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By Tim Dierkes [November 12, 2009 at 12:03pm CST]
A few notes from ESPN's Buster Olney...
- Via Twitter, Olney's heard from other teams that the Reds would love to move closer Francisco Cordero. Of course, closers are plentiful and Cordero is set to earn $25MM over the next two years. I mentioned in our Reds Offseason Outlook that the team would have to eat half of that to make him mildly appealing. Similarly, the Indians would definitely listen on Kerry Wood, who is set to earn $20MM over the next two years.
- Olney believes other teams could join the Reds and Tigers in cost-cutting mode. He says the teams with payroll space "will be in position to make some excellent deals."
- Olney finds it unlikely that Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, or John Lackey will receive a $100MM contract.
- Catcher Brad Ausmus on 2010: "I could end up playing if somebody wants me."
- The A's are interested in free agent infielder Jamey Carroll. Ed Price of AOL FanHouse tweets that the Dodgers and at least seven other teams are also interested in Carroll.
- Mark Prior is throwing on flat ground and plans to audition for scouts. Prior, 29, most recently had shoulder surgery in June.
- The Giants are attempting to re-sign Brad Penny, who lost 12 pounds since the end of the season.
- Olney wonders if the Royals will dump more players before the December 12th non-tender deadline. I think Mike Jacobs, John Buck, and John Bale fit the bill.
- Olney's heard that the Phillies "will be aggressive in signing a set-up man/closer safety net," with Brad Lidge having flexor tendon surgery.
How Mike Jacobs and John Bale are still on the Royals right now I will never know. We should have non-tendered them first!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=702189362 | November 12, 2009 at 08:29 AM
The Royals really need to non-tender Jacobs, they have numerous superior alternatives already on the roster in Butler, Fields and Ka'aihue.
Posted by: scribbletone | November 12, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Feeling bad for Carroll... signing with Oakland is where veterans go to die.
(Mike Piazza, Jason Giambi, Frank Thomas "the 2nd time"..)
Posted by: andre14 | November 12, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Ausmus might be a good backup option in Philly. He's good at blocking pitches in the dirt, which they need if Lidge is going to close again next year. Lidge's troubles always snowballed when he was concerned about a wild pitch - he can't throw his good slider then, and without that it's batting practice.
Posted by: ColonelTom | November 12, 2009 at 08:45 AM
"The Giants are attempting to re-sign Brad Penny, who lost 12 pounds since the end of the season."
It was later revealed that Penny found those stray extra 12 pounds hidding at a Chinese Buffett. No need to fear, Penny and his lost pounds have been reunited.
In other news, Penny won Buffett hero once again with an astonishing 87 plates finished, vanquishing his nearest competition, fellow big leaguer Bartolo Colon.
Posted by: BaseBallz | November 12, 2009 at 09:18 AM
"In other news, Penny won Buffett hero once again with an astonishing 87 plates finished..."
Buffett hero? So did he launch into a crowd-pleasing rendition of "Margaritaville" or did he invest in some lucrative hedge funds that made a certain billionaire backer proud?
If you're going to trash a dude's weight, at least do it competently.
Posted by: DunkinDonuts | November 12, 2009 at 09:38 AM
I've heard Carroll linked to a number of teams, even as an everyday guy (he batted .300 with Great D in fulltime duty in Colorado (2006). The Dodgers, Tigers, Oakland, Twins.. all teams that have mentioned Carroll in various media outlets.. I think Cleveland has an offer out to Carroll? Has anybody seen or heard that? He is such a fundamental, great player. I always appreciated, as a Clevelend fan, him signing autographs before every game I attended. Very classy off the field and on.
Posted by: gardner | November 12, 2009 at 09:49 AM
I find it hilarious that a user here going by the name of DunkinDonuts is trashing another poster/player regarding weight. How funny.
Wonder if there was a -0- missing behind that 12 though in the figure in weight lost? Penny looked awfully big pitching for Boston last year and stood like a statue when he took that line shot off of the center of his chest and remained in the game another inning or 2.
Posted by: johns | November 12, 2009 at 10:21 AM
"I find it hilarious that a user here going by the name of DunkinDonuts is trashing another poster/player regarding weight. How funny."
