Brian Fuentes Rumors

Rosenthal's Latest: Dunn, Burrell, Manny

6:16pm: MLB.com's Mark Bowman says the Braves are not interested in Dunn because they seek a right-handed bat. Does that rule out Raul Ibanez as well? 1:51pm: The latest from Ken Rosenthal: The Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, and Phillies are pursuing free agent outfielder Rocco Baldelli. Now that Adam Dunn wasn't offered arbitration, the market is starting to take shape. The Braves, Mariners, and Nationals are interested, and the Dodgers and Angels consider him a fallback option. How about Dunn and Russell Branyan in the same lineup? Rosenthal considers the Yankees another possibility. Teams considering Pat Burrell, who was also...   Continue Reading

---

Reds Unlikely To Sign Wood

TUESDAY: Baker might make a call, but Reds GM Walt Jocketty admits that Wood is likely to find offers to close elsewhere. MONDAY, 11:03pm: Dusty Baker plans to give Wood a call and see if he might be interested in setting up Francisco Cordero in Cincinnati. 7:55pm: According to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, the Cubs declined to offer arbitration to Type A free agents Kerry Wood and Bob Howry. The Cubs decided they could not take on the financial risk of Wood accepting, as they're tight on payroll. Trading him might've been difficult, as he would've been a 10-and-5 player. It...   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Offer Arb To Brian Fuentes

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies offered arbitration to Type A free agent Brian Fuentes as expected. Fuentes seems a good bet to sign with a team with an unprotected first-round pick, so the Rockies will grab that and a sandwich pick.   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Rumors: Fuentes, Embree, Taveras

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has a few Rockies tidbits today... It deserves another mention - Brian Fuentes has scheduled a visit with the Mets. If he signs there, the Rockies will add the Mets' #25 pick to their own #11 pick in the first round while also snagging a sandwich pick. The Rockies want two lefties, probably from the pool of Glendon Rusch, Alan Embree, Brian Shouse, and Joe Beimel. Renck says the Tigers are aggressively pursuing Beimel, while Embree might have extra appeal if he can be had on a one-year deal. The Rockies hope to...   Continue Reading

---

Indians Shift Focus To Closer

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians decided last week that multiyear deals for Rafael Furcal or Orlando Hudson would be too risky (health concerns). They're likely to switch their focus to finding a closer. Hoynes says the Indians have talked to the agents for Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, Jason Isringhausen, and Francisco Rodriguez. Hoynes believes the Mets have the upper hand on K-Rod. Still, Fuentes has scheduled a trip to New York to visit with the Mets.   Continue Reading

---

Mets Will Try To Trade For Bullpen Help

The New York Times has sources who say the Mets will look to improve their bullpen through trades before starting more involved discussions with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. According to the article, the Mets have had discussions with various teams about trading for Jose Valverde, J.J. Putz, Huston Street and Bobby Jenks and are considering free agent relievers Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman. Even if the Mets add one of these relievers, they could still sign K-Rod or Fuentes in their efforts to completely remodel their bullpen. This week Mets GM Omar Minaya said Fuentes' asking price was "a...   Continue Reading

---

Fuentes' Price A Bit High For Mets?

According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, Brian Fuentes' agent told the Mets he's looking for three years and $10-11MM per. The article headline says this demand "rocks" Omar Minaya, but the body of the article just says Minaya finds it "a bit high." It's hard to imagine the Mets being surprised by Fuentes' asking price, as most fans could've guessed it. Earlier reports actually had Fuentes asking for more. Rubin says the Mets will negotiate on parallel tracks for Fuentes and Francisco Rodriguez, content to sign either closer. Other minor news: Minaya confirmed interest in Raul...   Continue Reading

---

Brown's Latest: Fuentes, Hoffman, Wilson, Aurilia

Here's a look at the latest from Yahoo's Tim Brown. The Mets kicked around the idea internally of signing both Brian Fuentes and Trevor Hoffman. The eighth inning would be a tough sell for either pitcher though. Brown says that if the Angels fail to sign Mark Teixeira they will try to sign C.C. Sabathia as well as a closer like Fuentes. The Dodgers want the Pirates to eat "a huge chunk" of the $7.85MM Jack Wilson has coming. The Giants and Dodgers have shown interest in Rich Aurilia.   Continue Reading

