Yeah. He's not a power hitter. Who knew?
Yeah. He's not a power hitter. Who knew?
For a corner outfielder that is TOO much money for a guy who uses his legs, especially the longevity of the deal.Originally Posted by mindless2778
Yeah. He's not a power hitter. Who knew?I guess every player has to be a power hitter to get the money they deserve.
7 years for Lee? No, thanks.
For a corner outfielder that is TOO much money for a guy who uses his legs, especially the longevity of the deal.Originally Posted by mindless2778
Yeah. He's not a power hitter. Who knew?I guess every player has to be a power hitter to get the money they deserve.
7 years for Lee? No, thanks.
When Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein made his case to Carl Crawford recently, during the first recruiting visit, what he talked about was how the Boston clubhouse would be filled with grinders -- guys who cared about each season, each game, each at-bat, each pitch.
Dustin Pedroia. Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester. And then Epstein went out and traded for another guy who thinks like that in Adrian Gonzalez.
This appealed to Crawford, the sort of competitive soul who hates the notion of chumming it up with guys on the other team, who loves to work, who can't stand it when he sees teammates who don't care. With the addition of Crawford, the Red Sox have put together an extraordinary lineup, but also an exceptional collection of grinders.
[h3][/h3]
With the signing of Crawford, the Red Sox have put together an extraordinary lineup, but also an exceptional collection of grinders.
Crawford is a genial guy but very serious about what he does. When Crawford didn't like the approach of a mouthy teammate, he told him flatly he didn't like his work ethic and challenged him to a fight. When he had a locker next to a mopey teammate, he asked to be moved. When Pat Burrell launched into a young player verbally in the clubhouse, Crawford told him to shut up. When Crawford was part of an offseason group training program that he didn't feel was serious enough, he asked to have his own workouts so he could put in more time, with drills more specifically designed for what he needed.
Playing in Boston will be an adjustment for Crawford to some degree. He has been to a World Series, but at the same time, he has never faced the kind of day-to-day scrutiny he will face with the Red Sox. If he hits .250 in April, he'll be criticized, something that rarely happened in Tampa.
But the passion of the city -- to win the division, to beat the Yankees -- will match his own, and he should thrive, surrounded by great players in a powerful lineup, in a ballpark well-suited for him. Crawford's only major weakness as a player, his arm, will now be mitigated by the fact that he can play closer to the infield. Stationed in left field at Fenway Park, it will look to opponents as if Crawford is breathing on the neck of the Boston shortstop; that's probably how shallow the best defensive left fielder in the majors will play.
Presumably, the addition of Crawford means that the Boston lineup will look something like this:
1. Pedroia 2B
2. Crawford LF
3. Youkilis 3B
4. Gonzalez 1B
5. David Ortiz DH
6. Jed Lowrie SS
7. J.D. Drew RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Jason Varitek/Russ Martin(?) C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Crawford can slap doubles off the Green Monster, and if he pulls liners into the right field corner, underneath the Pesky Pole, he will run for days.
The Red Sox have more work to do, and soon enough, we'll find out if the Yankees will win in their pursuit of Cliff Lee. But Epstein has already put together a dynamic team that will pull together. As of today, the Red Sox are the team to beat.
[h3]The Crawford numbers[/h3]
From ESPN Stats & Information, a litany of totals on Crawford:
[h4]"Out" Field[/h4]
Red Sox OF Ranks -- 2010 Season
[th=""]Stat[/th][th=""]Totals[/th][th=""]Rank[/th]
BA .245 28th OBP .317 28th Slug Pct .412 19th Strikeouts 445 4th
[h4]Lemme Upgrade[/h4]
Carl Crawford -- 2010 AL Ranks
[th=""]Stat[/th][th=""]Totals[/th][th=""]Rank[/th]
BA .307 9th Runs 110 4th Triples 13 1st SB 47 3rd Total Bases 297 8th WAR 6.9 3rd
[h4]Beat Em, Join Em[/h4]
Carl Crawford vs Red Sox LF -- 2010
[th=""]Stat[/th][th=""]Crawford[/th][th=""]Red Sox LF[/th]
BA .307 .230 OBP .356 .303 Slug Pct .495 .396 HR 19 18 SB-CS 47-10 6-2 Strikeouts 104 158
There's also the stolen base category. Here are the guys with the most steals since 2003:
Juan Pierre: 427
Carl Crawford: 400
Jose Reyes: 331
Chone Figgins: 320
Scott Podsednik: 301
[h3]Next Level[/h3]
A significant aspect of Crawford's game is his defense. The next-level metric Defensive Runs Saved measures a player's ability to turn batted balls into outs, throw out and deter baserunners and rob home runs. Crawford has ranked as the best defensive left fielder by this measure in each of the last three seasons:
Most Defensive Runs Saved during the 2010 season among LFs:
Carl Crawford: 14
Gerardo Parra: 14
Brett Gardner: 13
Matt Holliday: 8
Highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among 2010 AL players:
Josh Hamilton: 8.0
Adrian Beltre: 7.1
Jose Bautista: 6.9
Evan Longoria: 6.9
Carl Crawford: 6.9
At least the Red Sox won't have to worry about Crawford wreaking havoc on the basepaths against them. Here are the guys with the highest career stolen base percentages against the Red Sox in the last 50 seasons, min. of 25 attempts. Crawford was 7-for-7 last season:
Carl Crawford: 93.9
Ichiro Suzuki: 92.5
Roberto Alomar: 91.2
And in his career against the Sox, Crawford has been good in the traditional numbers:
BA: .300
HR: 12
RBI: 61
SB: 62-4
He's been successful in his last 35 SB attempts against Boston.
[h3]The dollars[/h3]
This will be the 15th free agent contract of at least $100M given to a player since the 1990-91 offseason. This is the second given out by the Red Sox (Manny Ramirez in 2000-01 offseason, 8-yr/$160M). The Red Sox join the Yankees as the only teams to hand out multiple contracts of at least $100M during this time period.
