Rumors for December, 2009
Pirates interested in Kelly Johnson
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in free-agent outfielder/second baseman Kelly Johnson
Johnson provides the Pirates the flexibility to play multiple infield and outfield positions. One suggestion by the Post-Gazetts is by having, “Johnson as an option in right, they could move Garrett Jones to first base if Jeff Clement falters.”
Other free agents that the Pirates have discussed include Rick Ankiel (as rumored last week) or Xavier Nady.
Giants make offer to Jason Bay?
Posted by: | CommentsComcast Sports Network has reported that the Giants have offered free agent Jason Bay a five year deal, but Bay is not too excited to play in the Bay Area. Baseball Analyst Mychael Urban says that the Giants needed to make a splash, but big time hitters like Bay do not want to play at AT&T Park. Urban goes on to say, “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Giants were the people leaking this (Jason Bay rumor)”. He says that trying to go after Bay is an indication to fans that the Giants are trying to improve the club.
I may have been caught up with too many rumors, but I believe this is the first report that indicates the Giants have an offer in front of Jason Bay. Last week it was rumored the Giants had offers in front of 3 player: Mark DeRosa, Nick Johnson and Scott Podsednik. I’m wondering if the rumors were wrong and one of the three is Jason Bay.
Jason Marquis interested in Nationals
Posted by: | CommentsMLB.com has quoted free agent pitcher Jason Marquis showing interest in the Washington Nationals. “I want to play for a team that is headed in the right direction and making the moves that is necessary to get themselves back to being a winning organization,” Marquis said. “Some of the moves the Nationals have made — like [signing Stephen Strasburg] signing Pudge [Ivan Rodriguez] and getting [Brian Bruney] — they are making the necessary steps. I feel I can fit right in and bring a winning attitude to the team. Every where I’ve been, I’ve won. I feel it’s not a coincidence. I want to help a team get over the hump.”
It’s been rumored that Marquis, a New York native, wants to play for the Mets. Marquis was linked to the Seattle Mariners last week by FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal. However, he’s also been a target by those teams who could not sign John Lackey: Orioles, Nationals, Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Rockies.
Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman holds open throwing session
Posted by: | CommentsMLB.com reported, the 21-year-old left-hander Aroldis Chapman threw in front of about 50 big league scouts for about 15 minutes inside the Baseball USA complex. Word is that he impressed the scouts with his velocity and size. ESPN.com reported that those in attendance include Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting director John Stockstill, according to sources. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, who are expected to be heavy bidders for Chapman, each had one area scout in attendance.
According to Houston Fox affiliate KRIV, the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers also had representatives in attendance.
The Red Sox are the only team to have made a contract offer to Chapman, believed to be for $15.5 million. Chapman’s agent, Randy Hendricks, told teams that they are not accepting offers at this point
Rangers eyeing Dye or Guerrero
Posted by: | CommentsUpdate 15:11 PST: ESPN.com Insider suggests that the following teams could be candidates for Guerrero’s service as a full time DH: Texas Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees (if they cannot retain Johnny Damon) or the Oakland Athletics. They doubt that a National League team would consider Guerrero at this stage of his career.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports, he Tweets that the Texas Rangers are interested in Jermaine Dye or Vladimir Guerrero even if they get Mike Lowell from the Boston Red Sox. It will all depend on the contract demands of Dye or Guerrero. He goes on to say that the Mike Lowell trade with Boston is 50/50 but “not a lock”.
It was reported by Yahoo Sports that the Rangers were looking at Guerrero early in November. At the time he wanted a deal similar to what Bobby Abreu just signed with the Los Angeleas Angels – 2 year, $18 million.
Between 2005-2008 while with the Angels and not including his injury shortened 2009 season where he hit 15 home runs in 100 games, Guerrero has cost the Angels almost $500,000 per home run. This is what a typical MLB slugger would be making. Yahoo thinks that he’ll get a 1 year deal between $3-5 million. Are they saying that Guerrero will only hit 6-10 home runs? If any time can get him for $3-5 million then go for it. He may not get Abreu money, but he’ll hit 20 home runs for you. On a conservative cost basis of $300,000 per HR, that will net him at least a $6 million per year contract. I say he goes for at least $7 million a season with a 2 year minimum. Oh yeah… he’ll put people in the seats too. You can see Guerrero’s stats here.
It was reported that Dye was wanted by at least eight teams. They were calling him in November to see if he would be interested in playing for them next year, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Among those on the list are supposedly the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Francisco Giants. The New York Yankees supposedly asked for Dye’s medical records but the Yanks claim they have no interest in Dye. At the time, the Texas Rangers wanted him but as a DH which Dye doesn’t want to do all the time. He likes playing the field. You can see Dye’s stats here.
Cubs actively pursuing OF Marlon Byrd
Posted by: | CommentsFoxSports reports that the Cubs are aggressively going after free-agent outfielder Marlon Byrd. Byrd is being seen as the consolation prize to the recently signed Mike Cameron. The Cubs wanted Cameron, but the Red Sox signed him on a two-year, $15.5 million contract on Monday.
The Cubs remain preoccupied with their efforts to trade outfielder Milton Bradley, who is owed $21 million over the next seasons. The team needs to gain payroll flexibility by clearing a percentage of Bradley’s money before spending in other areas.
It was reported last week that in addition to the Cubs, the Braves, Mets and Giants showed interest in Byrd.
What is Felix Hernandez' value?
Posted by: | CommentsSeattle Mariner’s General Manager Jack Zduriencik has made a lot of noise this Winter by signing Chone Figgins and acquiring Cliff Lee. They are shaping up to be the American League West favorites for 2010 and beyond. What will the Mariner’s do about their prized pitcher Felix Hernandez in order to keep him around? ESPN.com reports that the Mariners have discussed an extension with Hernandez for four-years $45 million, but it is believed that Hernandez’ value is over $100 million in the open market. Keith Law says, “I actually think he’s worth it. The only real question is durability, but he was certainly durable this year. From there, he’s a groundball guy, has a good body, his arm works well, and he took a big step forward this year. His control is also very good so you’d like to think he’ll remain efficient.”
What will Pineiro do?
Posted by: | CommentsNow that John Lackey and Roy Halladay are off the board, the biggest available free agent pitcher is Joel Pineiro. John Stark of ESPN.com says that at least half a dozen teams are interested such as the Angels, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Dodgers and Nationals. Pineiro is seeking a 4-year deal somewhere between the $17-million per year Lackey would average in Boston and the $9.917 that Randy Wolf is being paid by Milwaukee. You can read all of Pineiro’s stats here.
Will the Giants sign Podsednik?
Posted by: | CommentsNow that Juan Pierre has been traded to the Chicago White Sox, you have to wonder where free agent and former Chicago White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik will go. It was rumored last week that the San Francisco Giants have made an offer to Podsednik. Given the timing of the Pierre trade it would only make sense for Podsednik to sign that offer now before it comes off the table. You can see Podsednik’s stats here.
Yankees are very interested in Ben Sheets
Posted by: | CommentsYahoo Sports reported yesterday that several teams have reported interest in Ben Sheets this off season including the Rangers, Mets, Yankees and Cubs. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports Tweets that the Yankees are “very interested”, but Sheets is in no rush to sign.
Sheets was injured in 2009, but was 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA in 198 1/3 innings for the Brewers in 2008. Sheet is reportedly looking for $11 or $12 million. He suffered a torn flexor tendon in his elbow and was forced to sit out 2009. You can see more of Sheets’ statistics here.
