Casey Blake Rumors

Dodgers Starting With Infield

More from Ken Rosenthal. The FOX hot stove guru says the Dodgers plan to sort out their infield before worrying about starting pitching. They can use Blake DeWitt at second or third, but that still leaves them two infielders short. Casey Blake is the obvious free agent fit at the hot corner; maybe the Dodgers will stretch and give him that third year. If they miss out on Blake they could always go for Joe Crede. It doesn't sound like Ned Colletti plans to sign any of the top three free agent shortstops, while talks have stalled for Jack Wilson....   Continue Reading

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Twins, Dodgers Lead Charge For Blake

6:31pm: Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune says the Twins offered Blake a two-year deal worth about $6MM per year with an option for 2011. Christensen says not to expect a signing tonight. Jayson Stark wrote earlier today that if the Twins or Dodgers guarantee a third year they'll get Blake. 9:07am: Casey Blake's agent Jim McDowell talked to all kinds of outlets yesterday. In speaking with Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, McDowell said they're not far apart with the Dodgers or Twins. The Twins are apparently "within shouting distance" on the years and money. The Indians seem less...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Sabathia, Furcal, Peavy

A few notes from Jayson Stark's latest blog post... Stark believes the possibility of C.C. Sabathia signing with the Giants is alive, and the Giants have talked to the pitcher's agent. Such a signing might compel Brian Sabean to remove Matt Cain's "untouchable" tag, in Stark's opinion. Earlier today Ken Rosenthal suggested the Giants were a dark horse for C.C. Also, Sabathia's wife Amber prefers the Giants according to George King. The Giants offered three years to Rafael Furcal. He wants four, so they switched their attention to Edgar Renteria. The Giants want a shorter-term deal so their own prospects...   Continue Reading

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Brown's Latest: Sabathia, Blake, Young

6:56pm: Ken Rosenthal has more on Blake after talking to his agent Jim McDowell. Blake seeks a three-year deal, and the Twins and Dodgers are in the lead for his services. The Indians have been less persistent, as they don't want to give him three years. Brown wrote earlier that the Twins feel the same. 6:23pm: Let's take a look at the latest from Yahoo's Tim Brown. C.C. Sabathia has had no conversations with the Dodgers in recent weeks. Casey Blake opened negotiations with the Twins at three years and $20MM. That's not a price the Twins are willing to...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Offer Arb Only To Manny, Lowe, Blake

The Dodgers' numerous arb decisions are in, courtesy of MLB.com's Ken Gurnick. Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe, and Casey Blake get offers. Joe Beimel, Brad Penny, Jeff Kent, and Greg Maddux (all Type Bs) don't. The only real surprise here is Beimel, who earned less than $2MM this year and seemed worth the risk.   Continue Reading

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Twins Rumors: Padres, Blake, Reyes

Joe Christensen brings us the latest on the Twins, but unfortunately there's not much going on. Christensen learned from a Padres official that there's been very little dialogue with the Twins. Some have suggested Kevin Kouzmanoff and Khalil Greene would be fits for Minnesota. Hopefully they're setting their sights higher. On the Casey Blake front: slight progress. The Twins have an arbitration decision to make by Monday's deadline with Dennys Reyes, who is a Type B. The Twins won't get burned badly if Reyes accepts, so I imagine they'll offer. He probably wants two years somewhere instead.   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Embree, Shouse, Taveras, Atkins

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has the latest on the Rockies. Manager Clint Hurdle says the Rockies are focused on adding pitching, particularly in the bullpen. On the radar: Aaron Heilman, Alan Embree, Joe Beimel, and Brian Shouse. Yesterday Joel Sherman said the Mets balked at the idea of swapping Heilman and Pedro Feliciano for Huston Street. Renck adds that the Reds and White Sox remain interested in outfielder Willy Taveras. On November 11th, Tracy Ringolsby said the Reds were not interested in Taveras despite reports. As for Garrett Atkins, Renck believes the market will take shape after...   Continue Reading

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Twins Making Progress With Blake

Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune says the Twins have yet to make a formal offer to Casey Blake, but they're making progress in discussions of the term and salary range. Blake's agent says eight clubs are interested but only four have discussed a contract. Blake is looking for a three-year deal, and doesn't have any geographic leanings. The Indians, Dodgers, and Rangers are known to be in the mix. T.R. Sullivan believes Blake and Joe Crede are out of the Rangers' price range, however.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Phillies, Blake, Pedro

