October 2007

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Tigers Rumors: Rogers, Jones, Jenkins

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News has some Tigers tidbits today. The Tigers want to bring Kenny Rogers back, who has said Detroit is the only place he'll play if he doesn't retire. The team will finally go with Joel Zumaya in the closer role next year, but they'd like Todd Jones around as a backup. Jones' first pick is Atlanta but it's not known if they're interested. The mustachioed closer earned $5MM this year. Henning indicates that the acquisition of Edgar Renteria will allow the Tigers to be content with a Marcus Thames/Timo Perez/Ryan Raburn combo in left field,..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Cook, Benoit, Griffey, Riske

Some random tidbits that didn't get their own posts today... The Rockies picked up Aaron Cook's $4.5MM option as expected. The bigger question is whether they can sign him long-term, maybe for three years. They also passed on LaTroy Hawkins for $3.75MM but may still sign him. The Rangers agreed to a two-year contract with reliever Joaquin Benoit for two years and $6MM. He would've hit free agency after 2008. Smart move would be to let him rack up 10-15 saves next season and then trade him for something good. The Braves aren't expected to get their next center fielder..   Continue Reading

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Elias Rankings Released

This is like Christmas for baseball nerds like me. The Elias rankings are out - here's the AL and here's the NL. I've updated the 2008 MLB Free Agents post to reflect those who are off the market and also added Types. And here's a look at which first round picks are protected and which aren't. Random thoughts: The Yankees could get nice consolation prizes in the form of first-round picks if they lose Jorge Posada or Mariano Rivera. For example if the Mets sign Posada the Yankees get their #22 overall pick. If the Phils sign Rivera the Yanks..   Continue Reading

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Reds Pick Up Dunn's $13MM Option

ESPN reports the Reds have exercised Adam Dunn's $13MM club option. This is expected and activates a full no-trade clause for Dunn through June 15th. As Tim noted here, he'll then have the option to choose 10 clubs to which he can be traded. MLBTR readers were more or less unanimously in favor of Dunn's return. 40 homers at $13MM seems a no-brainer to me. He's a patient hitter and the Reds' most potent bat. At that price, if the Reds do intend to deal him they will find ample value. But don't forget that Reds CEO Bob Castellini told..   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Maddux, Cabrera, Barrett, Bradley

As usual, Tom Krasovic has the scoop with the Padres. The Padres expect Greg Maddux back, at a salary near the $10MM he earned in '07. One way it could happen - Mad Dog declines his $8.75MM player option and the Padres exercise their $11MM club option. Otherwise they'll just tear it up and figure something out. The Padres will pass on available third basemen Alex Rodriguez and Miguel Cabrera. It sounds like a Padres team source is indicating the Marlins plan to shop Cabrera aggressively. As if this offseason wasn't going to be crazy enough, here's another marquee player..   Continue Reading

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Mets Exercise Alou's Option, Re-sign Easley

According to RotoWorld, the Mets have exercised Moises Alou's $7.5MM option for 2008. With a $1MM buyout, this was effectively a $6.5MM decision. Even with time lost to injury Alou should be worth 3-4 wins, so the price is right. They also re-upped Damion Easley, not sure the amount quite yet. Maybe $1.5MM or so. He had a nice 76 games this year and it wouldn't be the end of the world to give him the regular 2B job. Now the Mets can move onto more important issues, like filling second base and catcher and driving up the price for..   Continue Reading

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Kerry Wood May Be A Hot Commodity

I've followed Kerry Wood throughout his career, and I've always been a fan. He seems to get a special admiration from Cubs fans despite his injury-plagued career. Mark Prior doesn't get the same reception. The Cubs are at a crossroads with both of their former aces. Wood made his "miracle" return to a big league mound on August 5th as a reliever, and looked sharp for the most part. Now there are rumblings that he might want to try starting again. I would be truly surprised if he made 25 starts, but I'm rooting for him. Wood is going to..   Continue Reading

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Cards Hire Mozeliak As GM

According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, negotiations with Chris Antonelli broke down and the Cards have instead hired John Mozeliak as their GM. He gets a three-year deal. Mozeliak has experience and familiarity with the organization. He's said to have a solid relationship with Jeff Luhnow. Luhnow's presence may have been a factor driving Walt Jocketty and Antonelli away from the job. Mozeliak had already gotten down to business as interim GM, re-signing Joel Pineiro and Russ Springer while exercising Jason Isringhausen's option. Perhaps his next move will be to have a chat with Curt Schilling   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: A-Rod, Glaus, Cordero

Ken Rosenthal's work is a must for any rumor junkie. Here are some highlights from his latest column. Rosenthal gives his take on possible A-Rod destinations, discussing the Mets, Tigers, and Dodgers in depth. He tosses out an idea I hadn't seen before - moving David Wright to left field and declining Moises Alou's option. MetsBlog discusses Scott Boras' sales pitch to the Mets. The Cards want to hire Chris Antonetti, but the Indians don't want to let him go. Rosenthal says they may have to pay him GM money and/or promise him the post in the future. Rosenthal has..   Continue Reading

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Mets Targeting Jorge Posada

We've seen the connection made many times already, but now consider the interest official. The Mets are targeting Jorge Posada. The Yankees are expected to offer a three-year, $40MM type deal to him soon. That's all well and good but I can see him getting four years and $56MM given the season he had. Perhaps the Yanks will extend themselves to that range though. The Mets are playing the field, as they've given Paul Lo Duca's agent an impression that they'll be making an offer. I like the idea of the Mets overpaying for Posada, as catcher is a clear..   Continue Reading

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