Interview with MLB.com's Thomas Harding

I had the privilege to interview Thomas Harding, he covers the Colorado Rockies for MLB.com.

Baseball-Rumors: You had reported in early December that the Rockies had conversations with both David Eckstein and Mark Loretta. At what point did the Rockies move away from both of those players?

Thomas Harding: Mark Loretta was the Rockies' first choice, but he had a lucrative, $4M offer on the table from the Astros and the Rockies just weren't willing to give him that kind of money.

As far as David Eckstein, they were ok with a 2-year deal but not at the kind of money he was looking for.


Baseball-Rumors: I understand the Rockies also have interest in veteran 2nd baseman Todd Walker, where are those discussions at this point?

Thomas Harding: The Rockies actually have interest in both Walker as well as Marcus Giles and will probably offer both minor league deals, but you probably won't see anything on that until after the New Year.

If neither agree to minor league deals, the Rockies will fill the position internally.


Baseball-Rumors: Troy Tulowitzlki, we saw how good of a player he is on the field, but what kind of a leader is he off the field, especially for his young age?

Thomas Harding: He's a very confident kid, has been since he got the chance out of AA in Spring Training last year. The veterans in the clubhouse wanted him to come in and earn the shortstop position, they wanted to see what he could do and he did just that.

A leader doesn't mean he has to yell in the clubhouse or be the one to always face the media, but to show leadership on the field and Tulo has done a great job at that.


Baseball-Rumors: After all the years Helton has spent with the Rockies, how much fun was it to see him with this young team through the playoffs and that moment when they clinched the NLCS?

Thomas Harding: It was an absolute blast to watch. I talked to Helton prior to the the World Series and he told me he has shown more emotion this season then he ever has, which showed after the World Series because he was the most disappointed player in that clubhouse.

This season, though, I saw Helton play better defense than he has in the last 4-5 years.


Baseball-Rumors: Matt Holliday is a Rockie at least through the 2009 season, are the Rockies confident they can sign him long term and when do you expect the front office to approach him or his agent about that?

Thomas Harding: They'll approach Holliday and Scott Boras (Holliday's agent), every winter, but I think it's going to be a short conversation. I know there was a report that the Rockies had a 4-year $60M offer on the table, but Boras says that offer was never submitted to him.

Though Boras is going to tell the Rockies that the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers won't fold anytime soon and will be waiting when he hits free agency but the Rockies aren't resigned to losing Holliday to free agency.


Baseball-Rumors: Yorvit Torrealba was close to signing a deal with the NY Mets back in November. After that deal fell through, did Colorado approach him about coming back or vice versa?

Thomas Harding: Torrealba kept them in the running the entire time, he knew they had an offer on the table, but when the Mets made the offer they did, it was a no-brainer for him. When the deal fell through, he decided to take the Rockies' offer even though he did have a bigger offer from the Florida Marlins.

The way the Rockies' Front Office works is, they guage how much that player is worth, they make their offer and there isn't much negotiation after that.


Baseball-Rumors: With Torrealba coming back, is he the #1 guy when the '08 season starts or do the Rockies want Chris Ianetta to be that guy?

Thomas Harding: Torrealba will be the #1 guy going into next season. They wanted a guy that they know can help them both defensively and with the bat. Though he's going to be starter next season, you'll see Chris Ianetta get his share of playing time as well.


Baseball-Rumors: Final question for me, the NL West has gone from being called the “NL Worst” a few years ago to, arguably, being the best and deepest division in baseball. Is this division showing baseball that you can build from within and be successful?

Thomas Harding: Absolutely, I think you've seen that throughout the NL West. Look at the Giants, with exception to Barry Zito their pitching staff is all from their own system. The pitching in this division seems to have at least 1 or 2 guys that are home grown.

Royals sign Tsao to minor league deal

The Kansas City Royals signed former Dodger right-hander Chin-Hui Tsao to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training according to a press release from the team.