Teams with the most free agent contracts of $100-plus million since the 1990-91 offseason:
Yankees: 4
Red Sox: 2
9 teams: 1
Source: Cot's Baseball Contracts
[h4]Cashing In[/h4]
Largest MLB contracts -- all-time (Total Value)
[th=""]Player[/th][th=""]Team[/th][th=""]Yrs-$[/th]
Alex Rodriguez Yankees 10-$275 M Alex Rodriguez Rangers 10-$252M Derek Jeter Yankees 10-$189M Joe Mauer Twins 8-$184M Mark Teixeira Yankees 8-$180M CC Sabathia Yankees 7-$161M Manny Ramirez Red Sox 8-$160M Troy Tulowitzki Rockies 10-$157.75M Miguel Cabrera Tigers 8-$152.3M Carl Crawford Red Sox 7-$142M
[h4]Playing the Field[/h4]
Largest MLB contracts for OFs - All-Time (total Value)
[th=""]Player[/th][th=""]Team[/th][th=""]Deal[/th]
Manny Ramirez Red Sox 8-$160M Carl Crawford Red Sox 7-$142M Alfonso Soriano Cubs 7-$136M
[h4]Power Play[/h4]
Lowest single-season high in HR at time of signing $100M contract.
[h3]Market effects[/h3][th=""]Player[/th][th=""]HR[/th][th=""]Money[/th]
Carl Crawford 19 $142M Derek Jeter 24 $189M Joe Mauer 28 $184M Vernon Wells 33 $126M
• The Red Sox are tilting the balance of power, writes Nick Cafardo. Now the Red Sox can go full bore after relievers and catcher Russell Martin because they've finished their big moves.
• The Yankees' safety net is gone now that Crawford has agreed to terms with the Red Sox, and the pressure is greater than ever for New York to sign Cliff Lee to keep up with Boston. And the Rangers are dead serious about keeping Lee: As Evan Grant writes, Texas appears prepared to go to six years in its offer for their left-hander -- but Nolan Ryan says he doesn't want to get into a bidding war.
• The Rangers have to fill their DH position along the way.
• The Yankees lost their possible Plan B, writes Tyler Kepner. Brian Cashman is waiting for a decision from Lee. The Yankees' offer would make Lee the highest-paid pitcher ever. Joe Girardi made the Yankees' desperation in this situation obvious, writes Joel Sherman. Boston's moves could burn Cashman, writes John Harper.
• What a brutal day for the Rays organization, which had built something really incredible with its modest resources: After Carlos Pena signed with the Cubs, Crawford signed with a division rival.
Getty ImagesArte Moreno and the Angels may have to deal with Scott Boras yet.
• As the offseason began, Angels owner Arte Moreno indicated he was ready to spend in a big way -- and now Crawford, Gonzalez and Jayson Werth are off the board without the Angels having fired a bullet. If Lee signs with the Rangers or Yankees, then the best two free agents on the board who would fit the Angels are Adrian Beltre and Rafael Soriano -- both clients of Scott Boras, with whom the Angels have had a cold war in recent years. The Angels might have to make their peace with Boras to get better. "This situation could not have played out better ... for Boras," said one high-ranking executive early Thursday.
Torii Hunter is crushed by the news.
• I planned on writing on the Dodgers' ownership situation before Crawford signing crashed onto the sport last night. More on that later this week. Steve Garvey wants to lead a group to buy the Dodgers, but Frank McCourt says he's not selling.
• There is a report that Major League Baseball's study will conclude that the Athletics should stay in Oakland -- and if that turns out to be the case, it would be a surprise if the current regime moves on. The Giants are not making the path of the Oakland Athletics easy.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The wide expectation among scouts is that Elvin Ramirez, a hard-throwing right-hander, is going to be the first pick in the Rule 5 draft, by the Pirates. Pittsburgh is starved for power arms and Ramirez has been clocked at 94-98 mph this winter.
2. The White Sox finished a deal with Paul Konerko, writes David Haugh. The White Sox need to shore up their bullpen.
3. The signing of Carlos Pena fills a gaping hole for the Cubs, writes Phil Rogers.
4. The Royals say nothing is hot in the Zack Greinke talks. It makes sense for them to wait until after the Lee talks are resolved before really digging in. The Royals completed the signing of Jeff Francoeur.
5. The Braves signed George Sherrill.
6. The reports of the Michael Young talks were blown out of proportion, says Jon Daniels.
7. Jack Cust agreed to terms with Seattle, for $2.5 million. That's a nice deal for the player. Get ready for a wild gust of Cust, writes Larry Stone.
8. The Reds locked up their utilityman. The multiyear deal for Miguel Cairo is the first he's had in 13 seasons.
9. The Giants think that Brandon Belt might be ready already, writes John Shea.
[h4]Buster's New Book[/h4]
Buster Olney is the author of the book "recipient[/color] of the Jimmy V Award at the ESPYS.
"Surprising and unforgettable." - Mike Krzyzewski
"Olney knows the beating heart of life and the pulse of humanity that makes sports matter." - George F. Will
"A true inspiration." - Pat Summitt
10. The Dodgers are talking to Dioner Navarro.
8. The Marlins talked about a three-team trade.
9. The Jays are looking for an upgrade at catcher, which is why Russell Martin might fit.
10. The D-backs took a run at Paul Konerko. Here's what Kirk Gibson thinks about his team.
11. The Padres are making a deal for Jason Bartlett.
12. The Rockies are looking to lock up Carlos Gonzalez.
13. Tony La Russa's clout with the Cardinals has grown, writes Bernie Miklasz. The Cardinals have improved their depth.
14. The Twins are about to trade J.J. Hardy to the Orioles, writes La Velle Neal.
15. It's a slugger's market, says Prince Fielder's agent.
16. Carl Pavano considers the Brewers to be serious, writes Tom Haudricourt.
17. Joel Zumaya expects to be ready for the start of spring training, writes John Lowe.
18. Magglio Ordonez's possible return to the Tigers became more problematic in the aftermath of the Werth signing, writes Lynn Henning.
19. The Nationals' biggest move might have been in changing their image, writes Adam Kilgore. The Nationals are in the mix for Pavano.
20. The Orioles will get their shortstop today, as Dan Connolly writes. The Orioles agreed to terms with a pitcher.
You wonder if the Orioles could develop into a wild card in the Adrian Beltre conversations -- because they have money to spend and Beltre needs a landing place. Baltimore could shift Mark Reynolds to first base to make room for the best defensive third baseman in the majors.
21. The Phillies signed a reliever, writes David Murphy.
Heard this a lot: The relief market has been slow because so many are looking for the kind of ramped up deal that Joaquin Benoit received.
22. The Pirates finished a deal with Matt Diaz, and Pittsburgh is looking to move Ryan Doumit.
23. The Mets are listening to offers for Carlos Beltran.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• Some sad news: Bob Feller is in hospice, writes Paul Hoynes.
• A former Phillie has passed away.
• The Giants could be part of our opener.
• Roger Clemens' trial has been postponed until July.
• Brett Lawrie plans on sticking with the Jays.
