Rumors for October, 2010
Tigers deeply interested in Carl Crawford
Posted by: | Comments
Shortly after the 2010 World Series, Rays’ left fielder Carl Crawford will become one of the hottest free-agent on the market. Teams like the Angels and the Red Sox have shown interest on Crawford, but according to sources close to FOXSports’ Ken Rosenthal the Tigers are deeply interested on acquiring the speedy left fielder.
Rosenthal believes that Crawford would make a greater impact on the Tigers than he would do with any other team. Defensively he’ll be paired with Austin Jackson in the outfield – giving Detroit the speed necessary to cover the spacious Comerica Park.
Offensively, his speed will probably earn him more extra-base hits in Comerica Park than he did on Tropicana Field.
The 29-year-old is projected to sign a 6-7 year deal in the $96-126 million range.
C.C. Sabathia’s knee surgery could motivate the Yankees to sign Cliff Lee
Posted by: | Comments
In a New York Post exclusive, Joel Sherman and George A. King III report that Yankees pitcher C.C. Sabathia has a minor meniscus tear in his right knee that will require surgery. He’s expected to undergo surgery in the coming days with a recovery time no longer than three weeks. Sabathia is not expected to miss Spring Training.
The Post speculates that Sabathia’s injury could make the Yankees more motivated to solidify the top of their rotation by signing free-agent-to-be Cliff Lee this winter.
In two seasons with the Yankees, Sabathia is 40-15 with a 3.27 ERA.
Lee is expected to command Sabathia-money (eight-years, $160 million) this winter and will likely be sought after by teams such as the Yankees and Rangers.
Retirement is a possibility for Bengie Molina
Posted by: | Comments
When Texas Rangers catcher Bengie Molina was asked about retirement as reported by MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer, the 36-year-old catcher said it was a “possibility.”
“It’s more ‘yes’ than ‘no’ right now,” Molina said. “Something could get worked out this winter. As for now … yes.”
Molina will be a free-agent after the season, along with a plethora of other free-agent catchers. Veterans Yorvit Torrealba, John Buck, Miguel Olivo, Jason Varitek, David Ross, Matt Treanor and Rod Barajas will likely battle for the few catching openings this winter.
If Molina does hang it up, he won’t leave baseball without a grudge. According to the San Jose Mercury News’ Andrew Baggarly, Molina is upset that Giants GM Brian Sabean told the Mercury News that he planned to trade him from the moment he re-signed a one-year contract in January.
Luckily for Molina, a guaranteed World Series ring may be able to soothe those conflicts he has with the business side of baseball.
Tigers and Jhonny Peralta are “expected” to reach two-year extension
Posted by: | Comments
Jon Morosi of FOXSports is reporting that the Detroit Tigers will decline Jhonny Peralta’s $7.25 million option for next season and instead are negotiating and are expected to reach a deal on a new 2 year contract.
Morosi believes that the contract will be slightly less than the two-year $11.5 million deal Brandon Inge signed last week.
In August, Peralta made his love for the Motor City known to the world. “I want to be here,” Peralta said. “I hope they pick up the option. But I want to be here. I like everybody here.”
Peralta was acquired by Detroit at the recent trade deadline and in 57 games with Detroit, Peralta had 55 hits with a .253 avg.
Mets set to hire Sandy Alderson as their next GM
Posted by: | Comments
According to numerous sources close to Jon Heyman of SI.com, the Mets will hire Sandy Alderson as their next GM. Heyman also added via twitter, “Alderson gives Mets instant added credibility.” The New York Posts’ Joel Sherman has confirmed the report and adds that the team has called both Alderson and Byrnes to let them know their plans.
Alderson met with the Mets on Tuesday and one of the purposes of the meeting was to get team president Saul Katz to sign off on hiring Alderson.
Alderson’s first order of business once “officially” appointed will be hiring a manager. It is possible that Alderson will officially be announced on Friday as it is a travel day for the Rangers and Giants.
