2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions
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Please the Phil's will compete for the division again this yr, they got to .500 and made up 14 games after the AS break once they got their players back
That's a pace to win 95 games
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nt's resident cuban inda house
[h1]Aledmys Diaz & Dariel Alvarez Close To Free Agency[/h1]
By Mike Axisa [November 28, 2012 at 6:00pm CST]
Cuban prospects Aledmys Diaz and Dariel Alvarez are expected to be declared free agents soon, reports MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. Both players have submitted their paperwork to the commissioner's office and could enter the market as soon as early next week.
Diaz, 22, is a right-handed hitting shortstop who defected last summer and has since established residency in Mexico. He stands 6-foot-1 and 185 lbs. and will take part in a series of showcase events starting next week. Sanchez says Diaz can hit for average and power while providing speed as well. Several teams have already expressed interest in signing him.
Alvarez, 24, is a right-handed hitting outfielder. He also defected last summer and established residency in Mexico, where he has been playing winter ball. Alvarez stands 6-foot-2 and 190 lbs. and is said to be able to play all three outfield spots while providing an above-average arm. Sanchez says it's unclear if Diaz or Alvarez will command contracts on par with Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig.
[h1]Aledmys Diaz & Dariel Alvarez Close To Free Agency[/h1]
By Mike Axisa [November 28, 2012 at 6:00pm CST]
Cuban prospects Aledmys Diaz and Dariel Alvarez are expected to be declared free agents soon, reports MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez. Both players have submitted their paperwork to the commissioner's office and could enter the market as soon as early next week.
Diaz, 22, is a right-handed hitting shortstop who defected last summer and has since established residency in Mexico. He stands 6-foot-1 and 185 lbs. and will take part in a series of showcase events starting next week. Sanchez says Diaz can hit for average and power while providing speed as well. Several teams have already expressed interest in signing him.
Alvarez, 24, is a right-handed hitting outfielder. He also defected last summer and established residency in Mexico, where he has been playing winter ball. Alvarez stands 6-foot-2 and 190 lbs. and is said to be able to play all three outfield spots while providing an above-average arm. Sanchez says it's unclear if Diaz or Alvarez will command contracts on par with Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig.
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Buster Olney said the Dodgers would have to pay 180 mil to equal 150 mil that Texas could pay because of taxes
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Umm no Ellsbury does suck
Games played is one of the most important stats there is. If u cant stay on the field then you suck.
Ellsbury is 30 years old. Had one good year. Dude sucks. Period.
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what upp
Banned
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Umm no Ellsbury does suck
Games played is one of the most important stats there is. If u cant stay on the field then you suck.
Ellsbury is 30 years old. Had one good year. Dude sucks. Period.
Stupid and proud of it.
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Interesting discussion on the twitters sphere, although it is deceiving since property taxes are higher in Texas. So hope Greinke doesn't plan on buying a house in Texas if he signs there.
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Fam ive watched a lot of Jacoby. Probably more than anyone on this board other than Deadset. DA is a smart dude and very knowledgable when it comes to Boston sports so i respect his opinion on everything sports but i have to disagree with him on wanting Jacoby back.
Do yall remember that year Bill Muelluer (sp) won the batting title? It was a mirage. A one hit wonder. Thats what Jacobys MVP candidate year was. Baseball is mental. Any pro ball player can be confident and have a good year. The great ones are consistently good. Jacoby never been consistently good.
You know who's really stupid? Anyone who signs dude to a big contract. Like, VERY stupid. He will NOT live up to expectations. He will make a few athletic catches then break his ankle a quarter of the way through the season running out a bunt.
But thats okay guiz. Believe the hype. The fact that Jacoby is actually a desirable trade asset speaks to how trash the FA pool is. Yall are funny trying to inst my intelligence based on my evaluation of a player who is extremely overrated
Do yall remember that year Bill Muelluer (sp) won the batting title? It was a mirage. A one hit wonder. Thats what Jacobys MVP candidate year was. Baseball is mental. Any pro ball player can be confident and have a good year. The great ones are consistently good. Jacoby never been consistently good.
You know who's really stupid? Anyone who signs dude to a big contract. Like, VERY stupid. He will NOT live up to expectations. He will make a few athletic catches then break his ankle a quarter of the way through the season running out a bunt.
But thats okay guiz. Believe the hype. The fact that Jacoby is actually a desirable trade asset speaks to how trash the FA pool is. Yall are funny trying to inst my intelligence based on my evaluation of a player who is extremely overrated
DeadsetAce
Supporter
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^ just to be clear, i want him back...but not at the price that it would take. he's not a $20M/year player imo. boras is going to get him a $80M-$100M contract...no thanks.
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If Hamilton leaves, Greinke is going to Texas. If he re-signs, Greinke is going to the Dodgers. Although they have the money for it, Dodgers better not pull up the Brinks truck for him
I didn't know his wife was a former Cowboys cheerleader, she's driving that Texas bus
Is Michael Young finished?
Twins get needed arms for Ben Revere.
Rumors.
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly working hard to acquire Michael Young from the Texas Rangers to fill their hole at third base, and because of the Rangers' surplus of talent around the infield, Texas is willing to pick up a large part of his salary in order to make the trade happen. Beyond just the logjam, however, the Rangers are willing to move Young because he was the least productive player in baseball in 2012, posting a minus-1.4 WAR in 651 plate appearances.
Of course, his one down year came after a nine-year stretch as one of the game's most consistent players, as he put up a WAR of between plus-2.5 and plus-4.5 each season from 2003 to 2011. The Phillies seem to be betting on Young's track record of success, understanding that one bad season doesn't mean a player is necessarily finished. In fact, the recent track record of players who had similarly lousy seasons to Young in their mid-30s shows that there's some real chance for a rebound in 2013.
From 2002 to 2011, 24 Major League players got at least 400 plate appearances and posted a negative WAR in a season in which they were between 34 and 36 years old. Seven of those 24 -- 29 perecent -- actually rebounded to be above-average players in the following season.
Carlos Lee (2011): +3.2 WAR
Lee's WAR is inflated by an outlier defensive season that included 10 outfield assists, but even his offense rebounded to where it was prior to his collapse the year before, posting a 115 wRC+ in 2011 that was essentially equal to his 2009 mark. Even without the positive defensive rating, Lee was still a useful hitter and shows that offensive downturns are reversible.
