Andruw Jones Rumors

Brown's Latest: Teixeira, Crede, Friedman

Yahoo's Tim Brown filed a column late last night; let's take a look. Scott Boras doesn't know of any kind of contingency where the Dodgers would have to unload Andruw Jones' contract before signing Manny Ramirez. The Angels have not yet made an offer to Mark Teixeira, but they'll deal with that situation before moving on to other needs. Boras is suggesting Teixeira pays for himself. Boras compared Joe Crede to Magglio Ordonez. I think he is implying that he may seek big money for Crede but allow a team to opt out after a year if he hits the...   Continue Reading

---

Andruw Wants To Return To Atlanta

Jennifer Brett of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution talked to Dodgers outfielder Andruw Jones, who says he'd like to come back and play for the Braves again. It's unclear from his quote whether Jones is campaigning to return to the Braves in 2009 or after that. It takes two to tango, however, and the Braves are probably looking for an outfielder who is not coming off a historically bad season. The Braves didn't even offer Jones arbitration last year. A few weeks ago, Jones said, "I'm an everyday guy or I need to move out." However, he hasn't formally requested a trade...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Jacobs, Howard, Renteria

Links for Friday... The A's claimed infielder Joe Dillon off waivers from the Brewers. Dave Cameron criticizes the Royals' acquisition of Mike Jacobs. ESPN's Keith Law also panned the move, suggesting Jacobs was a non-tender candidate for the Marlins. Peter Abraham breaks down the different types of hot stove stories and sources. Derrick Goold looks at Ryan Howard's arbitration case. MLB.com's Chris Haft talked to various scouts about Matt Cain's trade value. Edgar Renteria hopes to remain in Detroit, saying "Next year, we are going to win everything." ESPN's Tim Kurkjian names his top ten offseason storylines. Ken Davidoff says...   Continue Reading

---

Dodgers Rumors: Manny, Furcal, Peavy

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti talked to the media yesterday; here's the latest. Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News believes Colletti will pursue a competent backup catcher to allow more rest for Russell Martin. A decision is due on Gary Bennett's $900K option within seven days. So far this offseason, Colletti and Scott Boras have exchanged two voicemails. They'll meet in person to discuss Manny Ramirez and other Boras clients (Derek Lowe, Greg Maddux, Andruw Jones, maybe Joe Crede) at next week's GM meetings. Colletti will not put the other team needs on hold to deal with Manny. Colletti has...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Beltran, Brewers, Padres

Links for Friday... The Padres claimed second baseman Travis Denker off waivers from the Giants. Surprising to see the Giants let him go. Ted Berg at MetsBlog explains how a Carlos Beltran rumbling spun out of control. I recently did a Brewers Q&A with Bernie's Crew. The Padres called yesterday's report about John Moores selling his share of the team "highly speculative." Tim Sullivan considers the statement revealing, and notes that this is a bad time to sell. Michael S. Schmidt of the New York Times chatted with Scott Boras. Mark Cuban mentions that the struggling economy is slowing down...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: LaCava, Colletti, Andruw

Links for Wednesday... I did a Q&A with the Roselle Press. The article includes a sweet picture of me hacking the Internet. Greg Cote of the Miami Herald speculates on the new-look 2009 Marlins. If defense is a goal, they could look to acquire Adrian Beltre and try Jorge Cantu at first base. Randy Winn could improve the defense in right. John Fay runs through the Reds' nine free agents. He believes Jerry Hairston Jr. wants to return. Brian Cashman wants to acquire a real first baseman, rather than have Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui spend time there. The Mariners...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Santos, Blalock, Lo Duca

Let's dig through today's rumor bin... The Jays claimed southpaw Reid Santos off waivers from the Indians. MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince says the Indians are clearing room on their 40-man roster in preparation for the winter. Dejan Kovacevic has yet to observe why new Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche is so highly regarded. Jamey Newberg feels Hank Blalock's $6.2MM option for '09 is an easy call to exercise. J.C. Bradbury sees a rift within the Braves organization. Craig Calcaterra dismisses the silly idea of Frank McCourt suing Andruw Jones. Paul Lo Duca would prefer a non-guaranteed deal next year if he...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Bay, Clement, Fuentes, Cabrera

We've got plenty of links today. There is speculation that Andruw Jones could be sent back to the minors. Joel Sherman wonders if MLB should've gotten involved when Manny Ramirez decided to orchestrate his own exit. Kind of reminds me of Gary Sheffield intentionally botching plays to force a trade out of Milwaukee in '92. Gordon Edes stands by his report that Manny pledged to give full effort if the Red Sox dropped his options. That phone call between Scott Boras and Theo Epstein occurred within an hour of his trade to the Dodgers. Jon Heyman takes us inside the...   Continue Reading

