- 2,051
- 2,859
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2002
A's do get their money back, and in turn they did block him from going to any other team for this season. The A's can now use the money this guy was asking for and spread it around to fill other needs.
Official MLB Offseason Post: Michael Young asks for a trade.
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by proshares,
- Start date
- 2,051
- 2,859
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2002
A's do get their money back, and in turn they did block him from going to any other team for this season. The A's can now use the money this guy was asking for and spread it around to fill other needs.
- 3,486
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Yeah, I'm perfectly fine paying that money so that no other AL West team got him. You know damn well Texas is looking for an ace since Lee is out of there.
- 9,908
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- Nov 15, 2007
Reds signed Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal.
I've always like the D-Train, hopefully he can resurrect his career with us.
[h3]http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/11/22/report-reds-sign-dontrelle-willis/[/h3]
I've always like the D-Train, hopefully he can resurrect his career with us.
[h3]http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/11/22/report-reds-sign-dontrelle-willis/[/h3]
- 9,908
- 839
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2007
Reds signed Dontrelle Willis to a minor league deal.
I've always like the D-Train, hopefully he can resurrect his career with us.
[h3]http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/11/22/report-reds-sign-dontrelle-willis/[/h3]
I've always like the D-Train, hopefully he can resurrect his career with us.
[h3]http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/11/22/report-reds-sign-dontrelle-willis/[/h3]
- 7,805
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- Joined
- Jul 2, 2006
- 7,805
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- Joined
- Jul 2, 2006
- 13,656
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- Feb 19, 2006
These Yankees are straight milking it at this point...
Jeter, Posada and Rivera are all going to play until they are 50 with the "You want me to retire in a Yankee uniform, Pay Me"
Rivera is still a great closer, but $18 mil...
Jeter, Posada and Rivera are all going to play until they are 50 with the "You want me to retire in a Yankee uniform, Pay Me"
Rivera is still a great closer, but $18 mil...
- 13,656
- 1,083
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
These Yankees are straight milking it at this point...
Jeter, Posada and Rivera are all going to play until they are 50 with the "You want me to retire in a Yankee uniform, Pay Me"
Rivera is still a great closer, but $18 mil...
Jeter, Posada and Rivera are all going to play until they are 50 with the "You want me to retire in a Yankee uniform, Pay Me"
Rivera is still a great closer, but $18 mil...
- 1,768
- 11
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
Exactly, Billy blocked TEX and SEA from getting the dude, and don't have to pay one red cent. And now Iwakuma and his agent look like a couple of tools. Trying to look for Zito money for a 5th starter. (But I guess literally, Zito money is 5h starter money
- 1,768
- 11
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
Exactly, Billy blocked TEX and SEA from getting the dude, and don't have to pay one red cent. And now Iwakuma and his agent look like a couple of tools. Trying to look for Zito money for a 5th starter. (But I guess literally, Zito money is 5h starter money
- 7,805
- 247
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2006
This flew under the radar...Yankees finally adding that second lefty pitching option!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/homer mode
/homer mode
#Yankees sign LHRP Neal Cotts, who did not pitch in ’10 after hip surgery. Had TJ surgery in ’09, last appeared in MLB for #Cubs in May ’09. about 2 hours ago via web Retweeted by 7 people
I guess the realistic expectation is to invite him to Spring Training and see if he can make the 25-man roster.
---
Iron Man, someone made a comment saying the Yankees, if they accept that deal, would be paying $18 million for ~60 innings of work.because it is Mariano Rivera but otherwise I stillthinking about that number
- 7,805
- 247
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2006
This flew under the radar...Yankees finally adding that second lefty pitching option!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/homer mode
/homer mode
#Yankees sign LHRP Neal Cotts, who did not pitch in ’10 after hip surgery. Had TJ surgery in ’09, last appeared in MLB for #Cubs in May ’09. about 2 hours ago via web Retweeted by 7 people
I guess the realistic expectation is to invite him to Spring Training and see if he can make the 25-man roster.
---
Iron Man, someone made a comment saying the Yankees, if they accept that deal, would be paying $18 million for ~60 innings of work.because it is Mariano Rivera but otherwise I stillthinking about that number
The first official brushback will be thrown today in the negotiations between the Yankees and Derek Jeter. The Yankees will have to decide whether to offer arbitration to their free agents, and they're expected to do so with Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte.
But they won't offer arbitration to Jeter, sources say.
The Yankees' belief is that their current three-year, $45 million offer is fair, and that by offering arbitration to Jeter, they essentially would bail him out after a down year. Jeter might make $22-23 million through arbitration. The Yankees feel that in the past, Jeter has fairly negotiated from his standing in the marketplace -- when he went to arbitration in 1999, when he negotiated a 10-year, $189 million deal in 2001. And now the Yankees feel these talks should reflect Jeter's place in the market; they also believe that no other team would be willing to pay him what they have offered.
Here's one big factor working against Jeter in this negotiation: While the Yankees want him and are offering him above what his market value is, they operate in the knowledge that if Jeter doesn't re-sign -- if he actually walks away -- then his departure would not be a mortal blow to their pennant hopes in 2011. If Jeter walked away in 2001, that would have been different; he was an exceptional player then.
Now he is a good player, but far from irreplaceable.
[h3]Around the league[/h3]
• The Diamondbacks are trying to cut down on their strikeouts, which is one reason they are willing to deal Justin Upton, and rival evaluators wonder if the perception that Upton doesn't have a 24/7 motor is another factor in the trade talks. The teams thought to be in the best position, in terms of what they can offer, to make a deal for Upton: the Marlins, Rays and Blue Jays. A small part of the Rays' thinking is that the acquisition of Justin Upton might be good for his brother B.J. Upton, because folks who know both believe they would naturally push each other and thrive while playing for the same team.