Ken Griffey Jr. (2007): +3.1 WAR
Unlike most of the others, Griffey actually hit pretty well during his miserable season, but brutal defense in center field nuked his value. His defense was still atrocious in his rebound season, but his offense jumped back to elite levels, as he increased his wRC+ from 118 to 142, his best mark since his final season in Seattle.
Ray Durham (200
: +2.9 WAR
Durham's season might be the most encouraging to Young in that he was also a high-contact, gap power infielder who saw his offensive skills seemingly disappear overnight. At age 34, Durham was excellent, posting a 125 wRC+ by hitting a career-high 26 home runs. At age 35, Durham was horrible, as his wRC+ fell to 62. Then, at age 36, he was terrific again, posting a 118 wRC+. Durham just had a one-year hiatus from being a good hitter, then went right back to previously established norms.
Vinny Castilla (2003): +2.9 WAR
Like Durham and Lee, Castilla's offense disappeared for one year, then reverted right back to where it was prior to his miserable season. Offensively, Castilla was the worst player on this list, as he posted a wRC+ of 58, a total that looks like a slump even for Rey Ordonez. However, his 2003 wRC+ of 96 was better than the one he posted in 2001, and then he got even better (105 wRC+, +3.3 WAR) the next year.
J.T. Snow (2003): +2.7 WAR
Snow was actually pretty lousy for a two-year stretch at age 33 and 34 (95 wRC+ combined), then bounced back in a huge way at age 35 (119 wRC+) and had the best season of his career at age 36 (152 wRC+). Despite the negative connotation of a late career offensive surge from a player in San Francisco, Snow's improvement was mostly about eliminating strikeouts in favor of more singles. He only hit eight home runs in his rebound season, but the improved contact skills allowed him to be a well above-average hitter.
Todd Helton (2011): +2.4 WAR
Young's decline in 2012 was driven by a significant drop in power, and Helton's 2011 season should give him some hope that it has a chance to return. After racking up just 27 extra-base hits while playing half of his games in Colorado, Helton had 41 in his rebound season, and his wRC+ went from 88 to 121. So, take heart, Phillies fans -- power does occasionally come back.
Scott Hatteberg (2005): +2.4 WAR
With Hatteberg, it wasn't just one thing. Every part of his game regressed in 2004 with his walk rate falling, his strikeout rate going up and his power disappearing all at the same time. Then, in 2005, it all reversed right back to prior levels, with Hatteberg resuming his career as an above-average hitter. In fact, his age 36 and 37 seasons were the two best of his career by wRC+.
Of course, these seven represent slightly less than one third of the total pool of players who were below replacement level in their mid-30s as full-time players. Five of the 24 didn't even play the following season, and nine others were useless again in the following campaign. The average WAR of the 19 who stuck around for a follow-up season was +1.1 WAR, so Young shouldn't be seen as any kind of sure thing for the Phillies.
But, at the same time, history shows that there is some potential for Young to rebound and be a productive player in 2013. That he had one bad year does not mean that he is definitively done as a productive player.
Of course, his one down year came after a nine-year stretch as one of the game's most consistent players, as he put up a WAR of between plus-2.5 and plus-4.5 each season from 2003 to 2011. The Phillies seem to be betting on Young's track record of success, understanding that one bad season doesn't mean a player is necessarily finished. In fact, the recent track record of players who had similarly lousy seasons to Young in their mid-30s shows that there's some real chance for a rebound in 2013.
From 2002 to 2011, 24 Major League players got at least 400 plate appearances and posted a negative WAR in a season in which they were between 34 and 36 years old. Seven of those 24 -- 29 perecent -- actually rebounded to be above-average players in the following season.
Carlos Lee (2011): +3.2 WAR
Lee's WAR is inflated by an outlier defensive season that included 10 outfield assists, but even his offense rebounded to where it was prior to his collapse the year before, posting a 115 wRC+ in 2011 that was essentially equal to his 2009 mark. Even without the positive defensive rating, Lee was still a useful hitter and shows that offensive downturns are reversible.
Ken Griffey Jr. (2007): +3.1 WAR
Unlike most of the others, Griffey actually hit pretty well during his miserable season, but brutal defense in center field nuked his value. His defense was still atrocious in his rebound season, but his offense jumped back to elite levels, as he increased his wRC+ from 118 to 142, his best mark since his final season in Seattle.
Ray Durham (200
: +2.9 WARDurham's season might be the most encouraging to Young in that he was also a high-contact, gap power infielder who saw his offensive skills seemingly disappear overnight. At age 34, Durham was excellent, posting a 125 wRC+ by hitting a career-high 26 home runs. At age 35, Durham was horrible, as his wRC+ fell to 62. Then, at age 36, he was terrific again, posting a 118 wRC+. Durham just had a one-year hiatus from being a good hitter, then went right back to previously established norms.
Vinny Castilla (2003): +2.9 WAR
Like Durham and Lee, Castilla's offense disappeared for one year, then reverted right back to where it was prior to his miserable season. Offensively, Castilla was the worst player on this list, as he posted a wRC+ of 58, a total that looks like a slump even for Rey Ordonez. However, his 2003 wRC+ of 96 was better than the one he posted in 2001, and then he got even better (105 wRC+, +3.3 WAR) the next year.
J.T. Snow (2003): +2.7 WAR
Snow was actually pretty lousy for a two-year stretch at age 33 and 34 (95 wRC+ combined), then bounced back in a huge way at age 35 (119 wRC+) and had the best season of his career at age 36 (152 wRC+). Despite the negative connotation of a late career offensive surge from a player in San Francisco, Snow's improvement was mostly about eliminating strikeouts in favor of more singles. He only hit eight home runs in his rebound season, but the improved contact skills allowed him to be a well above-average hitter.
Todd Helton (2011): +2.4 WAR
Young's decline in 2012 was driven by a significant drop in power, and Helton's 2011 season should give him some hope that it has a chance to return. After racking up just 27 extra-base hits while playing half of his games in Colorado, Helton had 41 in his rebound season, and his wRC+ went from 88 to 121. So, take heart, Phillies fans -- power does occasionally come back.
