Rumors for October, 2011
Should the Mariners consider Jamie Moyer?
Posted by: | Comments
Earlier this week, we learned that veteran left hander Jamie Moyer, who missed the entire 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery, wants to make a comeback in 2012. And according to Dave Cameron of U.S.S Mariners, the Mariners should sign him.
Cameron says that the Mariners have a “massive, glaring hole at the back-end of their rotation,” and Moyer could be a temporary answer for their problems. “All Moyer wants is a minor league contract with an invite to spring training and a chance to make a big league club,” says Cameron.
Moyer still lives in Seattle, wants to pitch in the Majors next season and the Mariners need pitching depth, so it looks like a good opportunity for both parties. Moyer injured his elbow in July 2010 and was rehabbing it in the Dominican Republic last winter before he re-injured it.
According to Cameron, “this should be the most obvious transaction of the winter. Sign Moyer.”
Image by furnstein under the Creative Commons License.
Marlins’ offseason wishlist
Posted by: | Comments
According to Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post, the Marlins will be busy this off season looking for a third baseman, a center fielder, a starting pitcher or two and a closer. He adds that although they could fill some of these spots via trade, there will enough players in the free agent pool to take a look at.
The Marlins will probably take a look at some of the top-of-the-list free agents like Albert Pujols, C.C. Sabathia (if he decides to opt out of his contract) and Prince Fielder, but as Capozzi points out, they will probably spread out the money to fill all of their voids.
Aramis Ramirez could be a perfect fit at third base for the Marlins, and apparently, he has told friends who play for the Marlins that he would give serious thought to playing in Miami says Capozzi. Former Marlins like Cody Ross and Juan Pierre could also re-sign with the team.
Capozzi also mentions names like Coco Crisp and Grady Sizemore to fill out the Marlins outfield next season. Left hander Mark Buehrle, who pitched for Ozzie Guillen in Chicago, could be a fit for the Marlins rotation.
The Marlins might also consider Livan Hernandez, Jason Marquis, Aaron Harang, Jeff Francis and Bruce Chen according to Capozzi.
Regarding their closer situation, they still don’t know what will happen with Juan Carlos Oviedo (formerly known as Leo Nunez), but Jonathan Papelbon, Heath Bell and Ryan Madson might be a little pricey for them.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
Red Sox to name Ben Cherington as new GM
Posted by: | Comments
The Boston Red Sox are set to name Ben Cherington as the successor to former GM Theo Epstein on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. Cherington had previously been the team’s assistant general manager under Epstein.
Cherington is not new to the general manager position, he was the team’s co-general manager with Jed Hoyer for about six weeks when Epstein resigned after the 2005 season. His first job for the Sox will be to find a new team manager to replace Terry Francona. Francona left after the season after leading the club to a 7-20 record in September that prevented the team from clinching a playoff spot.
Image by charliekwalker under the Creative Commons License.
Thome wants to come back in 2012
Posted by: | Comments
Earlier this month, we learned that the White Sox would be interested in adding veteran slugger Jim Thome to their 2012 coaching staff, but according to the Associated Press, Thome is not ready to call it a career just yet.
“I’ll keep playing,” said Thome. “I just need teams to call me. I can’t go play in the backyard by myself. I don’t know the demand for a 41-year-old DH, but my passion is I want to continue to play.”
Thome said that he would prefer to win a World Series ring rather than set individual records. Even though the Indians fell out of contention this season, Thome believes the team “seems primed for success” and that he would like to be a part of it.
“In a year or two, this team can do some very special things,” he said. “They have put the groundwork in, done things the right way.”
Thome hit .256/.361/.477 with 15 HR’s and 50 RBI’s in 277 AB’s for the Twins and Indians in 2011. But the biggest achievement for him this season was reaching the 600 career homer plateau.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
Possible destinations for pending free agents (Part II)
Posted by: | Comments
Here is the rest of San Francisco Chronicles’ John Shea’s list regarding the top free agents and possible destinations:
– Carlos Beltran: Shea believes that his “tender knees” will keep him away from center field, and believes he could go to the American League so he can be a designated hitter. The chances of him returning to San Francisco are 50/50 according to Shea and he suggests the Indians as another possible destination for him. The Mariners could be a long shot for the switch hitting outfielder.
– Josh Willingham: He had a productive season in Oakland this year, but according to Shea the A’s “might not want to pay what he’ll get elsewhere.” He adds that Willingham could provide a “complementary pop” from the right side of the plate. The chances of him returning to the A’s according to Shea are low, and adds that he could sign with the White Sox. He views the Reds as a long shot.
– Michael Cuddyer: As an utility man, the Giants could pursue him as their next left fielder says Shea. His chances of returning to the Twins are 50/50 and he adds that another good fit for him could be the Rockies. The Red Sox are considered a long shot.
– David Ortiz: He wanted a two-year deal with the Red Sox, but they never talked to him about that possibility and according to Shea his comments about the team’s recent drama won’t help his case to return with the team. He says that the Blue Jays could be a good fit for him and views the Rays as a long shot.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
Phillies decline options on Lidge and Oswalt
Posted by: | Comments
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced they have decided to decline the 2012 options on Roy Oswalt and Brad Lidge according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. He adds that they could return to the team for less money.