Justin Upton could be worth the investment for the Mariners, writes Geoff Baker, though there were a number of reports that Upton has Seattle as a no-trade destination.
• One of the American League's best hitters has been cleared to play for the Indians. Cleveland officials were confident that this would work out, but the fact that the issue has been settled has to be something of a relief.
• Scott Boras' alleged practice of lending money to young Dominican players is under scrutiny. The union should not allow this kind of thing to go on, either overseas or domestically. Many agents will tell you that payments and loans are at the center of some agents luring clients away from other agents.
• Today teams will announce whether they intend to offer arbitration to their free agents. Here are stories on some of the players involved:
• Joey Votto was The Man in the National League, and that's big news in Cincinnati and in Canada. Albert Pujols was gracious in defeat, as you'll see within this Rick Hummel story. Votto is a star who fits Cincinnati. He is a reluctant superstar, writes Hal McCoy. Cargo finished third. Adam Kilgore has a problem with the way the voting went down for Ryan Zimmerman.
• The Twins and Matt Guerrier.
• The Phillies and Jayson Werth.
• The Red Sox and Jason Varitek.
• The Orioles and two pitchers.
• The White Sox and Paul Konerko (and A.J. Pierzynski).
• The Rays and their whole bullpen.
• Presumably, Josh Hamilton will win the AL MVP award. If I had had a vote, I would have picked Robinson Cano -- who played about a month of games more than Hamilton and who was spectacular at the plate and was a shutdown defender at second base -- but certainly couldn't have quibbled with anyone who voted for Hamilton.
The Rangers' outfielder must take his game to the next level, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Heard this: Some rival general managers are convinced the Royals are intent on moving Zack Greinke this winter.
2. The Royals are in position to get much in draft compensation.
3. The agent for Hisashi Iwakuma is rethinking his stance about negotiations with the Athletics.
[h3]From the mailbag[/h3]
I know it's early, but after the Dan Uggla trade who do you think will be the favorite to win the NL east this year? -- Reid, Nashville, Tenn.
A: Reid: I'd still say the Phillies will be the favorites, benefitting from a full season of a rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt. But the Braves' trade for Uggla was a great deal for them; he's a perfect fit for what they need.
Chipper Jones is pumped about the Uggla deal, writes Carroll Rogers.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• It's official: Ozzie Guillen will rip anybody, such as Miami Dolphins fans.
• Dustin Ackley took a big step forward, as Geoff Baker writes.
• For the Phillies, life after Jayson Werth is risky.
• John Moores' divorce settlement will be made public.
• The Mets are bringing in a little Billy Martin in hiring Terry Collins, writes Mike Lupica. I'd respectfully disagree with Mike on this one; the personalities of Collins and Martin are very, very different.
• Rick Kranitz is a seasoned veteran.
• Jon Miller is available for 162 games for the Giants now, writes Carl Steward.
• Brad Childress was fired. From the perspective of a Vikings fan, this had to happen.
And today will be better than yesterday.
http://[h3][/h3][h3]Detroit snares a bat[/h3]
10:59AM ET
[h5]Detroit Tigers [/h5]
Multiple reports are out this AM that Detroit has agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with free agent catcher Victor Martinez.
As we've noted here on a number of occasions, Detroit has been rumored to have been pushing hard to get V-Mart in as a catcher that can spend time at DH and 1B, and add lineup help behind the great Miguel Cabrera.
The deal will keep V-Mart with Detroit through his age 35 season. Detroit has been aggressive in free agency both because of some clear holes to fill, and because of the fact that they cleared a lot of money -- and bad contracts -- off the books this offseason.
While this marks the second big "get" for the Tigers, there are expectations that they aren't quite finished in free agency. We'll be back with more...
http://[h3]Is KC serious about a Greinke deal?[/h3]
10:03AM ET
[h5]Zack Greinke | Royals [/h5]
It's evident that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royalsKansas City Royals will listen to offers for http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883Zack Greinke, but is the team serious about making a deal?
In Tuesday's blog, our Buster Olney hears some rival general managers are convinced the Royals are intent on moving Greinke this winter.
Meanwhile, one AL executive gives Joel Sherman of the New York Post two reasons why he thinks Greinke will be dealt.
One is the value of ace-level pitching, which became more evident this year by the addition of Cliff Lee in Texas and Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt in Philadelphia. The exec adds that the Royals may be on edge over what happened to outfielder David DeJesus, who was injured just prior to the July trade deadline. Kansas City may not want to take the chance of seeing Greinke's value plummet due to an injury.
John Schlegel of MLB.com wrote last week that it would take a blockbuster offer to land Greinke.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Greinke a prime trade target
http://[h3]Sox to offer Varitek?[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Jason Varitek | Red Sox [/h5]
With Tuesday's deadline looming, the Boston Red Sox have to decide whether or not to offer arbitration to free agent catcher Jason Varitek.
If Varitek were to be offered and he accepted, he could earn more than $3 million in 2011, writes WEEI.com's Alex Speier, citing one source. Speier also writes that this year has some similarities to 2008.
Scott Lauber writes in Tuesday?s Boston Herald that if the Sox made the offer, there is a strong chance Varitek would accept since it would be tantamount to signing a one-year deal.
