Miguel Cabrera Talking Extension

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports that the Tigers and Miguel Cabrera's agent have "begun to talk" about a long-term deal. Heyman believes a deal could be hammered out fairly quickly given the nice fit with Detroit for Cabrera. Heyman doesn't have inside info on the years or amount, but got Cabrera to admit that ten years, $200MM sounded about right. Would an extension start with 2009, Cabrera's last arbitration year? I imagine so, though maybe the ten years would start with 2010. Regardless, Cabrera's level of production is truly worth $20MM annually into the forseeable future. Doesn't hurt that he's gotten...

Long-Term Deal For Felix Hernandez?

According to John Hickey of the Seattle PI, a long-term deal for Felix Hernandez before the end of Spring Training seems possible. Hernandez won't make much above the minimum for '08, but maybe the Mariners can buy out his 2009-11 arbitration years at a discount. Hickey notes that Ms GM Bill Bavasi "detests the arbitration process." The Padres bought out Chris Young's arb years for $13.25MM in an extension done a year ago. Around the same time, Matt Cain received about the same amount to cover his arb years (though with a club option for the third). Based on those,...

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Garcia, Lohse, Colon

With a full slate of Spring Training games underway today, there are still some big names hanging out in the free agent market. After the Red Sox signed signed former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal, there are still two big-name starting pitchers that have yet to find new homes. Former all-star Freddy Garcia is not expected to be ready until mid-season after having rotator cuff surgery last fall, but may have interest from several clubs. On the other hand Kyle Lohse is still looking for work despite being perfectly healthy. His biggest ailment maybe that...

Royals Not Interested In Sosa

TODAY: Royals GM Dayton Moore denies interest in Sosa, saying he's not looking to acquire any free agents currently. THURSDAY: According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, the Royals' talks for Sammy Sosa have some life again. However, a Royals official told ESPN last week that the team prefers to go young. Meanwhile, Jose Guillen is campaigning for Sosa. Really, Sammy taking away ABs from any current Royal doesn't seem to make any sense. You'd hate to see Billy Butler affected, and even a trickle down minor loss of opportunity for Joey Gathright, Ross Gload, Mark Teahen, or Ryan Shealy...

Stark's Latest: Patterson, Lohse, Lofton, Clemens

Finally, new info regarding some of the remaining free agents. Jayson Stark has the scoop. Seems there's a chance Corey Patterson takes a cheap deal to return to Baltimore. He could be relegated to fourth outfielder duty in that case. Stark says the Marlins have discussed Patterson internally, but aren't sure if they could afford the Boras client. Patterson would be a nice stopgap for Cameron Maybin, who'd be well-served with some time in Triple A. Ken Rosenthal also mentioned the Florida possibility. One of the most surprising free agents at this point is Kyle Lohse. Stark shoots down the...

Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton

FOX's Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training. The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards' interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal's agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the '08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in...

Brian Roberts Rumors

Jeff Zrebiec and Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun are on top of the Brian Roberts rumors. Let's discuss. The Cubs had two scouts watching Roberts play yesterday, so this thing is still alive and kicking. The Sun gets the impression that the Mark DeRosa heart surgery does add some urgency for the Cubs. Perhaps this means they'll concede a little bit extra on their offer. The authors reiterate Ronny Cedeno and Sean Gallagher as part of the deal. They say the O's might want Jose Ceda or Donald Veal as the third player, and could ask for a fourth...

Tim On GetSportsRadio.com

Today I did a podcast/radio show with Dan Clasgens of GetSportsRadio.com. The focus was on the Reds, but we touched on many subjects. You can download an mp3 of the show here.

Gammons' Latest: Bonds, Murton

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post with some hot stove info. Gammons has a quote from Andrew Friedman that should be the final word on Barry Bonds to Tampa Bay: If I didn't entertain ideas, be it a signing of a great hitter like Bonds or a trade, I should be fired. But that is past. Let's take Friedman at his word and rule Bonds out for the Rays. Gammons notes that the Cubs have discussed Matt Murton with the Rangers and Red Sox, but he alone wouldn't get them Marlon Byrd or Coco Crisp. Murton was drafted...

