Official MLB Offseason Post: Michael Young asks for a trade.
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by proshares,
- Start date
dacomeup
Supporter
- 26,351
- 37,026
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2006
They should take Yonder Alonso for Greinke. Jocketty doesn't sound interested in that deal though.
And Boston is making is tougher to re-sign Votto without breaking the bank. 7 yrs 154 mill
And Boston is making is tougher to re-sign Votto without breaking the bank. 7 yrs 154 mill
dacomeup
Supporter
- 26,351
- 37,026
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2006
They should take Yonder Alonso for Greinke. Jocketty doesn't sound interested in that deal though.
And Boston is making is tougher to re-sign Votto without breaking the bank. 7 yrs 154 mill
And Boston is making is tougher to re-sign Votto without breaking the bank. 7 yrs 154 mill
- 25,234
- 13,300
- Joined
- May 30, 2006
Supposedly they told the Rangers they want one of Tanner Scheppers/Martin Perez, Derek Holland, and one of Jurickson Profar/Engel Beltre... Um, no.
- 25,234
- 13,300
- Joined
- May 30, 2006
Supposedly they told the Rangers they want one of Tanner Scheppers/Martin Perez, Derek Holland, and one of Jurickson Profar/Engel Beltre... Um, no.
You can't blame them for aiming high in prospects right now. He has an extremely friendly contract for the next couple of years and maybe they'll get someone to say yes. Like I said, they'll come down in offers as time goes on if they're really intent on dealing him. But, it wouldn't be that far of a drop off. Heard they wanted Braun, Gallardo AND Cain from Milwaukee
You can't blame them for aiming high in prospects right now. He has an extremely friendly contract for the next couple of years and maybe they'll get someone to say yes. Like I said, they'll come down in offers as time goes on if they're really intent on dealing him. But, it wouldn't be that far of a drop off. Heard they wanted Braun, Gallardo AND Cain from Milwaukee
- 25,234
- 13,300
- Joined
- May 30, 2006
Whispers now that the Lee market is headed towards 7 years...
New York, Washington... You can have him at that rate...
I'd bite the bullet and do six... But seven? Nah, I'm out.
New York, Washington... You can have him at that rate...
I'd bite the bullet and do six... But seven? Nah, I'm out.
- 25,234
- 13,300
- Joined
- May 30, 2006
Whispers now that the Lee market is headed towards 7 years...
New York, Washington... You can have him at that rate...
I'd bite the bullet and do six... But seven? Nah, I'm out.
New York, Washington... You can have him at that rate...
I'd bite the bullet and do six... But seven? Nah, I'm out.
- 8,956
- 39
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
Yankees hopefully have learned how much giving guys insane years can hurt your payroll...
Pavano...giambi
7 is just way to many
Pavano...giambi
7 is just way to many
- 8,956
- 39
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
Yankees hopefully have learned how much giving guys insane years can hurt your payroll...
Pavano...giambi
7 is just way to many
Pavano...giambi
7 is just way to many
- 5,409
- 923
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2004
Even if it "hurts" the Yankees payroll, does that really matter? Unless something drastically changes, I don't see how having all of these long term deals on the book will keep them from making moves.
- 5,409
- 923
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2004
Even if it "hurts" the Yankees payroll, does that really matter? Unless something drastically changes, I don't see how having all of these long term deals on the book will keep them from making moves.
@Buster_ESPN There is a growing speculation among rival agents and executives that the Washington Nationals are going to throw a HUGE number at Cliff Lee
Saying they might go 7 years at $24mm per.
The asking price for Zack Greinke, rival executives say, is off the charts right now. Greinke won the Cy Young Award in 2009, he will be pitching for a reasonable salary for the next couple of years, and there is very little impact pitching available on the open market. So Dayton Moore, the Royals' general manager, is asking for the sun and the moon and first-born male children, plus some really good pitching prospects -- which is what he should do.
But that doesn't mean that asking price will hold. Rival officials think Moore will gradually reduce his asking price, bit by bit, until someone says yes. Because now is the best time to trade Greinke, who is making it more and more apparent that he wants out of Kansas City.
The Royals know this, too: Greinke had a mediocre 2010 season, and the broad view within the sport is that he was bored at times. Some players deal well with playing on a losing team -- like Felix Hernandez, who kept his focus throughout the entire 2010 season despite being "supported" miserably by the Mariners' offense -- and some players don't handle it that well. If the Royals keep Greinke into the 2011 season and his ERA again hovers near 4.00, he will lose the mulligan that rival evaluators are giving him for his 2010 performance. His trade value will drop significantly.
The Royals understand all this.
This is why other teams believe Greinke will open the 2011 season in another uniform, but these trade talks might go on for a while.
There was buzz in the lobby about Greinke, as Bob Dutton writes. The Rangers feel the Royals asked for too much, but the Royals feel the Rangers offered too little, as Evan Grant writes.
The Reds say they haven't talked about Greinke, says Walt Jocketty.
[h3]Notables[/h3]
• Rockies manager Jim Tracy collapsed overnight and was taken to a hospital.
• When I covered the San Diego Padres in 1993, they traded for Derek Bell at the end of spring training. Bell had been part of the Jays' championship team in 1992 -- a part-time player, really, not a primary piece. Early in that season, a scout from the Toronto Blue Jays showed up at Jack Murphy Stadium with a small box -- it contained Bell's championship ring.
The Jays could have dropped it in the mail. But the Toronto general manager thought it was important to dispatch an assistant on a flight and to present Bell with his ring.
That was Pat Gillick, the most influential general manager of his time. So it was neat to see Pat -- whom I covered in Baltimore in 1996 -- be told that he will be inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Gillick was the only person selected by the Veterans Committee, writes Bob Brookover. Gillick was honored for a career that is still going strong, writes Stephen Brunt. Gillick deserved to be elected into the Hall of Fame, and so did two others, writes Phil Sheridan.
An ex-Cardinal missed out, as Derrick Goold writes. George Steinbrenner was snubbed, writes George King.
Marvin Miller thinks the committee is trying to rewrite history by keeping him out of the Hall of Fame.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
Joe Nathan has been shut down in his rehab, but it's not a big deal. [h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Diamondbacks are not messing around in pursuing their two goals of this offseason -- reducing their strikeouts and improving their bullpen. They made a flurry of moves, as Nick Piecoro writes. Derrek Lee would seem to be a really good fit for them. J.J. Putz will be their closer.
2. The Orioles finished their negotiations for Mark Reynolds. Reynolds spoke with reporters after the deal.
3. The Yankees had hoped to start negotiating in earnest with Cliff Lee's agent on Monday, but Darek Braunecker indicated he wasn't quite ready to start taking offers yet. Braunecker is doing what agents should do: driving interest in their clients, playing it out, trying to push the interested parties to a place they don't want to go -- which could be to a six-year deal. Brian Cashman is renewing the push to sign Lee, writes Ben Shpigel. There is no way the Yankees scrimp on their Lee offer, writes Joel Sherman. Six years and $144 million would almost certainly be a place that many others would not go to.
4. As of Monday, the Yankees were still under the impression that Andy Pettitte intends to retire -- but they've thought that in past winters, too, only to have Pettitte change his mind.
5. The Red Sox don't have a deal in place with Adrian Gonzalez, but they do have an understanding of what his bottom line is, which is why a deal will get done. Boston got its man, writes Michael Vega. The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry just got better, writes Sherman. Totally agree. Gonzalez is ready for the big time, writes Steve Buckley.
6. The Red Sox have more to do on their agenda. Within this piece, there is word that Carl Crawford might be a fit for Boston.
7. The Pirates are adding pieces, as Dejan Kovacevic writes. Also: colleague Jerry Crasnick reported that the Pirates have a deal in the works for Kevin Correia. Pittsburgh is not landing any of the elite free agents, but it is working to get better.
8. The Phillies are taking a run at Jeff Francoeur, writes David Murphy. Ruben Amaro says the Phillies might have a quiet winter meetings.
9. Jim Leyland says Armando Galarraga will be the No. 5 starter for the Tigers, writes John Lowe. The Tigers' offense might be set, writes Lynn Henning. The Tigers were right to pass on Jayson Werth, because his contract is ridiculous, writes Henning.