If the Red Sox plan on signing Victor Martinez or go aggressively after another free agent such as Miquel Olivo, Yorvit Torrealba or Bengie Molina, offering Varitek may not be in the cards. But the club does have some flexibility, as Jarrod Saltalamacchia, seemingly the back-up plan at the position, can be sent to Triple-A Pawtucket or used in a part-time or reserve role.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Boras' policy in DR causes concern[/h3]
9:48AM ET
[h5]Scott Boras [/h5]
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
Super agent Scott Boras has plenty of work to work to do this offseason representing the likes of Jayson Werth and Adrian Beltre. He may also have to spend some time answering questions as to how his company operates in the Dominican Republic.
Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times reports that Boras' company provided tens of thousands of dollars in loans and payments to the families of poor Dominican teenage prospects, raising questions about whether the company exploited the prospects and violated the rules of the MLBPA.
The issue is whether any payment could make a player feel that he is obligated to sign with a particular agent.
In a statement to the Times, Boras declined to say whether any loans were made, although he did say his company had "aided" players and families in the past. Major League Baseball says it is treating any possible payment as "a serious issue."
Our Buster Olney gives his take:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
The union needs to act
http://[h3]Choo exempt from military[/h3]
9:46AM ET
[h5]Shin-Soo Choo | Indians [/h5]
We've mentioned since last spring that http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-indiansCleveland Indians right fielder and Korean National Shin-Soo Choo owed his native land military service and time was running out to alleviate the situation.
That changed now that South Korea defeated Taiwan 9-3 Friday in the final of the Asian Games.
Since South Korea won the tournament, Choo qualifies for a waiver and is no longer be required to serve in the military. The Indians received official word over the weekend that Choo has received an exemption.
Choo had a solid 2010 season and is headed for arbitration for the first time this winter where he's assured of a significant raise from the $461,000 he made last season. With his military situation settled, the Tribe could consider a long-term contract.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Choo situation settled
http://[h3]Could Jeter accept arbitration?[/h3]
9:39AM ET
[h5]Derek Jeter | Yankees [/h5]
The New York Yankees gave away Derek Jeter's locker.
Yankee Stadium was the site of another Notre Dame-Army college football clash over the weekend, and the Fighting Irish, as the designated home team, used the Yankees locker room. QB Tommy Rees was thrilled to be assigned Jeter's locker.
Jeter and his representatives appear far less thrilled with the pace of their contract negotiations. Jeter's agent, Casey Close, told the Daily News' Mike Lupica over the weekend that he found the Yankees' strategy "baffling." Meanwhile, the Daily News cites an unidentified source who says the Yankees' "ambush" negotiations could backfire.
At this stage, it looks like negotiations with Jeter could extend past the late-December Pinstripe Bowl, the next college football game to be played at Yankee Stadium. But Mark Feinsand of the Daily News gives another scenario: If the Yankees offer arbitration to Jeter on Tuesday as expected, the shortstop could accept and, with a one-year deal, use 2011 to prove that this past season's numbers were the exception and not the rule.
It's not unprecedented for a future Hall of Famer to accept arbitration in his free-agent year, as Greg Maddux did with the Braves after the 2002 season.
Feinsand wrote last week that the two sides are $50 million apart. The Yankees are believed to be offering a three-year deal while Jeter is looking for at least four years.
The Yankees are hinting that the 36-year-old Jeter, who is coming off the worst season of his career, should realize that he will get nothing close to what the Yankees are offering should he test the open market. The Yankees, however, are fearful of fan backlash and a public relations nightmare if they let Jeter go.
But, as Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com points out, the Yankees allowed Babe Ruth to go elsewhere, so why not Jeter?
Our Buster Olney gives his take on Collins:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
The Jeter negotiations
http://[h3]Rangers looking for hitting coach[/h3]
9:25AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers [/h5]
Clint Hurdle was a big hit in his one season as hitting coach of the Texas Rangers. The Pittsburgh Pirates were so impressed that they named Hurdle as their new manager.
The Rangers are hard at work at finding a replacement for Hurdle and interviewed five candidates Monday. According to the Dallas Morning News, former Oakland hitting coach Thad Bosley, former Seattle bench coach Ty Van Burkleo, Triple-A hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh, roving hitting instructor Luis Ortiz and special-assignments coach Johnny Narron met with members of the front office and coaching staff.
Fan favorite Rusty Greer is not believed to be in the running.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]No arbitration for Magglio[/h3]
9:18AM ET
[h5]Magglio Ordonez | Tigers [/h5]
The Detroit Tigers are saying publicly that they would like to keep Magglio Ordonez, but the team is unlikely to offer the right fielder arbitration before Tuesday night's deadline, reports Steve Kornacki of MLive.com.
Offering arbitration to the 36-year-old Ordonez would bring the Tigers two draft picks, but it could set up Detroit for paying him at least $14.4 million in 2011, a price tag that is viewed as too high.
Ordonez's 2010 season ended in July after a severe ankle injury. If the Tigers do decide to move on, Ordonez could fit in several markets, including L.A. where both the Dodgers and Angels are in need of some pop from their outfielders.
Ordonez's agent, Scott Boras, says there have been many early calls on his client and that Ordonez's injury is a minor one, not a major one, and that the veteran has returned to "full workout routines."
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Yankees, Rivera differ over years[/h3]
9:04AM ET
[h5]Mariano Rivera | Yankees [/h5]
The New York Yankees and Derek Jeter have chosen to do a chunk of their contract negotiations via the media. That's great for us at Rumor Central, but it sometimes allows equally important matters to fly under the radar.