Scott Hatteberg (2005): +2.4 WAR
With Hatteberg, it wasn't just one thing. Every part of his game regressed in 2004 with his walk rate falling, his strikeout rate going up and his power disappearing all at the same time. Then, in 2005, it all reversed right back to prior levels, with Hatteberg resuming his career as an above-average hitter. In fact, his age 36 and 37 seasons were the two best of his career by wRC+.
Of course, these seven represent slightly less than one third of the total pool of players who were below replacement level in their mid-30s as full-time players. Five of the 24 didn't even play the following season, and nine others were useless again in the following campaign. The average WAR of the 19 who stuck around for a follow-up season was +1.1 WAR, so Young shouldn't be seen as any kind of sure thing for the Phillies.
But, at the same time, history shows that there is some potential for Young to rebound and be a productive player in 2013. That he had one bad year does not mean that he is definitively done as a productive player.
Twins get needed arms for Ben Revere.
By trading right-handers Vance Worley and Trevor May to the Minnesota Twins for Ben Revere, the Philadelphia Phillies solved their center-field problem for the next few years, but at a pretty high cost in young pitching, which is exactly what the Twins needed to do with their surplus of young outfielders.
Revere does two things extremely well: run and play center, well enough that he grades out as at least a 70 (on the 20-80 scouting scale) in both departments. He also has as little power as any current major league regular, which in turn limits his ability to hit for average because pitchers are unafraid to challenge him.
He kept his average up in 2012 via more infield hits than he had in the past, making better use of his speed, as he's one of a small number of players for whom frequent bunting for hits is an ideal strategy. But his primary value is in his glove, which is something the Phillies sorely need given the age and composition of the rest of their roster; even if his average dips to the .260s again, dragging the rest of his line with it, he'll be worth more than 2 wins above replacement to the Phils, who had no center-field options on the roster before this trade.
The Twins had an outfield surplus even after the trade of Denard Span because their system is loaded with outfield prospects, many of whom are within a year of the majors. They could hand the center-field job to Aaron Hicks, a 2008 first-round pick who developed slowly but built on a strong 2011 Arizona Fall League showing with a .286/.384/.460 line as a 22-year-old in Double-A in 2012. He's more patient than disciplined, but his approach should be enough for him to handle the every-day role this season. They also have Oswaldo Arcia moving up their system quickly, with 2012 first-rounder Byron Buxton and German-born Max Kepler likely to debut in full-season leagues this year.
In exchange for Revere, the Twins continued to rebuild their stockpile of young pitching with Worley, an established back-end starter, and May, a former top prospect whose performance hasn't matched the scouting reports.
Worley hasn't shown any kind of out pitch in the majors but has thrown enough strikes with the fastball/slider combo and occasional changeup to work as a back-end starter, with league-average performance probably his long-term ceiling. He is still cheap and allows the Twins to bridge the gap to some of the better arms in their system.
May's poor command and control, the latter of which took a big dive in 2012, are related both to trouble maintaining his delivery and to his mental approach to pitching, although changing organizations might help with that second point. He posted a 4.87 ERA in Double-A this year with 151 strikeouts and 78 walks in 149 2/3 innings. He has an above-average fastball -- which isn't something the Twins have a lot of in their system -- but tries to pitch up in the zone with it too often, and his curveball and changeup have stagnated over the last year, but he's healthy and just 22 years old. A new organization that hammers throwing strikes into pitchers' minds as much as the Twins do might be the perfect spot for him.
Revere does two things extremely well: run and play center, well enough that he grades out as at least a 70 (on the 20-80 scouting scale) in both departments. He also has as little power as any current major league regular, which in turn limits his ability to hit for average because pitchers are unafraid to challenge him.
He kept his average up in 2012 via more infield hits than he had in the past, making better use of his speed, as he's one of a small number of players for whom frequent bunting for hits is an ideal strategy. But his primary value is in his glove, which is something the Phillies sorely need given the age and composition of the rest of their roster; even if his average dips to the .260s again, dragging the rest of his line with it, he'll be worth more than 2 wins above replacement to the Phils, who had no center-field options on the roster before this trade.
The Twins had an outfield surplus even after the trade of Denard Span because their system is loaded with outfield prospects, many of whom are within a year of the majors. They could hand the center-field job to Aaron Hicks, a 2008 first-round pick who developed slowly but built on a strong 2011 Arizona Fall League showing with a .286/.384/.460 line as a 22-year-old in Double-A in 2012. He's more patient than disciplined, but his approach should be enough for him to handle the every-day role this season. They also have Oswaldo Arcia moving up their system quickly, with 2012 first-rounder Byron Buxton and German-born Max Kepler likely to debut in full-season leagues this year.
In exchange for Revere, the Twins continued to rebuild their stockpile of young pitching with Worley, an established back-end starter, and May, a former top prospect whose performance hasn't matched the scouting reports.
Worley hasn't shown any kind of out pitch in the majors but has thrown enough strikes with the fastball/slider combo and occasional changeup to work as a back-end starter, with league-average performance probably his long-term ceiling. He is still cheap and allows the Twins to bridge the gap to some of the better arms in their system.
May's poor command and control, the latter of which took a big dive in 2012, are related both to trouble maintaining his delivery and to his mental approach to pitching, although changing organizations might help with that second point. He posted a 4.87 ERA in Double-A this year with 151 strikeouts and 78 walks in 149 2/3 innings. He has an above-average fastball -- which isn't something the Twins have a lot of in their system -- but tries to pitch up in the zone with it too often, and his curveball and changeup have stagnated over the last year, but he's healthy and just 22 years old. A new organization that hammers throwing strikes into pitchers' minds as much as the Twins do might be the perfect spot for him.
Rumors.
Trades next for White Sox?
11:11
AM ETChicago White Sox Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Chicago White Sox, having signed Jeff Keppinger to man third base for them for the next three years, may now venture out onto the trade market, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. For what, exactly, is not clear.
If the club deals right-hander Gavin Floyd they could look to acquire a starting pitcher in another trade. Catcher is a bit of a question mark with A.J. Pierzynski a free agent, but the trade winds are thinner than the free agent market for backstops.
The club could look for a more reliable second baseman and move Gordon Beckham in a trade, or look to shore up the bullpen. Knobler's tweet, however, stated that the Sox were hoping to make a big splash. Relief help doesn't fit that bill.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Chicago White Sox, Gordon Beckham, Gavin Floyd
Bourn ultimatum?
