Chad Cordero Rumors

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

---

Four Teams Eyeing Chad Cordero

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Angels, Mets, Rangers, and Tigers have asked to look at Chad Cordero's medical records. The Nationals are not in the mix. Cordero, 26, had shoulder surgery in July. Ladson says Cordero's first choice is the Angels, as he's from Anaheim. After that would come the Mets due to the Omar Minaya connection from Montreal.   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

---

Chad Cordero Elects Free Agency

According to Bill Ladson of MLB.com, Nationals reliever Chad Cordero was outrighted to Triple A today. He refused the assignment and is now a free agent. This comes as no surprise, as GM Jim Bowden admitted in July that he would non-tender Cordero. Cordero, 26, had surgery in July to repair tears in his labrum and biceps tendon. He hopes to be ready for spring training.   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

---

Rockies Need Pitching

A common theme: The Rockies need pitching. Troy E. Renck discusses the offseason focus of the team as they look ahead to a rotation anchored by Jeff Francis, Aaron Cook, and Ubaldo Jimenez, and the loss of Brian Fuentes in the bullpen. "Ownership needs to go beyond anticipating injuries. It needs to expect slumps from at least one key starter and critical reliever, and give general manager Dan O'Dowd money to address those areas. It makes a trade for a frontline starter imperative..." Renck suggests a trade for Aaron Heilman and being ready to pounce on Chad Cordero if reports...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Happ, Igawa, Hawkins, Lowe

Rounding up rumors and links from the weekend... SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mariners are asking the Mets for Jon Niese for Raul Ibanez. Not likely. ESPN's Buster Olney says the Braves would require Conor Jackson from the D'Backs in a Mark Teixeira deal, but Arizona is not biting. Another quick hit from Olney: the White Sox are surveying the relief market in the wake of Scott Linebrink's shoulder injury. Several readers have written in about Phillies' lefty J.A. Happ being pulled early from a Triple A start (2.2 scoreless innings) with no sign of injury. Something to keep an...   Continue Reading

---

Nationals Plan To Non-Tender Chad Cordero

7:53pm: We have a quote tonight from Cordero's agent, Larry Reynolds: "The timing of discussing non-tendering Chad Cordero is surprising, particularly at this time of the year, but that is the Nationals prerogative. We expect Chad to be fully recovered and if the Nationals decide to non tender him come December we will react accordingly. Chad's a proven closer, he is working hard to get back on the mound and I am not concerned regardless of what the Nationals decide to do." 10:56am: Odd timing for this. Nationals GM Jim Bowden said last night he plans to non-tender former closer...   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Eyeing Chad Cordero?

Matt Palmer and John Keim of the Washington Examiner write that the Nationals and Tigers discussed Chad Cordero this spring. Their source believes the Tigers' interest will heighten if their bullpen struggles early on. The article doesn't cover suggest it, but the Tigers could also consider relievers Jon Rauch or Luis Ayala. A look at the three: Cordero, 26, earns $6.8MM in '08. He'll be a free agent after the '09 season. Cordero hasn't pitched yet this season due to shoulder tendinitis, and he wasn't at his typical velocity in spring. His control was off in '07 and he was...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Inge, Greene, Pavano

A few tidbits this morning as we wait to hear more on Fukudome... The Tigers and Pirates have had talks about Brandon Inge. Not sure how he fits in with that club, but OK. Yesterday Barry Svrluga wrote of a failed Padres-Nats trade worth noting. The Nats would've sent Jon Rauch or Chad Cordero plus Felipe Lopez to the Padres for Khalil Greene. The talks fizzled; it never sounded like something the Padres would be interested in. They usually grow their own relievers. Tom Krasovic over at the San Diego Union-Tribune elaborates a little more on Jim Bowden's love for..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Mahay, Cordero

Ken Rosenthal busts out a few new ones. The Royals have been in touch with Ron Mahay's agent. Rosenthal names the Yankees, Giants, and Astros as other interested parties. Why the Giants? The Royals would trade Jimmy Gobble and then sign Mahay. Regarding the Yankees, Rosenthal says that the Santana situation somehow affects their willingness to sign Mahay. Meanwhile, Jayson Stark says the Rays are also in on Mahay. The Nationals asked for Chad Qualls and Luke Scott for Chad Cordero and were rebuffed by Ed Wade and the Astros. It's not the craziest offer but how many outfielders do..   Continue Reading

---

Nats Shopping Rauch For A Shortstop?

