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Originally Posted by lalo1333
have fun in san fran johnny
Getting a 2 year $14 million.
The Major League Baseball Offseason Post
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by wildkycat,
- Start date
have fun in san fran johnny
Getting a 2 year $14 million.
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scott boras is a terrible person.
but this quote is what im talking about in regards to milton and griffey
"Some of the things that happen to you in your life as a baseball player are kind of surreal to you and getting to play with Ken Griffey Jr. is one ofthem,'' Bradley told me when I asked him how much interraction they'd had over the years. "There's only two guys that I wanted anautograph from in my life and that's Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. I got to meet both of them and get their autograph and spend some time (with them).So, it's been surreal and just an absolute blast for me.
griffey will keep him in check
but this quote is what im talking about in regards to milton and griffey
"Some of the things that happen to you in your life as a baseball player are kind of surreal to you and getting to play with Ken Griffey Jr. is one ofthem,'' Bradley told me when I asked him how much interraction they'd had over the years. "There's only two guys that I wanted anautograph from in my life and that's Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. I got to meet both of them and get their autograph and spend some time (with them).So, it's been surreal and just an absolute blast for me.
griffey will keep him in check
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Don't worry, Nick Johnson can't stay off the DL.Originally Posted by bkmac
at the thought of Nick Johnson batting 2nd. Sure, he gets on base, but hell, I rather see Cano 2nd then him.
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Personally, I don't think that everything that happened in Chicago can be placed on Milton
but thats just me
but thats just me
bkmac
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Oh, I know. He was a former Yankee, so I know the deal.Originally Posted by ooIRON MANoo
Don't worry, Nick Johnson can't stay off the DL.Originally Posted by bkmac
at the thought of Nick Johnson batting 2nd. Sure, he gets on base, but hell, I rather see Cano 2nd then him.
With that said, I miss Hideki Matsui so +!%@@$@ much.
Is Seattle Milton Bradley's last chance?
Saturday, December 19, 2009 | Feedback | Print Entry
Difficult teammates come with all forms of behavior. Albert Belle was known as Mr. Freeze to the others in the Indians' clubhouse because he liked to keep the temperature in the room at something close to what sled dogs could appreciate, and he once reinforced his opinion on this matter by smashing the thermostat with a bat (after turning down the temperature, naturally).
When I covered the Orioles in 1995, teammates grew tired of Kevin Brown's explosions after he had a tough night on the mound; he'd bash everything from light bulbs to his nameplate, and position players muttered that Camden Yards would be rubble if they reacted this way after each failed at-bat. Starting pitchers get tagged as bad teammates probably more than anybody because they have more time on their hands, and if they don't spend that time in a way that is seen as appropriate -- in other words, actively participating in the dugout and supporting teammates during games in which they don't pitch -- they will be seen as selfish.
Milton Bradley was viewed by others in the Cubs' clubhouse as a difficult teammate, but not because he was seen as a jerk. It's just that his presence was overpowering, others in the clubhouse say; his unhappiness was overpowering. And it played out every day in the newspapers. Because he was so volatile in his responses to whatever was happening -- a flare-up with umpires, booing from fans, a slump that lasted most of the season -- the reporters who cover the team naturally did a daily temperature-taking with Bradley, and his unhappiness just fueled this.
His indignation never seemed to dissipate and he continued to be a distraction for teammates day after day, and in a sport in which the players work to maintain an even temperament so that they can better handle the 0-fers and the other failures that are inherent in the sport, this was a problem. The Cubs had a terrible season for a lot of reasons, and the Bradley cloud that hung over the team was just one of them, which is why he was sent home at season's end.
So now Bradley goes to Seattle in a trade, to a Mariners team which, by all accounts, had a tremendous clubhouse culture. Ken Griffey Jr. came in and was a great teammate, and so was Mike Sweeney, and the addition of these two veterans seemed to create a feeling of inclusion, even for Ichiro Suzuki, who in the past was seen as an isolated presence by teammates. Maybe it required a superstar-level player like Griffey Jr. to do that, but no matter how it happened, they had a really good thing going.
Bradley is a marvelously talented hitter, which he showed in San Diego in 2007, when his OPS was over 1.000, and with Texas in 2008, when he posted an on-base percentage of .436. Even during what was perceived to be a down year for the Cubs in 2009, he got on base almost 38 percent of the time; he gets hits, he draws a lot of walks. He is capable of being a real force.
But he has been on the move his entire career, and the Mariners will be his fifth team in the past four seasons, and the eighth organization. There was very little interest in Bradley from other clubs when the Cubs made it clear that they had to move him. The Mariners put a lot of money into this deal to make it happen, because they believe in Bradley's talent, but they also have a lot at stake in 2010 -- it's apparent, from the Cliff Lee trade and the Chone Figgins signing that the Mariners are in a win-now mode -- and it's hard to imagine that they'll be as patient as the Cubs were (out of contractual necessity) in 2009.
After Milton was suspended by the Cubs in September, David Haugh interviewed Bradley's mother, Charlene Rector, and within the piece, she said, "He was raised in a Christian home. He believes that God don't make mistakes. … And if that door in Chicago closes for him, he thinks another one will open. It always does."
This may be the last door for Bradley in baseball, however. He is considered by those who know him best as a thoughtful and empathetic person, someone who can be a good friend. But he has just about run out of second chances, and if he wants to continue to play the sport he loves, he needs to weigh the impact of his emotions on those around him.
Bradley wants to get off to a fresh start in Seattle, writes Larry Stone. In the media, there has to be a bad guy and a good guy, he says.
Bradley had an unusual season in 2009 as far as production, as his page sponsor on baseball-reference.com notes:
[table][tr][td]Bradley in 2009[/td] [/tr][tr][td]
[/td] [td]BA[/td] [td]HR[/td] [td]RBI[/td] [td]OBP[/td] [/tr][tr][td]April 6-27[/td] [td].042[/td] [td]1[/td] [td]1[/td] [td].281[/td] [/tr][tr][td]April 28-Sept 4[/td] [td].284[/td] [td]11[/td] [td]37[/td] [td].403[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Sept 5-17[/td] [td].143[/td] [td]0[/td] [td]2[/td] [td].189[/td] [/tr][/table]
The Mariners' trade for Bradley could be the deal of the year, writes Steve Kelley. Bradley is no Dizzy Dean, writes John McGrath.
Spoke with rival talent evaluators about the deal, and the reviews of the Mariners' trade were mixed. "Why would they ruin a great offseason doing that?" said one AL evaluator. Said another: "The money to Silva was lost anyone, so this is a relatively cheap upgrade for a guy with a high ceiling. There really wasn't another guy like him out there [on the free-agent market]."
Gordon Wittenmyer writes about Bradley: Good riddance.
Back in October, executives with other teams viewed the Bradley-for-Carlos Silva swap as the most likely scenario.
The Cubs are hoping Silva returns to form, writes Dave van Dyck.
On Carlos Silva, from Mark Simon of ESPN Stats & Information:
[table][tr][td]Worst ERA past two seasons (min. 100 IP)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Carlos Silva[/td] [td]6.81[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Jason Berken[/td] [td]6.54[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Adam Eaton[/td] [td]6.52[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Brian Burres[/td] [td]6.42[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Brandon Backe[/td] [td]6.36[/td] [/tr][/table] [table][tr][td]Worst opp. BA past two seasons (min. 100 IP)[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Carlos Silva[/td] [td].330[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Jason Berken[/td] [td].327[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Livan Hernandez[/td] [td].325[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Sidney Ponson[/td] [td].317[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Brian Burres[/td] [td].314[/td] [/tr][/table][h3]Free-agency dollars[/h3]
Total spent during the entire 2008-09 offseason: $1,162,507,500.
