MLB Trade Rumors

Capps Discussing Deal With Nationals, Cubs

MLB Trade Rumors

Capps Discussing Deal With Nationals, Cubs
Pirates Talking To Dotel, Gregg
Jason Bay Rumors: Wednesday
Dodgers Notes: DeWitt, Halladay, Young Players
Odds & Ends: Rangers, Lackey, Yankees
Mets Reach Agreement With R.A. Dickey
Diamondbacks Rumors: Johnson, Winn, Valverde
Phillies Agree To Terms With A Reliever?
Pirates Talking To Octavio Dotel
Athletics Sign Coco Crisp

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 09:05 PM PST

WEDNESDAY, 11:02pm: Capps is not close to a deal with the Nationals, reports Ladson (via Twitter). Ladson also tweets that Capps thought he was close to a deal early this evening, but may not agree to anything until Christmas Eve or right after Christmas.
8:21pm: Kinzer tells Bill Ladson of MLB.com that he hopes to have a deal done in the next couple of hours (via Twitter), although the Nationals and Capps are not close to a deal - yet (via Twitter).
5:23pm: Washington is "closing in" on a one year deal with Matt Capps, sources tell ESPN's Buster Olney. If a deal is reached, Capps would enter spring training as the frontrunner to be the Nats' closer.
Meanwhile, his agent denied that an agreement has been reached.
10:40am: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports guesses that Capps will choose the Nationals. Rosenthal hears that the Nats fear the Cubs will offer more money and suggests that Washington could offer a multi-year deal.
TUESDAY, 10:55am: Capps will decide between the Cubs and Nationals tomorrow night, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson. Capps is choosing between closing for the Nats and setting up for the Cubs, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com.
John Grabow tells MLB.com's Carrie Muskat that he's trying to convince his former teammate to join the Cubs.
MONDAY, 5:21pm: ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick spoke with the agent for pitcher Matt Capps, who said the Nationals, fresh off their signing of Jason Marquis, are a strong contender to land Capps' services.
Crasnick writes, "Agent Paul Kinzer said the Nationals weren't a factor when Capps began considering his options as a free agent. But Washington is now among the leading candidates to sign Capps because of the efforts of general manager Mike Rizzo."
The idea of Capps is a good one for the Nationals, whose record was much worse than the other talent on the field due to a ludicrously bad bullpen. With Capps' strikeout rate right around his career norms, it would be surprising not to see him post an ERA closer to his career mark of 3.61 than his 2009 mark of 5.80. Of course, even a little improvement from Capps would help- the Nationals posted a bullpen ERA of 5.09 last season.
Bill Ladson of MLB.com tweets,"I spoke to Nyjer Morgan and Sean Burnett today. They want the Nationals to sign Matt Capps."

Pirates Talking To Dotel, Gregg

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:54 PM PST

The Pirates have had conversations with free agent relievers Octavio Dotel and Kevin Gregg, writes Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Earlier tonight, Kovacevic shot down a report that Dotel was offered a deal in the vicinity of $3MM. According to a team source, the club has had conversations with the reliever, but has yet to make an offer. Last year for the White Sox, Dotel posted a 3.32 ERA and 10.8 K/9 in 62 appearances.
Meanwhile, Gregg posted a 4.72 ERA and 9.3 K/9 in 72 games for the Cubs in 2009. The 31-year-old was the team's closer until mid-season, when the mantle was given to Carlos Marmol.

Jason Bay Rumors: Wednesday

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 11:29 PM PST

10:48pm: The Red Sox might also be looking into extending an offer to free agent Matt Holliday, reports Mike Silverman of the Boston Herald. However, Silverman notes that signing Bay, let alone the more expensive Holliday, would be difficult.
7:31pm: The Mets have not heard from Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, in the last couple of days, a team official tells Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News. The same official says not to expect the club to ink Bay or Bengie Molina before Christmas.
In other Mets news, Carlos Delgado's delay in returning to baseball via the Puerto Rican winter league is apparently a result of issues related to the hip surgery he had last summer.
6:48pm: Boston has had internal discussions about extending their organizational budget to potentially allow for another offer to be made to Jason Bay, a team source tells Rob Bradford of WEEI. The discussed proposal would be in the vicinity of the four-year, $60MM deal originally pitched to the slugger.
It was widely thought that the signings of John Lackey and outfielder Mike Cameron spelled the end of Bay's tenure with the Red Sox as the club is now teetering on the edge of the $170MM luxury tax threshold.

