Rosenthal's Full Count: Bonds, Webb, Hanley

Let's hit up Ken Rosenthal's latest Full Count video: Rosenthal thinks the Tigers should sign Barry Bonds. Sure, Detroit already has too many DHs, and Bonds wouldn't help their need for improved defense and speed, but they absolutely need another lefthanded bat. Rosenthal points out that the team is 11-20 in games started by RHP. As for the fear of a clubhouse problem, Gary Sheffield - who has feuded with Bonds in the past - has no problem and I would presume that the other players, particularly veterans, on the Tigers would echo that sentiment. The 3-year contract extension for...

Odds And Ends: Benitez, David Wells, Delgado

And for my first trick: My very first Odds and Ends. The Toronto Star's aptly named Blue Jay's blog reports the team placed Vernon Wells on the 15-day DL, and they expect him to be out six to eight weeks after fracturing his left wrist during Friday night's game. The Jay's also placed reliever Jeremy Accardo on the 15-day DL with a strained right forearm. As replacements, the Jays will call up infielder Joe Inglett and veteran hurler Armando Benitez. With Wells out, do the Jays re-enter the Barry Bonds speculation market? David Wells in Pinstripes? No deal says Joe...

Odds and Ends: Bay, Roberts, Cliff Lee

And here we have some random links I've collected over the past day or so. The Bucs will try to fill their open 40-man spots through low profile moves, not unlike the Jason Michaels one. They won't move Jason Bay or Xavier Nady until they're truly out of it. 4.5 games out of the wild card, they still have a prayer here on May 9th. Keith Law's top 60 prospects list for the June draft has been published. Shortstop Tim Beckham heads the list. Gordon Wittenmyer looks back on the Cubs players rumored to be traded for Brian Roberts. Juan...

Webb, Haren Extensions Possible

FRIDAY: SI.com's Jon Heyman expects the D'Backs to attempt an extension with Dan Haren once they complete Webb's. Heyman says Haren "won't get Webb money, but he'll get a significant raise on a deal that will likely be another Desert Discount." THURSDAY: When you have one of the top three pitchers in baseball, you've got to lock him down. Especially if you're the Arizona Diamondbacks, a team rife with young talent that could keep the team successful for years to come. The team has been talking with ace Brandon Webb about an extension to his deal, which essentially runs through...

Rosenthal's Latest: Hudson, Turnbow, Laird, Kershaw

Rumorland Ambassador Ken Rosenthal has posted yet another Full Count video. Let's get sifting: Rosenthal thinks Orlando Hudson could be shown the money this offseason if he opts to explore free agency. Hudson most likely won't be offered market value by the Dbacks. Rosenthal posits the Orioles, Cards, Dodgers, and Mariners as potential buyers. 4 unnamed teams are interested in Derrick Turnbow, who is making $3.2MM this year. According to KR, the Brewers would need to throw money in a deal or get a comparable salary in return - as the saying goes, you trade contracts, not players. Turnbow needs...

Orlando Hudson Denies $15MM Asking Price

On April 9th, Jack Macgruder of the East Valley Tribune said that D'Backs second baseman Orlando Hudson seeks $15MM per year for his next contract. That would suggest he is in Chase Utley's class. MLB.com's Barry Bloom inquired with Hudson on this topic today but didn't get much out of him. Hudson did tell Bloom that Macgruder's report was false, though. Hudson also made a point to say that he'd love to stay in Arizona.

Rosenthal's Latest: Krivsky, Scherzer, Edwin Jackson

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let's take a look. Rosenthal gives a good refresher on July trade candidates; pretty much the names you'd expect. Reasons for Wayne Krivsky's firing are discussed. By the way check out John Fay's blog for some candid final comments from Krivsky. One interesting note is that he had no extension talks with Adam Dunn. The D'Backs could use Max Scherzer to strengthen their bullpen, or they could shop Chad Tracy for a reliever. Rosenthal wonders whether the Nationals might consider the under-30 segment of the next free agent class. Plenty of teams continue...