---

Mets Rumors: K-Rod, Dye, Vazquez

6:22pm: According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, Minaya has reached out to K-Rod and Fuentes. He says the Mets prefer free agency to trading. We also have a rumor from Joel Sherman of the New York Post. He says the Mets offered Aaron Heilman to the Rockies for Street shortly after Colorado acquired him. The Rox wanted the Mets to add Pedro Feliciano, and the Mets refused. MetsBlog has more insight into the team's plans. 1:33pm: Rounding up today's Mets rumors... On Friday, David Lennon of Newsday said the Mets had received Francisco Rodriguez's medical records. He also had Omar Minaya...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Dye, Burrell, Young

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal says the Braves are interested in A.J. Burnett, but you already knew that. Rosenthal believes Trevor Hoffman to the Dodgers "makes sense." The Red Sox apparently have confidence they could trade Mike Lowell if need be, but rival execs believe he'd have to prove his health in spring first. Lowell has two years and $24MM on his deal. The White Sox want a young starter and additional players for right fielder Jermaine Dye. The Mets, Rays, and Phillies are "balking at such a price." Rosenthal learned that...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Rumors: K-Rod, Fuentes, Vazquez, Garland

The latest on the Mets. Joel Sherman believes the Brewers could interfere with the Mets' attempts to sign Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez. Ben Shpigel of the New York Times wrote this weekend that the Mets don't appear likely to dabble in the second-tier relief market for pitchers like Juan Cruz or Joe Beimel. Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog passes along a John Harper article from the New York Daily News, adding his own commentary. Harper believes the Mets may have to move on to Javier Vazquez, Jon Garland, and Edwin Jackson due to the high price tags on Boras clients...   Continue Reading

---

Other Suitors For Sabathia, Rodriguez, Fuentes

Joel Sherman of the New York Post offers some potential spoilers for the Yankees and Mets in regards to C.C. Sabathia and closers Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. Sherman suggests that Sabathia could wind up in an Angels uniform if Mark Teixeira isn't re-signed. Owner Arte Moreno won't wait around for Scott Boras's games, and has stated that he'll make an offer with a time limit. If Teixeira can't be had, the Angels will likely shift their focus to Sabathia. Sherman likens this situation to that of the 2004 Astros, who waited until mid-January for Boras and Carlos Beltran to...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Lowe, Everett

Time to discuss Ken Rosenthal's latest... Mark Teixeira is likely to sign before Manny Ramirez. The Nationals and Orioles are in the mix, but the Angels and Red Sox are more likely destinations. One GM predicted Raul Ibanez will receive a three-year deal worth $8-12MM per year. Not exactly going out on a limb there. ESPN's Jayson Stark named a dozen teams that have expressed interest. Rosenthal says the Mets are more likely to sign Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez than to acquire a closer via trade. Doesn't exactly fit with Stark's statement that J.J. Putz would go to the...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Targeting K-Rod, Fuentes

Adam Rubin, David Lennon, and Jon Heyman each provide info on the Mets' search for a closer today. Let's take a look. Rubin talked to Francisco Rodriguez's agent Paul Kinzer, who says that due to a paperwork mixup, he still doesn't have K-Rod's medical records from the Angels. Once Kinzer gets those, the Mets and other teams will review K-Rod's history. Rubin says Brian Fuentes might do a tour before signing, but there are no plans for Rodriguez to visit New York. Lennon says the Mets are also waiting for Fuentes' medical records. The Mets are fixated on Fuentes and...   Continue Reading

---

Mets To Make Offers To Free Agent Targets

According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets will make offers to Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes this week, and perhaps Derek Lowe and other starters. Rather than attempt to scare other teams off with massive initial bids, the Mets will make small offers and work their way up. It seems that the sticking point with K-Rod will be guaranteeing a fourth year. That was what they had to do to get Billy Wagner three years ago.   Continue Reading

