Rumors for January, 2010
Johnny Damon Rumors: It would take a miracle for the Braves to sign Damon
Posted by: | CommentsMark Bowman of MLB.com reports that the Atlanta Braves could benefit from the offensive production of Johnny Damon, but unless Damon wants to play in the $1-2 million price range then a deal may not happen. One of Bowman’s sources says, “it would take a miracle” for the Braves to sign Damon.
There have been rumors that the Detroit Tigers have been going after Johnny Damon.
You can see Damon rumors here.
You can see Damon’s contract history and statistics here.
SF Giants Rumors: Chasing after Kiko Calero, veteran catcher and Bumgarner
Posted by: | CommentsMychael Urban of CSN Bay Area reports on what’s next for the San Francisco Giants:
- Giant’s vice president of baseball operations, Bobby Evans, has been chatting with Kiko Calero’s agent, Diego Benz. Evans thinks that Claero will get a more lucrative and/or longer offer than what Urban predicts the Giants would offer. The Cubs have been interested in Calero too. Calero pitched for the Marlins in 2009 going 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA over 67 games. You can see Kiko Calero’s statistics here.
- Urban predicts that Buster Posey is the starting catcher for now. GM Brian Sabean may pick up a catcher who has no where else to go. The Giants have been speaking with Yorvit Torrealba. Torrealba could make a decision as early as next week.
- Urban believes that No. 5 starters a dime a dozen, so he thinks the Giants do not need one. Rather, they should use a young stud to fill that role. In this case Madison Bumgarner.
Cleveland Indians sign Mike Redmond to be backup catcher
Posted by: | CommentsThe Cleveland Indians signed 38-year-old Mike Redmond to a one-year contract to be their backup catcher. Terms of the deal are available.
Rookie, Lou Marson, will get the bulk of the playing time. The signing of Redmond will give the Indians the confidence that a veteran catcher will be there to mentor Marson and provide guidance to the Indian’s pitching staff.
Redmond backed up Twin’s catcher Joe Mauer since 2005. In 2009, he played 45 games where he hit .237 with a .299 on-base percentage in 135 at bats. He’s a 12 year veteran that was a member of the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins.
You can see Mike Redmond’s statistics here.
Johnny Damon Rumors: Tigers chasing after Damon
Posted by: | CommentsJason Beck of MLB.com writes that the Detroit Tigers’ next move may be an offensive upgrade, and that upgrade may be free agent Johnny Damon.
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated said yesterday via Twitter: #tigers could be in play for damon, who hits .363, slugs .550 and has a .961 OPS at pitcher-friendly comerica park. Hayman later said that Damon and the Tigers have had talks.
The hold up is Scott Boras, Damon’s agent. Boras wants a multi-year deal for his client and he isn’t backing down. Boras has been requesting at least a two-year, $20 million deal.
You can see Damon’s contract history and statistics here.
Pittsburgh Pirates Rumors: Octavio Dotel, Duke arbitration, Vinnie Chulk injury
Posted by: | CommentsDejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports from the Pirates’ minicamp in Bradenton, Florida.
- The team and Octavio Dotel are getting closer to a contract agreement. If it gets done, it’s likely that Dotel will be named the team’s closer. However, management see two closer candidates in Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek.
- Dotel is expected to make less than the $6 million he made last season. Perhaps half as much, even with performance bonuses.
- A settlement with Zach Duke before the case goes to arbitration is not in sight. Duke made $2.2 million last season. Duke and the Pirates may exchange salary figures on Tuesday.
- Vinnie Chulk experienced a sore neck that kept him from making his pitching session.