---

Keith Law's Latest: Players On The Move

Keith Law drops some science on some big name players that could still be on the move if they clear waivers. To wit: Paul Byrd: Law argues that Byrd would be better served pitching in the National League where a "finesse" hurler like him would have an easier time. Byrd was a Type B free agent in 2007, which means he could slip to non-compensation status this year, an incentive for the Indians to try and trade him if he clears waivers. Greg Maddux: The Bulldog will only waive his no-trade clause for a team on the West Coast, meaning...   Continue Reading

---

Manny Ramirez Rumors: Monday

9:35pm: The D'Backs are considered "highly unlikely" to acquire Ramirez. So now we have denials from all four teams named this morning. 9:08pm: The Dodgers would only be interested in Ramirez if the Red Sox took Andruw Jones back. 8:42pm: Peter Gammons has some unkind words for Manny. 6:46pm: Cross the Mets off the list too, according to Jayson Stark. 3:06pm: GM Pat Gillick says the Phillies have no interest in Ramirez. He makes the fairly obvious point that the Phils don't have an open position for Manny. 9:26am: Click here for a refresher on yesterday's Manny Ramirez rumors. He...   Continue Reading

---

Juan Pierre Not Happy Being A Bench Player

Juan Pierre, who has been the odd man out in the crowded Dodgers outfield this year, said following the team's 5-3 victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday that he still has not accepted his current role with the club as a bench player: "I don't see myself as a bench player. I haven't accepted that. I know if they don't want me to play out there, that's their decision. But I don't see myself as a bench player." One reporter asked Pierre if he wanted to remain with the Dodgers to which the 30-year old responded: "I'm not going...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Jones

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has his latest video "Rosenthal's Full Count" up and running. First, Rosenthal calls Andruw Jones the "early candidate for worst free agent signing" noting that Jones is now batting 7th. Rosenthal goes so far as to say that the Dodgers' best outfield right now includes Juan Pierre and does not include Jones...The Dodgers are truly lucky to have Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp on the cheap right now ($840K combined), because Jones ($14.1M) and Pierre ($8M) are a lot of dead contract weight for one outfield. And we can thank Rosenthal for keeping Brian Roberts in...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Perez, Jones, Howard, Burnett

Let's round up today's linkage. No more long-term discussions with Oliver Perez and the Mets. Andruw Jones already wants to talk extension with the Dodgers. The Cardinals are not likely to make anymore acquisitions. In my view the team has question marks in right field, the middle infield, and the rotation. Here's a look at their MLB.com depth chart. By the way, could Ryan Franklin be a league average starter? They could try it if the current options don't pan out. Jim Salisbury thinks the Ryan Howard contract situation is a nonstory. I think this is partially because (and I...   Continue Reading

---

Cubs Willing To Pay $12-15MM Per Year For Fukudome?

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 7:39pm: Sandy Alderson was on 1090 AM XX Sports Radio tonight. He said the Padres gave Fukudome one of the top two or three offers the team ever proposed. An answer from Fukudome is expected tonight or tomorrow. FROM 12-6-07 at 2:23pm: According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, it "sounds like the Cubs might go as high as $12-15MM per year" for outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. He adds that Fukudome would have to be willing to take less money to play on the West Coast if he is to become a Padre. Many players have..   Continue Reading

---

Dodgers Sign Andruw Jones

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 7:42am: Make that $36.2MM, plus a no-trade clause. I wonder why it was done with the huge $12.2MM bonus. Meanwhile, Tom Krasovic said the Padres never got around to bidding on Jones despite the talk of a one-year, $17MM offer. UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 1:14am: The salary structure to Jones' deal is interesting: $9MM in '08, $15MM in '09, and a $12MM signing bonus. That setup could make Jones much more tradeable if the need arises. UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 12:23am: Tony Jackson has a hunch that the Dodgers will now trade Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier in a..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Guzman, Shelton, Garcia, Jones

Rounding up some smaller rumors... The Phillies talked to the Pirates today about Nate McLouth, Damaso Marte, and John Grabow. Grabow remains a possibility. There's some ill will between the Marlins and Angels. Aaron Rowand, Andruw Jones, and Hiroki Kuroda are all asking for more years than GMs are willing to give. The Tigers picked up Freddy Guzman from the Rangers for first baseman Chris Shelton. Maybe Shelton can work his way into the team's first base mix. Interesting note from MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan - the Rangers considered trying to acquire Adam Jones, but Bill Bavasi said, "You don't want..   Continue Reading

---

Dodgers Still In On Andruw, Rowand?

