This edition of News and Rumors is jam packed with some big news a few rumors floating throughout the league.

Not So Chipper Anymore

It looks like Bobby Cox may not be the only person retiring from a long career with the Atlanta Braves. After the last few years, Braves 3B Chipper Jones has said he wasn’t just going to hang around if he felt he couldn’t do anything productive anymore. Well, the 38-year old hasn’t announced anything, but it appears the idea of retiring in 2010 is not out of the question. Chipper is hitting just .233 with four homers and 23 RBIs this year, but injuries have hampered him the last half decade. He is one of the best third baseman of all time and possibly the number Braves player ever. Him retiring would be a big deal.

Pedro, Pedro, Pedro

It’s about that time of year again – the time that “retired” pitchers come out of the blue and sign with a contender. Looks like Pedro Martinez is considering this for the second year in a row. And for the second year in a row, he’s looking at Philadelphia for a comeback location. Both sides have admitted talks have started, but there is no rush. Pedro is 38 and surprised me last year with a 5-1 record with a 3.63 ERA in nine starts for Philly, so why not again? He’s normally in great conditioning and he’s a decent security blanket. As long as they’re not spending money on him, then they really have nothing to lose.

Tidbits:

• It looks like those renovations have paid off in Kansas City, as MLB commissioner Bud Selig announced on Wednesday that Kauffman Stadium will be hosting the 2012 All-Star Game. Good for KC, and good for old ballparks. This basically ends a trend of giving All-Star Games to new sparkly stadiums.
• The Baltimore Orioles have shown some interest in some ESPN guys for their managerial position. No, not Karl Ravech or Tim Kurkijian, but there are rumors they are interested in Buck Showalter or Bobby Valentine. It doesn’t matter who they get, they can’t win that division ever again.
• Mark Mulder has called it quits, kind of. He admits he hasn’t touched a baseball since February and that may as well make him a retired major leaguer. Mulder could have been an all-timer, but injuries with St. Louis put a quick hault to his career. Sorry Mark, but no one will be calling you this summer.
• Padres C Yorvit Torrealba is having a frustrating year. And now, after bumping an umpire on Monday after striking out, Torrealba has been suspended for three games.
• Cubs announcer and former ML manager Bob Brenly says the Cubs lack fundamentals. Well, they also lack a lot of wins and championships as well. I guess everything truly does start with the fundamentals.

-Chris