---

Closer Roundup: K-Rod, Fuentes, Wood, Hoffman

Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes a look at the sudden surplus of potentially available closers in major league baseball, a situation that certainly benefits the Mets considering their need to upgrade the bullpen this offseason. Two free agent closers that seemed destined to retire with their 2008 teams, Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, now appear to be more available than was expected in October. That pair, along with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, give the Mets and other teams several options in free agency. Other relief pitchers with experience in the 9th inning have been recently mentioned...   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Rumors: Fuentes, Street, Rusch, Podsednik

MLB.com's Thomas Harding has the latest on the Rockies, here and here. The Rockies will offer arbitration to Brian Fuentes, who is a Type A free agent. Obviously it's all about the two draft picks, as Fuentes will decline. He'll probably sign with a team with an unprotected first-round pick, too. Harding says the Rockies are already receiving calls on Huston Street. ESPN's Buster Olney says Dan O'Dowd is telling other GMs he won't trade Street, but some believe it's posturing. O'Dowd backed off a bit on the idea of re-signing Glendon Rusch and Scott Podsednik, saying he wants to...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Closer Plan Starts With Free Agents

Let's try to decipher the Mets' strategy for acquiring a new closer. Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post says the Mets will pursue a free agent out of the gate, perhaps with Brian Fuentes ranked above Francisco Rodriguez on their list. Still, K-Rod's agent noted that they're not "wedded" to a five-year deal, and he didn't toss the reported $15MM demand out there. Hubbuch believes the Mets will move on to trade targets such as Bobby Jenks and Huston Street if they fail to sign Fuentes or Rodriguez. Ken Davidoff and David Lennon mention J.J. Putz as well, while...   Continue Reading

---

Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

---

Indians Rumors: Shoppach, Roberts, Street

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer discusses the Indians' offseason needs. With Victor Martinez, Kelly Shoppach, Carlos Santana, and others, the Indians have a surplus of catching (and mad guitar skills). The Red Sox, Marlins, Reds, and Tigers are known to be in the market, so maybe the Indians can deal a catcher to fill another need. Those other needs: an infielder, a late inning reliever, and a starter. Hoynes believes the Indians will fall short of meeting the demands of free agents Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, and Rafael Furcal. Hoynes implies the asking price for one year of...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Revamping The Bullpen

The Mets' primary focus this winter is to completely revamp their bullpen. Ken Davidoff and Joel Sherman outline Plan A: free agents. Names in the mix: Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood, Joe Beimel, Juan Cruz, and Chad Cordero. Sherman figures the Mets are in a good position because most of the other big-market teams aren't looking for a closer. Plan B: trades. The Mets have already discussed Bobby Jenks with the White Sox. J.J. Putz, Huston Street, and Kevin Gregg are the other names. It all depends on how much young talent Omar Minaya wants to sacrifice. As a...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Rumors: Fuentes, Cordero, Delgado

5:18pm: More on the Mets: Ken Davidoff says they're shopping Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis, and Pedro Feliciano. The A's, Rays, and Rangers are fans of Heilman. The Rockies, Cardinals, Cubs, and D'Backs were also tossed into the mix by Adam Rubin, though the D'Backs haven't had recent talks. The Mets would be willing to pick up some of the $3.6MM owed to Schoeneweis next year. 4:58pm: Brian Fuentes' agent Rick Thurman calls the below rumor of an offer to the Mets a "total fabrication." 10:56am: Checking in on the Mets... Tracy Ringolsby says Brian Fuentes' agents proposed a four-year, $44MM...   Continue Reading

---

Indians Open To All Options At Closer

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Indians GM Mark Shapiro is considering all options for the team's closer job. No free agents have been ruled out, even expensive closers like Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. The Indians' #15 pick is protected, if they go that route. Shapiro admitted to interest in Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, if they are not retained by their old teams. If the Indians can't find a closer, they may add a late inning reliever to put in front of Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez anyway. On the trade front, the Indians have...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Rumors: Wolf, Fuentes, K-Rod, Street, Pedro