Total spent during the 2009-10 offseason, so far: $342,125,000.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The fact that the Mariners traded for Bradley must have felt like a body blow for some agents representing corner outfielders on the free-agent market, because the perception was that Seattle might spend big for a left fielder/DH type. In the offseason game of free-agent musical chairs, the Mariners' signing of Bradley "means that one more chair just got taken away," said a GM.
Holliday
2. Heard this: The Red Sox offered $82.5 million to Matt Holliday during the winter meetings, but when that offer was turned down, they made that same offer to John Lackey -- and now they are all but out of the mix on Holliday.
3. The Cardinals continue to believe their offer to Holliday is the best, sources say. Maybe Holliday should learn from Johnny Damon, writes Bernie Miklasz.
There really is no push for the Cardinals or Holliday to get this resolved. The Cardinals want Holliday, and if he landed elsewhere unexpectedly, they could go after one or two of the much less expensive options on the market; as colleague Jayson Stark notes, to this point, only one free-agent outfielder has signed. There are a lot of similar secondary options out there. On the other side, if the Cardinals do, in fact, have the best offer to Holliday, it really doesn't hurt the outfielder and Boras to wait to see if something else materializes. The X factor is whether the Cardinals will just get fed up and move on.
Damon
4. This does bring up an interesting situation. The Cardinals might be a perfect fit in many respects for a free agent who is looking for a job: Johnny Damon. It might make sense for Damon's agent to pursue this avenue, because the Cardinals have money to spend; they have a need for a left fielder, and you could make a case that overall Damon is the third-best outfielder on the market now, behind Holliday and Bay. If I were Damon, I'd probably be looking for a possible deal with the Cardinals. But Damon, of course, is represented by Boras, who needs to keep the Cardinals in play for Holliday, who is going to get a bigger contract. It would make sense for Boras to try to steer Damon to the Mets before New York strikes a deal for Jason Bay.
5. Heard this: Internally, the Mets are convinced they are the lone big-money bidder on Bay. They continue to monitor the market on Holliday, but to this point they have not made an offer.
The Mets' offer is still close to the four-year proposal they made last week, writes Anthony McCarron.
6. Jason Varitek ponders what will likely be his last season with the Red Sox, as Joe McDonald writes. As the Red Sox are currently constituted, Varitek could wind up catching about 60 to 70 games as part of a pseudo-platoon. Against right-handed pitchers, the Red Sox figure to have Casey Kotchman at first and Victor Martinez behind the plate, and against lefties, they'll probably start Martinez at first and Varitek behind the plate, given Varitek's better numbers against lefties (he had an .807 OPS in 2009). Over the past three seasons, Kotchman has a .743 OPS versus lefties. Varitek is not taking the "C" on his chest for granted, writes John Tomase.
Harang
7. The Dodgers' talks with the Reds for Aaron Harang have reached an impasse, writes Dylan Hernandez. On the face of it, it doesn't seem like a good match; the Dodgers have little money to spend, and the Reds are trying to shed money. The question is whether the Reds, at some point, will be so desperate to shed any money that they'll eat a good chunk of Harang's salary.
8. Heard this: The offer from Damon on a two-year proposal to the Yankees came after the team had all but agreed to a deal with Nick Johnson. In other words, the horse was out the barn door, as they say back on the farm. Part of the concern in some corners of the Yankees' organization was that in light of Damon's initial insistence on not taking a pay cut, he might have gone into the 2010 season very unhappy if he had surrendered to a deal on the Yankees' terms.
Damon wishes the Yankees the best as he departs, as Tyler Kepner writes.
9. The Padres hired a scouting director, writes Bill Center.
10. The Braves have not demonstrated any interest in Adam LaRoche, writes David O'Brien.
11. The D-backs have made an offer to Kelly Johnson, writes Nick Piecoro.
12. Mike Lowell will see the Rangers' team doctors today.
13. As expected, the Phillies exercised a contractual option on Jimmy Rollins, writes Andy Martino.
14. The Pirates signed a left-handed reliever.
15. Mike Gonzalez and the Orioles feel that this is a good match, writes Dan Connolly.
16. The Brewers added a pitcher and a catcher.
17. The White Sox claimed a pitcher on waivers.
18. Laynce Nix agreed to terms with the Reds.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• A change of scenery should energize Curtis Granderson, writes Lynn Henning.
• The Halladay deal makes Twins fans think of the Johan Santana deal, writes Joe Christensen.
• The snow is coming here in the Northeast. Time to break out the Viking horns and counterattack.
[h2]Source: Lowell flying to Texas[/h2]
Comment Email Print By Jayson Stark
ESPN.com
Archive
Mike Lowell will fly to Texas on Saturday after a meeting late this week with a hand specialist in Arizona, according to a major league executive familiar with Lowell's situation.
Lowell
Lowell then will meet with the Rangers' front office and medical staff and will take a physical, the executive said.
Assuming the Rangers are satisfied with what they see and hear, they would then sign off on the much-delayed deal that would send the 35-year-old third baseman from Boston to Texas in exchange for minor league catcher Max Ramirez.
The Red Sox also would send cash to Texas in the deal.
The trade has been on hold for more than a week, as the Rangers have sought to reassure themselves that Lowell's thumb and surgically repaired hip are healthy enough for him to serve as their regular third baseman next year.
Jayson Stark is a senior baseball writer for ESPN.com.
[h3]Mets alone on Bay Watch?[/h3]
11:03AM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Red Sox[/h5]
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Another suitor has dropped out of the Bay Watch, adding to speculation that the Mets may be competing against themselves.
John Harper of the Daily News wrote Friday that the Mets continue to feel that they don't need to significantly improve their offer of four years for approximately $65 million to Jason Bay. That would change only if the Mets are convinced Bay has another interested party.
The Mariners were believed to be interested in Bay, but filled an offensive need Friday by acquiring Milton Bradley from the Chicago Cubs.
So who is left? Ken Davidoff of Newsday writes today that "if there is another team in the running to sign Bay, that team has done an excellent job of keeping its interest quiet."
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney wrote Friday that "only Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, knows exactly what offers Bay has; some executives with teams that had past interest think the Mets are on an island with their offer."
Upton said earlier this week his client would prefer to sign outside of Boston and the signing of John Lackey and Mike Cameron by the Red Sox sealed Bay's departure.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Top bats being punished
http:// [h3]Byrd headed to the Cubs?[/h3]
11:02AM ET
[h5]Marlon Byrd | Rangers[/h5]
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Now that the Chicago Cubs were able to unload Milton Bradley to Seattle, they may have set their sights on free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd.
Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that Byrd is close to a deal with the Cubs, who were interested in both Byrd and Mike Cameron but had to trade Bradley first. Cameron ended up signing with the Red Sox.
http:// [h3]What's next for Damon?[/h3]
10:46AM ET
[h5]Johnny Damon | Yankees[/h5]
Top Email
With Nick Johnson now headed to the Yankees, Johnny Damon's tenure in pinstripes appears to be over.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported that Damon wants $13 million a year, his salary on his recently expired contract. That will not happen in New York, Damon is looking for a job elsewhere.
The New York Daily News reported Friday that the only way Damon could stay in New York would be for him to agree on a two-year deal for about $18 million. One possible landing spot for Damon would be San Francisco, although the Daily News says the Giants are unlikely to give him the three-year offer he covets.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes in today's blog that the Cardinals may be a perfect fit for Damon.
David O'Brien of the Atlanta JC said via Twitter that Damon has "made it known for some time he had interest in Braves, but he might have to take about a 50-percent pay cut for it to happen."