Help Wanted

I am looking to add some weekend assistance to the MLBTR team. Specifically, I have two slots open for MLBTR coverage: Saturdays from 1pm-5pm and Saturdays from 5pm-9pm. Times are in CST. I'm open to the idea of one person taking both slots. The gig pays on a per post basis (a post is typically 3-4 short paragraphs). Here's what I'm looking for: Strong writing skills and a casual style similar to the one found on the site now. Strong knowledge of all 30 teams and no discernible bias. Technical ability to post and edit on a blog; experience helps....

Odds and Ends: Fields, Garcia, Bonds

Welcome to today's roundup... Josh Byrnes would never give a pitcher eight years, just so you know (hat tip AZ Snakepit). South Side Sox explains how Josh Fields was posturing in not signing his contract. Unrelated interesting fact - Fields seemed headed to Florida in a Miguel Cabrera for a split-second in December. Bobby Jenks' salary is set to skyrocket next year, as he becomes arbitration-eligible. Freddy Garcia's agent talks about the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox for his client. Garcia is targeting a June or July return. DRays Bay's free season preview guide is now available. Speaking of the...

Brian Roberts Rumors

Nothing groundbreaking on the Brian Roberts front, but here's the latest from Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Zrebiec says the O's won't send their scout to watch the Cubs until next week. It's still looking like Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher, and one or two others. Zrebiec adds: Both sides remain optimistic that a deal could get done. This is obviously dragging, but the Orioles have no incentive to rush.

Shawn Green Retires

According to Mark Hale of the New York Post, outfielder Shawn Green has decided to retire. He had interest from a half-dozen clubs, but apparently nothing close enough to his California home. Green retires at 35 with about $100MM earned in his career. That'd be kind of nice, wouldn't it? Green finishes with a line of .283/.355/.494 and 328 home runs. He topped 40 HR in three different seasons.

Manny Corpas Signs Long-Term Deal

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies have signed closer Manny Corpas to a four-year deal with two option years. The options cover his last year of arbitration and first of free agency. $8MM is guaranteed, with potential for $22MM. Renck has the details here. It's definitely a team-friendly contract. The Rox have also locked up youngsters Troy Tulowitzki and Jeff Francis. Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe are currently going year-to-year. There has never been a deal of this kind, a closer with less than two years service time signing for four years. Closers like Jonathan...

Where Will Teixeira Sign?

In today's Baltimore Sun, Dan Connolly hashes out the oft-rumored idea of the Orioles signing hometown boy Mark Teixeira after this season. He opines: If Peter Angelos sets a club salary record, it would be for Teixeira. Connolly also notes the team's repaired relations with Scott Boras and the agent's occasional tendency to push clients to bad teams to maximize paydays. For his part, Teixeira's not saying much. There's plenty of reason to stay in Atlanta if they offer something competitive. If Teixeira has a huge 40 HR, 120 RBI year, he'd seemingly be in line for at least Connolly's...

Blocked Prospects: Eric Patterson

Time for a new series here at MLBTR called Blocked Prospects. We'll name some position players with Double A or better experience who seem to be buried on their current team's depth chart. One such player is Cubs second baseman/center fielder Eric Patterson, who turns 25 in April. Patterson hit .297/.362/.455 in Triple A last year. Baseball America applauds his speed and surprising power, but isn't keen on his defense. Patterson is able to draw a walk, something his brother Corey never figured out. Patterson is behind Mark DeRosa, Mike Fontenot, Ronny Cedeno, Sam Fuld, and Felix Pie in the...

Piazza Considering Two Teams

Mark Hale of the New York Post recently spoke to Mike Piazza's agent, Dan Lozano. Piazza may retire if he doesn't find the right opportunity, but he is currently mulling two interested teams. Lozano indicated that there is one team from each league under consideration. Japan is not a possibility for Piazza. Piazza, 39, hit .275/.313/.414 in 329 plate appearances last year as Oakland's DH. He was limited by a shoulder strain and bruised triceps. Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA system has him at .255/.310/.426 in 294 PAs this year, a performance worth $675K. If Piazza gets a Major League deal, the...

