November 2005

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Brian Giles Re-Signs With Padres

The Unofficial MLB Blog is reporting that Brian Giles has re-signed with the Padres. The news came via KGTV-10 in San Diego, according to the blog. The deal is said to be for just three years and $30MM with a $6MM option for 2009. Looks like it wasn't all about the money for Giles. Unofficial MLB is the only published report of the signing at this point, and I have known them to be reliable in the past. I'll get you more info when I have it. Update: Ted Leitner and Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton are also reporting the signing in..   Continue Reading

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Center Fielders With Potential

Today over at RotoAuthority, I've got a list of center fielders who could really break out if given the opportunity. Check it out to see why I'm so fond of Jason Michaels and Milton Bradley   Continue Reading

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More Cardinals Rumblings

Trusted blogger Lboros has a new post over at Viva El Birdos that does a solid, thorough job of sifting through the rumors flying about in relation to the Cardinals. Especially with that infamous memo. The memo! The memo! You can check out our post from yesterday morning as a refresher. The short version: Walt Jocketty has been unusually uptight this offseason and has been keeping things close to the vest. The Abreu to the Cards rumor is more than idle speculation; it seems some talks have taken place on that. Lboros doesn't think the deal is a good fit..   Continue Reading

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Brad Wilkerson To Cubs For Ronny Cedeno

I promised myself I was going to take the evening off from rumormongering, I really did. But this one was too sweet and reliable to leave til the morning. Here's the scoop - stay with me on this one. A source went to college with Barry Larkin's cousin, Michael. (Michael is a wide receiver at Miami at Ohio, by the way). My source was in Cincinnati for Thanksgiving, as was Michael Larkin. Michael passed along the following info to my source via his cousin Barry. It appears that Nationals GM Jim Bowden has asked Barry Larkin what he thinks of..   Continue Reading

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Cleveland Courting Paul Byrd

Although sources have indicated the Orioles' strong likelihood of signing Paul Byrd, it seems that the pitcher is visiting Mark Shapiro in Cleveland today. I was directed by an emailer to this thread on Scout.com a few minutes ago. As a commenter mentions, putting B.J. Ryan's name in lights didn't exactly seal the deal. Regardless, the Indians' interest is for real. Byrd has looked solid pitching against current White Sox players, for what that's worth. Thanks to Eamon M   Continue Reading

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Milton Bradley For Todd Walker

According to Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000, the Cubs are talking to the Dodgers about swapping Todd Walker for Milton Bradley. Considering the devaluing of Bradley around baseball, the proposed trade sounds plausible. If the deal were to go through, it's most likely that Walker would play third base for Los Angeles. It's also possible that Jeff Kent moves to first and Walker remains at second base. Walker has played 60 games at third base in his career, and Kent has spent 105 games playing first. Thanks to Joh   Continue Reading

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Best of 2005: Center Fielders

In case you were wondering how I had the audacity to state that Jim Edmonds is "unquestionably the best center fielder in baseball," you can view the stats that back up the assertion. We've got the Top 25 Center Fielders in 2005 posted over at RotoAuthority - plenty of surprises in these rankings   Continue Reading

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Orioles Hot Stove Hearsay

All sorts of interesting hot stove boiling in the Baltimore area. Here's the latest. Published reports have said that the Orioles have made a two-year offer to 35 year-old starter Paul Byrd. My sources are saying that Byrd is very likely to sign with Baltimore, although it may take three guaranteed years. Nomar Garciaparra at first base? The Orioles are not likely to sign Paul Konerko according to sources, and Nomar is expected to sign a one year deal with an option with the Orioles. Garciaparra would spell Melvin Mora at third and spend time at first and DH as..   Continue Reading

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Details On Cubs' Furcal Offer Revealed