10. The Cardinals have a short to-do list.
11. The Marlins are confident that Chris Coghlan will be ready to play center field.
12. Heard this: Brian Fuentes is looking for $6 million to $8 million in a multi-year deal. The Red Sox are among the interested teams, writes Scott Lauber.
13. Heard this: It appears that the Yankees and Red Sox might be the teams most aggressively pursuing Russell Martin.
14. The Braves have some possibilities cooking, writes David O'Brien.
15. The Nationals just got in the game, writes Thomas Boswell. A whole bunch of teams are seething, writes Adam Kilgore. Chuck Armstrong of the Mariners finds the numbers astounding. The Nationals are also looking to bolster the bullpen.
16. The Mets might want to try to deal Carlos Beltran to Oakland, writes John Harper. Again, for Oakland, this is a nice thought, in theory, but on the other hand: Would Beltran, a prospective free agent, want to play in Oakland?
17. The Mariners say they lost a lot of money, but they don't plan to cut payroll, writes Geoff Baker.
18. Heard this: The Giants continue to look for a shortstop, because they don't feel they have much depth at the position. Either way, San Francisco will be regarded as the favorite. The Giants' payroll will be about $120 million next year, Brian Sabean says.
19. The Jays are trying to keep up with the rest of the AL East.
20. Heard this: The Brewers find Brett Lawrie -- whom they just traded for Shaun Marcum -- to be a really, really difficult personality, which was part of the reason they were willing to part with the former first-round draft pick.
21. Heard this: Oakland is determining whether it can go forward on talks with Trevor Cahill about a possible long-term deal. The Athletics are now focused on Hideki Matsui, writes Susan Slusser.
22. The Indians could use their bullpen depth in trade talks, writes Paul Hoynes.
23. The Twins are in negotiations with an infielder.
24. The Brewers view the addition of Marcum as just the first step, writes Tom Haudricourt, and within this story, there is word that Rickie Weeks would like to sign a long-term deal.
25. The Rays are optimistic they'll be making some moves during these winter meetings, writes Marc Topkin.
26. A couple of Astros could be on the market.
27. The Rangers intend to play Josh Hamilton in left field, says Ron Washington.
28. The Cubs have their eyes on Carlos Pena. They'll have to outbid the Nationals.
29. The Padres have made it clear they are not trading Heath Bell this winter, because they feel they will not get optimal value.
30. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti says he's not interested in messing with his core group.
31. The Angels are off to a late start in the pursuit of Crawford, writes Mike DiGiovanna.
32. Heard this: The Dodgers are in the tinker mode with their roster at this point, looking to just make minor additions.
[h3]From the mailbag[/h3]
These two e-mails are along the lines of many I received Monday, in the aftermath of the Jayson Werth signing:
Frankly, the folks in the D.C. area couldn't care less about what other high ranking officials think about the Jayson Werth signing. The consequences of not signing a significant free agent outweigh whatever perceptions that would have festered. The Nats do not want to be the Pirates or Royals. This proves it. I'm glad the organization signed a player without clearing it with you or anyone else at ESPN. More power to them. -- Tramell, (Bowie, Md.)
I realized the new Jayson Werth contract is very, very similar to Alfonso Soriano's contract of which he received with the Cubs in 2006. They are both outfielders and both 30 or 31 years old. Also, the contact is similar in terms of length and money. First, I feel the Nationals will regret this signing just like the Cubs are regretting signing Soriano for 8 years right now. But, my question is why would the Nationals pay this much for Werth when they are obviously 2 or 3 years away from contending? Why wouldn't they just sign a major free agent in the off season going into the 2013 or 2014 season (seasons they are likely to contend in) with the money they obviously had to sign Jayson Werth? -- Omar Shuhaibar (Philadelphia)
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• Pablo Sandoval has lost some weight, says Bruce Bochy.
• The Marlins' manager compared the team's young third baseman to Brooks Robinson, as Juan Rodriguez writes.
• John Farrell knows the Blue Jays are a work in progress, writes Richard Griffin.
• Derek Jeter could talk about his contract today.
• Ozzie Guillen has cleared the air with Kenny Williams, he says.
• The publisher ordered a fourth printing for "How Lucky You Can Be" -- many thanks for the e-mails and tweets about it.
• Today would have been Mary Ann Lincoln's 69th birthday; my mother was born the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. She is very much missed by her children and grandchildren and friends.
And today will be better than yesterday.
Repeat after me: Strikeouts don't matter in (most) fantasy leagues. Yes, I realize there are rare exceptions, including one league I participate in, but generally we want the home runs, RBIs and other good stuff, and we ignore the whiffs. Therefore, if the http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=28772">http://sports.espn.go.com...s/fantasy?playerId=28772')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="28772" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Mark Reynolds that hit 44 home runs and knocked in 102 runs with a palatable .260 batting average in 2009 can be reproduced now that he has been traded to the http:///espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-orioles">http://espn.go.com/mlb/te...me/bal/baltimore-orioles')">Baltimore Orioles, nobody in the fantasy world will care if he again tops 200 whiffs (which he likely will). If Reynolds hits an unsightly and unfathomable .198 again, like he did for the http:///espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/ari/arizona-diamondbacks">http://espn.go.com/mlb/te...ari/arizona-diamondbacks')">Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, well, that's all people will focus on. The strikeouts bother people only when the other numbers aren't flashy.
I generally get a good laugh from how the general public views a strikeout from a hitter. Reynolds was one of fantasy's top hitters in 2009, when he not only supplied power, but stole 24 bases as well. What strikeouts? http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=6097">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=6097')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="6097" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Ryan Howard strikes out, too, doesn't he? Reynolds has serious contact problems, registering the three highest strikeout seasons in big league history, but he also has hit 104 home runs since the start of 2008. Even last season, while hitting below the Mendoza line, Reynolds slugged 32 home runs. It might have been a far cry from 44, or what http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=5890">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=5890')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="5890" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Jose Bautista miraculously produced, but 32 home runs was eclipsed in a pitcher's season by only nine major league hitters in 2010.
Reynolds is going to hit home runs for an Orioles team desperate for it, as http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=6229">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=6229')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="6229" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Luke Scott is about the only power hitter the AL East team has. http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=6478">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=6478')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="6478" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Nick Markakis hits plenty of doubles, but not home runs. http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=28513">http://sports.espn.go.com...s/fantasy?playerId=28513')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="28513" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Adam Jones hit 19 home runs, but he doesn't profile as a 30-homer guy. http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=29287">http://sports.espn.go.com...s/fantasy?playerId=29287')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="29287" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Matt Wieters could … well, who knows? The entire Baltimore infield hit 45 home runs last season, or one more than Reynolds hit by himself in 2009. If you asked me for five players I feel will hit 40 home runs in 2011, Reynolds would be on that list. In his case, I'm not too interested with the change in home ballparks, or switching leagues. I don't think delving into those issues is relevant for someone of his skill set. It comes down to one central theme with Reynolds, and it's neither the strikeouts nor the power. It's all about living with the batting average, and we can't live with .198. We can live with .260, or even .240.
According to his batting average on balls in play, Reynolds appeared a bit unlucky in 2010, with just a .257 mark. In 2009, it was .338. These things don't always even out, but in general, a "three-outcomes" hitter such as Reynolds - home runs, walks, strikeouts - will regress to the mean in this category, especially since most of the balls he puts into play are fly balls. When Reynolds hit .260, his BABIP seemed high for him, but I could see a BABIP improvement in 2011 and something close to a .240 or .250 average, not another sub-Mendoza line campaign. Sometimes we talk about a change of scenery making a difference; Reynolds "hit" .176 after the All-Star break last season, and I'd say anything new couldn't hurt.
Of course, there are other reasons to like Reynolds, and they were likely reflected in his being a fifth-round pick, and seventh among third basemen, in ESPN average live drafts for 2010. Reynolds stole 24 bases in 2009, which seemed unsustainable and proved to be just that. But he's capable of double digits annually. Plus, he plays third base; over the past three seasons, the only other third baseman within 20 of Reynolds' 104 home runs during that span is http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=3115">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=3115')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="3115" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Alex Rodriguez. I can't call Reynolds a fifth-round pick again, because as we saw in 2010, the risk of a killer batting average is greater than even our worst fears imagined. But he's definitely a top 100 player, and a borderline top-10 third baseman, in case he hits .250, which I think he can do.