Clement offered minor league deal from Cardinals

Scott Wuertz reported yesterday that Matt Clement was close to signing with the St. Louis Cardinals.

In his blog today, Wuertz reports that the Cardinals had offered Clement a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training but turned it down.

He's now expected to sign with either the Pirates or Indians. Clement just recently built a new home in Butler, PA where he was born.

What's Next?

Since we seem to be at that point where all's quiet on the western front so to speak, let's go over a few things we can look forward to in the coming months.

January 8th - Hall of Fame selections will be announced

February 14th - Pitchers and catchers report to their respective Spring Training Camps

February 26th - The first Spring Training games will get underway

March 25th - First regular season game will be played in Tokyo between the Red Sox and A's.

Clement to sign with Cardinals?

12.30.07 11:06am PST

Contrary to Scott Wuerz' report, John Perrotto reports that Clement is going to sign with either the Pirates or Indians.

12.30.07 9:37am PST

Scott Wuerz of the Belleville News Democrat has a rumor that the Cardinals are close to signing free agent right-hander Matt Clement.

There's no details on whether it's a 1-year deal or more than that.

I sent emails to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and Matt Leach the Cardinals' beat writer for MLB.com to see if I can get any details and/or further confirmation of the deal.

Mailbag

Time for our first mailbag of the offseason, you can email your questions to baseballrumors@gmail.com.

Rangers eyeing Colon?

Richard Durrett of the Dallas Morning News weighs in on Bartolo Colon. He's of the opinion that if Colon takes an incentive laden contract, that he may be worth the risk.

Respectfully, I don't know if I agree. Colon pitching in one of the biggest hitter's parks in all of baseball wouldn't help the Rangers much, especially if he can't stay healthy.

On the flip side of the coin, if Colon comes back firing bullets and reverts back to his better self, then the Rangers got the best out of him for a cheap deal. I think Colon and Mark Prior are the same boat, they both want to prove they're on the comeback trail, but they're both high risk signings.

Mets interested in Lieber?

According to New York Daily News, the Mets have apparently shown interest in veteran free agent right-hander Jon Lieber.

Lieber's agent, Rex Gary, confirmed that the Mets have contacted him about the right-hander but added "As we sit here today it'd be wrong to suggest something is imminent. There has been a lot of interest in him from other teams. ... But he has absolutely no problem with the idea of pitching in New York. He liked pitching in New York with the Yankees and he likes to win."

MLB Report (Oakland A's)

With all the talk leading up to ace Dan Haren being traded to Arizona, I asked Contra Costa Times' Joe Stiglich about the possibility of Joe Blanton following him out the door.

Baseball-Rumors: Are the A's still shopping Blanton at this point and what teams are involved in those discussions? Also, are the A's asking for multiple prospects in return or are they wanting major league talent?

Joe Stiglich: The A's stay very tight-lipped about everything regarding trades/free agency, etc., so it's tough to gauge. I think they're taking a similar approach that they took with Haren: Set the asking price very high and see if anyone bites. Looking at the thin pitching market, I think the A's feel they've got a very hot commodity in Blanton, and they don't want to give him up unless the package dazzles them. The Mets are a team that seems like a great fit for him, but reportedly those talks have cooled. I would think the A's could ask for at least one ML-ready player -- especially since most of the guys they got for Haren are so young -- but who knows? They seem to really want to stockpile prospects.

Astros sign Villarreal to a 2-year deal

After being acquired from Atlanta in a trade for Josh Anderson last month, the Houston Astros have signed Oscar Villarreal to a 2-year $2.85M deal.

The deal, worth $1 million in 2008 and $1.6 million in 2009, includes a $250,000 signing bonus and a $2 million club option for 2010.

Leyritz arrested for DUI Manslaughter

In a story that has really shocked the baseball world, former major leaguer and Yankee, Jim Leyritz has been arrested for DUI Manslaughter after a fatal car accident early Friday morning.