In case you forgot, closer Mariano Rivera, who like Jeter is a Yankee icon, is eligible for free agency.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports Rivera is seeking a two-year deal at $18 million per season, but the Yankees are currently inclined to offer him only one year at a raise from the $15 million he made this season.
The negotiations with Rivera could take some time. While Rivera turns 41 later this week, he is still competing at levels by comparable to his prime. Jeter saw his production fall this past season, complicating his contract talks.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Arbitration for A.J.?[/h3]
8:45AM ET
[h5]A.J. Pierzynski | White Sox [/h5]
For months, the master plan on the South Side called for the Chicago White Sox to part ways with free agent http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3948A.J. Pierzynski and hand the catching duties over to http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30157Tyler Flowers in 2011.
ESPNChicago.com's Doug Padilla, however, wrote last month that Pierzynski may be the White Sox best bet for 2011 since Flowers and Donny Lucy, their two best catching prospects, still need defensive development, and because the club may be able to get him on a one-year deal.
White Sox lefthander Mark Buehrle told the Chicago Tribune last week that Pierzynski has a better chance of returning to the team than Paul Konerko.
Meanwhile, Mark Gonzalez of the Tribune writes Tuesday that it is no guarantee that the White Sox will offer arbitration to either Pierzynski or Konerko on Tuesday because that would place further stress on a payroll that has earmarked more than $80 million for 13 players for 2011.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Randolph talking with Orioles[/h3]
8:28AM ET
[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]
Willie Randolph, no longer wanted in Milwaukee, may be reunited with Buck Showalter in Baltimore.
Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the Orioles are negotiating with Randolph, who spent last season as the Brewers' bench coach, for the final spot on Showalter's staff.
If a deal is finalized, Randolph would work with the Orioles' infielders and either coach third or serve as Showalter's bench coach. Randolph was Showalter's third base coach with the Yankees in 1994 and 1995.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Can the Braves move Kawakami?[/h3]
8:19AM ET
[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]
Kenshin Kawakami is owed just under $7 million for 2011 and may spend the 2011 season in Double-A Mississippi, writes Mark Bowman.
Kawakami's ineffectiveness last season got him demoted, but his peripherals suggest he wasn't all that bad, just a mix of mediocrity and random bad luck.
The right-hander will certainly be shopped this winter, barring a drastic change of heart by the Braves, but there have been rumors of Kawamaki heading back to Japan to pitch.
Bowman suggests that the possibility the Braves could leave him in Double-A rather than in Triple-A Gwinnett, which is close to Kawakami's summer home, may impact his decision on whether or not to go back to Japan.
Late this winter could be an ideal time for the Braves to find a taker for Kawakami, after most of the starting pitchers on the market are signed. They would likely have to share the salary responsibilities, however.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Yanks willing to go 5 years on Lee[/h3]
8:18AM ET
[h5]Cliff Lee | Rangers [/h5]
Exactly how expensive will it be to land Cliff Lee? Perhaps $23 million to $24 million per year.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote Sunday that "Word is the Yankees are in the $115 million-$120 million range for five years, while the Rangers are determined to match whatever it gets up to. The Nationals are another team aggressive in this hunt."
Rangers president Nolan Ryan said last week he believed that his club would be outbid for Lee, so Cafardo's comments would be a change of course. But five years and $120 million may be a figure the Rangers can handle, though it's very early in the process and things can change in a hurry.
Up until now, any talk of a Lee contract has been compared to the seven-year, $161 million deal the Yankees gave to CC Sabathia a few years ago. Sabathia earns $23 million per season, but has a longer deal than Lee is expected to get.
Jon Heyman of SI.com reports the Rangers are believed willing to go at least four years for Lee, but it seems uncertain whether they'd go past that even for a pitcher who has no history of arm trouble. Heyman adds that the Yankees will definitely be willing to go at least five, making them the favorite.
Along with the Yankees and Rangers, the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals have publicly acknowledged they have called or met with Braunecker. Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com says other teams believed to have some level of interest include the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-philliesPhiladelphia Phillies, http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxBoston Red Sox and the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubsChicago Cubs.
At this stage, look for Lee to enjoy his Thanksgiving at home and for talks to heat up at the winter meetings next month in Florida.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Baseball Prospectus[/h5]
Lee to the Bronx
http://[h3]Werth wants Holliday dollars[/h3]
8:10AM ET
[h5]Jayson Werth | Phillies [/h5]
Jayson Werth may be pricing himself out a return to Philadelphia.
Jon Heyman of SI.com says Werth is looking to land a contract similar to the $120 million deal Matt Holliday secured last year from the Cardinals. While Philadelphia was making some attempt to retain him, it doesn't seem inclined to go that far.
Heyman says the Red Sox, who also have been mentioned in the Carl Crawford sweepstakes, are perceived as the favorite to land Werth.
Menwhile, the Phillies aren't sitting around and waiting out the situation. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported last week that the Phillies have been discussing a trade with the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chw/chicago-white-soxChicago White Sox that would bring http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6192Carlos Quentin to Philly where he'd presumably replace Werth in the lineup.
The club's aggressiveness when it comes to retaining or replacing Werth suggests they are not willing to hand http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29673Domonic Brown the starting job right out of the gate next spring, or that they are planning on finding a taker, some how, for Ibanez, who is entering the final year of a three-year deal that will pay him $10 million in 2011.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Is Collins a good fit in NY?[/h3]
7:09AM ET
[h5]New York Mets [/h5]
The Terry Collins era officially begins in Queens Tuesday morning when he will be introduced as manager of the New York Mets, and the debate already is under way as to whether he is the right man for the job.