Earlier in the season, we learned that Oswalt was considering retirement, but his agent said that his client “has been rejuvenated” pitching in Philadelphia and that he will play in 2012.
Oswalt was 9-10 with a 3.69 ERA in 139 innings throughout 23 starts with the Phillies in 2011. Lidge was 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA in 19.1 innings throughout 25 games for the Phillies in 2011.
Image by Matthew Straubmuller under the Creative Commons License.
Possible destinations for pending free agents (Part I)
Posted by: | Comments
At the end of the season, there are a lot of good young players that are set to become free agents. John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle provides us with a list of possible destinations for these players.
– Albert Pujols: A couple of days ago, Pujols showed us why he is considered the best hitter in baseball, but unfortunately for him, there’s no room for a 1st baseman on any team with a high payroll such as the Yankees, Red Sox or Phillies. Shea adds that “it will be tough for him to top $200 million anywhere but St. Louis.” He believes the odds of Pujols returning to the Cards are high, if not he’ll go with the Cubs, and adds that the Giants are a long shot.
– Prince Fielder: He could be considered as a consolation price for those who don’t get Pujols and according to Shea he’s “pursuing top dollar and won’t accept a hometown discount.” The chances of him returning to Milwaukee are low and the Nationals appear to be really interested in acquiring him. A long shot for him would be the Orioles.
– Jose Reyes: After dealing with several injuries the past couple of seasons, Reyes proved to be healthy again and had an outstanding season, although his health problems are still considered a threat. He’s a great lead off hitter and a solid defender at short stop. Shea believes his chances of returning to New York are somewhere around 50/50, and adds that if he doesn’t stay there he could end up in Boston. The Nationals are considered a long shot.
– Jimmy Rollins: He’d be cheaper than Reyes and would definitely deepen the Giants lineup as Shea points out. Shea adds that the Giants could afford to keep Brandon Crawford at short stop, or maybe go with Ehire Adrianza, who is off to a great start in Venezuela with the Tiburones de la Guaira. This would allow the Giants to fill other holes in their lineup. The odds of Rollins returning to Philadelphia are high according to Shea, and he says that if he doesn’t re-sign with them he could end up in San Francisco. The Braves are considered a long shot.
– C.J. Wilson: He’s considered the best free agent starter, unless C.C. Sabathia opts out of his contract with the Yankees. He had a solid season going 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA and 205 SO, but he has struggled during the postseason. Shea says that the odds of returning to Texas are low, and that if he doesn’t go back to Texas he could end up with the Yankees. The Tigers are considered a long shot.
Image by SD Dirk under the Creative Commons License.
Giants could take a look at Grady Sizemore
Posted by: | Comments
Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore could become a free agent three days after the end of the World Series if the Indians decides not to exercise his $9 million club option. According to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle the Giants could take a look at him.
Shea says that the Giants could try a one-year deal with him to see if his latest knee surgery puts him back on track. Sizemore hit .281 and averaged 27 HR’s and 29 steals during his first four full seasons with the Indians before his knee problems surfaced.
Earlier this month, we discussed the possibility of the Indians exercising his option given the fact he underwent his fifth knee surgery in the last three years.
In 2011, Sizemore hit .224/.285/.422 with 10 HR’s and 32 RBI’s in 268 AB’s in another injury plagued season with the Indians.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
Los Angeles Angels could choose first female GM
Posted by: | Comments
The Los Angeles Angels could make baseball history by choosing the first female general manager. According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, he believes that Arte Moreno could be bold enough to hire Kim Ng as the game’s first woman GM.
Ng has been an assistant general manager to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees with additional experience from the Chicago White Sox organization.
Others in consideration for the Angels’ job include former Dodgers’ GM Dan Evans and White Sox assistant Rick Hahn.
Jamie Moyer to contact clubs for 2012 opportunity
Posted by: | Comments
Soon to be 49-year-old left-handed pitcher Jamie Moyer is 11-months removed from Tommy John surgery, but he’s not ready to hang it up just yet. The 24-year Major League veteran is about to start contacting clubs about employing him for 2012, according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. Moyer is already throwing 60-pitch bullpen sessions.
“If this were the middle of July, I’d be at the stage where one more good bullpen session and I’d be ready to go out on a [minor-league] rehab assignment,” said Moyer. “I’ve gone through this rehab knowing that my arm and body will stop me if they have to. So far they haven’t.”
“All I can do is offer a chance to come evaluate me,” Moyer said. “Some clubs will say, ‘He’s 49 years old,’ but some will say, ‘Let’s give it a shot. Let’s not make any assumptions until we see him throw.’ Evaluate on what you see instead of what you think.”
Moyer injured his elbow in July 2010 and was rehabbing it in the Dominican Republic last winter before he re-injured it.
The Phillies said they would watch Moyer throw, but they are not committed to bringing him to Spring Training.
Image by Burger Baroness and used under the Creative Commons License Agreement.
