The playoffs are about to start, but that doesn't mean the rumors ever stop. Here are your latest hot stove notes from ESPN.com’s Buster Olney.
- Jayson Werth may benefit from the anticipated bidding frenzy for Carl Crawford. Teams that miss out on Crawford could go hard after Werth, who’s well-positioned for a big payday no matter what happens with Crawford.
- Some evaluators don’t think Johnny Damon can play full time in the outfield. Olney suggests Oakland or Kansas City could have interest in Damon as a fourth outfielder and part-time DH.
- People in MLB front offices believe that the Marlins aren’t developing quite as much talent as they once did. One talent evaluator suggests the Marlins may have to lock up their current players to remain competitive. Dan Uggla and Ricky Nolasco are both extension candidates, but the Marlins aren’t close to signing either of them.
Cya JD… don’t let the door hit ya on the way out. Jayson, you can come right on in and replace that bum.
werth in that lineup would make the Tigers immediate favorites. I’m resigned to the fact that he won’t stay here in Philly. But if I see him head off to Detroit (or any non-Yankees AL team) I’ll be pretty happy for him and for the Phillies.
Damon is not heading back to KC. They have plenty of DH candidates already between Betemit, Butler, and Kila. Heck, Jai Miller is a cheaper option and at least he is right handed. Further, some fans, right or wrong, feel that he wasn’t committed to staying in KC before. Then again, were the Royals really committed to keeping him then?
well Damon’s an elite OF according to Boras. Boras’s plan was to make it look like he wavered last year so people call more this year. so, Boras will ask for 5 years $80 mil sound right? haha obviously not being serious, but I think he’ll end up in KC out of those 2 KC’spark is more hitter friendly than the colosseum. plus, on a 1 year deal damon would love to show he can still hit to guarantee a job for 2012
“Some evaluators don’t think Johnny Damon can play full time in the outfield.”
Reading Scouting Reports from 2008?
You know, when Damon nixed that trade to Boston, I really thought he was trying to kiss up to the Tigers to get them to resign him. Maybe he could get a 2 year deal, which would really help his quest for 3000 hits.
Damon’s defense has been going downhill ever since he left Boston. Too many crashing into the wall episodes, had head 1st dives for liner’s etc.. The guy that was once an elite OF is now a severe defensive liability with a lousy throwing arm to boot.
Werth can not leave, he is a great outfielder and plays wonderful! He is the one that gets all the hits, and runs when the Phillies really need it! If he goes i will be pretty upset!