According to Ken Rosenthal, the St. Louis Cardinals are close to a deal that would send 3rd baseman Scott Rolen to Toronto for Troy Glaus.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
A's, Braves discussing Kotsay
According David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Oakland A's and Atlanta Braves are discussing a deal that would send veteran outfielder Mark Kotsay to Atlanta for a mid-level prospect.
The deal would also require the A's to pay a significant amount of Kotsay's remaining $8M salary.
Kotsay says he's excited about the possibility of being in Atlanta saying "I love Bobby Cox, and I like Atlanta and the Braves, as far as the team and organization, the history they have. They've always been competitive. It's a great opportunity if this trade happens."
Interview with Jerry Crasnick of ESPN
With the offseason hitting it's quiet point, I wanted to get some insight about some of the deals we've been hearing so much about like Johan Santana and Erik Bedard. Who better to talk to than ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.
Baseball-Rumors: Are we going to see Johan Santana change uniforms prior to Spring Training and who's the most likely to land him at this point?
Jerry Crasnick: I've been skeptical throughout about the Twins trading Johan Santana. If Francisco Liriano comes back at full strength, the Twins have a legit chance to compete for a postseason berth. And as a lot of baseball people have pointed out, if Minnesota fades from contention, GM Bill Smith could always move Santana in July before the deadline.
I've always thought that Smith will hold out as long as possible because this is such a huge deal for him and the future of the organization: If he doesn't receive a clear "win'' in terms of a haul of prospects, he might be better off keeping Santana.
That said, the Mets' persistence in pursuing Santana makes me think there's a decent chance this could get done before spring training. The Mets' young prospects don't get the respect that Boston's or the Yankees' kids receive, but I think Omar Minaya is creative and motivated enough to make a deal here. The Mets really want Santana, and they have the money to sign him to a long-term contract.
Right now I'd say it's 60-40 that Santana will get moved before spring training. I'd rate the Mets ahead of the Yankees and Boston, in that order. I really think the Red Sox would be just as happy to keep all their kids.
Baseball-Rumors: With the Angels adding Torii Hunter, do you expect them to approach teams about dealing Gary Mathews Jr?
Jerry Crasnick: I haven't heard anything about the Angels shopping Gary Matthews. There was some brief speculation that they might try to void his contract in light of owner Arte Moreno's opposition to steroids and the revelations last year about Matthews and PEDs. But the rumors were unfounded.
Garret Anderson is getting older and Vlad Guerrero is beaten up, and the Angels seem to think they have enough at-bats for Anderson, Vlad, Matthews and Hunter between the outfield and the DH spots.
Baseball-Rumors: Ken Rosenthal reported yesterday that the Mariners could be exploring a deal for Erik Bedard, possibly trading their top prospect Adam Jones. Does this deal get done and does it make the Mariners a legit competitor in the AL West?
Jerry Crasnick: The Mariners have been talking to Baltimore off-and-on about Bedard all winter, but someone with Seattle told me the Orioles are looking for a "Herschel Walker'' type package.
I guess the question of whether the deal gets done depends upon how much talent Bill Bavasi is willing to give up in an effort to win this year and secure his job. I think the chances are at least 50-50 that the Mariners can land Bedard. But if it hasn't happened by now, you have to wonder.
If the Mariners acquire Bedard, a rotation of Felix Hernandez, Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva and Miguel Batista would put them right in the mix in the AL West. They're still not as good as the Angels, but they'd be better than Oakland and Texas, and a potential wild card team.
Baseball-Rumors: I was a little surprised that the Rockies signed Marcus Giles. Is he better than their internal options at 2nd base?
Jerry Crasnick: The Rockies want former first round pick Jayson Nix to win their starting second base job. He played pretty well for Triple A Colorado Springs and was the MVP for Team USA in the World Cup.
Giles is in Colorado strictly as insurance. He signed a minor league deal for a low base salary if he makes the big league club, so there's really no risk for the Rockies.
Baseball-Rumors: Did Mike Cameron's suspension really hurt him as far as the kind of deal he was looking for?
Jerry Crasnick: Cameron, as you know, just signed a one-year deal with a club option with Milwaukee. I think the amphetamine suspension definitely hurt him. He appeared to be in line to sign an Eric Byrnes type deal (three years and $30 million) before all his options dried up on him.
Baseball-Rumors: The Padres hold club options on both Brian Giles and Trevor Hoffman. Is this the last season for both players?
Jerry Crasnick: The Padres have a $9 million option on Brian Giles for 2009 (with a $3 million buyout). I think 2008 is the end of the line for him in San Diego. He's coming off microfracture surgery on his knee, and he'll play at 37 years old this season. It seems like it's time for the Padres to move on.