New GM Sandy Alderson left no stone unturned in his interview process before deciding to go with Collins, who served as the organization's minor league field coordinator this past season. He previously managed the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/hou/houston-astrosHouston Astros from 1994 to 1996 and the then-Anaheim Angels from 1997 to 1999, compiling a 444-434 record.
Collins and former D-backs manager Bob Melvin were considered the front-runners for the job. Third-base coach Chip Hale and Wally Backman also were finalists for the job.
Collins' candidacy was likely helped by the recent hiring of former Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta to a front-office position. DePodesta continues to have a high opinion of Collins and tried to hire him as manager in Los Angeles.
Hall of Fame writer Bill Madden is skeptical with the choice. "There is nothing to suggest he isn't just another retread manager and not the kind of difference-maker the organization so desperately needs," Madden writes.
Andy Martino of the Daily News thinks Collins could be just what Alderson is looking for, "a demonstrative manager but also an open-minded one willing to utilize information, old and new mentalities are both required."
Our Buster Olney gives his take and wonders of Collins' sometimes intense personality will be an issue:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Is Collins a fit in NY?
http://[h3]Votto lukewarm on long-term deal[/h3]
6:55AM ET
[h5]Joey Votto | Reds [/h5]
Joey Votto became the first member of the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/cin/cincinnati-redsCincinnati Reds to be named National League Most Valuable Player since http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=1768Barry Larkin in 1995. That doesn?t mean he is now in a rush to sign a contract extension.
"How open am I to that? I don?t know. You'd have to see the figures and talk about the years, because we haven?t have any conversations about it," Votto said via the Cincy Enquirer. "I'm not trying to dodge the question. But I've got nothing. That's OK right now. I don't want to be peppered with contract stuff all offseason."
As much as the Reds were ecstatic to have Votto win the award, the MVP designation will make him even more expensive when it comes time for talks on a multi-year contract. Votto, who made $550,000 this season, is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter.
The Reds have the 27-year-old under contract control for at least three more years.
The first official brushback will be thrown today in the negotiations between the Yankees and Derek Jeter. The Yankees will have to decide whether to offer arbitration to their free agents, and they're expected to do so with Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte.
But they won't offer arbitration to Jeter, sources say.
The Yankees' belief is that their current three-year, $45 million offer is fair, and that by offering arbitration to Jeter, they essentially would bail him out after a down year. Jeter might make $22-23 million through arbitration. The Yankees feel that in the past, Jeter has fairly negotiated from his standing in the marketplace -- when he went to arbitration in 1999, when he negotiated a 10-year, $189 million deal in 2001. And now the Yankees feel these talks should reflect Jeter's place in the market; they also believe that no other team would be willing to pay him what they have offered.
Here's one big factor working against Jeter in this negotiation: While the Yankees want him and are offering him above what his market value is, they operate in the knowledge that if Jeter doesn't re-sign -- if he actually walks away -- then his departure would not be a mortal blow to their pennant hopes in 2011. If Jeter walked away in 2001, that would have been different; he was an exceptional player then.
Now he is a good player, but far from irreplaceable.
[h3]Around the league[/h3]
• The Diamondbacks are trying to cut down on their strikeouts, which is one reason they are willing to deal Justin Upton, and rival evaluators wonder if the perception that Upton doesn't have a 24/7 motor is another factor in the trade talks. The teams thought to be in the best position, in terms of what they can offer, to make a deal for Upton: the Marlins, Rays and Blue Jays. A small part of the Rays' thinking is that the acquisition of Justin Upton might be good for his brother B.J. Upton, because folks who know both believe they would naturally push each other and thrive while playing for the same team.
Justin Upton could be worth the investment for the Mariners, writes Geoff Baker, though there were a number of reports that Upton has Seattle as a no-trade destination.
• One of the American League's best hitters has been cleared to play for the Indians. Cleveland officials were confident that this would work out, but the fact that the issue has been settled has to be something of a relief.
• Scott Boras' alleged practice of lending money to young Dominican players is under scrutiny. The union should not allow this kind of thing to go on, either overseas or domestically. Many agents will tell you that payments and loans are at the center of some agents luring clients away from other agents.
• Today teams will announce whether they intend to offer arbitration to their free agents. Here are stories on some of the players involved:
• Joey Votto was The Man in the National League, and that's big news in Cincinnati and in Canada. Albert Pujols was gracious in defeat, as you'll see within this Rick Hummel story. Votto is a star who fits Cincinnati. He is a reluctant superstar, writes Hal McCoy. Cargo finished third. Adam Kilgore has a problem with the way the voting went down for Ryan Zimmerman.
• The Twins and Matt Guerrier.
• The Phillies and Jayson Werth.
• The Red Sox and Jason Varitek.
• The Orioles and two pitchers.
• The White Sox and Paul Konerko (and A.J. Pierzynski).
• The Rays and their whole bullpen.
• Presumably, Josh Hamilton will win the AL MVP award. If I had had a vote, I would have picked Robinson Cano -- who played about a month of games more than Hamilton and who was spectacular at the plate and was a shutdown defender at second base -- but certainly couldn't have quibbled with anyone who voted for Hamilton.
The Rangers' outfielder must take his game to the next level, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Heard this: Some rival general managers are convinced the Royals are intent on moving Zack Greinke this winter.