10:07
AM ETMichael Bourn | Braves Recommend0Comments9EmailMichael Bourn began the offseason as one of the very best centerfielders on the open market. B.J. Upton, Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino have each signed deals already, and Denard Span filled center field for the Nationals via trade. Bourn's options appear to be dwindling by the hour with the Phillies landing Ben Revere via trade, Who is left?
If Bourn and agent Scott Boras are hellbent on cashing in as much as possible this year, the best bets appear to be the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers. The Rangers, however, appear to be working hard on Justin Upton, Josh Hamilton and pitching for the time being.
The Mariners, while having had multiple discussions with Boras about Bourn, need power and run production far more than a leadof hitter and defensive center fielder, so it's difficult to imagine they make a significant contract offer to Bourn without having at least one power bat in the fold beforehand.
That leaves the Reds as the best possible fit at this stage of the process. The Boston Red Sox could jump into the mix, however, especially if they move Jacoby Ellsbury for pitching.
If Boras and Bourn decide to go for a one-year deal to retry the market next season, several clubs could be ultra-aggressive, possibly including the Yankees, who could then flip Brett Gardner and/or Curtis Granderson to help them add pitching.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Michael Bourn, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees
When will Lohse sign?
9:31
AM ETKyle Lohse | Cardinals Recommend0Comments3EmailKyle Lohse is among the better free agent starting pitchers available this offseason, but there hasn't been a lot of buzz generated in his direction. The reason for that is likely all about right-hander Zack Greinke.
Greinke is being courted by the Dodgers and Rangers -- and perhaps the Angels aren't really out of the running -- all three clubs that reportedly have interest in Lohse, too.
Lohse is likely a fallback for those three, as well as showing up on the radar of the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers. Once Greinke signs, Lohse could become the hottest pitching commodity, along with Anibal Sanchez.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Kyle Lohse, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers
Available hitters
9:24
AM ETTop Free Agent Bats Recommend0Comments19EmailTop Free Agent HittersJosh Hamilton, OFB.J. Upton, OF | Braves: 5 years, $75.25 millionMichael Bourn, OF Nick Swisher, OF Adam LaRoche, 1BMike Napoli, C/1B/DH | Red Sox: 3 years, $39 million David Ortiz, DH -- Red Sox: 2 years, $26 millionTorii Hunter, OF -- Tigers: two years, $26 millionKevin Youkilis, 3B/1BAngel Pagan, OF | Giants: 4 years, $40 million Melky Cabrera, OF -- Blue Jays: 2 years, $16 millionShane Victorino, OF | Red Sox: 3 years, $39 million Cody Ross, OF Stephen Drew, SSLance Berkman, 1B/DHWith several names off the market halfway through the winter meetings, the top two hitters -- Nick Swisher and Josh Hamilton -- remain free agents.
Bourn is the lone center field option left, assuming Hamilton will play in a corner in 2013 and beyond, and Youkilis the lone third baseman.
Drew is the only free agent shortstop projected to play regularly going forward. He's drawn interest from a few clubs that like the idea of using him as a utility player, but he may fit in Detroit if the Tigers can move Jhonny Peralta.
Trade candidate Shin-soo Choo could become a hot commodity after Swisher and Hamilton sign, and the Royals may move a big league hitter such as Billy Butler in return for pitching.
Justin Upton is the top trade target among hitters.
Adam LaRoche could return to Washington, which would likely make Michael Morse a trade candidate. The Orioles and Rangers could also see LaRoche as a fit. The Red Sox may be out on LaRoche after signing Napoli, who could play some first base as well as catch.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags
hiladelphia Phillies, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Adam LaRoche, Justin Upton, Shin-Soo Choo, Mark Reynolds, Carlos Pena, Melky Cabrera, Lance Berkman, Scott Rolen, Shane Victorino, Angel Pagan, Nick Swisher, Cody Ross, Josh Hamilton, David Ortiz, Michael Bourn, Mike Napoli, Torii Hunter, B.J. Upton
December 6, 2012Greinke deal close?
7:34
PM ETZack Greinke | Angels Recommend0Comments6EmailRight-hander Zack Greinke's decision on his new team may be holding up the rest of baseball, but he's not ready to make a decision just yet. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers, believed to be one of two frontrunners -- with the Texas Rangers -- have considered pulling out of the chase for the former Cy Young winner and pursuing other options.
Those other options could include Anibal Sanchez, among others. For the Rangers, if they lose out on Greinke, their secondary targets include James Shields, Sanchez and possibly Cliff Lee.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets late Thursday that the Rangers are among those interested in acquiring R.A. Dickey from the Mets.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chris Capuano, Kyle Lohse, Anibal Sanchez, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee
December 6, 2012Young mulling over Philly
7:16
PM ETMichael Young | Rangers Recommend0Comments10Emailmulling over the trade to Philadelphia where he'd likely be the starting third baseman. If he turns it down, the Phillies will have to look elsewhere for third base help.
Jack Hannahan, Kevin Youkilis, Mark DeRosa, Brandon Inge and Casey McGehee are the top free agents available. The club could also look into second basemen Brooks Conrad, Jose Lopez, Freddy Sanchez and Kelly Johnson and use them at the hot corner.
Lopez has played some third base in the bigs and in the minors and Johnson played on the left side, albeit at shortstop, for much of his minor league career.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Michael Young, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies
December 6, 2012Drew staying in Bay Area?
4:16
PM ETStephen Drew | Athletics Recommend0Comments1EmailFree agent shortstop Stephen Drew has been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers, and to the New York Yankees as a potential super utility player, but it appears he may be staying in California.
The great Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets Thursday that a major league executive told her that he believes Drew will sign with the Oakland Athletics for one year and a player option for 2014.
Drew's market hasn't really developed much and that may be a result of injuries cutting his 2011 and 2012 short and clubs being weary of a major issue in that manner. Drew can reset his value in 2013 and hit the market again next year with such a one-year contract.
If the deal becomes official, it means the Cardinals will stick with Rafael Furcal and that the Tigers are likely to hang onto Jhonny Peralta, since the shortstop market drops off significantly after Drew.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Oakland Athletics, Stephen Drew
December 6, 2012What's next for Philly?