More links for Thursday... Don McKee says the Phillies should consider Jim Edmonds for the outfield. Ken Mandel has a source who says the Phillies have discussed Raul Ibanez. Mandel adds that it hardly means the Phillies plan on going after him aggressively. The Indians are keeping Casey Blake on their radar, but they're just talking for now. Rob Neyer of ESPN.com writes that the Royals' trades have them headed in the wrong direction. Nick Swisher says he would be "super excited" if the Yankees sign C.C. Sabathia. He adds that playing for the Yankees is a "dream come true."...   Continue Reading

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Twins Working Towards Blake Offer

According to MLB.com's Kelly Thesier, the Twins are in contract discussions with Casey Blake and his agent. Blake's agent, Jim McDowell, said he received the "framework of an offer from the Twins" that they'll work on in more detail. Blake, who hit .274/.345/.463 last year with the Indians and Dodgers, has had seven teams express interest in him, according to Thesier. La Velle Neal heard rumblings that the Twins could make a formal offer as early as next week.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Johnson, Peavy, Dempster

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. It doesn't seem likely that Randy Johnson re-signs with the Diamondbacks, though Johnson is holding out filing for free agency until the possibility is exhausted. The D'Backs hope he will take a significant hometown discount; they have roughly $10MM to spend for Johnson and a second baseman. If a Mark Loretta type takes $2MM, will Johnson take $8MM after earning $15.1MM for a fine '08 season? The Braves are frustrated with the progress on the Jake Peavy talks, and will explore other options (especially once the free agent...   Continue Reading

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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

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Twins Rumors: Blake, Escobar, Hardy

Joe Christensen has an update on the Twins' search for help on the left side of the infield. Minnesota is one of seven teams interested in Casey Blake, according to Blake's agent Jim McDowell. Blake hit .274/.345/.463 last year for the Indians and Dodgers this year. He's been released twice by the Twins, but he could come back to stabilize their third base situation. Christensen has sources who suggest that the Twins are also targeting Yunel Escobar and J.J. Hardy in trades. If no deal is made, they could re-sign Nick Punto, who played 61 games at shortstop in 2008....   Continue Reading

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Miller's Latest: Olsen, Willis, Blake

Here's a look at the latest from Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. The Braves and Rangers have talked to the Marlins about lefty Scott Olsen. The Red Sox have done background work on Dontrelle Willis, stirring up the Willis for Julio Lugo rumors. The Twins, Dodgers, and Indians have expressed interest in Casey Blake. Blake's agent said he anticipates offers ranging from one to three years.   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Blalock, Blake, Catchers

Next up we'll dig into the latest Rangers rumors, courtesy of Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers are expected to pick up their $6.2MM option on Hank Blalock today. It doesn't seem that Blalock will spend much time at third base if he's with the Rangers in 2009. Instead, he'd play first and DH. Of course, a trade is possible. The Rangers may look at outside options for third base, and they've been in touch with Casey Blake's agent. The Rangers have an eye on defense, which might rule out Garrett Atkins. Grant finds Joe Crede questionable,...   Continue Reading

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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

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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

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Shapiro Outlines Indians' Needs

Indians GM Mark Shapiro spoke to the press today. A few notes: Shapiro does not feel comfortable with his team's upper-level starting pitching, which consists of Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona (and maybe Jake Westbrook when he's ready). The Indians may have $15MM or so to work with, but Shapiro wouldn't say whether he'd lean more toward free agency or trades. Other needs: closer and infield help. We ran through most of the candidates in the Offseason Outlook. Given the flexibility of Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera, Shapiro could look for help at second or third base. Shapiro hinted that...   Continue Reading

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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

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Blake Leads Third Base Market

Here's a look at the free agent market for third basemen: Rich Aurilia (37) Casey Blake (35) Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout Willie Bloomquist (31) Aaron Boone (36) Russell Branyan (33) Craig Counsell (38) Joe Crede (31) Nomar Garciaparra (35) Wes Helms (33) - $3.75MM club option for '09 Chipper Jones (37) - $8-11MM vesting option for '09 Mark Loretta (37) Fernando Tatis (34) Ramon Vazquez (32) Jones won't hit the market. Blalock and Crede have health issues, while the others would be stretched as starters. Except for Casey Blake. He's the...   Continue Reading

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Would Dodgers Trade For Beltre?

