Heyman On Teixeira

Jon Heyman's latest column does a fine job analyzing Mark Teixeira's future. To sum it up: Heyman's source expects the asking price to be around ten years and $200MM. Personally, I don't see him getting a term nearly that long. Heyman and his sources do not see the Braves re-signing Tex. The suitors, in order of likelihood: Yankees, Mets, Orioles, Mariners, Braves, Red Sox, Giants. A battle of the New York powers is a reasonable prediction - both clubs should have first base open and the market for the position is otherwise poor. In a February MLBTR poll, the Yankees...

Odds and Ends: Botts, Red Sox, McLouth

Roundup of links! According to Jamey Newberg, Jason Botts has cleared waivers. He probably won't get another chance with the Rangers though. Gordon Edes notes that the Red Sox have five picks in the first three rounds of the June draft. Even though they don't start until the 30th pick, the Sox have had much success in recent years. No extension talks have begun with Nate McLouth, but Dejan Kovacevic does expect it to happen. I updated the fantasy baseball closers depth chart over at RotoAuthority. SI.com's Jon Heyman says Freddy Garcia is "progressing nicely" in rehab and will throw...

Pie-Greene Rumor Denied

MAY 7th: Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald discussed the Pie-Greene rumor with Cubs officials, and it was "emphatically shot down." APRIL 30th: Yesterday Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote of Kevin Towers' pursuit of a long-term center field option. Jim Edmonds remains a question mark, and his contract is up after '08 anyway. Krasovic says the Cubs "have kept tabs" on shortstop Khalil Greene, while the Padres are still eyeing Felix Pie. The Cubs' win-now approach could lead to that move, as Reed Johnson is doing fine in center field so far. Greene is signed through the...

Rockies Looking For Starting Pitching

7:22pm: Walt Jocketty did not deny the Fogg-Rockies rumor when asked. Maybe he'll be a little more loose with the rumors than Krivsky was. 9:18am: Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has details on the Rockies' pursuit of starting pitching. Their search includes some familiar names. Josh Fogg seems like the most likely acquisition; he's a DFA candidate for the Reds. Fogg received an early one-year offer from the Rockies this winter that was later pulled back. Julian Tavarez, another former Rockie, is on the radar again. The Red Sox don't seem to have much use for him. Kevin...

Odds and Ends: Doue, Furcal, Kuroda

Here are today's links. Dave Cameron notes Nelson Cruz's video game numbers in Triple A and suggests he deserves another shot. Japanese catcher Hayato Doue was expected to join the Red Sox organization, but visa problems have gotten in the way. Buster Olney notes that Rafael Furcal will test free agency if he can't hammer out an extension with the Dodgers by midseason. Shigetoshi Hasegawa denies the notion that he pushed Hiroki Kuroda toward the Dodgers. Athletics Nation sees Billy Beane targeting pitcher Tanner Scheppers if he's available with the 12th pick. Also, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has an overall...

With Moss Out, Wilkerson Could Be An Option For Red Sox

As Nat mentioned in an earlier post today, the Red Sox are suddenly having to figure out how to replace Brandon Moss. And in an update via the Extra Bases blog, Boston Globe reporter Nick Cafardo brings light to Brad Wilkerson's situation. Wilkerson was waived by the Mariners last week, and has since cleared waivers, but has not given his agent, Scott Boras, any indication of what his plans are. Boras, however, confirmed that the Red Sox were interested in Wilkerson this off-season, and Cafardo suggests that if they're looking for a long-term answer to their sudden roster opening, Wilkerson...

Coco To Stay For Now

From the Sunday Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo notes that Brandon Moss' emergency appendectomy yesterday "certainly puts the kibosh on any thought of moving Coco Crisp..." And when Bobby Kielty returns from his hand injury, Moss may be a mainstay. Cafardo notes that Moss has been impressive so far. Writes Cafardo, "'I've been trying to get Moss for three years," said one assistant general manager in the American League West. "I think he's a guy who is going to be a very good major league player. He can do a lot of things. Strong lefthanded bat. Good head for the game,...

