Rumors for January, 2010
Joe Nelson Rumors: Red Sox, Dodgers and Nationals showing interest
Posted by: | CommentsKen Rosenthal of FOXSports reports that the free-agent reliever Joe Nelson is drawing interest from the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals.
Nelson had a solid 2008 with the Florida Marlins going 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA. His stats went down to a 4.02 ERA in 2009 with the Tampa Bay Rays. According to one executive, Nelson lost his confidence and then his command with the Rays. Nelson is probably fit best in a spacious National League park. You can see Nelson’s contract history and statistics here.
Frank Catalanotto signs Minor League deal with Mets
Posted by: | CommentsFree-agent Frank Catalanotto has signed a Minor League deal with the New York Mets according to The Star-Ledge.
Catalanotto, 35, played 77 games with the Brewers in 2009. He hit .278 with 1 home run and 9 RBIs. Catalanotto played mostly in the outfield, but he has the versatility to play multiple infield and outfield positions.
Johnny Damon Rumors: Coming back to New York at trade deadline?
Posted by: | CommentsAlthough the Yankees do not have a roster spot nor the budget for free agent Johnny Damon now, you may see Damon again in pinstripes.
“I’m not ruling out New York, whenever it is, whether I start the season with them, or whether they trade for me at the deadline, or if they sign me next year, or what not,” Damon said on WFAN. “I love New York.”
“We’re always open to New York,” Damon said. “But I think right now we also have to be open to whatever offer comes out now. Because I know [the Yankees] have a full roster right now, [but] I never say never anymore.”
The Giants, Braves, Athletics, Blue Jays and Rays have shown interest in Damon this off-season. Damon had been negotiating with the Yankees as recently as last week when he turned down a one-year $6 million offer.
Tigers and Justin Verlander discussing 5 year $75 million extension
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, the Detroit Tigers and pitcher Justin Verlander are discussing a five-year, $75 million extension. However, Verlander is insisting on a six-year deal.
If the deal goes to a sixth year, it would be in the $93-95 million range.
Verlander has expressed his desire to stay with Detroit – “I want to be here for a long time,” he told reporters this week – and the Tigers have reciprocated the feelings.
Verlander, 27 in February, has a 65-43 record over five seasons with the Tigers. He was 19-9 with a 3.45 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 2009. You can see Verlander’s contract history and statistics here.
MLB Secrets: Mora, Mauer, Dunn, Catalanotto, Feldman, Damon, Veras, Richar
Posted by: | CommentsHere’s a few links for you to follow on Friday:
According to Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post, there are four teams pursing Melvin Mora including the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. The Rockies were pursuing Mora but have since shifted their focus to Orlando Cabrera (who is choosing between the Rockies and Reds).
According to Jon Heyman, the Minnesota Twins and catcher Joe Mauer have opened negotiations for a contract extension. His agent Ron Shapiro says, “nothing is imminent.”
According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, the Washington Nationals and first baseman Adam Dunn are talking about a contract extension.
According to Jon Heyman, he Tweets about free agent Frank Catalanotto: #mets among 3 teams looking at long island’s frank catalanotto. #brewers, #marlins believed to be the others. Catalanotto, 35, played 77 games with the Brewers in 2009. He hit .278 with 1 home run and 9 RBIs.
Accrdoing to Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas, the Texas Rangers are negotiation with arbitration-eligible pitcher Scott Feldman. Feldman wants $2.9 million and the Rangers want $2.05 million.
According to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, Johnny Damon was quote in a text message regarding his interest in the Toronto Blue Jays, “I am all ears and eager to help make any team better.”
The Marlins signed right-handed pitcher Jose Veras and infielder Danny Richar to Minor League deals with invites to Spring Training.
Angels and Joe Saunders agree to one-year deal
Posted by: | CommentsKevin Baxter of the LA Times reports that the Los Angeles Angels and pitcher Joe Saunders have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3.7 million. Saunders can earn an additional $25,000 if he pitches 180 innings and can earn another $25,000 if he throws 200 innings.
Saunders, 28, was 16-7 with a 4.60 ERA in 31 starts for the Angels in 2009. You can see Saunders’ contract history and statistics here.
Eric Byrnes agrees to one-year deal with Mariners
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to GM Jack Zduriencik (via Seattle Times), the Seattle Mariners may add another right-handed bat at designated hitter, left field and first base.
“That’s something I think we need, and we’ll continue to pursue that in the next few days and weeks, depending on how long it takes,” Zdurniencik told the Seattle Times.
On Friday, according to Doug Miller of MLB.com, the team signed free agent outfielder Eric Byrnes to a one-year deal. Byres versatility will allow him to share time in all outfield positions.
The terms of the deal are unavailable, but it’s possible the Mariners were able to sign him for the $400,000 Major League minimum. To make room for Byrnes, the Mariners have designated Tommy Everidge for assignment.
Byrnes, 33 in February, hit .226 with 8 home runs and 31 RBIs with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2009. You can see Brynes’ contract history and statistics here.
Josh Fogg and New York Mets agree to a Minor League deal
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com, the New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Josh Fogg to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. The deal is pending a physical.
Fogg will have the opportunity to compete to be the Met’s fifth starter.
Fogg, 33, was 0-2 with a 3.74 ERA in 24 games with the Colorado Rockies in 2009. You can see Fogg’s contract history and statistics here.
Seattle Mariners Rumors: Adding another right-handed bat?
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to GM Jack Zduriencik (via Seattle Times), the Seattle Mariners may add another right-handed bat at designated hitter, left field and first base.
“That’s something I think we need, and we’ll continue to pursue that in the next few days and weeks, depending on how long it takes,” Zdurniencik told the Seattle Times.
Some names that come to mind include Melvin Mora, Jonny Gomes, Ryan Garko and Jermaine Dye