3:34
PM ETPhiladelphia Phillies Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason with two specific needs: center field and third base, Thursday, they filled one of those holes by trading for Ben Revere and sending some pitching to Minnesota.
By doing so without adding payroll, the Phillies may be able to be more aggressive going after a third baseman than previously expected. Kevin Youkilis is still a free agent and garnering serious interest from the Yankees and Indians. Jack Hannahan might be a more realistic, cheaper option. At last check, the Phillies and Rangers were working on a deal that would send Michael Young to the NL East.
The Phillies, having traded Vance Worley and Trevor May to land Revere, could be in the market for a veteran starting pitcher, but may not be interested in any of the bigger names due to payroll limits.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Ben Revere, Philadelphia Phillies, Kevin Youkilis, Jack Hannahan
December 6, 2012KC eyeing SPs
3:27
PM ETKansas City Royals Recommend0Comments0EmailWhile the Kansas City Royals have been mentioned in a handful of the trade scenarios that would land them a high-quality starting pitcher, the club is considering a number of the remaining free agents. ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick tweets that among those names are Kevin Correia, Brett Myers and Jair Jurrjens.
Wednesday night the Royals were linked to right-hander Anibal Sanchez and James Shields, Jon Lester and Jeremy Hellickson are among the trade possibilities reported this month.
The Royals' trade bait ranges from top prospect Wil Myers to designated hitter Billy Butler, third baseman Mike Moustakas and first baseman Eric Hosmer, with Butler and Myers getting most of the attention.
Once former Royals righty Zack Greinke signs - the Rangers, Dodgers and Angels are the heavy favorites to land him -- the rest of the market could start to roll.
Other arms the Royals could consider include Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson, Francisco Liriano and Shaun Marcum.
If the Dodgers get two starters, which appears to be their preference, Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano could become trade available and the Royals could be a fit for either arm.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano, Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Francisco Liriano, Shaun Marcum, Jair Jurrjens, Brett Myers, Kevin Correia, Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson, Anibal Sanchez, Zack Greinke, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Billy Butler
December 6, 2012Yanks make offer to Youk
1:20
PM ETKevin Youkilis | White Sox Recommend0Comments11EmailThe New York Yankees have made a 1-year, $12 million offer to the top free agent third baseman on the market, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Of course, that player's name is Kevin Youkilis, who is also believed to be negotiation with the Cleveland Indians.
The Yankees' other considerations include Mark Reynolds or the trade route with potential trade targets such as Jhonny Peralta.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Kevin Youkilis, Joel Peralta, Mark Reynolds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians
December 6, 2012Available lefty relievers
12:15
PM ETFree Agent Relievers Recommend0Comments0EmailThe relief pitching market again has seen the bar set quite high with Jeremy Affeldt's three-year, $18 million deal to remain in San Francisco. Affeldt was the top left-hander on the market, leaving a mediocre crop for the rest of the league.
Furthermore, Oliver Perez re-signed with Seattle and veteran Brian Fuentes, 37, announced his retirement last month. J.P. Howell, Pedro Feliciano and Mike Gonzalez remain on the market.
Randy Choate inked a deal with the Cardinals Wednesday, shrinking the lefty reliever market by one. Veteran Darren Oliver is key to the free agent market for lefty relievers, as he's considering retirement. If he hangs up the spikes the Blue Jays may be in the market for one of the aforementioned southpaws, adding demand to the limited supply.
Jon Morosi reports Wednesday that Oliver has yet to make a decision on his future and has not asked to be traded. Oliver lives in Dallas and presumably would like to go back to the Rangers to finish his career.
Sean Burnett came off the board Wednesday with a two-year deal from the Angels.
Right-hander Koji Uehara could be an alternative for clubs, as the 37-year-old held right-handed batters to a .188 average in 2012 and has historically been very good against them thanks to plus-plus control and a big-time changeup.
With Perez in the fold, Seattle could be willing to part with one of their other two solid lefty relievers in Lucas Luetge and Charlie Furbush.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Lucas Luetge, Charlie Furbush, Oliver Perez, J.P. Howell, Tim Byrdak, Sean Burnett, Jeremy Affeldt, Brian Fuentes, Randy Choate, Pedro Feliciano, Mike Gonzalez, Koji Uehara
December 6, 2012LAD's pitching search
9:43
AM ETLos Angeles Dodgers Recommend0Comments1EmailThe Los Angeles Dodgers are clearly out to build a big-time starting rotation and are in on right-hander Zack Greinke. The club has also been linked to Anibal Sanchez.
Thursday morning, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that if Greinke signs in Texas, the Dodgers could turn to Sanchez, Edwin Jackson or Kyle Lohse, or perhaps two of them.
The club also has the rights to Korean southpaw Ryu Hyun-jin with a deadline to sign him approaching fast.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reported Wednesday night that the Dodgers are among the clubs that have interest in acquiring R.A. Dickey from the New York Mets.
Earlier in the week, Gurnick suggested that if the Dodgers get two starters, right-hander Aaron Harang and southpaw Chris Capuano could become trade bait.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano, Anibal Sanchez, Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson, Zack Greinke
December 6, 2012Philly considering five
9:13
AM ETPhiladelphia Phillies Recommend0Comments3EmailThe Philadelphia Phillies have a need at third base, but appear much more motivated to fill their hole in center field. CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler wrote early Thursday morning that the club is considering five options in particular.
Those targets include free agents Michael Bourn and Josh Hamilton, plus trade possibilities in Ben Revere, Curtis Granderson and Dexter Fowler.
Fowler is likely to be quite expensive in terms of trade cost and the two free agents are expected to be pricey. What the Twins and Yankees will require in return for Revere and Granderson is unknown, but with Granderson due $15 million in 2013, Revere seems to be the very best fit for Philadelphia, who has little payroll flexibility at present.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Michael Bourn, Josh Hamilton, Ben Revere, Curtis Granderson, Dexter Fowler
December 6, 2012Astros still after Berkman
8:51
AM ETLance Berkman | Cardinals Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Houston Astros are still looking to bring back Lance Berkman to serve as their designated hitter in 2013, reports Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. The veteran is contemplating retirement.