I'm not so sure about Hoffman. Things didn't end very well for him in 2007, but he still had 42 saves and a 2.98 ERA.
People forget that Hoffman almost left San Diego for Cleveland before signing his last deal. You'd like to think he'll finish his career with the Padres, but there was some acrimony during those last talks.
I can envision him sticking around and making a push for 600 saves. But the Padres aren't the type of team to pay a closer $12 million a year out of "respect'' or sentiment. So I'm sure there'll be some dicey moments during the negotiating process.
Baseball-Rumors: Are we going to see Johan Santana change uniforms prior to Spring Training and who's the most likely to land him at this point?
Jerry Crasnick: I've been skeptical throughout about the Twins trading Johan Santana. If Francisco Liriano comes back at full strength, the Twins have a legit chance to compete for a postseason berth. And as a lot of baseball people have pointed out, if Minnesota fades from contention, GM Bill Smith could always move Santana in July before the deadline.
I've always thought that Smith will hold out as long as possible because this is such a huge deal for him and the future of the organization: If he doesn't receive a clear "win'' in terms of a haul of prospects, he might be better off keeping Santana.
That said, the Mets' persistence in pursuing Santana makes me think there's a decent chance this could get done before spring training. The Mets' young prospects don't get the respect that Boston's or the Yankees' kids receive, but I think Omar Minaya is creative and motivated enough to make a deal here. The Mets really want Santana, and they have the money to sign him to a long-term contract.
Right now I'd say it's 60-40 that Santana will get moved before spring training. I'd rate the Mets ahead of the Yankees and Boston, in that order. I really think the Red Sox would be just as happy to keep all their kids.
Baseball-Rumors: With the Angels adding Torii Hunter, do you expect them to approach teams about dealing Gary Mathews Jr?
Jerry Crasnick: I haven't heard anything about the Angels shopping Gary Matthews. There was some brief speculation that they might try to void his contract in light of owner Arte Moreno's opposition to steroids and the revelations last year about Matthews and PEDs. But the rumors were unfounded.
Garret Anderson is getting older and Vlad Guerrero is beaten up, and the Angels seem to think they have enough at-bats for Anderson, Vlad, Matthews and Hunter between the outfield and the DH spots.
Baseball-Rumors: Ken Rosenthal reported yesterday that the Mariners could be exploring a deal for Erik Bedard, possibly trading their top prospect Adam Jones. Does this deal get done and does it make the Mariners a legit competitor in the AL West?
Jerry Crasnick: The Mariners have been talking to Baltimore off-and-on about Bedard all winter, but someone with Seattle told me the Orioles are looking for a "Herschel Walker'' type package.
I guess the question of whether the deal gets done depends upon how much talent Bill Bavasi is willing to give up in an effort to win this year and secure his job. I think the chances are at least 50-50 that the Mariners can land Bedard. But if it hasn't happened by now, you have to wonder.
If the Mariners acquire Bedard, a rotation of Felix Hernandez, Bedard, Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva and Miguel Batista would put them right in the mix in the AL West. They're still not as good as the Angels, but they'd be better than Oakland and Texas, and a potential wild card team.
Baseball-Rumors: I was a little surprised that the Rockies signed Marcus Giles. Is he better than their internal options at 2nd base?
Jerry Crasnick: The Rockies want former first round pick Jayson Nix to win their starting second base job. He played pretty well for Triple A Colorado Springs and was the MVP for Team USA in the World Cup.
Giles is in Colorado strictly as insurance. He signed a minor league deal for a low base salary if he makes the big league club, so there's really no risk for the Rockies.
Baseball-Rumors: Did Mike Cameron's suspension really hurt him as far as the kind of deal he was looking for?
Jerry Crasnick: Cameron, as you know, just signed a one-year deal with a club option with Milwaukee. I think the amphetamine suspension definitely hurt him. He appeared to be in line to sign an Eric Byrnes type deal (three years and $30 million) before all his options dried up on him.
Baseball-Rumors: The Padres hold club options on both Brian Giles and Trevor Hoffman. Is this the last season for both players?
Jerry Crasnick: The Padres have a $9 million option on Brian Giles for 2009 (with a $3 million buyout). I think 2008 is the end of the line for him in San Diego. He's coming off microfracture surgery on his knee, and he'll play at 37 years old this season. It seems like it's time for the Padres to move on.
I'm not so sure about Hoffman. Things didn't end very well for him in 2007, but he still had 42 saves and a 2.98 ERA.