• The Astros' inactivity will mean opportunity for some in the Houston organization.
• Vanderbilt missed a chance for an upset.
And today will be better than yesterday.
By signing Carl Crawford, the Red Sox land one of the biggest prizes on the free-agent market, paying what we ought to call the Werth Premium. It's a deal that's on the long side, but at least it was given to a player who's likely to hold his value through the length of the contract.
Tom Szczerbowski/US PresswireCarl Crawford scored a career-high 110 runs for the Rays in 2010.
Crawford will play in 2011 at age 29, meaning the contract takes him through his age 35 season, giving Boston several years of his peak and just a few years of decline, since athletic players who play good defense do seem to age better into their 30s. He's the best defensive left fielder in baseball and a plus-plus runner who adds a lot of value through his baserunning as a high-percentage base stealer. At the plate, he hits right-handed pitching very well and is more than just a pure fastball hitter, but he struggles against lefties, especially if they can spin or sweep a breaking ball away from him.
This does give Boston a slightly left-handed but otherwise potent lineup with excellent defense, boasting average or better defenders at every position with the potential for plus defense on all corners. It also could mean Jacoby Ellsbury isn't long for Boston.
The Angels now seem headed for a showdown with Scott Boras over Adrian Beltre, as Crawford reportedly was their major target and third base is one other obvious area for them to upgrade. Meanwhile, I have to think this signing increases the pressure on the Yankees to up their offer to Cliff Lee, for fear they'll be left without any of the offseason's marquee free agents.
http://[h3][/h3][h3]Bartlett trade report premature?[/h3]
10:10AM ET
[h5]Jason Bartlett | Rays [/h5]
UPDATE:Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune says reports a deal sending Bartlett to San Diego are premature.
--
UPDATE: Marc Topkin of the St. Pete Times confirms Bartlett has told he's been traded to San Diego. Going to the Rays are pitchers Adam Russell and Cesar Ramos.
---
UPDATE: Joel Sherman tweets Wednesday afternoon that the Orioles are out on Bartlett -- we discussed earlier in the day about how they are now trying to acquire J.J. Hardy from the Minnesota Twins -- but that Bartlett is "definitely" going to be traded, possibly as early as Wednesday night.
Sherman lists the Pirates and the Padres as the two most likely destinations for the shortstop.
...
Jason Bartlett could become one of a number of potential casualties on the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-rayshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-raysTampa Bay Rays roster this winter. In fact, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark lists Bartlett as the most likely candidate to be traded this week at the winter meetings.
Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun tweeted Tuesday that a deal between the Orioles and Rays was heating up, but Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports Wednesday that nothing developed on that front.
Stark lists the Padres, Orioles, Pirates and Indians as teams looking for shortstops. The Giants (Miguel Tejada) and Cardinals (Ryan Theriot) filled their shortstop vacancies with recent moves.
If Bartlett is traded, the Rays could go with http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28707http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28707Reid Brignac in 2011 and have http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28536http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28536Ben Zobrist and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29105http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29105Sean Rodriguez to use at the position in a pinch. Bartlett will be a free agent following 2011 and is set to receive a raise via arbitration this winter after making $4 million in 2010.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Rangers unlikely to deal Young[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Michael Young | Rangers [/h5]
There was speculation Tuesday that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tex/texas-rangersTexas Rangers were fielding offers for infielder Michael Young, who has put up solid numbers but is due $48 million over the next three seasons.
The Rockies reportedly contacted the Rangers about the availability of Young, a trade that could then lead to Texas landing free-agent http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3878Adrian Beltre.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, however, tells Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram that a deal is unlikely and that any talks with the Rockies were blown out of proportion.
"That's the byproduct of having these meetings," Daniels said. "Ninety-nine percent of the players get asked about through different conversations. I'm not surprised when a big name gets run with."
Ken Rosenthal writes, however, that the Rangers could be looking to clear payroll because of their sizable offer to http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5353Cliff Lee, and that trading Young now makes sense because he will become a 10-5 player next May, enabling him to block any trade.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Angels need a Plan B[/h3]
9:40AM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Angels [/h5]
In the end, the Los Angeles Angels were not even in the same ballpark (in this case, Fenway) when it came to Carl Crawford.
The Crawford sweepstakes took a stunning turn late Wednesday night when the former Rays outfielder reportedly accepted a seven-year, $142 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times reports the Angels offered a six-year, $108 million deal.
In Anaheim, Crawford's decisions brings back memories of two winters ago, when the Angels were left empty-handed by Mark Teixeira's decision to accept a $160 million deal with the Yankees.
DiGiovanna says that the Angels, who had set Crawford as their top priority, are now expected to make a strong pitch for free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre and, possibly, closer Rafael Soriano. There also is the chance that the Angels could seriously enter the bidding for pitcher Cliff Lee.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Angels need to make peace with Boras
http://[h3]Red Sox turn attention to Martin?[/h3]
9:36AM ET
[h5]Russell Martin | Dodgers | Interested: Red Sox? [/h5]
Russell Martin remains in play for at least a handful of clubs, including the Boston Red Sox, tweets ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney chimes in Thursday morning that the Red Sox can now go full bore after Martin now that they have finished all their heavy lifting with the deal for Carl Crawford.
Martin has also drawn interest from the New York Yankees, the New York Mets and Martin's former club, the Dodgers. The Milwaukee Brewers may be a fit, as might the Kansas City Royals. The Mets appear to have a full catching cupboard now after signing Ronny Paulino Tuesday.
Ed Price checks in Wednesday to report that the four clubs still in on Martin are the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rockies.
Martin's health is a big question for clubs, but Ken Rosenthal tweets early Wednesday that the 27-year-old resumed running and baseball activities last week "and is even crouching," suggesting the hip fracture he suffered last season is healing well.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Crawford lands in Boston[/h3]
9:29AM ET
[h5]Carl Crawford | Rays [/h5]
In a move that will have ripple effects felt everywhere from Anaheim to the Bronx, Carl Crawford has found a new home with the Boston Red Sox.
Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com reports Crawford came to terms Wednesday night on a seven-year, $142 million deal with the Red Sox. It continues a blockbuster week for the Red Sox, who acquired slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego on Monday.
The Angels had set Crawford as their top offseason priority and were believed to be in strong contention for his services as of Wednesday afternoon. While Cliff Lee remains the Yankees' top priority, there was speculation that they had cleared enough payroll space to make a serious run at both Crawford and Lee.