I'm afraid I have to question your level of sophistication when you refer to "trashing another poster/player regarding weight." There is no question that I was referring to the poster's use of "Buffett" in place of "buffet," and not to the player himself. The fact that you felt compelled to put a slash to leave open the possibility that I was referring to either BaseBallz or Brad Penny casts doubt on your reading comprehension, which in turn makes your ability to discern humor appear somewhat suspect because you seem to be laughing at a situation that you don't fully understand.
If you think it is funny that a poster named "DunkinDonuts" would defend an overweight pitcher because (a) you see a parallel between donuts and fat people; and (b) you assume that fatties of a feather flock together, then your amusement is justified. Hilarious indeed.
Posted by: DunkinDonuts | November 12, 2009 at 10:34 AM
Olney must be dreaming.
Matt Holliday well get a contract north of 100M no matter what Olney thinks. I don't think 6/17M per year is out of question, it might even be low-balling him. 6/19 per year seems like a fair deal.
Posted by: Baseball@Europe | November 12, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Please, God, no Fernando Rodney in Philly.
Posted by: Muggi | November 12, 2009 at 11:18 AM
"Mark Prior is throwing on flat ground..."
Ahh, brings back lovely memories of towel drills. I thought he retired.
Posted by: studio179 | November 12, 2009 at 11:46 AM
"Via Twitter, Olney's heard from other teams that the Reds would love to move closer Francisco Cordero."
Just another reason why you don't give closers long term deals unless your payroll is 200+. As long as you develop some young arms one of them is going to stick for a few years cheaply at the closer spot.
Posted by: bbxxj | November 12, 2009 at 12:07 PM
"The Royals really need to non-tender Jacobs, they have numerous superior alternatives already on the roster in Butler, Fields and Ka'aihue."
Are you nuts? Why non-tender him when you can trade him for a closer like Nunez?
Posted by: Joey B | November 12, 2009 at 12:10 PM
What about a Fransico for Bradley swap?
Posted by: holycow | November 12, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Donuts, calm down dude. The guy was trying to be funny and you didn't think it was. Who cares. And it doesn't matter how people spell, if you can tell what they are talking about theres no need to point out the difference between 1 letter, you knew what he was saying. comments are meant to discuss and share ideas and info, not talk crap on how people spell.
As for the subject, i think Holliday could get $100 mil, but Bay and Lackey i don't think will reach close to that high. Lackey about 5 years/$80-$85 mil, Bay about 4 years/$60.
I think it's good for the Giants to re=sign Penny, he did fairly well when he joined them last year, and losing 12 pounds is always good when you are a larger pitcher than others, just going to help him stay healthy through the year.
Posted by: cook | November 12, 2009 at 12:17 PM
Francisco sorry
Posted by: holycow | November 12, 2009 at 12:18 PM
I like the fact that we're trying to resign Penny. Hopefully we can get him on a 2+ year deal and he performs the way he did at the end of this season. Signing Penny makes Sanchez expendable as a good trade chip.
Posted by: Humm Baby | November 12, 2009 at 12:23 PM
"I like the fact that we're trying to resign Penny. Hopefully we can get him on a 2+ year deal and he performs the way he did at the end of this season."
Someone's hoping their team signs Penny to a two-year deal? Yikes...
Posted by: MorneauVP | November 12, 2009 at 12:25 PM
What about a Fransico for Bradley swap?
Posted by: holycow | November 12, 2009 at 12:11 PM
Reds don't need another OF, especially an over paid malcontent ... they have too many OF as it is with two more knocking on the door at AAA. If you have a near ready AA or AAA shortstop or catcher ... then we can talk.
Posted by: Gunner65 | November 12, 2009 at 12:34 PM
You obviously didn't see how well he performed when he returned to the NL last season.
Posted by: Humm Baby | November 12, 2009 at 12:38 PM
why would it be bad to have Penny for 2 years in the NL West, MorneauVP? You can get away with not being a top flight pitcher in that soft-hitting division.
Posted by: BaseballFan0707 | November 12, 2009 at 12:40 PM
DunkinDonuts, you are my new favorite poster.
Posted by: DanyaRomulus | November 12, 2009 at 12:45 PM
"What about a Fransico for Bradley swap?"
If it were your money, would you rather spend $12M on a high level closer, or an injury- prone malcontent with diminishing skills?