If Casey Blake returns to Cleveland, would the Dodgers be interested in Adrian Beltre? Bill Shaikin of the LA Times points out Beltre still calls Pasadena home. The 29 year old third basemen is in the midst of this third consecutive 25 homerun season despite a torn ligament in his left thumb. Writes Shaikin: "Beltre wouldn't mind staying in Seattle, but the Mariners need to hire a general manager and get on with rebuilding. Assuming they do, Beltre would love to come back to the Dodgers. 'If I'm available, I'd be happy to,' he said. 'I don't know what is...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Mets, Brewers, Astros

Ken Rosenthal has a lot to offer in his latest Full Count video: The Mets will prefer to pickup Carlos Delgado's $12MM option rather than buy him out for $4MM. That's a guarantee for a guy who should finish the year around 35-100 despite not contributing for the first two months. According to sources, Manny Ramirez is unlikely to go the Mets. They will more likely focus their spending on pitching. John Maine has a bone spur in his right shoulder. Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez are free agents. The Mets will need to go after starting pitching. If the...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Teixeira, Lamb, Ibanez, Blake

Hot stove highlights from Jayson Stark's latest... Stark sees the Mets picking up Carlos Delgado's $12MM option for '09, taking them out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. He sees the Yankees in the mix for Tex. Will Teixeira top the $140MM the Rangers offered him? The Yanks will also pursue a top flight starting pitcher, with C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets as Plans A and B. Stark does not see the Braves diving into megadeals for Sabathia, Sheets, or A.J. Burnett. They'll have payroll room, but could pursue trades or mid-tier free agents. Stark says friends of Tom Glavine and...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Ibanez, Dunn, Blake, Stewart

Let's kick off the morning with some random links. Live chat here today at 2pm CST. Brian Matusz is hopeful about striking a deal with the Orioles by Friday's deadline. Roch Kubatko has a source saying it's likely. Baseball America's Jim Callis warns us not to listen to the posturing - he still expects all the first-round draft picks to sign with the possible exception of Allan Dykstra. Should the Mariners offer Raul Ibanez a three-year deal at $10-11MM per? No word yet on possible Rays acquisitions in wake of the Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria injuries. Marc Lancaster wonders...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Giles, Dodgers, Indians, Fielder

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up over at FOX Sports. Here's the highlights: The Red Sox wanted to use Brian Giles in right field against certain right-handers, and shift J.D. Drew over to center field for those games. Giles blocked the trade for family reasons, according to Rosenthal, despite the chance at an increased pay day and an opportunity to play in the postseason. Rosenthal says that while the Dodgers are under pressure to re-sign Manny Ramirez, there may be more pressure to sign Casey Blake after this season. Rosenthal points out that Blake is batting .333...   Continue Reading

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Week In Review: 7/20 - 7/26

This one will be a bit lengthy, which can be expected as the deadline approaches. Here's a review of some of the major moves and rumors of the last week: The Yankees acquired Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from the Pirates for OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Dan McCutchen and RHP Jeff Karstens . I agree with Tim that Ian Kennedy would've been a better centerpiece, but Tabata is pretty highly-touted himself. Kennedy would have made a more immediate impact, while Tabata is only 19 years old. The Dodgers acquired Casey Blake for minor league RHP Jon Meloan...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Gammons, Stark, Giles, Royals

And still more minor notes from around the MLBiverse... First from Peter Gammons: Gammons says that the Marlins will not part with Anibal Sanchez for Brian Fuentes and will instead go after Arthur Rhodes. The Cardinals now appear to be the favorite for Fuentes. No teams seem willing to pay the asking price for Jason Bay. The Indians will pay the remainder of Casey Blake's $2MM salary. Next from Jayson Stark: The Mets are also showing interest in Randy Winn, but one official from another club feels Winn is just a backup plan. A couple of random notes: Bud Black...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Dodgers, Washburn

Ken Rosenthal spoke before today's Yankees-Red Sox game on Fox and had a few items for the Hot Stove... The Braves have yet to decide if they are going to be buyers or sellers at the deadline. If they do decide to sell, they will start taking bids for Mark Teixeira. Earlier this week we heard from Jayson Stark that the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees have contacted the Braves about Teixeira. Today Stark told us that we can scratch the Rays off that list. Rosenthal adds the D-Backs to the list and says they make the most...   Continue Reading