It has been widely reported at this point that Cubs GM Jim Hendry had dinner with Rafael Furcal and his wife on Sunday and made a contract offer. Though the link is to a Paul Sullivan column, Bruce Levine initially broke the news yesterday on ESPN Radio 1000. (Thanks to all that passed me that info). MLBTradeRumors.com has now uncovered the details of Hendry's offer. According to a source close to the proceedings, the Cubs offered a four-year deal worth $38MM to Furcal. Furcal was the third-best shortstop in baseball in 2005, and it will take a deal larger than..   Continue Reading

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Further Thoughts On Bobby Abreu

Amid the Bobby Abreu for Erik Bedard and Jay Gibbons trade rumor yesterday, I made a comment that Abreu was "strangely unpopular in Philadelphia." While I've read this in the papers and seen it on message boards, my comment doesn't really do justice to Phillies fans. So I emailed Jason Weitzel of the Beer Leaguer Phillies Blog to get further insight on Abreu. Below are some excerpts. Beer Leaguer visitors on Abreu: Among Internet users who read my site and others, opinion is largely favorable. Most readers who check out blogs are familiar with the innovative ways teams are valuing..   Continue Reading

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Cardinals Nearing Huge Trade

I've got a source near the Cardinals organization telling me "something big is happening." Apparently, all company employees have received a memo threatening termination if any information is disclosed. Luckily, I'm not employed by the Cardinals, so I'm free to gossip. I dropped a line to Lboros over at Viva El Birdos, a blogger who has a finger on the pulse of the team. Lboros had an intriguing list of trade rumors and possible signings that have presented themselves within the past few weeks: Acquisition of Bobby Abreu. It is known that Abreu is on the trading block, although the..   Continue Reading

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Mets Sign Billy Wagner

Ken Rosenthal is single-handedly blowing ESPN out of the water today. First he scooped the Esteban Loaiza signing, and now he's broken the Billy Wagner deal with the Mets. While MLBTradeRumors.com's source may have jumped the gun by a week, he was correct in asserting that the Mets would definitely guarantee a fourth year to Wagner and complete the deal sooner rather than later. The Mets hold an option for a fifth year of Wagner for $10MM, a move necessitated by the market-setting B.J. Ryan signing. Wagner was the reliever closest to a sure thing this winter, as he boasts..   Continue Reading

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Bobby Abreu For Erik Bedard And Jay Gibbons

So the John Mabry rumor didn't carry enough heft for you? Looking for something juicer? How about this from a source in the Philadelphia area: The Phillies are apparently talking to the Orioles about sending them Bobby Abreu for Erik Bedard and Jay Gibbons. Abreu was the third-best hitting right fielder in the game in 2005, and the second-best in '04. He'll make $13MM in 2006 and is strangely unpopular in Philadelphia. Abreu is also on the hook for $15MM in 2007 with a $16MM club option for 2008. The '08 option has a $2MM buyout attached. Abreu will be..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Acquire John Mabry

The word over at Bernie's Pressbox via Viva El Birdos is that the Cubs have signed 35 year-old OF/1B/3B John Mabry to a one-year contract for $1MM. Mabry is coming off a poor season during which he hit .240/.295/.407 in 246 at-bats. This rumor is not yet confirmed. A million bucks sounds a bit high coming off an off year, although Mabry earned $725,000 in 2005. He was a spectacular role player in 2004, hitting .296/.363/.504 in 87 games. It may be that Mabry was given more playing time than is good for him in '05. Mabry's versatility would indicate..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Interested In Bradley: Update

Will Carroll over at Baseball Prospectus has confirmed the Cubs' interest in center fielder Milton Bradley, and adds a few interesting tidbits. According to Carroll, Bradley "figures to be a Dodger non-tender and is someone who doesn't scare Dusty Baker." I've heard whispers of L.A. non-tendering Bradley before, and I find it downright baffling. To throw away a world of potential just to do things "The Dodger Way" seems like a terrible business decision. Whether or not Bradley is a guy you want to have a beer with, his talent is undeniable. Consider: Bradley posted a 3.8 WARP (Wins Above..   Continue Reading