People forget that Hoffman almost left San Diego for Cleveland before signing his last deal. You'd like to think he'll finish his career with the Padres, but there was some acrimony during those last talks.
I can envision him sticking around and making a push for 600 saves. But the Padres aren't the type of team to pay a closer $12 million a year out of "respect'' or sentiment. So I'm sure there'll be some dicey moments during the negotiating process.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Brewers land Cameron
1.11.08 3:06pm PST
According to Buster Olney, the Milwaukee Brewers have signed free agent Mike Cameron to a 1-year deal, though the terms of his deal have not been released.
With this move, the Brewers intend to move Bill Hall to 3rd base and Ryan Braun to left field. That being said, could they possibly look into dealing Tony Gwynn Jr? One team that could be interested, but it would come with the pressure of his father's name in this city, the San Diego Padres.
With Brian Giles not being ready for Opening Day, the Padres are looking to move young prospect Chase Headley from 3rd base to left field with Jim Edmonds in center and possibly Scott Hairston in right, it's not the kind of outfield that excites you. Maybe the young Gwynn wouldn't be a bad move, who knows?
1.10.08 8:51am PST
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Milwaukee Brewers apparently have serious interest in free agent center fielder Mike Cameron.
If they do acquire Cameron, it could mean that Bill Hall could possibly be traded.
1.9.08 8:46pm PST
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Milwaukee Brewers are apparently looking at veteran free agent outfielders Kenny Lofton and Mike Cameron, possibly Luis Gonzalez as well.
Lofton and Gonzalez can be had on 1-year deals while Mike Cameron is looking for a 2 or 3-year deal. I'm not sure the Brewers are willing to give Cameron either, so Lofton and Gonzalez are the likely choices.
Lofton and Gonzalez can be had on 1-year deals while Mike Cameron is looking for a 2 or 3-year deal. I'm not sure the Brewers are willing to give Cameron either, so Lofton and Gonzalez are the likely choices.
Ventura walking pain free after surgery
I thought this is one of those stories that shows just how far the medical industry has come and how it has given Robin Ventura a new start. Maybe not in baseball, but to be able to wake up in the morning pain free, something that hasn't happened for him in quite some time.
It's a story worth reading, so here ya go.
Rangers sign Wright, Guardado
According to T. R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Texas Rangers have signed pitcher Jamey Wright to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
The Rangers also signed closer Eddie Guardado, though the details of his deal have not yet been released. Guardado is a candidate to be the Rangers closer, though he'll be challenged by left-hander C.J. Wilson as well as Japanese right-hander Kazuo Fukumori and right-hander Joaquin Benoit.
Nationals avoid arbitration with closer Cordero
According to AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich, the Washington Nationals avoided arbitration with closer Chad Cordero, signing him to a 1-year $6.2M deal for 2008, a $2.05M raise from last year's salary ($4.15).
With Cordero signed, the Nationals still have 3 arbitration eligible players remaining, infielder Felipe Lopez, starter Tim Redding and reliever Jon Rauch.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Gonzalez headed to Florida?
Ken Rosenthal reports that the Florida Marlins are interested in acquiring veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez.
They are interested in playing the 40-year old both in left field and, possibly, at 1st base.
Brewers taking serious look at Cameron
1.10.08 8:51am PST
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Milwaukee Brewers apparently have serious interest in free agent center fielder Mike Cameron.
If they do acquire Cameron, it could mean that Bill Hall could possibly be traded.
1.9.08 8:46pm PST
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Milwaukee Brewers are apparently looking at veteran free agent outfielders Kenny Lofton and Mike Cameron, possibly Luis Gonzalez as well.
Lofton and Gonzalez can be had on 1-year deals while Mike Cameron is looking for a 2 or 3-year deal. I'm not sure the Brewers are willing to give Cameron either, so Lofton and Gonzalez are the likely choices.
O's, Mariners close to deal?
1.10.08 8:45am PST
Ken Rosenthal has an update. The Orioles and Mariners are apparently close a deal that would send left-hander Erik Bedard to Seattle.
Mariners' top prospect, Adam Jones, is the highlight of the package from Seattle. The other players being talked about are left-handed reliever George Sherrill and 17-year-old shortstop Carlos Triunfel.
1.8.08 11:03pm PST
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners and Reds are making a push for Orioles' left-hander Erik Bedard.
The Mariners are willing to trade their top prospect, Adam Jones, while the Reds would rather not part with theirs, Jay Bruce.