Stark's Latest: Zito, Anthony Reyes, Varitek, Inoa

ESPN's Jayson Stark has been working the phones, and the result is his latest Rumblings and Grumblings column. Stark talked to an official from a "pitching-starved" team. This person said the Giants would have to eat at least $80MM of Barry Zito's remaining $112.5MM if they want to trade him. One scout suggested Zito's only chance at revival is a reunion with Rick Peterson. The Cards' Anthony Reyes is "eminently available." Problem is, John Mozeliak has a high asking price for the 26 year-old hurler. Edwin Jackson remains a hot commodity, but there's no reason for the Rays to move...

Colon Opt-Out Pushed To June 1

Informally, Bartolo Colon has agreed to push his opt-out date from today to June 1st. His contract remains the same otherwise, according to Alex Speier. Colon's oblique strain basically set him back a month. He looked quite good in his one Triple A start on April 3rd. It sounds like Colon and the Red Sox want to make this work, but who will he replace in the rotation? It would have to be Tim Wakefield, Jon Lester, or Clay Buchholz. None of them are pitching badly, though Lester appears to be on the shakiest ground given his strikeout, walk, and...

Brad Wilkerson Possibilities

What's next for outfielder Brad Wilkerson? Two possibilities are the Red Sox and Blue Jays, according to a source. The Red Sox previously wanted Wilkerson for a bench role. The Jays may want to add a lefty bat. Not saying these two clubs are necessarily interested, but they may be possible fits as Wilkerson looks for a job. Wilkerson, 30, is hitting .234/.323/.444 in 394 ABs since the start of the '07 season.

Corey, Aquino Designated

The Red Sox designated reliever Bryan Corey for assignment today to make room for Mike Lowell. Also, the Orioles designated reliever Greg Aquino. Corey, 34, has decent big league stats in 53 career innings but could never hold a job. Aquino, 30, has been done in by home runs, walks, and injuries in his career. He did manage to close for the D'Backs in '04.

Cafardo's Latest: Ramirez, Papelbon, Moss

Nick Cafardo spins Red Sox rumor gold in the Boston Globe. Scott Boras is the spur in Manny Ramirez's side. Cafardo interviews the Notorious One in the Boston Globe today. Says Boras, "Our plan for him is in place. If you can make a player comfortable, you have the ability to make a player play well." So far, so good. He doesn't speculate on the reality of a contract extension saying, "I communicate with [Theo Epstein] on a number of things and I really let the decision-making be theirs. It's rare if they haven't thought about what their future plans...

Will Salty Callup Lead To Laird Trade?

Jarrod Saltalamacchia has been called up, and GM Jon Daniels has no plans for him to warm the bench. Salty performed well at AAA Oklahoma, and when backup backstop Adam Melhuse broke a bone in his hand on Thursday, the call-up seemed imminent. However, incumbent Rangers catcher Gerald Laird has also been solid to start the season. Given the organization's desire to get Saltalamacchia regular at-bats and the lackluster hitting of first baseman Ben Broussard, I think it's likely that the defensively sub-par Salty will see at least some time at the "cold corner." But with the Rangers off to...

Colon Nearing Return, Opt-Out Date

For most of March, the Red Sox looked like they made the pick-up of the winter by signing Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract. While scouting reports from his winter work had him sitting in the upper 80s with his fastball, the Red Sox said he was hitting low 90s, a fine place to be for the former Cy Young winner. But after just one start in AAA, he was derailed with an oblique injury, and has been on the DL ever since. The Sox got a bit of good news, bad news on Colon. On the positive side,...

Odds and Ends: Crisp, King, Sweeney

Here's today's linkage. Bobby Kielty's hand injury drastically reduces the chance of a Coco Crisp trade within the next month. Who needs a lefty reliever? The Nationals' Ray King would like to be traded rather than head to Triple A. Mike Sweeney was excited about signing with the Twins last winter, but the Craig Monroe trade ended that possibility. Susan Slusser doesn't expect the A's to keep both Frank Thomas and Sweeney for very long. Joe Sports Fan ranks the seven best long-term contracts. Any additions? How about Dan Haren at four years and $12.65MM?