2. The Royals are in position to get much in draft compensation.
3. The agent for Hisashi Iwakuma is rethinking his stance about negotiations with the Athletics.
[h3]From the mailbag[/h3]
I know it's early, but after the Dan Uggla trade who do you think will be the favorite to win the NL east this year? -- Reid, Nashville, Tenn.
A: Reid: I'd still say the Phillies will be the favorites, benefitting from a full season of a rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt. But the Braves' trade for Uggla was a great deal for them; he's a perfect fit for what they need.
Chipper Jones is pumped about the Uggla deal, writes Carroll Rogers.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• It's official: Ozzie Guillen will rip anybody, such as Miami Dolphins fans.
• Dustin Ackley took a big step forward, as Geoff Baker writes.
• For the Phillies, life after Jayson Werth is risky.
• John Moores' divorce settlement will be made public.
• The Mets are bringing in a little Billy Martin in hiring Terry Collins, writes Mike Lupica. I'd respectfully disagree with Mike on this one; the personalities of Collins and Martin are very, very different.
• Rick Kranitz is a seasoned veteran.
• Jon Miller is available for 162 games for the Giants now, writes Carl Steward.
• Brad Childress was fired. From the perspective of a Vikings fan, this had to happen.
And today will be better than yesterday.
http://[h3][/h3][h3]Detroit snares a bat[/h3]
10:59AM ET
[h5]Detroit Tigers [/h5]
Multiple reports are out this AM that Detroit has agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with free agent catcher Victor Martinez.
As we've noted here on a number of occasions, Detroit has been rumored to have been pushing hard to get V-Mart in as a catcher that can spend time at DH and 1B, and add lineup help behind the great Miguel Cabrera.
The deal will keep V-Mart with Detroit through his age 35 season. Detroit has been aggressive in free agency both because of some clear holes to fill, and because of the fact that they cleared a lot of money -- and bad contracts -- off the books this offseason.
While this marks the second big "get" for the Tigers, there are expectations that they aren't quite finished in free agency. We'll be back with more...
http://[h3]Is KC serious about a Greinke deal?[/h3]
10:03AM ET
[h5]Zack Greinke | Royals [/h5]
It's evident that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royalsKansas City Royals will listen to offers for http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883Zack Greinke, but is the team serious about making a deal?
In Tuesday's blog, our Buster Olney hears some rival general managers are convinced the Royals are intent on moving Greinke this winter.
Meanwhile, one AL executive gives Joel Sherman of the New York Post two reasons why he thinks Greinke will be dealt.
One is the value of ace-level pitching, which became more evident this year by the addition of Cliff Lee in Texas and Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt in Philadelphia. The exec adds that the Royals may be on edge over what happened to outfielder David DeJesus, who was injured just prior to the July trade deadline. Kansas City may not want to take the chance of seeing Greinke's value plummet due to an injury.
John Schlegel of MLB.com wrote last week that it would take a blockbuster offer to land Greinke.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Greinke a prime trade target
http://[h3]Sox to offer Varitek?[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Jason Varitek | Red Sox [/h5]
With Tuesday's deadline looming, the Boston Red Sox have to decide whether or not to offer arbitration to free agent catcher Jason Varitek.
If Varitek were to be offered and he accepted, he could earn more than $3 million in 2011, writes WEEI.com's Alex Speier, citing one source. Speier also writes that this year has some similarities to 2008.
Scott Lauber writes in Tuesday?s Boston Herald that if the Sox made the offer, there is a strong chance Varitek would accept since it would be tantamount to signing a one-year deal.
If the Red Sox plan on signing Victor Martinez or go aggressively after another free agent such as Miquel Olivo, Yorvit Torrealba or Bengie Molina, offering Varitek may not be in the cards. But the club does have some flexibility, as Jarrod Saltalamacchia, seemingly the back-up plan at the position, can be sent to Triple-A Pawtucket or used in a part-time or reserve role.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Boras' policy in DR causes concern[/h3]
9:48AM ET
[h5]Scott Boras [/h5]
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
Super agent Scott Boras has plenty of work to work to do this offseason representing the likes of Jayson Werth and Adrian Beltre. He may also have to spend some time answering questions as to how his company operates in the Dominican Republic.
Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times reports that Boras' company provided tens of thousands of dollars in loans and payments to the families of poor Dominican teenage prospects, raising questions about whether the company exploited the prospects and violated the rules of the MLBPA.
The issue is whether any payment could make a player feel that he is obligated to sign with a particular agent.
In a statement to the Times, Boras declined to say whether any loans were made, although he did say his company had "aided" players and families in the past. Major League Baseball says it is treating any possible payment as "a serious issue."
Our Buster Olney gives his take:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
The union needs to act
http://[h3]Choo exempt from military[/h3]
9:46AM ET
[h5]Shin-Soo Choo | Indians [/h5]
We've mentioned since last spring that http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-indiansCleveland Indians right fielder and Korean National Shin-Soo Choo owed his native land military service and time was running out to alleviate the situation.
That changed now that South Korea defeated Taiwan 9-3 Friday in the final of the Asian Games.
Since South Korea won the tournament, Choo qualifies for a waiver and is no longer be required to serve in the military. The Indians received official word over the weekend that Choo has received an exemption.
Choo had a solid 2010 season and is headed for arbitration for the first time this winter where he's assured of a significant raise from the $461,000 he made last season. With his military situation settled, the Tribe could consider a long-term contract.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Choo situation settled
http://[h3]Could Jeter accept arbitration?[/h3]
9:39AM ET
[h5]Derek Jeter | Yankees [/h5]
The New York Yankees gave away Derek Jeter's locker.