Dodgers Notes: DeWitt, Halladay, Young Players

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:35 PM PST

Some Dodgers notes from Ken Gurnick of MLB.com's latest mailbag...

The club is uneasy about Blake DeWitt as their everyday second baseman because of his lackluster defense. If DeWitt's offense were on par with the likes of Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp, Jamey Carroll would likely be slotted on the bench rather than split time with the 24-year-old.
The Dodgers made an earnest attempt to land Roy Halladay prior to the blockbuster deal that shipped him to Philadelphia. According to sources, the Blue Jays would have preferred L.A. as a trading partner, but of course, it wasn't really up to them. Ultimately, it didn't matter how much the Dodgers could give Toronto or potentially give Doc in an extension, the Phillies were at the top of his list.
One reader asked why the Dodgers don't lock up their young core players in long-term contracts rather than go to arbitration with them. Gurnick says that it is often a risky proposition and references the regression of Russell Martin as an example. Had the Dodgers given him a hefty four or five-year deal after his back-to-back All-Star seasons, they would have likely regretted it after his slide the past two seasons.

Odds & Ends: Rangers, Lackey, Yankees

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 08:05 PM PST

Another round of Wednesday links:

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets that Justin Duchscherer is leaning towards an NL team, although he is not sure which one.
Now that free agent Matt Capps appears to be leaning towards the Nationals, the Rockies are looking into other hurlers on the open market. A major league source tells Thomas Harding of MLB.com that the club is negotiating with free agent Tim Redding. The Rockies flirted with signing him last winter before he signed with the Mets, where he posted a 5.10 ERA in 30 games, including 17 starts.
The group selected to purchase the Rangers could be in financial trouble, says Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports.
Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com thinks that Mark DeRosa could become more valuable to suitors after Matt Holliday and Jason Bay sign, with few other big bats available.
The Javier Vazquez trade can't be properly evaluated until the Braves spend all of the $8MM they saved in the deal, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Still, Rosenthal points out that the Braves should be concerned about the health histories of their free agent signings so far.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe relays some details of John Lackey's contract with Boston, including an interesting conditional option: If an old elbow injury forces Lackey to miss significant time over the course of his contract, he'd have to play for the league minimum in 2015.
Mark Carig of the Star-Ledger passes on this quote from Yankees GM Brian Cashman, regarding the team's outfield opening: "It won't be a big name situation. I can promise you that."
Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik says that the two recent trades involving the Mariners and Blue Jays were "complete, separate entities," according to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times.

Mets Reach Agreement With R.A. Dickey

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 07:42 PM PST

WEDNESDAY, 7:41pm: The two sides have reached an agreement on a minor league deal, a source familiar with the negotiations tells the Associated Press.
If added to the major league roster, Dickey would get a one-year contract worth $600K and have the chance to earn $150K more in performance bonuses.
TUESDAY, 2:12pm: The Mets are nearing a minor league agreement with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, according to Ronald Blum of the Associated Press. Dickey, 35, posted a 4.62 ERA, 5.9 K/9, and 4.2 BB/9 in 64.3 innings for the Twins this year. He tossed another 33.3 mediocre innings at Triple A.

Diamondbacks Rumors: Johnson, Winn, Valverde

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 05:17 PM PST

Some D-Backs tidbits courtesy of Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic..

The club is still waiting to hear back from Kelly Johnson on the offer they made to him last week - believed to be for about $2MM. Johnson's people told the D-Backs that he has better offers out there, but if all things were equal he'd prefer to play for them.
Arizona continues to be interested in free agent Randy Winn, but it seems as though Winn is looking to be a starter. While the Diamondbacks can't guarantee him that, Piecoro says that he would likely get a fair amount of at-bats with them.
The D-Backs remain interested in bringing back Jose Valverde, but at their price. A "scenario the Diamondbacks would consider" would be to offer him a one-year deal at a lower base salary than he is seeking (perhaps in the $5MM range) with a promise not to offer him arbitration after 2010. This way, Valverde could hit the open market unencumbered by draft pick compensation. Piecoro notes that he has "no idea" if Valverde would agree to that.
While they don't feel as though adding a starting pitcher is a neccessity, Arizona will monitor righty Jose Contreras. The 38-year-old posted a 4.92 ERA with 7.2 K/9 for the White Sox and Rockies last season.

Phillies Agree To Terms With A Reliever?

