bkmac
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It's whatever though...
The Major League Baseball Offseason Post
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by wildkycat,
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It's whatever though...
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Originally Posted by bkmac
It's whatever though...
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Jason Bay playing left field everyday in that ballpark is an absolute DISASTER.
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Im not disappointed
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Its not THAT bad, he did an adequate job at PITT.
There are far worse defensive outfielders out there.
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According to his home run charts he shouldn't have too much of an issue the way he pulls everything. The way Holliday hits to all fields like Beltran does,HIS power would've dropped significantly more.
Right field is ridiculous, but the gaps will help for some easy doubles.
Right field is ridiculous, but the gaps will help for some easy doubles.
If they wanted a gap hitter, should have thrown money at Holliday. But I actually think this will work out well for the Mets.
[h3]More to come for Seattle?[/h3]
3:16PM ET
[h5]Seattle Mariners[/h5]
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The Seattle Mariners have acquired Cliff Lee and Brandon League via trade, and have signed Chone Figgins to a four-year contract, all this winter, all adding to a team that won 85 games in 2009.
But GM Jack Zduriencik has told the media that they still have work to do, and while there is some money left for them to spend, they also have some trade bait remaining as well, writes Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times.
Baker lists prospect Carlos Triunfel as the Mariners' top piece of trade inventory, followed by right-hander Mark Lowe and second baseman Jose Lopez.
This is assuming the club isn't dealing the core of the team, Ichiro, Felix Hernandez, Franklin Gutierrez and catching prospect Adam Moore, as well as the newly-acquired talents.
Who might the Mariners target? Zduriencik repeatedly said they wanted two starting pitchers before acquiring Cliff Lee, so that would leave them one shy of their goal. Seattle could also look into trading for a first or second baseman.
http:// [h3]Bay, Mets agree to deal?[/h3]
2:53PM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Red Sox[/h5]
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Jason Bay will apparently suit up for the New York Mets next season, reports Mike Francesca, and confirmed by SI.com's Jon Heyman via Twitter.
All reports suggest that a physical has yet to be completed and the deal will not be made official until that occurs, so we're probably looking at late this week at the earliest when it comes to an announcement.
Bay heading to New York does mean Matt Holliday has one less suitor, though most believed the Mets were just tire kickers for Holliday's services.
The Cardinals and Red Sox appear to be the only possibilities to Holliday.
The Mets can now focus on second base and starting pitching. Presumably, the club will continue to try and move Luis Castillo and most of his contract to open up room for someone such as Orlando Hudson. Ben Sheets and Joel Pineiro are among the top free agent starters available, and Cincinnati is still trying to deal Aaron Harang, and are willing to include cash in the deal, which may make Harang more of a possibility than a free-agent pickup.
http:// [h3]Hudson's options[/h3]
12:29PM ET
[h5]Orlando Hudson | Dodgers[/h5]
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Mark DeRosa signed with the Giants Monday and the St. Louis Cardinals are showing interest in Felipe Lopez. Why aren't we hearing about all the clubs interested in Orlando Hudson?
Things could pick up soon on that front with DeRosa now off the market and Juan Uribe also nearing a deal with San Francisco. It's possible, however, that some of the clubs trying to work a trade for Florida's Dan Uggla also share interest in Hudson, but as a secondary option.
It's long been rumored that New York Mets GM Omar Minaya covets Hudson, but most reports suggest he would have to move Luis Castillo and his $12 million contract in order to clear enough payroll space to make Hudson, or any free agent infielder, a competitive offer.
Presumably, if the price was right, Seattle, St. Louis and the Chicago Cubs would also have interest, as might the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-backs, however, have an offer on the table to Kelly Johnson to be their second baseman.
http:// [h3]Chapman signing quickly?[/h3]
11:43AM ET
[h5]MLB[/h5]
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As Jorge Arangure, Jr. wrote Monday, Aroldis Chapman is likely to lose as much as $3 million in taxes now that he's almost certain to not receive any pay for the year 2009.
Had Chapman signed a week ago and received his signing bonus, only his salary would have been taxable because he would not have actually worked in the U.S. until 2010. Now he will have signed and worked in the same year, which would cost him $2-3 million in taxes if he were to accept an offer similar to the one made by the Boston Red Sox of $15 million.