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:03pm: Talks between the Dodgers and Andruw revived today, according to Ken Gurnick. Gurnick thinks Scott Boras is looking for something similar to J.D. Drew's Dodgers deal, a long-term one with an opt out in the middle. Boras told Jerry Crasnick today that he does not have a one or two-year deal in mind for Andruw. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:00am: MLB.com's Ken Gurnick is with Tony Jackson on this one...Colletti hasn't made any offers and will move on to other priorities unless Jones and Rowand reduce their demands. Gurnick notes that the Dodgers are still in hard..   Continue Reading

---

Crasnick's Latest: Hamilton, Figgins, Andruw, Inge

Jerry Crasnick filed more rumors ripe for discussion. The Reds may consider trading Josh Hamilton, but not to an NL Central team. There was nothing to the Hamilton-Cubs rumor anyway, according to Bruce Levine. And now officials from both teams have debunked it. The Cubs actually want to add two left-handed hitting outfielders, for some reason. Beyond Kosuke Fukudome, Geoff Jenkins remains on the radar. Jim Hendry likes Chone Figgins, but the Angels would ridiculously ask for Aramis Ramirez in that one. Scott Boras is still saying Andruw Jones isn't looking for a one or two-year deal. The Rays have..   Continue Reading

---

White Sox Not Interested In Andruw

At about 4:30 today, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said "he's in the mix, I guess" in reference to Andruw Jones. According to Sox GM Kenny Williams, Ozzie guessed wrong. Williams says Jones is not on his list, as he desires patient hitters. Williams' statement about patience might indicate the Sox are in on Jason Bay and Kosuke Fukudome, as has been rumored. Others who exhibit patience or deep counts who might be available: Nick Swisher, Austin Kearns, Reggie Willits, Johnny Damon, Brian Roberts, Jamey Carroll, Milton Bradley, and Mike Cameron   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Getting Cabrera, White Sox After Andruw?

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 5:22pm: Joe Frisaro at MLB.com says Cabrera and Willis are on the verge of becoming Tigers. And to think some people called the Winter Meetings boring. The Marlins got some absolute studs here, though it's surprising they couldn't get more dealing the two separately. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 5:15pm: Ozzie Guillen confirms Chicago's interest in Andruw, despite his agent. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 5:04pm: This is out of control! Now Jim Molony is saying the Tigers are nearing a blockbuster eight-player deal to get Cabrera and Willis for Maybin, Miller, and four others. In the same breath Molony adds..   Continue Reading

---

Braves Offer James For DeJesus?

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 4:21pm: Debunked! David O'Brien says the Braves aren't in talks about DeJesus, and the Royals have a negative opinion of James anyway. FROM 12-4-07 at 2:09pm: According to the KC Star's Bob Dutton, the Jose Guillen signing puts the Royals in a better position to trade David DeJesus or Joey Gathright. The Rangers and Braves are on DeJesus' trail. Dutton believes the Braves offered up lefty Chuck James for him. It seems a little light, as I'm not sure James could be effective in the American League. Royals GM Dayton Moore, of course, came from the Atlanta..   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Andruw, Bedard, Kuroda

Here's a link to Jon Heyman's latest column at SI.com. The new stuff is below. Extreme longshot, but the Brewers could peek their head in on Andruw Jones. Who would've thought Andruw would be so unpopular this winter? Another bigtime longshot is the Mets...but they haven't been ruled out either. Someone would have to swallow his ego and play right field, probably Jones. The Orioles are expected to take their time finding the best offer for Erik Bedard, if they even trade him. Heyman throws out three years, $45MM for Hiroki Kuroda as a possibility. Say whaaaat   Continue Reading

---

Marlins/Tigers Cabrera/Willis Blockbuster

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:41pm: Joe Capozzi agrees - separate deals if anything. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 1:29pm: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro has a source indicating that the Tigers are interested in Willis or Cabrera and not necessarily both. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:23pm: According to Danny Knobler, the Tigers feel they're being used by the Marlins to jack up the price for other teams like the Angels. The trade talks between Detroit and Florida are characterized as discussions rather than trade negotiations. Knobler says Dombrowski doesn't want to trade Maybin, but I can't see this happening otherwise. FROM 12-4-07 at 11:02am: Ken Rosenthal..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Guillen, Patterson, Clark, Andruw

