Rumors for January, 2010
Houston Astros sign LHP Tim Byrdak to $1.6 million deal
Posted by: | CommentsThe Astros re-signed left-handed pitcher Tim Byrdak to a one-year deal for $1.6 million today.
Byrdak was asking for $1.9 million and the Astros offered $1.3 million. Both parties settled right in the middle.
“We got him done tonight,” said Astros assistant general manager Ricky Bennett, who was handling the negotiations. “We were working hard to get it done, and I feel much better.”
The only arbitration-eligible player left is pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. Rodriguez is asking for $7 million and the club is offering $5 million. Assistant general manager, Ed Wade, has set a deadline for Monday to get a deal done with Rodriguez otherwise they will go through the arbitration process.
Byrdak, 36, was 1-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 76 appearances for the Astros in 2009. He made $1 million last season. You can see Byrdak’s contract history and statistics here.
Colorado Rockies Rumors: Seeking utility man – Tatis or Freel?
Posted by: | CommentsTroy E. Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Colorado Rockies have one spot left on their 40 man roster. Renck thinks the Rockies could add a utility man.
The Rockies were speaking with the agents for Robb Quinlan and Fernando Tatis. Both players have the ability to play multiple infield and outfield positions. However, Renck does not believe that Colorado will add Quinlan. Quinlan has drawn interest from the Twins and Dodgers this winter.
Another possibility according to Renck is Ryan Freel. Freel, 34 by Opening Day, hit .193 (17 for 88) with the Orioles, Cubs and Royals in 2009.
Jim Thome Rumors: Wants White Sox to call him
Posted by: | CommentsUpdate 1/24 15:02: White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen wants to make a decision on Jim Thome by today according to Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.
“Sometimes, when you [decide] with your heart, you make the wrong decision,” Guillen said. “Unfortunately in baseball, you have to [decide] with your brains, and I’m going to see what’s best for the ballclub.”
Update 1/22 19:45: According to Joe Cowly of the Chicago Sun Times, the White Sox are ready to battle the Minnesota Twins for free agent DH Jim Thome. According to Cowly’s source, “It’s 50-50 now, which couldn’t be said [Thursday],” the source said, referring to the chances of Thome re-signing. “Jim is just waiting to hear.”
It seems that GM Ken Williams and board chairman Jerry Reinsdorf might want to bring Thome back on the cheap, not to be a full-time DH, but more of a safety net that is in that DH by-committee mix. It’s obvious what the players want, as well.
1/21 06:04: Free agent DH Jim Thome is interested in playing for the Chicago White Sox again. He told ESPNChicago.com, “My door is open. All you’ve got to do is call me. We’ll see what happens. Obviously in baseball, I’ve learned that sometimes business moves are made and business decisions are made and you have to respect those decisions and move on.
Earlier this week Scott Merkin of MLB.com reported that in addition to the White Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers could use Thome as their DH.
Thome is a career .277 hitter with 564 home runs and 1565 RBIs. For the first time in his career he is without an employer. You can see Thome’s contract history and statistics here.
Hunter Pence and Houston Astros agree to 1 year $3.5 million contract
Posted by: | CommentsThe Houston Astros and All Star outfielder Hunter Pence have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract for $3.5 million according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Pence was seeking $4.1 million, and the Astros offered $3.1 million.
Pence, 26, hit .282 with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs and made his first All Star team in 2009. You can see Pence’s contract history and statistics here.
Matt Stairs signs Minor League deal with Padres
Posted by: | CommentsCorey Brock of MLB.com confirms that free agent Matt Stairs has signed a Minor League contract with the San Diego Padres with an invite to Spring Training. He says that Stairs is likely going to be a left-handed bat off the bench and the road DH during Interleague.
Stairs shed 31 pounds this winter while searching for a job at age 41. He’s down to 199 from 230, the lightest he’s been in about 15 years. Stairs felt that he needed to lose weight to enhance his mobility in the field.
Stairs hit .194 (20 for 103) with 5 home runs and 17 RBIs in 2009 with the Phillies.
You can see Matt Stairs’ contract history and statistics here.
Detroit Tigers: May trade a left-handed pitcher
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Tom Gage of The Detroit News, it’s possible that one of the five left-handed relievers on the Tigers’ roster may get traded since there isn’t enough room in the bullpen to have them all.
The Tigers currently have left-handers Fu-Te Ni, Brad Thomas, Bobby Seay, Phil Coke and Daniel Schlereth on their 40 man roster, and unless one of them becomes a starter, the team may trade one of them to build another part of their team.
Schlereth may become the team’s closer in 2011 and Coke may become a starter this season. Seay just signed a one-year, $2.475 million contract, so unless a team wants to inherit that salary, Ni and Thomas may be the odd men out.