With just three days remaining in the year, it's highly unlikely that the necessary paperwork could be processed in time, even if the lefty were to sign a contract today.
http:// [h3]A-Gone to Red Sox in 3-team trade?[/h3]
10:20AM ET
[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Padres[/h5]
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Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com says to discount the latest speculation that the Padres, Cubs and Red Sox are discussing a three-team trade that would send Adrian Gonzalez to Boston and Jacoby Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz to Chicago.
Levine says that athough the Red Sox and Cubs have talked recently about other matchups, a deal that would send pitcher Andrew Cashner and Josh Vitters as well as a third minor-leaguer to San Diego, which would Gonzalez to Boston, "has not been broached."
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that the Cubs would immediately make a "major effort" to land Ellsbury if the Red Sox were to somehow land Jason Bay or Matt Holliday.
http:// [h3]-backs waiting on Johnson offer[/h3]
10:17AM ET
[h5]Kelly Johnso[/h5]
[h5]n | Braves[/h5]
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The D-backs have made an offer to Kelly Johnson and expect to hear in a few days whether the free agent infielder will accept it, reports Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.
Gilbert says that if Johnson were to accept the offer and earn the starting job at second base, the D-backs could shift Tony Abreu into a utility infield role.
http:// [h3]Mauer a $30 million man?[/h3]
9:49AM ET
[h5]Joe Mauer | Twins[/h5]
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Earlier this offseason, there were numerous reports of how the Minnesota Twins were laying the groundwork for a long term deal with star catcher Joe Mauer, who headlines the free agent class of 2010.
Mauer has a chance to break the bank if he hits the open market. Today's Pioneer Press cites a "prominent industry source" who says Mauer could land $30 million per season if a bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox develops.
http:// [h3]Bruney wants to close[/h3]
9:34AM ET
[h5]Brian Bruney | Nationals[/h5]
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http:// [h3]Holliday waiting game[/h3]
9:01AM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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Christmas has come and gone and Matt Holliday has yet to settle on a home for 2010.
The St. Louis Cardinals and agent Scott Boras continue to play the waiting game.
Keep in mind that agent Boras is in no hurry. When Carlos Beltran was the top free agent on the market a few years ago, Boras did not reach a deal with the New York Mets until mid-January. He appears to have the same plan for Holliday.
Chuck Brownson of the Hardball Times writes that the Cardinals can still afford to be patient as long as other free agents such as Adrian Beltre stay on the market.
Could the Mets be ready to make a late run? Speaking at a weekend event honoring Roberto Clemente, Mets GM Omar Minaya said that Holliday is on his radar.
"We are pursuing Matt Holliday," Minaya told NY Sports Day. "It seems to be easier to make a deal for Jason Bay."
http:// [h3]No Holliday or Bay in the Bronx[/h3]
8:45AM ET
[h5]New York Yankees[/h5]
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The New York Yankees are in the market for a left fielder after Melky Cabrera went to Atlanta as part of the deal for Javier Vazquez.
The option of Mark DeRosa ended when the New Jersey native agreed to a deal in San Francisco. The next move for the Yankees will likely be a more fiscally prudent one, so forget the Yankees making a late run at Matt Holliday or Jason Bay.
"No chance on Matt Holliday, no chance on Jason Bay," an unidentified Yankee official told the New York Daily News. "Zero. None. Underline it."
The Daily News report says the Yankees are considering the easily affordable Reed Johnson and Jerry Hairston Jr. as left field options.
http:// [h3]Lopez a higher priority in St. Louis?[/h3]
8:05AM ET
[h5]St. Louis Cardinals[/h5]
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The St. Louis Cardinals have been doing their best to work out a deal with free agent outfielder Matt Holliday, but agent Scott Boras obviously is holding out for a better offer.
If Holliday goes elsewhere, the Cardinals' Plan B was believed to be Mark DeRosa, but that option has come off the board with the versatile 34-year-old agreeing to a deal with the San Francisco Giants. St. Louis had viewed DeRosa as an option for left field or third base.
Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals might now increase their efforts to sign Felipe Lopez, who split last season between Milwaukee and Arizona. The club also has talked to the agents for Xavier Nady and Jermaine Dye.
http:// [h3]Giants-DeRosa a done deal[/h3]
7:53AM ET
[h5]Mark DeRosa | Cardinals[/h5]
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Mark DeRosa has reached a deal with the Giants that is expected to be announced today.
As ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported last week, DeRosa has been on the verge of accepting a two-year contract offer from the Giants since before Christmas. That offer, according to multiple reports, is believed to be for $12 million for two seasons.
The 34-year-old free agent has been pursued by a number of teams this winter, including the Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Phillies, but hasn't been able to find a club willing to give him the three-year deal he was originally seeking.
The Giants would use DeRosa primarily at third base, but he is also expected to see action at several other positions. He has played more than 20 games at every position except catcher and pitcher in his 12-year career.
Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News writes today that where DeRosa plays will have an impact on several other positions.
http:// [h3]Panda to play first base?[/h3]
7:48AM ET
[h5]Pablo Sandoval | Giants[/h5]
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The San Francisco Giants are expected to formally announce the signing of Mark DeRosa today, a move that could move Pablo Sandoval across the diamond to first base.
Sandoval has played the bulk of his brief career at third base, but also has played 43 games at first and 14 behind the plate, so versatility should not be a problem. The Giants were believed to be interested in Nick Johnson to play first base, but Johnson ended up with the Yankees.
As Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle points out, an offseason goal of the Giants was to provide lineup protection for Sandoval, who is expected to bat cleanup. DeRosa is a solid player who has hit over 20 homers each of the last two seasons, but the Giants' struggling offense still needs an additional jolt.
If the Giants are uncomfortable with Sandoval at first base, the versatile DeRosa could play the outfield instead.
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How much do you all think Orlando Hudson is worth?
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I would love to have Felipe back on the team, he was pretty good for us the short time he was here.......we shoulda never let him go.
As far at Holliday........im starting to forget about him.
FB, my man..........thats the way im thinking too.....but it doesnt look like there is another team that is in the market for matt.
Sox spent all their money, mets got bay....Yankees say they dont want him,, orioles probably dont have the money and no other team really needs a left fielder(if they do, then one they can afford.)
As far at Holliday........im starting to forget about him.
FB, my man..........thats the way im thinking too.....but it doesnt look like there is another team that is in the market for matt.
Sox spent all their money, mets got bay....Yankees say they dont want him,, orioles probably dont have the money and no other team really needs a left fielder(if they do, then one they can afford.)
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Who's on third? I don't know[/h3]
9:32AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Twins[/h5]
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The Minnesota Twins need to solve their third base dilemma by the time they open Target Field in April.
As of now, Brendan Harris and Nick Punto are on the depth chart. The Pioneer Press reports today that Twins scouts will watch free agent Joe Crede, who had season-ending back surgery, work out next month in Arizona. Crede hit just .225 for the Twins in 2009.
The newspaper adds that the Twins also are interested in San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff, but they are not alone in that search. Back at the winter meetings, an MLB.com report said about eight teams inquired as to the availability of the third baseman.
http:// [h3]Johnson headed to the desert?[/h3]
8:19AM ET
[h5]Kelly Johnson | Braves[/h5]
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The Diamondbacks appear to be close to landing Kelly Johnson as their new second baseman, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Piecoro says the sides are close to a deal if they haven't already come to terms.
If Johnson comes to the desert, the D-backs could shift Tony Abreu into a utility infield role.
http:// [h3]Duchscherer deal almost official[/h3]
8:08AM ET
[h5]Justin Duchscherer | Athletics[/h5]
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ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported on Christmas Eve that the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Justin Duchscherer have agreed to a one-year contract that could be worth as much as $5.5 million.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Duchscherer had a physical Tuesday and the A's will announce his signing today.
The signing removes another pitching option from the market for teams looking for starting pitching, including clubs such as the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels.
The top names remaining are Ben Sheets, Joel Pineiro and Jarrod Washburn, and trade targets such as Aaron Harang.
http:// [h3]DeRosa provides flexibility[/h3]
7:29AM ET
[h5]Mark DeRosa | Giants[/h5]
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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3933Mark DeRosa made it official on Tuesday, reaching a two-year deal with the Giants.
The 34-year-old free agent was pursued by a number of teams this winter, including the Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Phillies, but finally deciced on San Francisco because he grew tired of being other team's "Plan B."
Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle writes today thar DeRosa provides flexibility. "He'll be a principal part of Bruce Bochy's daily Rubik's Cube lineup game, morphed around Pablo Sandoval in an attempt to reduce the automatic outs from a lineup that has teemed with them," Ratto writes.
Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News wrote Tuesday that where DeRosa plays will have an impact on several other positions.
[h3]Holliday sets price[/h3]
3:15PM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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UPDATE: Tracy Ringolsby of FoxSports.com reports this afternoon that agent Scott Boras has set the price at $18 million per year, the same average annual salary that the Rockies offered Holliday in 2008.
Ringolsby also writes that the Baltimore Orioles offered an eight-year, $130 million deal to Holliday, but O's GM Andy McPhail shoots that down in today's Baltimore Sun.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney says there is increased optimism within the St. Louis Cardinals organization that the team is going to reach a deal with free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday.
Buster reports that five-year offers of $80 million from the Cardinals and $82.5 million from the Red Sox were rejected by agent Scott Boras, who is doubling back to teams that had previously expressed interest in his client. Boras, however, saw his leverage take a hit Tuesday when Jason Bay agreed to a four-year $66 million deal with the New York Mets.
Boras may be lowering his demands, but Buster said this morning that the agent still wants a deal more lucrative than the one Bay is getting from the Mets.
According to today's Post-Dispatch, Cards GM John Mozeliak has no plans to set a deadline on reaching a deal with Holliday.
"I don't believe we're at a critical point yet. We can still be patient with this," Moleliak told the newspaper. "There are still a lot of players out there who could be options for us."
http:// [h3]Uribe close to deal, market thins[/h3]
1:24PM ET
[h5]Juan Uribe | Giants[/h5]
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FoxSports.com reports today that infielder Juan Uribe is nearing an agreement with the San Francisco Giants on a one-year deal, which thins out the free-agent market for infielders and gives the Giants a lot of flexibility.
Uribe can play second, third and shortstop, and newly-signed Mark DeRosa has played second, third and left field in recent seasons, which could mean Bruce Bochy could send DeRosa to left on a semi-regular basis to help the team's lack of options out there aside from Aaron Rowand and Fred Lewis.
With Uribe likely off the market now, Felipe Lopez, Orlando Hudson, Adrian Beltre and trade target Dan Uggla represent the best of what remains available for clubs looking for infield help.
http:// [h3]Could Seattle check in on Hudson?[/h3]
12:01PM ET
[h5]Seattle Mariners[/h5]
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UPDATE: On Mike and Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney mentioned the Mariners as a potential landing spot for second baseman Orlando Hudson, saying "it wouldn't surprise me if at some point the Seattle Mariners jump in there," and "he'd be a perfect fit in what they're doing."
The Seattle Mariners have acquired Cliff Lee and Brandon League via trade, and have signed Chone Figgins to a four-year contract, all this winter, all adding to a team that won 85 games in 2009.
But GM Jack Zduriencik has told the media that they still have work to do, and while there is some money left for them to spend, they also have some trade bait remaining as well, writes Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times.
Baker lists prospect Carlos Triunfel as the Mariners' top piece of trade inventory, followed by right-hander Mark Lowe and second baseman Jose Lopez.
This is assuming the club isn't dealing the core of the team, Ichiro, Felix Hernandez, Franklin Gutierrez and catching prospect http://prospectinsider.com/players/Adam-MooreAdam Moore, as well as the newly-acquired talents.
Who might the Mariners target? Zduriencik repeatedly said they wanted two starting pitchers before acquiring Cliff Lee, so that would leave them one shy of their goal. Seattle could also look into trading for a first or second baseman.
http:// [h3]Who's going to replace Granderson?[/h3]
11:52AM ET
[h5]Detroit Tigers[/h5]
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The Detroit Tigers traded their starting centerfielder when Curtis Granderson was sent to the New York Yankees in a three-team deal earlier this month. Since then, the Tigers have not made one confirmed offer to a free-agent outfielder and have apparently not explored any via the trade route, either. Could they be looking in-house?
The Detroit Free-Press suggests Casper Wells as a possibility, but most scouting reports have Wells as a corner outfielder on the defensive side of things due to foot speed, and Comerica Park isn't exactly a small ballpark.
Wilkin Ramirez may be a better candidate, but our own Keith Law isn't confident the 24-year-old can handle the gig, saying "he's a corner outfielder only and I have a feeling major league pitchers would eat Ramirez alive if he's given the Opening Day job in 2010."