Odds and Ends: Chat, Krivsky, Valverde

Let's discuss today's random links. We'll be doing a chat here at 2pm CST, don't miss it! Jon Heyman suggests that the number of unqualified GMs is dwindling. He names seven whose jobs may be in jeopardy. Wayne Krivsky cleared the air on various issues, including the signings of Dusty Baker, Josh Fogg, and Corey Patterson. Jose Valverde denies the notion that he made outlandish salary demands of the D'Backs. Good news on Jorge Posada's shoulder; maybe the Yanks won't have to acquire a catcher.

Tracy Could Be Trade Fodder For D'Backs

It looks like Diamondbacks 3B/1B Chad Tracy is close to returning from knee problems that have limited him to just one at bat since August 12 of last year. KFFL reported that he would work out in extended spring training starting this past Wednesday, and was slated for game action last night. Well, he's been working out, but has yet to play in an extended spring training game. When Tracy does return, which should be in a few weeks, it looks like he'll be sitting the bench. The Diamondbacks have scored an MLB-leading 139 runs this year, so substituting Tracy...

Stark's Latest: Oswalt, Tejada, Upton, Burrell

Check out the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark talked to one exec who believed the Astros' baseball people might consider a Roy Oswalt trade, but owner Drayton McLane never would. The exec also questioned whether the Astros would've given up a bounty of five players to acquire Miguel Tejada if they'd known the player's true age. Stark implies that the Upton brothers are eyeing big bucks and aren't likely to sign extensions. Stark's sources believe the Phillies will offer Pat Burrell something like two years and $14MM. He'll probably want significantly more than that.

Heyman's Latest: Lofton, Owings, Sabathia

SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new column up. Heyman and Buster Olney both believe the Cubs should sign free agent Kenny Lofton to help fill in for Alfonso Soriano. However, Olney noted that the Cubs don't seem interested. Apparently the Yanks pushed hard to get Micah Owings in the Randy Johnson deal a few years ago. Ross Ohlendorf still looks interesting, at least. Heyman has heard whispers about C.C. Sabathia having arm problems but admits there's no real evidence. Sabathia threw 256.3 innings last year (postseason included), an increase of almost 60 IP over 2007.

Upton In No Rush For New Deal

Could the Rays have started a new trend by locking up Evan Longoria after just 24 major league plate appearances? Probably not, though we have seen teams locking up players earlier and earlier. The Rockies secured Troy Tulowitzki for the next six years, with a $15MM option for a seventh. And the D'Backs decided they want Chris Young around through at least 2013. The Diamondbacks have another player who stands to make some decent cash before he reaches free agency: Justin Upton. The youngest player in baseball is off to a scalding start after struggling in 152 plate appearances as...

Odds and Ends: Lugo, Murton, Scherzer

A handful of random links... Josh Kalk did a guest post at RotoAuthority, using PITCHf/x data to analyze C.C. Sabathia's early struggles. Nick Cafardo comments on Julio Lugo's unimpressive Red Sox career, noting that Jed Lowrie is nipping at his heels. Is there any chance the Sox consider guys like Orlando Cabrera or Rafael Furcal this winter? Christina Kahrl believes leaving Matt Murton in Triple A was the right move. White Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley explains that real baseball is different from fantasy baseball. The Scherzer Watch begins, especially for fantasy leaguers. Joe Sports Fan offers their list of...

Orlando Hudson Wants $15MM Per Year?

Jack Macgruder of the East Valley Tribune reports a major gap between second baseman Orlando Hudson and D'Backs management. Macgruder says Hudson seeks something close to the $15MM per year Chase Utley received to cover his free agent seasons. Hudson seems to be asking for too much, but maybe it's just his starting point. Aaron Hill seems like a better comparable than Utley, and Hill has options for his free agent years at around $8MM. Brandon Phillips' free agent years were valued in the $11-12MM range; Ian Kinsler gets $7-10MM. It does seem that Hudson could crack a $10MM salary...

