The Major League Baseball Off-Season Post Vol. 24 days until Opening Day 2009

[CP1708]

Peavy's five teams.

Cubs absolutely can NOT let Peavy inside the division if it is not them. NOT let it happen.

 

[wildkycat]

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[h4]-Backs Big Unit to LA or San Diego?[/h4]
Some within the organization seem to be bracing for a split between Randy Johnson and the Diamondbacks, and while others have trouble envisioning him pitching anywhere else, almost everyone seems to think he has not yet thrown his last pitch. Johnson, 45, coming off his second back surgery in as many seasons, was surprisingly durable (30 starts) and largely effective (3.91 ERA) this season, and his 11 wins left him just five victories short of the monumental 300-win plateau. But his situation doesn't seem cut and dried. Just because the Diamondbacks might want him back doesn't mean it will happen. And just because Johnson proved to still be an effective pitcher might not be a guarantee that the free-agent-to-be would want to continue pitching with another team. The club doesn't seem willing to bring Johnson back at anything close to the salary he was paid this season, which was the second year of a two-year, $26 million extension he signed after the Diamondbacks reacquired him in January 2007. ... Along with owning a home in the Valley, he also has a place in Southern California, so pitching for either Los Angeles team or San Diego could be considerations. -- Arizona Republic

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[h4]Braves in hunt for Padres Peavy[/h4]
The Braves are trying to fill their biggest need by trading for San Diego right-hander Jake Peavy, a top-tier major-league ace with a Cy Young award and a Southern drawl to boot. A person familiar with the talks said the Braves and Padres have discussed a potential blockbuster trade that would bring the Alabama native to Atlanta for a package that would include at least three Braves prospects. Peavy grew up in Semmes, Ala., outside Mobile, cheering for the Braves. He's an avid hunter and still spends much of the offseason in Alabama with his wife and children. Peavy has said he would prefer to remain with San Diego on a winning team, but the 99-loss Padres might be rebuilding. ... The Braves could offer a package built around a middle infielder -- Yunel Escobar or Kelly Johnson? -- and prospects from among catcher Tyler Flowers, pitchers Charlie Morton and Kris Medlen, or others. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution


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[h4]Brewers manager opening drawing interest[/h4]
Brewers GM Doug Melvin said Thursday that he was considering a "short list" of other managerial candidates in addition to Dale Sveum, the Brewers' interim manager at the end of the 2008 season. Those candidates all have previous big-league experience as managers, Melvin said, and they contacted him. ... Melvin would not reveal the names of those who have asked about the job. Former big-league managers currently available include Bob Brenly, previously with Arizona but now a TV broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs; Willie Randolph, fired by the Mets during the 2008 season; Davey Johnson, who managed Team USA in the 2008 Olympics; and Mike Hargrove, who stepped down in Seattle last year citing "burnout." ESPN baseball analyst Buck Showalter and TBS announcer Buck Martinez also have experience as big-league managers. There's also Ken Macha, who was Melvin's original choice to manage the Brewers in 2003. When Macha passed to accept the manager's job in Oakland, Melvin hired Ned Yost, who was fired with 12 games remaining this season. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


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[h4]Diamondbacks official up for GM job in Seattle[/h4]
Diamondbacks player personnel director Jerry Dipoto is a finalist for the Seattle general manager position, sources with knowledge of the process said Thursday. Dipoto, a former major league pitcher who joined the D-Backs with general manager Josh Byrnes in 2006, is scheduled for a second interview in the near future, perhaps as early as tonight. Reports from Seattle indicate Dipoto, Milwaukee vice president Jack Zduriencik, Los Angeles Dodgers assistant general manager King Ng and Toronto assistant general manager Tony LaCava are the top candidates. -- East Valley Tribune


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[h4]Padres yet to hear Hoffman's response to contract proposal[/h4]
One week after making a contractual offer to closer Trevor Hoffman, the Padres have yet to receive a response from him or his agent. "We made a contract proposal to them on Friday," General Manager Kevin Towers said yesterday. "We haven't heard their take yet on our offer." Towers made no other comments on the subject, but both the GM and Hoffman have spoken optimistically about striking a deal that would bring the all-time saves leader back to the Padres. Hoffman, 40, drew a $7.5 million salary last year. He has strongly implied that he will accept a pay cut to return. -- San Diego Union-Tribune


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[h4]Cubs won't let Mariners talk to GM Hendry[/h4]
The Cubs are intent on keeping general manager Jim Hendry, despite the ongoing uncertainty about the sale of their franchise. According to Major League Baseball sources, Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney recently declined to give the Seattle Mariners permission to talk to Hendry about their vacant GM position. The Mariners had hoped Hendry would be available because 2008 was the last guaranteed year of his contract, though he holds an option for 2009. The Mariners have been without a GM since firing Bill Bavasi during the season. Lee Pelekoudas has been filling in on an interim basis. -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]Yankees express interest in Padres' Peavy[/h4]
The Yankees are one of several teams that have had preliminary discussions with the San Diego Padres about a possible trade for 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. According to a person familiar with the substance of Thursday's organizational meetings in Tampa, Peavy was a hot topic as word has begun to circulate around baseball that the Padres are interested in shopping Peavy. The person requested anonymity because the contents of the meeting were not intended to be made public. The person said the Yankees had a feeling the Padres might be further down the road in discussions with other teams, such as the Atlanta Braves. And even a very strong offer might not be enough to get Peavy, since his contract includes a no-trade clause. But if the Yankees decided to make young pitchers such as Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy available, they believe they could put together an attractive package for the Padres to at least consider. -- Newark Star-Ledger