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Jayson Stark's Latest: Rays

Jayson Stark touches on a few rumors circling around the Tampa Bay Rays... The Rays and the Phillies both made multiplayer offers to the Indians for Casey Blake, but neither was willing to offer a top prospect and a second prospect close to the big leagues. With Blake and Xavier Nady both traded, the Rays are leaning towards eventually filling their need for a right-handed outfielder with Rocco Baldelli who played in the outfield this week on a rehab assignment. It was his first outfield action since May of '07 and will play 5 more innings today. After discussing Mark...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Acquire Blake From Indians

Update 1:23 pm: The AP is reporting the deal is done pending approval by the commissioner's office. -- A source close to the deal is telling Jayson Stark that the Dodgers are on the verge of acquiring Casey Blake from the Indians. The Indians would get minor-league catcher Carlos Santana, right-handed pitcher Jon Meloan and cash in return. Blake became one of the most coveted players that can play the outfield after the Yankees traded for Xavier Nady. Other teams that were rumored to be in the mix to land Blake were the Mets, Rays and Phillies. Alejandro A. Leal...   Continue Reading

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Mets Actively Looking For Corner Outfielder

Update 1:39 p.m.: Now that the Dodgers have acquired Blake, the Mets have turned their attention to Brian Giles. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the Mets are one of three teams that have inquired on the availability of Giles. He also notes that the Mets are often asked about Fernando Martinez, to whom the Padres offered $1MM as an amateur. The Cardinals and Brewers are the other two teams. -- Adam Rubin of the NY Daily News reports the Mets have narrowed their focus on obtaining a corner outfielder. A team insider told Rubin the team could...   Continue Reading

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Mets Cool On Street, Nady?

According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets are searching for a shutdown reliever. However, he says Huston Street has apparently dropped off the Mets' radar. Billy Wagner was able to pitch today, so maybe the need for relief will remain secondary. Lennon adds that the Mets' interest in Xavier Nady has cooled, but they are still in on Casey Blake and Raul Ibanez.   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Teixeira, Padilla, Sheffield, Beltre

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new Rumblings and Grumblings up. You may want to grab a glass of water or something, because this is a beast of a column. If the Braves have a bad weekend and decide to trade Mark Teixeira, a deal could come together quickly. Stark says the Braves have already touched base with the Rays, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels and Yankees. Where Tex fits on the Rays, I'm not sure. Additionally, interest in Will Ohman is said to be "massive." A Jorge Posada move to first base could affect the Yankees' interest in Teixeira this winter....   Continue Reading

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Molony's Latest: Francoeur, Bay, Blalock

MLB.com's Jim Molony has a new column up. The Braves will listen to offers for Jeff Francoeur and Will Ohman, and maybe Mark Teixeira if the Braves struggle in the next week. The Royals are said to be interested in Francoeur. Mike Gonzalez is unavailable. The Braves have scouted Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, in case they decide to become buyers. The Phillies had an exec scouting the Pirates recently. The Phils are looking for a lefty reliever. The Phillies also may be looking at relievers on the Jays and Orioles. Molony rattles off Freddy Garcia suitors: Astros, Cardinals, Phillies,...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Dunn, Blake

Another column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. The Yankees "appear primed to make a big push" for CC Sabathia when he hits free agency. While Sabathia may prefer the West Coast, he reportedly will not be offering a discount to those teams. He'll want Johan money. Heyman speculates that Adam Dunn could be a nice addition for the Yankees, one that might mostly cost just money. I know he hates playing baseball and all but the lack of interest is perplexing. Brian Cashman and Walt Jocketty have matched up a couple of times for trades, including one that sent Sterling Hitchcock...   Continue Reading

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Will Carroll's Latest: Blake, Mike Gonzalez, Fuentes

Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll checks in with a slew of rumors. Carroll believes Orioles relievers Jamie Walker and Chad Bradford would clear waivers. Bradford isn't striking anyone out, but he does have a 2.45 ERA by virtue of good control and tons of grounders. He has a reasonable $3.5MM commitment for '09. Casey Blake suitors: Mets, Rays, and Twins. Carroll wonders if the Rangers could send an outfielder to Atlanta for closer Mike Gonzalez. MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan also linked the Rangers to Gonzalez. Gonzalez is under team control through '09; I'd be surprised to see him traded. The Marlins are...   Continue Reading

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Tim Brown's Latest: Peralta, McPherson, Putz

