Carlos Delgado Rumors
By Mark Polishuk [November 24, 2009 at 5:43pm CST]
The Orioles aren't expected to be major players on the free-agent market this winter, but if the team does make a move, it will likely be to acquire a veteran presence at first and/or third base. Speaking to MASN Sports' Steve Melewski, Baltimore team president Andy MacPhail said that given the Orioles' young outfield and second-year catcher Matt Wieters, he would "like to put more proven bats" in the lineup to compliment the team's young stars. The O's have prospects Brandon Snyder and Josh Bell in the pipeline at first and third, respectively, but since MacPhail said he doesn't see...
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By Zach Links [November 21, 2009 at 10:40pm CST]
The Orioles are positioned to be buyers in free agency, according to Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun. GM Andy MacPhail says that the club is looking to spend this offseason, but there remains some skepticism in Baltimore as to whether owner Peter Angelos will be willing to open up his checkbook. If the O's decide to dole out dollars this winter, here are some of the players they will and won't be targeting: Barring a change in organizational plans, you can cross the Orioles off the list of suitors for outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay....
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By Zach Links [November 14, 2009 at 1:50pm CST]
The Mets plan to be serious bidders for the services of John Lackey, writes David Lennon of Newsday. GM Omar Minaya reportedly "received a favorable first impression" from a meeting earlier this week with Lackey's agent, Steve Hilliard. Lennon points out that the Mets successfully zeroed in on free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez last offseason and secured his services for $37MM over three years, short of what some expected. Here's a look at some of the other tidbits Lennon brings us in this piece: If the Mets sign the versatile Chone Figgins, he would be placed in left field. Under...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 13, 2009 at 2:47pm CST]
The New York Post's Bart Hubbuch has some good Mets info this afternoon, though it is unfortunately broken up into three tweets. Hubbuch learned that Mets GM Omar Minaya intends to watch Carlos Delgado in winter ball next month. Delgado could probably be re-signed cheaply after hip surgery limited the 37-year-old to 112 plate appearances this year. Cross Jeff Francoeur off the list of non-tender candidates - Minaya said Francoeur will be back and also mentioned that an extension is a possibility. Mets fans - do you believe Francoeur's 308 plate appearances with the club represent a reformed hitter? Hubbuch...
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By Mark Polishuk [November 10, 2009 at 7:34pm CST]
Lots of newsbits swirling about the Big Apple's non-World Series winners... Joel Sherman of the New York Post tweets that the Mets will meet with Scott Boras tonight to at least get an idea of what it will take to sign Matt Holliday. As reported earlier today, the Mets weren't interested in Jason Varitek but were considering Bengie Molina at catcher. Sherman (also via Twitter) added Rod Barajas and Chris Snyder to the New York catching "wish list." SI's Jon Heyman (via Twitter) reports the Mets are interested in Joel Pineiro, but not at his reported demand of a three-year/$30MM...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 10, 2009 at 9:38am CST]
A team insider suggests to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News that Jason Bay and Matt Holliday may be too expensive for the Mets to consider. Rubin hears that the Mets expect to trade for a left fielder or spend on a second-tier free agent, since the top outfielders on the free agent market may be too pricey. A source close to Mike Cameron tells Rubin that the one-time Met wouldn't likely consider returning, since he wants to play center field (the Mets, of course, have Carlos Beltran in center). Gary Sheffield will not return to the Mets,...
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By Mike Axisa [October 27, 2009 at 7:26pm CST]
Here's a few links to help you through another baseball-less night... Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus tweets that Aroldis Chapman will throw a bullpen at Fenway tomorrow. ESPN's Keith Law says that firing VP of scouting and player development Grady Fuson was a good move by new GM Jed Hoyer and the Padres. He notes that San Diego's drafts have been among the worst in the game over the last few years, although they did change course last year. Peter Schmuck of The Baltimore Sun says the Orioles need a power hitter at one of the corner infield spots, and...
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By Cork Gaines [October 16, 2009 at 12:51pm CST]
On this date six years ago, Aaron Boone ended the ALCS with an 11th inning home run off of Tim Wakefield. Yesterday we learned that Boone is likely to retire, ending his 12-year career. With this season's LCS underway, 26 teams are already in the Hot Stove season. Let's take a look at what is being written in the Blogosphere... Twins Geek examines the Twinkies '10 payroll. Jorge Says No! wonders if the Twins should trade Joe Nathan. The Ghost of Midnight Graham looks at the trade market for Brad Hawpe. Around the Majors looks at the Rockies big off-season...
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By Cork Gaines [September 25, 2009 at 3:33pm CST]
On this date five years ago, Carlos Delgado hit his 300th career home run. He would go on to hit three more home runs that game to become just the 15th big leaguer to hit four in one game. Now in the final year of a five-year, $60MM contract, Delgado has a season average of .298 with four homers and 23 RBI in the 26 games he played before his hip surgery. Jon Heyman reported that the Mets are open to bringing him back next year. However, Adam Rubin wrote that the Mets will not offer Delgado arbitration. With one...
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By Mike Axisa [September 19, 2009 at 12:13pm CST]
Here's some links to kick off your Saturday... Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Indians have requested that MLB run DNA tests on a few international players the team is negotiating with to confirm their identities. The Tribe got burned when 17-year-old shortstop Jose Ozoria turned out to be 20-year-old Wally Branyan last year. Michael Baron of MetsBlog.com says that Carlos Delgado hasn't really talked to the Mets' front office about returning next year, but he'd love to come back. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo breaks down the challenges facing Bryce Harper heading into the 2010 Draft. The...
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