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[h4]Minnesota Twins' Bill Smith seeks to bolster bullpen and infield[/h4]
While some of us are kicking back and enjoying the baseball playoffs on TV, Twins general manager Bill Smith is in Fort Myers plotting the team's course for the 2009 season. He's down there watching Instructional League baseball, which can be as exciting as watching grass grow, and preparing to sit down with all the Twins' baseball people during this weekend's organizational meetings. "We've got to resolve a few things here," Smith said. Among them: Decide what to do about the team's free agents. Target players both inside and outside the organization who might help in '09. One thing is for sure, he needs to upgrade a couple of positions this winter. "We've got to bolster the bullpen," he said. "And middle infield is something we have to look at, too." -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]Would Manny Ramirez go to Braves?[/h4]
The local team needs a big bat and a left fielder. Manny Ramirez swings a big bat and plays left field and is a free agent. If you're the Braves, do you chase him? Yes, he's a Scott Boras client, and the Braves regard Boras as the root of all evil. But Manny is also the kind of professional run-producer they lack, and his work with the Dodgers in the final two months and especially the postseason, during which he reached base two-thirds of the time, indicates he's a young 36. Yes, but he's also Manny Ramirez. He loafed his way out of Boston, the same adoring city that toasted Manny the 2004 World Series MVP to the max. He's as strange a character as there is, and the Braves have an aversion to strange characters. (John Rocker wore out his welcome in about eight seconds, Kenny Lofton in 10.) Yes, but the Braves need a Manny in the worst way. This has become a team without oomph and without personality, and Manny, for better and worse, would supply both. He'd enliven the clubhouse, energize the batting order and re-ignite the fan base. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution


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[h4]Dodgers Pierre asks for trade[/h4]
Juan Pierre and Nomar Garciaparra were also about to leave the Dodgers clubhouse to uncertain futures. Pierre's agent says his client wants to be traded, while Garciaparra said he didn't know whether he would retire. -- LA Times


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[h4]Cubs Hendry could take Dempster and Wood with him?[/h4]
Cubs GM Jim Hendry's departure would be a major blow for the franchise. He could conceivably take free agents Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood with him, along with several highly regarded lieutenants. -- Chicago Tribune


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[h4]Dodgers to give Furcal deal with low base salary[/h4]
Though Rafael Furcal says he wants to re-sign with the Dodgers and GM Ned Colletti says he intends to make that happen, uncertainty over the condition of his back could complicate the issue. Because Furcal missed 4 1/2 months because of a herniated disk that required surgery, the Dodgers could offer him an incentive-laden deal with a low base salary that might not provide him with the kind of long-term security he is seeking. -- LA Times


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[h4]Yanks are expected to make run at Manny Ramirez[/h4]
Which team will Manny Ramirez sign a contract with for the 2009 MLB regular season?

Los Angeles Dodgers -125

New York Yankees 3/2

New York Mets 5/1

Philadelphia Phillies 15/1

Boston Red Sox 100/1

Field 9/2 -- Bodog


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[h4]Derek Lowe leaving LA?[/h4]
Derek Lowe is assumed to be leaving. He has often felt underappreciated in his four seasons with the Dodgers, according to sources close to him who spoke anonymously to avoid creating tension while the team was still in the playoffs. The club never approached Lowe, 35, about a contract extension this season, though that in part was because he is represented by Scott Boras, who prefers that his clients test the market. -- LA Times

[h4]MLB still investigating Manny Ramirez trade to LA[/h4]
The commissioner's office continues to investigate the circumstances of his trade to Los Angeles, which Manny Ramirez and Scott Boras approved only after the Red Sox waived the contract provisions that stood in the way of his chance at a new contract this fall. Ramirez did not wish to discuss that, or anything else, as he cleaned out his Dodger Stadium locker Thursday. He declined to answer any questions, disappearing into an elevator as reporters trailed him. "I'll send you guys a Christmas card," he said. -- LA Times


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[h4]Padres pitcher Adams to have surgery[/h4]
Padres pitcher Mike Adams is scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday for a torn labrum and damaged rotator cuff. But unlike last spring, when Adams was assigned to minor league camp as he rehabilitated from his third knee surgery, the reliever knows where he's headed when he recovers. Adams, who finished with a 2.48 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings, made quite an impression after joining the Padres last May and eventually earned a job in the back end of manager Bud Black's bullpen. -- North County Times


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[h4]Millar: Manny Ramirez very cheap[/h4]
Orioles 1B Kevin Millar, appearing as a guest host on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," on former teammate Manny Ramirez not paying for anything: "He's very cheap. Let's get that straight. Cheap�Manny would have a tough time going to team dinners because he was scared he would get the bill." -- Best Damn Sports Show Period

[h4]Millar: Manny an intriguing teammate[/h4]
Orioles 1B Kevin Millar, appearing as a guest host on FSN's "Best Damn Sports Show Period," on having Manny Ramirez as a teammate: "He's the most intriguing teammate I've ever played with. And truth of the matter is, he's the most special right-handed hitter I think this game has ever seen. � He's unbelievable. Does he go through situations where he'll drive you nuts as a teammate? Sure. But he's a soft person, a very geneorus person." -- Best Damn Sports Show Period

 

[paul is on tilt]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

^ If you guys are talking about the Lee and Konerko rumors then I agree 100%.

Which Lee you guys talkin bout?

Derek Lee.