Bill Ladson of MLB.com reported Friday that the Nationals have no interest in Damon because they see him as a defensive liability.
http:// [h3]The latest on Holliday[/h3]
10:44AM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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There is sentiment within the Cardinals organization that it is not competing with a lot of teams -- if any -- for the services of Matt Holliday, so St. Louis plans to stand by their stance of a five-year offer.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes in today's blog that the Cardinals continue to believe their offer is the best out there.
Buster adds that the Red Sox offered $82.5 million to Holliday during the winter meetings, but when that offer was turned down, they gave that same offer to John Lackey, and now they are all but out of the mix on Holliday.
Agent Scott Boras obviously thinks there is a larger market for his client, so this whole process could take a while. An MLB.com report says it seems increasingly unlikely Holliday will have a deal in place by Christmas.
Olney reported that the Orioles engaged in talks on Holliday a few weeks ago, but were not comfortable with the financial parameters. The Baltimore Sun reported Friday that the Orioles have "have no expectations whatsoever" of Holliday joining them next season.
http:// [h3]How much is Rollins worth?[/h3]
10:28AM ET
[h5]Jimmy Rollins | Phillies[/h5]
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The Phillies on Friday picked up the 2011 contract option on shortstop Jimmy Rollins. At the relative bargain rate of $8.5 million, it is no surprise that the Phillies exercised the contract a year in advance.
Paul Hagen of the Philly Daily News writes that the Phillies' decision on Rollins was a tacit admission that sticky contract talks may be ahead. With an MVP award on his resume, Rollins will have plenty of leverage and will command more than that $8.5 million figure.
Hagen adds that the 2011 offseason will be an interesting one for the Phillies with Rollins, first baseman Ryan Howard, closer Brad Lidge and centerfielder Shane Victorino all becoming eligible for free agency.
http:// [h3]Dodgers end Harang pursuit[/h3]
10:25AM ET
[h5]Aaron Harang | Reds[/h5]
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The Dodgers' chances of acquiring Aaron Harang from the Reds are "apparently all but dead" because of the $15 million guaranteed to the right-hander, reports Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
Given the Dodgers' financial limitations, it was likely that L.A. wanted the Reds to pay a major chunk of Harang's salary.
The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this week that the Dodgers were exploring a deal for Harang. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark later reported that the talks moved beyond the tire-kicking stage.
http:// [h3]Varitek OK with backup role[/h3]
9:49AM ET
[h5]Jason Varitek | Red Sox[/h5]
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If there were any concerns that Jason Varitek might balk at his new backup role with the Red Sox, the veteran catcher seemed to put them to rest Friday.
Manager Terry Francona and general manager Theo Epstein plan to use Varitek as a backup to Victor Martinez in 2010. Exactly how much Varitek will play remains uncertain.
"I'm preparing as I always do, to be able to handle as much as I can. So I'll prepare for a full-time role even though it's dictated in another way. That way if something happens, I'm ready to go," Varitek told the Boston Globe after skating at Fenway Park as the NHL unveiled the ice surface for the upcoming Winter Classic.
http:// [h3]Braves passing on Adam LaRoche?[/h3]
9:31AM ET
[h5]Adam LaRoche | Braves[/h5]
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First baseman Adam LaRoche told the Atlanta JC that he has not heard from the Atlanta Braves since becoming a free agent.
LaRoche hit .325 for the Braves after being acquired from Boston in a trade deadline deal, but it appears Atlanta may be looking elsewhere. The JC reported that the Braves made an offer to Ross Gload before he signed with Philadelphia and have interest in several other free agents who can play some first base, including Xavier Nady and Mark DeRosa.
http:// [h3]DeRosa tired of waiting[/h3]
9:12AM ET
[h5]Mark DeRosa | Cardinals[/h5]
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Free agent Mark DeRosa appears to be tired of waiting for the St. Louis Cardinals and would like to make a decision soon.
"We have had continuous dialogue with the Cardinals and with other ballclubs about Mark. Waiting on the Cardinals is not going to stop him from signing a deal," DeRosa's agent, Keith Grunewald, told the Post-Dispatch.
The Cardinals view DeRosa as a possible alternative to Matt Holliday. Those talks with Scott Boras continue to drag on and DeRosa's patience may be wearing thin.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney says that the Yankees, after signing Nick Johnson, might pursue DeRosa if the money is right.
Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, however, writes today that the Yankees' signing of Johnson ends the team's pursuit of DeRosa.
http:// [h3]Angels unlikely to land Vazquez[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Javier Vazquez | Braves[/h5]
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In the wake of losing out on John Lackey, the Los Angeles Angels have turned their attention to a starting pitcher in Atlanta, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. But it's not Derek Lowe. The Angels have actually been focused on Javier Vazquez, according to executives of two clubs that have spoken with them. But here's the hang-up: Vazquez has a limited no-trade clause that blocks the Braves from dealing him to a team on the west coast, a clause he negotiated in his 2007 contract extension (with the White Sox) because of his desire to remain within geographical proximity of his family in Puerto Rico.
An MLB.com report on Friday said it was "highly unlikely" Vazquez would approve a deal to the Angels.
Word of the Angels' interest was first reported by Angelswin.com.
http:// [h3]Physical exam for Lowell this weekend[/h3]
8:06AM ET
[h5]Mike Lowell | Red Sox[/h5]
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The Boston Red Sox reportedly reaching a preliminary deal to send former World Series MVP Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers for catcher/first baseman Max Ramirez.
More than a week has passed since word of the trade broke, so has the deal hit a snag?
Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com reports that Lowell has not had a physical yet with the Rangers, but that will likely happen this weekend.
The Dallas Morning News reports that surgery could be required to repair the thumb injury. If the procedure is minor, Lowell could be swinging a bat by spring training.
The Providence Journal reported Friday that the deal that was once close to 80 percent complete now has only a 50/50 chance of getting done. The Rangers are concerned with Lowell's right thumb that reportedly may need surgery.
http:// [h3]Crasnick: Several in on Podsednik[/h3]
7:42AM ET
[h5]Scott Podsednik | White Sox[/h5]
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Free agent Scott Podsednik has emerged as a potential target for the Cubs in the aftermath of the Milton Bradley trade to Seattle, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. The Royals and Giants are among the other clubs in the mix for Podsednik, who is believed to be seeking a two-year deal.
One front office executive described Podsednik as "an average center fielder in a small park, and a below average center fielder in a bigger outfield," so Podsednik could wind up in left field. His speed and ability to hit leadoff are his biggest selling points. He posted a .353 on base percentage for the White Sox in 2009, and he has 266 stolen bases in 882 big league games.
Detroit is another potential fit for Podsednik now that Curtis Granderson has departed for New York. The Tigers might be need a veteran to hold down the fort in center field if newly-acquired Austin Jackson isn't ready to step in on Opening Day.
Kansas City GM Dayton Moore is working with a tight budget, but at the moment the Royals are looking at Mitch Maier and Willie Bloomquist in center field. The Royals discussed free agent Coco Crisp, but they're concerned about his ability to come back from dual shoulder surgeries.
[h2]Source: Rolen's new deal adds 2 years[/h2]
Comment Email Print By Jayson Stark
ESPN.com
Archive
The Cincinnati Reds and Scott Rolen have agreed to restructure the third baseman's contract to give the club more payroll flexibility for next season, ESPN.com has learned.
Rolen
Rolen had been scheduled to make $11 million in 2010, the final season of the eight-year, $90 million extension he signed after being traded by the Phillies to the Cardinals in 2002.
Instead, under the terms of the new contract, Rolen will earn $6 million in 2010, plus a $5 million signing bonus that the sides agreed would be deferred without interest, according to a source who has seen the details of the agreement.