Crawford also becomes the first Red Sox player since John W. Henry and Tom Werner purchased the team in 2002 to be given a contract of seven years. General manager Theo Epstein evidently made a persuasive case to Henry late in the process to do so.
Is Crawford worth the cost? Our Keith Law and Buster Olney give their takes:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Big week in Boston
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Balance of power in AL East
http://[h3]Brewers won't go 3 years on Pavano[/h3]
9:24AM ET
[h5]Carl Pavano | Twins | Interested: Pirates? [/h5]
Free agent Carl Pavano readily admits that he liked his time in Minnesota and would be open to re-signing with the Twins.
There have been reports that Pavano is seeking a deal similar to the one the Dodgers gave free-agent lefty Ted Lilly earlier this off-season -- three years, $33 million. The Twins have been reluctant to go as high as three years, and that may be the case with the Brewers as well.
Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel hears Thursday that Milwaukee will not go past a two-year offer for Pavano. The right-hander will be 35 next season and the Brewers have had little luck of late with 30-something pitchers such as Jeff Suppan and Doug Davis.
La Velle Neal of the Star Tribune reports that the Twins remain in the hunt for Pavano, but would like to avoid having to go to a third year.
Pavano is the top starting pitcher on the market behind http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5353Cliff Lee, especially now that http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5906Jorge De La Rosa re-signed with the Rockies. Pavano has at least four teams interested, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman, including the Twins and Nationals.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Royals near deal with Melky[/h3]
9:04AM ET
[h5]Melky Cabrera | Braves [/h5]
The Kansas City Royals may be close to a deal with outfielder Melky Cabrera, who was discarded by the Atlanta Braves earlier this offseason. Cabrera would be the second ex-Brave to land in Kansas City in as many days, joining Jeff Francoeur.
Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com says Cabrera agreed with Kansas City on a one-year, $1.25 million deal plus $250,000 in incentives.
Meanwhile, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star tweets Thursday that no final deal is in place with Cabrera, but the two sides appear close.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Beltre talks heating up?[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Adrian Beltre | Red Sox [/h5]
Adrian Beltre said as late as last week that he wanted to remain with the Boston Red Sox.
Massachusetts no longer is an option for Beltre after the Red Sox traded for Adrian Gonzalez on Monday and stunningly landed Carl Crawford with a $142 million deal late Wednesday night.
Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times writes that Beltre will become the Angels? top priority. DiGiovanna says agent Scott Boras is seeking a deal in the five-year, $75-million range. Boras says talks are "moving quickly" and that a decision could be made by the end of this week.
Ken Rosenthal tweets that he is hearing Beltre's asking price is $85 million over five years.
The Oakland Athletics reportedly withdrew a five-year, $64 million offer to Beltre on Sunday. According to Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle, there's no particular indication that the A's would consider renewing talks unless Beltre's options dwindle to the point that he's a relative bargain.
The Chicago White Sox might have been interested, but they are out of the chase after spending their free agent dollars on Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko.
Before the Crawford signing, Boras told Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com that there was a "very active" market for Beltre.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Twins closer to Nishioka deal?[/h3]
7:52AM 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 reported Tuesday that 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.
The Twins could be nearing a deal with Nishioka now that the Twins are on the verge of a deal to send shortstop J.J. Hardy to Baltimore.
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]Hardy headed to Baltimore[/h3]
7:46AM ET
[h5]J.J. Hardy | Twins [/h5]
The Baltimore Orioles are on the verge of acquiring Minnesota Twins shortstop J.J. Hardy in a deal thatcould be announced after Thursday morning?s Rule 5 draft, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
Connolly says the Orioles likely will get Hardy and infielder Brendan Harris for two minor leaguers, possibly right-handed relievers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.
The deal would likely signal the end of free-agent shortstop Cesar Izturis' tenure in Baltimore.
The Twins recently have been kicking around potential deals for Hardy, and the Star Tribune says as many as six teams initially showed interest. A report earlier in the week had Hardy nearly headed to Pittsburgh before talks broke down.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Albert's future in St. Louis[/h3]
7:29AM ET
[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]
Could the Cardinals be laying the groundwork for life without Albert Pujols?
The three-time National League MVP will be a free agent after next season and he undoubtedly will command astronomical numbers in upcoming contract talks.
Don Lozano, the agent for Pujols met for a second time in three days with the Cardinals' brass Wednesday, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed to the Post Dispatch, though Mozeliak declined to divulge the details of the meeting.
Bryan Burwell of the Post-Dispatch hints Wednesday that the Cardinals could bow out if Pujols is demanding $28 million to $30 million.
"The longer you listen to Cardinals officials who carefully broach the subject, the more it sounds like they are either trying to get you to start getting comfortable with the possible reality of life without Pujols in the not-so-distant future, or at the very least take the concept out for a little public stroll for their own prospective negotiating benefit," Burwell writes.
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark writes that the Cardinals face a 10-week window to get things done with Pujols:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Jayson Stark[/h5]
Crisis time with Albert?
http://[h3]NYY makes $140M offer to Lee[/h3]
6:43AM ET
[h5]Cliff Lee | Rangers [/h5]
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has pushed the chips to the center of the table and it is time for Cliff Lee to decide if he wants to play in New York.
According to various reports, Cashman made a formal offer to Lee's agent, Darek Braunecker, Cashman declined to offer details about the Yankees' offer, but sources told ESPNNewYork.com and ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that the initial offer was for six years and near $140 million -- numbers that fall between the contracts for the New York Mets' Johan Santana (6 years, $137.5 million) and the Yankees' CC Sabathia (7 years, $161 million).
A source had told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that Braunecker left the winter meetings Wednesday afternoon.
With Carl Crawford headed to Boston, the Yankees' could be prepared to do whatever it takes to land Lee, their top offseason priority.
Rangers president Nolan Ryan told ESPNDallas.com on Wednesday night that the Rangers have asked Braunecker to let them know what it will take to sign Lee. Ryan expects it will take six years to sign him and the club will consider doing that. He added that he thinks he could hear something from Lee's camp in the next 48 hours. The Los Angeles Angels have also reached out to representatives for the free-agent left-hander, a source told Crasnick.
Lee has eliminated a suitor, reports ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett, but the Rangers are among those still in the chase.
When Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein made his case to Carl Crawford recently, during the first recruiting visit, what he talked about was how the Boston clubhouse would be filled with grinders -- guys who cared about each season, each game, each at-bat, each pitch.
Dustin Pedroia. Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester. And then Epstein went out and traded for another guy who thinks like that in Adrian Gonzalez.
