Rumors for March, 2010
Here are your Tuesday afternoon PRO Rumors:
- David O’Brien of The Atlanta Journal Constitution makes a prediction on prospect Jason Heyward, “I think Jason Heyward is going to be the Braves’ right fielder on opening day. There. I’m on the record.” Heyward currently has a .417 average, .611 OBP and .833 slugging percentage in 18 plate appearances over six games. O’Brien suggests that the Braves make a a long-term offer to Heyward before his second season in the majors.
- Peter Schmuck and Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun discuss the Orioles renewing the contracts of those players on their 40 man roster. There are pro and cons and both the owners and players aren’t necessarily happy about everything, but it’s how the collective bargaining agreement is set. “There’s no need for both sides to get into any war,” Adam Jones said. “Let’s just play out this year. If it’s all going to work out, it works out. Before you’re arbitration-eligible, I guess they can do whatever they want.” Jones, 24, hit 19 home runs and drove in 70 RBIs for the 2009 Orioles, but because of his lack of Major League service time he is not arbitration eligible, so he’s stuck at whatever the Orioles want to pay him (in this case $465,000 – not too bad). Had he played one more day, he would have been eligible for arbitration. Adam Jones is interested in staying with the Orioles for quite some time. “If they want me to be here for a long time, I would love to be here for a long time”
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com talks about White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski and is pending free agency after this season. Morosi says, “It’s difficult to imagine him wearing another uniform, isn’t it?”
- Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News says the waiver claim of left-handed pitcher Jay Marshall has been voided by the commissioner’s office based on a shoulder injury. He will be returned to the Oakland Athletics.
- Robert Slye Jr. of Bleacher Report talks about the Oakland A’s offense.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com says that Chris Young of the Padres could be a trade candidate if he’s healthy.
White Sox prospect switches positions and hires Boras
Posted by: | CommentsJorge Arangure Jr. of ESPN The Magazine writes about the Chicago White Sox’s 21-year-old Cuban prospect Dayan Viciedo, his position switch and hiring of super agent Scott Boras.
Arangure says that Viciedo parted ways with his agent Jaime Torres, who negotiated his current four year, $10 million contract. To replace Torres, Viciedo hired Scott Boras. Luckily for the White Sox, Viciedo has three years left on his contract, so they won’t have to deal with Boras until after the 2012 season.
On the field, the White Sox have asked their prospect to switch positions from third base to first base. The 245 pound athlete has prepared for the switched by changing his training program in the off season.
“My position is third base,” Viciedo told MLB.com through a translator. “But I’ll play wherever they tell me to play.”
Arangure predicts that Viciedo could start for the White Sox next season as incumbent, Paul Konerko, will be playing in his final season.
Yankees trade RHP Edwar Ramirez to Rangers
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Jack Curry of The New York Times, the New York Yankees have traded right-handed pitcher Edwar Ramirez to the Texas Rangers for cash.
| Team | Acquires |
| Yankees | Cash |
| Rangers | RHP Edwar Ramirez |
Ramirez was recently designated for assignment by the Yankees on February 28 to make room for Chan Ho Park Park.
Ramirez, 29 later this month, pitched in 20 games for the Yankees in 2009. He was 0-0 with a 5.73 ERA. You can see Ramirez’s contract history and statistics here.
Jermaine Dye Rumors: Would the Giants be interested?
Posted by: | CommentsAndrew Baggarly of The San Jose Mercury asks if the Giants would be interested in free agent outfielder and Bay Area native Jermaine Dye. When GM Brian Sabean was asked about Dye, he said, “I don’t know. The price must be high if he’s not in anyone’s camp. It’s an interesting name.”
According to Ted Sillanpaa of Bleacher Report, free agent Jermaine Dye may have contacted the San Francisco Giants at some point this off season. Earlier reports had Dye demanding a contract that promised a starting job, but Dye may be backing down from those demands. The Yankees could also develop a late interest in Dye as insurance to Nick Johnson.
“‘I still feel like I’m a productive player and feel like I can contribute, but teams want me as a backup player,” Dye said in the Chicago Sun Times. ”I feel undervalued. I don’t think I have to go out there and prove anything. My numbers the last five or six years show I can help someone.”
Currently Nate Schierholtz is the Giants starting right fielder, but it lack of consistency may be a liability for the team. A veteran like Dye could give the Giants what they need for a playoff run.
Dye, 35, hit 27 home runs and drove in 81 RBIs in 2009. You can see Dye’s contract history and statistics here.
PRO Rumors: Smoltz, Pedro, Cardinals bullpen and Chapmans debut
Posted by: | CommentsHere are some links to get you through the night. Less than a month to go before the games start counting!!!
- John Smoltz and Pedro Martinez will more than likely eventually sign with National League clubs, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. He names the Cardinals, Phillies, Cubs, and Dodgers as potential players for the two veteran right-handers. Could Pedro be headed home to Los Angeles to finish his career where it started for him?
- Cardinals GM John Mozeliak tells MLB.com’s Matthew Leach that his club is going to be patient about assessing their bullpen, and is not currently seeking right-handed relief help.
- Aroldis Chapman made his long awaited debut in Spring Training. He was clocked at least three times at 100 MPH during his 2 scoreless frames today against the Royals reports the Associated Press. Chapman’s performance in his debut today will only continue the buildup and excitement for the up coming season for the Reds fans as they aim for the playoffs.
New York Mets sign RHP Kyle Snyder
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Our Sports Central, the New York Mets have signed right-handed pitcher Kyle Snyder to a Minor League contract. In 2009 with the Buffalo Bisons, Snyder went 3-8 with a 4.23 ERA in 33 games.
Snyder, 32, has a career 8-17 record with the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox. He last pitched in the Majors in 2008. Snyder was on the Red Sox World Series roster in 2007, but did not pitch. You can see Snyder’s statistics here.
Chicago Cubs Rumors: Looking at Blue Jays Jason Frasor
Posted by: | CommentsESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick (via ESPN Insider) said that the Chicago Cubs have checked in to the availability of right-handed relief pitcher Jason Frasor of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Frasor, 32, had a 7-3 record with a 2.50 ERA and 11 saves in 2009. He will be a free agent after the season. With the possibility that Angel Guzman being out for the year, the Cubs are desperately motivated to make a move for bullpen help. You can see Frasor’s contract history and statistics here.