The club, in return, extended Rolen's contract two years, through 2012. He will earn
$6.5 million in each of those two seasons.
The Reds, who have been looking for ways to free up dollars, approached the 34-year-old after the season about reworking his contract.
And Rolen, who grew up in Indiana, agreed to the restructured deal this week.
Reds GM Walt Jocketty was the general manager in St. Louis when the Cardinals dealt for Rolen, who played in Toronto in 2008 and part of 2009. Jocketty was widely criticized in July when he traded two highly regarded prospects to the Blue Jays for Rolen, but the GM repeatedly has cited Rolen's leadership and work ethic as justification for the deal.
The Reds went 27-13 in games Rolen started after the trade.
Rolen hit a combined .305, with 36 doubles, 11 homers and an .823 OPS in 128 games last season for the Blue Jays and Reds.
He is a five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner. But injuries have limited him to an average of 118 games the past three seasons.
He spent time on the disabled list after the trade to Cincinnati following a serious beaning by Colorado's Jason Marquis in only his second game with the Reds.
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Just saw on Metsblog from a Twitter post that Lowell failed the physical.
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Damn.
Bend_The_Knee
formerly gotholesinmysocks
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any news on vlad? would love to see him a yankee
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Vlad or Garko next?
I think Garko would mesh well with that team. I doubt they'd wait the 8 weeks to see how his thumb is panning out.
[h3]DeRosa dropping his price?[/h3]
10:11AM ET
[h5]Mark DeRosa | Cardinals[/h5]
Top Email
Free agent Mark DeRosa has drawn plenty of interest, but no team is willing to meet his asking price of about $10 million per season, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Cafardo writes today that DeRosa's price may have come down recently and that the Mets and Red Sox would be good fits for the utilityman.
Earlier this weekend, we talked of how DeRosa appears to be tired of waiting for the St. Louis Cardinals. "We have had continuous dialogue with the Cardinals and with other ballclubs about Mark. Waiting on the Cardinals is not going to stop him from signing a deal," DeRosa's agent, Keith Grunewald, told the Post-Dispatch.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney says that the Yankees, after signing Nick Johnson, might pursue DeRosa if the money is right.
http:// [h3]Does Bay love New York?[/h3]
9:52AM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
Another suitor has dropped out of the Bay Watch, adding to speculation that the Mets may be competing against themselves. But does Jason Bay really want to play in New York?
Bill Madden of the New York Daily News writes today that agent Joe Urbon tried to re-visit talks with the Red Sox even after they signed Mike Cameron earlier this week.
Madden writes that the outfielder's reluctance to accept the Mets four-year offer for about $65 million "is clear enough indication that Bay doesn't want to end up at Citi Field. But at this point, where else is he going to go?"
John Harper of the Daily Newswrote Friday that the Mets continue to feel that they don't need to significantly improve their offer. That would change only if the Mets are convinced Bay has another interested party.
The Mariners were believed to be interested in Bay, but filled an offensive need Friday by acquiring Milton Bradley from the Chicago Cubs.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Top bats being punished
http:// [h3]Melky or Gardner to Cubs?[/h3]
9:40AM ET
[h5]New York Yankees[/h5]
Top Email
The New York Yankees would like to add another starting pitcher this winter, and one possible trading partner could be the Chicago Cubs.
Roger Rubin of the New York Daily News writes today that the Cubs could be interested in either Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner, who might be expendable after the Yankees traded for Curtis Granderson. The Cubs, who are looking for a center fielder after trading Milton Bradley to Seattle, have some depth in their rotation and Cabrera and Gardner would be a fit financially.
Chicago, however, is believed to be interested in free agent Marlon Byrd, which would likely preclude any deal with the Yankees.
http:// [h3]Hart or McCutchen to bullpen?[/h3]
9:21AM ET
[h5]Pittsburgh Pirates[/h5]
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The Pirates are revamping their bullpen after deciding to non-tender closer Matt Capps, who was due a notable raise in arbitration.
Now comes word from Dejan Kovakevic of the Post-Gazette that the Pirates are open to using Kevin Hart or Daniel McCutchen in the bullpen, depending on which of those two does not win a rotation spot.
Kovakevic cites some scouts who think Hart's stuff is better suited for relief.
http:// [h3]Cubs part of Chapman chase[/h3]
9:04AM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs[/h5]
Top Email
Include the Cubs on the list of teams interested in Aroldis Chapman.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune writes today that the Cubs are part of the large group of teams exploring a deal with the Cuban defector.
ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. checked in with a report from Chapman's throwing session in Houston, where Chapman topped out at 96 mph on the gun. A number of team reps attended, from Boston and the Yankees down to the Pirates and Marlins.
Arangure reported Wednesday that Chapman is simply waiting for offers now.
http:// [h3]Byrd headed to the Cubs?[/h3]
8:55AM ET
[h5]Marlon Byrd | Rangers[/h5]
Top Email
Now that the Chicago Cubs were able to unload Milton Bradley to Seattle, they may have set their sights on free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd.
Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported Saturday that Byrd is close to a deal with the Cubs, who were interested in both Byrd and Mike Cameron but had to trade Bradley first. Cameron ended up signing with the Red Sox.
Gordon Wittemyer of the Sun-Times writes today that there is strong mutual interest between Byrd and the Cubs. New Cubs hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo worked with Byrd in Texas, so that would be another incentive for Byrd to head to the North Side.
Wittenmyer adds that the Cubs still have Scott Podsednik and Rick Ankiel on their radar, so Byrd is not their only outfield target.
http:// [h3]Rangers look for righty bat[/h3]
8:44AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers[/h5]
Top Email
The Texas Rangers were hoping that Mike Lowell would fill their need for a right-handed bat, but a deal that would have brought him over from Boston appears to be off. Lowell needs thumb surgery, so the Rangers need to look elsewhere.
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com writes that the Rangers have interest in free agents Vladimir Guerrero and Jermaine Dye, but there are obstacles to completing those deals. Guerrero wants a two-year deal and Dye may balk at being used primarily as a designated hitter.
Sullivan said the Rangers could go for a lefty bat instead and pursue Jim Thome.
http:// [h3]Capps admits preliminary Cubs talks[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Matt Capps | Pirates[/h5]
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We mentioned last week that reliever Matt Capps already is drawing plenty of interest following the surprising decision of the Pittsburgh Pirates to non-tender him.
In a radio interview on Saturday, Capps admitted to having preliminary talks with the Cubs. ESPNChicago.com reports that the Cubs might step up their pursue of Capps now that they have unloaded Milton Bradley.
Capps' agent, Paul Kinzer, told the Post-Gazette last week that more than 12 teams have expressed interest in his client, and the list includes the Yankees, Rangers, Cubs, Marlins, Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
The Cubs are looking at Capps for a set-up role, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The Pirates were reluctant to give Capps a huge raise in arbitration, but the interest in the reliever suggests the Bucs misread the market and could have gotten something in return.
http:// [h3]A's on verge of deal with Crisp[/h3]
8:31AM ET
[h5]Coco Crisp | Royals[/h5]
Top Email
The Oakland Athletics and free agent outfielder Coco Crisp were on the verge of a contract agreement this morning, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
The pending deal is for one year at $4.5 million-$5 million for Crisp, an eight-year veteran who has played with the Indians, Red Sox and Royals.
Kansas City declined a contract option with Crisp for 2010, making him a free agent. Earlier this month, Buster reported that Crisp had generated some serious interest from about a half-dozen teams.
