Rumors for January, 2011
Padres close to a Minor League deal with Jorge Cantu?
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Apparently, the San Diego Padres are in on Jorge Cantu according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. The Padres would prefer to keep it to a Minor League deal says Heyman.
Yesterday, we learned that the Astros ceased conversations with Cantu and that the Braves and Padres became the front runner for his services with the Cleveland Indians as an outside possibility for the infielder.
Cantu hit .256 with 11 HR’s and 56 RBI’s in 2010 with the Marlins and then with the American League Champions the Texas Rangers.
Full list of Pirates’ non-rosters invitees for Spring Training
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Here’s the list of the 21 Pirates with invitation to the Major League Spring Training provided by Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com.
Left handed pitchers:
– Rudy Owens
– Donnie Veal
– Justin Wilson
Right handed pitchers:
Catchers:
Infielders:
– Chase d’Arnaud
– Brian Friday
– Corey Wimberly
Outfielders:
– Eric Fryer
– Andrew Lambo
Rangers still looking for a veteran hitter
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The Texas Rangers are still looking to improve their lineup despite their failed attempt to land Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez reports Anthony Andro of the Star-Telegram.
“If we can still look to improve we will,” Rangers GM, Jon Daniels said. “One of the things we have looked at recently — it’s no secret we were in on Thome — would be a veteran hitter to complement the rest of the lineup. How does that guy fit exactly? It’s one of those things you might not be able to perfectly define in January.”
Andro said that the team didn’t specify whether they’re looking for a full-time player or a bench player. Michael Young is slated to be the team’s primary DH and according Daniels he’s confident that Mitch Moreland could be the team’s first baseman.
One option available on the market is Vladimir Guerrero, but Daniels doesn’t think he’s a possibility because Guerrero would likely want to have a full-time role. Nolan Ryan, on the other hand still thinks Guerrero could be a possibility according to the Dallas Morning News.
“They were looking for a two-year contract and we had agreed with him and his agent that it was a mutual option this year, so we agreed to let them go out on the market and see what the market bared. And he hadn’t been able, to this point, to get a two-year contract. Is there still a possibility that he could end up signing with us? Yeah, there is. But I’m not for sure what other interest is out there as far as he is concerned. I think that will play out in the next 20 days before spring training. … You’d love to have that bat, another right-handed bat on the bench, or him DHing when Michael Young is playing a position. That will obviously come into play in the decision of where he’s going to go. How many at-bats he thinks he’s going to get somewhere.”
The Rangers could also look at veteran third baseman/ first baseman Troy Glaus, who can platoon at first base, DH or come off of the bench for the Rangers.
Glaus could be a bargain for the Rangers, and he brings his previous American League West experience to the table. The veteran third baseman still has some pop left in his bat, and could help the Rangers defend their American League Championship.
Padres and Indians interested in Jorge Cantu
Posted by: | CommentsThe Houston Astros have ceased conversations with free agent Jorge Cantu regarding a possible contract, according to Stephen Goff of the Houston Astros examiner.
The Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres are now front runners for Cantu’s services with the Cleveland Indians as an outside possibility for the infielder.
A source close to Dan O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution adds that the Braves have interest in Cantu as a player to come off the bench. O’Brien later adds another Tweet that says the Braves have decided to not pursue Cantu.
Cantu hit .256 with 11 HR’s and 56 RBI’s in 2010 with the Marlins and then with the American League Champions the Texas Rangers.
Rangers agree to terms with Darren O’Day
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The Texas Rangers have avoided arbitration with right handed pitcher Darren O’Day by agreeing to a one-year, $1.251 million deal according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
O’Day was 6-2 with a 2.03 ERA in 62 innings throughout 72 games with the Rangers in 2010.
Royals and Billy Butler agree to a four-year $30MM extension
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According to Dick Kaegel of MLB.com, the Royals have agreed to a four-year $30 million extension with Billy Butler. The deal voids the rest of the salary arbitration years for Butler and buys out one year of free agency.
Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star added that Buttler will get $2 million signing bonus. $3 million in 2011. $8 million in 2012, 2013, 2014 and a $12.5 million club option in 2015 with a $1 million buyout.
“I just get to worry about playing baseball and it’s what’s best for me and my family,” Butler said. “That’s what it’s all about. I didn’t want to have to worry about going to arbitration every year and this where I want to be. The city’s great and we love it here. I can’t express how happy we are right now.”
The Royals’ press release adds that the contract contains an option for 2015.
The 24-year-old hit 15 home runs and drove in 78 RBIs while hitting .318/.388/.469 in 2010.
Nick Cafardo on Rafael Soriano, Neftali Feliz, James Loney and Jonathan Papelbon
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Here’s the latest from the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo:
– Cafardo believes the opt-out in Rafael Soriano’s contract was a smart move by agent Scott Boras. In the event that Soriano is not happy with the setup role, he could go elsewhere for a closer’s job.
– The Rangers will need to make a decision to transition Neftali Feliz from the closer’s role into the rotation. The team will “give him an opportunity to stretch himself out” in Spring Training and they’ll see where he can best fit the team.
– The signing of Johnny Damon by the Tampa Bay Rays will take pressure off of Desmond Jennings, who can now start the season at Triple-A.
– The Washington Nationals made a good push for Los Angeles Dodgers’ first baseman, James Loney. Loney will stay put in Los Angeles.
– David Eckstein is still available and one veteran baseball person told Cafardo, “Eckstein is one of those guys who makes every team he plays for better because he plays with such energy and emotion. He’s obviously short on skill set compared to Hudson, but sometimes that doesn’t translate to a better player.’’
– The Red Sox considered dealing Jonathan Papelbon to the the White Sox or the Athletics, but his high salary made that difficult. Papelbon could still be traded during Spring Training or during the season.
Houston Astros sign Jose Carlos Thompson
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The Houston Astros have signed infielder Jose Carlos Thompson for an estimated $250,000, according to Sports Illustrated’s Mellissa Segura. The second baseman hit .440 for Western Oklahoma Junior College.
Mike Sweeney looking to play in 2011
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First baseman Mike Sweeney has been telling former teammates that he wants to play in 2011, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, but he would only do so if he can find the right fit with a contender and if he gets a Major League deal.
The 37-year-old must have enjoyed the playoffs while with the Phillies in 2010. For the first time in his 17-year career, Sweeney, played in the postseason and even got a hit in his first at-bat. He went from the last place Mariners to Philadelphia in an August trade.
The Phillies have told Sweeney that they would invite him to Spring Training on a Minor League contract, but he’s looking for a better fit with more playing time. Stark suggests that San Diego could be a good fit.
With the Mariners and the Phillies in 2010, he hit .252/.321/.444.
Diamondbacks speaking with Tigers about Galarraga
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In an article Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, he says the Diamondbacks are showing a strong interest in right-handed pitcher Armando Galarraga. The teams are said to be exchanging names and right-hander Kevin Eichorn has been discussed. A source close to Piecoro said a deal isn’t expected until sometime next week.
Galarraga, 28, agreed to a $2.3 million contract on January 17 to avoid the arbitration process with the Tigers. However, he was designated for assignment the next day.
The pitcher shot to worldwide fame for his sportsmanship that he displayed after an umpire’s error cost him a perfect game last season. He finished the year at 4-9 with a 4.49 ERA. He is eligible for salary arbitration for the first time in his career as a Super Two player. The right-hander will continue to be under team control through the 2013 season.
