Rumors for January, 2011
Justin Duchscherer to toss a bullpen session for the Orioles on Friday
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Free agent Justin Duchscherer, who has been drawing interest from teams like the Yankees and Red Sox, is scheduled to toss a bullpen session for the Orioles on Friday according to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com.
Duchscherer said on Tuesday that he is almost at 100% says Ghiroli. “I find it funny that people say I can’t pitch in that environment, but I’ve pitched in New York before,” he said. “As far as my mind, I have no problem being anywhere. Physically, it’s a matter of [finding] the best situation for me.”
The 33-year old missed 2009 after under going elbow surgery in spring training and suffered from clinical depression later in the year. In 2010 after he made only five starts he underwent season-ending hip surgery.
Duchscherer has a career record of 33-15 and an ERA of 3.13 in 224 appearances.
Are the Rangers shopping Michael Young?
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The Texas Rangers recently acquired Mike Napoli from the Blue Jays, and according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, that could be a sign that the Rangers are shopping Michael Young.
Rosenthal says that Young’s salary is too high for an infield utility man and part time DH. He will make $16 million in the next three seasons.
The Rangers are also looking to improve their lineup, and are open to re-engage conversations with veteran outfielder Vladimir Guerrero. The addition of Guerrero would mean that Young is likely the odd-man-out. His tradition third base job has now be reassigned to the recently signed Adrian Beltre.
Back in December, there were rumors that the Rangers and Rockies were talking about a possible trade involving Young. By trading him now, the Rangers will retain some leverage as teams are trying to put the final touches on their roster.
In 157 games in 2010, Young hit .284/.330/.444 with 21 home runs while driving in 91 RBIs.
Tobi Stoner and Jason Pridie outrighted to Minors by the Mets
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Right handed pitcher Tobi Stoner and outfielder Jason Pridie have cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A according to Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger.
Both players were designated for asignment by the Mets last week.
Stoner, 26, has appeared in five games for the Mets. In 11 1/3 innings pitched he has a 3.97 ERA with a 1.412 WHIP.
Pridie, 27, has played in 11 Major League games for the Minnesota Twins. The outfielder has yet to get a Major League hit.
Twins avoid arbitration with Kevin Slowey
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The Minnesota Twins have agreed to a one-year, $2.7 million deal with right handed pitcher Kevin Slowey according to Kelly Thesier of MLB.com. Both parts will avoid arbitration with this contract.
Slowey has a career 39-21 record with a 4.41 ERA in 86 games, 82 starts with the Twins throughout four seasons.
Five teams in on Joe Beimel
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The Baltimore Orioles are one of five teams in the mix for Joe Beimel, according to The Baltimore Sun’s Dan Connolly. Connolly’s source says that Beimel could make a decision this week. One of the team’s interested are the Boston Red Sox.
Yesterday we heard that Beimel had “several irons in the fire,” and he’s had several offers on the table, but he’s willing to be patient to get the right opportunity.
Beimel was 1-2 with a 3.40 ERA in 71 relief appearances for Colorado in 2010.
Baltimore Orioles sign LHP Clay Rapada
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According to the Baltimore Sun’s Dan Connolly, the team has signed left-handed pitcher Clay Rapada to a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
Blue Jays trade Mike Napoli to Rangers for Frank Francisco
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Just a few days after the Los Angeles Angels sent Mike Napoli to the Toronto Blue Jays, he’s being traded to the Texas Rangers for Frank Francisco and cash, according to a source close to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports. Both teams have confirmed the deal.
Napoli, 29, was traded with outfielder Juan Rivera to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Vernon Wells on January 21.
The arbitration-eligible Napoli made $3.6 million in 2010 and in arbitration figures filed last week, he asked for $6.1 million and the Angels countered with $5.3 million. The final decision will likely come in the next month.
Napoli hit .238 with 26 HR’s and 68 RBI’s with Los Angeles in 2010.
Oakland Athletics avoid arbitration with Craig Breslow
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The Oakland Athletics have signed Craig Breslow to a one-year, $1.4 million deal, according to Jane Lee of MLB.com. The signing avoids the sides having to go to arbitration.
Breslow, 30, was 4-4 witha 3.01 ERA in 75 relief appearances for the A’s in 2010.
Minor League signings: Madrigal, Vasquez, Diaz, Lane
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Here are a few Minor League signings from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus and ESPN:
– Former Texas Rangers’ reliever Warner Madrigal signs with the New York Yankees. (Twitter source)
– Angels signed right-handed pitcher Virgil Vasquez. (Twitter source)
– Rangers add catcher Robinzon Diaz. (Twitter source)
– Toronto Blue Jays sign Jason Lane. (Twitter source)
Yankees GM sees Jeter moving to outfield to finish his career
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New York Yankees’ shortstop, Derek Jeter, is committed to the New York Yankees for at least three more seasons with a possibility of a fourth-year on a player’s option. All of those years may not be spent at shortstop. According to the team’s general manager, Brian Cashman (via ESPN’s Amanda Rykoff) said that he’d be surprised to see Jeter play shortstop for all four seasons. He see’s Mr. November moving to the outfield.
It’s a likely move. Jeter is 36-year-old now, and will be 40 when his contract expires. He won’t be able to man the shortstop position forever. Although he’s never played anything but shortstop and designated hitter in his career, a move to left field would be feasible.
When it comes time for Jeter to finally hang up his glove for good, it’s likely that Eduardo Núñez will take over. The 23-year-old made his Major League debut in 2010 and started three games at shortstop without making an error.