Oswalt Staying Put

Last night on Baseball Tonight, Peter Gammons suggested that Roy Oswalt might become available and that he was willing to waive his no-trade clause. The Astros, however, are far from cashing in their chips. They've won their last four and have no intention of trading Oswalt. Oswalt is signed through 2011 with a full no-trade clause. Oswalt repeated his stance from last year - he'd consider waiving it if the Astros approached him (and if the acquiring team is the Cardinals, Braves, or Red Sox). I imagine most players feel this way. It's a moot point right now; Ed Wade...

Odds and Ends: Burrell, Pedro, Fukudome

Today's link collection. Jon Heyman notes that Pat Burrell only wanted to go to the Yankees or Red Sox when the Phillies tried to trade him a few years ago. They're not great fits, but perhaps Burrell will have those two clubs at the top of his list when he hits free agency. Ross Newhan looks at the Dodgers' trade of Pedro Martinez for Delino DeShields. He rates it the worst in franchise history. He also names the Brad Penny acquisition as the fourth-worst. Josh Kalk takes a look at Kosuke Fukudome's hot start for RotoAuthority. The Dodgers and Juan...

Gammons' Latest: Crisp, Piazza, Wells

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post up. Peter Angelos might put the kibosh on any Brian Roberts trade. The Red Sox apparently wouldn't mind shipping Coco Crisp to the Cubs for Sean Gallagher and another prospect. The Sox might hope Crisp is the Cubs' backup plan to Roberts. Gammons says Tommy Lasorda suggested the Dodgers consider Mike Piazza as a backup catcher; they are not interested. It would've been fun to see Piazza finish his career in L.A. Another free agent, David Wells, "hasn't gotten a sniff from any team." It's only April 23rd, so desperation hasn't quite...

Odds and Ends: Hatteberg, Colon, Longoria

And now for more Odds and Ends around the league: In his latest "Full Count" audio piece at Fox Sports, Ken Rosenthal expects the Reds to do some roster shuffling that could come down to trades. Scott Hatteberg has become "expendable" with the recent emergence of Joey Votto and by the fact that the Reds have too many lefty hitters. Cork Gaines latest Baseball Blogs Weigh In delved into the Evan Longoria signing. To add to that, Ken Rosenthal, also in his Full Count piece, notes favorably that Longoria has set himself for life without having to establish himself and...

Blocked Prospects: Jed Lowrie

Jed Lowrie is in Boston's starting lineup -- for now. Lowrie started at shortstop last night, and went 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI. In his debut Tuesday night, he went 1 for 4 with three RBIs. But don't expect Lowrie to be around for long. He's headed back to the minors as soon as Mike Lowell or Alex Cora returns form the DL. Lowrie is a patient hitter with some power who can play multiple positions. Today, the Boston Globe reports that Lowrie spends time each day working with infield coachd Luis Alicea at second base,...

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...

Bryan Corey Chooses Free Agency

Nothing earth-shattering here...recently designated Boston pitcher Bryan Corey has opted for free agency. Who wants a 34 year-old journeyman? A month ago, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo noted that the Orioles were scouting him. A return to Japan may be another option.

Rosenthal's Latest: Crisp, Murton, Lowrie

Ken Rosenthal, your favorite hot stove reporter, has a new article up. Let's discuss. The Red Sox seem inclined to keep Coco Crisp unless they're blown away with an offer. Jayson Stark noted last week that the Sox don't want to eat any of the $11MM owed to him. The Rays still like Matt Murton, and are not content with Nathan Haynes as their only outfield acquisition. Rosenthal says the Cubs are asking for a lot for the 26 year-old, who is hitting .333/.487/.333 in 30 Triple A at-bats. Rosenthal notes that Jed Lowrie is pretty well blocked in Boston...

Odds and Ends: Schilling, Piazza, Howard

Tax day roundup... Some mild drama over whether Curt Schilling would consider pitching for the Yankees next year. He reiterated that he won't. It takes two to tango, anyway. Pedro Martinez may be out until June. Nelson Figueroa's chance continues, with Claudio Vargas as the backup plan. The Mets still have a solid rotation without Pedro. Mark Healey has heard rumblings that the Reds and Yankees are looking at Mike Piazza. Phillies Nation on why they would trade Ryan Howard. Bill Barnwell looks at the four trades Randy Johnson trades. I thought the Unit looked respectable last night, though it's...

