Thome, Glavine updates

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1) The Indians have improved their offer to Jim Thome. According to ESPN, "Indians GM Mark Shapiro told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark the team wouldn't guarantee a sixth year, but they did make other changes that just might keep the slugging first baseman in Cleveland. At the very least it will give Thome something to think about over the holiday weekend, and it's a strong sign he truly doesn't want to leave Cleveland."

According to his agent, Thome is expected to use the long weekend to think about his options.

2) The Phillies and Mets made counteroffers to Tom Glavine, which includes a 4th year, as a vesting option (an option year, but if he reaches certain levels, it becomes guaranteed). The Phillies's offer is higher, while the Braves haven't responded.

3) The Redsox claimed P Ryan Rupe off waivers from the Devil Rays.

After 6.92 ERA/-20 RSAA and 6.59 ERA/-34 RSAA seasons, Rupe had a 5.60 ERA/-11 RSAA in 15 starts. He has a 5.84 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.69, and -61 RSAA in 85 games. He's pitched his whole career for the Devil Rays, who released him last week.

Rupe has the worst ERA, compared to his league average, for any pitcher with 50+ starts, for ages 25-27.

ERA                             DIFF   PLAYER   LEAGUE 
1    Ryan Rupe                 -1.81     6.41     4.60 
2    Frank Pastore             -1.57     5.19     3.62 
3    Jay Hook                  -1.54     5.20     3.67 
4    Leo Sweetland             -1.51     5.81     4.30 
5    Dick Pole                 -1.44     5.24     3.79 
6    Bill Hubbell              -1.38     5.36     3.98 
7    Jack Neagle               -1.37     4.62     3.25 
8    Les German                -1.29     6.07     4.78 
9    Herm Wehmeier             -1.26     5.23     3.97 
10   Fred Mitchell             -1.19     4.21     3.02 

4) The Mariners claimed P Steve Kent off waivers from the Devil Rays.

Kent was a Rule 5 draftee, from the Mariners to the Devil Rays, who jumped from Hi-A to the majors and had a 5.65 ERA/-8 RSAA in 34 games.

5) The Mariners named most of their coaching staff--Rene Lachemann (bench), John Moses (1B), Dave Myers (3B), Bryan Price (pitching) and Orlando Gomez (bullpen). A hitting coach still needs to be hired.

6) According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles were considering free agent P Paul Byrd, but were turned off when they found out he's seeking a multiyear $4-6 million contract.

The paper also reports they're out of the Jim Thome sweepstakes. But, who ever considered them to really be in it?

7) The Brewers hired Rich Donnelly as bench coach and moved Rich Dauer from bench to 3B coach.

8) The Indians named their coaching staff--Buddy Bell (bench), Eddie Murray (hitting), Jeff Datz (1B), Joel Skinner (3B), Mike Brown (pitching) and Luis Isaac (bullpen).