ESPN.com's Rob Neyer says that Crisp figures to be penciled in as the starting center fielder in Oakland. Scott Hairston, Rajai Davis, and Ryan Sweeney would battle for playing time in the other two spots, unless someone is traded.
http:// [h3]What's next for Damon?[/h3]
8:21AM ET
[h5]Johnny Damon | Yankees[/h5]
Top Email
With Nick Johnson now headed to the Yankees, Johnny Damon's tenure in pinstripes appears to be over.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported that Damon wanted $13 million a year, his salary on his recently expired contract. That will not happen in New York, Damon is looking for a job elsewhere.
One possible landing spot for Damon would be San Francisco, although the Daily News says the Giants are unlikely to give him the three-year offer he covets.
Olney wrote in today's blog that the Cardinals may be a perfect fit for Damon.
David O'Brien of the Atlanta JC said via Twitter that Damon has "made it known for some time he had interest in Braves, but he might have to take about a 50-percent pay cut for it to happen."
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune writes today that White Sox GM Ken Williams explored the idea of signing Damon, but went for Juan Pierre instead.
http:// [h3]Who is pursuing Holliday?[/h3]
7:47AM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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There is sentiment within the Cardinals organization that it is not competing with a lot of teams -- if any -- for the services of Matt Holliday, so St. Louis plans to stand by their stance of a five-year offer.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes this weekend that the Cardinals continue to believe their offer is the best out there.
Buster adds that the Red Sox offered $82.5 million to Holliday during the winter meetings, but when that offer was turned down, they gave that same offer to John Lackey, and now they are all but out of the mix on Holliday.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wonders today if the Yankees are quietly pursuing Holliday. "They have insisted they aren't, but others aren't as sure," Rogers writes.
Agent Scott Boras obviously thinks there is a larger market for his client, so this whole process could take a while. An MLB.com report says it seems increasingly unlikely Holliday will have a deal in place by Christmas.
Olney reported that the Orioles engaged in talks on Holliday a few weeks ago, but were not comfortable with the financial parameters. The Baltimore Sun reported Friday that the Orioles have "have no expectations whatsoever" of Holliday joining them next season.
http:// [h3]Lowell deal to Rangers is off[/h3]
7:37AM ET
[h5]Mike Lowell | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
The proposed trade between the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox involving Mike Lowell is off because Lowell has a torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb and will have surgery, according to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com.
The Rangers and Red Sox had agreed to the framework of a deal at the winter meetings in Indianapolis earlier this month. The Rangers were prepared to send catcher Max Ramirez and $3 million to Boston for the 35-year-old Lowell. The Red Sox would pay $9 million of Lowell's 2010 salary. The recovery time for the surgery is six to eight weeks.
Before the latest turn of events, the Red Sox were planning on moving first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third and using Casey Kotchman at first. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe says the Red Sox could attempt to trade Lowell once he recovers from the surgery, but that scenario could lead to an awkward spring training for him.
Manager Terry Francona said he previously he is against the idea of using Lowell at first base.
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I'm pumped to check out the M's this season. The buzz is definitely generating around the emerald city.
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I am looking forward to seeing what other moves they will make. I would like to see them bring Branyan back and add LaRoche also. Those would be 2 good batsfor the Safe.
I also find it very weird that these "top FA's" are not getting the interest, or money, like the years past. I can't believe that playerssuch as Bay and Holliday are not being fought over and that only one team is interested in each. It shall be interesting to see how the rest of the offseasonpans out.
- 58,185
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- Joined
- Feb 12, 2005
Yeah, I like Branyan and it would be nice to see what would happen to his numbers if he had protection in the lineup.
I'm sure they're not done yet, because I know they're aware they won't be able to keep both Felix and Lee long-term meaning this year is theirone-year window of hope to restore this franchise. Quite frankly, I think they do.
As far as the top FA's getting upper echelon money, I think that for positional players inparticular, the days of ginormous contracts is over. The economycaught up to pro sports last, and I believe these unprecedented contracts in pro sports will even out dramatically in the coming years.
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Bedard worth the gamble?[/h3]
9:59AM ET
[h5]Erik Bedard | Mariners[/h5]
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It has been a busy offseason for the Seattle Mariners, who already have brought Chone Figgins and Milton Bradley to the Pacific Northwest. As for pitching, could the M's now be taking a look at bringing back Erik Bedard?
Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times says that's a possibility, but the left-hander's history of shoulder problems clouds the issue. It is possible that Bedard could be ready by May, but a more pessimistic outlook has him missing the entire first half.
Baker says the Baltimore Orioles are among the teams that have expressed interest. Teams looking for a bargain might find one if Bedard can regain his 2007 form (13-7, 3.17 ERA for the Orioles).
http:// [h3]Could Baltimore land A-Gone?[/h3]
9:37AM ET
[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Padres[/h5]
Top Email
Once the Red Sox landed free agent John Lackey last week, the rumor mill quickly had Boston looking into a deal for Adrian Gonzalez in which Clay Buchholz would be sent to San Diego.
There might be other teams able to put a package together for the star first baseman. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the Baltimore Orioles could be players at some point since "they were in on Mark Teixeira last offseason and have the prospects to make it happen."
One executive cautioned that the Padres would ask for Matt Wieters or Brian Matusz, which would be too high a price for the O's.
http:// [h3]Mets' Molina talks linked to Bay[/h3]
9:22AM ET
[h5]Bengie Molina | Giants[/h5]
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The New York Mets' negotiations with free agent catcher Bengie Molina may drag on due to their pursuit of Jason Bay, reports Ken Davidoff of Newsday.
Davidoff cites a Mets official who says that if the Mets fail to land Bay, they will strongly consider raising their two-year, $10 million offer to Molina. If Bay signs in Queens, the Mets might decide to play a little hardball with Molina.
The Mets appear to be balking at a three-year deal for Molina. Miguel Olivo and Rod Barajas are other free agent backstop options for GM Omar Minaya if he looks elsewhere.
http:// [h3]Yankees inquired about Big-Z[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Carlos Zambrano | Cubs[/h5]
Top Email
The New York Yankees, intent on adding another pitcher for 2010, have inquired about the availability of Chicago Cubs' right-hander Carlos Zambrano, according to a report by Mike Puma in today's New York Post.
Puma adds that the Cubs' asking price for Zambrano is too high, even though he had a few stints on the disabled list in 2009. As a result, the Yankees are more likely to go the free agent route and pursue the likes of Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro and/or Ben Sheets.
http:// [h3]Marlins, Red Sox make Chapman bids[/h3]
8:26AM ET
[h5]MLB[/h5]
Top Email
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
The offers appear to be coming in for Aroldis Chapman.
According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins have made a five-year offer of $13 million for the hard-throwing lefty.
Last week, ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. reported that the Red Sox made a three-year offer for $15.5 million for the Cuban defector.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wrote Sunday that the Cubs are part of the large group of teams exploring a deal with Chapman.
Arangure checked in with a report from Chapman's throwing session in Houston, where Chapman topped out at 96 mph on the gun.
Chapman's original asking price was rumored to be in the $40 million-$60 million range, but that has since sunk down into the range of $20 million or below, according to Arangure. The consensus seems to be that Chapman will need time in the minor leagues, so his signing may not affect the big leagues in 2010.
[h5]Jorge Arangure, Jr.[/h5]
Getting to know Aroldis
http:// [h3]What now with Lowell?[/h3]
8:09AM ET
[h5]Mike Lowell | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein never confirms any trade or free agent signing until all physicals are passsed. That policy looks like a sound one after the proposed trade between the Rangera and Red Sox involving Mike Lowell fell apart Saturday because Lowell has a torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery..
The Rangers were prepared to send catcher Max Ramirez and $3 million to Boston for the 35-year-old Lowell. The Red Sox would pay $9 million of Lowell's 2010 salary. The recovery time for the surgery is six to eight weeks.