Snyder Accepts Minor League Assignment

MONDAY: Snyder has cleared waivers and accepted his assignment to Triple A, as suggested by Sarah Green back on April 5th. FRIDAY: According to Jeff Horrigan of the Boston Herald, the Tigers, Rays, and Phillies have interest in recently-designated pitcher Kyle Snyder. Snyder, now 30 years old, was the seventh overall pick by the Royals in the 1999 draft. He was tolerable as a middle reliever for the Red Sox last year, though his control was poor. He had two labrum surgeries in '03 and '04, and that injury reoccurred in '05. The Royals designated him the following year, and...

Odds And Ends: Crisp, Spiezio, Lahey, Longoria

Here are a few notes from the MLBiverse... Terry Francona sounds like a manager that is frustrated and wishes the Red Sox would go ahead and trade Coco Crisp. After starting Crisp for the second straight game, Francona said "The more [Jacoby Ellsbury] plays, the better he's going to be, and I clearly feel that responsibility...I'm trying to balance [playing time] the best I can." It only took a couple of weeks, but Scott Spiezio managed to mess up his latest opportunity with the Atlanta Braves. After failing to show to his AAA Richmond game "ready to play", Spiezio was...

Recently DFA'd: Corey, Bazardo, Jimerson

Anyone looking for a relief pitcher or an outfielder? The Red Sox, Tigers, and Mariners designated a few for assignment yesterday. Let's see what they're leaving on the table. Yorman Bazardo, a 23-year-old who actually pitched pretty well last year, was curiously designated by Detroit. The Red Sox designated 34-year-old reliever Bryan Corey to make room for Mike Timlin, who got the loss last night in his first appearance since coming off the DL. You'd figure Bazardo would get a lot more interest than Corey. Finally, the Mariners have designated 28-year-old OF Charlton Jimerson after just one plate appearance. It...

Stark's Latest: Roberts, Crisp, Loretta

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings column up. Let's examine some of the hot stove material. There's nothing cooking with the Cubs and Brian Roberts. The O's still intend to trade Roberts this year, along with pretty much all of their other veterans. Their hot start is unlikely to halt the farm sale. The Red Sox don't want to eat any of the $11MM owed to Coco Crisp over the next two years, and for now there are no trades in the works. Roberts, Crisp, and Joe Crede were three trades we all expected to go down....

Red Sox Acquire Eric Hull

The Red Sox and Dodgers made a deal last night. The Sox acquired 28 year-old righty pitcher Eric Hull for 23 year-old shortstop Christian Lara. Lara was once Boston's top shortstop prospect, but he's been passed by Jed Lowrie and several others. A couple years ago Baseball America wrote that Lara had "a chance to be a plus defender." They weren't impressed with his bat. The Sox challenged him by putting him at Double A in 2005-06, but he was demoted to High A for '07. Hull seems like an organizational arm, though he did intrigue last year with an...

Red Sox Designate Snyder for Assignment

Relief pitcher Kyle Snyder was designated for assignment by the Red Sox this afternoon to make room on the roster for Josh Beckett, who is set to come off the DL and start for Boston tomorrow. Snyder is out of options and hence cannot be sent down to Pawtucket. Snyder has not impressed in 2008. Today versus Toronto, he pitched a third of an inning, gave up two runs, and walked two. March 25 against Oakland, he gave up two runs on two hits, including a solo home run. He wasn't terrible in 2007, posting a career-best 3.81 ERA, but...

Olney: Red Sox Looking For A Catcher

From Buster Olney's blog today: Scouts and officials with other teams say the Red Sox have been actively making inquiries about catchers. Kevin Cash is Tim Wakefield's personal catcher, for now. Not sure on their knuckleball-handling skills, but here are some other backstops who may be available: Gerald Laird, Michael Barrett, Ramon Hernandez, Bengie Molina, Humberto Quintero, Brayan Pena, and Jeff Mathis. However, Laird may be off limits and Barrett isn't known for his defense. Molina and Hernandez are signed through '09.

Cubs, Sox Still Like Crisp

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes that the Cubs and White Sox "have shown the most consistent interest" in center fielder Coco Crisp. Nothing appears imminent, as the teams haven't found any kind of match on players. Cafardo says the Cubs have found the asking price prohibitive. A week ago, Peter Gammons suggested Sean Gallagher and/or Matt Murton could be in the mix. The Cubs are currently using Felix Pie and Reed Johnson in center; the White Sox used Alexei Ramirez on Opening Day. As the season progresses we could see the Sox try Nick Swisher, Brian Anderson, and...