Let's keep things rolling along with a morning Odds and Ends collection. U.S.S. Mariner is not amused with the Ms' decision not to offer arbitration to Jose Guillen. Andruw Jones hasn't been getting much player, and his camp initiated contact with the Royals yesterday. The mutual interest may have been what pushed Guillen to sign. With the David Riske to Milwaukee signing not official, the Orioles apparently had talks with his agent yesterday. He'll be too pricey for them, anyway. By the way, the Cubs checked in on Brian Roberts, but nothing is really stirring right now on that front...   Continue Reading

---

Royals Sign Jose Guillen

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:31am: After some twists and turns, the Royals got their man on a three-year, $36MM deal. UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 11:52pm: Not so fast, says the KC Star's Bob Dutton. Dutton says talks with Guillen are currently stalled - the Royals don't want to go past two years. Instead they've been in close contact with Andruw Jones. They don't want to exceed two years on him either but will pay extra for the shorter term. Their offer might not be much more than two years, $32MM though. Even crazier: if the Royals miss out on Hiroki Kuroda, they..   Continue Reading

---

Giants Rumors: Lincecum, Tejada, Molina, Fukudome

Another MLB.com article for you, this time about the Giants from Chris Haft. Brian Sabean is getting a bit annoyed with teams thinking Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are available. They're pretty much not, but since the door is open a crack it may be inhibiting other deals. Sabean did admit that one team made an "interesting" offer for Lincecum. Any guesses? The Giants had talks with the Orioles about Miguel Tejada, as has been reported elsewhere. The Giants aren't thrilled with Miggy though because of his age, salary, and the position switch thing. A team asked about Bengie Molina...   Continue Reading

---

O'Brien's Latest: Andruw, Marte, James

The AJC's David O'Brien has a rumor update on his blog. Let's summarize. The White Sox are very reluctant to go after Andruw Jones, because of Scott Boras. They'd offer three years and less than $30MM, which would result in a dial tone. Unless it was a cell phone. The Braves need a lefty reliever, and might turn to the Pirates for Damaso Marte. That'd be easier to pull off if the Yankees opt to sign Ron Mahay or Jeremy Affeldt for their lefty reliever. O'Brien suggests the Braves have collected a starting pitching surplus, which is a dangerous thought...   Continue Reading

---

Today's Arbitration Decisions

The decision whether to offer your own free agent arbitration can affect your team in two ways: you may end up retaining a player you didn't want, or you may score a draft pick or two as compensation. With that in mind let's run down the rumors regarding some Type A and B free agents. The Red Sox plan on offering arbitration to Type B Eric Gagne. Worst case scenario, they hang onto him for one more year. Best case, they get a sandwich pick. The Astros have to decide on Trever Miller and Mark Loretta. Both are Type Bs,..   Continue Reading

---

Braves' Arbitration Plans

David O'Brien of the AJC writes about the Braves' arbitration plans. No arby for Andruw Jones, meaning no draft pick compensation. Frank Wren must really have thought there was a chance Andruw accepts and they get "stuck" with him for one more year. Would that really have been so bad? Not sure I get this move. Anyway Scott Miller lists the teams in need of a center fielder thusly: Rangers, Phillies, Padres, White Sox, Giants, Dodgers, Royals, and Orioles. We could see the Rangers, Dodgers, or Royals signing Jones. Ron Mahay will get offered arby, which he will certainly decline...   Continue Reading

---

Nats Talk To Boras About Patterson And Andruw

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Nationals have gotten in touch with Scott Boras regarding center fielders Andruw Jones and Corey Patterson. As you know, Andruw isn't prepared to give much of a discount despite a terrible 2007. As for Patterson, the Nats seemingly hope to miscast him as a leadoff hitter (.298 career OBP), the same mistake the Cubs made. Ladson also has a quote from Aaron Rowand indicating that he hasn't heard much from the Nats   Continue Reading

---

Brewers Rumors: Rolen, Andruw, Mench

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy posted a Brewers article yesterday that's worthy of discussion. One reliever Doug Melvin has considered that I hadn't heard before: Eddie Guardado. Hey, at least he'd come cheap. Players like Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy, and Corey Hart won't be moved. No surprise there. McCalvy says Melvin confirmed having internal discussions about Scott Rolen. Would John Mozeliak trade him within the division? More importantly, would the Brewers take on the money and injury risk? The obvious match would be to send a starter over to St. Louis for Rolen. Which starters are available? Though you can never have..   Continue Reading