Posted by: Joey B | November 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM
That's a tough one, Joey. Can I have a lifeline?
Posted by: BaseballFan0707 | November 12, 2009 at 12:52 PM
"why would it be bad to have Penny for 2 years in the NL West, MorneauVP? You can get away with not being a top flight pitcher in that soft-hitting division."
Never mind the fact that two of the NL's top run-scoring teams were the Rockies and Dodgers. NL Central was the weakest offensive division.
Posted by: vtadave | November 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I would like to see the Astros sign Ausmus as a backup. He could finish his career where he spent the most time and already holds the most games caught record in team history. Plus if they have either Towles or Castro as the #1 Catcher then Ausmus would be perfect to coach them early on.
Posted by: raider8284 | November 12, 2009 at 12:54 PM
If I'm the Reds owner/GM...I'd be willing to eat about $8M of CoCo Cordero's contract..Which likely makes him much more attractive to potential trade partners than the list of Type A FA CL's on the market...and that kind of deal still saves the Reds $16M+ over the next 2 yrs. ($8+M per)
Posted by: catcard202 | November 12, 2009 at 12:58 PM
Well, the Rockies had issues hitting. Either they had extra base hits/home runs or nothing at all. Though I'm a believer in them next year as supposed to this year as Fowler will hopefully be healthy all year, Gonzalez showed his stuff, and E-Y Jr. should get his shot. Then the Rockies become a serious threat.
The Dodgers need Martin to get back to hitting, or else their offense is just decent, despite how their offense did last year. Manny needs to get back to hitting like he is able to. Either can't carry the entire team.
Posted by: BaseballFan0707 | November 12, 2009 at 01:00 PM
"You obviously didn't see how well he performed when he returned to the NL last season."
I sure did. You want to dish out two years based on 41.2 innings, be my guest. Have fun with Penny's 4.40 FIP as a Giant and his completely absurd .206 BABIP, not to mention his 4.3 K/9.
Penny's success was an illusion. Giving him any more than a low-base one-year deal with incentives is a mistake.
There's probably a dozen better options on the FA market for starting pitching.
Posted by: MorneauVP | November 12, 2009 at 01:07 PM
cook,
You're absolutely right... the message should be more important than the delivery. Unfortunately, there was no content to distract me from the delivery, unless it is true that Brad Penny has found the twelve pounds that he had previously lost (at the Chinese Buffett, of all places). I suppose I could focus less on the spelling and instead debate whether we should put an asterisk next to Penny's alleged 87-plates record because he did not consume the proper ratio of starches to legumes.
Seriously, my point stands. If you're going to trash someone, don't highlight your own shortcomings so blatantly, because it tends to undercut your point.
It's like when people say, "the yanks dont need lackey cause hes got more chins then wins." Cute, yes. Insightful? Not really. In that case, the spelling and grammar are right in line with the quality of the analysis. Therefore, I reserve the right to retaliate for having wasted my time.
I'm also partial to those instances where there's a post on Adrian Gonzalez, and the first comment is, "O grate, here comes all the red sox fans tryin to offer micheal bowdin for agon... gimme a brake its gonna take at least buccholz and lester and elsbury plus three GOOD prospects and then maybe well START talking." During those moments, I feel compelled to look past the speling/grammer issues so that I can tap the brain of the mental giant behind those kernels of wisdom.
I'll elevate form over substance when the people pissing on form actually add something of substance. Until then, I will continue to defend overweight pitchers against their illiterate detractors.
Posted by: DunkinDonuts | November 12, 2009 at 01:15 PM
"That's a tough one, Joey. Can I have a lifeline?"
LOL! I try to refrain from comments on trade, since it's mostly just some fun by some rotisserie players, but before some of these people suggest the trade, they should ask themselves if they'd take the same deal themselves.
Cordero is a bit overrated, imho, but he gets 39 saves a year. So you want the Reds to trade away 39 saves for a nutbar, with virtually no salary relief? I understand that something like Bradley for Matthews could generate opposing POVs, but I cannot think of one logical reason whatsoever that cause the Reds to do that.
Posted by: Joey B | November 12, 2009 at 01:25 PM
The Reds are going to have an awful hard time unloading Cordero. Yet another example of why they're not a winning team. It's hard to compete when you blow something like 17% of your payroll on a pitcher you won't use except for one inning in games you're already winning.