Odds and Ends: Spiezio, Pavano, Gross, Jackson

Links, rumors... Scott Spiezio is in trouble with the law, and the Cardinals decided to release him for it. Joe Ostermeier notes that the Cards now have about $20MM in dead money on the payroll for '08. Evan Grant believes the Rangers would want Jose Ceda or Donald Veal in a deal for Marlon Byrd. Call it informed speculation, but Mike Berardino wonders whether Carl Pavano could end up back with the Marlins eventually. Ken Rosenthal recently wrote that the Padres were eyeing Gabe Gross. Tom Haudricourt found out that Kevin Towers never inquired on the Brewers outfielder, but that...

Garret Anderson Enters Contract Year

One 2009 MLB free agent who's not getting a ton of attention yet is lifetime Angel Garret Anderson. The Angels are faced with a tough decision - $14MM for '09 or a $3MM buyout. So Tony Reagins will need to ask himself if he'd sign Anderson to a one-year, $11MM deal. PECOTA says he'll be worth less than $2MM in '09. Finally free of injuries, Anderson had a big second half in '07. This year, the Angels will wisely give him a break by rotating him through the DH spot on occasion. As Mike DiGiovanna writes in the above-linked article,...

Rays Never Serious About Bonds

The whole Barry Bonds to Tampa Bay storyline has been well overblown, as Cork Gaines has written numerous times. Jon Heyman recently talked to a "Rays person" who put the odds at 100 to 1. Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, says "People are being cheated" by not being able to see Bonds play. Interesting choice of words. Beyond the mild Tony La Russa flirtation, Heyman notes one anonymous AL GM who wanted Bonds but had his owner veto the idea. Let's see what MLBTR readers think about this situation. Will Barry Bonds play for a Major League team in 2008? Take...

Red Sox Evaluate Freddy Garcia

Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald reports that free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia is in the Red Sox clubhouse today. He believes it's more than just a visit; the Red Sox may be evaluating his health. No signing appears close though. Garcia may have a dozen teams to choose from if he proves healthy and markets himself around June. Michael Silverman confirms that Boston's training and rehab staff took a look at Garcia.

Odds and Ends: Hughes, Nathan, Pedro

Here's today's collection. Interesting article about Phil Hughes' blog. We should see more and more player blogs as the Internet generation reaches the Majors. Jonathan Mayo's book Facing Clemens has hit shelves. The MLB.com writer attempts to put you in the batter's box against the Rocket. Nothin' doin' on the Joe Nathan talks. I thought they'd hammer this one out to restore some Johan goodwill. Guess not. Like reading about injuries? Take a look at Baseball Injury Report, by my friend Rick Wilton. Especially good for fantasy junkies. Pedro isn't going to approach the Mets about an extension, but he'd...

Bartolo Colon Signs With Red Sox

TUESDAY: The Boston Herald has the contract details. Colon gets $1.25MM if he's in the bigs, and the deal can reach $7MM if he makes 30 starts. SUNDAY: According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Red Sox have signed starter Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal. The deal has no guaranteed money. That's a far cry from the guaranteed two-year big league deal Colon wanted at the beginning of the offseason. Colon will add depth to Boston's rotation, and you certainly have to like the move for the Red Sox. Maybe Colon was motivated by a chance to win or...

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Roger Clemens

Last week we looked at one face of the steroid era (Barry Bonds) and wondered where he might end up playing in 2008. Today let's take a look at the newest face of the steroid era, Roger Clemens. Clemens has yet to decide whether to pitch in 2008. While his friends believe that the Astros are the only option, Buster Olney suggested the Cardinals could also be an option. And while the Yankees and the Red Sox have shown zero interest, we can't rule out a mid-season return to either team. Both have question marks in their rotations, and if...

Brian Roberts Rumors

Yesterday, SI.com's Jon Heyman wrote that the Cubs-Orioles Brian Roberts trade talks still have a little life, and the O's are scouting various young Cubs. On Sunday Jim Salisbury said the Orioles only needed to decide which pitchers they want to complete a deal. Today, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times checks in with the latest. To begin with, Mark DeRosa's heart complications seem under control, and won't force the Cubs' hand. Wittenmyer adds that the ball is indeed in Baltimore's court, and their scouts will need at least a week to observe various Cubs. He says the Orioles are...

Shannon Stewart Signs With Blue Jays

TODAY: Fun fact/correction, courtesy of Susan Slusser. Turns out the A's will not be receiving a compensation pick for Stewart, since he signed a minor league deal. It also seems a long shot that they get one for Mike Piazza, as he could retire, settle for a minor league deal, or head to Japan. 2-24-08: According to Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail, Shannon Stewart has signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. It seems that Stewart's agent switch helped facilitate the contract, as the Jays made an offer earlier in the winter. My guess is that...

2009 MLB Free Agents List

Our trusty 2009 MLB Free Agents list is back (players who are free agents after the '08 season). The link has also returned to the sidebar for easy reference. Have a look. Thoughts on the shape of the market, or corrections to the list?

Orlando Hudson Heads Into Contract Year

Second baseman Orlando Hudson is set to reach free agency after the 2008 season, with Mark Ellis as the strongest alternative in his class. Hudson will be 31 for the '09 season and figures to get a deal averaging at least $7MM. Baseball Prospectus' numbers say a fair value four-year pact would be around $25MM. But Hudson is significantly better than Luis Castillo, who recently received that deal from the Mets. Hudson should easily pass $30MM on a four-year deal. Perhaps only Aaron Hill can rival Hudson's second base defense. Hudson is no slouch with the bat either, though his...

Theo Epstein WEEI Interview: Crisp, Santana

WEEI recently posted an interesting interview with Red Sox GM Theo Epstein. Epstein was frank with his answers and didn't duck questions. A few points of interest: Epstein observed a "horrible free agent market, bereft of talent." The one surplus he noted was center field, which he feels resulted in the lack of a trade market for Coco Crisp (the best defensive center fielder in the game last year, according to Epstein). Epstein said he learned his lesson with Jay Payton and does not want to be forced to trade Crisp as he was Payton. He won't deal Crisp from...

Who Wants Sammy?

Jon Heyman talked to Sammy Sosa's agent, who indicated that Sosa is intent on finding a near full-time offer. Sammy hit .252/.311/.468 last year, earning $1.85MM. Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA system sees a .256/.327/.470 line in 282 plate appearances this year, worth about $3MM. Sosa's splits indicate he should be playing part time: .328/.410/.613 against lefties, .222/.267/.410 against righties. Plus, who has an open full-time DH job? Many of the 14 spots are occupied with no flexibility. Actually Sosa in a strict platoon with Jack Cust would be interesting.

Mets Dangled El Duque

According to SI.com's Jon Heyman: The Mets quietly sought trade offers for Orlando Hernandez late this winter, with the idea that if anyone bit, they would sign Kyle Lohse. But apparently there were no takers. Swapping El Duque's 140-150 innings for Lohse's 190 might add a few wins, given the replacement level pitchers the Mets went to in '07. Hernandez at $6.5MM isn't terribly appealing though. The Mets could probably get Lohse for a similar amount on a one-year deal. Maybe they still should and just force Hernandez into the bullpen whether he likes it or not.

Mets Not Interested In Garcia

TODAY: SI.com's Jon Heyman says that line about Garcia just visiting friends may be a cover. That's because Garcia brought his agents with him and went to Omar Minaya's office. So this apparently had a business element after all. Heyman adds that two or three other clubs are interested, with the Yankees an option given Garcia's apparent affinity for New York. If he's throwing well on June 1st I predict the rumors will involve ten plus teams. 2-20-08: The New York Post is reporting that the Mets will not sign free agent Freddy Garcia. Earlier today Jon Heyman had reported...

Brian Roberts Rumors

MONDAY: SI.com's Jon Heyman says a Roberts to Chicago trade still has a little life, and the Orioles are scouting Cubs' players. Meanwhile Jason Churchill wrote a few days ago that the O's may require Felix Pie or Tyler Colvin instead of the Cubs' apparent offer of Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher, and Kevin Hart. Churchill says the O's are also high on Eric Patterson. SUNDAY: Check out this piece by Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Here's the one-liner that has caught some readers' attention: Sources say that Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts will be traded to the Cubs as...

No Market For Reed Johnson

According to a source of Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail, the market for left fielder Reed Johnson is "non-existent." This is not a big surprise - Johnson was a candidate to be non-tendered this winter. He had back surgery in April and is set to earn $3.27MM in '08. Blair speculates that the Jays may be inclined to listen to offers for Adam Lind. Back in November, ESPN's Keith Law had this to say about Lind: Lind has a classic left-hander's swing and good hand-eye coordination. His power is fringe-average but projects to above-average. He's best suited to...

Rays Considering Bonds, Piazza, Lofton

12:28pm: Andrew Friedman denies it, calling the Bonds rumor a "non-story." They never even had a harmless internal conversation about Bonds, then? 11:27am: Japan is a legitimate possibility for Barry Bonds, but he may not have exhausted his MLB options just yet. Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times says the Rays have had internal discussions about signing Bonds (hat tip DRays Bay). At some point, one of the 30 teams is going to acknowledge that Bonds adds wins. Most fans have proven that they care more about wins than steroid use. Other considerations for the Rays include Mike Piazza...

Odds and Ends: Choo, Inge, Lohse, Francona

Let's round up some rumors and links. Not only is Shin-Soo Choo out of options, but he's recovering from Tommy John surgery and may have to join the South Korean military. Brandon Inge sat out a demanding drill on Friday, causing Tom Gage to wonder if trade talks are ongoing. Dave Dombrowski spoke on the topic recently, saying all the right things about Inge. Kyle Lohse is not interested in a minor league deal or playing in another country. He's still waiting by the phone though. Funny anecdote involving J.P. Ricciardi's son. Terry Francona was extended through 2011, with club...

Bonds' Agent: Japan Is An Option

Barry Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, told Metro News in Canada that Bonds intends to play in 2008 and that Japan is a very real possibility. “He’s not retiring,” Bonds’ agent, Jeff Borris, told Metro yesterday. “He intends to play somewhere. If a door doesn’t open for Barry in the major leagues, as unbelievable as that possibility sounds, then Japan certainly is an option.” Currently, Borris is in Florida driving from camp to camp trying to convince GMs to sign Bonds. As we get closer and closer to the regular season, whispers will start turning into shouts involving the B-word: Blackballed....

David Wells Denied By Cardinals

David Wells' agent, Gregg Clifton, reached out to the Cardinals recently to see if his client could assist them with their early season rotation uncertainty. It's been said that Boomer, 44, is looking to make about 20 starts this year. He earned $3MM in '07. Derrick Goold says the Cardinals prefer their in-house options over Wells. What does PECOTA have to say about this? David Wells - 4.55 ERA Anthony Reyes - 4.32 ERA Brad Thompson - 4.29 ERA Todd Wellemeyer - 4.39 ERA Seems the Cardinals are on track with this one. I'm sure they'd be ecstatic to get...

RSS Feed

I have to apologize in advance for my RSS feed this week - as I republish older posts you are going to see those hit the feed again. I hope my feed subscribers will consider those as "MLBTR classic reruns" and hang with me.

La Russa Suggested Bonds

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cardinals manager once again suggested the team consider signing Barry Bonds this winter. GM John Mozeliak and company decided to pass on the idea. They've already brought in Juan Gonzalez as an aging wild card slugger, anyway. A St. Louis talk show host, Kevin Slaten, recently started a feud with La Russa over the manager's steroid connections and his unwillingness to discuss them.

2008 MLB Free Agents

Here's a look at what's left of the 2008 free agent class. I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. This post will be updated throughout the offseason and available as a permanent sidebar link. Updated 3-13-08 Catchers No starters available. First basemen No starters available. Second basemen No starters available. Shortstops No starters available. Third basemen Corey Koskie (35) Left fielders Barry Bonds (43) - Type A Reggie Sanders (40) Center fielders Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B Right fielders Reggie Sanders (40) DHs Barry Bonds (43) - Type A Mike Piazza (39) - Type...

Technical Difficulties

Unfortunately we are experiencing some technical difficulties with posts disappearing. We're working hard to fix it; I appreciate your patience. Sorry for the inconvenience. Currently I can be reached at mlbtraderumors2008 at gmail dot com, if need be.