11:37am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets are eyeing Randy Wolf, in addition to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez. Heyman adds that some Mets people are concerned about their catching, but others aren't thrilled with the free agent options. 9:20am: All kinds of Mets rumors this morning. Let's begin with the closer situation. The Mets are interested in Brian Fuentes, but Omar Minaya will not rule out Francisco Rodriguez. He makes a great point: contract numbers are tossed around early, but the player often fails to reach that amount. Joel Sherman says the Mets also want to speak to the...   Continue Reading

---

Indians Interested In Blake

According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians have expressed interest in bringing third baseman Casey Blake back to Cleveland. Blake stands out in a weak free agent market at the hot corner. The Dodgers are also interested, but they may view other needs as a higher priority. At the least, they should offer him arbitration as a Type B free agent. Blake's agent anticipates offers ranging from one to three years. Blake brings the added benefit of versatility, as he can play first base and right field as well. In other Indians news, agent Rick Thurman...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Fielder, Beimel, Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene at the GM meetings, and as usual has all kinds of new info. The Brewers are unlikely to trade Prince Fielder, and reluctant to trade J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. It'd be smart to retain those three players. Rosenthal still likes the Braves as the favorite for Jake Peavy, but wonders if the Cubs or another team could incorporate a third team to get it done. The Cubs will need to spend much of their available money on pitching, which may leave little payroll room for an outfielder like Bobby Abreu. They could backload...   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Won't Re-Sign Fuentes

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies will not be re-signing free agent closer Brian Fuentes. Fuentes' likely price tag - three years, $36MM+ - is just too high. Renck believes Fuentes may even be able to snag four years given the poor market for closers after Francisco Rodriguez. Fuentes' agent listed the Mets, Cardinals, and Angels as interested teams. A meeting with the Mets should come soon. The best case for the Rockies would be the Cardinals, as the Rockies would receive their #19 pick in next year's draft.   Continue Reading

---

Cardinals' Offseason Plans

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains the Cardinals' offseason plans. The areas of concern: middle infield, lefthanded relief, and perhaps the rotation (maybe a swingman type pitcher). The Cards would also like an impact bat to protect Albert Pujols, but that is of lower priority. Strauss says the Cardinals will investigate the price for Brian Fuentes and Joe Beimel. They'll also consider bringing Edgar Renteria back to St. Louis on a one-year deal worth considerably less than $10MM. The Cards should have $20MM+ to spend in total. As for trade chips, young catcher Bryan Anderson could be one....   Continue Reading

---

Cubs Offseason Targets

Recently I wrote a Cubs Offseason Outlook, where many reasonable acquisition targets were discussed. If the Cubs re-sign Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, they'll be limited by payroll unless the salaries of Jason Marquis ($9.875MM) or Derrek Lee ($13MM) are moved. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune names his possible Cubs targets: Brian Roberts, Adam Dunn, Jeremy Hermida, Mike Jacobs, Rafael Furcal, Jake Peavy, and Brian Fuentes. Some fun names in there, many of which could only be added if payroll space is created. Dunn would be an interesting choice for a regular right fielder, while Jacobs would represent a...   Continue Reading

---

Mets To Explore Trade For Closer

Ken Davidoff of Newsday has a new article up discussing possibilities for the Mets' closer vacancy. He says the Mets will check in on free agents Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, but remain wary of the price. I'm wondering if K-Rod will have to back off the five year demand if he wants to get multiple serious bidders. Davidoff says the Mets feel that they have the minor league depth to swing a trade for a closer rather than buy one. Davidoff goes on to speculate that the Mets could look at J.J. Putz, Huston Street, George Sherrill, Joakim Soria,...   Continue Reading

---

Perrotto's Latest: Red Sox, Mets, Burnett, Blalock

John Perrotto over at Baseball Prospectus has his weekly column up... let's take a look at what he has to say: Couple of notes about the Red Sox: Perrotto expects Theo Epstein to re-sign Jason Varitek to a two-year deal in the $16MM range. This seems like drastically overpaying for what Varitek has become, in my opinion, but as Perrotto points out, there's very little on the free agent market. Epstein will then look to trade for a young catcher who can become the starter in 2010 or 2011. Additionally, he'll try to move Mike Lowell to open up a...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Manny, Holliday, Peavy

SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new rumor-packed article up. Heyman suggests the battle for the three elite free agents - Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, and C.C. Sabathia - will mostly be fought by the New York and Los Angeles clubs. Heyman talked to one GM who believes the country's economic situation will not affect the big names but could be bad for the lower-tier guys. Heyman's potential Manny suitors: the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Phillies. The Phillies' interest will depend on whether Pat Burrell stays. I'm not sure why the Orioles would be in the mix. The Rockies...   Continue Reading

---

Ringolsby's Latest: Fuentes, Atkins, Holliday

Let's take a look at the latest column from Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News. Rockies "closer of the future" Casey Weathers will miss the '09 season due to elbow surgery. However, the Rox are still not likely to re-sign Brian Fuentes. Joel Sherman expects Fuentes to sign for three years, $36-39MM. Brad Lidge signed for three years, $37.5MM in July, but that was not on the open market. The Mets will be in on Fuentes. The Rockies are expected to trade one of Garrett Atkins or Matt Holliday this winter. The Phillies will inquire on both (they tried...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Eyeing Lowe, Fuentes

Joel Sherman of the New York Post talked to an NL executive who has spoken to Mets officials. That official says the Mets plan to pursue free agent pitchers Derek Lowe and Brian Fuentes this winter. Sherman believes they will check in on C.C. Sabathia and Francisco Rodriguez, but won't be willing to match their prices. Lowe and Fuentes would fill two of the Mets' three offseason needs for roughly $30MM in '09 salary. That could be all of the available money, unless the Mets backload the contracts, raise payroll, or shed salary via trades. Left field would be the...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: K-Rod, Furcal, Blalock

Non-Manny notes from Jon Heyman's latest... The Angels and Mets "appear hesitant" to give Francisco Rodriguez five years. There's not an obvious suitor to overpay K-Rod, but the Mets are the closest. Heyman sees Brian Fuentes getting about $11MM per year. Ken Rosenthal recently suggested even more money. Doug Melvin could become a candidate for the Mariners job if the Brewers aren't able to extend him. Doesn't seem to make sense since Melvin is signed through 2009. Heyman believes Chris Antonetti in Cleveland is contractually guaranteed the GM job in the future. The Dodgers will try to re-sign Rafael Furcal,...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Closer Situation

It's well-known the Mets plan to add a closer this winter. Joel Sherman notes that Omar Minaya does not necessarily have to sign Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes - there are many ways to handle the ninth inning beyond signing one of the two proven closers on the market. Signing K-Rod or Fuentes is the easy route. Overpay for an established closer who is likely to have a solid 2009, helping fans and media members forget the bullpen woes of 2008. It'd be bolder to add Kevin Gregg or Huston Street via trade. Both have had ninth-inning success in the...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, McLouth, Fuentes

Here's a look at the latest column from Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal puts odds for various teams to sign C.C. Sabathia, with the Yankees, Angels and Red Sox on top. Rosenthal wonders whether the White Sox will consider trading Jermaine Dye for a starting pitcher, moving Carlos Quentin to right field, and acquiring an athletic center fielder somehow. The goal would be a more athletic club. The Sox will also look to add a second baseman, moving Alexei Ramirez to shortstop. I'm not sure if something as long-term as Orlando Hudson makes sense, though. The Pirates wouldn't trade Nate McLouth for...   Continue Reading

---

Minaya Extended; Delgado Will Stay

The Mets made Omar Minaya's extension official today. It runs through 2012 with club options for two years beyond that. Matthew Cerrone at MetsBlog likes the decision, but feels the term is excessive. Additionally, Minaya announced that the Mets will exercise Carlos Delgado's $12MM option for '09. This seemed like an easy decision given the $4MM buyout. The Mets were not going to find an .800 OPS first baseman on the free agent market for a one-year, $8MM deal. On the bullpen front, ESPN's Buster Olney says rival execs expect the Mets to aggressively pursue free agent Brian Fuentes. I'm...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Manny, K-Rod, Cashman

