Feb

MLB Rumors: Willy Taveras, Felipe Lopez, Offseason surprises, Carl Crawford, Rays Payroll

By Allan

Here are a few links to follow for Monday:

Phil Rogers of The Chicago Tribune has a few insights on team decisions: the Mets are going to watch first baseman Ike Davis closely this spring, the Angels are not sure who will replace Chone Figgins as the leadoff man and Brett Gardner will get the first chance to be the Yankees regular left fielder despite the signing of Randy Winn.
Andrew Baggerly of The San Jose Mercury does a run down on what to expect from the Giants in 2010. Baggerly says the team is not younger or faster despite the team preaching their “younger, faster, healthier and homegrown” philosophy. He adds that the team has depth and fans should expect a steady number of late-game defensive switches. Baggerly has rookie Madison Bumgarner as the Giant’s number five starter, but it may be worth keeping an eye on Todd Wellemeyer. The team also has a few bullpen roles up for grabs.
Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle writes that the Oakland Athletics have to pick up the rest of Willy Taveras‘ $4 million salary whereas the Washington Nationals who signed Taveras today are on the hook for any pro-rated portion of the Major League minimum of $400,000 for days spent on the 25-man roster.
According to ESPN Insider, the Tampa Bay Rays, Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals have a need at second base, so they could be candidates for Felipe Lopez. (The Cardinals have converted Skip Shumaker so the team may be out.)
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated lists his offseason surprises.
Jim Bowden of FOXSports says “Yankees and Rays not having trade talks involving Carl Crawford according to those that know!”
Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times says that the Tampa Bay Rays Payroll will be under $60 million next year. This originated from owner Stu Sternberg who was on 620-AM radio.