Yahoo's Tim Brown posted a new column this evening. The Nationals got an OK return for Jon Rauch, acquiring second baseman Emilio Bonifacio. That could set the pace for reasonable reliever prices. The Indians are listening on Casey Blake, Paul Byrd, and Jamey Carroll, as you know. Jhonny Peralta isn't off-limits either. Here's a new name of interest for the Dodgers: Marlins minor league third baseman Dallas McPherson. He'll be 28 soon, and carries a .287/.400/.650 line with 32 home runs in 314 Triple A at-bats. This could be the second time McPherson blasts 40 home runs in a minor...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Holliday, Teixeira, Burnett, Blake

10:19pm: Angels GM Tony Reagins laughed at Charley Walters' Teixeira rumor, blaming it on..."those bloggers." 11:16am: The latest from SI.com's Jon Heyman. The Rockies and Braves will wait until right before the July 31st deadline to decide whether to trade Matt Holliday and Mark Teixeira. The Rox have been more active calling around about Holliday, though. Heyman notes that Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd has spoken to the Mets, Angels, Phillies, and other teams about him. The Rockies are seven games out, while the Braves are six back. The Braves are reportedly making a list of trading partners for Tex, including...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fuentes, Sherrill, Nady, Kemp, Guthrie

New Rosenthal. Let's take a look. Rosenthal says the Marlins are in on Brian Fuentes and other top relievers, and they're more focused on bullpen help than a catcher. The Marlins' interest in Fuentes was first reported by the Denver Post's Troy E. Renck on July 9th. Sources tell Rosenthal that the Brewers aren't likely to pay up for a top reliever like George Sherrill. Rosenthal considers the Angels the best fit for Sherrill, but doesn't say whether they're actually interested. The Braves probably won't discuss Tim Hudson; they'll need him for next year. Rosenthal wonders whether the Phillies will...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Sign Ozuna, Look To Stay Active

Ken Gurnick from MLB.com writes that the Dodgers signed veteran utility player Pablo Ozuna today. The White Sox designated Ozuna for assignment on July 8 to make room for Paul Konerko when he returned from the DL. He elected to become a free agent after clearing waivers. Ozuna had posted a mediocre line of .281/.313/.328 in 69 plate appearances for the White Sox this year. Luis Maza was designated for assignment to make room for Ozuna, Gurnick writes. Maza was called up as a quick shortstop fix earlier in the year, but had posted an abysmal .228/.278/.282 line through 79...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fuentes, Holliday, Sherrill

Ken Rosenthal tops off the day with a column full of rumors. Signing Mark Teixeira as a replacement for Manny Ramirez doesn't make sense for the Red Sox, who don't want to take on that kind of mega-contract. The Phillies were recently working on a blockbuster with Colorado that would have netted them Brian Fuentes and Matt Holliday for something like Shane Victorino, J.A. Happ, Carlos Carrasco, and Lou Marson. Those talks have stalled, and the added payroll might've been a problem for the Phillies anyway. Though Frank McCourt denies it, Rosenthal says the Dodgers owned vetoed a CC Sabathia/Casey...   Continue Reading

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Carroll's Latest: Burnett, Twins, Cardinals

Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll has plenty of rumors in his latest post. Pat Gillick "doesn't seem that interested" in going back to work for the Mariners. One team asked the Blue Jays to include players to be named later on both sides of an A.J. Burnett deal, to serve as a balance for the pitcher's uncertain tricky contract. The Jays passed on that idea. By the way, the Toronto Star's Richard Griffin thinks the Jays will keep Burnett unless offered a player who can improve the '08 team. Carroll wonders whether the Pirates would consider trading Ian Snell. Snell is...   Continue Reading

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Sherman's Latest: Bay, Nady, Holliday, Fuentes, Blake

The New York Post's Joel Sherman is working hard today, filing blog posts here and here. Multiple teams are in the hunt for a right-handed hitting outfielder: the Mets, Rays, and maybe the Yankees. The Pirates are asking for too much for Jason Bay and Xavier Nady, while the Rockies are waiting to see what Bay costs so they can ask for more for Matt Holliday. The Rays' might find their solution internally, with Rocco Baldelli. Holliday as a replacement for Manny Ramirez this winter? Right now it's just a couple of execs speculating to Sherman. The Rockies want either...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, Burnett, Fuentes, Guillen

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. I updated the second bullet about Burnett - I had omitted an interesting rumor accidentally. The Dodgers could've gotten CC Sabathia, Casey Blake, and Jamey Carroll without giving up Matt Kemp. Owner Frank McCourt may have killed the deal, though he denies it. Rosenthal describes the Dodgers as a "near-impossible trading partner." Rosenthal reminds us that A.J. Burnett can veto trades to 15 teams and would probably require compensation to waive that right or his opt-out rights. Rosenthal also says the Jays offered Burnett to the Brewers for J.J. Hardy, but the Brewers...   Continue Reading

