Dec

Other Secrets: Torrealba, Escobar, Lee, Ranger's backup plan, Infielders

By Allan

Here are a few Secrets that we missed.

- According to Fox Sports, the Rockies ended their talks with free agent Yorvit Torrealba. MLB Secrets blogged last week that Torrealba and Rockies were within $400,000 of signing a deal. Torrealba is asking for a 2-year $6 million contract (similar to Ivan Rodriguez’s deal) and the Rockies are offering 2-year $5.6 million. The Rockies will no turn their attention to Miguel Olivo or Josh Bard.

- Fox Sports reports that free agent pitcher Kelvim Escobar will continue his comeback bid by playing for the Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela professional baseball team), according to his agent, Peter Greenberg. Escobar will likely pitch one inning for Barquisimeto-based Lara in a Venezuelan Winter League game Friday or Saturday. Escobar missed the entire 2008 season with a labral tear, underwent surgery, started one game in 2009 and missed the remainder of the season with shoulder irritation.

- In a cell phone call with Cliff Lee, he said he was in “disbelief and shock” over his trade to Seattle. He thought he was staying in Philadelphia for the rest of his career. Yahoo reports that Lee didn’t force Phillies’ hand despite rumors that he was planning on testing free agency after the 2010 season. One of the reasons the the Phillies traded Lee was because they believed they could not afford him once he became a free agent. They felt by getting Halladay, they could have an ace in their rotation for years to come.

- ESPN.com reports that the Rangers backup plans in the event they cannot acquire Mike Lowell from the Red Sox includes several players including the already rumored Vladimir Guerrero and Jermaine Dye. However, newcoming Jim Thome was mentioned by ESPN as a possible candidate. Thome would be at the bottom of the list because the Rangers prefer a somebody that can play the field.

- ESPN.com reminds us that there are several free agent or tradeable infielders including Dan Uggla, Adrian Beltre, Orlando Hudson, Felipe Lopez, Mark DeRosa, Miguel Tejada and Melvin Mora. Teams that are needing second basemen include the Cubs, Mets, Mariners and Cardinals. Teams needing third basemen include the Angels, Giants, possibly the Twins and Mariners.