This appealed to Crawford, the sort of competitive soul who hates the notion of chumming it up with guys on the other team, who loves to work, who can't stand it when he sees teammates who don't care. With the addition of Crawford, the Red Sox have put together an extraordinary lineup, but also an exceptional collection of grinders.
[h3][/h3]
With the signing of Crawford, the Red Sox have put together an extraordinary lineup, but also an exceptional collection of grinders.
Crawford is a genial guy but very serious about what he does. When Crawford didn't like the approach of a mouthy teammate, he told him flatly he didn't like his work ethic and challenged him to a fight. When he had a locker next to a mopey teammate, he asked to be moved. When Pat Burrell launched into a young player verbally in the clubhouse, Crawford told him to shut up. When Crawford was part of an offseason group training program that he didn't feel was serious enough, he asked to have his own workouts so he could put in more time, with drills more specifically designed for what he needed.
Playing in Boston will be an adjustment for Crawford to some degree. He has been to a World Series, but at the same time, he has never faced the kind of day-to-day scrutiny he will face with the Red Sox. If he hits .250 in April, he'll be criticized, something that rarely happened in Tampa.
But the passion of the city -- to win the division, to beat the Yankees -- will match his own, and he should thrive, surrounded by great players in a powerful lineup, in a ballpark well-suited for him. Crawford's only major weakness as a player, his arm, will now be mitigated by the fact that he can play closer to the infield. Stationed in left field at Fenway Park, it will look to opponents as if Crawford is breathing on the neck of the Boston shortstop; that's probably how shallow the best defensive left fielder in the majors will play.
Presumably, the addition of Crawford means that the Boston lineup will look something like this:
1. Pedroia 2B
2. Crawford LF
3. Youkilis 3B
4. Gonzalez 1B
5. David Ortiz DH
6. Jed Lowrie SS
7. J.D. Drew RF
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia/Jason Varitek/Russ Martin(?) C
9. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Crawford can slap doubles off the Green Monster, and if he pulls liners into the right field corner, underneath the Pesky Pole, he will run for days.
The Red Sox have more work to do, and soon enough, we'll find out if the Yankees will win in their pursuit of Cliff Lee. But Epstein has already put together a dynamic team that will pull together. As of today, the Red Sox are the team to beat.
[h3]The Crawford numbers[/h3]
From ESPN Stats & Information, a litany of totals on Crawford:
[h4]"Out" Field[/h4]
Red Sox OF Ranks -- 2010 Season
[th=""]Stat[/th][th=""]Totals[/th][th=""]Rank[/th]
BA .245 28th OBP .317 28th Slug Pct .412 19th Strikeouts 445 4th
[h4]Lemme Upgrade[/h4]
Carl Crawford -- 2010 AL Ranks
[th=""]Stat[/th][th=""]Totals[/th][th=""]Rank[/th]
BA .307 9th Runs 110 4th Triples 13 1st SB 47 3rd Total Bases 297 8th WAR 6.9 3rd
[h4]Beat Em, Join Em[/h4]
Carl Crawford vs Red Sox LF -- 2010
[th=""]Stat[/th][th=""]Crawford[/th][th=""]Red Sox LF[/th]
BA .307 .230 OBP .356 .303 Slug Pct .495 .396 HR 19 18 SB-CS 47-10 6-2 Strikeouts 104 158
There's also the stolen base category. Here are the guys with the most steals since 2003:
Juan Pierre: 427
Carl Crawford: 400
Jose Reyes: 331
Chone Figgins: 320
Scott Podsednik: 301
[h3]Next Level[/h3]
A significant aspect of Crawford's game is his defense. The next-level metric Defensive Runs Saved measures a player's ability to turn batted balls into outs, throw out and deter baserunners and rob home runs. Crawford has ranked as the best defensive left fielder by this measure in each of the last three seasons:
Most Defensive Runs Saved during the 2010 season among LFs:
Carl Crawford: 14
Gerardo Parra: 14
Brett Gardner: 13
Matt Holliday: 8
Highest WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among 2010 AL players:
Josh Hamilton: 8.0
Adrian Beltre: 7.1
Jose Bautista: 6.9
Evan Longoria: 6.9
Carl Crawford: 6.9
At least the Red Sox won't have to worry about Crawford wreaking havoc on the basepaths against them. Here are the guys with the highest career stolen base percentages against the Red Sox in the last 50 seasons, min. of 25 attempts. Crawford was 7-for-7 last season:
Carl Crawford: 93.9
Ichiro Suzuki: 92.5
Roberto Alomar: 91.2
And in his career against the Sox, Crawford has been good in the traditional numbers:
BA: .300
HR: 12
RBI: 61
SB: 62-4
He's been successful in his last 35 SB attempts against Boston.
[h3]The dollars[/h3]
This will be the 15th free agent contract of at least $100M given to a player since the 1990-91 offseason. This is the second given out by the Red Sox (Manny Ramirez in 2000-01 offseason, 8-yr/$160M). The Red Sox join the Yankees as the only teams to hand out multiple contracts of at least $100M during this time period.
Teams with the most free agent contracts of $100-plus million since the 1990-91 offseason:
Yankees: 4
Red Sox: 2
9 teams: 1
Source: Cot's Baseball Contracts
[h4]Cashing In[/h4]
Largest MLB contracts -- all-time (Total Value)
[th=""]Player[/th][th=""]Team[/th][th=""]Yrs-$[/th]
Alex Rodriguez Yankees 10-$275 M Alex Rodriguez Rangers 10-$252M Derek Jeter Yankees 10-$189M Joe Mauer Twins 8-$184M Mark Teixeira Yankees 8-$180M CC Sabathia Yankees 7-$161M Manny Ramirez Red Sox 8-$160M Troy Tulowitzki Rockies 10-$157.75M Miguel Cabrera Tigers 8-$152.3M Carl Crawford Red Sox 7-$142M
[h4]Playing the Field[/h4]
Largest MLB contracts for OFs - All-Time (total Value)
[th=""]Player[/th][th=""]Team[/th][th=""]Deal[/th]
Manny Ramirez Red Sox 8-$160M Carl Crawford Red Sox 7-$142M Alfonso Soriano Cubs 7-$136M
[h4]Power Play[/h4]
Lowest single-season high in HR at time of signing $100M contract.
[h3]Market effects[/h3][th=""]Player[/th][th=""]HR[/th][th=""]Money[/th]
Carl Crawford 19 $142M Derek Jeter 24 $189M Joe Mauer 28 $184M Vernon Wells 33 $126M
• The Red Sox are tilting the balance of power, writes Nick Cafardo. Now the Red Sox can go full bore after relievers and catcher Russell Martin because they've finished their big moves.