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Oakland Signs Esteban Loaiza

Ken Rosenthal has the scoop on the latest free agent signing over at Fox Sports. Apparently Billy Beane is close to inking Esteban Loaiza to a three-year, $21MM pact. A month ago, I commented on RotoAuthority that I thought this contract could be a disaster if it reaches more than two years or $6MM annually. I have to assume that Billy Beane knows something we don't about Loaiza. Loaiza was hit hard away from RFK Stadium in 2005, and he had a rough time his last turn through the American League. I commend Jim Bowden for letting him leave. Loaiza..   Continue Reading

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Best of 2005: Left Fielders

Today over at RotoAuthority we have a statistical ranking of the best left fielders of 2005. Jason Bay heads the list. Available top ten LFs include Cliff Floyd, Adam Dunn, and Manny Ramirez. Reggie Sanders is the top free agent LF, ranking 19th overall   Continue Reading

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Brian Anderson Projection

Curious how the White Sox's rookie center fielder will fare now that he's likely to get 450 ABs? The departure of Aaron Rowand in the Jim Thome trade means top prospect Brian Anderson will have the opportunity to play every day. Over at RotoAuthority, we've supplied a projection for Anderson for 2006. Whether you're a fantasy baseball nut or just a casual fan, it's worth checking out   Continue Reading

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B.J. Ryan Signs With Blue Jays

B.J. Ryan has signed a five-year, $47MM deal to close for the Toronto Blue Jays. GM J.P. Ricciardi simply made Ryan an offer he couldn't refuse. Ryan entered the 2004 season as a lefty with a powerful fastball but little control. He was possible trade bait for the Orioles entering that season. But then Ryan reduced his walk rate signficantly, and the end result is more lucrative then he possibly could've imagined. Ryan's deal will certainly have a ripple effect in coming years for free agent closers on the right side of 30. Eric Gagne, who is a few weeks..   Continue Reading

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Keith Foulke On The Block

33 year-old closer Keith Foulke was battered around in 45 innings in 2005. He's undergone surgeries on both knees and was said to have lost some velocity near season's end. Adding insult to injury, the Red Sox are now thinking about trading him. My Boston source is telling me Foulke will get some attention as a setup man this offseason after the free agent market runs dry. Despite the surgeries, several teams feel that Foulke's problems in 2005 were largely mechanical and can be fixed. The Sox are looking to shed Foulke, and may be willing to pay half of..   Continue Reading

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Juan Pierre To Cubs Complete

670 The Score in Chicago and RotoWorld are reporting that the Cubs have finalized their deal for center fielder Juan Pierre. Left-handed starter Renyel Pinto and two other unknown prospects will head to the Marlins in the deal. The trade was originally reported by Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000 on November 14th. After speaking with Bruce, MLBTradeRumors.com was able to narrow the possible prospects down to a list of five pitchers. The Cubs hope Pierre can bounce back after posting his lowest OBP since his rookie season. Pierre's game is reliant upon his ability to get on base. He's..   Continue Reading

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Don't Overlook Haigwood In Thome Deal

At this point, the Jim Thome for Aaron Rowand trade is old news (at least with the speed news travels around the Internet). ESPN is reporting that Buster Olney broke the trade, although I think Bruce Levine may have had it first. One part of the deal that's getting zero publicity so far is the White Sox's inclusion of 22 year-old lefty starter Daniel Haigwood. Once you add it all up, receiving Jim Thome and $22MM for Aaron Rowand, Haigwood, and a third player is nowhere near a good deal for the Sox. For this article, I want to focus..   Continue Reading

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Soriano To The Mets: Update

We have an update on the Alfonso Soriano to the Mets rumor posted earlier today. MLBTradeRumors.com has learned that the Milledge and Trachsel for Soriano deal was proposed prior to the acquisition of Carlos Delgado. Now that Delgado has been acquired, the Mets will turn their focus to Billy Wagner and Ramon Hernandez. Soriano is considered nonessential to the Mets at this point, and any trade for him would not include Lastings Milledge. The Rangers have a stronger need for pitching and that will be the focus of any Soriano deal   Continue Reading