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:47 PM PST

5:46pm: Todd Zolecki of MLB.com says that Baez is "a good bet" to be the mystery pitcher.
3:26pm: The Philadelphia Phillies have an agreement in place with a relief pitcher, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com -- we just don't know yet who the pitcher is. Salisbury's source says that the agreement with the mystery player is pending a physical, which will occur in the first week of the new year.
With Fernando Rodney and the Angels having agreed to terms, the two likeliest candidates for the Phillies' bullpen appear to be Danys Baez and Mike MacDougal. ESPN.com's Jayson Stark linked Philadelphia to Baez earlier, and another of Salisbury's sources confirms that the team's focus has been on the right-hander lately. We also heard earlier today from Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who said that the Phillies had been in touch with MacDougal. Scott Lauber of the News Journal mentions some other possibilities, but agrees that Baez and MacDougal look like the top two relief targets for Philadelphia.

Pirates Talking To Octavio Dotel

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 06:42 PM PST

5:42pm: The Pirates have not offered Dotel a contract in the vicinity of $3MM, a source involved in the talks tells Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. While there have been talks between the parties, there has been nothing "to that extent."
1:46pm: The Pittsburgh Pirates have made Octavio Dotel an offer to be their closer, according to Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports. Calcaterra writes that the offer is worth about $3MM, plus incentives for games finished.
Dotel has posted solid numbers over the past two seasons in a setup role for the White Sox, but has not been asked to close since 2007, when he saved 11 games for the Royals. Over his career, Dotel has recorded 83 saves in various stints as the closer in Houston, Oakland, and Kansas City.
If Dotel were to accept the Pirates' ninth-inning job, it would be another blow to a closing market that has an excess of free agents and not enough teams in need. While the Pirates were never expected to splurge on Jose Valverde or Fernando Rodney, a Dotel signing could close another door on fringe closing candidates such as Mike MacDougal and Kevin Gregg.

Athletics Sign Coco Crisp

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:31 PM PST

The Athletics signed center fielder Coco Crisp to a one-year, $5.25MM deal today. He has a 2011 club option for $5.75MM with a $500K buyout. MLBTR first reported the agreement early Sunday, while Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle added the financial details today. Crisp had been talking to the Padres as well.
Crisp, 30, tallied only 215 plate appearances with the Royals this year due to shoulder injuries. He had surgery on both shoulders during the summer and plans to be ready for Spring Training.
Given his salary, Crisp figures to be penciled in as the starting center fielder in Oakland. Scott Hairston, Rajai Davis, and Ryan Sweeney would battle for playing time in the other two spots, unless someone is traded.

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#17914

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:59 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea

buckeyemikey

Offline

Eric the Red is already a special assistant to the GM.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sportznut5150@...

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 11:57 AM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea

He needs to be hired too MJ , Young players would be wise to learn from Eric The Red. Rob

#17913

From: Sportznut5150@...
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:57 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea

sportznut5150

Offline

He needs to be hired too MJ , Young players would be wise to learn from Eric The Red. Rob

#17912

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 5:50 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea

buckeyemikey

Offline

Hence why Eric the Red should have a seat on the bench doing something somewhere.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sportznut5150@...

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Monday, December 21, 2009 11:34 AM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea

Hitting with RISP has been a major problem for the reds , Have Barry Larkin teach them how to hit with RISP , That could help . Rob

#17911

From: Sportznut5150@...
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 12:34 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea

sportznut5150

Offline

Hitting with RISP has been a major problem for the reds , Have Barry Larkin teach them how to hit with RISP , That could help . Rob

#17910

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:11 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea...

buckeyemikey

Offline

I think its going to come down to RISP numbers and health. If you remember last year the wheels didn't start to come off until the injuries started to pile up and Votto went down. We were only 2.5 games out when his anxiety attack happened.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sportznut5150@...

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 6:58 PM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea...

As far as young talent goes the sky is the limit with the 2010 Reds . Rob

Reply | Forward | Messages in this Topic (2)

#17909

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:03 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

buckeyemikey

Offline

If that is the case then why cannot the Reds create more payroll flexibility be doing the same with say either Bronson, Cordero, or Harang for that matter so that they can go out and grab that hitting SS they need? I think they can fill the LF void from within but if they're forced to go with Janish then there is going to be a huge offensive void in the lineup as a result.