If Berkman does return, he may have options with contenders on top of a potential return to Houston where it all got started for him. The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays could be ideal fits for Berkman, and the Texas Rangers could make some sense, too, depending on what else they do between now and the time Berkman decides he's going to play next season.
The Astros could consider Jim Thome, Travis Hafner and Raul Ibanez for their DH role, too.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Houston Astros, Lance Berkman
December 6, 2012Cuddyer on the block?
8:37
AM ETMichael Cuddyer | Rockies Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Colorado Rockies have received calls on Michael Cuddyer as well as Dexter Fowler, their young centerfielder, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Cuddyer has two years and $21 million remaining on his contract and could be very attractive to teams looking for corner outfield help that don't want to splurge for Nick Swisher.
Cuddyer could be a fit for the Red Sox, who have been linked to both Swisher and Josh Hamilton, and even the Mets, Astros or Indians are fits for Cuddyer.
The Rockies are looking for starting pitching and might hold out for such a return before they strongly considering dealing Cuddyer, despite the fact that he struggled at the plate last season.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:New York Mets, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Michael Cuddyer
December 6, 2012Hamilton's options
8:24
AM ETJosh Hamilton | Rangers Recommend0Comments0EmailBy all accounts, tweets and reports, Josh Hamilton still prefers to head back to the Texas Rangers.There's a growing belief, however, that the Rangers will not sign Zack Greinke, trade for Justin Upton and sign Hamilton, and ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden tweets early Thursday morning that the Seattle Mariners are Hamilton's second choice.
The Red Sox brass met with Hamilton in Nashville, so Boston could be a dark horse, but it seems the Mariners may be considering a multi-team trade that helps the Rangers land Upton, which could be the nail in the coffin on Hamilton's chances to return to Arlington.
If the M's were to land Hamilton, it's not only an upgrade to their offense, but it lends the club some street cred for other free agents such as Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.
- Jason A. Churchill
11:11
AM ETChicago White Sox Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Chicago White Sox, having signed Jeff Keppinger to man third base for them for the next three years, may now venture out onto the trade market, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. For what, exactly, is not clear.
If the club deals right-hander Gavin Floyd they could look to acquire a starting pitcher in another trade. Catcher is a bit of a question mark with A.J. Pierzynski a free agent, but the trade winds are thinner than the free agent market for backstops.
The club could look for a more reliable second baseman and move Gordon Beckham in a trade, or look to shore up the bullpen. Knobler's tweet, however, stated that the Sox were hoping to make a big splash. Relief help doesn't fit that bill.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Chicago White Sox, Gordon Beckham, Gavin Floyd
Bourn ultimatum?
10:07
AM ETMichael Bourn | Braves Recommend0Comments9EmailMichael Bourn began the offseason as one of the very best centerfielders on the open market. B.J. Upton, Angel Pagan and Shane Victorino have each signed deals already, and Denard Span filled center field for the Nationals via trade. Bourn's options appear to be dwindling by the hour with the Phillies landing Ben Revere via trade, Who is left?
If Bourn and agent Scott Boras are hellbent on cashing in as much as possible this year, the best bets appear to be the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds and Texas Rangers. The Rangers, however, appear to be working hard on Justin Upton, Josh Hamilton and pitching for the time being.
The Mariners, while having had multiple discussions with Boras about Bourn, need power and run production far more than a leadof hitter and defensive center fielder, so it's difficult to imagine they make a significant contract offer to Bourn without having at least one power bat in the fold beforehand.
That leaves the Reds as the best possible fit at this stage of the process. The Boston Red Sox could jump into the mix, however, especially if they move Jacoby Ellsbury for pitching.
If Boras and Bourn decide to go for a one-year deal to retry the market next season, several clubs could be ultra-aggressive, possibly including the Yankees, who could then flip Brett Gardner and/or Curtis Granderson to help them add pitching.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Michael Bourn, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees
When will Lohse sign?
9:31
AM ETKyle Lohse | Cardinals Recommend0Comments3EmailKyle Lohse is among the better free agent starting pitchers available this offseason, but there hasn't been a lot of buzz generated in his direction. The reason for that is likely all about right-hander Zack Greinke.
Greinke is being courted by the Dodgers and Rangers -- and perhaps the Angels aren't really out of the running -- all three clubs that reportedly have interest in Lohse, too.
Lohse is likely a fallback for those three, as well as showing up on the radar of the Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers. Once Greinke signs, Lohse could become the hottest pitching commodity, along with Anibal Sanchez.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Kyle Lohse, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers
Available hitters
9:24
AM ETTop Free Agent Bats Recommend0Comments19EmailTop Free Agent HittersJosh Hamilton, OFB.J. Upton, OF | Braves: 5 years, $75.25 millionMichael Bourn, OF Nick Swisher, OF Adam LaRoche, 1BMike Napoli, C/1B/DH | Red Sox: 3 years, $39 million David Ortiz, DH -- Red Sox: 2 years, $26 millionTorii Hunter, OF -- Tigers: two years, $26 millionKevin Youkilis, 3B/1BAngel Pagan, OF | Giants: 4 years, $40 million Melky Cabrera, OF -- Blue Jays: 2 years, $16 millionShane Victorino, OF | Red Sox: 3 years, $39 million Cody Ross, OF Stephen Drew, SSLance Berkman, 1B/DHWith several names off the market halfway through the winter meetings, the top two hitters -- Nick Swisher and Josh Hamilton -- remain free agents.
Bourn is the lone center field option left, assuming Hamilton will play in a corner in 2013 and beyond, and Youkilis the lone third baseman.
Drew is the only free agent shortstop projected to play regularly going forward. He's drawn interest from a few clubs that like the idea of using him as a utility player, but he may fit in Detroit if the Tigers can move Jhonny Peralta.
Trade candidate Shin-soo Choo could become a hot commodity after Swisher and Hamilton sign, and the Royals may move a big league hitter such as Billy Butler in return for pitching.
Justin Upton is the top trade target among hitters.
Adam LaRoche could return to Washington, which would likely make Michael Morse a trade candidate. The Orioles and Rangers could also see LaRoche as a fit. The Red Sox may be out on LaRoche after signing Napoli, who could play some first base as well as catch.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags
hiladelphia Phillies, Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Adam LaRoche, Justin Upton, Shin-Soo Choo, Mark Reynolds, Carlos Pena, Melky Cabrera, Lance Berkman, Scott Rolen, Shane Victorino, Angel Pagan, Nick Swisher, Cody Ross, Josh Hamilton, David Ortiz, Michael Bourn, Mike Napoli, Torii Hunter, B.J. UptonDecember 6, 2012Greinke deal close?