---

Padres Rumors: Cameron, Jenkins, Colon

UPDATE, 11-28-07 at 10pm: Krasovic has an update on the Union-Tribune's sports blog. Cameron's agent said tonight that he would decline the Padres' offer of arbitration. That doesn't mean the Padres still can't sign him, but it seems unlikely. Krasovic also notes that the Friars are pursuing Japanese reliever Kazuo Fukumori. As you know, they brought him in for a workout previously. The Rockies and Red Sox have been linked to him in the past. FROM 11-28-07 at 10:40am: Tim Sullivan and Tom Krasovic make are a productive tandem for Padres rumors. Sullivan and Krasovic both posted new articles today...   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com has some Rangers notes. Of course, much of it revolves around the outfield, since they missed out on Torii Hunter. On that front, they're exploring Kosuke Fukudome, who is reportedly seeking three years and $30 million. Add the Rangers to the Cubs, the Phillies, the Yomiuri Giants and his former team, the Chunichi Dragons. I would toss the Nats and possibly the Twins in that group, and there are probably other teams where Fukudome would fit. The Rangers have a level of interest in both Aaron Rowand and Andruw Jones, but not nearly to the level..   Continue Reading

---

Graziano On Yankees' Center Field

I recently asked Yankees Rumor Royalty winner Dan Graziano for his thoughts on some hot stove queries. MLBTR: If Melky Cabrera is dealt, do you see the Yanks going after a free agent center fielder? If so, who do you think would be first on their list? Dan Graziano: If the Yankees were planning to deal Cabrera, I'm sure they would have been involved in the Torii Hunter sweepstakes. Because they weren't a factor there, I'm thinking right now that they don't intend to trade Cabrera. Of course, if the right opportunity (such as the one detailed previously) presented itself,..   Continue Reading

---

Will Andruw Take One Year?

According to Scott Boras, his client Andruw Jones will not be taking a one-year deal to rebuild his value. Boras cites Jones' home run total, RBI total, and Gold Gloves as evidence that he deserves a marquee contract. That might work if it were 1990 and OBP, SLG, and better fielding metrics weren't standard. Is Boras losing his touch? Boras said the same thing a couple of months ago: "I wouldn't even consider a one-year contract with Andruw Jones." This was a few days after Andruw admitted he'd listen to any offer. Crasnick's article (linked in the first post) indicates..   Continue Reading

---

Dodgers Pursuing Aaron Rowand

Buster Olney's blog today had some good rumors to digest. Olney writes that the Dodgers are making a "heavy play" for Aaron Rowand. Apparently they love the idea of adding a good character guy to the clubhouse. They'd be paying $25MM for Rowand and Juan Pierre in their outfield for the next several years. The Phillies are making a "big play" for Mike Lowell. This certainly doesn't jive with the speculation that the Phils only have $10MM to spend and it's going toward pitching. By the way, Ruben Amaro Jr. ruled out the possibility of signing Torii Hunter. Olney has..   Continue Reading

---

Padres Targeting Matt Kemp?

As always, Tom Krasovic has the scoop on the Padres. Free agents Geoff Blum and Milton Bradley are not expected back. Blum wanted to return but the Padres are going to pass. Blum is likely to sign with Houston. The Padres may try a combo of Scott Hairston and Chase Headley in left field next year. Wouldn't it make more sense to push Kevin Kouzmanoff out there? It'll probably be a moot point, as the Padres are hoping to sign Geoff Jenkins. Krasovic tantalizes us by not elaborating on this tidbit: Responding to Colletti's preference for veterans, the Padres are..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Andruw, Rowand, Castillo

Ken Rosenthal has cranked out another rumor-filled column. A summary is below. The Marlins are insisting on Howie Kendrick in a Miguel Cabrera deal. The Angels are understandably reluctant. The Nationals could sign Andruw Jones long-term if they felt it was a bargain - say, $13MM a year. The Giants, White Sox, and Padres may be in the mix as well. Hmmm, White Sox and Boras? And if Scott Boras changes his tune and hunts for a one-year "rebuild value" contract for Jones, the Red Sox could get involved. The Phillies think Aaron Rowand will end up getting a 4/52..   Continue Reading

---

Nats Like Andruw, Livan, Jennings, Colon, Glavine

UPDATE, EVENING OF 11-6-07: MLB.com's Bill Ladson has some more good Nationals information. His source says that both Livan Hernandez and Tom Glavine are interested in the club, but they only have the budget for one of them. Glavine makes more sense. Ladson also mentions that Bowden has his eye on Rocco Baldelli, and idea I like. I can't really think of a great match for a trade though. FROM MORNING OF 11-6-07: According to the Washington Post, Nationals president Stan Kasten recently met with Andruw Jones at the center fielder's home in Atlanta. Kasten, of course, was formerly president..   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: DeJesus, Lamb, Millar