So perhaps the Tigers need to keep looking. Might they jump into the race for Marlon Byrd or Scott Podsednik?
http:// [h3]Red Sox could explore other options[/h3]
11:15AM ET
[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Padres[/h5]
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With Jason Bay signed, sealed and delivered to the New York Mets, could the Boston Red Sox renew trade talks with the San Diego Padres for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez? FoxSports.com predicted over the weekend that Padres GM Jed Hoyer will pull his star off the market and wait until the trade deadline.
But if the Red Sox wish to upgrade an offense that was stagnant at times in 2009 and has now lost Bay from the middle of its lineup, Gonzalez seems to be among the few options.
Boston is said to be still interested in Adrian Beltre, but he's more a defensive specialist and a moderate offensive threat. Adam LaRoche and Russell Branyan are free agents and could be a stop-gap for a later acquisition of Gonzalez or the arrival of prospect Lars Anderson. Or the Sox could take a late-winter look at Carlos Delgado, who is expected to showcase his health in winter ball sometime in January.
But here's another thought: Why not trade for Dan Uggla?
http:// [h3]Athletics in Chapman chase[/h3]
10:36AM ET
[h5]MLB[/h5]
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[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
As Jorge Arangure, Jr. wrote Monday, Aroldis Chapman is likely to lose as much as $3 million in taxes now that he's almost certain to not receive any pay for the year 2009.
Had Chapman signed a week ago and received his signing bonus, only his salary would have been taxable because he would not have actually worked in the U.S. until 2010. Now he will have signed and worked in the same year, which would cost him $2-3 million in taxes if he were to accept an offer similar to the one made by the Boston Red Sox of $15 million.
With just three days remaining in the year, it's highly unlikely that the necessary paperwork could be processed in time, even if the lefty were to sign a contract today.
Could the Athletics land Chapman by the new year? The San Francisco Chronicle reports today that the Oakland Athletics are in the "thick of the bidding" for the Cuban defector.
http:// [h3]Boston's stealth pursuit of Beltre[/h3]
9:52AM ET
[h5]Adrian Beltre | Mariners[/h5]
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The Boston Red Sox remain "quietly engaged" in discussions for free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, reports Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com.
Edes said the pursuit of Beltre was complicated by the voiding of the trade that was to send Mike Lowell to Texas. Earlier this month, Beltre was believed to be looking for a five-year deal worth between $13 million and $16 million, but the market has come down and Boston may be seeking him at a more reasonable price.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports today that the Athletics are interested in Beltre, but those talks have not advanced beyond the early stages.
http:// [h3]Is Bay worth the price?[/h3]
9:38AM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Mets[/h5]
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The wait was worth it for the New York Mets, who finally came to terms with free agent Jason Bay on a four-year, $66 million deal that includes a vesting option for a fifth season.
Bay essentially had no other serious suitors for his services, and the Mets knew it. "You have to give (the Mets) credit for playing the Bay negotiations exactly right, as it turned out," John Harper of the New York Daily News writes today.
The Mets have not confirmed the deal, and Joel Sherman of the New York Post wonders if Bay's impending physical will be more than a formality because of the outfielder's past shoulder problems.
Assuming Bay passes his physical, the Mets can now focus on second base and starting pitching. Presumably, the club will continue to try and move Luis Castillo and most of his contract to open up room for someone such as Orlando Hudson. Ben Sheets and Joel Pineiro are among the top free agent starters available, and Cincinnati is still trying to deal Aaron Harang, and are willing to include cash in the deal, which may make Harang more of a possibility than a free-agent pickup.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Is Bay worth the price?
http:// [h3]Who's on third? I don't know[/h3]
9:32AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Twins[/h5]
Top Email
The Minnesota Twins need to solve their third base dilemma by the time they open Target Field in April.
As of now, Brendan Harris and Nick Punto are on the depth chart. The Pioneer Press reports today that Twins scouts will watch free agent Joe Crede, who had season-ending back surgery, work out next month in Arizona. Crede hit just .225 for the Twins in 2009.
