February 2008

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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...   Continue Reading

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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,...   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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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.   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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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....   Continue Reading

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