D'Backs Acquire Jon Coutlangus

The Diamondbacks and Reds made a deal yesterday. The D'Backs received 27 year-old southpaw Jon Coutlangus in exchange for 23 year-old outfielder Daniel Perales. Coutlangus has control issues, but the Reds used him for 41 innings last year. Lefties batted .231/.388/.277 off him. Baseball America liked Coutlangus in '07, suggesting that the converted outfielder's deception and cutter might be enough for him to shake off the lefty specialist tag. The D'Backs were lacking in left-handed relievers; the Reds had designated Coutlangus for assignment on Opening Day. They had more than enough lefties. Perales isn't much of a prospect, though FutureBacks.com...

D'Backs Sign Chris Young To Extension

TUESDAY: Young gets about $28MM over five years (2009-13). 2013 would've been his first year of free agent eligibility. There's also a club option for 2014. MONDAY, 2:22pm: Steve Gilbert says the six-year agreement has been reached and will be announced tomorrow. ESPN says it's a five-year deal. 8:17am: According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks "appear to be closing in on a long-term contract" with 24 year-old center fielder Chris Young. It may be similar to but less than Troy Tulowitzki's six-year, $30MM deal. Young has five seasons left under team control, including this one. Certainly...

Olney's Latest: Lidge, Shields, Eveland, Lahey

Here are some trade-rumor-tidbits from Buster Olney this morning: For the first time in his career, Scot Shields was activated from the DL and rookie pitcher Rich Thompson was sent down to Triple A. The Angels had hoped to keep the kid around but last friday's 1 inning, 5-run meltdown assured his ticket out. A likely story: Dana Eveland is making Billy Beane look smart. He shut down the Indians for 7 innings yesterday, striking out 7. When Dan Haren was sent to Arizona for 6 prospects, Tim thought the Dbacks won and suggested Eveland could be a back of...

Rangers Acquire Dustin Nippert

Smart move by Jon Daniels tonight, as the Rangers acquired out of options pitcher Dustin Nippert from the Diamondbacks for minor league reliever Jose Marte. Nippert, 27 in May, was said to have "top of the rotation stuff" by Baseball America in their '07 handbook. The 6'7" TJ survivor throws in the mid-90s with a strong curve. He hasn't had any big league success, but there's upside here. The Rangers can afford to stash Nippert on the active roster and let him struggle in '08; the D'Backs couldn't. I can't tell you much beyond stats about Marte - he's a...

MLB Investigating Salcedo's Birthdate

Baseball America's Ben Badler has the latest on 16 year-old Dominican shortstop Edward Salcedo. He says MLB is currently investigating Salcedo's birthdate (not an uncommon practice). Scott Boras and Co. represent the kid, but they're not talking. There were rumors he'd signed with the Tribe, but the Indians said two weeks ago that it wasn't true. Badler adds that Salcedo rejected a $2.5MM offer from the Giants and the D'Backs may be interested. Badler also writes: Adding to the intrigue is Major League Baseball's recent firing of three investigators in the Dominican, including one who was working on Salcedo's case....

Waivers Possible For Nippert, Medders?

The Diamondbacks are facing too much of a good thing this spring, with five relievers competing for just one remaining spot in the bullpen. Righthander Dustin Nippert was the frontrunner, but has stumbled in Spring Training. Strong performances by young throwers Billy Buckner, Juan Gutierrez, and Yusmeiro Petit have also complicated the situation, as each has made a strong case for his inclusion on the big-league roster. However, Nippert and fellow righty Brandon Medders have both been with the team for three years, and are out of minor league options. If the Diamondbacks leave them off the roster, they'll hit...

Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Horacio, Willits

Rumor guru and baseball insider Ken Rosenthal has a new column at FOX Sports. Let's discuss. Rosenthal does not see the Cubs taking on the salaries of both Brian Roberts and Coco Crisp, even if they shed their Jason Marquis commitment. Roberts remains the focus. Horacio Ramirez's agent says seven clubs have already expressed interest in his client. Perhaps he meant to say 0.7. Rosenthal runs through many Rocco Baldelli replacement options for the Rays: Reggie Willits, Kenny Lofton, Gabe Gross, and Reed Johnson. Only Willits seems the perfect fit, and the Angels aren't making him available. Willits and his...