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Cubs Sign Bob Howry

ESPN Radio 1000 is reporting that the Cubs have inked right-handed reliever Bob Howry to a three year, $12MM contract. He will have his physical on Monday. Howry will enter his age 32 season in 2006. While his hit, home run, and walk rates were superb in 2005, his K/9 dropped to 5.9 from 8.2 the year before. Like Scott Eyre, Howry has parlayed two solid relief seasons into a lucrative long-term deal with the Cubs. Thanks to Ale   Continue Reading

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Soriano for Milledge and Trachsel Proposed

We have some new details from my Mets source concerning a possible trade of Alfonso Soriano to the Mets. The latest report is that the Mets would send Lastings Milledge and Steve Trachsel to the Rangers for Soriano. The deal would be contingent on Soriano signing a long-term extension to play second base (not outfield). The 35 year-old Trachsel would be a decent, affordable addition to the back-end of the Texas rotation. Jon Daniels may express concerns about Trachsel's performance away from Shea Stadium in his last full season (2004). That year, Trachsel posted a 5.65 ERA with 16 HR..   Continue Reading

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Mets Considering Javier Vazquez

All sorts of trade rumors coming from my source close to the Mets' front office. While it is well-known that the Mets are interested in Arizona righthander Javier Vazquez, my source names a pitching prospect contrary to published reports. According to my source, the Mets are considering dealing Kris Benson and 19 year-old blue chip pitcher Gaby Hernandez for Vazquez. Up to this point, published reports have named the polished 24 year-old Brian Bannister as the prospect in the deal. While Hernandez has not pitched above A ball, he has a much higher ceiling than Bannister. Bannister did impress in..   Continue Reading

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Jim Thome To The White Sox

Word from ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago is that the White Sox are talking to the Phillies about Jim Thome. Apparently the Sox would acquire Thome for some combination of Aaron Rowand, Jose Contreras, and Brandon McCarthy. The Phillies would pay the "majority" of Thome's contract. MLBTradeRumors.com is skeptical to say the least. We haven't received confirmation yet on which ESPN reporter floated this rumor, but the memory of Bruce Levine announcing an imminent Juan Pierre deal is all too fresh. As proposed, this is simply way too much value for the White Sox to give up for Thome. It..   Continue Reading

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Josh Beckett Boston Projection

Personally, I think the Josh Beckett trade is decent for the Red Sox. Beckett will probably never be a workhorse, but maybe a change of scenery will help. He should bring the team a couple of extra wins over David Wells in 2006. Anibal Sanchez will be very good in a few years, but Hanley Ramirez didn't exactly master Double A in 2005. I'm skeptical that he'll even become an average shortstop in the Majors. Anyway, I've done some extensive projections over at RotoAuthority for Josh Beckett's 2006 season as a member of the Red Sox. The main purpose is..   Continue Reading

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Billy Wagner To Accept Four Year Offer Tuesday

A source in the Mets' front office is telling MLBTradeRumors.com that the club will make a four year, $40MM offer to Billy Wagner immediately following his tour of the city. The deal might be announced by Wednesday morning. Omar Minaya is eager to get a deal done early this week so that he can focus on numerous other player acquisitions. Minaya will be employing the same bait he used to reel in Pedro Martinez: the guaranteed fourth year. The Phillies (smartly) refuse to pay Wagner $10MM for a season during which he'll turn 38. Other sources close to the proceedings..   Continue Reading

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Johjima In, Hargrove Out?