Lets discuss the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. The Mets are "disinclined" to go after Manny Ramirez or break up the Jose Reyes-David Wright-Carlos Beltran core. Heyman, like Ken Davidoff, feels the Mets can't afford to sit out the Francisco Rodriguez sweepstakes. If not him, then at least Brian Fuentes. Heyman says Brian Cashman "appears likely" to return as Yankees GM. He notes that Cashman wouldn't have ended up in Seattle anyway because of the return of Mariners chairman Howard Lincoln.   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Not Giving Up On Re-Signing Fuentes

Brian Fuentes has expressed his desire to stay with the Rockies, but as we've written before, its likely that he'll sign with another team. The Rockies, however, are keeping an open mind in trying to retain the veteran pitcher as GM Dan O'Dowd told the Denver Post: "On the surface it would seem like it would be a longshot to keep him, but that's something we are still talking about." Fuentes will be one of the most coveted free agent relievers this upcoming offseason, but he's prepared to listen to any offer the Rox make: "If they want to discuss...   Continue Reading

---

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Tigers, Teixeira, Burnett

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere... MVN Outsider takes a look at some potential offseason moves for the Tigers, including trading Magglio Ordonez and Gary Sheffield and signing Brian Fuentes. Baseball Banter takes a look at the five teams most likely to go after Mark Teixeira this winter. River Ave. Blues wonders if the Yankees should consider signing A.J. Burnett because of his strong career numbers against the Red Sox. Pending Pinstripes takes a look at the Yankees 40-man roster and some potential offseason changes. Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.   Continue Reading

---

Olney On The Free Agent Market

ESPN's Buster Olney has a great blog post up today with his musings about this winter's free agent market. Let's take a look. Industry people believe the current state of the economy might temper offseason spending. We've already heard the rumblings that typically high-spending teams like the Angels, Tigers and Mariners backing off or holding the line on payroll. Olney feels C.C. Sabathia could draw a $140MM offer from the Yankees, but something more in the $90-100MM range from the Angels or Dodgers. So he may have to decide whether playing close to home is worth $30-50MM. Olney extols the...   Continue Reading

---

Odds & Ends: Thome, Fuentes, Reyes

A few links from the afternoon/evening... Jim Thome's 9th inning strikeout on Saturday night allowed his 2009 option to kick in, as it was his 564th plate appearance. Thome needed to reach 1100 plate appearances between 2007 and 2008 for the option to be a factor. Rockies' closer Brian Fuentes would like to remain with the club in 2009. He enjoys his teammates and has experienced success, but also understands that baseball is a business and he may end up somewhere else. Another left-handed relief option that hasn't garnered much attention is the Twins' Dennys Reyes. Reyes is a free...   Continue Reading

---

Week in Review: 9/14 - 9/20

Another week down here at MLBTR, here's your review! The Brewers fired manager Ned Yost on Monday. Yost has taken a lot of criticism, and while I personally don't feel like it's a bad move, it seems like an odd time to disrupt the clubhouse, given that the Brewers are right in the wild card race. Perhaps this was intended to spark the Brewers and act as a wakeup call, but they have just two wins since the move. In an attempt to cut payroll, the Tigers may have to move Magglio Ordonez this offseason. Ordonez will make $18MM next...   Continue Reading

---

Olney's Latest: Cardinals, Snell, Milledge, Maine, Fuentes

Buster Olney's latest offering is packed full of links: Bernie Miklasz notes that the Cardinals have only three starting pitchers (Adam Wainwright, Todd Wellemeyer, and Joel Pineiro) locked up for next year (he's not expecting Chris Carpenter to contribute in 2009), and no prospects waiting in the wings. His solution? Pry open owner Bill DeWitt's wallet, "and please, no el cheapo deals for rehabbing pitchers, medically risky pitchers, broken-down pitchers." The Pirates have it a little bit tougher. According to pitching coach Jeff Andrews, it consists of Paul Maholm and "a blank sheet." Here's one vote for adding Ian Snell,...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Likely To Pass On K-Rod?

