Rumors for November, 2011
Indians in serious discussions with Sizemore
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The Cleveland Indians are in “serious discussions” with Grady Sizemore, sources close to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports say. Rosenthal adds, “One source says, “70-30.” Another says, “very likely.”
Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer adds that the Indians are discussing a one-year deal and it would include a low base salary but there’s enough performance bonuses that would allow Sizemore to earn at least $9 million if he’s able to play a full seaosn.
Earlier this month, there were rumors about the Colorado Rockies expressing interest in the free agent outfielder. ESPN’s Jim Bowden predicted Sizemore would receive a one-year, $5 million contract this winter.
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.
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Pirates designate Fryer and Paul for assignment
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The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated catcher Eric Fryer and outfielder Xavier Paul for assignment, according to a team announcement.
The team also added infeilder Matt Hague, outfielder Starling Marte, infielder Jordy Mercer, left-handed pitcher Rudy Owens, right-handed pitcher Duke Welker and left-handed pitcher Justin Wilson to the team’s 40-man roster.
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Pirates claim Hefner and Jeroloman off waivers
Posted by: | CommentsThe Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hefner and catcher Brian Jeroloman off waivers from the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays respectively.
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Twins sign Ryan Doumit to one-year deal
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After turning down the Dodgers one-year offer last week, Ryan Doumit has signed a one-year deal with the Twins, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reports. The deal includes a $3mm base salary with undisclosed performance bonuses.
Last week, the Dodgers offered Doumit a one-year, $3mm deal, which Doumit decided to turn down. With the same base salary, Doumit possibly based his decision on more playing opportunities in Minnesota with the DH spot also in play. In addition, the Twins also have many question marks with how Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau will preform due to recent injuries.
Ryan Doumit, became a free agent after the Pirates elected not to exercise their $7.25mm team option had generated interest from a handful of teams prior to signing with the Twins.
In 2011, Doumit was limited to only 236 plate appearances as a result of injuries, and hit .303 avg, with 66 hits, 8 home runs.
Dodgers and Kemp announce eight-year extension
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The Dodgers and Matt Kemp agreed to an eight-year, $160mm extension earlier this week. “I want to build a dynasty….to be that west coast team that everybody is scared of and doesn’t want to play”, Kemp said at his press conference today.
Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times provides us with the contract details as they deal was announced Friday afternoon. Kemp will make only $10mm in 2012 with $2mm being deferred without interest. The deal also includes a $2mm signing bonus, 2013 $20 million; 2014-15, $21 million per season; 2016-19, $21.5 million per season. Kemp also will donate $250k each year of the contract to the Dodgers Dream Foundation.
The signing of Kemp may even help the value of the Dodgers when Frank McCourt goes to sell the team, knowing that one of the MLB’s top players will be in Chavez Ravine until 2019. McCourt also benefits from the signing as he will end up not spending a penny on Kemp as a new owner should be in place at the start of the season.
If for some reason the sell of the Dodgers is not completed by the start of next season, McCourt will be paying Kemp only $10mm (with $2mm being deferred).
Kemp’s deal becomes the richest deal handed out by the Dodgers as he surpassed the previous record holder Kevin Brown and his $105mm deal in 1998.
Make sure to check out the contract section of Matt Kemp’s player page for complete details.
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Tigers and Gerald Laird agree to one-year deal
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Sources close to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports report that the Detroit Tigers and Gerald Laird have agreed to a one-year, $1mm deal.
Laird signed a one-year, $1 million deal last winter with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 37 games in 2011 he hit .232/.302/.358. He’ll be returning to the club that he spent the 2009-2010 seasons with.
Players and Owners agree to new CBA
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The players and owners have agreed to a new five-year collective bargaining agreement, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The deal gives baseball 21 consecutive years of labor peace.
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Jose Molina close to signing with Rays
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Catcher Jose Molina is close to signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays with an option for the 2013 season, sources close to Jon Paul Morosi and FOX Sports report. The deal is expected to be finalized in the next several days.
The Rays currently have four other catchers on their 40-man roster, so it’s likely that one of the following could be dropped to add Molina to the team: John Jaso, Jose Lobaton, Robinson Chirinos, and Nevin Ashley.
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Chicago Cubs hire Dale Sveum as next manager
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According to several news outlets including Joel Sherman of The New York Post, the Chicago Cubs have hired Dale Sveum as the club’s next manager. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports that Sveum will get a three-year deal and an option for 2015.
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Red Sox have not ruled out Valentine as manager
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Despite being interested in the likes of Milwauke Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum and Detroit Tigers’ third base coach Gene Lamont, the Boston Red Sox have not ruled out former New York Mets and Texas Rangers manager Bobby Valentine, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports.
Sources close to Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports add that Valentine has met with at least one Red Sox owner and will meet with others.
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