The Diamondbacks probably have found their closer for 2011 in J.J. Putz, signing him to a pretty expensive contract, guaranteeing him $10 million over two years despite the fact that he provided almost no value in either 2008 or 2009.
In 2010, however, Putz was excellent, with restored velocity and good command of the fastball, as well as increased usage of a splitter that is a legitimate out pitch for him. He throws strikes, pitched in a good hitters' park in 2010 and has closer experience, if you're into that sort of thing. In small doses, he'll make Arizona's bullpen better, maybe by as much as a win over the course of a year.
It's a minor issue on such a short deal, but there's no way I give Putz the second guaranteed year. He was alternately terrible and hurt in both 2008 and 2009. He threw just 54 innings in his comeback season in 2010, only 5.2 of which came on zero days of rest. In other words, he was babied, which produced an outstanding season but doesn't tell us much about whether he's capable of staying healthy over the course of a full year of work. He also missed time in September with a knee injury, not shocking given his girth. Relievers are extremely volatile anyway and predicting their performance two years out is difficult enough, but if you're going to guarantee a second year to a reliever, a guy with Putz's injury and usage history isn't the one to choose.
Arizona general manager Kevin Towers has said here at the MLB winter meetings that he intends to address his 'pen, and through this move and an earlier trade of Mark Reynolds to Baltimore, he has, and in short order.
http://[h3][/h3][h3]Could the Astros deal Wandy?[/h3]
11:11AM ET
[h5]Wandy Rodriguez | Astros [/h5]
We mentioned last week that the The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/hou/houston-astrosHouston Astros and left-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6286Wandy Rodriguez were discussing a multi-year contract, according to a report by Zachary Levine in the Houston Chronicle.
Rodriguez has one year left before free agency and is expected to garner a raise from the $5 million he made last season. He went 11-12 with a 3.60 ERA in 2010, and was at his best during the Astros' second half resurgence (2.11 ERA.)
Now comes word that general manager Ed Wade has heard offers for some of the arbitration-eligible players on his club, specifically Rodriguez, Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence.
At this stage, Levine writes it is more likely the Astros would deal Matt Lindstrom and Jeff Keppinger, who also are arbitration eligible.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Stark: Wigginton heads to Denver[/h3]
10:54AM ET
[h5]Ty Wigginton | Orioles [/h5]
The Colorado Rockies agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with free agent Ty Wigginton, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark
The Rockies have been looking for a versatile righthanded bat to split time at first base with http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3709Todd Helton and also play some at third base and possibly in the outfield.
Colorado also talked to representatives of free agent http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6033Jorge Cantu at these winter meetings. But on Monday, they began closing in on a deal with the 33-year-old Wigginton, who spent the last two years with the Orioles.
http://[h3]A's meet with Matsui[/h3]
10:45AM ET
[h5]Hideki Matsui | Angels [/h5]
Hideki Matsui told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle earlier this season that he's not deterred by hitting in Oakland and that he likes the Bay Area, which could make him a fit with the A's as the club looks elsewhere since losing out on Adam Dunn and Lance Berkman.
Slusser reports Tuesday that the A's have have stepped up their pursuit of Matsui and that GM Billy Beane met with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, on Monday. Unlike other A's targets this winter, Matsui is believed to have strong interest in signing with Oakland.
Oakland could also consider Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero or Russell Branyan, and if Magglio Ordonez fails to get the offer he wants to stay in Detroit, he may become a viable option for Oakland as well.
Seattle, Texas and Minnesota could also be in on Matsui, though the Twins may be the favorites for Thome, where he spent 2010.
Matsui's presence would help balance the Athletics young lineup, and also from a handedness standpoint, since the majority of the lineup's projected starters are right-handed hitters, including Kurt Suzuki, Chris Carter, Kouzmanoff and Mark Ellis.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Could Beltran land in Oakland?[/h3]
10:38AM ET
[h5]Carlos Beltran | Mets | Interested: Athletics? [/h5]
Sandy Alderson made his mark in baseball as the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. Could Alderson turn to the A's to pull off his first big move as GM of the New York Mets?
The Mets are still mulling their options regarding center fielder Carlos Beltran, who is entering the final year of an $18.5 contract. Alderson is building a new culture in Queens and may be looking for a new home for Beltran, who has not looked like the same player defensively since undergoing knee surgery in January.
John Harper of the Daily News says it makes sense for Alderson to place a call to A's GM Billy Beane, who needs an impact hitter to be a legitimate contender again in the AL West.
The A's lost out on Lance Berkman and appear to have soured on Adrian Beltre, so Beltran would be a fit.
A deal still appears unlikely unless the Mets eat a huge portion of the contract. However, one rival executive who knows Beane well tells Harper that the A's GM would be "intrigued by the idea of trying to catch lightning in a bottle" with Beltran.
http://[h3]Yankees, Red Sox in Martin chase[/h3]
10:35AM ET
[h5]Russell Martin | Dodgers | Interested: Red Sox? [/h5]
Free agent catcher Russell Martin is coming off a down year and a serious injury, but he still has at least four clubs interested, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman.
Martin, who was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, has drawn the intrigue of the New York Yankees, who nearly acquired him via trade Thursday, the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets. Heyman adds that those clubs still view him as a catcher, rather than as a utility player that can catch some.
In Tuesday's blog, our Buster Olney writes that the Red Sox and Yankees could be the teams pursuing Martin most aggressively.
In Toronto, Martin would likely share time with J.P. Arencibia while in New York there is a chance the Yankees' plans change altogether if they net Martin.
Perhaps instead of Jesus Montero and Jorge Posada splitting time at both DH and catchers, Martin and Montero would share the time and Posada serves as the everyday DH, something the club could do now with Francisco Cervelli on the roster, but might feel more confident in Martin.
Martin made $5.05 million last seasons and any clubs that signs him would have control for two more seasons as the veteran is still short two seasons of service time to qualify for free agency.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Will Nats bid on Lee?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Cliff Lee | Rangers [/h5]
UPDATE:Our Buster Olney tweets Tuesday morning there is a growing speculation among rival agents and executives that the Washington Nationals are going to throw a HUGE number at Cliff Lee.
--
A lucky seven could be what it takes to land Cliff Lee.
The winter meetings began in earnest Monday and plenty of attention focused on Lee, the free agent left-hander who is being aggressively pursued by the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees.
Agent Darek Braunecker met separately Monday with both Texas GM Jon Daniels and Yankees counterpart Brian Cashman. ESPN the Magazine's Buster Olney reported that money was not discussed with Cashman, nor were parameters put forth. Olney added Tuesday morning that Braunecker is still trying to drum up interest from other teams.
Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal reported early Tuesday morning that at least one unidentified team has expressed a willingness to offer Lee a seven-year deal, but no such offer had been made as of Monday night. Another source tells Rosenthal that the Yankees do not plan to make a seven-year offer.
George King of the New York Post believes the Yankees are willing to spend $23 million per season on Lee, which also might be too rich for the Rangers.
There have been conflicting reports whether the Yankees have offered Lee a six-year deal worth $140 million. If that is true, it might be enough to get it done.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have talked with the agent for Lee, reports WEEI.com's Rob Bradford.
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark can't find anybody who doesn't expect the Lee auction to come down to the Yankees and Rangers.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Pirates peddling Doumit[/h3]
10:22AM ET
[h5]Ryan Doumit | Pirates [/h5]
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been trying to trade Ryan Doumit for weeks and are confident they can complete a straight-up, no-cash deal, reports Dejan Kocakevic in the Post-Gazette.
The 29-year-old Doumit was used as a catcher and right fielder in 2010, losing his everyday catching job when Chris Snyder was obtained at the trade deadline.
If a trade does not happen, GM Neal Huntington said Doumit, who is due $5.1 million next season, will be the Pirates' regular right fielder in 2011, as well as continuing occasional catching duties.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Pirates looking at Kawakami?[/h3]
10:11AM ET
[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]
The Atlanta Braves would consider the winter meetings a success if they could find a new home for Kenshin Kawakami without eating most of the $6.7 million the right-hander is owed in the final year of his contract, reports David O'Brien of the Atlanta JC.
