Rumors for December, 2010
New York Mets inquire about Cubs Tom Gorzelanny
Posted by: | Comments
The New York Mets are looking to improve on their starting rotation, and according to a source close to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the team has inquired about the Chicago Cubs’ Tom Gorzelanny. The Cubs have been aggressively shopping the left-handed pitcher and given his affordable salary (he made $800,000 last season and is eligible for arbitration), he could fit within the Met’s budget.
Other candidates the Mets could go after are right-handed pitchers Chris Young and Matt Garza. Both player will cost the team much more than what Gorzelanny would, but a source says that Mets’ GM Sandy Alderson has some “wiggle room” within the payroll.
Gorzelanny, 28, was 7-9 while posting a 4.09 ERA in 136 1/3 innings in 2010.
Zack Greinke Changes Agents: Could a trade be next?
Posted by: | Comments
A source close to Ed Price and AOL FanHouse said that right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke has switched agents. He is now being represented by Jeff Berry and Casey Close of CAA. Greinke had been a client of SFX.
Price speculates that the timing of the switch could signal Greinke’s move out of Kansas City this off season. Recently, Greinke was described as “fed up” with the Kansas City Royals’ losing ways.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports adds that Greinke as asked the Royals to trade him. One source close to FOXSports says “He really wants out of K.C.”
In case you are wondering, Greinke has a list of fifteen teams he cannot be move to via a trade. The list includes the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals.
Greinke is signed through the 2012 season, and he leaves little doubt that he’ll sign a new deal if the Royals are not competitive. The 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner will make $13.5 million each season for 2011 and 2012.
What MLB free agents are still up for grabs?
Posted by: | Comments
As you read this posting, it’s quite possible that it’s already out of date. Free agents have been moving quickly over the last few days, but if your favorite team has not made its move yet – don’t be down in the dumps. There are several good free agents left. Here’s a list of some of the bigger names from the PRO Rumors 2010 MLB Free Agent Tracker (some player fit under multiple positions, but I picked one for the sake of simplicity). Some of these players are also candidates for retirement, but until they file their official paperwork, then they are fair game:
First baseman:
Derrek Lee
Second baseman:
Ronnie Belliard
Third baseman:
Adrian Beltre
Shortstop:
Craig Counsell
Catcher:
Brad Ausmus
Outfielder:
Designated hitter:
Right-handed starting pitcher:
Left-handed starting pitcher:
Right-handed relief pitcher:
Left-handed relief pitcher:
San Diego Padres acquire Jason Bartlett from Tampa Bay Rays
Posted by: | Comments
In a move that has been in the works for over a week, the San Diego Padres have acquired shortstop Jason Bartlett and a player to be named later from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Brandon Gomes, Adam Russell, Cesar Ramos and Cole Figueroa, according to Marty Caswell of XX1090 Sports Radio.
The trade was first reported by FOXSports Jon Paul Morosi on December 8, but the Rays wanted to get a second opinion on the physical of one of the players involved.
The 31-year-old Bartlett played the last three seasons with the Rays. He’s a lifetime .281/.345/.385 hitter in seven seasons with the Rays and Twins.
Dennys Reyes not headed to the Philadelphia Phillies
Posted by: | Comments
Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet says via Twitter that there is no deal between left-handed pitcher Dennys Reyes and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Last week, Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, heard that Reyes was heading to the Phillies. Enrique Rojas of the ESPNDeportes adds that the sides were “very close on agreeing to a one-year contract with a club option for 2012.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports reported last week that Reyes would have been paid $1.1 million plus a $1.35 million club option for 2012 or a $150,000 buyout. The option would have become mutual after 70 appearances.
Kansas City Royals designate Lance Zawadzki for assignment
Posted by: | Comments
According to a team press release, the Kansas City Royals have designated infielder Lance Zawadzki for assignment. The move was made to accommodate Melky Cabrera on the team’s 40-man roster.
The infielder was claimed by the Royals from the San Diego Padres via waivers on November 5.
The 25 year old Zawadzki appeared in 20 games for the Padres in 2010. He is a career .268 hitter in 380 Minor League games.
Diamondbacks agree to terms with Henry Blanco and Xavier Nady
Posted by: | Comments
In a team press release, the Arizona Diamondbacks have officially announced that they have agreed to terms with catcher Henry Blanco and outfielder Xavier Nady.
Arizona agreed a one-year, $1 million deal with Blanco on December 15. The 39-year old Venezuelan played with the New York Mets last season, where he hit .215/.271/.300 with 2 HR and 8 RBI’s.
The Diamondbacks agreed with Nady to a one-year deal for $1.75 million. The possibility of the deal was first reported by Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Nady, 32, hit .256/.306/.353 with 6 home runs and 33 RBIs with the Chicago Cubs in 2010.
Matt Antonelli signs with Washington Nationals
Posted by: | Comments
In Matt Antonelli’s personal blog, he announces that after speaking with several teams he has decided to sign with the Washington Nationals.
“Over the past week my agent has spoken with a bunch of different clubs about the possibility of me joining their team come February. It really is a interesting experience when you are a free agent and have to weight different options and ultimately decide where you are going to play. After looking through the potential destinations last night I decided this morning that my best opportunity was to sign with the Washington Nationals.”
The 25-year-old Antonelli last played in the Major Leagues with the San Diego Padres in 2008. In 65 plate appearances he hit .193/.292/.281.
Thanks to The Friarhood for the tip.
Tsuyoshi Nishioka and Minnesota Twins agree on a three-year deal
Posted by: | Comments
The Minnesota Twins have officially announced that the team and Tsuyoshi Nishioka have agreed to terms on a three-year, $9 million contract with a club option for the 2014 season. The Twins paid a $5.3 million posting fee to his Japanese team, the Chiba Lotte Marines, to have the exclusive negotiating rights with the infielder in late November.
On Tuesday, La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune was the first to report that Nishioka was close to coming to the Minnesota area for his physical – a clear sign that the sides were close to a deal.
Nishioka led Japan’s Pacific League in hitting this year with a .346 average.
Washington Nationals actively pursuing 1B Derrek Lee
Posted by: | Comments
According to a baseball source close to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, the Washington Nationals are “actively” pursuing free agent first baseman Derek Lee. Washington is seeking a replacement for Adam Dunn. Dunn left as a free agent this winter and signed with the Chicago White Sox.
In addition to the Nationals, the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles have been pursuing Lee’s services. The Orioles went as far checking Lee’s medical records last week.
Lee, 35, hit .259/.365/.370 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs with the Cubs and the Braves in 2010.