Odds and Ends: Garland, Linden, A-Rod

Time to round up various tidbits and rumors. Jon Garland says that unless his agent kept him in the dark, a long-term deal was never discussed with the White Sox. But in the unlikely event the Sox pursue Garland this winter, he'll listen. Here's a look others who will be free agents after this season and under 30 years old for '09. We've heard the Brandon Inge/Joe Crede rumors regarding the Dodgers. Tony Jackson speculates that Wes Helms or Jeff Cirillo could also be options. Paul Sullivan says Aaron Rowand was the Cubs' Plan B to Kosuke Fukudome. ShysterBall can't...

Medders Or Nippert Could Be Traded

The D'Backs have two fellas on our Out of Options list - pitchers Brandon Medders and Dustin Nippert. In the eyes of Nick Piecoro, there's a decent chance the D'Backs trade one of 'em. Nippert turns 27 in May. A TJ survivor, Baseball America wrote in their '07 handbook that the tall righty has "top-of-the-rotation stuff." He could be a prize for a rebuilding team that could afford to keep him in the Majors all year. He's yet to have much big league success. Medders has a nice 3.36 career ERA in 131 innings of relief, but his K/BB has...

Odds and Ends: Johnson, Ponson, Nady

Ever lose a contact in the bathroom and scour for it for hours? That was my morning. Good times. On to the links. Friend of MLBTR Susan Slusser notes that the Giants had two scouts watching the A's on Wednesday. One guy they might have been eyeing is first baseman Dan Johnson. It seems that Johnson, who is out of options, may be able to linger around on the A's roster until at least mid-April given the expanded rosters for the Japan series. And since Slusser's article we've learned that Daric Barton's hand injury is more serious than initially thought....

Odds and Ends: Fields, Garcia, Bonds

Welcome to today's roundup... Josh Byrnes would never give a pitcher eight years, just so you know (hat tip AZ Snakepit). South Side Sox explains how Josh Fields was posturing in not signing his contract. Unrelated interesting fact - Fields seemed headed to Florida in a Miguel Cabrera for a split-second in December. Bobby Jenks' salary is set to skyrocket next year, as he becomes arbitration-eligible. Freddy Garcia's agent talks about the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox for his client. Garcia is targeting a June or July return. DRays Bay's free season preview guide is now available. Speaking of the...

Shawn Green Retires

According to Mark Hale of the New York Post, outfielder Shawn Green has decided to retire. He had interest from a half-dozen clubs, but apparently nothing close enough to his California home. Green retires at 35 with about $100MM earned in his career. That'd be kind of nice, wouldn't it? Green finishes with a line of .283/.355/.494 and 328 home runs. He topped 40 HR in three different seasons.

Odds and Ends: Spiezio, Pavano, Gross, Jackson

Links, rumors... Scott Spiezio is in trouble with the law, and the Cardinals decided to release him for it. Joe Ostermeier notes that the Cards now have about $20MM in dead money on the payroll for '08. Evan Grant believes the Rangers would want Jose Ceda or Donald Veal in a deal for Marlon Byrd. Call it informed speculation, but Mike Berardino wonders whether Carl Pavano could end up back with the Marlins eventually. Ken Rosenthal recently wrote that the Padres were eyeing Gabe Gross. Tom Haudricourt found out that Kevin Towers never inquired on the Brewers outfielder, but that...

Orlando Hudson Heads Into Contract Year

Second baseman Orlando Hudson is set to reach free agency after the 2008 season, with Mark Ellis as the strongest alternative in his class. Hudson will be 31 for the '09 season and figures to get a deal averaging at least $7MM. Baseball Prospectus' numbers say a fair value four-year pact would be around $25MM. But Hudson is significantly better than Luis Castillo, who recently received that deal from the Mets. Hudson should easily pass $30MM on a four-year deal. Perhaps only Aaron Hill can rival Hudson's second base defense. Hudson is no slouch with the bat either, though his...

