Rumors for November, 2009
Phillies pick up Lee's team option for 2010
Posted by: | CommentsTwo days after the Philadelphia Phillies lost the World Series to the New York Yankees, they have already started to focus in on the 2010 season by picking up Cliff Lee’s team option. The team option is worth $9 million for the 2010 season. Not a bad signing given that Lee was a key piece to their 2009 NL Pennant. Picking up the option allows the Phillies more time to negotiate an extension to keep Lee, 31, in a Phillies uniform for some time. The $9 million price tag is comparatively cheap compared to former teammate C.C. Sabathia’s $14 million pay check he earned for 2009. Expect the contract extension to propel Lee into a top 5 paid pitcher.
According to MLB.com, Brett Myers, Pedro Martinez and Miguel Cairo filed for free agency on Friday. It also is not clear how the Phillies will handle Pedro Feliz’s $5.5 million club option for 2010.
Brewers trade Hardy for Gomez
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to ESPN.com, center fielder Carlos Gomez has been traded from the Minnesota Twins to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for shortstop J.J. Hardy.
The trade of Hardy allows highly touted Alcides Escoba be the starting shortstop for the Brewers in 2010.
The trade for Gomez indicates that the Brewers will probably not re-sign free agent Mike Cameron who made $10 million dollars as the Brewers center fielder.
ESPN also mentions that the trade will relieve the surplus of crowded outfielders the Twins have, including Michael Cuddyer, Denard Span and Delmon Young.
Marlins trade Hermida for Red Sox Jones and Alvarez
Posted by: | CommentsThe Florida Marlins have acquired pitchers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for former 1st round draft pick outfielder Jeremy Hermida.
ESPN.com quoted Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said, “We still think there’s a good hitter in there,”.
The Red Sox also outrighted right-handed pitcher Fernando Cabrera outfielder Joey Gathright and infielder Nick Green to Pawtucket.
Congratulations to the New York Yankees – World Series Champions
Posted by: | CommentsMLB Secrets would like to congratulate the New York Yankees in winning their 27th World Series Championship. The $201 million investment in their 2009 roster paid off. C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett can sleep in peace knowing that they accomplished what they were paid to do. Congrats to the 4 horsemen of the Yankees who have 5 rings – Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettite.
Yankee’s GM Brian Cashman has some work to do with potential free agents Jose Molina, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Jerry Hairston Jr., Andy Pettite, Eric Hinske and the injured Xavier Nady. Who will stay? Who will go? Who will be their replacement?
Vegas already has the Yankees as 3/1 favorites to win the 2010 World Series with Boston and Philadelphia at 13/2. I can’t wait.
2010 Twins payroll increase for Target Field
Posted by: | CommentsA good guess will place the Twin’s payroll at $85-90 million, explains Twin’s beat writer Kelly Thesier. With the opening of their new outdoor ballpark – Target Field, you can expect the Twins to add a new name or two on top of their already potent lineup, possibly an infielder or starting pitcher. The Twins already have $62 million committed for 2010, but a few of their players should expect a pay raise such as Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer and Scott Baker. This is in addition to 8 players who are arbitration eligible.
Thesier also mentions that the Twins are expected to work on a contract extension for Mauer.
Akinori Iwamura traded from Rays to Pirates
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Tampa Bay.com, the Tampa Bay Rays have completed a trade of 2B Akinori Iwamura to the Pittsburgh Pirates for right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez. The Rays have until one day after the World Series to either pick up the option or pay Iwamura a $550,000 buyout. In completing this trade, they did a sign a trade deal. The team option was for $4.85M.
Now that Iwamura, 30 is gone, Ben Zobrist or Sean Rodriguez will have more playing time at second base.
Josh Beckett to talk contract extension with Red Sox
Posted by: | CommentsRob Bradford of WEEI.com has reported that Josh Beckett plans to meet with the Boston Red Sox to discuss a contract extension. Beckett’s 2010 option vested because he made 28 start in 2009.
Beckett has expressed interest in wanting to remain with the Red Sox so look for both teams to hammer out a longer term deal.