The Washington Post's Barry Svrluga says the Nationals are listening on Felipe Lopez, as you might expect. However they're hesitant to leave Cristian Guzman as the only person on the roster who can play shortstop. With that in mind, Jim Bowden is shopping Jon Rauch with at least one team in hopes of getting a shortstop. By the way, only one of Rauch/Cordero will get traded, if any. Trying to think of Rauch scenarios. To the Cubs for Ronny Cedeno? To the Dodgers for Chin-Lung Hu? To the Red Sox for Jed Lowrie   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Loretta, Pettitte, Affeldt

Random Winter Meetings rumors... Doug Melvin confirms that the Nats offered Chad Cordero for Rickie Weeks. Melvin is adamant that he won't be trading Weeks or J.J. Hardy for a closer. Mike Timlin for $3MM, done. Mark Loretta would like to return to San Diego but the Padres will pass. The Rockies may yet sign him. Rob Biertempfel thinks the Pirates could send a reliever to the Rockies for Jamey Carroll, if the Rockies would eat some of Carroll's salary. That's right, a Jamey Carroll trade rumor. For a man of his abilities Carroll is a tad pricey at $2.3MM...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Barrett, Piazza

Ken Rosenthal is presumably in Nashville doing what he does best - collect trade rumors by the dozen. His latest column is an excellent example. What's the over/under on Rosenthal scoops over the next four days? I'll set it at 10. Rosenthal says the Mets are unwilling to extend the contract of GM Omar Minaya, who is signed through 2009. The lack of job security could compel Minaya to mortgage the future, and the Lastings Milledge trade was a good example. Carlos Gomez, watch out. Here's MLBTR's look at Omar Minaya's Mets trade profile. The Astros, Giants, and Cardinals aren't..   Continue Reading

---

Brewers Not Likely To Acquire Nathan, Herges

Tom Haudricourt spoke to Brewers GM Doug Melvin recently to learn more about possible relief acquisitions. Acquiring Joe Nathan or Chad Cordero is highly unlikely, because the Brewers don't want to create holes at other positions. The Crew has an offer out to one free agent reliever but it's not Matt Herges. That conflicts with a report from Haudricourt from November 14th. Herges must be considering a Mystery Team along with the Rockies. Haudricourt speculates that the offer might be out to David Riske, who I imagine wants at least three years and $12MM   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Livan, Bartlett, Willis, Webb

Random pieces of rumorage... The Mets have expressed interest in Livan Hernandez, though he appears to be their Plan C or D. Jim Bowden and the Nats will be active in the trade market, perhaps finally pulling the trigger on deals for Chad Cordero and/or Jon Rauch. The Rays and Twins have had discussions about shortstop Jason Bartlett. Would a 1 for 1 trade for Rocco Baldelli make sense? Buster Olney believes the Rays should consider trading for the Nats' Cristian Guzman. Update on the Rockies' reliever situation. They're probably going to pass on Ron Mahay and Jeremy Affeldt, while..   Continue Reading

---

Mets Rumors: A-Rod, Kim, Silva, Kuroda

Plenty of new hot stove talk involving the Mets. Let's get into it. First off, there's the fact that Omar Minaya met with Scott Boras yesterday. Minaya says he talked to Boras about all the players he represents. Besides Mr. Rodriguez, Eric Gagne, Byung-Hyun Kim, Kenny Rogers, and Kyle Lohse may be considerations for the Mets. Indeed, there is some buzz that the Mets could bring Kim in to compete for a rotation spot. So what about A-Rod? He'd cost the Mets a ton of money, plus the #22 overall pick in the 2008 draft. It sounds like the Mets..   Continue Reading

---

Carlos Gonzalez For Chad Cordero?

Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post is hearing whispers about the Diamondbacks possibly trading 22 year-old outfielder Carlos Gonzalez to the Nationals for Chad Cordero. The right fielder has come alive to hit .326/.396/.616 in Double A this month. He'd instantly become the Nationals' #1 prospect   Continue Reading

---

Mets Offer Humber For Cordero

UPDATE: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets have offered Philip Humber to the Nationals for Cordero, but are holding fast with their bigger name prospects. He also confirms that the Diamondbacks are in on Cordero and could offer Carlos Quentin. According to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, the fates of Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch might be tied to Eric Gagne. Gagne has the lower asking price and limited no-trade protection, and Jim Bowden may wait until that situation is resolved. Some possible names on the Nats' radar include Wily Mo Pena, Carlos Quentin, and Philip Humber. Humber is..   Continue Reading

---

Tim Brown's Latest: Cordero, Quentin

UPDATE: You can throw Conor Jackson into the mix along with Quentin. Yahoo's Tim Brown has some new rumors and info: Plan B if the Red Sox can't get Eric Gagne: Washington's Chad Cordero. It seems Wily Mo Pena would be a part of that, but I imagine Jim Bowden would want a top prospect as well. The Diamondbacks are shopping Carlos Quentin for a starting pitcher; the Indians and Nationals have interest. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Indians are willing to deal Cliff Lee, so maybe there's a match there. And keep in mind that..   Continue Reading

---

Cordero/Rauch Not Going To Tigers, Mets

A Nationals source tells me that if traded at all, Chad Cordero and/or Jon Rauch will not be going to the Mets or Tigers   Continue Reading

---

Dodgers Tracking Cordero and Rauch

Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch are on the Dodgers' radar, and they would gladly offer shortstop Chin-Lung Hu according to Yahoo's Jeff Passan. The Washington Post's Barry Srvluga confirms the Dodgers' presence and adds the Mets and Tigers as teams following the relievers. As he mentioned yesterday, Srvluga's source thinks a trade of one of Cordero or Rauch is likely and the return would be prospects. I'm sure we'll be hearing much more about this today. Jon Morosi of the Detroit Free Press ran down the Tigers' stance on various relievers this morning, but Cordero and Rauch were not mentioned...   Continue Reading

---

Nationals Working On Cordero Or Rauch Trade

According to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, the Nationals are definitely shopping Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch. Svrluga's source believes one of them will go for prospects, most likely Rauch. Glad to hear it; I was worried both would stay put. I always prefer more trade action. There's also the possibility of packaging both relievers together to get one top-notch prospect. The Dodgers seem most likely to agree to something like that. Matt Kemp would probably work for Jim Bowden. The post mentions that Bowden indeed asked for Cameron Maybin from the Tigers for Rauch. One last note: Adam..   Continue Reading

---

Mets Hunting For Reliever, Second Baseman

Pretty much the same old story with the Mets, though Joel Sherman and Mark Hale of the New York Post do have some new tidbits. The authors name Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, Octavio Dotel, and Eric Gagne as relievers on the radar. However it seems the asking price is too high for Gagne and the Indians have become the frontrunner for Dotel (they may have passed the Dodgers). Shawn Chacon doesn't catch the Mets' eye, and they don't want Chad Bradford's three-year commitment. They had that option with Bradford this winter. I think that logic is silly - Bradford's pitched..   Continue Reading

---

Mets and Devil Rays

Ryan McConnell of the New Jersey Star-Ledger posted a run-down of Mets' rumors, mostly old hat by now. Items of note: The Mets are being asked too much for both Chad Cordero and Octavio Dotel, causing them to take another look at Eric Gagne. They are also looking at Matt Thornton (White Sox), Shawn Chacon (Pirates), Chad Bradford (Orioles) and Jon Rauch (Nationals). I think they should go for Chad Bradford, silly contract be damned. We've all heard about second base possibilities in Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Loretta and Luis Castillo. I think that of these candidates, Grudzielanek is the best..   Continue Reading