According to police reports, Leyritz was driving a 2006 Ford Expedition when he collided at an intersection with a 30-year-old female, who was driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero. The victim was taken to Broward Medical Center where she was later pronounced dead.

If this isn't an example of why you don't drink and drive, I don't know what is. It's a sad story on both sides because a young woman lost her life and all because someone made a HUGE error in judgement.

Astros sign Darin Erstad

12.27.07 8:46pm PST

Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle gave me his 2 cents on the Astros signing Darin Erstad.

Baseball-Rumors: I like the signing of Darin Erstad, he gives you another veteran on the ballclub and one that brings Gold Gloves in both the outfield and infield. Will he be a full time outfielder or will he also get playing time at 1st?

Brian McTaggart: Well, he'll be a backup and play both. The OF is set with Lee in left, Bourn in center and Pence in right. Loretta, Blum, Ausmus and Erstad give the Astros a pretty good bench.

12.27.07 6:40pm PST

The Houston Astros inked yet another veteran to their ballclub, signing free agent outfielder Darin Erstad to a 1-year deal plus incentives.

With Erstad only being 33, I think he's definetely got something left in the tank. He also brings 2 Gold Gloves in both the outfield (2000, 2002) and infield (2004) as a 1st baseman.

Twins looking to sign Santana?

After all the trade talks between Minnesota, Boston, New York and various other teams, are the Twins now going to call off any trade for Johan Santana and, instead, try to sign him long term?

According to Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, Twins' President David St. Peter is serious about signing Santana. "That remains our goal, our first choice, and I'm not going to veer from that," St. Peter said. "We are comfortable with that scenario if that's the best thing for the Twins' organization."

Prior to this article Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, a close friend of Santana's, told the New York Daily News that the Twins do not want to let [Santana] go.

Royals sign Miguel Olivo

Did anyone see this coming? The Kansas City Royals have signed free agent catcher Miguel Olivo to a 1-year deal with a mutual option for 2009.

There was ZERO talk about the Royals even being interested in Olivo after being non-tendered by the Marlins. I'm curious if signing Olivo will force current backstop John Buck to step up and grab the starting job and run with it.

Prior signs with the Padres

12.26.07 11:45am PST

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the deal includes a $1M base salary with incentives that could bring the deal over $3M total.

12.26.07 10:34am PST

According to Ken Rosenthal, Mark Prior has signed a 1-year deal with the San Diego Padres.

The terms of the deal have not been released.

Jason Jennings looking for 2-year deal?

Jason Jennings is still out there on the free agent market, and though I haven't heard his name bantered around that much over the past few weeks, I thought I'd get Houston Chronicle's Brian McTaggart's take on him...

Baseball-Rumors: Any truth to the Astros wanting to bring back Jason Jennings on a 1-year deal, even after the year he had last year?

Brian McTaggart: Yes, there is truth to that. But apparently the Jennings camp wants a two-year deal, and the Astros aren't willing. If no one else gives him that, he could wind up back in Houston.

Marlins sign IF Castillo

According to an AP report, the Florida Marlins have signed former Pirates IF Jose Castillo, though the terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.

Mark Prior Update

12.24.07 3:09pm PST

North County Times' Dan Hayes weighs in on free agent Mark Prior's decision between the Astros and Padres.

Baseball-Rumors: I hear that Prior is deciding between the Astros and Padres at this point. Are the Padres going to lose out on yet another free agent or will Prior take the pitcher's ballpark and less money?

Dan Hayes: I do believe Mark Prior is going to accept the Padres' offer if it comes down to common sense but I haven't been able to get a hold of his agent for the past week. Even if Houston makes an absurd offer, Prior would still have to spend all of his games pitching in a hitter's park. I think that's going to deter him especially because he's looking for a one-year deal and to establish that he's a good pitcher again. If that's his true aim, wouldn't he want to pitch half his games at Petco?

12.23.07 8:50am PST

According to the Houston Chronicle, free agent right-hander Mark Prior has narrowed his choices to the Houston Astros and the San Diego Padres.