Can the Red Sox eventually trade Lowell? Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com writes that the Rangers have a new ownership group since the preliminary deal was reached at the winter meetings, so GM Jon Daniels could be instructed to move in a different direction.
Edes adds that another possibility is that the Red Sox, if they find they cannot trade Lowell, could release him outright. Another improbable scenario is Lowell proving he is healthy and reclaiming third base in Boston.
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com predicts Lowell will never play another game for the Red Sox. "If the relationship between the player and team is not beyond repair, it's pretty close," Rosenthal writes.
Before the latest turn of events, the Red Sox were planning on moving first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third and using Casey Kotchman at first.
http:// [h3]Impact of Rolen deal[/h3]
7:44AM ET
[h5]Scott Rolen | Reds[/h5]
Top Email
The Cincinnati Reds made the somewhat surprising decision over the weekend to restructure the contract of third baseman Scott Rolen and extend him for two more guaranteed seasons.
Rolen was originally expected to earn $11 million in 2010 but will now get $6 million in 2010, $6.5 million in 2011 and $6.5 million in 2012.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com asks what will happen to third base prospect Juan Francisco, who now could be moved to left field or be part of trade chip.
The Reds could also try to deal Rolen, but his injury history will be an obstacle. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that the new contract "is good for Rolen and the Reds in the short term, but it feels like a credit-card move."
http:// [h3]Can A's have both Cust and Crisp?[/h3]
7:28AM ET
[h5]Jack Cust | Athletics[/h5]
Top Email
The Athletics elected to non-tender Jack Cust earlier this month, but left open the chance of bringing back the outfielder at a more manageable salary.
The landscape may have changed with the A's closing in on a deal with free agent Coco Crisp. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes today that the A's still have enough payroll flexibility to retain Cust, but they must act quickly since Cust is expecting some offers in the next few days.
Cust has led the A's in homers each of the last few seasons and his departure would leave them without a key source of power.
http:// [h3]A's deal with Crisp almost done[/h3]
7:16AM ET
[h5]Coco Crisp | Royals[/h5]
Top Email
The http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oakOakland Athletics and free agent outfielder http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5299Coco Crisp are on the verge of a contract agreement, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
The pending deal is for one year at $4.5 million-$5 million for Crisp, an eight-year veteran who has played with the Indians, Red Sox and Royals.
Crisp figures to be penciled in as the starting center fielder in Oakland. Scott Hairston, Rajai Davis, and Ryan Sweeney would battle for playing time in the other two spots, unless someone is traded.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes today that the acquisition of Crisp will make it more difficult for minor leaguer Michael Taylor to crack the Opening Day roster. Taylor, acquired for Brett Wallace as part of the Roy Halladay megadeal, would make the team only if he could play every day.
Slusser adds that "Crisp or another outfielder could be 2010's version of Matt Holliday or Joe Blanton, traded away in midsummer."
http:// [h3]Oliver heads back to Texas[/h3]
6:54AM ET
[h5]Darren Oliver | Angels[/h5]
Top Email
Free agent reliever Darren Oliver is in serious discussions with the Texas Rangers and an agreement could be in place early this week, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
This will mark the third tour of Texas for Oliver, who began his big league career with the Rangers in 1993 and made a second tour of Arlington in 2000 and 2001.
Oliver, whose value liekly rose with a strong performance in the ALDS against Boston, is about to become the third player to leave the Angels through free agency. The Angels have lost Chone Figgins to Seattle and John Lackey to Boston. They signed free agent DH Hideki Matsui to a $6 million deal last week.
[h3]Bay Watch drags on in NY[/h3]
10:08AM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
There are just four shopping days until Christmas. Does Jason Bay really want to pick out a $65 million present from the New York Mets?
Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post reports today that the Mets remain at a "negotiating standstill" with the free agent outfielder.
Bill Madden of the New York Daily News wrote Sunday that agent Joe Urbon tried to re-visit talks with the Red Sox even after they signed Mike Cameron earlier this week.
Madden wrote that the outfielder's reluctance to accept the Mets four-year offer for about $65 million "is clear enough indication that Bay doesn't want to end up at Citi Field. But at this point, where else is he going to go?"
The Mariners were believed to be interested in Bay, but filled an offensive need Friday by acquiring Milton Bradley from the Chicago Cubs.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Top bats being punished
http:// [h3]Bedard worth the gamble?[/h3]
9:59AM ET
[h5]Erik Bedard | Mariners[/h5]
Top Email
It has been a busy offseason for the Seattle Mariners, who already have brought Chone Figgins and Milton Bradley to the Pacific Northwest. As for pitching, could the M's now be taking a look at bringing back Erik Bedard?
Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times says that's a possibility, but the left-hander's history of shoulder problems clouds the issue. It is possible that Bedard could be ready by May, but a more pessimistic outlook has him missing the entire first half.
Baker says the Baltimore Orioles are among the teams that have expressed interest. Teams looking for a bargain might find one if Bedard can regain his 2007 form (13-7, 3.17 ERA for the Orioles).
http:// [h3]Could Baltimore land A-Gone?[/h3]
9:37AM ET
[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Padres[/h5]
Top Email
Once the Red Sox landed free agent John Lackey last week, the rumor mill quickly had Boston looking into a deal for Adrian Gonzalez in which Clay Buchholz would be sent to San Diego.
There might be other teams able to put a package together for the star first baseman. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the Baltimore Orioles could be players at some point since "they were in on Mark Teixeira last offseason and have the prospects to make it happen."
One executive cautioned that the Padres would ask for Matt Wieters or Brian Matusz, which would be too high a price for the O's.
http:// [h3]Mets' Molina talks linked to Bay[/h3]
9:22AM ET
[h5]Bengie Molina | Giants[/h5]
Top Email
The New York Mets' negotiations with free agent catcher Bengie Molina may drag on due to their pursuit of Jason Bay, reports Ken Davidoff of Newsday.
Davidoff cites a Mets official who says that if the Mets fail to land Bay, they will strongly consider raising their two-year, $10 million offer to Molina. If Bay signs in Queens, the Mets might decide to play a little hardball with Molina.
The Mets appear to be balking at a three-year deal for Molina. Miguel Olivo and Rod Barajas are other free agent backstop options for GM Omar Minaya if he looks elsewhere.
http:// [h3]Yankees inquired about Big-Z[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Carlos Zambrano | Cubs[/h5]
Top Email
The New York Yankees, intent on adding another pitcher for 2010, have inquired about the availability of Chicago Cubs' right-hander Carlos Zambrano, according to a report by Mike Puma in today's New York Post.
Puma adds that the Cubs' asking price for Zambrano is too high, even though he had a few stints on the disabled list in 2009. As a result, the Yankees are more likely to go the free agent route and pursue the likes of Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro and/or Ben Sheets.
http:// [h3]Marlins, Red Sox make Chapman bids[/h3]
8:26AM ET
[h5]MLB[/h5]
Top Email
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
The offers appear to be coming in for Aroldis Chapman.
According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins have made a five-year offer of $13 million for the hard-throwing lefty.
Last week, ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. reported that the Red Sox made a three-year offer for $15.5 million for the Cuban defector.
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wrote Sunday that the Cubs are part of the large group of teams exploring a deal with Chapman.
Arangure checked in with a report from Chapman's throwing session in Houston, where Chapman topped out at 96 mph on the gun.
Chapman's original asking price was rumored to be in the $40 million-$60 million range, but that has since sunk down into the range of $20 million or below, according to Arangure. The consensus seems to be that Chapman will need time in the minor leagues, so his signing may not affect the big leagues in 2010.