7:34
PM ETZack Greinke | Angels Recommend0Comments6EmailRight-hander Zack Greinke's decision on his new team may be holding up the rest of baseball, but he's not ready to make a decision just yet. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers, believed to be one of two frontrunners -- with the Texas Rangers -- have considered pulling out of the chase for the former Cy Young winner and pursuing other options.
Those other options could include Anibal Sanchez, among others. For the Rangers, if they lose out on Greinke, their secondary targets include James Shields, Sanchez and possibly Cliff Lee.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets late Thursday that the Rangers are among those interested in acquiring R.A. Dickey from the Mets.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chris Capuano, Kyle Lohse, Anibal Sanchez, Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee
December 6, 2012Young mulling over Philly
7:16
PM ETMichael Young | Rangers Recommend0Comments10Emailmulling over the trade to Philadelphia where he'd likely be the starting third baseman. If he turns it down, the Phillies will have to look elsewhere for third base help.
Jack Hannahan, Kevin Youkilis, Mark DeRosa, Brandon Inge and Casey McGehee are the top free agents available. The club could also look into second basemen Brooks Conrad, Jose Lopez, Freddy Sanchez and Kelly Johnson and use them at the hot corner.
Lopez has played some third base in the bigs and in the minors and Johnson played on the left side, albeit at shortstop, for much of his minor league career.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Michael Young, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies
December 6, 2012Drew staying in Bay Area?
4:16
PM ETStephen Drew | Athletics Recommend0Comments1EmailFree agent shortstop Stephen Drew has been linked to the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers, and to the New York Yankees as a potential super utility player, but it appears he may be staying in California.
The great Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets Thursday that a major league executive told her that he believes Drew will sign with the Oakland Athletics for one year and a player option for 2014.
Drew's market hasn't really developed much and that may be a result of injuries cutting his 2011 and 2012 short and clubs being weary of a major issue in that manner. Drew can reset his value in 2013 and hit the market again next year with such a one-year contract.
If the deal becomes official, it means the Cardinals will stick with Rafael Furcal and that the Tigers are likely to hang onto Jhonny Peralta, since the shortstop market drops off significantly after Drew.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Oakland Athletics, Stephen Drew
December 6, 2012What's next for Philly?
3:34
PM ETPhiladelphia Phillies Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Philadelphia Phillies entered the offseason with two specific needs: center field and third base, Thursday, they filled one of those holes by trading for Ben Revere and sending some pitching to Minnesota.
By doing so without adding payroll, the Phillies may be able to be more aggressive going after a third baseman than previously expected. Kevin Youkilis is still a free agent and garnering serious interest from the Yankees and Indians. Jack Hannahan might be a more realistic, cheaper option. At last check, the Phillies and Rangers were working on a deal that would send Michael Young to the NL East.
The Phillies, having traded Vance Worley and Trevor May to land Revere, could be in the market for a veteran starting pitcher, but may not be interested in any of the bigger names due to payroll limits.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Ben Revere, Philadelphia Phillies, Kevin Youkilis, Jack Hannahan
December 6, 2012KC eyeing SPs
3:27
PM ETKansas City Royals Recommend0Comments0EmailWhile the Kansas City Royals have been mentioned in a handful of the trade scenarios that would land them a high-quality starting pitcher, the club is considering a number of the remaining free agents. ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick tweets that among those names are Kevin Correia, Brett Myers and Jair Jurrjens.
Wednesday night the Royals were linked to right-hander Anibal Sanchez and James Shields, Jon Lester and Jeremy Hellickson are among the trade possibilities reported this month.
The Royals' trade bait ranges from top prospect Wil Myers to designated hitter Billy Butler, third baseman Mike Moustakas and first baseman Eric Hosmer, with Butler and Myers getting most of the attention.
Once former Royals righty Zack Greinke signs - the Rangers, Dodgers and Angels are the heavy favorites to land him -- the rest of the market could start to roll.
Other arms the Royals could consider include Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson, Francisco Liriano and Shaun Marcum.
If the Dodgers get two starters, which appears to be their preference, Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano could become trade available and the Royals could be a fit for either arm.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano, Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Francisco Liriano, Shaun Marcum, Jair Jurrjens, Brett Myers, Kevin Correia, Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson, Anibal Sanchez, Zack Greinke, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Billy Butler
December 6, 2012Yanks make offer to Youk
1:20
PM ETKevin Youkilis | White Sox Recommend0Comments11EmailThe New York Yankees have made a 1-year, $12 million offer to the top free agent third baseman on the market, reports Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Of course, that player's name is Kevin Youkilis, who is also believed to be negotiation with the Cleveland Indians.
The Yankees' other considerations include Mark Reynolds or the trade route with potential trade targets such as Jhonny Peralta.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Kevin Youkilis, Joel Peralta, Mark Reynolds, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians
December 6, 2012Available lefty relievers
12:15
PM ETFree Agent Relievers Recommend0Comments0EmailThe relief pitching market again has seen the bar set quite high with Jeremy Affeldt's three-year, $18 million deal to remain in San Francisco. Affeldt was the top left-hander on the market, leaving a mediocre crop for the rest of the league.
Furthermore, Oliver Perez re-signed with Seattle and veteran Brian Fuentes, 37, announced his retirement last month. J.P. Howell, Pedro Feliciano and Mike Gonzalez remain on the market.
Randy Choate inked a deal with the Cardinals Wednesday, shrinking the lefty reliever market by one. Veteran Darren Oliver is key to the free agent market for lefty relievers, as he's considering retirement. If he hangs up the spikes the Blue Jays may be in the market for one of the aforementioned southpaws, adding demand to the limited supply.
Jon Morosi reports Wednesday that Oliver has yet to make a decision on his future and has not asked to be traded. Oliver lives in Dallas and presumably would like to go back to the Rangers to finish his career.
Sean Burnett came off the board Wednesday with a two-year deal from the Angels.
Right-hander Koji Uehara could be an alternative for clubs, as the 37-year-old held right-handed batters to a .188 average in 2012 and has historically been very good against them thanks to plus-plus control and a big-time changeup.