Prior is currently a San Diego County resident and has been doing all of his rehab there, both work in the Padres favor at this point.

12.21.07 1:00pm PST

The Rangers, after reviewing Prior's medical records, have pulled out of the bidding, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.The Rangers had been said to be serious contenders for him prior to this.
12.20.07 7:51pm PST

According to Buster Olney, the Padres are the front runners to land former Cub Mark Prior, who is currently a San Diego County resident.The Padres, says Olney, have offered a 1-year deal with a modest base salary that includes incentives to Prior, who could make his decision in the next 24-48 hours.

12.18.07 10:44pm PST

Ken Rosenthal puts his 2 cents in on Mark Prior. He is of the opinion that Prior's logical destination is with the San Diego Padres, not only because of Petco Park being well known as a "pitcher's park" but because he's originally from Southern California.

The problem with that idea is, the acquisition of Edmonds puts the Padres payroll up to $73M, which is only $2M below their ideal payroll of $75M, but I don't think the Padres can ask Prior to take a San Diego discount, especially if he is getting bigger offers from Houston, St. Louis or any other club.

Mike Cameron update

12.24.07 2:44pm PST (Christmas Eve)

First, let me wish all of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Great New Year. I hope everyone is enjoying this time with friends and family.

Updating from yesterday. North County Times' Dan Hayes and Union Tribune's Tim Sullivan were nice enough to respond to my questions regarding Mike Cameron.





Baseball-rumors: With the Rangers trading for Josh Hamilton and the Phillies signing both So Taguchi and Geoff Jenkins, are there any teams left with interest in Mike Cameron? Is there any chance that the Padres re-visit talks with him and his agent?





Tim Sullivan: That's a good question. I would think that Cameron will be able to find a spot somewhere -- maybe with a non-contending team. But I'm not convinced the Padres won't add a right-handed bat. It's certainly a question worth floating.





Dan Hayes: I think the Padres would love to have Cameron for center with Edmonds in left. But they're so close to their budget ... I hear it's $75 million and they're around $73 with bonuses ---- I haven't done the math yet ---- so I doubt it's realistic. Cameron would easily command $10 million a year over two years, which is a steal. But unless the Padres unloaded Barrett's $3.5 million contract I couldn't see it happening. They might make a $5 million exception and go up to $80 m, but I don't see them going to $83 or $84 m. Though Edmonds and Cameron would make them a very strong contender in the West.





12.23.07 8:53pm PST





The biggest surprise to me this offseason, Mike Cameron is still yet to be signed. Cameron and his agent had been talking to the San Diego Padres about a 2-year deal few weeks ago, but could not come to an agreement on the dollar amount.



The teams that had been interested, namely the Rangers and Phillies, have both acquired center fielders. The Rangers traded for Reds' center fielder Josh Hamilton, the Phillies signed both Geoff Jenkins and So Taguchi to free agent deals.



At this point, with his options dwindling by the day, could Cameron return to the Padres? It's doubtful, but if he and the Padres are willing to re-negotiate the dollar amount on that 2-year deal previously discussed, maybe there is a chance.

Clemens issues video denial

Roger Clemens, for the first time since being accused of taking HGH, issued a video statement from his personal website. Clemens strongly denied taking HGH or that anyone injected anything into his body.

Clemens will make his first national TV appearance on this subject with CBS' Mike Wallace of "60 Minutes" sometime next year.

On the same subject, San Diego Padres pitcher, and 2007 NL Cy Young Award Winner, Jake Peavy defended Clemens, calling him a "friend and mentor."

Mike Cameron still unsigned

The biggest surprise to me this offseason, Mike Cameron is still yet to be signed. Cameron and his agent had been talking to the San Diego Padres about a 2-year deal few weeks ago, but could not come to an agreement on the dollar amount.