Ausmus would only be passable as a strict backup/mentor type who only gets in a game once every couple weeks. Otherwise his offense will quickly negate any value he gives you with the glove.
There's been a Mark Prior sighting? Outside of an operating room I mean??? It's too bad it didn't work out for him, I'd like to see him get healthy and have some success before he decides enough is enough. Good luck to him.
Posted by: pageian | November 12, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Penny made the Dodgers look bad his first start against them but then they destroyed him.
Hes a really good option for a 5 starter.
Posted by: 661dodgerblue | November 12, 2009 at 01:29 PM
""why would it be bad to have Penny for 2 years in the NL West, MorneauVP? You can get away with not being a top flight pitcher in that soft-hitting division."
Never mind the fact that two of the NL's top run-scoring teams were the Rockies and Dodgers. NL Central was the weakest offensive division.
Posted by: vtadave | November 12, 2009 at 12:53 PM"
Both LA and Col have very good offenses.. ARZ had a good hitting club too, very good considering a majority of their team was hurt/flat out sucked.
The Dodgers did everything but hit Home Runs.
Posted by: 661dodgerblue | November 12, 2009 at 01:33 PM
I sure did. You want to dish out two years based on 41.2 innings, be my guest. Have fun with Penny's 4.40 FIP as a Giant and his completely absurd .206 BABIP, not to mention his 4.3 K/9.
Posted by: MorneauVP | November 12, 2009 at 01:07 PM
Not only do I come to mlbtraderumors for the latest and greatest hot stove gossip, but I also come for the comedy. Forget Seinfeld reruns, all I have to do is read the comments section and see idiots like this who sit there with baseball-reference.com open so they can quote every stat possible to attempt to back up their posts and sound intelligent. Look at me, I can give you Omar Vizquel's UZR. MorneauVP, just curious, when you pick up on a woman at a bar do you open the conversation by saying something like, "What do you think of Barry Bonds OPS in 2004? Wasn't that amazing?". The guy was simply stating that he felt Penny would be a good addition to his team. Hopefully you'll catch this post after you spend the next 2 1/2 hours shoveling snow out of your driveway just so you can back your car out into the street in the winter wonderland that is MN.
Posted by: slider68 | November 12, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Btw Dunkin, I do enjoy your posts as well.
Posted by: slider68 | November 12, 2009 at 02:05 PM
Carroll should be drawing a fair amount of interest.. I'm actually very surprised that nobody picked him up via trade at last season's deadline.
In my mind, he isn't a starter as some have suggested.. But he is a solid defensive backup at 2B, SS, and 3B.. He can play the OF corners as well. Over the past few years, he has proven that his bat won't kill you if he is filling in for a player on the DL.
Posted by: GoTribe | November 12, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Wow.. Mark Prior is throwing off of flat ground, huh? Makes me wonder what Jaret Wright is up to...
It seems like every season Prior is coming off another surgery and looking to rehab with a team until he hurts his shoulder again.
Maybe it's time to rethink your strategy, Mark... Rest up for a few months, start on a new strength training program and DON'T touch a ball for at least a season or two.
Posted by: GoTribe | November 12, 2009 at 02:25 PM
Holliday will probably get something like $105m for 5 years with an option.
Posted by: MetsvilleSlugger | November 12, 2009 at 02:28 PM
milton bradley for kerry wood straight up
Posted by: SosaCrackers | November 12, 2009 at 03:48 PM
Penny is a Tommy John surgery waiting to happen. I hope the Giants re sign him. He was a poor sport in LA, what makes you think he will be any better once he gets that contract. As for Damon in SF, that is a huge upgrade for what you currently have. Dream on that you will aquire Uggla of Adrian Gonzales, unless you want to part with Matt Cain, and some.
Posted by: drinksyrah | November 12, 2009 at 04:16 PM
^^
Another joker who thinks Uggla is worth Cain!
No Giants fan thinks we could get AGon. Maybe if we gave up Bumgarner AND Posey.
Penny is fine. He would be our #4 pitcher. He won't have the pressure of being the team ace.
As for Uggla...Sanchez and a prospect should do it.
Posted by: 55saveslives | November 12, 2009 at 05:05 PM