Mar

PRO Rumors: Bryce Harper, Dodgers Divorce, Brandon Webb, Captain Zimmerman, Angels, Tejada

By Allan

PRO Rumors had some network issues on the blog last night (thank goodness the blog and the website and the iPhone app data are on different servers). So without further delay, here are your Saturday morning PRO Rumors:

According to Jorge Arangure of ESPN the Magazine, Adeiny Hechavarria is unblocked an free to sign with any team. In early February, the Los Angeles Angels were known to be interested in the Cuban shortstop. It is believed that Hechavarria could land a contract that tops $8 million.
After solid back-to-back seasons with the Indians and Phillies, Cliff Lee may finally have found the place to pitch with the Mariners according to Jon Heyman of Sport Illustrated. With that said, mariners GM Jack Zduriencik wants with “no doubt” to have a 1-2 rotation of Lee and Felix Hernandez for years to come. Lee is a free agent after the 2010 season, and he’ll command a big contract. It was believed that Lee and Phillies were going to work out a long-term contract extension, but he was surprisingly traded to the Mariners.
Buster Olney of ESPN the Magazine says there may be doubt with junior college catcher Bryce Harper. Some scouts say that Harper’s swing is violent, with the mechanics of his legs and hips a concern. Harper is expected to go in the top 10 with the Washington Nationals with the first pick of the draft.
Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times says the Dodger’s McCourt divorce has cost Frank McCourt about $5-10 million in “divorce-related expenses” and Jamie McCourt has estimated her expenses at $9 million. That’s $19 million less for the team to spend on future players.
Olney says that Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks may start the year on the disabled list. The team is counting on Webb to contribute to the team effectively this year as they chase the NL West title. Webb has incentive to put up good numbers since his contract expires after the season.
Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post says that the Nationals are considering naming Ryan Zimmerman the team’s first captain.
Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times says that bronze statues of the late Nick Adenhart and the former special advisor Preston Gomez were placed in the team’s Spring Training locker room.
Despite the emergence of third base prospect Josh Bell of the Baltimore Orioles, Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun says that Miguel Tejada will be the Orioles’ starting third baseman.