Yankee Stadium was the site of another Notre Dame-Army college football clash over the weekend, and the Fighting Irish, as the designated home team, used the Yankees locker room. QB Tommy Rees was thrilled to be assigned Jeter's locker.
Jeter and his representatives appear far less thrilled with the pace of their contract negotiations. Jeter's agent, Casey Close, told the Daily News' Mike Lupica over the weekend that he found the Yankees' strategy "baffling." Meanwhile, the Daily News cites an unidentified source who says the Yankees' "ambush" negotiations could backfire.
At this stage, it looks like negotiations with Jeter could extend past the late-December Pinstripe Bowl, the next college football game to be played at Yankee Stadium. But Mark Feinsand of the Daily News gives another scenario: If the Yankees offer arbitration to Jeter on Tuesday as expected, the shortstop could accept and, with a one-year deal, use 2011 to prove that this past season's numbers were the exception and not the rule.
It's not unprecedented for a future Hall of Famer to accept arbitration in his free-agent year, as Greg Maddux did with the Braves after the 2002 season.
Feinsand wrote last week that the two sides are $50 million apart. The Yankees are believed to be offering a three-year deal while Jeter is looking for at least four years.
The Yankees are hinting that the 36-year-old Jeter, who is coming off the worst season of his career, should realize that he will get nothing close to what the Yankees are offering should he test the open market. The Yankees, however, are fearful of fan backlash and a public relations nightmare if they let Jeter go.
But, as Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com points out, the Yankees allowed Babe Ruth to go elsewhere, so why not Jeter?
Our Buster Olney gives his take on Collins:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
The Jeter negotiations
http://[h3]Rangers looking for hitting coach[/h3]
9:25AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers [/h5]
Clint Hurdle was a big hit in his one season as hitting coach of the Texas Rangers. The Pittsburgh Pirates were so impressed that they named Hurdle as their new manager.
The Rangers are hard at work at finding a replacement for Hurdle and interviewed five candidates Monday. According to the Dallas Morning News, former Oakland hitting coach Thad Bosley, former Seattle bench coach Ty Van Burkleo, Triple-A hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh, roving hitting instructor Luis Ortiz and special-assignments coach Johnny Narron met with members of the front office and coaching staff.
Fan favorite Rusty Greer is not believed to be in the running.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]No arbitration for Magglio[/h3]
9:18AM ET
[h5]Magglio Ordonez | Tigers [/h5]
The Detroit Tigers are saying publicly that they would like to keep Magglio Ordonez, but the team is unlikely to offer the right fielder arbitration before Tuesday night's deadline, reports Steve Kornacki of MLive.com.
Offering arbitration to the 36-year-old Ordonez would bring the Tigers two draft picks, but it could set up Detroit for paying him at least $14.4 million in 2011, a price tag that is viewed as too high.
Ordonez's 2010 season ended in July after a severe ankle injury. If the Tigers do decide to move on, Ordonez could fit in several markets, including L.A. where both the Dodgers and Angels are in need of some pop from their outfielders.
Ordonez's agent, Scott Boras, says there have been many early calls on his client and that Ordonez's injury is a minor one, not a major one, and that the veteran has returned to "full workout routines."
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Yankees, Rivera differ over years[/h3]
9:04AM ET
[h5]Mariano Rivera | Yankees [/h5]
The New York Yankees and Derek Jeter have chosen to do a chunk of their contract negotiations via the media. That's great for us at Rumor Central, but it sometimes allows equally important matters to fly under the radar.
In case you forgot, closer Mariano Rivera, who like Jeter is a Yankee icon, is eligible for free agency.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports Rivera is seeking a two-year deal at $18 million per season, but the Yankees are currently inclined to offer him only one year at a raise from the $15 million he made this season.
The negotiations with Rivera could take some time. While Rivera turns 41 later this week, he is still competing at levels by comparable to his prime. Jeter saw his production fall this past season, complicating his contract talks.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Arbitration for A.J.?[/h3]
8:45AM ET
[h5]A.J. Pierzynski | White Sox [/h5]
For months, the master plan on the South Side called for the Chicago White Sox to part ways with free agent http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3948A.J. Pierzynski and hand the catching duties over to http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30157Tyler Flowers in 2011.
ESPNChicago.com's Doug Padilla, however, wrote last month that Pierzynski may be the White Sox best bet for 2011 since Flowers and Donny Lucy, their two best catching prospects, still need defensive development, and because the club may be able to get him on a one-year deal.
White Sox lefthander Mark Buehrle told the Chicago Tribune last week that Pierzynski has a better chance of returning to the team than Paul Konerko.
Meanwhile, Mark Gonzalez of the Tribune writes Tuesday that it is no guarantee that the White Sox will offer arbitration to either Pierzynski or Konerko on Tuesday because that would place further stress on a payroll that has earmarked more than $80 million for 13 players for 2011.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Randolph talking with Orioles[/h3]
8:28AM ET
[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]
Willie Randolph, no longer wanted in Milwaukee, may be reunited with Buck Showalter in Baltimore.
Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the Orioles are negotiating with Randolph, who spent last season as the Brewers' bench coach, for the final spot on Showalter's staff.
If a deal is finalized, Randolph would work with the Orioles' infielders and either coach third or serve as Showalter's bench coach. Randolph was Showalter's third base coach with the Yankees in 1994 and 1995.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Can the Braves move Kawakami?[/h3]
8:19AM ET
[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]
Kenshin Kawakami is owed just under $7 million for 2011 and may spend the 2011 season in Double-A Mississippi, writes Mark Bowman.