 

[CP1708]

Originally Posted by Paul Is On Tilt

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

^ If you guys are talking about the Lee and Konerko rumors then I agree 100%.

Which Lee you guys talkin bout?

Derek Lee.

Reeeeeeaaaaly.

Hmmm, what do the rumors suggest you guys giving us to get him?

You guys on baord with it, or no way? Lee is a solid player, but he's not 05 Lee anymore.

 

[paul is on tilt]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by Paul Is On Tilt

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

^ If you guys are talking about the Lee and Konerko rumors then I agree 100%.

Which Lee you guys talkin bout?

Derek Lee.

Reeeeeeaaaaly.

Hmmm, what do the rumors suggest you guys giving us to get him?

You guys on baord with it, or no way? Lee is a solid player, but he's not 05 Lee anymore.

One rumor suggested that we trade either Matt Cain or Jonathan Sanchez. After giving it some thought, if this were to happen, either Cain for Leeor Sanchez for Lee, I would not be in favor of it. You're right CP1708, Lee isn't the same guy. Hisproduction has seemed to drop from where it was before. I remember that one year when he was a triple crown threat. I thought he was hella good

. Afterlooking at Lee's stats, he only had one year where he had over 100 RBI's and that was that '05 season.

 

[CP1708]

Originally Posted by Paul Is On Tilt

CP1708 wrote:

---

Originally Posted by Paul Is On Tilt

CP1708 wrote:

---

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

^ If you guys are talking about the Lee and Konerko rumors then I agree 100%.

Which Lee you guys talkin bout?

Derek Lee.

Reeeeeeaaaaly.

Hmmm, what do the rumors suggest you guys giving us to get him?

You guys on baord with it, or no way? Lee is a solid player, but he's not 05 Lee anymore.

One rumor suggested that we trade either Matt Cain or Jonathan Sanchez. After giving it some thought, if this were to happen, either Cain for Lee or Sanchez for Lee, I would not be in favor of it.



Ah, young pitching for vet hitting. Usually doesn't work out so well for the team adding the vet.

How serious is this believed to be? Just some chatting, or actual conversations between the clubs.

I would be sad to see Lee go, but I am always in favor of getting young arms in the system. So, in the end you gotta trade something to get something, yaknow?

 

[johnnyredstorm]

Yankees need to keep Hughes, he's going to break out next year.

 

[paul is on tilt]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by Paul Is On Tilt

CP1708 wrote:

---

Originally Posted by Paul Is On Tilt

CP1708 wrote:

---

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

^ If you guys are talking about the Lee and Konerko rumors then I agree 100%.

Which Lee you guys talkin bout?

Derek Lee.

Reeeeeeaaaaly.

Hmmm, what do the rumors suggest you guys giving us to get him?

You guys on baord with it, or no way? Lee is a solid player, but he's not 05 Lee anymore.

One rumor suggested that we trade either Matt Cain or Jonathan Sanchez. After giving it some thought, if this were to happen, either Cain for Lee or Sanchez for Lee, I would not be in favor of it.



Ah, young pitching for vet hitting. Usually doesn't work out so well for the team adding the vet.

How serious is this believed to be? Just some chatting, or actual conversations between the clubs.

I would be sad to see Lee go, but I am always in favor of getting young arms in the system. So, in the end you gotta trade something to get something, ya know?
I just appears to be speculation. Here's the rumor.

Originally Posted by wildKYcat


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[h4]Giants in market for Marlins Dan Uggla?[/h4]
San Francisco, desperate for a proven bat, is expected to pursue one-dimensional second baseman Dan Uggla. The Giants also may kick the tires on first baseman Paul Konerko of the White Sox and Derrek Lee of the Cubs, both of whom have full no-trade clauses. They probably would have to deal a young pitcher--Jonathan Sanchez or Matt Cain. They're considered expendable because lefty Madison Bumgarner is climbing fast. -- Chicago Tribune

 

[franchise 55]

^ Lee is too old too. I know someone in the Peavy thread said that on SD radio they're saying Adrian Gonzalez might be available as well. He would be thetype of player I would trade a young pitcher for...not a declining star.

 

[paul is on tilt]

Originally Posted by FRANCHISE 55

^ Lee is too old too. I know someone in the Peavy thread said that on SD radio they're saying Adrian Gonzalez might be available as well. He would be the type of player I would trade a young pitcher for...not a declining star.

I remember reading that too somewhere. Adrian Gonzalez would be a nice addition. Yeah, a declining star isn't what I would want to trade for ayoung pitcher.

 

[scuse7]

Originally Posted by JohnnyRedStorm

Yankees need to keep Hughes, he's going to break out next year.

Why do you think that?

I see nothing in him.

 

[wildkycat]

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[h4]Red Sox to go after Jake Peavy?[/h4]
The Red Sox are one of four American League teams the San Diego Padres have identified as potential trading partners for ace Jake Peavy. The others - the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Texas Rangers - have the right mix of top-flight young talent the Padres want and the ability to handle the minimum of $63.5 million remaining on Peavy's contract through 2012. The Sox are expected to do due diligence and have talks with the Padres but the full no-trade clause Peavy holds would make an acquisition more expensive and more complicated than for other teams. With Peavy having a "strong preference," to remain in the National League, according to his agent, an American League team would have to come up with some enticement for the right-hander to accept a trade. Guaranteeing the $22 million option for 2013 would be one step, as would changing partial no-trade language in future years into an ironclad no-trade clause. Also, because Peavy just bought a house on the West Coast, frequent coast-to-coast travel incentives - similar to the ones the Sox agreed to with Daisuke Matsuzaka - would be part of the mix for the Sox or Yankees. -- Boston Herald