Evan Grant writes for the Dallas Morning News, but he posted this column at night. Go figure. He's got some new info regarding the Rangers. As you know, the Rangers have had difficulty finding a long-term center fielder. That's the main focus of this offseason. The team has already shown interest in Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, the top center fielders available. Other free agents such as Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron appear to be in play as well. Grant's trade candidates: Coco Crisp, David DeJesus, Mark Kotsay, and Carlos Beltran. We've speculated on DeJesus to Atlanta in the past...   Continue Reading

---

Latest Alex Rodriguez Rumors

Ah, your daily dose of Alex Rodriguez rumors. What would you do without it? Rob Bradford asked Red Sox captain Jason Varitek whether Alex Rodriguez would fit in with the Red Sox clubhouse. Varitek, you may recall, had a little face-shoving scuffle with A-Rod back in 2004. Varitek said he had no idea whether Rodriguez would fit in with the current team, but that he knows Mike Lowell does. It's pretty obvious where Varitek's allegiance lies given the "Re-sign Lowell" sign and all. Gwen Knapp doesn't see the Dodgers getting A-Rod for a couple of reasons. First, of course, there's..   Continue Reading

---

Dodgers Serious About Andruw Jones

Bill Shaikin has a small note in today's column: Scott Boras is believed to consider the Dodgers a more serious contender for center fielder Andruw Jones than for Alex Rodriguez. It's not the first time we've seen the Dodgers linked to Jones; David O'Brien suggested it several weeks ago. Ned Colletti, you may recall, wasn't exactly thrilled with Scott Boras a year ago when J.D. Drew unexpectedly opted out. But it sounded like much of his anger was directed at Drew. Boras seems to disagree with the notion that Jones should come with a significant price cut this winter. Before..   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Hot Stove Talk

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News runs down all of the big names rumored to be possibilities for the Tigers this winter and assesses the likelihood of each. It's a well-written article so be sure to read it. Here are the players, ranked by the percent chance of playing for Detroit next year: Kenny Rogers - 90% Todd Jones - 80% Geoff Jenkins - 75% Edgar Renteria - 50% Jack Wilson - 30% Francisco Cordero - 5% Alex Rodriguez - 3% Mariano Rivera - 3% Raul Ibanez - 0.5% Torii Hunter - 0% Andruw Jones - 0% Henning believes Jenkins..   Continue Reading

---

State Of The Dodgers

The L.A. Daily News' Tony Jackson has a look at the Dodgers' upcoming offseason. You also might be interested in my recent Needs and Luxuries post on the team. A summary of Jackson's column: Juan Pierre could be shifted to left field to allow the Dodgers to employ a stronger arm in center field. It's odd...teams seem to be souring on last winter's signings even when they received exactly what everyone expected (Pierre and Jason Marquis, for example). It'd be different for the Red Sox to sour on J.D. Drew, he played well below expectations in Year 1. Anyway, Pierre..   Continue Reading

---

Phillies Have $20MM To Burn

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Todd Zolecki tallied up the Phillies' commitments and determined that they have roughly $20MM free to spend on pitching, third base, and perhaps Aaron Rowand. Zolecki feels that the Phils would choose to let Rowand walk if they couldn't fit it all in the budget. Zolecki mentions Mike Lowell as a possibility for the hot corner; that'd run $8-12MM for '08 depending on how you backload it. Lowell seems in line for at least two years, $22MM. Gordon Edes has speculated that it could require a three or four year commitment. The Phillies at least fall under..   Continue Reading

---

Braves Notes: Hampton, Lowry, Andruw

Mike Hampton makes $15MM next year, and the Braves aren't getting any relief from the Rockies or Marlins. However, it turns out the Braves actually spread around those payments so that they'd pay out about $8MM to Hampton in each year of the deal. This is confirmed by Bill Shanks of Scout.com, for starters. Shanks notes that the Braves owe $8.25MM to Hampton next year because of amortization. I've heard that David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution said something similar in the comments of one of his blog posts, but it's been buried somewhere. Bottom line, the Braves have $7MM..   Continue Reading

---

Andruw Jones' Braves Career Over

According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Andruw Jones has priced himself out of the Braves' range and will not be returning next year. O'Brien says Scott Boras' starting point was seven years and nearly $20MM annually. So basically no discount at all despite Jones' terrible season. Boras would be a true magician to pull that off. All of this just goes to confirm the sentiment from a few days ago. But don't think this frees up a ton of money for the Braves to spend on Torii Hunter. As I noted earlier, a $95MM payroll (a $7MM increase..   Continue Reading