At this point, it's a widely held belief that Kenji Johjima will be the starting catcher for the Mariners in 2006. Recently, I had an informative email exchange with a master of Japanese baseball and its players, Gary Garland. Gary runs JapanBaseballDaily.com and has a much deeper knowledge of cultural factors that might come into play with Johjima and Ichiro than any American sportswriter. Among other things, Garland implies that Mike Hargrove could be fired after the 2006 season or earlier if he continues to offend his Japanese stars. Here are some excerpts of the email. On the clash with..   Continue Reading

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Mark Buehrle To The Cardinals

Disclaimer: this one is pure speculation. Over at the premiere Cardinals blog, Viva El Birdos, lboros dropped a very intriguing name: Mark Buehrle. There haven't been many published reports of Buehrle being available. Here's the logic behind the Buehrle idea according to commenters Demetre and lboros. Demetre: There really isn't anything concrete about Buehrle being available (I don't think) except for his unapolegitic, vocal, native STL love and desire to be a Cardinal at all costs. Its about as pre-ordained a cardinal pitcher-to-be as i can remember outside the system. lboros: the Buehrle is pure speculation on my part, but..   Continue Reading

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Matt Morris Receives Offer From Giants

It's no great mystery, but my sources have confirmed that the team with the three-year deal on the table for Matt Morris is the San Francisco Giants. The deal is expected to be in the range of $24MM. Morris is projected to go 11-13 with a 4.45 ERA and 1.36 WHIP for the Giants in 2006. Thanks to Alex S   Continue Reading

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Luis Castillo To The Mets

Our suspicions from yesterday have been confirmed: Luis Castillo is definitely on the trading block. Many sources mention the Mets' interest in the second baseman. The names we're hearing coming back from the Mets are shortstop Anderson Hernandez and/or second baseman Jeff Keppinger (via the Palm Beach Post). Alex Gonzalez won't be returning to play shortstop in Florida, and the Marlins are less than confident in their top prospect at the position, Robert Andino. If the Mets would give up Hernandez, the Marlins would probably pull the trigger. While Yusmeiro Petit is probably out of the question, the Mets could..   Continue Reading

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Beckett Trade Nearly Done

It's being reported in the Dallas Morning News that John Danks will be the prospect sent over by Texas and the deal is near completion. While lefthanded, Danks doesn't have the same upside as his Double A Frisco teammate Thomas Diamond. Both starters struggled in 2005. Danks gave up a ton of hits, while Diamond had major control problems. John Danks Career Statistics Click here to see our 2006 projections for Josh Beckett as a Texas Ranger   Continue Reading

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The Salary Dump All-Stars

With all the bad contracts and salary dumps on the way this offseason, I thought it'd be fun to create the Salary Dump All-Star Team. These are the worst contracts at each position, based mainly on 2006 salary. The salary below is just '06. I used Cot's Baseball Contracts for the figures. This group would cost over $150MM next year, and I left out the bench and bullpen. Disagree with a choice? Leave your thoughts in the comments. C - Jason Kendall - $11,000,000 - Scott Podsednik, but with a bigger paycheck and catcher's gear. And less speed. 1B -..   Continue Reading

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Dotel's Agent Confirms Cards' Interest

Octavio Dotel's agent, Dan Horwits, confirmed late Saturday that the Cardinals have been in contact with his client. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article by Derrick Goold, more than a dozen teams have inquired about Dotel. Of course, regular visitors of MLBTradeRumors.com were privy to this information early on Thursday, long before the newspapers picked it up. The scoop came via our favorite source, a New York barber in the know about Dominican players. In addition to St. Louis, the Mets would like to fit Dotel into an 8th inning role, and the Indians are looking for an insurance..   Continue Reading

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Beckett and Lowell for Blalock

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the huge blockbuster that might go down today. Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post told us late last night: "In what could be the first step of a major housecleaning in Florida, the Marlins and Rangers are close to completing a trade that would send Beckett and Lowell to Texas for third baseman Hank Blalock and a top pitching prospect, two baseball sources said Friday night. The Marlins are asking for either left-hander John Danks, Texas' first-round pick in 2003, or right-hander Thomas Diamond, the team's first-round pick in 2004." The article..   Continue Reading

