Rumors for March, 2010
Blue Jays release OF Joey Gathright
Posted by: | CommentsThe Blue Jays released outfielder Joey Gathright, reports MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian (via twitter). The Jays gave Gathright plenty of spring playing time – 43 plate appearances – and he hit just .167. He was recently 0-3 in Saturday’s 11-2 win over the Pirates
The Blue Jays final bench spot will likely come down to Jeremy Reed or Mike McCoy as Bastian noted yesterday.
One decision that could of had an influence in the outcome is that Gathright has made it known that he would accept an assignment to Triple-A Las Vegas.
Mike Lowell Trade Rumors: Open to all possibilities
Posted by: | Comments5/28 01:55: According to Gorden Edes of ESPN Boston, frustration has set in with Lowell given that he’s only had 10 at-bats this Spring to prove himself. Lowell says, “”I probably would have lost, no matter who I was up against. But I’m just saying from the standpoint of ability and what I can do, I just don’t think that opportunity was there.”
Edes confirms that the Red Sox have indicated that the market for Lowell never developed throughout Spring Training and the timing of his thumb surgery is partially to blame.
5/27 13:29: According to Buster Olney of ESPN, he tweets, “The Marlins aren’t sure why they have been linked to Mike Lowell; they aren’t interested, and were not before he got hurt.”
5/26 11:54: According to Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe, Boston Red Sox third baseman, Mike Lowell, acknowledges that it would be interesting to return to the Florida Marlins where he was a fan favorite from 1999-2005. His problem is that with a surgically repaired right hip, he wonders how good of a fit it would be.
“There’s no DH in the National League,’’ he said. “I don’t know if that’s going to work. If I was traded to another team, I would definitely evaluate it. Obviously it’s human nature to think about things.’’
The Marlins’ scouts have followed Lowell, but the team’s interest has been minimal.
WEEI.com adds that the Red Sox were not close in regards to a potential trade of Lowell.
Lowell was originally going to be traded to the Texas Rangers this winter, but it was called off after doctors discovered the ligament tear in his thumb. Part of the deal with the Rangers was that the Red Sox were going to pick up $9 million of the $12 million salary. You can see Lowell’s contract history and statistics here.
Josh Beckett Contract Rumors: Sox will not go beyond 4 year deal
Posted by: | Comments3/28 01:45: According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, he says, “The five-year, $82.5 million deals given to A.J. Burnett and John Lackey came when they were free agents. Beckett is not yet a free agent, but he still could command the same average annual value of $16.5 million for an extension.”
3/27 19:25: According to Gorden Edes of ESPNBoston.com, the contract extension talks between the Boston Red Sox and pitcher Josh Beckett are ongoing, but Edes’ source says that the deal will not match John Lackey’s five-year, $82.5 million contract. The Red Sox also have no desire to go beyond a four year deal. There may be a fear over Beckett’s right shoulder.
Beckett had a history of fraying in his rotator cuff. The past diagnosis led the Florida Marlins to limit his number of pitches.
Over the past few weeks, it was expected a deal would be struck and it would slightly north of Lackey’s deal.
Nick Carfardo of the Boston Globe said a couple of weeks ago that the part of the Beckett negotiations is getting the Sox fair injury protection while still making certain Beckett gets what he’s worth. “There’s been a lot of back and forth on that issue already,” said the source. “This is something that may take some time. If it’s a shorter deal of three years, the language may not be required or it may be scaled down. If it’s longer, then the language would likely have to be included.” Beckett’s agent Michael Moye is looking at a number of ways to make this part of the deal happen. The market for pitching appears to have shrunk the past two years, so it may behoove Beckett to sign now.
Beckett, 29, has compiled a lifetime 106-68 record with a 3.79 ERA. You can see Beckett’s contract history and statistics here.
Chad Gaudin Rumors: Phillies considered RHP
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, the Philadelphia Phillies considered right-handed pitcher Chad Gaudin. The Phillies have been seeking an upgrade to both their starting pitching rotation and bullpen, but they ultimately decided that Gaudin was not an upgrade to their pitching staff.
Gaudin had been released by the Yankees earlier this week. The pitcher did clear waivers and is owed $737,500 of his $2.95 million contract by the Yankees.
Gaudin appeared in 31 games last year for the Yankees and Padres compiling a 4.64 ERA. Gaudin had struggled in spring training appearing in 4 games for the Yankees and allowing 10 runs. You can see Gaudin’s statistics here.