With Perez in the fold, Seattle could be willing to part with one of their other two solid lefty relievers in Lucas Luetge and Charlie Furbush.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Lucas Luetge, Charlie Furbush, Oliver Perez, J.P. Howell, Tim Byrdak, Sean Burnett, Jeremy Affeldt, Brian Fuentes, Randy Choate, Pedro Feliciano, Mike Gonzalez, Koji Uehara
December 6, 2012LAD's pitching search
9:43
AM ETLos Angeles Dodgers Recommend0Comments1EmailThe Los Angeles Dodgers are clearly out to build a big-time starting rotation and are in on right-hander Zack Greinke. The club has also been linked to Anibal Sanchez.
Thursday morning, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that if Greinke signs in Texas, the Dodgers could turn to Sanchez, Edwin Jackson or Kyle Lohse, or perhaps two of them.
The club also has the rights to Korean southpaw Ryu Hyun-jin with a deadline to sign him approaching fast.
Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reported Wednesday night that the Dodgers are among the clubs that have interest in acquiring R.A. Dickey from the New York Mets.
Earlier in the week, Gurnick suggested that if the Dodgers get two starters, right-hander Aaron Harang and southpaw Chris Capuano could become trade bait.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:New York Mets, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano, Anibal Sanchez, Kyle Lohse, Edwin Jackson, Zack Greinke
December 6, 2012Philly considering five
9:13
AM ETPhiladelphia Phillies Recommend0Comments3EmailThe Philadelphia Phillies have a need at third base, but appear much more motivated to fill their hole in center field. CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler wrote early Thursday morning that the club is considering five options in particular.
Those targets include free agents Michael Bourn and Josh Hamilton, plus trade possibilities in Ben Revere, Curtis Granderson and Dexter Fowler.
Fowler is likely to be quite expensive in terms of trade cost and the two free agents are expected to be pricey. What the Twins and Yankees will require in return for Revere and Granderson is unknown, but with Granderson due $15 million in 2013, Revere seems to be the very best fit for Philadelphia, who has little payroll flexibility at present.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Michael Bourn, Josh Hamilton, Ben Revere, Curtis Granderson, Dexter Fowler
December 6, 2012Astros still after Berkman
8:51
AM ETLance Berkman | Cardinals Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Houston Astros are still looking to bring back Lance Berkman to serve as their designated hitter in 2013, reports Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle. The veteran is contemplating retirement.
If Berkman does return, he may have options with contenders on top of a potential return to Houston where it all got started for him. The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays could be ideal fits for Berkman, and the Texas Rangers could make some sense, too, depending on what else they do between now and the time Berkman decides he's going to play next season.
The Astros could consider Jim Thome, Travis Hafner and Raul Ibanez for their DH role, too.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:Houston Astros, Lance Berkman
December 6, 2012Cuddyer on the block?
8:37
AM ETMichael Cuddyer | Rockies Recommend0Comments0EmailThe Colorado Rockies have received calls on Michael Cuddyer as well as Dexter Fowler, their young centerfielder, tweets Troy Renck of the Denver Post. Cuddyer has two years and $21 million remaining on his contract and could be very attractive to teams looking for corner outfield help that don't want to splurge for Nick Swisher.
Cuddyer could be a fit for the Red Sox, who have been linked to both Swisher and Josh Hamilton, and even the Mets, Astros or Indians are fits for Cuddyer.
The Rockies are looking for starting pitching and might hold out for such a return before they strongly considering dealing Cuddyer, despite the fact that he struggled at the plate last season.
- Jason A. Churchill
Tags:New York Mets, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Michael Cuddyer
December 6, 2012Hamilton's options
8:24
AM ETJosh Hamilton | Rangers Recommend0Comments0EmailBy all accounts, tweets and reports, Josh Hamilton still prefers to head back to the Texas Rangers.There's a growing belief, however, that the Rangers will not sign Zack Greinke, trade for Justin Upton and sign Hamilton, and ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden tweets early Thursday morning that the Seattle Mariners are Hamilton's second choice.
The Red Sox brass met with Hamilton in Nashville, so Boston could be a dark horse, but it seems the Mariners may be considering a multi-team trade that helps the Rangers land Upton, which could be the nail in the coffin on Hamilton's chances to return to Arlington.
If the M's were to land Hamilton, it's not only an upgrade to their offense, but it lends the club some street cred for other free agents such as Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher.
- Jason A. Churchill
- 10,371
- 653
The Diamondbacks get Brandon McCarthy for just $15.5 million over two years. That's such a steal if he can stay healthy.
All the more reason to trade Bauer/Skaggs/Corbin to the Indians now.
All the more reason to trade Bauer/Skaggs/Corbin to the Indians now.
GreenNGold89
formerly bbllplaya23
- 6,587
- 2,131
McCarthy 
You'll be missed in Oakland. Best of luck. Hope he can stay healthy because we all know what he can do.
You'll be missed in Oakland. Best of luck. Hope he can stay healthy because we all know what he can do.
- 3,486
- 93
At this point, I'm hoping the A's can weasel their way into that Upton/Cabrera trade and get a Skaggs or Bauer.
- 21,784
- 2,957
I'm going to miss Amanda McCarthy the most. I usually stop following players once they leave my team, but I'll keep a special spot open for her.
- 23,366
- 5,446
Jason Starks reporting dodgers close to signing Greinke
I'm scared to hear the price tag
I'm scared to hear the price tag
- 4,578
- 1,636
^ 6/145M
- 8,544
- 8,416
I wish I was good at pitching.
jumpmanfromdabay
Banned
- 25,730
- 2,900
145 
- 68,176
- 24,538
Damn I'd be a bit scared of a guy with socisl anxiety going to a market like the Dodgers
jumpmanfromdabay
Banned
- 25,730
- 2,900
That's a big payroll for a team that's going to finish in 2nd 
- 1,525
- 62
Great signing for the Dodgers. He's at least 3 times more valuable than Brandon League.
- 13,656
- 1,083
Does the money amount matter? Dodgers playing with Monopoly money.
Guess it matters for other teams since we are "setting the market"
Don't 'eeeeem care
Guess it matters for other teams since we are "setting the market"
Don't 'eeeeem care
- Status