----- Original Message -----

From: Virgil Clausen

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 9:09 PM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

That probably will take care of all the raises for the rest of the guys and then we won't have to dump anyone for balancing the budget , only thing I have to question about Rolen is his durability. I am really surprised the Reds went the extra year. My dental hygenist 's son is a friend of Scott's so she talked a lot about him the last time I was in because she knows I am an avid Reds fan and he really wanted to come here and likes it here so like Junior was okay with restructuring his contract. Like Bronson and Hernandez, Scott is one who likes it here, not to many other big leaguers fall into that group, one of the many reasons we will always have a tough time on the free agent market.
Virg

On Dec 20, 2009, at 1:48 PM, MJ wrote:

What I'd like to know is what they intend to do with the $5 Million they saved by doing it.

MJ

#17908

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:57 pm
Subject: Fw: MLB Trade Rumors - Week in Review

buckeyemikey

Offline

Week In Review: 12/13/09 - 12/19/09

MLB Trade Rumors

Week In Review: 12/13/09 - 12/19/09
Darren Oliver Near Deal With Rangers
Odds & Ends: Fehr, Indians, Swisher
Mike Lowell's Future In Boston
Odds & Ends: Gonzalez, Bradley, Hamels
Cubs Rumors: Byrd, Capps, Bradley
Marlins Rumors: Chapman, Capps, Walker
Jason Bay Rumors: Sunday
Rangers Resume Search For Bat

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 07:47 PM PST

Let's take a look back on the week that was...

The biggest news of the week was, of course, the Roy Halladay-Cliff Lee blockbuster. The four-way deal landed Doc and prospects in Philly, Lee in Seattle, a trio of youngsters (including Kyle Drabek) in Toronto, and Michael Taylor in Oakland. Halladay also agreed to a three-year extension that will pay him $20MM annually through 2013. The contract will not affect his 2010 salary ($15.75MM) and will include a vesting option.
The BoSox signed the market's top starter, John Lackey, to a five-year deal worth $82.5MM. This matches A.J. Burnett's deal with the Yanks from a year ago and includes no incentives or bonuses.
Boston also took care of their vacancy in the outfield, signing Mike Cameron to a two-year deal worth approximately $15.5MM. The soon-to-be 37-year-old is expected to be slotted in left field.
After Johnny Damon and the Yanks were unable to come to terms on a new deal, the club welcomed Nick Johnson back to the Bronx. Johnson will earn $5.5MM plus incentives next season, with a $5.5 mutual option for 2011.
The Halos signed Hideki Matsui to a one-year pact for about $6.5MM. The deal will pay him roughly half of the $13MM he made with the Yanks in the final year of his contract.
Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik turned the less-than-stellar Carlos Silva into outfielder Milton Bradley. The Cubs also receive $9MM in the transaction, but only net $5MM as Silva will earn $4MM more than Bradley over the next two seasons.
The trade of Mike Lowell to the Rangers was called off on Saturday as a physical revealed that the third baseman would require surgery on his right thumb. The deal, which had been talked about for quite a while, would have sent Max Ramirez to Boston in exchange for Lowell and $9MM to help cover his $12MM salary.
The Dodgers shipped Juan Pierre to the White Sox, in exchange for pitchers Jon Link and John Ely. Ned Colletti & Co. will eat $10.5MM of Pierre's contract as part of the deal.
The Orioles signed former Braves reliever Mike Gonzalez to a two-year deal worth $12MM guaranteed. Since Atlanta offered the 31-year-old Type A free agent arbitration, the O's will surrender their second-round pick to them (currently #44).
The O's also inked Garrett Atkins to a one-year deal worth $4.5MM. The contract has a club option for 2011 worth $8.5MM with a $500K buyout.
The Reds restructured Scott Rolen's contract, extending his deal through 2012. Rolen will recieve a shade under $24MM through the remainder of the pact while giving the club an additional $5MM in payroll flexibility this winter.
While Jason Bay's options have shrunk considerably this past week, some feel he may be hesitant to play for the Mets.
It sounds as though Adrian Gonzalez will be staying put- for now, at least. Although it has been widely reported that the BoSox covet the slugger, the Padres aren't expected to move him this winter.
The Nats are making a run at free agent pitcher Jon Garland, who is seeking a three-year deal. Washington, however, would prefer to limit him to two years.
Jamey Carroll agreed to a two-year deal with the Dodgersfor just under $4MM total. Carroll is expected to see time at multiple positions while serving as insurance for Blake DeWitt at second base.
Arbitration-eligible Ricky Nolasco came to terms with the Marlins on a one-year deal worth $3.8MM. This represents a significant 58% pay raise for the 27-year-old.
Tim polished off his crystal ball and looked ahead to the free agent class of 2011.