Getting to know Aroldis
http:// [h3]What now with Lowell?[/h3]
8:09AM ET
[h5]Mike Lowell | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein never confirms any trade or free agent signing until all physicals are passsed. That policy looks like a sound one after the proposed trade between the Rangera and Red Sox involving Mike Lowell fell apart Saturday because Lowell has a torn radial collateral ligament in his right thumb that will require surgery..
The Rangers were prepared to send catcher Max Ramirez and $3 million to Boston for the 35-year-old Lowell. The Red Sox would pay $9 million of Lowell's 2010 salary. The recovery time for the surgery is six to eight weeks.
Can the Red Sox eventually trade Lowell? Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com writes that the Rangers have a new ownership group since the preliminary deal was reached at the winter meetings, so GM Jon Daniels could be instructed to move in a different direction.
Edes adds that another possibility is that the Red Sox, if they find they cannot trade Lowell, could release him outright. Another improbable scenario is Lowell proving he is healthy and reclaiming third base in Boston.
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com predicts Lowell will never play another game for the Red Sox. "If the relationship between the player and team is not beyond repair, it's pretty close," Rosenthal writes.
Before the latest turn of events, the Red Sox were planning on moving first baseman Kevin Youkilis to third and using Casey Kotchman at first.
http:// [h3]Impact of Rolen deal[/h3]
7:44AM ET
[h5]Scott Rolen | Reds[/h5]
Top Email
The Cincinnati Reds made the somewhat surprising decision over the weekend to restructure the contract of third baseman Scott Rolen and extend him for two more guaranteed seasons.
Rolen was originally expected to earn $11 million in 2010 but will now get $6 million in 2010, $6.5 million in 2011 and $6.5 million in 2012.
Mark Sheldon of MLB.com asks what will happen to third base prospect Juan Francisco, who now could be moved to left field or be part of trade chip.
The Reds could also try to deal Rolen, but his injury history will be an obstacle. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that the new contract "is good for Rolen and the Reds in the short term, but it feels like a credit-card move."
http:// [h3]Can A's have both Cust and Crisp?[/h3]
7:28AM ET
[h5]Jack Cust | Athletics[/h5]
Top Email
The Athletics elected to non-tender Jack Cust earlier this month, but left open the chance of bringing back the outfielder at a more manageable salary.
The landscape may have changed with the A's closing in on a deal with free agent Coco Crisp. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes today that the A's still have enough payroll flexibility to retain Cust, but they must act quickly since Cust is expecting some offers in the next few days.
Cust has led the A's in homers each of the last few seasons and his departure would leave them without a key source of power.
http:// [h3]A's deal with Crisp almost done[/h3]
7:16AM ET
[h5]Coco Crisp | Royals[/h5]
Top Email
The http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=oakOakland Athletics and free agent outfielder http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5299Coco Crisp are on the verge of a contract agreement, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
The pending deal is for one year at $4.5 million-$5 million for Crisp, an eight-year veteran who has played with the Indians, Red Sox and Royals.
Crisp figures to be penciled in as the starting center fielder in Oakland. Scott Hairston, Rajai Davis, and Ryan Sweeney would battle for playing time in the other two spots, unless someone is traded.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle writes today that the acquisition of Crisp will make it more difficult for minor leaguer Michael Taylor to crack the Opening Day roster. Taylor, acquired for Brett Wallace as part of the Roy Halladay megadeal, would make the team only if he could play every day.
Slusser adds that "Crisp or another outfielder could be 2010's version of Matt Holliday or Joe Blanton, traded away in midsummer."
http:// [h3]Oliver heads back to Texas[/h3]
6:54AM ET
[h5]Darren Oliver | Angels[/h5]
Top Email
Free agent reliever Darren Oliver is in serious discussions with the Texas Rangers and an agreement could be in place early this week, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
This will mark the third tour of Texas for Oliver, who began his big league career with the Rangers in 1993 and made a second tour of Arlington in 2000 and 2001.
Oliver, whose value liekly rose with a strong performance in the ALDS against Boston, is about to become the third player to leave the Angels through free agency. The Angels have lost Chone Figgins to Seattle and John Lackey to Boston. They signed free agent DH Hideki Matsui to a $6 million deal last week.
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Dear Mets...take the offer to Bay off the table and move on to Holliday, or give him a deadline.
DeadsetAce
Supporter
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mike lowell
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Nice job, Epstein.
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Jason Marquis signed a two-year deal with the Nationals.
The Indians received Mitch Talbot for Kelly Shoppach. He hasn't lived up to his billing, but it's still far too much to give up for Kelly Shoppach.Throw him into the mix of about 12 guys that could make the rotation in 2010.
With the abundance of power arms the Indians acquired last season, it was only right we go back to our bread and butter and get a finesse pitcher.
The Indians received Mitch Talbot for Kelly Shoppach. He hasn't lived up to his billing, but it's still far too much to give up for Kelly Shoppach.Throw him into the mix of about 12 guys that could make the rotation in 2010.
With the abundance of power arms the Indians acquired last season, it was only right we go back to our bread and butter and get a finesse pitcher.
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I'm looking forward the start of rebuilding again. I just hope this time we don't peak up 3-1 games to 1 in the ALCS.
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I love rebuilding.
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Next up ... Byrd and an infielder?[/h3]
2:04PM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs[/h5]
Top Email
The most recent updates on the Chicago Cubs have them interested in bringing in a center fielder, with Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik heading that wish list. The Cubs are also reportledly keeping an eye on Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman.
But if the Cubs want to contend from day one through October, perhaps more upgrades are necessary. Moving Kosuke Fukudome back to right field helps the outfield defense, but the Cubs need more production out of their catcher and middle infielders, too.
Second baseman Mike Fontenot is arbitration eligible as a Super Two qualifier and after a year when the 29-year-old posted a .301 on-base percentage and managed just 33 extra-base hits in 135 games, it could be time to look for a better option.
Orlando Hudson and Felipe Lopez are both still available, as is Ronnie Belliard.
And might the Cubs continue to look for pitching?
http:// [h3]What's up with the Mets?[/h3]
1:46PM ET
[h5]New York Mets[/h5]
Top Email
We've seen the Philadelphia Phillies acquire Roy Halladay in a blockbuster trade and sign Placido Polanco to play third base. They have also shored up the catching position and are hot after relief options to add to Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson. The defending National League Champions are better today than at the end of the season.
The Atlanta Braves have bettered themselves, too, acquiring some bullpen depth with the additions of Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito and Jesse Garcia.
The New York Mets, on the other hand, have yet to make an impact move. But that may not last long, as the club waits out catcher Bengie Molina and oufielder Jason Bay. They appear to have made the best offers for both free agents -- Molina wants a third year and Bay apparently wants the Mariners to make a serious bid, which they aren't likely to do, or is waiting for the Mets to offer an extra year onto the original 4-year, $65 million proposal.
Many believe the Mets would like to move second baseman Luis Castillo and make a run at Orlando Hudson, but there's been no news of late on that front.
http:// [h3]Crasnick: Oliver heads back to Texas[/h3]
1:20PM ET
[h5]Darren Oliver | Angels[/h5]
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Free-agent lefty Darren Oliver has reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year, $3.5 million contract, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
The deal includes a vesting option for 2011 and is pending a physical.
This will mark the third tour of Texas for Oliver, who began his big league career with the Rangers in 1993 and made a second tour of Arlington in 2000 and 2001.