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Rangers, Cubs, Reds Covet Jarrod Washburn

There seems to be a consensus among sportswriters that Jarrod Washburn will end up a Texas Ranger. I've spoken to Chicago Sun-Times writer Chris De Luca about Washburn, and he thinks new GM Jon Daniels is willing to overpay for a decent starter this winter. Steve Phillips also picked the Rangers as Washburn's destination. We all agree on his worth - a bit overrated after the 3.20 ERA, but a useful if somewhat overpaid 3rd starter. I ranked him 19th on the RotoAuthority Top 50 Free Agents List, just behind Jeff Weaver. De Luca also thinks the Cubs are a..   Continue Reading

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Scott Eyre Signs With Cubs

As has been reported in many places, the Cubs inked Scott Eyre today to a two-year deal with an option for the third year. It's one of the first free agent signings, and Eyre will certainly solidify the Cubs' pen. If you think $3MM+ per year is a little much for a lefty reliever with a 4.52 career ERA, you're probably right. The Cubs are paying a premium for the safer choice by signing the 33 year-old. The deal still looks to be better than the three year pact Hendry gave to Mike Remlinger. Eyre should have at least one..   Continue Reading

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Mets, Indians, Cards Contact Dotel

In recent years, Octavio Dotel has whiffed batters at a ridiculous rate, sometimes approaching 13 per nine innings. While tough to hit in general, Dotel has been prone to the home run and too generous with bases on balls. The colorful Dotel went down this summer with a strained right elbow, and by June Dr. James Andrews was wrapping a tendon from his leg around that same elbow. Interestingly, the tendon was long enough to be wound three times around the elbow, giving Dotel superhuman strength. Well, I'm not sure about the strength but it was wrapped three times. Dotel..   Continue Reading

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Walker For Heilman Trade Legitimate

I've noticed various outlets claiming the rumored Todd Walker for Aaron Heilman trade was fabricated. While I'm not sure if the deal will ultimately go through, I can guarantee that the rumor is on the level. According to Kevin Burkhardt of WFAN in New York, the Mets have been dangling Heilman in front of the Cubs in an attempt to acquire Walker. The rumor originally aired on November 12th, and I've contacted Burkhardt in an attempt to get more info   Continue Reading

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Mike Cameron Deal To Be Completed Today

Several sources are telling me that Mike Cameron will be traded to the Padres today for Akinori Otsuka. As I mentioned earlier, Xavier Nady could also be included in the deal. MetsBlog now says Buster Olney is reporting that this is a done deal. Olney has yet to provide any names coming from the Padres in his ESPN Rumor Central post. Update: Gotham Baseball has the scoop on this one, telling us that the trade is indeed for Akinori Otsuka. According to editor-in-chief Mike McGann, financial concerns with Otsuka's contract are the main hangup. Thanks to Brian B   Continue Reading

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Cameron For Nady Rumor Has Legs

A new Ken Rosenthal column was just posted over at Fox Sports. Some interesting nuggets in there, including a few that confirm rumors we reported on earlier. The rumored Mike Cameron for Xavier Nady swap we mentioned on Sunday may have legs. Rosenthal adds that the Mets could spin Nady into a Manny Ramirez package if they don't want to platoon him with Mike Jacobs. Nady could make sense for the Red Sox, a team with question marks at third and second base. Cameron could also end up in Baltimore or Arizona according to Rosenthal. The column mentions some interest..   Continue Reading

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Win A Free Copy Of Mind Game

Red Sox fan? Fantasy baseball player? Either way, you should probably sign up for a chance to win the new Baseball Prospectus book Mind Game over at RotoAuthority. All we ask is that you sign up for the RotoAuthority mailing list. You'll receive an email once a day informing you of the latest posts on RotoAuthority. Today is the last day to sign up for the contest   Continue Reading

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Juan Pierre To The Cubs: Update