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CC Sabathia Links

The CC Sabathia trade is complete, but there's still some good info floating about. Michael Silverman says the Brewers wanted players such as Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson, Jed Lowrie, and Josh Reddick from the Red Sox in various Sabathia scenarios. The Dodgers apparently talked about dealing Matt Kemp and one of Jonathan Meloan/James McDonald for Sabathia, Casey Blake, and Jamey Carroll. Baseball Prospectus' Joe Sheehan analyzes the trade. Turns out Sabathia prefers CC over C.C. The agent for Brewers prospects Michael Brantley and Taylor Green believes both are in play as the player to be named later in the Sabathia...   Continue Reading

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Sabathia To Brewers Trade Official

Let's round up today's C.C. Sabathia links in a fresh post. The Brewers' trade for ace pitcher C.C. Sabathia is official. As a reminder, the Indians will receive Matt LaPorta, Rob Bryson, Zach Jackson, and maybe Taylor Green. Paul Hoynes says Michael Brantley could end up the player to be named later instead of Green. Ken Rosenthal suggests Lorenzo Cain may also still be possible. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo analyzes the prospects received by the Indians. Here's an interesting link. This is apparently the blog of agent Joshua Kusnick of Double Diamond Sports Management. Among others, Kusnick represents Cain, Brantley, and...   Continue Reading

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Rays, Dodgers Interested In Casey Blake

The Indians have marketable veterans aside from C.C. Sabathia. Take third baseman Casey Blake, who's hitting .353/.414/.529 since the beginning of June. He's owed about $2.8MM for the remainder of the season and figures to draw decent trade attention. Baseball Prospectus' Will Carroll says "there's some rumor that Tampa Bay has interest" in Blake. Blake could fill the role of right-handed hitting right fielder. The Rays have also been linked to outfielders Matt Murton and Xavier Nady. Blake has also drawn interest from the Dodgers, who wanted to get him in a C.C. Sabathia deal.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, Blake, Greinke, Tejada

And now...a fresh Ken Rosenthal column. An opposing viewpoint: Rosenthal says "any team that acquires C.C. Sabathia would gain an exclusive window to sign him long-term before he reaches free agency." Rosenthal notes that the Brewers and Rays are stacked enough to acquire Sabathia and wouldn't mind taking draft picks for him after the season. Casey Blake is drawing trade interest; his versatility is a plus. Rosenthal likes the fit for the Dodgers, Mets, and A's. An anonymous general manager tossed out this "trade concept": Adam Dunn to the Dodgers for Juan Pierre, Chin-lung Hu, and cash. Thoughts? Teams such...   Continue Reading

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Indians Shifting Into Sell Mode

The Indians are currently in fourth place in the AL Central, 8.5 games out. Baseball Prospectus' projections suggest their playoff chances are less than 3%. Many key players are injured. That's enough for Terry Pluto - he says we should stick a fork in the Tribe. Pluto says the Indians have been listening on C.C. Sabathia, "but nothing has been serious." The Indians are known to be scouting eight organizations as potential destinations for Sabathia, though about 20 have expressed interest. Jayson Stark says the Indians will not be offering a negotiation window to sign Sabathia. Paul Hoynes talked to...   Continue Reading

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Ocker On Blake, Marte, Dellucci, Borowski And Lee

Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal does some speculating on the Indians' third base, left field, and closer situations. Casey Blake's contract expires at the end of the season, and at age 35, Ocker doesn't believe that Indians' GM Mark Shapiro will re-up for him. Ocker points to two reasons why Andy Marte probably won't work out as the in-house solution to Blake's potential absence: he could be lost on waivers if he doesn't make the team as a utility man coming out of Spring Training, and he shows no sign of figuring things out and becoming an impact...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Dotel, Valverde, Wilkerson

Some Saturday odds and ends to mull over... The Yankees considered bringing Octavio Dotel back, but wouldn't go two years on him. Richard Justice thinks Astros GM Ed Wade is making a mistake by setting a deadline and going to arbitration hearings with Jose Valverde and Mark Loretta. I doubt the Astros wanted Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration in the first place, but they took the $4-5MM gamble hoping to get a draft pick. But they actively sought out Valverde, and this might not bode well for him staying past 2009. Can't promise anything, but my source is..   Continue Reading

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