Ortiz confident that he’ll be back with the Red Sox for 2011
Posted by: | Comments
According to The Boston Globe’s Mike Vega, as reported by Peter Abraham, the Red Sox’s designated hitter, David Ortiz, is confident that he will return to the team next season.
“We’re going to talk next week,” Ortiz said.
If the Red Sox don’t pick up his option he could still be offered a new deal or become a free-agent five days after the World Series ends. The team holds a $12.5 million option on Ortiz and they must decide within three days after the World Series to exercise it.
Ortiz hit .270 with 32 HR and 102 RBI’s this season with the Red Sox.
Valentine is finalist for Brewers manager position
Posted by: | Comments
Bobby Valentine, Bob Melvin and Joey Cora are the finalists to get the Brewers manager position according to FOXSports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Rosenthal recently wrote on his Twitter account: “Keep hearing Bobby Valentine is finalist for the Brewers.” “But would Brewers pay V? And would he go?.”
Valentine has managed in the Majors for 15 years, eight with the Rangers and seven with the Mets. He won the NL pennant in 2000 with the Mets, but failed to win the World Series against the Yankees.
Sandy Alderson close to slam dunk for Mets GM job
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to a source close to The New York Posts’ Mike Puma, Sandy Alderson is close to a slam dunk for the vacant general managers position with the Mets. Alderson is scheduled to meet with the Mets on Tuesday and one of the purposes of the meeting is to get team president Saul Katz to sign off on hiring Alderson.
Multiple sources close to the New York Daily News’ Andy Martino says that Alderson likely will be named GM as early as Friday.
“[Alderson] has already got two of the three votes,” the source said. “I don’t see Saul trying to stand in the way.”
The Mets had a second-round interview with Josh Byrnes on Monday.
Multiple sources say there is no chance the Mets will hire both Alderson and Byrnes in a two-tiered management structure.
The team will need to get commissioner Bud Selig’s approval to make an announcement during World Series week, but it’s possible that it could happen on Friday’s scheduled travel day.
“Fred, Saul and I met with Josh Byrnes,” COO Jeff Wilpon said. “Out of respect for the candidates and the ongoing process, we will have no further comment on the meeting.”
Marlins to name manager after the World Series
Posted by: | Comments
Earlier today MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro posted on his Twitter account that the Florida will look to announce their new manager after the World Series, according to team president David Samson.
Names like Tony Peña and Bo Porter have been mentioned as candidates to get the job. However, there has been growing sentiment that the team may offer interim manager Edwin Rodriguez the position. The Sun Sentinel’s Juan C. Rodriguez (via MLB.com’s Joe Capozzi) says the Marlins are leaning toward keeping Rodriguez for at least one more year.
Rodriguez became the interim manager with the Marlins on June 23, 2010 after they fired Fredi Gonzalez. He stayed as the manager throughout the entire 2010 season after an announcement made by Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria.
Earlier this month, it was believed that the 38-year-old Porter was the Marlin’s leading candidate. It was also believed that Bobby Valentine was the front-runner for the job, but he removed his name from consideration on October 13.
Orioles retooling their coaching staff
Posted by: | Comments
The Baltimore Orioles staff will have new faces for the 2011 season. Ken Rosenthal reported on his Twitter account earlier today that Mark Connor is the front-runner for the pitching coach position and Rick Adair for the bullpen coach.
They also have permission to interview Wayne Kirby from the Rangers organization for their vacant hitting coach. Former Florida Marlins hitting coach Jim Presley is also a candidate for the Orioles, and according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s David O’Brien, he’s also a candidate for the vacant hitting coach position with the Braves.
Former Oriole Mike Bordick or Billy Ripken also figures to end up on the Orioles staff.
It’s likely that manager Buck Showalter wants to start his first full season in 2011 with a hand picked team of coaches. Showalter was hired at the end of July to replace the fired Dave Trembley.