---

Latest Mets Rumors: Luis Castillo, Chad Cordero

Let's have a look at the latest rumors swirling around the Mets. Second base remains an area of focus. A Twins scout was at Shea recently, presumably trying to figure out what to ask for from the Mets for Luis Castillo. The Mets were recently scouting the Twins as well. The problem is that Castillo is not yet officially available. A couple of Marks, Grudzielanek and Loretta, remain on the radar. The Astros might consider signing Loretta to an extension, though no details have been discussed. The Devil Rays hosted the Red Sox last night, and a Mets scout was..   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Hunting For Relief Help

Playoff odds reports put the Rockies' chances at 6-8% currently, but they still view themselves as buyers. After all, they're still just 4.5 games out of the Wild Card and 5.5 games out in the NL West. Though a crude metric, the Rockies' bullpen currently ranks 12th in the NL with a 4.42 ERA. Among contenders in the league, only Philadelphia has been worse. Brian Fuentes seems at least another week or two from returning. According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd has been burning up the phone lines looking for a reliever. Renck..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Nats After Dunn

Ken Rosenthal's got a new column up; let's dive in. Fun new rumor: the Nationals are pursuing Adam Dunn. Huh? Makes no sense on the surface. Jim Bowden's possible motivation would be to sign Dunn long-term and make him the cornerstone of the franchise. If he fails at that, all would not be lost given the draft pick compensation. Rosenthal says the market for Dunn beyond Washington is a bit foggy - the Twins, Angels, Yankees, Red Sox, and Padres could all get involved but none stand out. Rosenthal adds some color to my recent Nationals post. He mentions that..   Continue Reading

---

Nationals Looking To Deal

MLB.com's Bill Ladson has the lowdown on the Washington Nationals. They've got several pieces they're looking to move. Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch remain popular names on the market, but it still seems like Jim Bowden is holding out for something amazing. Ladson says Bowden is asking the Mets for Lastings Milledge and Mike Pelfrey in a deal. It is known that the Mets would move Pelfrey in a major trade (per Jayston Stark). Pelfrey would be a great guy for the Nats to acquire; they really need some MLB-ready pitching depth. Another name on the Nats' radar is Double..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Andruw, Lidge, Gwynn Jr.

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up at FOXSports for your viewing pleasure. Rosenthal believes that despite Andruw Jones's lousy May and June, he'll still cash in this winter as the best available center fielder. He'll still provide more offense than Torii Hunter in the long run. The Nationals are still asking for the moon in trade talks. If Jim Bowden does start acting reasonable, Dmitri Young, Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, and Ryan Church could be dealt. Word via Bill Ladson of MLB.com is that only the Braves have inquired on Young. Brad Lidge is expected to remain..   Continue Reading

---

MetsBlog On Cordero, Rauch, Milledge

Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog says recent buzz in Washington, D.C. has linked the Mets to relievers Chad Cordero and Jon Rauch. He also adds that Nationals manager and former Mets' third base coach Manny Acta is a fan of Lastings Milledge. Milledge suffered from a sprained foot ligament for most of the season, but finally returned to the Triple A lineup on Friday. [Correction: Milledge is still on rehab and won't return to the Triple A New Orleans club for another week or two.] It figures that many GMs will try to pry away the 22 year-old this month. It's..   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest

Jayson Stark has an assessment of the trade market over at ESPN.com. Aside from the usual Mark Teixeira/Eric Gagne mentions, Stark believes many Rangers may be headed out at the trading deadline. Specifically, he names Brad Wilkerson, Kenny Lofton, and Sammy Sosa. Lofton is always a good midseason mercenary. He's like a Mike Stanton in that way. Ken Griffey Jr. would approve a trade to Atlanta and might consider certain other teams. Junior is making $12.5MM this year and next, plus a $4MM buyout for '09. Quite a bit of the contract is deferred, also. $29MM over 2007-08 is still..   Continue Reading