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[h4]Chavez: A's should add Jason Giambi[/h4]
Eric Chavez said he'd be all in favor of the A's signing Jason Giambi, who is expected to be a free agent after the World Series. Beane has said he plans to add a bat this offseason, and though the team doesn't comment on free agents as a matter of policy, it's likely that the A's at least would hold some conversations with their former first baseman. "I think it's a great fit," Chavez said. "I don't know if it will happen or not, and I don't know what the shape of the team will be, but Jason has had productive seasons in New York and there's no doubt he could still be a good hitter. And he'd be a big hit in the clubhouse. "Every time I watch him, it seems like he comes up with a big hit or a home run." -- SF Chronicle


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[h4]Willie Randolph high on Brewers' managing list[/h4]
Willie Randolph is expected to be among the leading candidates for the Brewers' managerial vacancy. Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin, after informing interim manager Dale Sveum that he wouldn't be retained, indicated he wanted to hire a skipper with managerial experience and a track record of success. Randolph, despite presiding over the Mets' 2007 collapse, was fired in June with the second-highest winning percentage in franchise history at .544 (302-253), and also led the team to the NL East title in 2006. -- NY Daily News


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[h4]Giants trading Bengie Molina?[/h4]
Teams needing catchers are looking at two veterans as trade possibilities: Baltimore's Ramon Hernandez, 32, and San Francisco's Bengie Molina, 34. The Orioles will likely go with Matt Wieters as their everyday guy, making Hernandez expendable. Molina is intriguing because he combines good defense with his hitting ability. The Padres recently let former Sox catcher Josh Bard go. One NL scout said his team didn't have good reports on Bard defensively. Bard cleared waivers and has not been signed yet. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]BoSox David Ortiz says surgery won't be needed on wrist[/h4]
It didn't take long for Red Sox slugger David Ortiz to be asked the question everyone wanted answered: Are you going to have surgery on your wrist during the offseason? "No," he said. "I'm just going to try to get my hand stronger, chill out for a minute and come back ready to go like I know how next year." Ortiz missed 45 games in midseason with a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. Ortiz went 0 for 3 in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last night, and finished the series with a .154 average. "I just didn't hit," he said. "They are not going to put the ball on a tee for me. [Rays starter Matt Garza] was filthy tonight. He was making his pitches, so what can you do? It wasn't our year. We had a lot of injuries and a lot of different things this year. It's been a tough year and we tried to fight back. It's not what we expect, but we played better than what we did. "You have to give them credit," added Ortiz. -- Providence Journal


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[h4]Ichiro to play for Team Japan in WBC[/h4]
Don't plan on seeing much of Ichiro Suzuki at spring training next year. Ichiro told the Kyodo News Service on Sunday that he plans on playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic next spring. "I will try to win the WBC in earnest again," Ichiro told Kyodo. Three years ago, when Japan won the inaugural WBC, Ichiro started the year in Japan and not in Peoria, Ariz., with the Mariners. With Japan advancing to the finals, the right fielder didn't join the Mariners until the last two weeks of March. -- Seattle P-I


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[h4]Derek Lowe wants return to Fenway[/h4]
Derek Lowe is putting Boston first on his list of preferred destinations now that he's a free agent. Lowe told this reporter that while money is important, he wants to go to a quality organization committed to winning, and no organization, in his mind, fits that description better than Boston. Would the Red Sox be interested? That's what Lowe doesn't know. He left Boston after the 2004 season to sign a four-year, $36 million deal with the Dodgers. Off-the-field issues were a big factor in the Red Sox making a tough decision to part ways after he won three clinching games in the postseason that year. ... The Yankees, Mets, Tigers, Indians, Cardinals, Cubs, Angels, Braves, Phillies, Rangers, Astros, and Blue Jays are all said to be very interested in Lowe. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]A's Ellis ready to sign off on multiyear deal[/h4]
Unlike many of the team's prominent free agents in recent years, Mark Ellis will be staying in Oakland. The second baseman is set to sign a multiyear deal with the A's, and an announcement is expected in the next day or two. "I'm very excited," Ellis, 31, said by phone from his Arizona home Saturday. "Oakland has been a very good place for me and my family, and it's really a big relief to be back there." -- SF Chronicle


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[h4]Giants could go after Manny or Burrell?[/h4]
In a weak NL West, the Giants could make a move or two that gets them back in contention quickly. Would they be a dark horse candidate for Manny Ramirez, as a draw to replace Barry Bonds? All sorts of possibilities. Pat Burrell? If the Giants don't go there, they would prefer a hitter they can have under their control for a while. Delmon Young, who flamed out in Minnesota this season, has been talked about. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]Jim Tracy up for Brewers job?[/h4]
Jim Tracy had some success in his five seasons as manager of the Dodgers, leading them to the NL West title in 2004 and posting winning records three other times. With nowhere near as much talent in Pittsburgh, he was fired after seasons of 95 and 94 losses. Tracy faced the Brewers often while managing in Pittsburgh and saw them improve while the Pirates went nowhere. Thus, he'd be interested in the Milwaukee job, and reportedly is itching to manage again. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


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[h4]Twins Mauer could cash in at Fenway?[/h4]
Some people believe that hitting in Fenway Park with its infamous left-field wall might be worth another 30 points for Twins catcher Joe Mauer, the two-time American League batting champion who can become a free agent after two more seasons. -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]BoSox Varitek takes a pass on future considerations[/h4]
When Jason Varitek was asked about his future, with or without the Red Sox, he wasn't interested in offering much perspective. Last night's Game 7 loss to the Rays was still fresh, offseason issues could be dealt with another day. "I would really rather not right now," Varitek said after what could have been his final game with the Sox. He was asked again later, by a different reporter and he said again, "I would rather not talk about it." His voice thickened as he answered, and as he looked down to fix the bags of ice on his knees. He turned away from the assembled group. That would be the last word from the catcher. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]Canseco regrets book about steroids?[/h4]
Turns out Jose Canseco, who zealously hyped his book Juiced, now says that book about steroids in baseball was his "biggest mistake." Canseco, charged last week with a misdemeanor after U.S. immigration officials said he returned from Mexico with a drug that is illegal without a prescription, says in Monday night's A&E Network's The Last Shot special that he shouldn't have written the book and "regrets mentioning players (as steroid users). I never realized this was going to blow up and hurt so many people." -- USA Today


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[h4]Paul Molitor in mix for Brewers job[/h4]
With interim manager Dale Sveum out of consideration, it will be surprising if the Brewers don't consider Twins special assistant and hall of famer Paul Molitor, a former Brewer, for the job. -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]Brewers eye Padres Jake Peavy[/h4]
The Braves are pushing hard to land San Diego ace Jake Peavy (Atlanta shortstop Yunel Escobar would have to be included in a deal), but if you're looking for a sleeper for Peavy, a few people are keeping their eye on Milwaukee, which will likely lose CC Sabathia, and possibly the oft-injured Ben Sheets. Milwaukee makes sense, considering the Padres want a shortstop and the Brewers would move J.J. Hardy in the right situation. Peavy has indicated he would prefer to pitch in the National League and can control things with his no-trade clause. He's listing Atlanta, Houston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, and Chicago as preferences, but Milwaukee wouldn't be a hard sell. -- Boston Glove


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[h4]Yanks want to offer Bowa job[/h4]
The Yankees will have a clearer idea of who their third base coach will be later this week. That's when Larry Bowa will meet with Dodgers brass to discuss his future. Bowa, who is the Yankees' No. 1 choice to replace Bobby Meacham, recently finished the first of a two-year deal to coach third for the Dodgers. Nevertheless, Bowa has an out in the contract. Bowa, the best third base coach in baseball, was with the Yankees in 2006 and 2007 but not retained when manager Joe Torre didn't return for the 2008 season. Instead, Bowa joined Torre in Los Angeles. If Bowa decides to stay with the Dodgers, the Yankees might turn to Mike Gallego or Dale Sveum. -- NY Post


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[h4]Willie Randolph to DC?[/h4]
A couple of coaches the Nationals had set their sights on have rebuffed them, feeling there's an unsettled situation there with management. One was Al Pedrique, who elected to become the Astros' minor league field coordinator. The Nationals are trying to land Willie Randolph to be Manny Acta's bench coach. -- Boston Globe


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[h4]Twins to extend Gardenhire this week[/h4]
A new, well-deserved contract for manager Ron Gardenhire could come out of this week's Twins organizational meetings in Fort Myers, Fla. -- Pioneer Press


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[h4]BoSox Francona explains Beckett decision[/h4]
Red Sox manager Terry Francona explained his decision to lift Game 6 starter Josh Beckett after 78 pitches and five innings Saturday night. "I thought it was enough," Francona said. "I think we all admit it's not vintage, 'Hey, give me the ball, let me take it to the finish line.' It was more, 'I'll give you everything I have' and he found a way to get us to a certain point. I thought he did his job, let's go ahead and give it to the bullpen." -- Boston Herald


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[h4]http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2008/10/18/2008-10-18_its_broke_scared__contrite_jose_canseco_.html]Canseco unmasked in TV documentary[/url][/h4]
Jose Canseco, admitted steroid user and Major League Baseball's black sheep, says that he is sorry he penned his 2005 steroid tell-all "Juiced" and that he is scared for his health after 23 years of hard-core performance-enhancing drug use, a steroid addiction he claims he kicked only this year. Those are some of the shocking revelations that are part of "Jose Canseco: The Last Shot," an hour-long documentary airing Monday night on A&E (10 p.m.). Filmed from roughly the first week of June until Labor Day 2008, according to A&E, the program follows the former Bash Brother through his seemingly endless health, financial and personal woes, although there is only a brief note at the end of the program regarding his Oct. 9 drug bust for trying to smuggle the female fertility drug human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) across the Mexican border. Canseco, 44, was arraigned on a misdemeanor charge last week and has a Nov. 4 court date. -- NY Daily News

[h4]http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2008/10/19/a_fine_mesh_in_philadelphia/]BoSox to keep Wakefield?[/url][/h4]
When the Red Sox think about picking up Tim Wakefield's rolling $4.5 million option, they should consider that he was the victim of seven blown saves. That tied Seattle's Jarrod Washburn, Washington's Tim Redding, and the Mets' Johan Santana for the most in baseball. -- Boston Globe

[h4]http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/article48773.ece]Source: Madonna to go public with A-Rod[/url][/h4]
Guy Ritchie, 40, is RESIGNED to Madonna running off with baseball star Alex "A-Rod" Rodriguez--and how she's been BOMBARDING the �12million-a-year sportsman with phone calls. Our source also revealed how Guy--famous for Brit gangster films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and latest movie RocknRolla--is convinced Madonna will begin openly dating new love A-Rod. Last year the New York Yankees star's wife Cynthia named the singer as one of his string of 'other women' in divorce proceedings. -- The Sun

 

[scuse7]

Good stuff

 

[DownByLaw]

Cards decline to exercise Mulder option


By Derrick Goold

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

10/21/2008

The Cardinals notified lefthanded pitcher Mark Mulder that his option for the 2009 season will not be exercised, and with that move the club did more than conclude a contract. It ended what became a cautionary tale. Since signing a two-year, $13 million deal with the Cardinals, Mulder spiraled through two seasons with a persistent and perplexing shoulder injury. The Cardinals banked on him being a healthy and effective pitcher again, but because of injuries the club did not get a win from the lefty during the contract.

Mulder came to personify a habit the Cardinals had of hoping for a recovering pitcher's health. "When we look at next year, I'm going to be very cautious not to allow us to go down the same path that we did last season with players and injuries," general manager John Mozeliak said. "You have to have some assurances. You're only one injury away in this game, and I think we have to do what we can to minimize that (exposure) as much as possible." The Cardinals had until Nov. 15 to notify Mulder of their intention to buy him out of the $11 million option for 2009.

Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, confirmed Monday that he recently received official notice from the Cardinals of their intention to pay the $1.5 million buyout. Scott Spiezio and Matt Clement also had options for 2009, and neither will be exercised. Both were released this past season. Similar to Mulder, Clement was coming off shoulder surgery when the Cardinals signed him last winter.

He did not recover enough of his strength to pitch in the majors this season. After two rehab assignments and a brief experiment throwing almost sidearm, Mulder did. He pitched 1 2/3 innings total. On July 9, he made his only start of the season. He made 16 pitches against Philadelphia before his twice surgically repaired shoulder collapsed. He has not thrown a pitch since. "We had very high expectations that Mark would come back and throw to the capabilities he had when we acquired him from Oakland," Mozeliak said. "That didn't happen."

Mulder won 16 games in 2005 for the Cardinals and then began a slow erosion of his mechanics, his success and his health. Shoulder trouble limited him to 17 starts in 2006 and surgery in September ended his season. That winter he was courted by the Cardinals and Texas, eventually signing for a return to St. Louis. His deal, rich with incentives, guaranteed him $13 million, including the $1.5 million buyout of the option. His agent called the return "unfinished business," and the lefty said at the time that "nobody in St. Louis has seen what I'm capable of doing. The shoulder kept that from happening.

Mulder lost all three of his starts in 2007 before a second shoulder operation was needed. The first operation refastened the labrum, but repair to the rotator cuff did not take and needed to be addressed in another procedure. When he returned from the second operation, he had his moments - including a couple of successful minor-league starts - but he encountered persistent difficulty getting his arm to rotate consistently enough to pitch. His shoulder resisted his preferred delivery, causing his elbow to buckle and his pitches to lose velocity, movement and control.

I am so glad this piece of @!#@ is gone and to think that we gave up Dan Haren for him

 

[N41D]

Sounds like the Rangers have pretty much zeroed in on Rick Peterson as their next pitching coach...

 

[red is on nt]

I'd like to see the Giants pursue either Manny or Burrell. Either would be a huge addition.

 

[atljunkie]

Damn Atlanta trying to make moves. Thinking about Peavy but giving up escobar? who would fill the ss void? omar infante?

Braves badly need pitching and a couple more bats since they off'd with Tex and Kotsay.

 

[wildkycat]

Cubs might play unofficial opener at new Yankee Stadium

NEW YORK -- The Chicago Cubs might play the unofficial opener at the new Yankee Stadium.

The Cubs and Yankees are talking about playing an exhibition game or games the weekend before most teams open the regular season, on Monday, April 6.

While the Cubs are the Yankees' first choice, the teams are still negotiating.

The official opener of the $1.6 billion ballpark is April 16 against Cleveland.

 

[wildkycat]

Peavy needs concessions to waive no-trade

Jake Peavy has the power to block the Padres' efforts to trade him with the no-trade clause in his contract. For now, he is playing along, and has presented San Diego some guidelines. He'd prefer a National League team to an American League team because the man likes to hit and run the bases. He'd prefer to play for the Houston Astros, or the Atlanta Braves, or the Dodgers or the Cubs or the St. Louis Cardinals. He'll listen if the Padres have other ideas, such as dealing him to the Yankees.
But in the end, there will be a price for his agreement, which his agent indicated Monday evening. Barry Axelrod, the agent, was asked whether Peavy will require some concessions to agree to a proposed trade. "Yup," he responded. "If Jake gets traded, then his 10-5 rights will disappear somewhere along the way. If he gets traded, we'll certainly require that he'll get a no-trade provision [with his next team]." When a player has been in the big leagues 10 years, and five years with the same team, he has the right to veto a deal. If he were to stay with the Padres, he'd get those rights sometime in 2012. If he were traded to Atlanta, for example, it would take him another five years to build up the no-trade equity -- and under the terms of his current deal with the Padres, his ability to block trades will begin to slowly disappear in the years ahead -- he can block trades to 14 teams in 2011, and eight teams at the outset of 2012. There may be other considerations as well, Axelrod said without elaborating. But Peavy certainly would have the leverage to extract more guaranteed money from his next team. Players in a similar situation as he is in have asked that a contractual option be exercised in return for waiving a no-trade clause, and Peavy has a $22 million option for 2013, with a $4 million buyout; he could just ask for more money in the buyout. Another factor for Peavy to consider, Axelrod said, is what other types of moves the Padres make in the weeks ahead -- what moves are made to improve the team, or if there are more cutbacks. No matter what he ultimately decides that he wants, Peavy will hold the hammer that could break apart the trade talks.