Finding a home for a 35-year-old who was 1-10 with a 5.15 ERA last season won't be easy.
Dejan Kovacevic of the Post-Gazette reports Tuesday the Pirates could be interested. Team president Frank ****elly said Sunday that his team's preference is to make trades that involve cash over those that would forfeit prospects. That could lead to a deal for Kawakami if the Braves eat all bout $1 million to $2 million of the pitcher?s deal.
O'Brien writes that five Japanese teams expressed interest in Kawakami this winter, and at least one might have paid close to half of his 2011 salary. Kawakami, however, can veto a deal and has expressed a desire to stay in the States.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Time for Royals to ship Greinke?[/h3]
10:01AM ET
[h5]Zack Greinke | Royals [/h5]
Speculation on the future of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883Zack Greinke has heated up at winter meetings, but what are the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royalsKansas City Royals looking for in return?
In Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star tweeted Monday night that talks between the Rangers and Royals about Greinke have stalled, just as they did between KC and Toronto earlier in the day.
It does appear, however, that the Royals are strongly considering moving their ace, and that the Blue Jays and Rangers are the most interested clubs.
One unnamed Royals official told Dutton in Sunday's Star: "We'd want two young players who can make a major impact, and maybe two guys who can help us out in some way. If we don't get that, we don't make the trade. It's that simple."
http://[h3]Twins, Nishioka talk dollars[/h3]
9:20AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Twins [/h5]
After winning the rights to negotiate with Tsuyoshi Nishioka, the Minnesota Twins appear to be pushing hard to sign the Japanese infielder.
The Star Tribune reports the Twins have exchanged contract offers of varying length with agent Rick Thurman and the two sides will negotiate for the rest of the week.
AOL Fanhouse reported Monday night that the last offer was three years for between $9-10 million. The Twins, who won with a $5 million bid for Nishioka, have until December 26 to strike a deal.
Nishioka won the Pacific League batting title this year with a .346 average. He scored 121 runs, stole 22 bases and had 206 hits, the most by a player in that league since Ichiro Suzuki in 1994.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Cashman: Pettitte might retire[/h3]
8:58AM ET
[h5]Andy Pettitte | Yankees [/h5]
An offseason ritual for New York Yankees fans in recent years is the mulling of retirement by Andy Pettitte.
The Yankees haven't heard anything official about Andy Pettitte's plans for 2011, but GM Brian Cashman told the New York Daily News he won't be surprised if the veteran lefthander hangs up his spikes for good.
Pettitte told Cashman at the end of the season that he was leaning toward retirement, but some reports surfaced that said Pettitte might be back for another year.
Cashman's attention centered on Cliff Lee and wouldn't tell the Daily News whether he was keeping a chunk of money aside for Pettitte.
Pettitte went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 21 starts this season. He missed two months with a left groin strain and pitched well in two postseason starts despite back problems. He made $11.5 million last season, a relatively low figure for a pitcher who emerged as the de facto No. 2 starter.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Philly or KC for Frenchy?[/h3]
8:28AM ET
[h5]Jeff Francoeur | Rangers | Interested: Phillies? [/h5]
Free agent outfielder Jeff Francoeur is trying to decide between a possible full-time role with the Kansas City Royals and a platoon role with the Philadelphia Phillies, reports the New York Daily News.
The Phillies' interest in Francoueur could grow now that Jayson Werth has officially departed and signed with the Nationals. The Daily News story adds that the Rockies also have expressed interest.
Francouer was acquired by the Rangers from the Mets in an August 31 trade and ended up being part of the team's first World Series appearance.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Pujols, Cards talk extension[/h3]
8:09AM ET
[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4574Albert Pujols called out the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/stl/st-louis-cardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals a few weeks ago, telling the only major league team he has ever known that he would like negotiations on a new contract to begin sooner than later.
That process took at least a small step forward Monday when, according to Joe Strauss of the Post Dispatch, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak met Monday with Dan Lozano, the agent for Pujols as a precursor to negotiations over a contract extension.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports Pujols, who is due $16 million in 2011, could seek $25 million or more per year for eight-plus years in a new deal.
Look for Lozano to pay close attention to what Carl Crawford gets this winter. If Crawford gets a deal in the range of $180 million for eight years, Pujols' price tag could approach $30 million per season.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Cubs in on Pena?[/h3]
7:58AM ET
[h5]Carlos Pena | Rays [/h5]
In case you forgot, Carlos Pena has seen his batting average decline for three straight seasons, and it fell below the Mendoza line in 2010. Don't tell that to the teams actively pursuing the free agent first baseman.
Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reports the Chicago Cubs met with agent Scott Boras on Monday night to talk about Pena. Levine adds that the Cubs have also talked in their meetings about Adam LaRoche and Lyle Overbay.
Meanwhile, ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes tweets Monday afternoon that the Toronto Blue Jays are aggressively in on Pena, citing a source from another interested club.
The Blue Jays are likely moving on Overbay, who may fit in Tampa as Pena's replacement, and could also consider LaRoche.
MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports the Washington Nationals will likely set their sights on free agent Carlos Pena as a replacement for the departed http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4808Adam Dunn. The interested teams obviously are expected a bounce-back season from Pena, an exceptional defensive player who hit just .196 for the Rays.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Yankees could drive up Crawford price[/h3]
7:38AM ET
[h5]Carl Crawford | Rays [/h5]
We mentioned Monday that Jayson Werth was not the only person smiling after landing a jaw-dropping seven-year, $126 million deal with the Washington Nationals. The grin on the face of Carl Crawford was just as wide.
The biggest beneficiary of Werth's financial windfall could be Crawford, easily considered the best free agent position player available. Before the Werth signing, Crawford was believed to be seeking a contract in the range of $135 million over eight years.
Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times says Crawford might now be seeking something closer to $180 million over eight years, which is what first baseman Mark Teixeira got from the New York Yankees two winters ago.
Ken Rosenthal writes Monday that the Werth pact is twice as bad for the Red Sox, since not only is Werth off the table but Crawford now may be too pricey for their blood.
Financial pressure on the Red Sox could come from the Yankees. George King of the New York Post reports Tuesday the Yankees view Crawford as a backup plan if Cliff Lee doesn't land in the Bronx, and as a vehicle to drive up the price on the Red Sox. King adds that the Yankees will likely top the $126 million offer made to Werth.
The Angels are believed to be the prime suitors for Crawford and also could feel the financial heat from the Yankees.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Angels must up the ante
http://[h3]Red Sox to meet with Fuentes Tuesday[/h3]
7:19AM ET
[h5]Brian Fuentes | Twins [/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4731Brian Fuentes is back on the free agent market, but is unlikely to command anything close to the two-year, $17.5 million deal the left-hander inked with the Angels two years ago.
Fuentes was the Angels' closer in 2009 and most of 2010 before he was dealt in August to the Twins, where he worked primarily as a setup man. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney hears the Yankees are among the teams interested in the 35-year-old, who would be used as one of the bridges to http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3240Mariano Rivera.
Olney tweeted late Monday afternoon that Fuentes is looking for a deal in the $6-8 million range, which might price him out of New York and Boston where the closer's role is already filled.
Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald is reporting that the Red Sox are interested, and will meet with the agents for Fuentes on Tuesday.
That could make for a little back-burner battle between the two rivals, as both could use lefty relief help. The Yankees will be without Damaso Marte for at least half the season and the Sox non-tendered Hideki Okajima last month.
The D-backs were believed to be interested in Fuentes, but that likely ended with the signing of J.J. Putz.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Sizemore's trade value[/h3]
6:32AM ET
[h5]Grady Sizemore | Indians [/h5]
UPDATE: Sizemore's trade value, if he has any after the injury-marred seasons, and the Indians' chances to trade him may both be up as manager Manny Acta said Monday that the centerfielder is on schedule to be ready by spring training.
...
The free agent sweepstakes are in full swing, but don't forget those players who will hit the market following the 2011 season. We know all about Adrian Gonzalez and Prince Fielder, who could be shopped this winter in an effort to get reasonable value in return.
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo said last month that the trade bait could include Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore, who is coming off two-injury plagued seasons.