Newsday's Ken Davidoff spoke to a "person informed of the Mets' thinking," and learned that they will not be signing free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez. This is not because of the $10.5MM owed to Billy Wagner next year - that's a sunk cost. It's just that the Mets would rather try internal options than hand out another record-breaking contract. Davidoff does not expect the Mets to pursue Brian Fuentes either. He sees the Mets re-signing Luis Ayala and then focusing on starting pitching. Davidoff examines the likelihood of the Angels, Cardinals, or Tigers signing Rodriguez. He seems to consider the...   Continue Reading

---

Week in Review: 9/7 - 9/13

Just a few weeks left in the regular season, but plenty of news here on MLBTR still. Let's look back at the past week: The Mets received terrible news when they learned that their All-Star closer, Billy Wagner, will need Tommy John surgery and miss all of 2009. Wagner does not expect to return to the Mets, and apparently the Mets have already told him his 2010 option will not be exercised. The Mets seem likely to be in the Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes mix. On that note, Fuentes will probably not return to Colorado next season. I'm taking...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Hawpe, Pavano, Fuentes, Lowe

Let's dig into the latest columns from SI.com's Jon Heyman, found here and here. Brad Hawpe had choice words in response to team criticism from Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd. Heyman says Carl Pavano tried to "weasel out of" paying his former agent $2MM in commission from his current contract, signed in December of '04. You get the impression Pavano is not well-liked among members of the media. Heyman wonders if Rickie Weeks could be the odd man out in the Milwaukee infield next year. The Mets are more likely to pursue Brian Fuentes than Francisco Rodriguez this winter. K-Rod's agent...   Continue Reading

---

Fuentes Unlikely To Re-Sign With Rockies

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post takes a look at Brian Fuentes' impending free agency. The 33 year-old closer would prefer to return to the Rockies, but he hasn't heard from the team and expects to explore the open market. Renck says Fuentes' agent views Brad Lidge as a comparable. Lidge signed a three-year, $37.5MM extension in July. He's a bit younger than Fuentes, but the comparision seems reasonable. Fuentes is in a great position this winter as the best alternative to Francisco Rodriguez, who will receive a record-breaking deal for a reliever. Fuentes intends to sign with a...   Continue Reading

---

Wagner Out For A Year; Mets Now Need A Closer For '09

3:22pm: In a press conference clip aired on WFAN, Omar Minaya says it will indeed be Tommy John surgery. 3:05pm: The report originally said Wagner would have surgery on the tendon in his elbow. The report has now been changed to say the surgery will be on a ligament and will not require Tommy John surgery as originally reported. Dan Graziano is reporting that Billy Wagner will need surgery on his elbow and will likely miss the entire '09 season. A Mets team official confirmed that Mets closer Billy Wagner will have elbow surgery this week and will miss the...   Continue Reading

---

Molony's Latest: Fuentes, Red Sox, White Sox

Here's the latest from MLB.com's Jim Molony. The Red Sox are eyeing Rockies closer Brian Fuentes, though Ken Rosenthal has said Fuentes cannot be traded this month. Plus, the Rockies still intend to make a playoff run in the weak NL West. The Red Sox and White Sox had scouts at Wednesday night's Astros-Reds game. Roy Oswalt pitched that one, but he won't be traded. The Reds still have some good trade candidates in the bullpen (David Weathers has cleared waivers, Jeremy Affeldt is a free agent after the season).   Continue Reading

---

Fuentes, Taveras Placed On Waivers

3:25pm: Rosenthal says Fuentes' trip to the bereavement list pretty much kills the chances of a trade. WEDNESDAY, 10:55am: Troy E. Renck weighs in, suggesting that Taveras might clear waivers. The Nationals like him, but don't want to add payroll. He expects the Dodgers, Rays, and Cardinals to put in claims on Fuentes (the Dodgers would win). The price remains a premium young starter, even though now the receiving team would get one less month of Fuentes. TUESDAY: As expected, the Rockies have placed closer Brian Fuentes and center fielder Willy Taveras on waivers. Ken Rosenthal does not expect either...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Kotsay, Fuentes, Glavine, Smoltz