• The Yankees' safety net is gone now that Crawford has agreed to terms with the Red Sox, and the pressure is greater than ever for New York to sign Cliff Lee to keep up with Boston. And the Rangers are dead serious about keeping Lee: As Evan Grant writes, Texas appears prepared to go to six years in its offer for their left-hander -- but Nolan Ryan says he doesn't want to get into a bidding war.
• The Rangers have to fill their DH position along the way.
• The Yankees lost their possible Plan B, writes Tyler Kepner. Brian Cashman is waiting for a decision from Lee. The Yankees' offer would make Lee the highest-paid pitcher ever. Joe Girardi made the Yankees' desperation in this situation obvious, writes Joel Sherman. Boston's moves could burn Cashman, writes John Harper.
• What a brutal day for the Rays organization, which had built something really incredible with its modest resources: After Carlos Pena signed with the Cubs, Crawford signed with a division rival.
Getty ImagesArte Moreno and the Angels may have to deal with Scott Boras yet.
• As the offseason began, Angels owner Arte Moreno indicated he was ready to spend in a big way -- and now Crawford, Gonzalez and Jayson Werth are off the board without the Angels having fired a bullet. If Lee signs with the Rangers or Yankees, then the best two free agents on the board who would fit the Angels are Adrian Beltre and Rafael Soriano -- both clients of Scott Boras, with whom the Angels have had a cold war in recent years. The Angels might have to make their peace with Boras to get better. "This situation could not have played out better ... for Boras," said one high-ranking executive early Thursday.
Torii Hunter is crushed by the news.
• I planned on writing on the Dodgers' ownership situation before Crawford signing crashed onto the sport last night. More on that later this week. Steve Garvey wants to lead a group to buy the Dodgers, but Frank McCourt says he's not selling.
• There is a report that Major League Baseball's study will conclude that the Athletics should stay in Oakland -- and if that turns out to be the case, it would be a surprise if the current regime moves on. The Giants are not making the path of the Oakland Athletics easy.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The wide expectation among scouts is that Elvin Ramirez, a hard-throwing right-hander, is going to be the first pick in the Rule 5 draft, by the Pirates. Pittsburgh is starved for power arms and Ramirez has been clocked at 94-98 mph this winter.
2. The White Sox finished a deal with Paul Konerko, writes David Haugh. The White Sox need to shore up their bullpen.
3. The signing of Carlos Pena fills a gaping hole for the Cubs, writes Phil Rogers.
4. The Royals say nothing is hot in the Zack Greinke talks. It makes sense for them to wait until after the Lee talks are resolved before really digging in. The Royals completed the signing of Jeff Francoeur.
5. The Braves signed George Sherrill.
6. The reports of the Michael Young talks were blown out of proportion, says Jon Daniels.
7. Jack Cust agreed to terms with Seattle, for $2.5 million. That's a nice deal for the player. Get ready for a wild gust of Cust, writes Larry Stone.
8. The Reds locked up their utilityman. The multiyear deal for Miguel Cairo is the first he's had in 13 seasons.
9. The Giants think that Brandon Belt might be ready already, writes John Shea.
[h4]Buster's New Book[/h4]
Buster Olney is the author of the book "recipient[/color] of the Jimmy V Award at the ESPYS.
"Surprising and unforgettable." - Mike Krzyzewski
"Olney knows the beating heart of life and the pulse of humanity that makes sports matter." - George F. Will
"A true inspiration." - Pat Summitt
10. The Dodgers are talking to Dioner Navarro.
8. The Marlins talked about a three-team trade.
9. The Jays are looking for an upgrade at catcher, which is why Russell Martin might fit.
10. The D-backs took a run at Paul Konerko. Here's what Kirk Gibson thinks about his team.
11. The Padres are making a deal for Jason Bartlett.
12. The Rockies are looking to lock up Carlos Gonzalez.
13. Tony La Russa's clout with the Cardinals has grown, writes Bernie Miklasz. The Cardinals have improved their depth.
14. The Twins are about to trade J.J. Hardy to the Orioles, writes La Velle Neal.
15. It's a slugger's market, says Prince Fielder's agent.
16. Carl Pavano considers the Brewers to be serious, writes Tom Haudricourt.
17. Joel Zumaya expects to be ready for the start of spring training, writes John Lowe.
18. Magglio Ordonez's possible return to the Tigers became more problematic in the aftermath of the Werth signing, writes Lynn Henning.
19. The Nationals' biggest move might have been in changing their image, writes Adam Kilgore. The Nationals are in the mix for Pavano.
20. The Orioles will get their shortstop today, as Dan Connolly writes. The Orioles agreed to terms with a pitcher.
You wonder if the Orioles could develop into a wild card in the Adrian Beltre conversations -- because they have money to spend and Beltre needs a landing place. Baltimore could shift Mark Reynolds to first base to make room for the best defensive third baseman in the majors.
21. The Phillies signed a reliever, writes David Murphy.
Heard this a lot: The relief market has been slow because so many are looking for the kind of ramped up deal that Joaquin Benoit received.
22. The Pirates finished a deal with Matt Diaz, and Pittsburgh is looking to move Ryan Doumit.
23. The Mets are listening to offers for Carlos Beltran.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• Some sad news: Bob Feller is in hospice, writes Paul Hoynes.
• A former Phillie has passed away.
• The Giants could be part of our opener.
• Roger Clemens' trial has been postponed until July.
• Brett Lawrie plans on sticking with the Jays.
• The Astros' inactivity will mean opportunity for some in the Houston organization.
• Vanderbilt missed a chance for an upset.
And today will be better than yesterday.
By signing Carl Crawford, the Red Sox land one of the biggest prizes on the free-agent market, paying what we ought to call the Werth Premium. It's a deal that's on the long side, but at least it was given to a player who's likely to hold his value through the length of the contract.
Tom Szczerbowski/US PresswireCarl Crawford scored a career-high 110 runs for the Rays in 2010.
Crawford will play in 2011 at age 29, meaning the contract takes him through his age 35 season, giving Boston several years of his peak and just a few years of decline, since athletic players who play good defense do seem to age better into their 30s. He's the best defensive left fielder in baseball and a plus-plus runner who adds a lot of value through his baserunning as a high-percentage base stealer. At the plate, he hits right-handed pitching very well and is more than just a pure fastball hitter, but he struggles against lefties, especially if they can spin or sweep a breaking ball away from him.