Kawakami's ineffectiveness last season got him demoted, but his peripherals suggest he wasn't all that bad, just a mix of mediocrity and random bad luck.
The right-hander will certainly be shopped this winter, barring a drastic change of heart by the Braves, but there have been rumors of Kawamaki heading back to Japan to pitch.
Bowman suggests that the possibility the Braves could leave him in Double-A rather than in Triple-A Gwinnett, which is close to Kawakami's summer home, may impact his decision on whether or not to go back to Japan.
Late this winter could be an ideal time for the Braves to find a taker for Kawakami, after most of the starting pitchers on the market are signed. They would likely have to share the salary responsibilities, however.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Yanks willing to go 5 years on Lee[/h3]
8:18AM ET
[h5]Cliff Lee | Rangers [/h5]
Exactly how expensive will it be to land Cliff Lee? Perhaps $23 million to $24 million per year.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe wrote Sunday that "Word is the Yankees are in the $115 million-$120 million range for five years, while the Rangers are determined to match whatever it gets up to. The Nationals are another team aggressive in this hunt."
Rangers president Nolan Ryan said last week he believed that his club would be outbid for Lee, so Cafardo's comments would be a change of course. But five years and $120 million may be a figure the Rangers can handle, though it's very early in the process and things can change in a hurry.
Up until now, any talk of a Lee contract has been compared to the seven-year, $161 million deal the Yankees gave to CC Sabathia a few years ago. Sabathia earns $23 million per season, but has a longer deal than Lee is expected to get.
Jon Heyman of SI.com reports the Rangers are believed willing to go at least four years for Lee, but it seems uncertain whether they'd go past that even for a pitcher who has no history of arm trouble. Heyman adds that the Yankees will definitely be willing to go at least five, making them the favorite.
Along with the Yankees and Rangers, the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals have publicly acknowledged they have called or met with Braunecker. Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com says other teams believed to have some level of interest include the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-philliesPhiladelphia Phillies, http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxBoston Red Sox and the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubsChicago Cubs.
At this stage, look for Lee to enjoy his Thanksgiving at home and for talks to heat up at the winter meetings next month in Florida.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Baseball Prospectus[/h5]
Lee to the Bronx
http://[h3]Werth wants Holliday dollars[/h3]
8:10AM ET
[h5]Jayson Werth | Phillies [/h5]
Jayson Werth may be pricing himself out a return to Philadelphia.
Jon Heyman of SI.com says Werth is looking to land a contract similar to the $120 million deal Matt Holliday secured last year from the Cardinals. While Philadelphia was making some attempt to retain him, it doesn't seem inclined to go that far.
Heyman says the Red Sox, who also have been mentioned in the Carl Crawford sweepstakes, are perceived as the favorite to land Werth.
Menwhile, the Phillies aren't sitting around and waiting out the situation. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reported last week that the Phillies have been discussing a trade with the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chw/chicago-white-soxChicago White Sox that would bring http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6192Carlos Quentin to Philly where he'd presumably replace Werth in the lineup.
The club's aggressiveness when it comes to retaining or replacing Werth suggests they are not willing to hand http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29673Domonic Brown the starting job right out of the gate next spring, or that they are planning on finding a taker, some how, for Ibanez, who is entering the final year of a three-year deal that will pay him $10 million in 2011.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Is Collins a good fit in NY?[/h3]
7:09AM ET
[h5]New York Mets [/h5]
The Terry Collins era officially begins in Queens Tuesday morning when he will be introduced as manager of the New York Mets, and the debate already is under way as to whether he is the right man for the job.
New GM Sandy Alderson left no stone unturned in his interview process before deciding to go with Collins, who served as the organization's minor league field coordinator this past season. He previously managed the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/hou/houston-astrosHouston Astros from 1994 to 1996 and the then-Anaheim Angels from 1997 to 1999, compiling a 444-434 record.
Collins and former D-backs manager Bob Melvin were considered the front-runners for the job. Third-base coach Chip Hale and Wally Backman also were finalists for the job.
Collins' candidacy was likely helped by the recent hiring of former Dodgers GM Paul DePodesta to a front-office position. DePodesta continues to have a high opinion of Collins and tried to hire him as manager in Los Angeles.
Hall of Fame writer Bill Madden is skeptical with the choice. "There is nothing to suggest he isn't just another retread manager and not the kind of difference-maker the organization so desperately needs," Madden writes.
Andy Martino of the Daily News thinks Collins could be just what Alderson is looking for, "a demonstrative manager but also an open-minded one willing to utilize information, old and new mentalities are both required."
Our Buster Olney gives his take and wonders of Collins' sometimes intense personality will be an issue:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Is Collins a fit in NY?
http://[h3]Votto lukewarm on long-term deal[/h3]
6:55AM ET
[h5]Joey Votto | Reds [/h5]
Joey Votto became the first member of the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/cin/cincinnati-redsCincinnati Reds to be named National League Most Valuable Player since http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=1768Barry Larkin in 1995. That doesn?t mean he is now in a rush to sign a contract extension.
"How open am I to that? I don?t know. You'd have to see the figures and talk about the years, because we haven?t have any conversations about it," Votto said via the Cincy Enquirer. "I'm not trying to dodge the question. But I've got nothing. That's OK right now. I don't want to be peppered with contract stuff all offseason."
As much as the Reds were ecstatic to have Votto win the award, the MVP designation will make him even more expensive when it comes time for talks on a multi-year contract. Votto, who made $550,000 this season, is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter.
The Reds have the 27-year-old under contract control for at least three more years.
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