Darren Oliver Near Deal With Rangers

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 06:19 PM PST

Free agent reliever Darren Oliver is in "serious discussions" toward a contract with Texas, reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. Crasnick writes that it is believed an agreement could be in place early this week.

Last year with the Angels, Oliver posted a 2.71 ERA with 8.0 K/9 in 63 appearances. If the Rangers sign Oliver, they will not owe the Halos compensation, as they did not offer arbitration to the Type A free agent.

Odds & Ends: Fehr, Indians, Swisher

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 11:07 PM PST

Sunday night links...

Former MLBPA head Donald Fehr talked to Daniel Barbarisi of The Providence Journal. Amongst other things, Fehr says that with the current agreement expiring in 2011, he hopes the owners remember the brutal work stoppage of 1994.
Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times (via Twitter) says that we can expect to find out what Rays player will be shipped to the Indians as part of the Kelly Shoppach deal. The Cleveland press release announcing the trade a few weeks ago had said that the "player to be named later" would be revealed today, December 20th.
While some Yankees fans have talked about the possibility of trading Nick Swisher, Chad Jennings of The Journal News defends the eccentric outfielder, citing his 29 HRs and .371 OBP. Dealing Swisher probably made sense when the club still might have re-signed Johnny Damon. At this point, unless the Yanks plan on signing Matt Holliday, can anyone think of a good reason why they should move Swisher?

Mike Lowell's Future In Boston

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 03:03 PM PST

5:04pm: Ken Rosenthal adds to the discussion, making the prediction that Lowell will never play another game for the Red Sox. He says Boston simply does not want Lowell to be their third baseman next year, citing the team's interest in Mark Teixeira last offseason, its moves to acquire Victor Martinez and Casey Kotchman, and its willingness to pay $9MM of Lowell's salary in a trade as evidence.

Rosenthal calls the situation "Julio Lugo all over again," with the notable exception that Lowell has, for the most part, been a very productive player for Boston, unlike Lugo. Still, the veteran infielder is owed $12MM and seemingly doesn't fit into Boston's plans anymore. And if you ask Rosenthal, the end result will be the same as it was with Lugo -- a trade of Mike Lowell with the Sox picking up most of the tab.

1:38pm: John Tomase of the Boston Herald looks at what's next for Mike Lowell, now that the trade with Texas has been called off. Tomase notes the extreme respect that the Red Sox have for Lowell's heart and desire last season, playing through injuries to start 105 games and post a respectable .811 OPS.

Boston's biggest concern now is whether or not Lowell will be able to remain healthy and whether or not he will have the mobility to play defense. Lowell had been a consistently strong defender for Boston until last season, when his UZR/150 plummeted from a strong 15.6 in 2008 to an ugly -14.4.

Lowell could still be had at a fairly inexpensive price, as the Red Sox have already shown willingness to eat $9MM of the $12MM owed to him in 2010. The question, however, is whether or not the upside of his bat is worth the risk of his health. Lowell's torn thumb ligament has been described as "non-essential" by one baseball source, but it's only the latest on the list of issues that have shelved the Boston third baseman.

Does it make sense for Boston to hang onto Lowell and hope for the best in 2010, or should they still be actively shopping him? Given that the free agent market has numerous options at both corner infield spots, are there any teams that would make sense for the 36-year-old?

Odds & Ends: Gonzalez, Bradley, Hamels

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 01:55 PM PST

Let's have a look at some miscellaneous Sunday links....

