Rumors for December, 2011
Phillies and Laynce Nix agree to two-year deal
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The Philadelphia Phillies and Laynce Nix have agreed to a two-year deal worth $2.5mm, according to sources close to Jim Salisbury of CSNphilly.com.
Nix, 31, hit .250/.299/.451 in 124 games with the Washington Nationals in 2011.
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Blue Jays acquire Jeff Mathis
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The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired Jeff Mathis from the Angels, Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports reports. In exchange, the Angels will receive Brad Mills.
Mathis who is known for his defensive ability and his game calling, became expendable when the Angels acquired Chris Iannetta from the Rockies earlier this week.
Mathis is now slated to back up J.P. Arencibia in Toronto. Mathis made $1.7mm (could have made $100k more for 110 and 120 games started) and again is arbitration eligible.
Mills, was the Jays’ fourth round pick in 2007. He has pitched in parts of the last three seasons for the Jays posting a 8.57 ERA. Mills projects as a possible middle relief left handed arm for the Angels bullpen or potential starting depth as he has options left.
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Hot Stove rumors Friday: Twins interested in Jeff Francis and Edwin Jackson
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Here’s a running list of hot stove rumors around the Major Leagues:
– The Minnesota Twins are interested in Jeff Francis according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports. A source close to him says the team already had initial talks with Francis’ agent, and the sides will probably have further discussions at the winter meetings in Dallas next week. The team is also interested in right handed pitcher Edwin Jackson according to Morosi.
– The Nationals, Rangers, Indians and Pirates have all spoke to free agent infielder Mark DeRosa. (Ken Rosenthal, FOX Sports)
– According to Tom Haudricourt of the Journal-sentinel, the Milwaukee Brewers and third baseman Aramis Ramirez have mutual interest. “He has expressed interest in us, too,” GM, Doug Melvin said. “That’s something I always like to hear.”
– Short stop Alex Gonzalez has been drawing interest from the San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers according to Jon Heyman of Sprots Illustrated (via Francisco Zambrano of LiderEnDeportes)
– Jorge Posada, who owns a house in Miami, says he still wants to play if he finds the right job reports Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. He adds that Posada would like to join the Marlins if they consider him.
– The Houston Astros are apparently shopping not only Wandy Rodriguez, but Brett Myers and Carlos Lee too says Heyman.
– The Rockies, who are willing to trade Ian Stewart, say that they are interested in Cubs’ infielder Blake DeWitt according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
– The Minnesota Twins are interested in left handed pitcher Chris Capuano according to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
– Infielder Eric Chavez wants to play in 2012 and according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, there are several teams interested in signing him. She adds that the Yankees might be one of them.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
San Diego Padres hire Omar Minaya
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The San Diego Padres have hired former New York Mets’ GM, Omar Minaya, to become the team’s senior vice president of baseball operations, the club announces.
The signing was first reported by Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.
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Chris Capuano agrees to a deal with the Dodgers
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The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a deal with left handed pitcher Chris Capuano according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. The deal is for two years and $10 million adds Heyman.
Earlier today, we learned that the Twins were interested in signing the lefty. Capuano, 33, was 11-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 186 innings for the New York Mets.
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Joel Zumaya will throw for at least 10 teams
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Right handed pitcher Joel Zumaya, who lost the 2011 season due to another arm-related injury, will throw off a mound in mid-December and at least ten teams are scheduled to watch him according to Jason Beck of MLB.com.
One of the teams are the Boston Red Sox, who according to Zumaya expressed interest in him as soon as he became a free agent. Even though Zumaya says he would like to stay with the Tigers, sometimes he “sounds like a pitcher in need of a fresh start,” says Beck.
“I think it’s best for me that I can start somewhere new,” said Zumaya.
The 27-year old flamethrower could be a good addition to any bullpen in need of a reliever. And although his health is always a concern, any team interested in him could sign him to a low-base, incentive laden contract.
In 2010, the last time he pitched in the Majors. Zumaya went 2-1 with a 2.58 ERA in 38.1 innings throughout 31 games.
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Marlins and Heath Bell agree to three-year deal
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The Marlins and Heath Bell have agreed to a three-year deal worth $27mm reports Jayson Stark of ESPN. The deal also includes a vesting option for a fourth year and is pending a physical which will take place on Friday. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports, the fourth year vesting option will be for $9mm.
Bell received plenty of interest as the Padres offered Bell a two-year contract a few weeks ago. The Blue Jays were also reportedly making a strong push for Bell, with the Red Sox and Angels also showing some level of interest.
The Marlins current closer, Juan Oviedo or formly known as Leo Nunez will be non-tendered, Jim Bowden of ESPN.com reports. Nunez made headlines this offseason due to his identity-discrepancy issue.
Don’t forget to check out our free agent tracker to see what closers are left on the market.
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Hot stove rumors: Angels meet with Aramis Ramirez
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Here’s a running list of hot stove rumors around the Major Leagues:
– Sources close to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports say that the Los Angeles Angels have met with free agent Aramis Ramirez and a contract offer is likely coming.
– Sources close to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Texas Rangers are optimistic about signing Mike Napoli to a multi-year extension. He’ll be a free agent after the 2012 season.
– According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Milwaukee Brewers’ last formal offer to Prince Fielder was for five years and $100 million, and he says they could stretch it to six years and $120 million.
– The Baltimore Orioles are among the teams interested in veteran catcher Jason Varitek according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated. He adds that he finds it hard to imagine Varitek leaving the Red Sox.
– Another veteran catcher, Jorge Posada, is still looking for a job, and according to Heyman, he inquired with the Mets. Heyman adds that the Mets are looking for a backup catcher so Posada won’t probably be among their candidates as they are looking for defensive minded catchers.
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Rangers trade Taylor Teagarden to Orioles
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The Texas Rangers have traded Taylor Teagarden to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Randy Henry and a player to be named later, according to several news sources. The player to be named will be announced after next week’s Rule 5 Draft.
“Taylor is an accomplished catcher who has shown an ability to handle a pitching staff and control the running game,” O’s executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said. “We believe he will be a nice complement to Matt Wieters and our pitching staff, and offensively, he will provide good power.”
In a parallel move, the Orioles designated left-handed pitcher Pedro Viola to make room on the 40-man roster for Teagarden.
Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.