The teams that had been interested, namely the Rangers and Phillies, have both acquired center fielders. The Rangers traded for Reds' center fielder Josh Hamilton, the Phillies signed both Geoff Jenkins and So Taguchi to free agent deals.

At this point, with his options dwindling by the day, could Cameron return to the Padres? It's doubtful, but if he and the Padres are willing to re-negotiate the dollar amount on that 2-year deal previously discussed, maybe there is a chance.

Brewers Notes

The Milwaukee Brewers are in the market for a 3rd baseman, allowing them to move Ryan Braun (2007 NL Rookie of the Year) to Left Field.

Though there aren't many names out there on the free agent market, a guy that I think could help them out is former Astro and Padre Morgan Ensberg. Ensberg still has some pop and is a decent defensive 3rd baseman, putting him into a hitters park isn't the worst idea, and he's a cheap option.

Phillies sign So Taguchi

The Philadelphia Phillies picked up another outfielder on Sunday, signing So Taguchi to a 1-year $1M with an option for 2009.

So the Phillies' outfield looks like this...Pat Burrell, Geoff Jenkins, So Taguchi, Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth. Not the best defensive outfield out there, but does have some offensive pop for sure.

Rangers close to deal with Guardado

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Texas Rangers are close to a deal with former Mariners and Reds closer Eddie Guardado.

Prior to decide between Houston, San Diego

12.23.07 8:50am PST

According to the Houston Chronicle, free agent right-hander Mark Prior has narrowed his choices to the Houston Astros and the San Diego Padres.

Prior is currently a San Diego County resident and has been doing all of his rehab there, both work in the Padres favor at this point.

12.21.07 1:00pm PST

The Rangers, after reviewing Prior's medical records, have pulled out of the bidding, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
The Rangers had been said to be serious contenders for him prior to this.

12.20.07 7:51pm PST

According to Buster Olney, the Padres are the front runners to land former Cub Mark Prior, who is currently a San Diego County resident.The Padres, says Olney, have offered a 1-year deal with a modest base salary that includes incentives to Prior, who could make his decision in the next 24-48 hours.

12.18.07 10:44pm PST

Ken Rosenthal puts his 2 cents in on Mark Prior. He is of the opinion that Prior's logical destination is with the San Diego Padres, not only because of Petco Park being well known as a "pitcher's park" but because he's originally from Southern California.

The problem with that idea is, the acquisition of Edmonds puts the Padres payroll up to $73M, which is only $2M below their ideal payroll of $75M, but I don't think the Padres can ask Prior to take a San Diego discount, especially if he is getting bigger offers from Houston, St. Louis or any other club.

Rockies finalize 2-year deal with Vizcaino

12.21.07 5:25pm PST

The Rockies and reliever Luis Vizcaino have finalized a 2-year $7.5M deal.

12.14.07 9:08pm PST

Tracy Ringolsby makes it official, Vizcaino has signed with the Rockies.

12.13.05 9:08pm PST

The Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates both had interest in former Yankee reliever Luis Vizcaino, but according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have been told that they are out of the running for his services.

Knowing that information, it looks like the Rockies will land the right-handed reliever.

White Sox sign Cuban Alexei Ramirez

According to Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportes.com, the Chicago White Sox have signed Cuban defector Alexei Ramirez to a 4-year deal pending the outcome of his physical.

Rangers acquire Josh Hamilton

According to the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers sent young pitchers Edison Volquez and minor league pitcher Danny Herrera to the Cincinnati Reds for young, and talented, center fielder Josh Hamilton.

Kapler un-retires, signs with Brewers

Gabe Kapler had called it a career until the Milwaukee Brewers came calling. Kapler will sign a 1-year deal with the Brewers, though the details of the contract have not been released.

Rangers out of bidding for Mark Prior

12.21.07 1:00pm PST

The Rangers, after reviewing Prior's medical records, have pulled out of the bidding, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.

The Rangers had been said to be serious contenders for him prior to this.