Rowand guarantees title hunt with Giants
Aaron Rowand may have let his excitement of being with a new team scramble his brain. According to Chris Haft of MLB.com, Rowand has guaranteed that the Giants will contend for the NL West title.
Now, I'm not a Giants fan, nor a Giants hater, but Rowand may be biting off a little more than he can chew. To guarantee anything at this point is both ludicrious and dumb.
Things the Giants do have going for them...their pitching staff is young and talented. Their front 4 boasts Tim Lincecum, Barry Zito, Noah Lowry and Matt Cain, a fearsome foursome to be sure, but where is their offense going to come from? Rowand can not carry an offense, most people say he's a ballpark created hitter. Moving from a very hitter friendly ballpark in Philadelphia to one of the best pitchers parks in baseball isn't going to do him any favors.
Last season, the Giants ranked 27th in Team Batting Average (.254), 29th in Runs (683), 25th in HR's (131), 28th in OBP (.322) and dead last in Slugging Percentage (.387).
There's no doubt the Giants have pitching, but with their only addition being Aaron Rowand, I just don't see how the Giants are going to compete for anything but last place.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Brewers looking at Lofton, Cameron
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Milwaukee Brewers are apparently looking at veteran free agent outfielders Kenny Lofton and Mike Cameron, possibly Luis Gonzalez as well.
Lofton and Gonzalez can be had on 1-year deals while Mike Cameron is looking for a 2 or 3-year deal. I'm not sure the Brewers are willing to give Cameron either, so Lofton and Gonzalez are the likely choices.
Alex Cabrera signs with Japanese league
Alex Cabrera, who was named in the Mitchell Report, probably stemming from his days with the Diamondbacks in 2000, has signed with the Orix of the Japanese League.
Cabrera has spent the last 7 seasons in Japan playing for the Seibu Lions, but will spend 2008 with the Orix Buffaloes, signing a 1-year $2.2M deal.
Alex has a career .306 batting average with 273 homers and 686 RBIs in Japan. Last season, Cabrera hit .295 with 27 HR's and 81 RBI's.
Rays ink DiFelice
The Tampa Bay Rays added depth to their catching corps on Monday, signing veteran backstop Mike DiFelice to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training.
DiFelice was actually an original member of the Rays in 1998. He played in 242 games for Tampa Bay from 1998 until he was traded to Arizona in 2001.
Rickey Henderson to highlight 2009 Hall of Fame Ballot
Jack O'Connell of MLB.com has an article out, looking ahead to the 2009 Hall of Fame Ballot.
A name that baseball fans are familiar, that could highlight the balloting is Rickey Henderson. I don't know if there's any doubt that he has a great shot of being elected in his first year of eligibility.
A's, Duchscherer agree to 1-year deal
The Oakland A's avoided arbitration by signing reliever Justin Duchscherer to a 1-year deal on Wednesday.
Duchscherer missed most of last season with a strained right hip, appearing in just 17 games and posting a 3-3 record with a 4.96 ERA.
Mariners, Reds making push for Bedard
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mariners and Reds are making a push for Orioles' left-hander Erik Bedard.
The Mariners are willing to trade their top prospect, Adam Jones, while the Reds would rather not part with theirs, Jay Bruce.
Phillies sign Werth, avoid arbitration
The Phillies avoided going to arbitration when they, and outfielder Jayson Werth, agreed on a 1-year $1.7M deal according to the Associated Press.
Werth shared time last season with Shane Victorino and is expected to share time next season with newly acquired Geoff Jenkins while Victorino will replace Aaron Rowand in center field.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Giles, Rockies reach tentative agreement
According to Tom Singer of MLB.com, the Colorado Rockies have reached a tentative agreement, pending a physical, with 2nd baseman Marcus Giles.
He's expected to be in Denver sometime next week to complete his physical.
I'm not sure of this move for the Rockies. I think they would have been much better off filling the position internally and they had the candidates to do so. Giles struggled mightily, with the Padres, after the first month of the season. After which, he was benched in favor of recently departed Padre Geoff Blum.
Maybe Giles did succumb to the Petco Park curse it seems to put on hitters, but after hitting .262 in 2006 with the Braves and .229 with the Padres last season, I don't see anything to be excited about.
The Goose is good for the Hall of Fame
He has been waiting a long time for this day, but it has finally come. Goose Gossage was elected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame today, getting 85.8% of the vote (466 votes).
Jim Rice finished with 392 votes (72.2%), just 16 votes shy of also being elected. Also falling short were Andre Dawson (358), Bert Blyleven (336) and a guy I was hoping would make the cut this time around, Lee Smith (235).
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