Rumors for February, 2011
Michael Young Rumors: Ranagers preparing as if Young will be on club
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Here are the latest Michael Young rumors for Wednesday:
– GM Jon Daniels says, as reported by T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. that the Rangers are preparing as if Young will be on the club.
“We’re preparing for Michael to be on the club,” general manager Jon Daniels said on Wednesday with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp. “We have to prepare for him to be on the club. In all our meetings, everything we’re setting up, the workouts and stuff, are based on that. We’re planning on him being on the team.”
“It’s the same situation,” Daniels said. “Nothing has changed. We fully expect him to be a part of the team but at the same time we’re looking at the possibilities for trades. The only thought process is we want what is best for the organization.”
– A source close to Jon Paul MorosiFOXSports of says that “nothing really going on” between the Angels and Rangers, regarding a possible Young deal. He adds that although Rangers and Rockies talks are dormant, it could be restarted if the Rangers offers provide more salary relief.
– Evan P. Grant of the Dallas Morning News list the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies are the most likely destinations for Young.
– Buster Olney of ESPN says the Rangers are evaluating possible deals.
Phillies are favorites to land RHP John Maine
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According to ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin, the Philadelphia Phillies remain the favorite to land right-handed pitcher John Maine.
Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet confirms that Maine will sign in the next day or two, and Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Royals have show interest in Maine.
Maine had been auditioning for clubs as recently as January 26, and even then the Phillies were mentioned as possible destination.
The 29-year-old had shoulder surgery last year and Maine’s agent, Rex Gary, said that the pitcher is feeling good. It wouldn’t be surprising that the deal will be incentive based with a low base salary and a high upside depending on innings pitched.
Maine went 1-3 with a 6.13 ERA in 9 starts for the New York Mets in 2010.
Brewers, Weeks officially agree to a contract extension
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According to Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a contract extension with second baseman Rickie Weeks. The four-year deal plus an option is valued at $50 million.
Rosenthal adds that the Brewers can void Week’s contract if the second baseman is not an everyday player in 2013 and 2014.
Weeks requested a $7.2 million salary while the Brewers have offered $4.85 million. The infielder is looking for a significant raise after making $2.45 million and $2.75 million in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
The Kelly Johnson settlement with the Arizona Diamondbacks this week likely played a role in Weeks’ extension. The Arizona second baseman was awarded $5.85 million ($250,000 more than the midpoint) gave a little more leverage in Weeks’ negotiation.
Blue Jays sign Vince Perkins to a Minor League deal
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The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a Minor League deal with Canadian right-handed pitcher Vince Perkins, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
Perkins, who played in the Atlantic League in 2008 and 2010, was drafted in 2000 by the Blue Jays. He has a 36-34 record with a 3.74 ERA in eight Minor League seasons.
Contract talks between Pujols and Cardinals are over
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In a Tweet by Buster Olney of ESPN, sources tell him that the negotiations between Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals are over. The team has confirmed that negotiations have ceased, but they remain hopeful that he will finish his career in St. Louis.
“We remain hopeful that Albert will finish his career in St. Louis,” owner Bill DeWitt said.
DeWitt added, “We will honor his wishes and not discuss this matter until the completion of the season,” and no trade involving Pujols will be considered.
Assuming that Pujols sticks to his plan, he will test the free agent waters after the season. The Cardinals and Team Pujols have not swapped proposals in the last 100 hours despite rumors that indicated an eight-year offer was made recently.
Olney adds that there was an enormous difference in the per-year salary, but not on years, between the sides.
There was a small possibility that the Cardinals could trade their first baseman, but it’s unlikely given that the All Star can veto any trade because of his 10-and-5 rights and according to ESPN.com (via Renato Bermudez of ESPNDeportes), Pujols will reject any trades during this season. He says that if they can’t work a deal he will go to free agency. The team will likely have to settle for a small exclusive negotiating window after the World Series, and if he leaves, they’ll probably get two draft picks as a Type-A free agent compensation.
Pujols will report to camp on Thursday.
Dodgers sign RHP Lance Cormier to a Minor League deal
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed right-handed pitcher Lance Cormier to a Minor League deal, the team announced via Twitter.
The 31-year-old Cormier pitched the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. In 2010, he went 4-3 witha 3.92 ERA in 60 relief appearances.
Nationals designate RHP Luis Atilano for assignment
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According to the Washington Nationals, the team has designated right-handed pitcher Luis Atilano for assignment to make room for Adam LaRoche.
The 25-year-old starting pitcher made his Major League debut in 2010 where he went 6-7 with a 5.15 ERA in 16 appearances. In his debut on April 23, 2010, Atilano pitched 6 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers while giving up one earned run and five hits to pick up his first win.
Twins and Delmon Young avoid arbitration
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According to the Star-Tribune’s Lavelle E. Neal III, the Minnesota Twins and Delmon Young have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $5.375 million deal.
Young had asked for $6.25 million while the Twins countered with $4.65 million. The sides settled just under the midway point of $5.45 million.
The 25-year-old Young hit .298/.333/.493 with 21 home runs and 112 RBI’s in his third season with the Twins in 2010. 2011 was the outfielder’s first year of salary arbitration. He will be eligible to become a free agent in 2013.
Clay Zavada contemplating retirement?
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Left-handed pitcher Clay Zavada of the Arizona Diamondbacks did not take a physical on Sunday and missed Monday’s workout, and according to a recent article by Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, the reliever appeared to be contemplating retirement. GM Kevin Towers went has far as saying that Zavada was “having some doubts on wanting to go through this again.”
Apparently, things can change in a matter of 24 hours. Steve Gilbert of MLB.com says that Zavada completed his physical on Tuesday and will be in camp on Wednesday.
“He just needed a couple of days to figure out what was going on with his shoulder,” Zavada’s agent, Barry Meister, said.
“I think the rehab process is often difficult for guys,” Towers later said. “And the last week or so throwing the ball, he probably didn’t feel right and wasn’t real happy with where he was at and was contemplating whether he should go through the grind of the rehab process. And I think the more he had time to think about it, he decided he’s going to give it a shot.
Zavada, the 26-year-old that may be best known for his mustache, was 3-3 with a 3.35 ERA in 49 appearances for the Diamondbacks in 2o09.
Albert Pujols Rumors: Pujols will report to camp Thursday
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We’re about 24 hours from the noon EST deadline that has been set for the St. Louis Cardinals and Albert Pujols to come to an agreement on a contract extension. Here are today’s running list of rumors (newest on top):
– Bob Nightengale of USA Today says that Pujols will report to camp Thursday instead of Wednesday, he doesn’t want to interfere with the deadline.
– Pujols’ camp say that the reported offer to him by the Cardinals is “inaccurate, reckless and outrageous.” (via Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports).
– The Cardinals have offered an eight-year deal to Pujols according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. Word is, the Cardinals’ eight-year offer to Pujols is south of the $30 million year, although an exact figure hasn’t been ascertained yet.
Heyman adds that there is still very little hope for agreement by wednesday deadline.
– Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated says that Pujols is expected at Spring Training on Wednesday, but he’ll likely only report on the off-chance he has a deal. Otherwise he’ll report on Thursday. PRO Rumors thinks that if the sides are close, then Pujols will wait a little longer.
– Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports talked to Michael Weiner an MLBPA director about LaRussa’s comments and he said: “We have had no conversations with Albert or Dan Lozano.”
– Tony LaRussa said that Pujols is feeling is the pressure from the player’s union, and it’s a little more than an arm twisting. “”Dropping an anvil on his back thru roof of his house,” LaRussa said. (Jayson Stark, ESPN)