The Indians traded Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee well before they reached free agency, a policy that theoretically could continue with Sizemore. Sizemore will earn $7.5 million next season and has an $8.5 million club option for 2012 that becomes a player option if he is traded.
Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer disagrees, saying Sizemore has no real trade value until he's able to rebound from the microfracture surgery on his left knee and play in 2011.
@Buster_ESPN There is a growing speculation among rival agents and executives that the Washington Nationals are going to throw a HUGE number at Cliff Lee
Saying they might go 7 years at $24mm per.
The asking price for Zack Greinke, rival executives say, is off the charts right now. Greinke won the Cy Young Award in 2009, he will be pitching for a reasonable salary for the next couple of years, and there is very little impact pitching available on the open market. So Dayton Moore, the Royals' general manager, is asking for the sun and the moon and first-born male children, plus some really good pitching prospects -- which is what he should do.
But that doesn't mean that asking price will hold. Rival officials think Moore will gradually reduce his asking price, bit by bit, until someone says yes. Because now is the best time to trade Greinke, who is making it more and more apparent that he wants out of Kansas City.
The Royals know this, too: Greinke had a mediocre 2010 season, and the broad view within the sport is that he was bored at times. Some players deal well with playing on a losing team -- like Felix Hernandez, who kept his focus throughout the entire 2010 season despite being "supported" miserably by the Mariners' offense -- and some players don't handle it that well. If the Royals keep Greinke into the 2011 season and his ERA again hovers near 4.00, he will lose the mulligan that rival evaluators are giving him for his 2010 performance. His trade value will drop significantly.
The Royals understand all this.
This is why other teams believe Greinke will open the 2011 season in another uniform, but these trade talks might go on for a while.
There was buzz in the lobby about Greinke, as Bob Dutton writes. The Rangers feel the Royals asked for too much, but the Royals feel the Rangers offered too little, as Evan Grant writes.
The Reds say they haven't talked about Greinke, says Walt Jocketty.
[h3]Notables[/h3]
• Rockies manager Jim Tracy collapsed overnight and was taken to a hospital.
• When I covered the San Diego Padres in 1993, they traded for Derek Bell at the end of spring training. Bell had been part of the Jays' championship team in 1992 -- a part-time player, really, not a primary piece. Early in that season, a scout from the Toronto Blue Jays showed up at Jack Murphy Stadium with a small box -- it contained Bell's championship ring.
The Jays could have dropped it in the mail. But the Toronto general manager thought it was important to dispatch an assistant on a flight and to present Bell with his ring.
That was Pat Gillick, the most influential general manager of his time. So it was neat to see Pat -- whom I covered in Baltimore in 1996 -- be told that he will be inducted in the Hall of Fame.
Gillick was the only person selected by the Veterans Committee, writes Bob Brookover. Gillick was honored for a career that is still going strong, writes Stephen Brunt. Gillick deserved to be elected into the Hall of Fame, and so did two others, writes Phil Sheridan.
An ex-Cardinal missed out, as Derrick Goold writes. George Steinbrenner was snubbed, writes George King.
Marvin Miller thinks the committee is trying to rewrite history by keeping him out of the Hall of Fame.
[h3]Dings and dents[/h3]
Joe Nathan has been shut down in his rehab, but it's not a big deal. [h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Diamondbacks are not messing around in pursuing their two goals of this offseason -- reducing their strikeouts and improving their bullpen. They made a flurry of moves, as Nick Piecoro writes. Derrek Lee would seem to be a really good fit for them. J.J. Putz will be their closer.
2. The Orioles finished their negotiations for Mark Reynolds. Reynolds spoke with reporters after the deal.
3. The Yankees had hoped to start negotiating in earnest with Cliff Lee's agent on Monday, but Darek Braunecker indicated he wasn't quite ready to start taking offers yet. Braunecker is doing what agents should do: driving interest in their clients, playing it out, trying to push the interested parties to a place they don't want to go -- which could be to a six-year deal. Brian Cashman is renewing the push to sign Lee, writes Ben Shpigel. There is no way the Yankees scrimp on their Lee offer, writes Joel Sherman. Six years and $144 million would almost certainly be a place that many others would not go to.
4. As of Monday, the Yankees were still under the impression that Andy Pettitte intends to retire -- but they've thought that in past winters, too, only to have Pettitte change his mind.
5. The Red Sox don't have a deal in place with Adrian Gonzalez, but they do have an understanding of what his bottom line is, which is why a deal will get done. Boston got its man, writes Michael Vega. The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry just got better, writes Sherman. Totally agree. Gonzalez is ready for the big time, writes Steve Buckley.
6. The Red Sox have more to do on their agenda. Within this piece, there is word that Carl Crawford might be a fit for Boston.
7. The Pirates are adding pieces, as Dejan Kovacevic writes. Also: colleague Jerry Crasnick reported that the Pirates have a deal in the works for Kevin Correia. Pittsburgh is not landing any of the elite free agents, but it is working to get better.
8. The Phillies are taking a run at Jeff Francoeur, writes David Murphy. Ruben Amaro says the Phillies might have a quiet winter meetings.
9. Jim Leyland says Armando Galarraga will be the No. 5 starter for the Tigers, writes John Lowe. The Tigers' offense might be set, writes Lynn Henning. The Tigers were right to pass on Jayson Werth, because his contract is ridiculous, writes Henning.
10. The Cardinals have a short to-do list.
11. The Marlins are confident that Chris Coghlan will be ready to play center field.
12. Heard this: Brian Fuentes is looking for $6 million to $8 million in a multi-year deal. The Red Sox are among the interested teams, writes Scott Lauber.
13. Heard this: It appears that the Yankees and Red Sox might be the teams most aggressively pursuing Russell Martin.
14. The Braves have some possibilities cooking, writes David O'Brien.
15. The Nationals just got in the game, writes Thomas Boswell. A whole bunch of teams are seething, writes Adam Kilgore. Chuck Armstrong of the Mariners finds the numbers astounding. The Nationals are also looking to bolster the bullpen.
16. The Mets might want to try to deal Carlos Beltran to Oakland, writes John Harper. Again, for Oakland, this is a nice thought, in theory, but on the other hand: Would Beltran, a prospective free agent, want to play in Oakland?
17. The Mariners say they lost a lot of money, but they don't plan to cut payroll, writes Geoff Baker.
18. Heard this: The Giants continue to look for a shortstop, because they don't feel they have much depth at the position. Either way, San Francisco will be regarded as the favorite. The Giants' payroll will be about $120 million next year, Brian Sabean says.
19. The Jays are trying to keep up with the rest of the AL East.
20. Heard this: The Brewers find Brett Lawrie -- whom they just traded for Shaun Marcum -- to be a really, really difficult personality, which was part of the reason they were willing to part with the former first-round draft pick.
21. Heard this: Oakland is determining whether it can go forward on talks with Trevor Cahill about a possible long-term deal. The Athletics are now focused on Hideki Matsui, writes Susan Slusser.
22. The Indians could use their bullpen depth in trade talks, writes Paul Hoynes.
23. The Twins are in negotiations with an infielder.
24. The Brewers view the addition of Marcum as just the first step, writes Tom Haudricourt, and within this story, there is word that Rickie Weeks would like to sign a long-term deal.
25. The Rays are optimistic they'll be making some moves during these winter meetings, writes Marc Topkin.
26. A couple of Astros could be on the market.
27. The Rangers intend to play Josh Hamilton in left field, says Ron Washington.
28. The Cubs have their eyes on Carlos Pena. They'll have to outbid the Nationals.
29. The Padres have made it clear they are not trading Heath Bell this winter, because they feel they will not get optimal value.
30. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti says he's not interested in messing with his core group.
31. The Angels are off to a late start in the pursuit of Crawford, writes Mike DiGiovanna.
32. Heard this: The Dodgers are in the tinker mode with their roster at this point, looking to just make minor additions.
[h3]From the mailbag[/h3]
These two e-mails are along the lines of many I received Monday, in the aftermath of the Jayson Werth signing:
Frankly, the folks in the D.C. area couldn't care less about what other high ranking officials think about the Jayson Werth signing. The consequences of not signing a significant free agent outweigh whatever perceptions that would have festered. The Nats do not want to be the Pirates or Royals. This proves it. I'm glad the organization signed a player without clearing it with you or anyone else at ESPN. More power to them. -- Tramell, (Bowie, Md.)