---

Andruw Likely Gone

Update: Keith Law just predicted Torii Hunter will make 16MM/year in Texas. That gels with what Andruw's seeking. Tim discussed The Andruw Jones Situation recently and whether he'd accept a 1-year deal or a 5-year hometown discount. Now, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution discusses the inevitable departure of Andruw Jones here and here. Despite Andruw coming off career-worst season of hitting .222 with 26 homeruns and 94 RBIs, Scott Boras has said there's "no way" he'll accept a 1-year deal. Instead, he's seeking a contract at the "fair-market value" of $17-20 million per year. That's Vernon Wells-esque. And why not? Wells has..   Continue Reading

---

The Andruw Jones Situation

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a thorough dissection of the Andruw Jones situation. The Braves have yet to speak to Jones, and their intentions for the center field spot in '08 are anybody's guess. If the Braves want to go short-term, it appears Andruw would consider a one-year offer. Scott Boras scoffed at the idea a few months ago but Jones had a subpar second half since then. If the Braves still want to lock him up, O'Brien reports that Jones might take a five-year, $75MM pact. I don't see the Braves doing it. As for fitting Andruw..   Continue Reading

---

Andruw Wants To Stay...Sort Of

I'd take it with a grain of salt, but Braves center fielder Andruw Jones had this to say yesterday regarding his future: "If they want me here, I'll be here. It just depends on what the Braves want to do. We'll have to see what happens. Hopefully, they'll come up with something. Maybe it will happen, maybe it won't." I don't know about you, but that's not entirely convincing. I do believe that Jones will wait to see what Atlanta offers before testing the free agent waters. Jones made $13.5MM this year and was awful. Both parties might be amenable..   Continue Reading

---

Andruw Jones and the Nationals

When we last considered the idea of the Nats signing Andruw Jones, it was April and he seemed in line for a six or seven year contract. The idea of bringing in Andruw was to create some goodwill with the fans through some rebuilding years, a la the Gil Meche signing in Kansas City. The consensus of the commenters at MLBTR was that this was a bad idea. Mark Zuckerman of the Washington Times re-started this conversation yesterday. He notes that center field is still the Nats' most obvious need. Sorry, Nook. Of course there's the Stan Kasten connection and..   Continue Reading

---

Graziano's Latest: Andruw, Dunn, Fukudome

Dan Graziano has a new article up regarding the free agent outfielder crop. He spoke to two anonymous GMs. Let's take a look at some highlights. Andruw Jones has an awful .216/.312/.418 line this year. He's been outdone by Shawn Green, Sammy Sosa, Jose Vidro, and Shannon Stewart in terms of OPS. Nonetheless, Jones isn't expected to come at a discount. Scott Boras will just play up the defense, the RBIs, the career totals, whatever. Graziano says "it's hard to see" the Reds picking up Adam Dunn's $13MM option. This would just be plain dumb on Wayne Krivsky's part. Given..   Continue Reading

---

Andruw Campaigns For A Starter

Andruw Jones, perhaps emboldened by his recent hot streak, is openly campaigning for the Braves to acquire a starting pitcher. Even if John Smoltz comes back strong, one more veteran would fit in nicely behind Tim Hudson and Chuck James. According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves were in on Mark Buehrle but Kenny Williams wanted Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar for him. That would have been quite a bounty for a rental. The names I think we'll be hearing in trade rumors this month as far as starters: Matt Morris, Kyle Lohse, Jason Jennings, Jon Garland,..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Andruw, Lidge, Gwynn Jr.

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up at FOXSports for your viewing pleasure. Rosenthal believes that despite Andruw Jones's lousy May and June, he'll still cash in this winter as the best available center fielder. He'll still provide more offense than Torii Hunter in the long run. The Nationals are still asking for the moon in trade talks. If Jim Bowden does start acting reasonable, Dmitri Young, Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, and Ryan Church could be dealt. Word via Bill Ladson of MLB.com is that only the Braves have inquired on Young. Brad Lidge is expected to remain..   Continue Reading

---

Mailbag: Braves CF

Nick from Salt Lake City, Utah writes: If the Braves lose Andruw Jones this offseason, what is the likelihood that Atlanta picks up a quality major league center fielder? Who could it be and what would be the price? The chances are very good that the Braves pick up a solid center fielder to fill Andruw's void. And I'd say it's about 80% that Jones leaves the Braves after this season. The Braves could try an internal option for center field in 2008, Brandon Jones. Jones will be 24 at that point. He's a fine athlete with speed, range, and..   Continue Reading

---

Boras And Stark Battle Over Andruw

Interesting debate going on over at David O'Brien's AJC blog (which is a good read by the way). ESPN's Jayson Stark wrote a book, called The Stark Truth: The Most Overrated and Underrated Players In Baseball History . One of the points was that Andruw Jones is overrated currently, because he has lost a step in center field and many folks have not noticed. I think that's the gist of it but still have to read the book. So then Scott Boras called up O'Brien, complaining about how Stark is just profiteering and stir up controversey with the assertion. Boras..   Continue Reading

---

Should Nationals Sign Andruw Jones This Winter?