12.20.07 7:51pm PST

According to Buster Olney, the Padres are the front runners to land former Cub Mark Prior, who is currently a San Diego County resident.
The Padres, says Olney, have offered a 1-year deal with a modest base salary that includes incentives to Prior, who could make his decision in the next 24-48 hours.

12.18.07 10:44pm PST

Ken Rosenthal puts his 2 cents in on Mark Prior. He is of the opinion that Prior's logical destination is with the San Diego Padres, not only because of Petco Park being well known as a "pitcher's park" but because he's originally from Southern California.

The problem with that idea is, the acquisition of Edmonds puts the Padres payroll up to $73M, which is only $2M below their ideal payroll of $75M, but I don't think the Padres can ask Prior to take a San Diego discount, especially if he is getting bigger offers from Houston, St. Louis or any other club.

Phillies in or out on Lohse?

This morning, reading Ben Maller's MLB Rumors from Fox Sports, I came across two different articles on the bidding for pitcher Kyle Lohse.





The first one, from Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press, says Lohse is pondering a 4-year $40M offer from Philadelphia Phillies. Contrary to that report, George King of the NY Post says the Phillies have backed out of the running.





In the George King article, Phillies assistant GM, Ruben Amaro, says "We talked to his agent Scott Boras a few times and from all indications it looked like it would take four years. We let him know that we wouldn't go higher than three. He indicated he could get four, and we bowed out gracefully"


I guess we'll get the real story in a few days.

Furcal recovering in native Dominican Republic

After an ankle injury in Colorado ended his season, Dodgers shortstop Rafael Furcal headed back his native Dominican Republic. Not only to play winter ball, but to spend time with his young son and wife.

If you haven't read this article by Kevin Baxter of the LA Times, take a few minutes, it's actually a good read.

Mariners finalize 4-year deal with Silva

12.20.07 7:55pm PST

The Seattle Mariners, according to an AP report on Thursday, finalized the 4-year $48M contract for free agent right-hander Carlos Silva.

12.19.07 8:24pm PST

According to Jim Street of MLB.com, the Mariners have signed Carlos Silva to a 4-year $44M deal pending the outcome of Silva's physical.

12.18.07 10:12pm PST

Tim Booth of Yahoo! Sports checks in, the Mariners are apparently closing in on a deal with Silva.

12.18.07 1:09pm PST

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Seattle Mariners are in "serious talks" with free agent Carlos Silva and have apparently offered a 4-year $44M deal.

Padres front-runners for Mark Prior

12.20.07 7:51pm PST

According to Buster Olney, the Padres are the front runners to land former Cub Mark Prior, who is currently a San Diego County resident.

The Padres, says Olney, have offered a 1-year deal with a modest base salary that includes incentives to Prior, who could make his decision in the next 24-48 hours.

12.18.07 10:44pm PST

Ken Rosenthal puts his 2 cents in on Mark Prior. He is of the opinion that Prior's logical destination is with the San Diego Padres, not only because of Petco Park being well known as a "pitcher's park" but because he's originally from Southern California.

The problem with that idea is, the acquisition of Edmonds puts the Padres payroll up to $73M, which is only $2M below their ideal payroll of $75M, but I don't think the Padres can ask Prior to take a San Diego discount, especially if he is getting bigger offers from Houston, St. Louis or any other club.

Rockies sign Wells, Redman

12.20.07 11:10am PST

The Rockies put the finishing touches on 1-year deals with right-hander Kip Wells and left-hander Mark Redman.

Wells' deal is a 1-year $3.1M, with an additional $1.5M in incentives. The details of Mark Redman's deal have not been released.

12.12.07 10:08pm PST

The Rockies finalized a 1-year $3M deal with Kip Wells according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.

12.12.07 7:54am PST

Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News reports the Colorado Rockies are close to a 1-year deal with free agent right-hander Kip Wells.

Willis signs 3-year extension

12.20.07 11:01am PST

Dontrelle Willis and the Detroit Tigers have come to an agreement on a 3-year $29M deal according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.

12.20.07 7:45am PST

Not even a month removed from the Winter Meetings, new Tiger Dontrelle Willis is in negotiations for a contract extension with Detroit.

The extension is rumored to be 3-years and in the neighborhood of $25M - $30M.

Brewers interested in Lofton?

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Brewers could be looking into acquiring Kenny Lofton if they are able to move Bill Hall to 3rd and Ryan Braun to left field.

Padres sign Fick, Davanon

The San Diego Padres have signed catcher/1st baseman Robert Fick and outfielder Jeff Davanon to minor league deals with an invitation to spring training.

Fick was a member of the Padres in 2004 and spent the last 2 seasons with the Nationals. Davanon also has San Diego ties, he's an alumni of San Diego State and his father was a member of the original major league Padres in 1969.

Phillies land Chad Durbin

According to Dejan Kovacevic reports that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed, former Tigers starter, Chad Durbin, though the terms of the contract have not been released.

Phillies sign Geoff Jenkins

The San Diego Padres have lost out on the 3rd free agent they were after. After losing to the Cubs for Kosuke Fukudome, Milton Bradley to the Rangers and now the most recent being Geoff Jenkins who just signed with the Philadelphia Phillies.

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, Jenkins signed a 2-year $13M deal with a vesting option based on plate appearances that could make the total deal worth $20M. Jenkins is expected to platoon in right field with current Philly Jayson Werth.

Tigers, Willis talking extension

Not even a month removed from the Winter Meetings, new Tiger Dontrelle Willis is in negotiations for a contract extension with Detroit.

The extension is rumored to be 3-years and in the neighborhood of $25M - $30M.

Schilling speaks on Roger Clemens

If I'm Curt Schilling, I'd be careful of what dog I choose to mess with, especially if that dog is Roger Clemens.

Schilling, posting on his website 38pitches.com, believes that if Clemens did in fact take performance enhancing drugs, that his 4 Cy Young Awards should be stripped and given to the rightful winner.

"From that point on the numbers were attained through using [performance-enhancing drugs]. Just like I stated about Jose Canseco, if that is the case with Roger, the four Cy Youngs should go to the rightful winners, and the numbers should go away if he cannot refute the accusations."

Clemens said yesterday, in a statement through his agent, that he didn't want people rushing to judgement....I guess Schill missed that part of the statement.

Mahay signs with Royals

Left-handed pitchers seem to get a lot of interest around baseball and 36-year-old Ron Mahay is no different.

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that Mahay has agreed to a 2-year $8M deal with the Kansas City Royals. In 58 games, split between the Rangers and Braves, Mahay had a combined 2.55 ERA last season.

Padres, Barrett avoid arbitration

According to an AP report, the Padres have avoided arbitration with catcher Michael Barrett and have signed him to a 1-year $3.5M deal.

Barrett could also earn another $750,000 in performance bonuses.

Silva signs with Mariners

12.19.07 8:24pm PST

According to Jim Street of MLB.com, the Mariners have signed Carlos Silva to a 4-year $44M deal pending the outcome of Silva's physical.

12.18.07 10:12pm PST

Tim Booth of Yahoo! Sports checks in, the Mariners are apparently closing in on a deal with Silva.

12.18.07 1:09pm PST

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Seattle Mariners are in "serious talks" with free agent Carlos Silva and have apparently offered a 4-year $44M deal.

Giants interested in Tony Clark

According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have expressed interest in free agent 1st baseman Tony Clark.

The Giants would use the left-handed hitting Clark to share time at 1st with incoming rookie Dan Ortmeier.

In the same article, Schulman also confirms that the Giants were among 10 other teams that were in Arizona to watch free agent right-hander Kris Benson throw. Benson is coming off season ending shoulder surgery, but there's word that Benson looked impressive during his workout.

San Diego is a logical destination for Mark Prior?