---

Cubs Trade Speculation

What are those crazy Cubs up to now? They've got some surprising plans regarding their pitching staff. Here's the rundown: Ryan Dempster may switch back to starting, after he mentors the future closer. Dempster made six starts for the Cubs to begin 2005, four of which were quality efforts. Apparently the Cubs think his repertoire is better suited as a starter. He's due $10.5MM for 2007-08, and if he can emerge as a quality #4 type starter the contract won't look so bad. Dempster's best season came in 2000 with the Marlins, when he made the All-Star team and won..   Continue Reading

---

Chad Cordero Struggling

As Mark Zuckerman writes, Chad Cordero's slow start to the 2007 season isn't doing much for his trade value. In the early going, Washington's closer has started relying more on his mediocre breaking pitches. He was concerned that hitters would sit on his fastball. Now he's falling behind to most hitters. Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post gives his take here. Home runs were a major issue for Cordero last year; he's on the same path this season with three allowed in 9.1 innings. His normally solid control has been lousy, and he's given up more hits than a pitching..   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Come Calling On Cordero

The Denver Post reports that the Rockies expressed interest in Washington Nationals' closer Chad Cordero. The Nationals gave the Rockies the same answer they give everyone that comes calling on Cordero: he's not available. Is March 31st too early to talk about a trading deadline that is four months away? If The Nationals are smart, they will hang onto Cordero until they have the maximum amount of leverage, and that's in July. General manager Jim Bowden proved last year in trade discussions regarding Alfonso Soriano that he isn't going to make a deal that he doesn't feel gets the proper..   Continue Reading

---

Rockies Interested In Chad Cordero

Surprisingly, Ken Rosenthal is indicating that the Rockies are interested in Nationals closer Chad Cordero. I didn't realize the Rockies were that serious about bullpen help, but it makes sense. However, Cordero doesn't seem like the right target as he is a flyball pitcher. It may be a moot point in that discussions haven't occurred for weeks between the two clubs. It seems that Jim Bowden is looking for two of the Rockies' five best prospects, and they have some excellent ones. Of course, Trader Jim is in the catbird seat. Other highlights of Rosenthal's article: The Rangers want a..   Continue Reading

---

Long Term Deal for Cordero?

The Nationals and Chad Cordero are discussing a multi-year deal to avoid their upcoming arbitration hearing. The two sides aren't that far apart, but since they have a consistent, young pitcher on their hands, I'm sure the Nats would like to work something out. Cordero wasn't as good last year as he was in his eye-popping 2005, but he did manage a 3.19 ERA and a K:BB of better than 3:1. He may not have been the best closer in the NL named Cordero, but he still remains one of the best relievers in the league. It's tough to see..   Continue Reading

---

Long Term Deal for Cordero?

The Nationals and Chad Cordero are discussing a multi-year deal to avoid their upcoming arbitration hearing. The two sides aren't that far apart, but since they have a consistent, young pitcher on their hands, I'm sure the Nats would like to work something out. Cordero wasn't as good last year as he was in his eye-popping 2005, but he did manage a 3.19 ERA and a K:BB of better than 3:1. He may not have been the best closer in the NL named Cordero, but he still remains one of the best relievers in the league. It's tough to see..   Continue Reading

---

Nats Demand Red Sox Pitchers For Chad Cordero

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox remain interested in Nationals closer Chad Cordero. The info may be in contrast to an article in the Boston Globe yesterday, which indicated that the price was too high on "name" closers. The Nats are fond of pitchers Craig Hansen and Michael Bowden, but favor 22 year-old righty Clay Buchholz. Baseball Prospectus's Kevin Goldstein ranks Buchholz a touch above Bowden, mentioning "three plus pitches at times." Buchholz finished 2006 in High Class A. All three pitchers are quality arms with a lot of upside. Cordero turns 25 in March. He's got three..   Continue Reading

---

Red Sox Targeting Closer?

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo has a J.D. Drew update for us. It may be that Boras does not want to revise Drew's contract given that Boras's surgeon gave Drew's shoulder the thumbs up. More intriguing is a line at the end of the post - the Red Sox are targeting a trade for a closer and are targeting one of Chad Cordero, Brad Lidge, and Mike Gonzalez   Continue Reading

---

Search MLBTR

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST