Rumors for March, 2010
Albert Pujols for Ryan Howard Trade Rumors
Posted by: | CommentsBuster Olney of ESPN The Magazine reports that there have been discussions regarding the swap of slugger Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies for St. Louis’ Albert Pujols.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro denied the rumors saying, “Lies. That’s a lie. I don’t know who you’re talking to, but that’s a lie.” It sounds like a guy caught off guard and trapped in a corner.
Pujols, 30, is eligible for free agency after the 2011 season and talks about long-term extension have gone nowhere.
Olney suggests that if the Cardinals cannot re-sign Pujols, they could trade him for Howard who also will be a free agent after 2011, but Howard will be more affordable to re-sign when is contract is due. Howard coincidentally was born in St. Louis and is considered a hometown kid.
Pujols would fit well in Philadelphia since his right-handed bat would complement the left-handed Phillies’ lineup and he’s a good defensive first baseman.
For any team that decides to sign Pujols, it will cost them. It’s estimated that Pujols will be the $20+ million range since Mark Teixeira ($22.5 million) and Alex Rodriguez ($27.5 million) are the two closest players that one can compare with Pujols. Now that Matt Holliday is signed for seven guaranteed season for $17 million each year, and with Pujol’s expected $20+ million, the Cardinals may be hesitant to spend over $40 million for two players per year.
Joe Mauer Contract Rumors: Negotiations are continuing
Posted by: | CommentsKen Rosenthal of FOXSports.com says that the contract extension talks between catcher Joe Mauer and the Minnesota Twins “are not stalled by any means.” Both sides will continue to negotiate with Opening Day the likely deadline for Mauer to halt the talks.
Rumors this off season have pegged the deal at $20-25 million per season for as long as 10 years. Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune said last week, “if (agent Ron) Shapiro is intent on pushing Mauer to $25 million or more a year, Mauer might find himself on the Johan Santana Shuttle out of town.”
Mauer, 26, won the 2009 American League MVP when he hit .365 with 28 home runs and 96 RBIs. If Mauer hits the free agent market, you can expect that the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees will be the first in line to throw money at him. You can see Mauer’s contract history and statistics here.
PRO Rumors: Astros Matt Kata, Diamondbacks Doug Deeds, Tigers Andrew Oliver
Posted by: | CommentsHere are a few late night MLB transactions from MLB.com:
- The Houston Astros signed free agent second baseman Matt Kata. Kata, who turned 32 today, hit .200 (10 for 50) in 40 games with the Astros in 2009. In 5 Major League season, Kata has his hit .239 in his career. You can see Kata’s contract history here.
- The Diamondbacks have signed free agent left fielder Doug Deeds. This spring with the Chicago Cubs, Deeds has hit .231 (9 for 39) in 18 games.
- The Detroit Tigers have signed left-handed pitcher Andrew Oliver. Oliver pitched yesterday in his only Spring Training appearance. He went 2 innings giving up 1 hit and getting 1 strikeout.
Andrew Miller Trade Rumors: Is the left-hander available?
Posted by: | CommentsJon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports from Marlins’ camp. A scout mentioned that left-handed pitcher Andrew Miller of the Florida Marlins could be trade bait. The scout said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they traded him.” Morosi adds, “still has great arm, command iffy.”
Miller made $1.575 million in 2009. He could an affordable option for a team that needs starting left-handed help.
Miller, 24, was 3-5 with a 4.84 ERA in 20 games (14 games started) with the Marlins in 2009. You can see the Miller’s contract history and statistics here.
Here are a few more Saturday morning PRO Rumors:
- Tim Cowlishaw of The Dallas Morning News suggests that Colby Lewis could be the number three starter behind Rich Harden and Scott Feldman.
- George A. King III says that Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Sergio Mitre, Chad Gaudin and Alfredo Aceves are all tied in the competition for the fifth starting spot for the Yankees. ESPN Insider suggests that Hughes and Chamberlain have the inside edge.
- Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald says that there may be a closer controversy between Bobby Jenks and J.J. Putz with the White Sox.
- Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija could have a chance to start according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. The team currently has two unfilled rotation spots. Samardzija will get a couple more spring opportunities to start before the team has to decide to send him to the bullpen or not.
Francisco Liriano Rumors: Could he be the Twins closer?
Posted by: | CommentsKelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press says that pitcher Francisco Liriano could be a candidate to replace injured closer Joe Nathan. Smith asked Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire about the possibility of Liriano closing, and he said, “Everybody’s considered that’s not in the rotation.” That’s everybody except Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn, Kevin Slowey and Carl Pavano.
Liriano has been competing for the fifth spot in the rotation, but with the uncertainty of Nathan’s injury and his improved slider, makes him the best internal candidate for the closer job.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports earlier this week said that the Twins declined to say if they would consider Liriano as a replacement for Nathan, but they did not rule out the possibility.
Liriano, 26, was 5-13 with a 5.80 ERA in 29 games (24 starts) with the Twins in 2009. You can see Liriano’s contract history and statistics here.
Good morning. Start your weekend with a few PRO Rumors:
- With the New York Mets’ Jose Reyes out until his thyroid levels drop, 19-year-old Ruben Tejada could be the team’s Opening Day shortstop. According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the “Mets believe he is ready defensively… but still question whether he can hit enough.” Tejada hit .2889 with five home runs, 46 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in Double-A Binghamton.
- Jim Armstrong of The Denver Post talks about the Rockies’ pitching philosophy. Manager Jim Tracy said, “throw strikes and you’re going to allow this infield to participate if you’re thinking about being a Rockies Major League pitcher.”
- Accordng to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com, the Blue Jays outfielder, Joey Gathright could make the team’s Opening Day roster thanks to his speed and ability to play multiple outfield positions.
- Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has been looking good this Spring with a .571 average, but the team does not want to rush the 19-year-old. According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the team will start Castro at Triple-A Iowa to begin the season.