This does give Boston a slightly left-handed but otherwise potent lineup with excellent defense, boasting average or better defenders at every position with the potential for plus defense on all corners. It also could mean Jacoby Ellsbury isn't long for Boston.
The Angels now seem headed for a showdown with Scott Boras over Adrian Beltre, as Crawford reportedly was their major target and third base is one other obvious area for them to upgrade. Meanwhile, I have to think this signing increases the pressure on the Yankees to up their offer to Cliff Lee, for fear they'll be left without any of the offseason's marquee free agents.
http://[h3][/h3][h3]Bartlett trade report premature?[/h3]
10:10AM ET
[h5]Jason Bartlett | Rays [/h5]
UPDATE:Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune says reports a deal sending Bartlett to San Diego are premature.
--
UPDATE: Marc Topkin of the St. Pete Times confirms Bartlett has told he's been traded to San Diego. Going to the Rays are pitchers Adam Russell and Cesar Ramos.
---
UPDATE: Joel Sherman tweets Wednesday afternoon that the Orioles are out on Bartlett -- we discussed earlier in the day about how they are now trying to acquire J.J. Hardy from the Minnesota Twins -- but that Bartlett is "definitely" going to be traded, possibly as early as Wednesday night.
Sherman lists the Pirates and the Padres as the two most likely destinations for the shortstop.
...
Jason Bartlett could become one of a number of potential casualties on the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-rayshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tb/tampa-bay-raysTampa Bay Rays roster this winter. In fact, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark lists Bartlett as the most likely candidate to be traded this week at the winter meetings.
Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun tweeted Tuesday that a deal between the Orioles and Rays was heating up, but Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports Wednesday that nothing developed on that front.
Stark lists the Padres, Orioles, Pirates and Indians as teams looking for shortstops. The Giants (Miguel Tejada) and Cardinals (Ryan Theriot) filled their shortstop vacancies with recent moves.
If Bartlett is traded, the Rays could go with http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28707http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28707Reid Brignac in 2011 and have http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28536http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28536Ben Zobrist and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29105http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29105Sean Rodriguez to use at the position in a pinch. Bartlett will be a free agent following 2011 and is set to receive a raise via arbitration this winter after making $4 million in 2010.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Rangers unlikely to deal Young[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Michael Young | Rangers [/h5]
There was speculation Tuesday that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tex/texas-rangersTexas Rangers were fielding offers for infielder Michael Young, who has put up solid numbers but is due $48 million over the next three seasons.
The Rockies reportedly contacted the Rangers about the availability of Young, a trade that could then lead to Texas landing free-agent http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3878Adrian Beltre.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, however, tells Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram that a deal is unlikely and that any talks with the Rockies were blown out of proportion.
"That's the byproduct of having these meetings," Daniels said. "Ninety-nine percent of the players get asked about through different conversations. I'm not surprised when a big name gets run with."
Ken Rosenthal writes, however, that the Rangers could be looking to clear payroll because of their sizable offer to http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5353Cliff Lee, and that trading Young now makes sense because he will become a 10-5 player next May, enabling him to block any trade.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Angels need a Plan B[/h3]
9:40AM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Angels [/h5]
In the end, the Los Angeles Angels were not even in the same ballpark (in this case, Fenway) when it came to Carl Crawford.
The Crawford sweepstakes took a stunning turn late Wednesday night when the former Rays outfielder reportedly accepted a seven-year, $142 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times reports the Angels offered a six-year, $108 million deal.
In Anaheim, Crawford's decisions brings back memories of two winters ago, when the Angels were left empty-handed by Mark Teixeira's decision to accept a $160 million deal with the Yankees.
DiGiovanna says that the Angels, who had set Crawford as their top priority, are now expected to make a strong pitch for free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre and, possibly, closer Rafael Soriano. There also is the chance that the Angels could seriously enter the bidding for pitcher Cliff Lee.
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Angels need to make peace with Boras
http://[h3]Red Sox turn attention to Martin?[/h3]
9:36AM ET
[h5]Russell Martin | Dodgers | Interested: Red Sox? [/h5]
Russell Martin remains in play for at least a handful of clubs, including the Boston Red Sox, tweets ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney chimes in Thursday morning that the Red Sox can now go full bore after Martin now that they have finished all their heavy lifting with the deal for Carl Crawford.
Martin has also drawn interest from the New York Yankees, the New York Mets and Martin's former club, the Dodgers. The Milwaukee Brewers may be a fit, as might the Kansas City Royals. The Mets appear to have a full catching cupboard now after signing Ronny Paulino Tuesday.
Ed Price checks in Wednesday to report that the four clubs still in on Martin are the Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Rockies.
Martin's health is a big question for clubs, but Ken Rosenthal tweets early Wednesday that the 27-year-old resumed running and baseball activities last week "and is even crouching," suggesting the hip fracture he suffered last season is healing well.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Crawford lands in Boston[/h3]
9:29AM ET
[h5]Carl Crawford | Rays [/h5]
In a move that will have ripple effects felt everywhere from Anaheim to the Bronx, Carl Crawford has found a new home with the Boston Red Sox.
Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com reports Crawford came to terms Wednesday night on a seven-year, $142 million deal with the Red Sox. It continues a blockbuster week for the Red Sox, who acquired slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego on Monday.
The Angels had set Crawford as their top offseason priority and were believed to be in strong contention for his services as of Wednesday afternoon. While Cliff Lee remains the Yankees' top priority, there was speculation that they had cleared enough payroll space to make a serious run at both Crawford and Lee.
Crawford also becomes the first Red Sox player since John W. Henry and Tom Werner purchased the team in 2002 to be given a contract of seven years. General manager Theo Epstein evidently made a persuasive case to Henry late in the process to do so.
Is Crawford worth the cost? Our Keith Law and Buster Olney give their takes:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Big week in Boston
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Balance of power in AL East
http://[h3]Brewers won't go 3 years on Pavano[/h3]
9:24AM ET
[h5]Carl Pavano | Twins | Interested: Pirates? [/h5]
Free agent Carl Pavano readily admits that he liked his time in Minnesota and would be open to re-signing with the Twins.
There have been reports that Pavano is seeking a deal similar to the one the Dodgers gave free-agent lefty Ted Lilly earlier this off-season -- three years, $33 million. The Twins have been reluctant to go as high as three years, and that may be the case with the Brewers as well.
Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel hears Thursday that Milwaukee will not go past a two-year offer for Pavano. The right-hander will be 35 next season and the Brewers have had little luck of late with 30-something pitchers such as Jeff Suppan and Doug Davis.