Oliver, whose value likely rose with a strong performance in the ALDS against Boston, is about to become the third player to leave the Angels through free agency. The Angels have lost http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5302Chone Figgins to Seattle and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5203John Lackey to Boston. They signed free agent DH http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5372Hideki Matsui to a $6 million deal last week.
http:// [h3]Latest in San Francisco[/h3]
1:17PM ET
[h5]San Francisco Giants[/h5]
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ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported earlier this month that the San Francisco Giants have had serious trade talks with the Florida Marlins in attempt to acquire infielder Dan Uggla.
Crasnick later reported that those talks have stalled, however, leaving the Giants without answers for at least one position on their infield. If Uggla was dealt to the Giants, Freddy Sanchez would likely move to third base to make room for Uggla, who has made it known that he has no interest in moving to the hot corner himself, and Pablo Sandoval would slide across the diamond to first base.
The Giants also have a need in the outfield, but it appears they haven't the available financial resources to jump into the conversation for either Jason Bay or Matt Holliday. They could, however, make a play for Rick Ankiel or Xavier Nady and stay under budget. GM Brian Sabean could also look to add a first baseman such as Russell Branyan or Adam LaRoche, leaving Sandoval at third and Sanchez at second.
The Giants' biggest financial concern at the moment, however, is the arbitration situation with right-hander Tim Lincecum. Once that is hashed out, the club will have a better idea how much available payroll they are working with. This may cause the Giants to wait until January to make any significant signings.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Uggla could be a great get
http:// [h3]How do the Halos counter?[/h3]
12:24PM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Angels[/h5]
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If you're a Los Angeles Angels fan you are probably still wondering how your team is going to counter what the rest of the American League West has done this offseason. We wondered aloud the very same thing last week, and, unfortunately, it's only gotten worse for the Halos in the past five days.
Left-hander Darren Oliver is on the verge of signing with the Texas Rangers, reports ESPNDallas.com, making it three prominent free agents that have left, and the second that joined a division rival.
L.A. has signed Hideki Matsui, presumably to replace Vladimir Guerrero as the DH and part-time outfielder, but the starting rotation is still void of a No. 1 starter after John Lackey left to sign in Boston, and it's still unclear what GM Terry Reagins has planned at third base.
There are options, such as free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets, third baseman Adrian Beltre and outfielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, but the Angels are likely to have stiff competition for all of the above.
[h3]Nats pick Marquis[/h3]
3:03PM ET
[h5]Jon Garland | Dodgers[/h5]
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[h5]Potential Nationals Rotation[/h5]
- Stephen Strasburg
- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28895http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28895Ross Detwiler
- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4409http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4409Jason Marquis
- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28834http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28834John Lannan
- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6332http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6332Scott Olsen
- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30209http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30209Jordan Zimmermann is certain to fit somewhere once he returns from Tommy John Surgery.
The http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=washttp://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=wasWashington Nationals will sign right-hander Jason Marquis, according to MASN, which probably means http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4235http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4235Jon Garland and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4138http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4138Doug Davis are no longer fits in the nation's capital.
Garland and Davis may very well wait it out until January, but clubs are playing the waiting game, too, in their attempts to get the best bargain.
It didn't take much groveling -- none, actually -- to get Keith Law's take on Garland's free-agent value.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Three years is two too many for Garland
http:// [h3]Next up ... Byrd and an infielder?[/h3]
2:04PM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs[/h5]
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The most recent updates on the Chicago Cubs have them interested in bringing in a center fielder, with Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel and Scott Podsednik heading that wish list. The Cubs are also reportledly keeping an eye on Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman.
But if the Cubs want to contend from day one through October, perhaps more upgrades are necessary. Moving Kosuke Fukudome back to right field helps the outfield defense, but the Cubs need more production out of their catcher and middle infielders, too.
Second baseman Mike Fontenot is arbitration eligible as a Super Two qualifier and after a year when the 29-year-old posted a .301 on-base percentage and managed just 33 extra-base hits in 135 games, it could be time to look for a better option.
Orlando Hudson and Felipe Lopez are both still available, as is Ronnie Belliard.
And might the Cubs continue to look for pitching?
http:// [h3]What's up with the Mets?[/h3]
1:46PM ET
[h5]New York Mets[/h5]
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We've seen the Philadelphia Phillies acquire Roy Halladay in a blockbuster trade and sign Placido Polanco to play third base. They have also shored up the catching position and are hot after relief options to add to Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson. The defending National League Champions are better today than at the end of the season.
The Atlanta Braves have bettered themselves, too, acquiring some bullpen depth with the additions of Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito and Jesse Garcia.
The New York Mets, on the other hand, have yet to make an impact move. But that may not last long, as the club waits out catcher Bengie Molina and oufielder Jason Bay. They appear to have made the best offers for both free agents -- Molina wants a third year and Bay apparently wants the Mariners to make a serious bid, which they aren't likely to do, or is waiting for the Mets to offer an extra year onto the original 4-year, $65 million proposal.
Many believe the Mets would like to move second baseman Luis Castillo and make a run at Orlando Hudson, but there's been no news of late on that front.
http:// [h3]Crasnick: Oliver heads back to Texas[/h3]
1:20PM ET
[h5]Darren Oliver | Angels[/h5]
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Free-agent lefty Darren Oliver has reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year, $3.5 million contract, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
The deal includes a vesting option for 2011 and is pending a physical.
This will mark the third tour of Texas for Oliver, who began his big league career with the Rangers in 1993 and made a second tour of Arlington in 2000 and 2001.
Oliver, whose value likely rose with a strong performance in the ALDS against Boston, is about to become the third player to leave the Angels through free agency. The Angels have lost http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5302Chone Figgins to Seattle and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5203John Lackey to Boston. They signed free agent DH http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5372Hideki Matsui to a $6 million deal last week.
http:// [h3]Latest in San Francisco[/h3]
1:17PM ET
[h5]San Francisco Giants[/h5]
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ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported earlier this month that the San Francisco Giants have had serious trade talks with the Florida Marlins in attempt to acquire infielder Dan Uggla.
Crasnick later reported that those talks have stalled, however, leaving the Giants without answers for at least one position on their infield. If Uggla was dealt to the Giants, Freddy Sanchez would likely move to third base to make room for Uggla, who has made it known that he has no interest in moving to the hot corner himself, and Pablo Sandoval would slide across the diamond to first base.
The Giants also have a need in the outfield, but it appears they haven't the available financial resources to jump into the conversation for either Jason Bay or Matt Holliday. They could, however, make a play for Rick Ankiel or Xavier Nady and stay under budget. GM Brian Sabean could also look to add a first baseman such as Russell Branyan or Adam LaRoche, leaving Sandoval at third and Sanchez at second.
The Giants' biggest financial concern at the moment, however, is the arbitration situation with right-hander Tim Lincecum. Once that is hashed out, the club will have a better idea how much available payroll they are working with. This may cause the Giants to wait until January to make any significant signings.
Uggla could be a great get
http:// [h3]How do the Halos counter?[/h3]
12:24PM ET
[h5]Los Angeles Angels[/h5]
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If you're a Los Angeles Angels fan you are probably still wondering how your team is going to counter what the rest of the American League West has done this offseason. We wondered aloud the very same thing last week, and, unfortunately, it's only gotten worse for the Halos in the past five days.
Left-hander Darren Oliver is on the verge of signing with the Texas Rangers, reports ESPNDallas.com, making it three prominent free agents that have left, and the second that joined a division rival.
L.A. has signed Hideki Matsui, presumably to replace Vladimir Guerrero as the DH and part-time outfielder, but the starting rotation is still void of a No. 1 starter after John Lackey left to sign in Boston, and it's still unclear what GM Terry Reagins has planned at third base.
There are options, such as free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets, third baseman Adrian Beltre and outfielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, but the Angels are likely to have stiff competition for all of the above.