D'Backs Extend Josh Byrnes Through 2015

Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes doesn't have to worry about making moves with his job hanging in the balance. Arizona extended Byrnes and President Derrick Hall through 2015 today. My Trade Profile of Byrnes was created in April of '07. At that point I considered him an excellent trade-maker. Since then he's traded away Scott Hairston, Carlos Quentin, Emiliano Fruto, Alberto Callaspo, Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Chris Carter, Aaron Cunningham, Carlos Gonzalez, and Jose Valverde. Coming into the organization: Leo Rosales, a couple of Chris Carters (one used in the Haren deal), Billy Buckner, Dan Haren, Connor Robertson, Juan...

Trot Nixon Signs With D'Backs

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Diamondbacks have signed 33 year-old outfielder Trot Nixon to a minor league deal. Nixon is considered Chad Tracy insurance. When Tracy is healthy Nixon could be without a role. Nixon could also play some first base, spelling Conor Jackson occasionally.

Four Teams Considering Trot Nixon

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, four teams watched 33 year-old outfielder Trot Nixon audition in Tucson today: the D'Backs, Blue Jays, Mariners, and Dodgers. Nixon earned $4MM in '07 while hitting .251/.342/.336 for the Tribe in 354 plate appearances. He was pretty much injury-free. Nixon's calling card had typically been his ability to rake right-handed pitching. He hit .256/.352/.345 against righties in '07, drawing plenty of walks but displaying no power. Rather than a platoon he seems in line for a bench job this year.

Odds And Ends: Cordero, Torrealba, Koskie, Clement

Just browsing the web this morning: Troy Renck of the Denver Post speculates that the Mets deal with Yorvit Torrealba might have fallen apart because of the catcher's shoulder issues. This is based on Torrealba having missed time in 2006 with two shoulder injuries. The deal fell apart when it was thought to be complete, with only the physical remaining. The Rockies have also inquired on Matt Clement. Renck mentions the Diamondbacks as also having interest in the 33-year-old righty, adding them to the aforementioned Padres and Royals. Clement has thrown just 65.1 innings in the past two years. The...

Diamondbacks Acquire Joe Kennedy Off Waivers

UPDATE: According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, there are some indications that the Diamondbacks intended some of these claims as blocks and didn't want the players. Josh Byrnes has a growing collection of August waiver pickups, adding Joe Kennedy today to go with Byung-Hyun Kim and Jeff Cirillo. Kennedy provides another credible back-end rotation option for the Diamondbacks, and he cost only money (about $880K remains on his contract this year). I like the strategy here. Who knows, the Diamondbacks might not be done yet. Guys like Armando Benitez, Kyle Farnsworth, and Sammy Sosa could receive the same...

Diamondbacks Claim Byung-Hyun Kim Off Waivers

Not only did the D'Backs snag Jeff Cirillo today, but they brought back an old friend in 28 year-old hurler Byung-Hyun Kim. The Diamondbacks traded Kim to the Red Sox for Shea Hillenbrand back in May of 2003. With Yusmeiro Petit and Micah Owings filling out the back end of the rotation, the Diamondbacks needed to add some depth. I like that the D'Backs are willing to spend a few bucks to strengthen the back end of their roster. Kim will make approximately another $800,000, and the Marlins were happy to be free of it. Kim's always posted a nice...

Minor Moves: Cirillo, Elarton, Clayton

Some minor moves occurred recently. Let's catch up. The Diamondbacks claimed 37 year-old infielder Jeff Cirillo off waivers from the Twins. I still remember when Cirillo was a perennial .320 hitter and regular third baseman for the Brewers and Rockies. This looks like a salary dump, with the Twins not wanting to pay the $550,000 or so due to Cirillo for the remainder of the season. The Indians signed Scott Elarton to a minor league contract. Elarton was last semi-useful in Cleveland back in '05, when he posted a 4.61 ERA in 181 innings. Currently, southpaw groundballer Aaron Laffey is...