I realized the new Jayson Werth contract is very, very similar to Alfonso Soriano's contract of which he received with the Cubs in 2006. They are both outfielders and both 30 or 31 years old. Also, the contact is similar in terms of length and money. First, I feel the Nationals will regret this signing just like the Cubs are regretting signing Soriano for 8 years right now. But, my question is why would the Nationals pay this much for Werth when they are obviously 2 or 3 years away from contending? Why wouldn't they just sign a major free agent in the off season going into the 2013 or 2014 season (seasons they are likely to contend in) with the money they obviously had to sign Jayson Werth? -- Omar Shuhaibar (Philadelphia)
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• Pablo Sandoval has lost some weight, says Bruce Bochy.
• The Marlins' manager compared the team's young third baseman to Brooks Robinson, as Juan Rodriguez writes.
• John Farrell knows the Blue Jays are a work in progress, writes Richard Griffin.
• Derek Jeter could talk about his contract today.
• Ozzie Guillen has cleared the air with Kenny Williams, he says.
• The publisher ordered a fourth printing for "How Lucky You Can Be" -- many thanks for the e-mails and tweets about it.
• Today would have been Mary Ann Lincoln's 69th birthday; my mother was born the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. She is very much missed by her children and grandchildren and friends.
And today will be better than yesterday.
Repeat after me: Strikeouts don't matter in (most) fantasy leagues. Yes, I realize there are rare exceptions, including one league I participate in, but generally we want the home runs, RBIs and other good stuff, and we ignore the whiffs. Therefore, if the http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=28772">http://sports.espn.go.com...s/fantasy?playerId=28772')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="28772" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Mark Reynolds that hit 44 home runs and knocked in 102 runs with a palatable .260 batting average in 2009 can be reproduced now that he has been traded to the http:///espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bal/baltimore-orioles">http://espn.go.com/mlb/te...me/bal/baltimore-orioles')">Baltimore Orioles, nobody in the fantasy world will care if he again tops 200 whiffs (which he likely will). If Reynolds hits an unsightly and unfathomable .198 again, like he did for the http:///espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/ari/arizona-diamondbacks">http://espn.go.com/mlb/te...ari/arizona-diamondbacks')">Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010, well, that's all people will focus on. The strikeouts bother people only when the other numbers aren't flashy.
I generally get a good laugh from how the general public views a strikeout from a hitter. Reynolds was one of fantasy's top hitters in 2009, when he not only supplied power, but stole 24 bases as well. What strikeouts? http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=6097">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=6097')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="6097" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Ryan Howard strikes out, too, doesn't he? Reynolds has serious contact problems, registering the three highest strikeout seasons in big league history, but he also has hit 104 home runs since the start of 2008. Even last season, while hitting below the Mendoza line, Reynolds slugged 32 home runs. It might have been a far cry from 44, or what http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=5890">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=5890')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="5890" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Jose Bautista miraculously produced, but 32 home runs was eclipsed in a pitcher's season by only nine major league hitters in 2010.
Reynolds is going to hit home runs for an Orioles team desperate for it, as http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=6229">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=6229')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="6229" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Luke Scott is about the only power hitter the AL East team has. http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=6478">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=6478')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="6478" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Nick Markakis hits plenty of doubles, but not home runs. http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=28513">http://sports.espn.go.com...s/fantasy?playerId=28513')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="28513" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Adam Jones hit 19 home runs, but he doesn't profile as a 30-homer guy. http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=29287">http://sports.espn.go.com...s/fantasy?playerId=29287')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="29287" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Matt Wieters could … well, who knows? The entire Baltimore infield hit 45 home runs last season, or one more than Reynolds hit by himself in 2009. If you asked me for five players I feel will hit 40 home runs in 2011, Reynolds would be on that list. In his case, I'm not too interested with the change in home ballparks, or switching leagues. I don't think delving into those issues is relevant for someone of his skill set. It comes down to one central theme with Reynolds, and it's neither the strikeouts nor the power. It's all about living with the batting average, and we can't live with .198. We can live with .260, or even .240.
According to his batting average on balls in play, Reynolds appeared a bit unlucky in 2010, with just a .257 mark. In 2009, it was .338. These things don't always even out, but in general, a "three-outcomes" hitter such as Reynolds - home runs, walks, strikeouts - will regress to the mean in this category, especially since most of the balls he puts into play are fly balls. When Reynolds hit .260, his BABIP seemed high for him, but I could see a BABIP improvement in 2011 and something close to a .240 or .250 average, not another sub-Mendoza line campaign. Sometimes we talk about a change of scenery making a difference; Reynolds "hit" .176 after the All-Star break last season, and I'd say anything new couldn't hurt.
Of course, there are other reasons to like Reynolds, and they were likely reflected in his being a fifth-round pick, and seventh among third basemen, in ESPN average live drafts for 2010. Reynolds stole 24 bases in 2009, which seemed unsustainable and proved to be just that. But he's capable of double digits annually. Plus, he plays third base; over the past three seasons, the only other third baseman within 20 of Reynolds' 104 home runs during that span is http:///sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/fantasy?playerId=3115">http://sports.espn.go.com...rs/fantasy?playerId=3115')" img_path="http://games-ak.espn.go.com/s/flblm/08/images/design07/playerpop" game_root="flb" player_id_type="sportsId" player_id="3115" tab_id="0" team_id="-1" league_id="-1">Alex Rodriguez. I can't call Reynolds a fifth-round pick again, because as we saw in 2010, the risk of a killer batting average is greater than even our worst fears imagined. But he's definitely a top 100 player, and a borderline top-10 third baseman, in case he hits .250, which I think he can do.
The Diamondbacks probably have found their closer for 2011 in J.J. Putz, signing him to a pretty expensive contract, guaranteeing him $10 million over two years despite the fact that he provided almost no value in either 2008 or 2009.
In 2010, however, Putz was excellent, with restored velocity and good command of the fastball, as well as increased usage of a splitter that is a legitimate out pitch for him. He throws strikes, pitched in a good hitters' park in 2010 and has closer experience, if you're into that sort of thing. In small doses, he'll make Arizona's bullpen better, maybe by as much as a win over the course of a year.
It's a minor issue on such a short deal, but there's no way I give Putz the second guaranteed year. He was alternately terrible and hurt in both 2008 and 2009. He threw just 54 innings in his comeback season in 2010, only 5.2 of which came on zero days of rest. In other words, he was babied, which produced an outstanding season but doesn't tell us much about whether he's capable of staying healthy over the course of a full year of work. He also missed time in September with a knee injury, not shocking given his girth. Relievers are extremely volatile anyway and predicting their performance two years out is difficult enough, but if you're going to guarantee a second year to a reliever, a guy with Putz's injury and usage history isn't the one to choose.
Arizona general manager Kevin Towers has said here at the MLB winter meetings that he intends to address his 'pen, and through this move and an earlier trade of Mark Reynolds to Baltimore, he has, and in short order.
http://[h3][/h3][h3]Could the Astros deal Wandy?[/h3]
11:11AM ET
[h5]Wandy Rodriguez | Astros [/h5]
We mentioned last week that the The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/hou/houston-astrosHouston Astros and left-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6286Wandy Rodriguez were discussing a multi-year contract, according to a report by Zachary Levine in the Houston Chronicle.
Rodriguez has one year left before free agency and is expected to garner a raise from the $5 million he made last season. He went 11-12 with a 3.60 ERA in 2010, and was at his best during the Astros' second half resurgence (2.11 ERA.)
Now comes word that general manager Ed Wade has heard offers for some of the arbitration-eligible players on his club, specifically Rodriguez, Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence.
At this stage, Levine writes it is more likely the Astros would deal Matt Lindstrom and Jeff Keppinger, who also are arbitration eligible.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Stark: Wigginton heads to Denver[/h3]
10:54AM ET
[h5]Ty Wigginton | Orioles [/h5]
The Colorado Rockies agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract with free agent Ty Wigginton, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark
The Rockies have been looking for a versatile righthanded bat to split time at first base with http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3709Todd Helton and also play some at third base and possibly in the outfield.