Kielty Stays With Red Sox

Outfielder Bobby Kielty will not opt for free agency; he'll head to Triple A for the Red Sox. Kielty, a 31 year-old switch-hitter, batted .218/.287/.287 in 87 ABs for the A's and Red Sox last year. In his defense, he battled back and calf issues. Kielty can handle all three outfield positions and typically handles lefties well. He'll await a Coco Crisp trade to create an opportunity for him in Boston.

Odds and Ends: Cashman, Matsuo, Durham

Some random links to ponder today... Peter Abraham submitted nine reader questions to Yankees GM Brian Cashman. I liked reading about how Cashman deals with agents who lie to him. The Red Sox signed free agent Terumasa Matsuo, who was pitching in a Japanese independent league. I have no idea what the 26 year-old pitcher is capable of. Tracy Ringolsby says the Giants really want to move Ray Durham and Dave Roberts, and will pick up some salary to do so. Durham makes $7.5MM in '08. Roberts gets $6.5MM in each of the '08 and '09 seasons. The Big Lead...

Odds And Ends: Quintero, Rios, Pierre

A few random notes from around the MLBiverse... Henry Schulman says the Giants are in need of a backup catcher and a logical choice may be Astros backup Humberto Quintero, whom Bruce Bochy is familiar with from his days with the Padres. He also notes that the Rays have two experienced catchers that were just reassigned to the minor leagues in Josh Paul and Mike DiFelice. The Jays and Alex Rios are closer today to an agreement on a long-term extension than they were yesterday. That according to Rios' agent, Paul Kinzer. Yesterday it was reported that the Jays had...

Cubs Outfield Situation: Crisp, Johnson, Byrd

Quite a bit of info is floating about this evening regarding the Cubs' quest to add an outfielder. Let's put it all together. SI.com's Jon Heyman names Coco Crisp, Jay Payton, Marlon Byrd, and Brandon Inge as possible targets. Inge makes the least sense given his salary and the Tigers' need for him while Curtis Granderson is out. ESPN's Jayson Stark confirms Ken Rosenthal's assertion that the Cubs are leading the pack for Reed Johnson. Stark speculates that such an acquisition could prompt the Cubs to trade Matt Murton. ESPN's Peter Gammons says Red Sox scout Allard Baird is currently...

Who Wants Reed Johnson?

3:40pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs are "showing the heaviest interest" in Johnson. Johnson does make sense for the Cubs, playing center when the team faces a lefty. It might hold Felix Pie back slightly, but it's a win-now move. Rosenthal says the Red Sox, Rays, and Rangers are the other teams in on Johnson. It's definitely surprising to see the Sox and Rangers in the mix as neither club is light on outfielders. 9:40am: If 31 year-old outfielder Reed Johnson clears release waivers, he's going to be a hot commodity. Already, the expected three teams have been named as...

Odds and Ends: Papelbon, Darvish, Crisp

Let's round up some morning links. McCovey Chronicles feels that the Jose Castillo signing reduces the Joe Crede threat level for the Giants. Jonathan Papelbon wants to drive the market for closers upward. Keith Law discusses J.P. Ricciardi's decision to overrule scouting advisers and draft Ricky Romero over Troy Tulowitzki for the Blue Jays back in '05. If Yu Darvish is posted after this season, will it cost $75MM just to negotiate with him? From Buster Olney on Sunday: "Rival teams are not entirely sure if the Red Sox are devoted to the idea of trading Coco Crisp." Pedro Martinez...

Manny Hopes To Play Six More Years

Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez expressed no discomfort with his contract situation (Boston has $20MM options for 2009 and 2010). "They're not stupid," he said of his bosses in the Sox front office. "They know. They know I can play and I'm ready. That's it. I'm going to get the two options, then I'm going to get a four-year deal. I'm just going to go and get it." That would have Manny retiring at the age of 42. "Age is just a number," he added. Sarah Green writes for the Boston Metro and UmpBump.com. She can be reached here.