• Mark Prior, who had a second, less-invasive surgery on his right shoulder earlier this year, is in the midst of a throwing program and should be ready for the start of the 2009 season, said his agent, John Boggs. Prior is expected to file for free agency. "He said he feels good, that his shoulder has never felt better," said Boggs.

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Unless Mark Prior has fixed his horrendous mechanics he will be injured again soon.

Also Jeff Francouer is your best hitter you have BIG problems
Dude is like a poor mans Joe Carter.

 

[thasoleful1]

could a Molina trade mean Buster Posey is gonna get the start?

 

[osh kosh bosh]

Originally Posted by thaSOLEful1

could a Molina trade mean Buster Posey is gonna get the start?

Possibly.

From what I understand Posey still needed work behind the plate defensively but I don't think he's horrendous. You still have Sandoval but he can play1st base. Plus for the short time he was there Buster tore up Rookie ball but unless he at least plays some time in AA or AAA I wouldn't recommend it.

 

[DownByLaw]

The Cardinals should sign Prior, Duncan would work wonders with him.

 

[cincoseisdos]

Originally Posted by wildKYcat

Cubs might play unofficial opener at new Yankee Stadium

NEW YORK -- The Chicago Cubs might play the unofficial opener at the new Yankee Stadium.

The Cubs and Yankees are talking about playing an exhibition game or games the weekend before most teams open the regular season, on Monday, April 6.

While the Cubs are the Yankees' first choice, the teams are still negotiating.

The official opener of the $1.6 billion ballpark is April 16 against Cleveland.

see, the smart decision would be to invite the dodgers to open it. the cubs have nothing

 

[wildkycat]

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[h4]Cubs eye Abreu and Teixeira[/h4]
Left-handed hitters and switch-hitters who could be available include free agents Bobby Abreu and Mark Teixeira along with Brian Roberts and Coco Crisp, who may be on the trading block again. Abreu and Teixeira will command lucrative long-term deals. The Cubs would have to trade Derrek Lee if they wanted to sign Teixeira, and Lee has a no-trade clause. -- Chicago Tribune

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[h4]Chipper Jones says Peavy 'perfect fit' for Atlanta[/h4]
Braves 3B Chipper Jones has read all reports of his team's trade interest in San Diego Padres pitching ace Jake Peavy, and hopes Braves general manager Frank Wren can finalize a deal for the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner. "If his arm is sound, this guy's one of the best in the game," Jones said of Peavy, a 27-year-old Alabama native who had ERAs of 2.88 or lower in four of the past five seasons, including three consecutive seasons or 200 or more innings before missing a month in 2008 with a strained elbow. The Padres' career strikeouts leader is signed to a relatively reasonable contract worth $59 million over the next four seasons, plus a $22 million option in 2013 or $4 million buyout. Peavy was raised in Semmes, Ala., outside Mobile, and has a home there and a hunting and fishing cabin on the Alabama river near Camden. To get a deal done, it seems likely the Braves would have to part with at least two pitching prospects in a package that might also require Schafer or perhaps promising shortstop Yunel Escobar or second baseman Kelly Johnson. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution


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[h4]Brewers GM: Bobby V interested in managerial job[/h4]
Brewers GM Doug Melvin told "The Big Show" on Sports Radio 1250 in Milwaukee that former Mets and Rangers manager Bobby Valentine has expressed interest in the teams managerial job: "Bobby has shown some interest through a representative. I know Bobby from Texas. He comes across as a bright and intelligent baseball mind. He's got a lot of enthusiasm. His mentor was Tommy Lasorda, he's got a lot of motivational tactics that Tommy I'm sure his mentor had. Its a name that I haven't made a final decision as to weather to interview." -- Sports Radio 1250 WSSP Milwaukee


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[h4]Red Sox eye Teixeira and Holliday?[/h4]
When General Manager Theo Epstein addressed reporters in Boston on Monday, he emphasized that the team would be selective in pursuing free agents. Mark Teixeira, a first baseman, is the most attractive hitter on the market. If the Colorado Rockies try to trade outfielder Matt Holliday, the Red Sox could use some of their prospects to make a deal. -- NY Times


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[h4]Red Sox can't afford to trade Youkilis[/h4]
If the Red Sox want to open up the vault and do what it takes to bring slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira to Boston . . . wonderful. If in doing so there is a chain reaction that results in Kevin Youkilis being traded . . . stupid. Teixeira would be limited to first base or DH were he to sign with the Red Sox. Oh, he's played some outfield here and there (32 career games, none since 2004), that's not going to happen with the Red Sox. Nor can he DH, not with David Ortiz [stats] still on the payroll. The problem with first base is that Youkilis happens to play there. And the problem with shifting Youkilis back to third base, as the Sox did on a temporary basis both in the regular season and the postseason, is that Mike Lowell has two years remaining on his contract and is expected to make a comeback from the hip surgery he underwent Monday. -- Bpston Herald


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[h4]Cubs eye Roberts and Ibanez[/h4]
Switch-hitting leadoff hitter Brian Roberts, whom the Cubs pursued last offseason, and lefty-swinging outfielder Raul Ibanez, a player they targeted at midseason, are still thought to be on general manager Jim Hendry's radar. -- Chicago Sun-Times


