Rumors for December, 2009
Washington Nationals Rumors: Going after starting pitcher
Posted by: | CommentsWashington National’s general manager, Mike Rizzo and president, Stan Kasten believe that the team is only half finished with their off season work. The Nationals have been busy this winter by signing Matt Capps, Jason Marquis and trading for Brian Bruney, to name a few.
Kasten tells Thomas Boswell of The Washington Post, “we’re still in the middle. We’re working on stuff everyday, but our name hasn’t popped up [in rumors] until we got who we wanted. Mike finds that approach very useful.” Kasten adds, “I don’t know if our next move will be in two days or two months. You shake and shake the ketchup bottle. First none comes out and then a lot’ll.’ ”
According to Boswell, the Nationals have at least another $10 million to spend and $15 million for the right moves. Free agents such as Joel Pineiro, Jarrod Washburn, Jon Garland or Vincente Padilla would fit the National’s need for a starting pitcher in that price range.
Mike Lowell Rumors: Found 95-percent tear in thumb
Posted by: | CommentsUpdate 12/31 15:36: Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe reports today that the Red Sox may revisit the idea of trading Lowell to the Rangers. This is all pending that Lowell can prove that his thumb is healthy. The rehabilitation process will take 6-8 weeks which will align him with the start of Spring Training.
12/30 17:57: According to Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe, a 95-percent tear in the radial collateral ligament was found in Mike Lowell’s thumb when Dr. Donald Sheridan operated on him today.
Lowell will need 6-8 weeks of recovery which will allow him to resume his baseball activities during Spring Training. He’s probably off the trading block for now since no team will want to risk receiving damage goods. It’s possible that if Lowell recovers well and performs at the beginning part of the 2010 season he may be trade bait by the July deadline.
Lowell was originally going to be traded to the Texas Rangers, but was called off after doctors discovered the ligament tear in his thumb. Lowell is in his last year of a three-year contract. He’s expected to make $12 million. You can see Lowell’s contract history and statistics here.
Carlos Zambrano Rumors: Cubs "definitely dangling" pitcher?
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to several news sources including Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Cubs are “definitely dangling” Carlos Zambrano. Cub’s general manager, Jim Hendry, declined to discuss the report, rather he says, “He’s (Zambrano) got full no-trade rights, which he negotiated into his contract. I fully expect him to come back in 2010 and pitch like the old ‘Big Z.’”
ESPN suggests that Zambrano could feel comfortable with the New York Mets. Earlier this month, the Cubs and Yankees spoke about a possible trade for Zambrano. Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated says that Zambrano is, “eminently available
Zambrano, 28, has a guaranteed contract through 2012 that includes a no-trade clause. He was 9-7 with a 3.77 ERA over 28 games with the Cubs in 2009. You can see Zambrano’s contract history and statistics here.
Aroldis Chapman Rumors: Interest from Oakland A's
Posted by: | Comments12/31 12:30pm: According to The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles have not heard back from the Hendricks brothers, who are representing the left-hander, indicating they are focused on other teams.
The Orioles have discussed “generalities” with Chapman, but have yet to make him an offer.
12/30 06:59am: According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Oakland Athletics are in the think of the bidding for free agent pitcher Aroldis Chapman. The A’s attended Chapman’s throwing session in Houston a couple of weeks ago and came back impressed. Chapman has been clocked as high as 102mph at the World Baseball Classic.
Chapman has already received offers from the Boston Red Sox ($15.5 million) and Florida Marlins ($13 million). Both of the offers are comparable since Florida does not have state income tax. He has incentive to sign by December 31, 2009 to avoid paying taxes on his signing bonus. Had Chapman received his signing bonus in 2009, it would not be taxable since he would not be working in the United States until 2010. This situation may cost him $2-3 million in taxes.
You can see additional Aroldis Chapman rumors here.
Bengie Molina Rumors: Still negotiating
Posted by: | Comments12/31 12:12pm PST: According to the New York Daily News, the reports of Molina nearing a two-year deal with the Mets is “not true.”. The Mets want Molina for a one year and a vesting option, but Molina wants a three-year deal.
12/30 08:10am PST: According to Rich Coutinho of 1050 ESPN Radio (via Metsblog.com), the Mets are close to signing free-agent catcher Bengie Molina.
12/29 11:56am PST: Mike Francesca of WFAN, reports that the New York Mets and free agent catcher Bengie Molina remain apart on a potential contract. The recent offer from the Mets is a one year contract plus a vesting option for Molina. Molina has been holding out for a three-year contract.
It was previously rumored that the Mets have offered Molina a two-year deal worth $12 million. Many believe that Molina should not expect a 3-year contract at the age of 35. On the other hand, the Mets may not be able to find a better catcher available via free agency or trade.
You can see Bengie Molina’s complete statistics here.
You can see other Bengie Molina rumors here.
Adrian Beltre Rumors: Quietly engaged in talks with Red Sox
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, the Boston Red Sox are “quietly engaged” in talks with free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre.
It is believed that Beltre is looking for a five-year deal worth between $13-16 million, but the market has come down and the Red Sox may be able to get Beltre at a price lower than his demands.
Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe says that, “unless Beltre and Scott Boras were willing to settle for a short-term deal, those whispers may not amount to much.”
Beltre, 30, hit 8 home runs, drove in 44 RBI’s and hit .265 in 111 games while making $13.4 million with the Seattle Mariners in 2009. You can see the contract history and statistics of Adrian Beltre here.