The Tigers purchased the contract of catcher Andy Bouchie from the Long Beach Armada. Bouchie, 24, was a seventh round pick by the Brewers after his junior season at Oral Roberts University, but was released due to catching depth in the Milwaukee system. He hit .290 with 7 home runs and 45 RBI in 59 games in the Golden Baseball League this year.
Jon Paul Morosi explains why the Padres should wait until July 31 to trade Adrian Gonzalez.
Larry Stone offers some optimism for Seattle fans with concerns about newly-acquired Milton Bradley in a nice article, reminding us that Bradley has had non-problematic stops over the course of his career. Stone quotes Eddie Guardado, Bud Black, and Ken Macha, all of whom support Bradley.
Scott Lauber writes that amidst the Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee pandemonium, it's easy to forget about Cole Hamels, but the Phillies haven't. They still see Hamels as a top-of-the-rotation arm and are confident in his ability to rebound from a forgettable 2009.
ESPN.com's Buster Olney writes that Oakland's potential deal with Coco Crisp reflects the value the A's place on defense.
In his usual lengthy Sunday column, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo focuses primarily on the Red Sox' moves, past, present, and future. He provides at least one interesting hot stove note though: Mark DeRosa's asking price has come down, and Cafardo wonders if the Mets could sign the infielder and play him at first base.
Cafardo also mentions that, while plenty of teams are interested in Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankees hope to match any final offer the right-hander receives.
Newsday's Ken Davidoff can't see any other teams taking a chance on Mike Lowell unless he exhibits good health in Spring Training.
In a separate article, Davidoff examines the next move for Johnny Damon. Davidoff lists the Braves, Rays, Cubs, and Mets as possible destinations, but concedes there are roadblocks in each case.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports looks at the remaining names on the closing market, concluding that there are too many arms and not enough teams in need of a closer.
Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun says there's nothing wrong with any of the Orioles' recent signings, but that they aren't the big splashes fans may have hoped to see.

Cubs Rumors: Byrd, Capps, Bradley

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 11:06 AM PST

After finally trading Milton Bradley, the Cubs are in position to move forward and address the rest of their offseason priorities. Let's round up some Cubs-related links....

Jon Heyman tweets that before the Cubs traded Bradley, their choices for center fielders were Marlon Byrd, Rick Ankiel, Melky Cabrera, and Scott Podsednik.
A center fielder and a setup man are two of the Cubs' most pressing needs, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times. There is mutual interest between Marlon Byrd and the Cubs, and the team could also be one of two finalists for Matt Capps (the other being the Nationals).
Wittenmyer also points out that, of the $9MM coming to Chicago in the Bradley-Carlos Silva swap, $5.5MM will be applied this season, giving the team a little more flexibility for 2010 salaries.
Erik Manning of Fangraphs wonders if moving Bradley is actually addition by subtraction for the Cubs.
Yesterday we heard via a FOX Sports report that the Cubs might look into acquiring Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera from the Yankees. LoHud.com's Chad Jennings examines the Yankees' perspective of such a move, arguing that the world champions' center field depth is a necessity, rather than a luxury.

Marlins Rumors: Chapman, Capps, Walker

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 10:11 AM PST

Barry Jackson has a couple of Marlins-related notes in his latest piece for the Miami Herald. Here are the highlights:

Jackson hears that the Marlins have made a five-year offer worth about $13MM to Aroldis Chapman. Chapman will certainly receive higher offers from other clubs, but it's worth a shot for the Marlins, in case the Cuban defector prefers South Florida.
Replacing departed relievers Matt Lindstrom, Kiko Calero, and Brendan Donnelly is a priority for Florida.
Among their bullpen targets: Matt Capps, Tyler Walker, and Jose Veras.

Jason Bay Rumors: Sunday

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 07:42 AM PST

Bill Madden of the New York Daily News writes that Jason Bay can thank his agent, Joe Urbon, for pricing him out of a good situation in Boston. With no obvious bidders remaining for Bay besides the New York Mets, Madden says that Urbon returned to the Red Sox to see if they would revisit negotiations with Bay. The Sox, however, having signed Mike Cameron, no longer appear interested.

Madden thinks that Bay's reluctance to accept the Mets' four-year, $64MM offer suggests the outfielder is wary of playing in Citi Field for a team that "even with him, looks to be no better than a third-place club." Newsday's Ken Davidoff agrees that Citi Field could be a factor, as the Mets pursue Bay and other free agents. Davidoff points out that, statistically, the park doesn't seem all that bad for hitters, but it's hard to shake that perception.

Rangers Resume Search For Bat

Posted: 20 Dec 2009 07:25 AM PST

The Texas Rangers will look for alternative options to strengthen their lineup after their acquisition of Mike Lowell fell through, writes T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels declined to discuss Lowell's situation but said, "I expect we'll still add to the club in a few spots. We've been in regular contact with guys we're interested in and I like our options. Fortunately for us, the market is relatively strong in the areas we're looking at."