On August 18th, Rosenthal mentioned Mark Kotsay had cleared waivers, and that Brian Fuentes had not yet been placed. Here's an update, from today's Inside Pitch video: The Brewers and Red Sox are both showing interest in Kotsay. The Brewers would only pursue a trade if Ryan Braun's ribcage injury worsens, and so far he looks more than fine. The Sox made a play for lefty-hitting Brian Giles before Giles vetoed the deal, so it makes sense that they'd exert similar effort toward Kotsay. Even more so now that J.D. Drew has a herniated disc. Fuentes is expected to be...   Continue Reading

---

Odds And Ends: Mets, Embree, Olsen, Hoffman, Izzy, Phillies

A few notes from around the MLBiverse... Bill Madden says the Mets may be out of luck for a closer, even if Huston Street and Brian Fuentes have cleared waivers and are available. Madden says the price tags are just too high for the Mets. Alan Embree hopes that not being traded is a sign the A's are going to pick up his $3MM option for next season. Scott Olsen said he prefers to be back with the Marlins in '09 but conceded that the Marlins may prefer to move him due to his arbitration eligibility. Kevin Towers would not...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Dempster, Mora, Cameron

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let's take a look. Rosenthal agrees with those who considered C.C. Sabathia pitching the ninth inning Monday a needless risk. Sabathia already had thrown 112 pitches and the Brewers had a seven run lead, but he pitched the ninth to bring the total to 130. The innings shouldn't affect Sabathia's payday, but hopefully he remains healthy. Rosenthal sees a minimal chance of Ryan Dempster signing elsewhere, given his strong relationship with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Dempster will be the Cubs' top offseason priority. I also consider Kerry Wood unlikely to leave. Add Melvin...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Holliday, Fuentes, Kotsay

Ken Rosenthal posted a new Full Count video this weekend. Rosenthal believes the Rockies are "almost certain to trade Matt Holliday this offseason." Should be a hot topic at the Winter Meetings in December. Rosenthal says to watch out for smaller-revenue sleepers on Holliday like the Nationals, Royals, and Blue Jays. Holliday, a Boras client, is set to earn $13.5MM in '09 before he hits free agency. Rockies closer Brian Fuentes has yet to hit the waiver wire, but he will soon. Rosenthal wonders if the Dodgers would win the claim if their record is worse than Arizona's when Fuentes...   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: Manny, Fuentes, Livan, Dunn

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings column up. Some teams won't go anywhere near Manny Ramirez given the way he exited Boston. Opinions range on whether he'll get two, three, or four years this winter. Will he turn it off again after signing a long-term deal? And will other players use the same strategy to escape their contracts? The Rays are likely to stand pat, despite recent injuries. Rockies players haven't hit the waiver wire yet; Dan O'Dowd plans to wait until month's end. Stark wonders whether the Cards could win a claim on Brian Fuentes. Not...   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Lucchino, Manny, Rangers

I wanted to let the Dunn trade cool off a bit before diving into Jon Heyman's latest. Heyman "people in high places in baseball" who believe Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino might leave after the season, possibly for the Dodgers. He's still butting heads with Theo Epstein apparently. Heyman doesn't buy the idea that Scott Boras orchestrated Manny Ramirez's departure from Boston. He also doesn't buy the idea of Ramirez playing in New York. Nolan Ryan would like Tom Hicks to sell the Rangers to him, but Hicks has shown no willingness to do so. Players such as George Sherrill,...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Kielty, Ellis, Bonds, Poreda

Time to for today's link collection. The Twins signed Bobby Kielty to a minor league deal. The former Twin was released by the Red Sox in July. When he's going good, he can hit lefties pretty well. Peter Magowan is glad the Giants didn't successfully pull off an attempted trade for Manny Ramirez before the '07 season. However, as Henry Schulman notes, that might've prevented the B