Let's take a look at the last week as we continue to creep up on the 2011 season…
- The Cardinals may have lost Adam Wainwright for the year, but they'll wait two weeks before making a big push for a replacement starter. Wainwright's teammate, Chris Carpenter, clarified his comments that he'd accept a trade. He said that while he wouldn't hold the Cardinals back from such a move, he's not looking to be traded and expects his team to contend, even without his fellow ace.
- Cards' GM John Mozeliak may have difficulty finding any help, though. Just ask Yankees' GM Brian Cashman. According to Cashman, "nobody's available" on the trade market. The Yankees have been connected to Francisco Liriano on and off, and we heard a report this week the the Twins turned down an offer of Ramiro Pena and Ivan Nova.
- The Mariners acquired Aaron Laffey from the Indians in exchange for 25-year-old minor league infielder Matt Lawson. Seattle also signed its 2010 fourth-round pick James Paxton, who wasn't restricted by the August signing deadline because he played in the independent leagues in 2010.
- The Laffey trade was likely made in order to open a spot on Indians' 40-man-roster for Chad Durbin, who the Tribe signed for $800K on a Major League deal this week. Cleveland also signed Nick Johnson to a minor league deal this week.
- The Rangers agreed to a four-year extension with general manager Jon Daniels. Under Daniels, the Rangers have seen their win total increase for three straight seasons, culminating in their 2010 World Series berth.
- While no official extension was agreed, Orioles owner Peter Angelos said that Baltimore's president of baseball operations, Andy MacPhail, will likely be around beyond the 2011 season.
- Cody Ross may have spent less than half a season with the Giants, but he's already got a ring there and he wants to stay in San Francisco longterm. He and his agent approached the club about an extension at the onset of Spring Training.
- Scott Boras' client profile is constantly expanding, it seems. However, he lost one of his marquee names this week when Mark Teixeira dropped his services, saying their relationship had "run its course."
- Spring Training is hardly as active as the Winter Meetings or July trade deadline, but the Angels will still be looking to make something happen. They're on the lookout for a left-handed bat to add to their club.
- J.D. Drew is considering retirement following the 2011 season, but he was far from the only retirement news that surfaced this week. Garret Anderson officially called it a career, and Bob Howry filed his papers as well.
“Twins turned down an offer of Ramiro Pena and Ivan Nova.”
I’m sure Bill Smith had to think long and hard about that AMAZING offer.
Hes probably offended by the offer. Pena and Nova would barley get Blanton, let alone Liriano.
Oh come on, Nova will be better than Liriano and Pena was on the YANKEES, why wouldn’t they take that? I honestly doubt an offer like this was ever offered. The talks would start and end with Montero
“The talks would start and end with Montero”
Why would the Twins want Montero? They have the best C in baseball and their 1B is not too bad either. What use do they have for him?
They also have Thome at DH, he wont last long. He could spell Mauer at C 1-2 times a week and Morneau the same. Montero is the only prospect the Yankees could offer that would intice the Twins. The twins have money, but will most likely not be able to afford Cuddyer, Capps, and Kubel all being FA. This would help them financially while also receiving a top prospect
The Liriano talks won’t go anywhere unless the Yanks say the names: Banuelos, Betances, or Montero in any offer.