The newspaper adds that the Twins also are interested in San Diego's Kevin Kouzmanoff, but they are not alone in that search. Back at the winter meetings, an MLB.com report said about eight teams inquired as to the availability of the third baseman.
http:// [h3]Johnson headed to the desert?[/h3]
8:19AM ET
[h5]Kelly Johnson | Braves[/h5]
Top Email
The Diamondbacks appear to be close to landing Kelly Johnson as their new second baseman, reports Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Piecoro says the sides are close to a deal if they haven't already come to terms.
If Johnson comes to the desert, the D-backs could shift Tony Abreu into a utility infield role.
http:// [h3]Duchscherer deal almost official[/h3]
8:08AM ET
[h5]Justin Duchscherer | Athletics[/h5]
Top Email
ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reported on Christmas Eve that the Oakland Athletics and right-hander Justin Duchscherer have agreed to a one-year contract that could be worth as much as $5.5 million.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Duchscherer had a physical Tuesday and the A's will announce his signing today.
The signing removes another pitching option from the market for teams looking for starting pitching, including clubs such as the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels.
The top names remaining are Ben Sheets, Joel Pineiro and Jarrod Washburn, and trade targets such as Aaron Harang.
http:// [h3]DeRosa provides flexibility[/h3]
7:29AM ET
[h5]Mark DeRosa | Giants[/h5]
Top Email
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3933Mark DeRosa made it official on Tuesday, reaching a two-year deal with the Giants.
The 34-year-old free agent was pursued by a number of teams this winter, including the Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Cardinals, Braves and Phillies, but finally deciced on San Francisco because he grew tired of being other team's "Plan B."
Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle writes today thar DeRosa provides flexibility. "He'll be a principal part of Bruce Bochy's daily Rubik's Cube lineup game, morphed around Pablo Sandoval in an attempt to reduce the automatic outs from a lineup that has teemed with them," Ratto writes.
Andrew Baggarly of the Mercury News wrote Tuesday that where DeRosa plays will have an impact on several other positions.
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my boy right this second is playing basketball with Jason Marquis at LA Fitness in Staten Island
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Im surprised the mets didnt sign him hes from here and I have heard him say he wanted to sign with them. He would have been a good 3 or 4 for them. Metsmanagement is putrid.
DeadsetAce
Supporter
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not for ellsbury...clay is expendable tho imo
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They have enough 3 and 4s, they need a 2.
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They didn't want to pay for a true 2 in Lackey which they needed
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Lackey was way overpaid, I can see em trading for one at this point.
/drunk.
Happy New Year.
/drunk.
Happy New Year.
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Happy New Year NT!
2010=Year of the Cubs
2010=Year of the Cubs
[h3]Marlins in no rush on Uggla deal[/h3]
10:40AM ET
[h5]Dan Uggla | Marlins[/h5]
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For weeks, we have heard how the Florida Marlins have been trying to peddle second baseman Dan Uggla.
Joe Fisaro of MLB.com writes that that Uggla continues to be shopped, but the Marlins have no intention of simply dumping the two-time All-Star. As a result, there is no guarantee that a deal will be completed by the start of spring training.
The Miami Herald reported last weekend that talks to send Uggla to San Francisco have cooled because of the Giants' reluctance to deal Jonathan Sanchez. The Fish will instead need to re-engage Baltimore, Texas and Atlanta on Uggla talks.
The Atlanta JC reported earlier this week that the Braves could be interested in Uggla and might be willing to send recently acquired Melky Cabrera to Florida as part of the deal.
http:// [h3]Will market for Damon pick up?[/h3]
10:11AM ET
[h5]Johnny Damon | Yankees[/h5]
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A chunk of free agent outfielders have come off the board, with Jason Bay and Marlon Byrd agreeing to deals this week. One outfielder who surprisingly has drawn little interest is Johnny Damon, who may have priced himself out of a return to the New York Yankees.
Chuck Brownson of the Hardball Times questions why the market has been slow to develop for Damon and suggests that interest could pick up once Matt Holliday agrees to a deal.
San Francisco has been mentioned as a destination, but those odds diminished with this week's signing of Mark DeRosa.
http:// [h3]Can Hillman survive a slow start?[/h3]
9:57AM ET
[h5]Trey Hillman | Royals[/h5]
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The Kansas City Royals have just one winning season since 1995 and are 140-184 in their first two years under manager Trey Hillman.