Do you believe in the theory that a rebuilding team like the Royals or Nationals needs to make a "splash" as a good faith gesture toward the fanbase? Thom Loverro of the Washington Times does. And not just an ill-advised $55 deal like Gil Meche's - he wants to the Nats to sign Andruw Jones this offseason. Loverro believes that a new ballpark wouldn't be enough, and that a superstar needs to be paired with Ryan Zimmerman to keep fans coming through the tough years. Do I agree with Loverro and Bobby Cox that Jones is in the middle of..   Continue Reading

---

Angels To Chase Andruw Jones?

A small tidbit from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe: he has an Angels front-office source indicating that Andruw Jones, not Alex Rodriguez, is the marquee free agent of choice for the team this offseason. Such a signing would probably move Gary Matthews Jr. to left field. It reminds me of when the Mets were running Carlos Beltran and Mike Cameron out there at the same time. Good for pitchers. Rany Jazayerli wrote last month that Jones probably left $15-30MM on the table when he last signed a contract; he'll go for full price this winter. (It's an interesting column..   Continue Reading

---

Carroll: Andruw Jones, Mark Teixeira Rumors

Over at Baseball Prospectus, Will Carroll elaborates a bit on some rumored big names mentioned yesterday as trade candidates. Carroll indicates that John Schuerholz is hard at work and a host of star players are emerging from the rumor mill. We know the Braves have been shopping Adam LaRoche; Andruw Jones could be available as well if he'll waive his no-trade. Available long-term CF options for Atlanta floated by Carroll: Rocco Baldelli, Curtis Granderson, and Nick Markakis. The last two names are new to me; Markakis is probably capable of moving to CF. As if that weren't enough, Carroll names..   Continue Reading

---

Angels Pursuing Andruw Jones Trade?

According to Halos Heaven, the Braves hope to send Andruw Jones to the Angels for Ervin Santana and Nick Adenhart. Of course, Andruw would have to be amenable to this deal to make it work. Baseball Prospectus's Kevin Goldstein wrote, "Adenhart has come all the way back from Tommy John surgery to establish himself as one of the top righthanders in the minors." Among right-handed starters, Goldstein ranked Adenhart behind only Homer Bailey and Philip Hughes. Meanwhile, the L.A. Times (subscription required) says the Angels have made an offer to Alfonso Soriano and have interest in J.D. Drew. Mike DiGiovanna..   Continue Reading

---

Braves Rumors

Talking Chop has a nice roundup of trade talks that the Braves could be exploring. First, the White Sox are interested in Andruw Jones. That seems like a longshot because Andruw has a no-trade and the White Sox hate Scott Boras, but who knows, maybe an extension would get that done. Trading for Jones would make Brian Anderson expendable, and Anderson seems to me like Bobby Cox's kind of player-young, great defense, could improve at the plate. Maybe Anderson and one of Chicago's starters would get that deal done. Second, the Rangers could be looking at Braves pitching. The Rangers..   Continue Reading

---

More On Andruw Jones and Waivers

A couple of columns shed light on the Andruw Jones situation recently. As you know, Jones was placed on waivers, claimed, and pulled back. Andruw called the whole affair "rude." According to Ken Rosenthal: "The Braves routinely put their entire roster on waivers in August, trying to mask their intentions with the two or three players they might want to trade. Thus, Jones likely has been on waivers every year of his 10-year career. And even though he reportedly was claimed by an undisclosed club, the Braves still couldn't have traded him without his permission, according to major-league sources." And..   Continue Reading

---

Braves Scouts Attended Rangers Game Thursday

According to the Dallas Morning News Seamheads blog, two Braves scouts attended Thursday's Rangers-Angels game. Evan Grant theorizes that the Rangers may have claimed Andruw Jones to block the Angels. He also described the scouts' attendance as "unusual." Said Buster Olney today on Jones: "If they don't trade him today without getting his approval then they never will be able to. If Jones is in the lineup against the Reds this afternoon, we'll know he's staying, at least until the offseason." Andruw deemed it "rude" that the Braves are keeping him in the dark about this waiver business. But John..   Continue Reading

---