Here are your Saturday afternoon PRO Rumors:
- Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times says that relief pitcher Ronald Belisario has finally arrived at the Dodgers’ complex. Belisario had an outstanding rookie season last year, posting a 2.04 ERA in 69 appearances after the Dodgers signed him as a six-year, minor league free agent last winter. The pitcher has been placed on the restricted list.
- Jayson Stark of ESPN Insider lists 18 trade candidates that you should keep an eye as camps break next week: Chris Snyder, Fred Lewis, Cristian Guzman, Willie Harris, Nelson Figueroa, Andy Marte, Tim Stauffer, David Murphy, Augie Ojeda, Omir Santos, Renyel Pinto, Wladimir Balentien, Dana Eveland, Brad Thomas, Matt Albers, Nate Robertson, Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis.
- Stark adds that teams that may be shopping include: Phillies (pitching), Rays (bullpen), Cubs (bullpen), Royals (starting pitching), Nationals (power outfield bat), Braves (catcher) and Red Sox (want to move Mike Lowell).
- Right-handed pitcher Mike Parisi, despite being a Rule 5 pick from the Cardinals, went through a loophole that kept him a Cub. He was optioned to Triple-A today. (Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports says that the Diamondbacks are actively pursuing a No. 3 or No. 4 starting pitcher, and could trade catcher Chris Snyder.
- Blake DeWitt could end up in Triple-A if the Dodgers keep Nick Green as an infield reserve. (Ken Rosenthal, FOXSports)
- Anthony DiComo of MLB.com says that Brad Lidge is unlikely ready for Opening Day.
Royals trade C Steve Lerud to Orioles
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Bob Dutton, the Royals have traded Minor League catcher Steve Lerud to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named later.
The 25-year-old catcher played in 2 Spring games for the Royals, but got no at bats.
OF Jacque Jones cut from the Minnesota Twins
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to Kelly Thesier of MLB.com, non-roster invitee Jacque Jones was told that he will not be on the Minnesota Twins’ Opening Day Roster. With Jones departure, the final bench spot will go to Alexi Casilla.
Jones signed a Minor League contract with the Twins in early February with an invitation to Spring Training.
Jones, 34, last played in the Major Leagues in 2008 when he played 42 games with the Detroit Tigers and Florida Marlins. He had his last good season with the Chicago Cubs in 2006 when he hit 27 home and drove in 81 RBIs in 2006. You can see Jones’ statistics here.
Jayson Werth Rumors: Yankees using Reggie Jackson to recruit OF
Posted by: | CommentsJoel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the New York Yankees special assistant Reggie Jackson met with soon-to-be free agent Jayson Werth for lunch on Friday. Jackson is an old family friend to the Werth family given that he played with Dennis Werth in the Yankee outfield from 1979-1981 and Jayson’s mother, Kim, is a sister to Jackson’s old teammate Dick Schofield.
While the content of their lunch discussion has been kept between Jackson and Werth, it would not be a surprise if Jackson did a recruitment talk. Werth will be a free agent after the 2010 season and will be one of the most sought after outfielders. Jackson has previously been used to recruit C.C. Sabathia when he was a free agent before the 2009 season.
When asked if his pre-existing relationship with Jackson could help the Yanks in any recruitment, Werth said, “I don’t know, I have never been in this situation [as a free agent] before. I refuse to look that far ahead. My commitment is to the Philadelphia Phillies and trying to win.”
1B/PH Doug Mientkiewicz cut from Dodgers
Posted by: | CommentsKen Gurnick of MLB.com reports that first baseman and pinch hitter Doug Mientkiewicz has left the Los Angeles Dodgers camp after being told that he would not make the club. The non-roster invitee was hoping to make the team as a left-handed bat off the bench, however the Dodgers signed Garret Anderson and he will likely be the primary left-handed hitter off the bench.
Mientkiewicz had been asked by manager Joe Torre to remain with the club as a coach, but he has a desire to play in the big leagues and will seek opportunities elsewhere. Mientkiewicz hit .292 with 4 RBIs in 24 at-bats this Spring.
“He wants to play,” said Torre. “I told him at this time, he would not make the team. It was no surprise when Garret Anderson came on the scene. He [Mientkiewicz] sort of knew.”
Mientkiewicz, 35, hit .333 (6 for 18) in 20 games with the Dodgers in 2009. You can see Mientkiewicz’ contract details and statistics here.