Sullivan notes that the Rangers have interest in veterans Vladimir Guerrero and Jermaine Dye, but that Vlad is looking for a multi-year deal, while Dye may not want to sign with a team that will use him primarily a DH. Both players have been below-average defenders for years, according to Fangraphs: Dye has recorded a -21.4 UZR/150 or worse for the last four seasons, while Guerrero only played two games in the outfield in 2009 (his 2006-2008 fielding stats aren't good either). It's hard to imagine that any team will be eager to sign either player with the intention of using them frequently on defense.

If the Rangers decide to pursue a left-handed bat instead, Jim Thome is a likely possibility, according to Sullivan.

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#17907

From: Virgil Clausen <virgilclausen@...>
Date: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:09 am
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

hoosiervirg

Offline

That probably will take care of all the raises for the rest of the guys and then we won't have to dump anyone for balancing the budget , only thing I have to question about Rolen is his durability. I am really surprised the Reds went the extra year. My dental hygenist 's son is a friend of Scott's so she talked a lot about him the last time I was in because she knows I am an avid Reds fan and he really wanted to come here and likes it here so like Junior was okay with restructuring his contract. Like Bronson and Hernandez, Scott is one who likes it here, not to many other big leaguers fall into that group, one of the many reasons we will always have a tough time on the free agent market.

Virg

On Dec 20, 2009, at 1:48 PM, MJ wrote:

What I'd like to know is what they intend to do with the $5 Million they saved by doing it.
MJ

#17906

From: Sportznut5150@...
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:59 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

sportznut5150

Offline

You are exactly right MJ . Rob

#17905

From: Sportznut5150@...
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 7:58 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Rea...

sportznut5150

Offline

As far as young talent goes the sky is the limit with the 2010 Reds . Rob

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#17904

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:50 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] From Mark Sheldon on Rolen

buckeyemikey

Offline

Nope just more visits from Tiger!
MJ

----- Original Message -----

From: Alan

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 8:11 PM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] From Mark Sheldon on Rolen

lol...my question is...does a suite translate into OBP or dingers or maybe season-long health?

--- In RedsFest@yahoogroups.com, Virgil Clausen <virgilclausen@...> wrote:
>
> Especially the suite part, LOL.
> Virg
> On Dec 19, 2009, at 3:13 PM, Sportznut5150@... wrote:
>
> > I need an incentive laden contract like that at my job
> > virg LOL . Rob
> >
> >
>

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#17903

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:48 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

buckeyemikey

Offline

What I'd like to know is what they intend to do with the $5 Million they saved by doing it.

----- Original Message -----

From: redvyper

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 9:58 PM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

I'll have to be careful not to make too many appearances. lol

I approve of the Reds restructuring Rolen's contract and extending it through 2012. How about Bradley going to the Mariners? Maybe they'll also be interested in Taveras. I have to feel sorry for Jr having to put up with Bradley as his career runs down in Seattle.

Larry

Vous ne pouvez pas avoir choisi ce moment mais ce moment vous a choisi.

You may not have chosen this moment, but this moment has chosen you

From: "Sportznut5150@aol.com" <Sportznut5150@aol.com>
To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, December 19, 2009 2:49:48 PM
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

I agree it's great to have a larry appearance , I hope janish really works on hitting in spring training i really enjoy janish and BP as a double play combo . Rob

#17902

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:47 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

buckeyemikey

Offline

If Janish is smart he'd be in a cage as we speak working on his hitting stroke.

----- Original Message -----

From: Sportznut5150@...

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 1:49 PM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

I agree it's great to have a larry appearance , I hope janish really works on hitting in spring training i really enjoy janish and BP as a double play combo . Rob

#17901

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:45 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

buckeyemikey

Offline

They've been quite active. I'm afraid the Reds will never be that active as long as the stadium stays half empty on gameday.

----- Original Message -----

From: Virgil Clausen

To: RedsFest@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 7:20 AM

Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

Mariners have made some good moves this winter, Junior may go out a winner.
Virg

On Dec 20, 2009, at 8:17 AM, Sportznut5150@aol.com wrote:

I don't envy Jr having to put up with meltdown bradley , I agree lets see if they'll take taveras too LOL . Rob

#17900

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:33 pm
Subject: As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Reality

buckeyemikey

Offline

As Jocketty Sends Differing Messages, Reds Fans Need Some Reality

One week Uncle Walt says payroll might have to be pared. Another week, after a widely negative fan base reaction, he tweets a far different song. In interviews with the local Cincinnati media Monday, Jocketty said:

"All of that stuff was speculation by a number of different writers," he told Mark Sheldon of Reds.com. "They see that our attendance numbers are down and that must mean our payroll will go down. We were grouped in with clubs that are reducing payroll but we're not in that position and hopefully won't be."