Ken Rosenthal puts his 2 cents in on Mark Prior. He is of the opinion that Prior's logical destination is with the San Diego Padres, not only because of Petco Park being well known as a "pitcher's park" but because he's originally from Southern California.

The problem with that idea is, the acquisition of Edmonds puts the Padres payroll up to $73M, which is only $2M below their ideal payroll of $75M, but I don't think the Padres can ask Prior to take a San Diego discount, especially if he is getting bigger offers from Houston, St. Louis or any other club.

Mariners close to deal with Silva

12.18.07 10:12pm PST

Tim Booth of Yahoo! Sports checks in, the Mariners are apparently closing in on a deal with Silva.

12.18.07 1:09pm PST

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Seattle Mariners are in "serious talks" with free agent Carlos Silva and have apparently offered a 4-year $44M deal.

Marlins to get new ballpark?

The Marlins are getting a new ballpark? Yep, you read that correctly. The Miami-Dade County commissioners approved a public works project that will include a new, 37,000 seat, retractible roof, ballpark where the Orange Bowl site is now.

The estimated cost of the new stadium is now $515 million.

So let me get this straight. The Marlins, who barely draw 15,000 fans per game and even that is highballing it, get a brand new ballpark, yet one of the best teams in the AFC (San Diego Chargers) are still waiting for their new stadium? Yeah, ok.

Javy Lopez back in Atlanta

Javy Lopez, a fan favorite from his earlier years, has come back to Atlanta. The Braves signed the 37-year-old catcher to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training.

If Lopez makes the team out of Spring Training, he will backup current starter Brian McCann.

Padres will not match Phillies offer for Jenkins

Free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins has still yet to decide between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres.

The Phillies have offered a 3-year deal and it's unlikely that the Padres will attempt to match it according to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune.

Mets sign Matt Wise

According to an AP Report, the New York Mets have signed free agent right-hander Matt Wise to a 1-year 1.2M deal.

Wise was 3-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 56 appearances last season with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Astros acquire RHP Paronto

Ken Rosenthal reports that the Houston Astros have signed right-hander Chad Paronto to a 1-year $500,000 deal that could be worth up to $675,000 after incentives.

Paronto will move into the bullpen already set with guys like Doug Brocail, Oscar Villareal and Geoff Geary to set the table for newly acquired closer Jose Valverde.

Bradley says he'll be ready for Rangers' opener

New Rangers' outfielder Milton Bradley, during a conference call this afternoon, says he'll be ready for Opening Day, whether that be as the DH or as the starting right fielder.

Asked where he was in his rehab process and if he was running yet, Bradley responded "I'm ahead of pace of the average person. I'm where I need to be. I'll be ready for the start of the season."

Bradley, if we all remember, tore his ACL while being held back by Padres' manager Bud Black during a confrontation between Bradley and umpire Mike Winters towards the end of last season.

Orioles' Roberts admits HGH use

Orioles 2nd baseman, Brian Roberts after having his name show up in the Mitchell Report, admitted to using HGH during the 2003 season, but says he only used it once.

In a statement, made by Roberts himself, he said "In 2003, when I took one shot of steroids, I immediately realized that this was not what I stood for or anything that I wanted to continue doing. I never used steroids, human growth hormone or any other performance-enhancing drugs prior to or since that single incident."

He finished by saying "I know that by being a professional athlete, I am held to a very high standard. I never have and never will take that for granted. However, I am also human and I have made mistakes."

Mariners in "serious talks" with Silva

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Seattle Mariners are in "serious talks" with free agent Carlos Silva and have apparently offered a 4-year $44M deal.

ARod dumps Boras?

There was a story that has surfaced from Variety reporting that Yankees' 3rd basemen Alex Rodriguez had dumped long time agent Scott Boras and had signed with Guy Oseary.

Oseary represents people like Lenny Kravitz, Madonna and magician David Blaine.

Contrary to that report, Journal News beat writer Peter Abraham says ARod signed Oseary to handle non-baseball issues such as marketing and image.