La Velle Neal of the Star Tribune reports that the Twins remain in the hunt for Pavano, but would like to avoid having to go to a third year.
Pavano is the top starting pitcher on the market behind http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5353Cliff Lee, especially now that http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5906Jorge De La Rosa re-signed with the Rockies. Pavano has at least four teams interested, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman, including the Twins and Nationals.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Royals near deal with Melky[/h3]
9:04AM ET
[h5]Melky Cabrera | Braves [/h5]
The Kansas City Royals may be close to a deal with outfielder Melky Cabrera, who was discarded by the Atlanta Braves earlier this offseason. Cabrera would be the second ex-Brave to land in Kansas City in as many days, joining Jeff Francoeur.
Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com says Cabrera agreed with Kansas City on a one-year, $1.25 million deal plus $250,000 in incentives.
Meanwhile, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star tweets Thursday that no final deal is in place with Cabrera, but the two sides appear close.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Beltre talks heating up?[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Adrian Beltre | Red Sox [/h5]
Adrian Beltre said as late as last week that he wanted to remain with the Boston Red Sox.
Massachusetts no longer is an option for Beltre after the Red Sox traded for Adrian Gonzalez on Monday and stunningly landed Carl Crawford with a $142 million deal late Wednesday night.
Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times writes that Beltre will become the Angels? top priority. DiGiovanna says agent Scott Boras is seeking a deal in the five-year, $75-million range. Boras says talks are "moving quickly" and that a decision could be made by the end of this week.
Ken Rosenthal tweets that he is hearing Beltre's asking price is $85 million over five years.
The Oakland Athletics reportedly withdrew a five-year, $64 million offer to Beltre on Sunday. According to Susan Slusser of the SF Chronicle, there's no particular indication that the A's would consider renewing talks unless Beltre's options dwindle to the point that he's a relative bargain.
The Chicago White Sox might have been interested, but they are out of the chase after spending their free agent dollars on Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko.
Before the Crawford signing, Boras told Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com that there was a "very active" market for Beltre.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Twins closer to Nishioka deal?[/h3]
7:52AM 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 reported Tuesday that 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.
The Twins could be nearing a deal with Nishioka now that the Twins are on the verge of a deal to send shortstop J.J. Hardy to Baltimore.
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]Hardy headed to Baltimore[/h3]
7:46AM ET
[h5]J.J. Hardy | Twins [/h5]
The Baltimore Orioles are on the verge of acquiring Minnesota Twins shortstop J.J. Hardy in a deal thatcould be announced after Thursday morning?s Rule 5 draft, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
Connolly says the Orioles likely will get Hardy and infielder Brendan Harris for two minor leaguers, possibly right-handed relievers Jim Hoey and Brett Jacobson.
The deal would likely signal the end of free-agent shortstop Cesar Izturis' tenure in Baltimore.
The Twins recently have been kicking around potential deals for Hardy, and the Star Tribune says as many as six teams initially showed interest. A report earlier in the week had Hardy nearly headed to Pittsburgh before talks broke down.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Albert's future in St. Louis[/h3]
7:29AM ET
[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]
Could the Cardinals be laying the groundwork for life without Albert Pujols?
The three-time National League MVP will be a free agent after next season and he undoubtedly will command astronomical numbers in upcoming contract talks.
Don Lozano, the agent for Pujols met for a second time in three days with the Cardinals' brass Wednesday, general manager John Mozeliak confirmed to the Post Dispatch, though Mozeliak declined to divulge the details of the meeting.
Bryan Burwell of the Post-Dispatch hints Wednesday that the Cardinals could bow out if Pujols is demanding $28 million to $30 million.
"The longer you listen to Cardinals officials who carefully broach the subject, the more it sounds like they are either trying to get you to start getting comfortable with the possible reality of life without Pujols in the not-so-distant future, or at the very least take the concept out for a little public stroll for their own prospective negotiating benefit," Burwell writes.
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark writes that the Cardinals face a 10-week window to get things done with Pujols:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Jayson Stark[/h5]
Crisis time with Albert?
http://[h3]NYY makes $140M offer to Lee[/h3]
6:43AM ET
[h5]Cliff Lee | Rangers [/h5]
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has pushed the chips to the center of the table and it is time for Cliff Lee to decide if he wants to play in New York.
According to various reports, Cashman made a formal offer to Lee's agent, Darek Braunecker, Cashman declined to offer details about the Yankees' offer, but sources told ESPNNewYork.com and ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that the initial offer was for six years and near $140 million -- numbers that fall between the contracts for the New York Mets' Johan Santana (6 years, $137.5 million) and the Yankees' CC Sabathia (7 years, $161 million).
A source had told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that Braunecker left the winter meetings Wednesday afternoon.
With Carl Crawford headed to Boston, the Yankees' could be prepared to do whatever it takes to land Lee, their top offseason priority.
Rangers president Nolan Ryan told ESPNDallas.com on Wednesday night that the Rangers have asked Braunecker to let them know what it will take to sign Lee. Ryan expects it will take six years to sign him and the club will consider doing that. He added that he thinks he could hear something from Lee's camp in the next 48 hours. The Los Angeles Angels have also reached out to representatives for the free-agent left-hander, a source told Crasnick.
Lee has eliminated a suitor, reports ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett, but the Rangers are among those still in the chase.
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
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[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
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[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
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[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
[h2]Truth & Rumors > MLB[/h2]
My T&R
Last T&R
Next T&R
[h1]Greinke open to Yankees trade?[/h1]
08:16 AM ET 12.01 | If the Yankees swing and miss on Cliff Lee, Zack Greinke may be in play. Though Greinke has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team. "I wouldn't put it past him to go to New York," the source said. "I don't think he'd rule out anybody. He says he likes New York. Especially because they're winners. He wants to go to a team that wins."
Yahoo! Sports
Read more: http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_...pen-to-yankees-trade?xid=si_mlb#ixzz17dB1E000
[h1]Greinke is OK with pinstripes[/h1]
By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports Nov 30, 4:00 pm EST
If the New York Yankees somehow lose out on the Cliff Lee(notes) sweepstakes, they still may have a shot at getting an ace to go alongside CC Sabathia(notes).
Though Kansas City starter Zack Greinke(notes) has a no-trade clause in his contract that includes the Yankees and other big-market teams, a source close to the right-hander suggested he would happily pitch anywhere that would provide a winning team.
“I wouldn’t put it past him to go to New York,