Yesterday, Bruce Levine reported that the Cubs are in the "final stages" of a trade for Marlins center fielder Juan Pierre. This afternoon, I was able to get in touch with Bruce to obtain a little more info on the deal. It seems that the Marlins are still a little shaky on this deal; they're not sure whether to hold out and target top-tier prospects or to pull the trigger now just to dump Pierre's salary. Also, Levine confirmed that Rich Hill will not be part of any deal for Pierre. Levine said the Marlins are indeed looking for young..   Continue Reading

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Juan Pierre To The Cubs

Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post has been floating Juan Pierre rumors for some time now. The Yankees have backed off, but apparently the Cubs are still very interested. ESPN Radio's Bruce Levine is reporting that the Cubs are in the "final stages" of a trade for Pierre. Levine claims that the Cubs would only surrender minor leaguers in the deal. Corey Patterson is not expected to be involved. No names were mentioned, so it's open to speculation. I doubt Pierre could bring in a jewel like Felix Pie or Brandon Sing. Top Double A West Tenn pitchers from..   Continue Reading

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Cubs To Trade Todd Walker For Aaron Heilman

A new trade rumor has been floated from New York today. We all know Todd Walker is on the trading block; it seems the Mets are interested. Word is that the Cubs will deal Walker to the Mets for Aaron Heilman, straight up. If the rumor holds up, this could help both teams. Strangely, the Mets still seem to have little faith in Heilman despite his breakout 2005. Heilman just turned 27, and he misses bats. He has yet to settle into his role as a pitcher. Heilman could serve in the swing role for the Cubs if Glendon Rusch..   Continue Reading

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Mets To Swap Cameron For Nady

Over at RotoAuthority, I did an in-depth breakdown of the rumored Manny Ramirez trade. The conclusion? Even a trade of just Lastings Milledge and Mike Cameron for Manny Ramirez would be damaging to the Mets by 2007. If the Mets add Yusmeiro Petit or Aaron Heilman to the mix, they get killed in the deal. But now we have a new trade rumor that puts a wrinkle in the proposed Manny deal. Word is that Mike Cameron for Xavier Nady is close to a done deal. Nady's versatility is helpful, but he won't match Cameron's value in 2006. Cameron's not..   Continue Reading

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Julio Lugo To The Braves

Today the Tampa Tribune's Scott Carter again brought up the idea of the Rays trading Julio Lugo. This time, he named names: "While it remains too early to determine whether any of those players will be traded, Atlanta's interest in Lugo appears real. Atlanta catcher Johnny Estrada, third baseman Andy Marte and pitcher John Thomson, who had his $4.75 million option for next season picked up recently, are all believed to be available. Meanwhile, Baez and Huff continue to surface in trade rumors with the Mets and Red Sox that erupted at last year's trade deadline." RotoAuthority has already busted..   Continue Reading

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Kevin Mench To The Cubs

The Cubs are hot on the trail of Kevin Mench to fill one of their vacant outfield spots. Given that the Rangers have a need for a center fielder, it's been speculated that Corey Patterson would be sent to Texas. At age 27, Mench may have already reached his ceiling offensively. His AVG, OBP, and SLG all took a dip in 2005, his first full season. Mench didn't rely on Ameriquest for his 25 home runs, as his splits are pretty even. He still has three years until free agency. Mench might be better served as a lefty-masher in a..   Continue Reading

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Torii Hunter To The Yankees

The Yankees' need for a center fielder is well known. The latest rumor making the rounds is that GM Brian Cashman will make a play to acquire Torii Hunter from the Twins. Although his glovework hasn't been anything special since 2001, the Yankees are after Hunter mainly to solidify their outfield defense. The 30 year-old Hunter never really developed plate discipline, but he'd still be worth a couple of wins compared to the current shell of Bernie Williams. Hunter is under contract for 2006 at $10.75MM, and the Twins would love to get that money off the books to pursue..   Continue Reading

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