Colorado also talked to representatives of free agent http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6033Jorge Cantu at these winter meetings. But on Monday, they began closing in on a deal with the 33-year-old Wigginton, who spent the last two years with the Orioles.
http://[h3]A's meet with Matsui[/h3]
10:45AM ET
[h5]Hideki Matsui | Angels [/h5]
Hideki Matsui told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle earlier this season that he's not deterred by hitting in Oakland and that he likes the Bay Area, which could make him a fit with the A's as the club looks elsewhere since losing out on Adam Dunn and Lance Berkman.
Slusser reports Tuesday that the A's have have stepped up their pursuit of Matsui and that GM Billy Beane met with Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, on Monday. Unlike other A's targets this winter, Matsui is believed to have strong interest in signing with Oakland.
Oakland could also consider Jim Thome, Vladimir Guerrero or Russell Branyan, and if Magglio Ordonez fails to get the offer he wants to stay in Detroit, he may become a viable option for Oakland as well.
Seattle, Texas and Minnesota could also be in on Matsui, though the Twins may be the favorites for Thome, where he spent 2010.
Matsui's presence would help balance the Athletics young lineup, and also from a handedness standpoint, since the majority of the lineup's projected starters are right-handed hitters, including Kurt Suzuki, Chris Carter, Kouzmanoff and Mark Ellis.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Could Beltran land in Oakland?[/h3]
10:38AM ET
[h5]Carlos Beltran | Mets | Interested: Athletics? [/h5]
Sandy Alderson made his mark in baseball as the general manager of the Oakland Athletics. Could Alderson turn to the A's to pull off his first big move as GM of the New York Mets?
The Mets are still mulling their options regarding center fielder Carlos Beltran, who is entering the final year of an $18.5 contract. Alderson is building a new culture in Queens and may be looking for a new home for Beltran, who has not looked like the same player defensively since undergoing knee surgery in January.
John Harper of the Daily News says it makes sense for Alderson to place a call to A's GM Billy Beane, who needs an impact hitter to be a legitimate contender again in the AL West.
The A's lost out on Lance Berkman and appear to have soured on Adrian Beltre, so Beltran would be a fit.
A deal still appears unlikely unless the Mets eat a huge portion of the contract. However, one rival executive who knows Beane well tells Harper that the A's GM would be "intrigued by the idea of trying to catch lightning in a bottle" with Beltran.
http://[h3]Yankees, Red Sox in Martin chase[/h3]
10:35AM ET
[h5]Russell Martin | Dodgers | Interested: Red Sox? [/h5]
Free agent catcher Russell Martin is coming off a down year and a serious injury, but he still has at least four clubs interested, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman.
Martin, who was non-tendered by the Los Angeles Dodgers last week, has drawn the intrigue of the New York Yankees, who nearly acquired him via trade Thursday, the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets. Heyman adds that those clubs still view him as a catcher, rather than as a utility player that can catch some.
In Tuesday's blog, our Buster Olney writes that the Red Sox and Yankees could be the teams pursuing Martin most aggressively.
In Toronto, Martin would likely share time with J.P. Arencibia while in New York there is a chance the Yankees' plans change altogether if they net Martin.
Perhaps instead of Jesus Montero and Jorge Posada splitting time at both DH and catchers, Martin and Montero would share the time and Posada serves as the everyday DH, something the club could do now with Francisco Cervelli on the roster, but might feel more confident in Martin.
Martin made $5.05 million last seasons and any clubs that signs him would have control for two more seasons as the veteran is still short two seasons of service time to qualify for free agency.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Will Nats bid on Lee?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Cliff Lee | Rangers [/h5]
UPDATE:Our Buster Olney tweets Tuesday morning there is a growing speculation among rival agents and executives that the Washington Nationals are going to throw a HUGE number at Cliff Lee.
--
A lucky seven could be what it takes to land Cliff Lee.
The winter meetings began in earnest Monday and plenty of attention focused on Lee, the free agent left-hander who is being aggressively pursued by the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees.
Agent Darek Braunecker met separately Monday with both Texas GM Jon Daniels and Yankees counterpart Brian Cashman. ESPN the Magazine's Buster Olney reported that money was not discussed with Cashman, nor were parameters put forth. Olney added Tuesday morning that Braunecker is still trying to drum up interest from other teams.
Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal reported early Tuesday morning that at least one unidentified team has expressed a willingness to offer Lee a seven-year deal, but no such offer had been made as of Monday night. Another source tells Rosenthal that the Yankees do not plan to make a seven-year offer.
George King of the New York Post believes the Yankees are willing to spend $23 million per season on Lee, which also might be too rich for the Rangers.
There have been conflicting reports whether the Yankees have offered Lee a six-year deal worth $140 million. If that is true, it might be enough to get it done.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox have talked with the agent for Lee, reports WEEI.com's Rob Bradford.
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark can't find anybody who doesn't expect the Lee auction to come down to the Yankees and Rangers.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Pirates peddling Doumit[/h3]
10:22AM ET
[h5]Ryan Doumit | Pirates [/h5]
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been trying to trade Ryan Doumit for weeks and are confident they can complete a straight-up, no-cash deal, reports Dejan Kocakevic in the Post-Gazette.
The 29-year-old Doumit was used as a catcher and right fielder in 2010, losing his everyday catching job when Chris Snyder was obtained at the trade deadline.
If a trade does not happen, GM Neal Huntington said Doumit, who is due $5.1 million next season, will be the Pirates' regular right fielder in 2011, as well as continuing occasional catching duties.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Pirates looking at Kawakami?[/h3]
10:11AM ET
[h5]Kenshin Kawakami | Braves [/h5]
The Atlanta Braves would consider the winter meetings a success if they could find a new home for Kenshin Kawakami without eating most of the $6.7 million the right-hander is owed in the final year of his contract, reports David O'Brien of the Atlanta JC.
Finding a home for a 35-year-old who was 1-10 with a 5.15 ERA last season won't be easy.
Dejan Kovacevic of the Post-Gazette reports Tuesday the Pirates could be interested. Team president Frank ****elly said Sunday that his team's preference is to make trades that involve cash over those that would forfeit prospects. That could lead to a deal for Kawakami if the Braves eat all bout $1 million to $2 million of the pitcher?s deal.
O'Brien writes that five Japanese teams expressed interest in Kawakami this winter, and at least one might have paid close to half of his 2011 salary. Kawakami, however, can veto a deal and has expressed a desire to stay in the States.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Time for Royals to ship Greinke?[/h3]
10:01AM ET
[h5]Zack Greinke | Royals [/h5]
Speculation on the future of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5883Zack Greinke has heated up at winter meetings, but what are the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/kc/kansas-city-royalsKansas City Royals looking for in return?
In Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star tweeted Monday night that talks between the Rangers and Royals about Greinke have stalled, just as they did between KC and Toronto earlier in the day.
It does appear, however, that the Royals are strongly considering moving their ace, and that the Blue Jays and Rangers are the most interested clubs.
One unnamed Royals official told Dutton in Sunday's Star: "We'd want two young players who can make a major impact, and maybe two guys who can help us out in some way. If we don't get that, we don't make the trade. It's that simple."
http://[h3]Twins, Nishioka talk dollars[/h3]
9:20AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Twins [/h5]
After winning the rights to negotiate with Tsuyoshi Nishioka, the Minnesota Twins appear to be pushing hard to sign the Japanese infielder.
The Star Tribune reports the Twins have exchanged contract offers of varying length with agent Rick Thurman and the two sides will negotiate for the rest of the week.
AOL Fanhouse reported Monday night that the last offer was three years for between $9-10 million. The Twins, who won with a $5 million bid for Nishioka, have until December 26 to strike a deal.
Nishioka won the Pacific League batting title this year with a .346 average. He scored 121 runs, stole 22 bases and had 206 hits, the most by a player in that league since Ichiro Suzuki in 1994.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Cashman: Pettitte might retire[/h3]
8:58AM ET
[h5]Andy Pettitte | Yankees [/h5]
An offseason ritual for New York Yankees fans in recent years is the mulling of retirement by Andy Pettitte.
The Yankees haven't heard anything official about Andy Pettitte's plans for 2011, but GM Brian Cashman told the New York Daily News he won't be surprised if the veteran lefthander hangs up his spikes for good.
