six hours of open heart surgery to have a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) installed, which is a mechanical pump and serves as a temporary fix until he gets his transplant. Carew played 19 years as an outfielder for the Twins and Angels and won seven batting titles. (MORE)
Blue Jays bring back J.A. Happ
Happ returns to the team for whom he pitched from 2012-14, signing a three-year, $36 million deal with the Blue Jays. He split 2015 between the Mariners and Pirates. He struggled for Seattle, posting a 4.64 ERA before being part of a deadline deal with the Pirates for whom he posted a 1.85 ERA in 11 starts.