Uncle Walt told Ed Price of AOLFanhouse.com last week at the GM meetings: "We're going to probably have less to spend this year than we have in the past. It just depends on how [ticket] sales go this offseason."

So, which is it, Walt?

The Reds' payroll last season was $73.5 million. With the Dog Hernandez signing on Monday for $3 million, the Reds have nine players totaling $64.75 mil in 2010. They were projected to be $16 million in the red after a dismal attendance decline in 2009, but they stand to get about $9-10 mil for revenue sharing, MLB TV and Internet monies. Now take the high number--$7 million in the red. They trim 10 percent--as widely discussed in the front office--off payroll and whatcha got? The ballpark of break-even.

Somewhere between last week and this week, ownership (Bob Castellini and the minority owners) has come to some reality that the pulse of the fan base shows the Reds simply cannot afford that 10 percent cut in payroll. Uncle Walt even said Monday, when asked about possibly non-tendering arbitration-eligibles Laynce Nix and Jonny Gomes, "We're flexible."

Since when?

The Reds' fan base might accept/understand payroll sitting still from 2009. But if ownership expects season-ticket renewals and, most of all, corporate sponsorships, to remain, say, even to last year with a 10 percent payroll reduction, they are badly mistaken. Look at the Reds' blogosphere.

But Reds fans need to understand they are not getting more payroll over 2009. They're not getting a big-ticket free agent. The Reds not contenders in 2010 without more payroll unless they can stay close, get lucky, stay healthy and everything falls their way. Fans can't seem to grasp this reality. They are wanting the impossible payroll or the fleecing trade. They still don't accept the damage done by the Schott and Lindner ownerships to the farm system, which is just starting to come back to life.

Fans want a quick-fix to winning now. There is no quick-fix. There has never been a quick-fix in pro sports. Until fans show up at GABP and get behind the young, exciting talent that is trickling into the major league product, the market will remain Cincinnati, not St. Louis. If only Reds fans would see this exciting young talent--the organization's best in over 20 years--as a draw instead of waiting for results.

For the first time in years, Reds fans have something tangible they can put their hands around with Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, Homer Bailey, Drew Stubbs, Chris Heisey, Todd Frazier, Juan Francisco, Yonder Alonso and Travis Wood.

Honest to god, I don't understand the fan-base mentality of win-first, see-ya-later.

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#17899

From: "MJ" <bigsteelerfan5@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 6:23 pm
Subject: Re: Reds Restructure, Extend Rolen's Contract

buckeyemikey

Offline

Reds Restructure, Extend Rolen's Contract

Posted: 19 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST

MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports that the Reds and Scott Rolen have restructured the third baseman's contract, which will keep him in Cincinnati for two additional seasons. The new contract will pay Rolen $23.625MM through 2012, including a $5MM signing bonus deferred without interest over the next three years.

Rolen's original contract called for an $11MM salary in 2010, however under the new agreement he'll earn $6MM next year, and $6.5MM in both 2011 and 2012. The Reds gain about $5MM in payroll flexibility this offseason with the move, something they sorely need.

The 34-year-old Rolen hit .270/.364/.401 with the Reds after coming over from Toronto at the trade deadline. His defense at third remains outstanding according to UZR. Baseball America recently named third baseman Juan Francisco the team's fifth best prospect, so he might end up moving to another position or becoming trade bait.

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#17898

From: Sportznut5150@...
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:24 am
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

sportznut5150

Offline

They might have the best #1&2 starters in felix hernandez and cliff lee . Rob

#17897

From: Virgil Clausen <virgilclausen@...>
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 1:20 pm
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

hoosiervirg

Offline

Mariners have made some good moves this winter, Junior may go out a winner.

Virg

On Dec 20, 2009, at 8:17 AM, Sportznut5150@... wrote:

I don't envy Jr having to put up with meltdown bradley , I agree lets see if they'll take taveras too LOL . Rob

#17896

From: Sportznut5150@...
Date: Sun Dec 20, 2009 8:17 am
Subject: Re: [Reds-Fest] Chin Lung Hu Fielding Stats

sportznut5150

Offline

I don't envy Jr having to put up with meltdown bradley , I agree lets see if they'll take taveras too LOL . Rob