If the Royals were to get off to a slow start, could Hillman's job be in jeopardy? @+@# Kaegel of MLB.com doesn't think so. "In reality, it would take a calamitous showing or an unforeseen split between (GM Dayton) Moore and Hillman to prompt an ouster. Right now, they're on the same line of the same page," Kaegel writes.
http:// [h3]Holliday watch continues[/h3]
9:40AM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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It may soon be a Happy New Year for the St. Louis Cardinals, who appear to be moving closer to a deal with free agent outfielder Matt Holliday, but nothing is etched in stone.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported that there is increased optimism within the Cardinals' camp about working out a deal for Holliday.
Matthew Leach of MLB.com cautions that "it's still no guarantee they'll get a deal done. And if they don't, they could be scrambling."
Agent Scott Boras is believed to have an offer in excess of $100 million from the Cardinals, and club officials with other teams sense he is shopping that offer. Boras has been doubling back to teams that had previously touched base on the outfielder, citing a possible salary figure of $18 million.
Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch reported Thursday that a deal is "gaining momentum" and that the Cards' offer is potentially the largest in franchise history, topping the $100 million extension signed by Albert Pujols in 2004. Goold added that a resolution could come as early as next week.
Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch writes that "there is always a possibility of a last-hour surprise. But looking out over the baseball horizon, (the Cardinals) don't see a visible threat at the moment."
http:// [h3]Bay contract could benefit Werth[/h3]
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[h5]Jayson Werth | Phillies[/h5]
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Jason Bay appears to have landed a four-year, $66 million contract with the New York Mets, a deal that likely has caught the attention of the Phillies' Jayson Werth.
Todd Zolecki of MLB.com writes that Werth will be able to command a similar contract when he becomes a free agent after next season and that the Phillies might have difficulty keeping him.
The Phillies have high hopes for prospect Domonic Brown, but it is uncertain if he will be ready for the 2011 season.
http:// [h3]Will Saltalamacchia be ready?[/h3]
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[h5]Jarrod Saltalamacchia | Rangers[/h5]
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The Texas Rangers plan to bring in at least one or two veteran catchers to camp because they have concerns about whether Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be ready following shoulder surgery, reports T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
Sullivan says the Rangers are looking for backups to push Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. Rod Barajas and Yorvit Torrealba are on the market, but both are looking for two-year deals, so Texas is likely looking elsewhere.
http:// [h3]Can the Twins keep Mauer?[/h3]
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[h5]Joe Mauer | Twins[/h5]
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What will be the biggest storylines of 2010?
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney gives his forecast and says the Twins' attempt to re-sign star catcher Joe Mauer will be at or near the top of the list.
"If Mauer doesn't sign a long-term deal with Minnesota -- and many who know him believe he will sign -- then he will become eligible for free agency after next season and could, in theory, be headed to the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Mets or another big-market team," Buster writes.
The Twins will be opening a new publicly funded park, so the pressure to keep Mauer in Minnesota will be intense.
Earlier this week, the Pioneer Press cited a "prominent industry source" who said Mauer could land $30 million per season if a bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox develops.
http:// [h3]Delgado to play winter ball Sunday[/h3]
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[h5]Carlos Delgado | Mets[/h5]
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Carlos Delgado's audition to show teams he's healthy apparently will come this weekend in Puerto Rico.
In La Esquina, ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. cited a report in Primer Hora, a newspaper in Puerto Rico, that Delgado will make his winter league debut.
Delgado, who is coming off hip surgery, may be eyeing a return with the Mets, who this week came to terms with outfielder Jason Bay.
The New York Daily News reports today that Delgado's first game will be Sunday for Gigantes de Carolina. Delgado will serve as a DH in games on artificial turf and will play first base only on grass fields.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
'Los can still hit
http:// [h3]Blue Jays enter Chapman chase[/h3]
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[h5]MLB[/h5]
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The market for Aroldis Chapman has heated up this week and the latest to enter the chase may be the Blue Jays.
ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. reports that the Toronto Blue Jays held a private workout for the highly touted Cuban defector on New Year's Eve morning in Florida and then met with his representatives.
A day earlier, Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com reported that the Angels could have an edge in signing the left-hander because Chapman has become a close friend of Angels first baseman Kendry Morales, a fellow Cuban refugee who recently helped convince him to switch agents.
We talked earlier this week of how the Athletics are in the "thick of the bidding" for Chapman. The Yankees and Red Sox also are believed to be in the chase.