Pettitte told Cashman at the end of the season that he was leaning toward retirement, but some reports surfaced that said Pettitte might be back for another year.
Cashman's attention centered on Cliff Lee and wouldn't tell the Daily News whether he was keeping a chunk of money aside for Pettitte.
Pettitte went 11-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 21 starts this season. He missed two months with a left groin strain and pitched well in two postseason starts despite back problems. He made $11.5 million last season, a relatively low figure for a pitcher who emerged as the de facto No. 2 starter.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Philly or KC for Frenchy?[/h3]
8:28AM ET
[h5]Jeff Francoeur | Rangers | Interested: Phillies? [/h5]
Free agent outfielder Jeff Francoeur is trying to decide between a possible full-time role with the Kansas City Royals and a platoon role with the Philadelphia Phillies, reports the New York Daily News.
The Phillies' interest in Francoueur could grow now that Jayson Werth has officially departed and signed with the Nationals. The Daily News story adds that the Rockies also have expressed interest.
Francouer was acquired by the Rangers from the Mets in an August 31 trade and ended up being part of the team's first World Series appearance.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Pujols, Cards talk extension[/h3]
8:09AM ET
[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4574Albert Pujols called out the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/stl/st-louis-cardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals a few weeks ago, telling the only major league team he has ever known that he would like negotiations on a new contract to begin sooner than later.
That process took at least a small step forward Monday when, according to Joe Strauss of the Post Dispatch, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak met Monday with Dan Lozano, the agent for Pujols as a precursor to negotiations over a contract extension.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports Pujols, who is due $16 million in 2011, could seek $25 million or more per year for eight-plus years in a new deal.
Look for Lozano to pay close attention to what Carl Crawford gets this winter. If Crawford gets a deal in the range of $180 million for eight years, Pujols' price tag could approach $30 million per season.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Cubs in on Pena?[/h3]
7:58AM ET
[h5]Carlos Pena | Rays [/h5]
In case you forgot, Carlos Pena has seen his batting average decline for three straight seasons, and it fell below the Mendoza line in 2010. Don't tell that to the teams actively pursuing the free agent first baseman.
Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reports the Chicago Cubs met with agent Scott Boras on Monday night to talk about Pena. Levine adds that the Cubs have also talked in their meetings about Adam LaRoche and Lyle Overbay.
Meanwhile, ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes tweets Monday afternoon that the Toronto Blue Jays are aggressively in on Pena, citing a source from another interested club.
The Blue Jays are likely moving on Overbay, who may fit in Tampa as Pena's replacement, and could also consider LaRoche.
MLB.com's Bill Ladson reports the Washington Nationals will likely set their sights on free agent Carlos Pena as a replacement for the departed http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4808Adam Dunn. The interested teams obviously are expected a bounce-back season from Pena, an exceptional defensive player who hit just .196 for the Rays.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Yankees could drive up Crawford price[/h3]
7:38AM ET
[h5]Carl Crawford | Rays [/h5]
We mentioned Monday that Jayson Werth was not the only person smiling after landing a jaw-dropping seven-year, $126 million deal with the Washington Nationals. The grin on the face of Carl Crawford was just as wide.
The biggest beneficiary of Werth's financial windfall could be Crawford, easily considered the best free agent position player available. Before the Werth signing, Crawford was believed to be seeking a contract in the range of $135 million over eight years.
Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times says Crawford might now be seeking something closer to $180 million over eight years, which is what first baseman Mark Teixeira got from the New York Yankees two winters ago.
Ken Rosenthal writes Monday that the Werth pact is twice as bad for the Red Sox, since not only is Werth off the table but Crawford now may be too pricey for their blood.
Financial pressure on the Red Sox could come from the Yankees. George King of the New York Post reports Tuesday the Yankees view Crawford as a backup plan if Cliff Lee doesn't land in the Bronx, and as a vehicle to drive up the price on the Red Sox. King adds that the Yankees will likely top the $126 million offer made to Werth.
The Angels are believed to be the prime suitors for Crawford and also could feel the financial heat from the Yankees.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Angels must up the ante
http://[h3]Red Sox to meet with Fuentes Tuesday[/h3]
7:19AM ET
[h5]Brian Fuentes | Twins [/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4731Brian Fuentes is back on the free agent market, but is unlikely to command anything close to the two-year, $17.5 million deal the left-hander inked with the Angels two years ago.
Fuentes was the Angels' closer in 2009 and most of 2010 before he was dealt in August to the Twins, where he worked primarily as a setup man. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney hears the Yankees are among the teams interested in the 35-year-old, who would be used as one of the bridges to http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3240Mariano Rivera.
Olney tweeted late Monday afternoon that Fuentes is looking for a deal in the $6-8 million range, which might price him out of New York and Boston where the closer's role is already filled.
Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald is reporting that the Red Sox are interested, and will meet with the agents for Fuentes on Tuesday.
That could make for a little back-burner battle between the two rivals, as both could use lefty relief help. The Yankees will be without Damaso Marte for at least half the season and the Sox non-tendered Hideki Okajima last month.
The D-backs were believed to be interested in Fuentes, but that likely ended with the signing of J.J. Putz.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Sizemore's trade value[/h3]
6:32AM ET
[h5]Grady Sizemore | Indians [/h5]
UPDATE: Sizemore's trade value, if he has any after the injury-marred seasons, and the Indians' chances to trade him may both be up as manager Manny Acta said Monday that the centerfielder is on schedule to be ready by spring training.
...
The free agent sweepstakes are in full swing, but don't forget those players who will hit the market following the 2011 season. We know all about Adrian Gonzalez and Prince Fielder, who could be shopped this winter in an effort to get reasonable value in return.
The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo said last month that the trade bait could include Indians outfielder Grady Sizemore, who is coming off two-injury plagued seasons.
The Indians traded Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee well before they reached free agency, a policy that theoretically could continue with Sizemore. Sizemore will earn $7.5 million next season and has an $8.5 million club option for 2012 that becomes a player option if he is traded.
Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer disagrees, saying Sizemore has no real trade value until he's able to rebound from the microfracture surgery on his left knee and play in 2011.
Bend_The_Knee
formerly gotholesinmysocks
- 61,766
- 23,510
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2008
^im callin pettites bluff, hes coming back for 1 more year
Bend_The_Knee
formerly gotholesinmysocks
- 61,766
- 23,510
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2008
^im callin pettites bluff, hes coming back for 1 more year
moneyisthemotive
Banned
- 2,784
- 10
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2010
everyone in the area is saying washington has offered lee a 7 year 160 million dollar contract ...
again i ask, why was 56 million too much for your best hitter? smh ...
again i ask, why was 56 million too much for your best hitter? smh ...
moneyisthemotive
Banned
- 2,784
- 10
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2010
everyone in the area is saying washington has offered lee a 7 year 160 million dollar contract ...
again i ask, why was 56 million too much for your best hitter? smh ...
again i ask, why was 56 million too much for your best hitter? smh ...
- 20,619
- 1,615
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2007
I can't see Lee choosing to lose for the rest of his career and going to Washington.
He would rather win in Texas or New York then lose in Washington, he's had enough of losing with Cleveland and Seattle.
He would rather win in Texas or New York then lose in Washington, he's had enough of losing with Cleveland and Seattle.
- 20,619
- 1,615
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2007
I can't see Lee choosing to lose for the rest of his career and going to Washington.
He would rather win in Texas or New York then lose in Washington, he's had enough of losing with Cleveland and Seattle.
He would rather win in Texas or New York then lose in Washington, he's had enough of losing with Cleveland and Seattle.
- 20,619
- 1,615
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2007
reading through what Proshares posted...
- The Nationals all of a sudden are trying to get everyone huh? Werth, Lee, Carlos Pena etc...
- Grady Sizemore isn't worth my socks in a trade right now
- The Houston Astros thinking of moving Wandy? New York is calling, he can be the 5th starter for the Yankees.
- Doubt the Mets trade Beltran, they don't have the balls
- The Nationals all of a sudden are trying to get everyone huh? Werth, Lee, Carlos Pena etc...
- Grady Sizemore isn't worth my socks in a trade right now
- The Houston Astros thinking of moving Wandy? New York is calling, he can be the 5th starter for the Yankees.
- Doubt the Mets trade Beltran, they don't have the balls