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[h4]Dodgers Brad Penny to Red Sox?[/h4]
That's why the Red Sox at least will explore the starting market this offseason, whether it's inquiring about a trade for Padres ace Jake Peavy, checking out 2007 AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia, or monitoring former Dodgers All-Star Brad Penny, a two-time 16-game winner whose $8.75 option may not get exercised because of a shoulder injury. -- Boston Herald


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[h4]Padres Peavy on trade block for variety of reasons[/h4]
How other clubs value Jake Peavy, of course, will factor into whether the Padres will trade the right-hander, whose consent would be needed for a trade to any club. Towers has said it behooves him to find out the market value of not only Peavy but several of his players. Agreement comes from Padres executive Paul DePodesta, who blogged on the subject last Thursday under the heading "On Trading Peavy." "As with any offseason or trading deadline," DePodesta wrote, "we're assessing the market value for our players to see whether or not that value surpasses their value to the Padres. "If you have something you value at one million dollars, it would be foolish to refuse to consider selling it for twenty million dollars. On the flip side, it would also be foolish to sell it for anything less than one million. The thing that makes the market work is that each player has a different value to virtually every club." -- San Diego Union-Tribune


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[h4]Randolph gets interview with Brewers[/h4]
Former New York Mets manager Willie Randolph was scheduled to interview Tuesday for the Milwaukee Brewers' managerial opening. The Brewers are not revealing the candidates they are considering but a source familiar with the situation said Randolph had an interview scheduled. Former Oakland manager Ken Macha has been interviewed for the job, also, and former Arizona manager Bob Brenly also is thought to have talked to the Brewers. Randolph, 54, was interviewed by the previous Brewers regime for the managerial job that went to Davey Lopes before the 2000 season. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


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[h4]Braves pass on Sabathia and Sheets?[/h4]
The Braves aren't expected to bid for top free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia, who could land at least a $20-million-a-year long-term contract, or injury-prone Milwaukee free agent Ben Sheets. -- Atlanta Journal-Constitution


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[h4]Marlins stadium could open in 2011[/h4]
Negotiations on a final Marlins stadium agreement are taking longer than anticipated, and Miami-Dade county manager George Burgess doesn't expect a commission vote until November or December. ''By mid-2009 would be a target for groundbreaking,'' he said. The Marlins previously said they needed to start construction this year to open in 2011. -- Miami Herald


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[h4]Source: Mariners in no rush to name GM[/h4]
Deafening silence continued to emanate from the Mariners on Tuesday regarding their general-manager vacancy. As a fourth day passed since they conducted the last of their second-round interviews, no decision on the crucial hire was announced, or apparently made. All four finalists remained in limbo during the day. The Mariners have narrowed their search to Tony LaCava, assistant GM of the Blue Jays; Jerry DiPoto, player personnel director for the Diamondbacks; Jack Zduriencik, VP of player personnel for the Brewers; and Kim Ng, assistant GM of the Dodgers. By all accounts, the Mariners are trying to be absolutely certain they make the right choice to replace Bill Bavasi, fired in June. Lee Pelekoudas is serving as interim GM and was one of seven candidates to interview, but is not among the finalists. One baseball official pointed out that the Mariners don't have to hurry because no other teams are seeking a GM. Therefore, there are no concerns about their candidates being hired elsewhere. -- Seattle Times


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[h4]Brewers should go for Brenly?[/h4]
So by deduction, we know what the Brewers will require of their next manager. He must have a calm, placid and reassuring personality wrapped around an old and wise baseball soul. Of all the candidates who have been mentioned for the job, Bob Brenly seems to present the closest match. Brenly managed the Arizona Diamondbacks to the 2001 World Series upset of the New York Yankees. He won divisional titles and was productive until the natural cycles in a sport unencumbered by financial restraint caused an inevitable ebb for the Diamondbacks, leading to his dismissal four years ago. -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


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[h4]Rothschild to return as Cubs pitching coach[/h4]
Larry Rothschild, the Cubs' pitching coach the last seven seasons, confirmed he will return next season. Despite speculation Rothschild might leave the organization, he is working on a multiyear deal that is expected to be completed in the next week or so. -- Chicago Sun-Times


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[h4]Josh Hamilton roots for Rays without feeling left out[/h4]
Rangers star Josh Hamilton has a strong rooting interest in the World Series. "I think it's awesome," said Hamilton, who served 3 1/2 years of suspensions as a Rays minor-leaguer. "I'm pulling for those guys. I told them every time I saw them this year that I was happy for their success. I played a lot with some of those guys. There's a connection there, so you want to see them do well." He remains closest to left fielder Carl Crawford, a second-round pick in 1999, and Rocco Baldelli, the Rays' first-round pick in 2000. The 16th-round pick in 2000, James Shields, will be Tampa Bay's starting pitcher in Game 2. Hamilton left a voice mail for Crawford on Sunday before Tampa Bay beat Boston to win the AL Championship Series, advising the Rays to keep calm under pressure and do all the right things. -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram


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[h4]Rockies called about Padres Peavy[/h4]
The Rockies called about the availability of Padres ace Jake Peavy, but we're told that Colorado is not one of the teams for which he would waive his no-trade clause. The Braves are considered the favorites to land the right-hander. -- Denver Post


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[h4]How About That?[/h4]
$5 -- Price for a 21-ounce draft beer at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. This price is the cheapest in the major leagues, according to Team Marketing Report. At Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, $5 gets you 16 ounces of beer. -- U.S. Census Bureau