Odds and Ends: Jacque, Vizquel, Greinke

Today's linkage... An MLBTR chat will take place in this space at 2pm CST - get your questions ready! I will also be hopping on ESPN-1580 (Columbia, MO) today at 4:20pm CST. Jacque Jones prefers to play for the Marlins...I imagine he will end up there. GM bloodlines courtesy of Batter's Box. Omar Vizquel wants to play in '09, if he has a good offensive year in '08. The White Sox do not intend to overpay their 8th overall pick this June. The Royals haven't had any extension talks yet with Zack Greinke, who would become a free agent after...

Odds and Ends: Bay, Roberts, Cliff Lee

And here we have some random links I've collected over the past day or so. The Bucs will try to fill their open 40-man spots through low profile moves, not unlike the Jason Michaels one. They won't move Jason Bay or Xavier Nady until they're truly out of it. 4.5 games out of the wild card, they still have a prayer here on May 9th. Keith Law's top 60 prospects list for the June draft has been published. Shortstop Tim Beckham heads the list. Gordon Wittenmyer looks back on the Cubs players rumored to be traded for Brian Roberts. Juan...

Juan Uribe Headed Out?

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times believes the White Sox plan to shake things up today by getting rid of one or two players. Most likely to go is infielder Juan Uribe. Uribe makes $4.5MM this year, so he'd become part of the growing list of players who were paid to go away. He was placed on waivers in March but no one wanted to pay his salary. South Side Sox isn't jazzed with the idea of replacing him at second base with Alexei Ramirez. Uribe, 29, has a career line of .252/.293/.424. His once-stellar defense has become a source...

Jerry Owens Blocked By Carlos Quentin's Surprising Start

One of the most pressing needs the White Sox addressed this off-season was finding a permanent center fielder, a position that has given the ChiSox headaches ever since they traded Aaaron Rowand to the Phillies in the Jim Thome deal. By trading for Nick Swisher and Carlos Quentin, as well as with the emergence of rookie Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson's patently familiar story (highly touted White Sox outfield prospect who doesn't pan out), White Sox GM Kenny Williams hoped to have that issue put to rest. The Sox were hoping to give Owens a shot in the outfield this...

Teams Scouting Griffey, Dunn

If the Reds slip out of contention in May, Walt Jocketty might begin to field offers for corner outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn. Both are paid well and have at least some control over trade destinations. According to MLB.com's Jim Molony, "a few teams are having their scouts keep an eye" on the pair in case they become available. The standard speculation for Griffey is that he could be traded back to Seattle after he gets his 600th home run with the Reds. Junior might be a nice boost in right field for the Ms if Wladimir Balentien...

Konerko Granted 10-and-5 Rights

Today marks Paul Konerko's tenth year of big league service time. Happy anniversary Paul! Konerko's spent more than the last five seasons with the White Sox; as a result, he's a 10-and-5 player. He can now veto any trade, and sees himself staying in Chicago at least for the length of his current deal (through 2010). There were some rumblings in the winter that the Angels might make a play for Konerko, but Kenny Williams denied any trade discussions.

Rosenthal's Latest: Crede, Lofton, Millwood, Dunn

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up; let's discuss. Despite his .268/.330/.537 start, the White Sox would still entertain trading Joe Crede if it'd help the big league team. This is a change from their apparent springtime willingness to deal him for prospects. The most likely desire would be pitching, if the Sox can find a suitor. Jake Peavy put on his GM hat, suggesting the Padres sign Kenny Lofton. Rosenthal likes the idea, but notes that Kevin Towers will first turn to his farm system. I discussed some future trade candidates for San Diego in my latest...

Odds And Ends: Crede, Morris, Thomas

Just a couple of lingering posts in my browser this morning. It looks like Joe Crede is sticking by Scott Boras's side as he enters free agency after this season. I can't blame him. It's one thing for a superstar like A-Rod or an established veteran like Kenny Rogers to do what they want. But Crede certainly benefits from being repped by Boras. If Pirates GM Neal Huntington has plans to ditch Matt Morris, he's not tipping his hand. The 33-year-old righty has been downright horrible since coming over to Pittsburgh, a gaffe made by who else by Dave Littlefield....

Odds and Ends: Lugo, Murton, Scherzer

A handful of random links... Josh Kalk did a guest post at RotoAuthority, using PITCHf/x data to analyze C.C. Sabathia's early struggles. Nick Cafardo comments on Julio Lugo's unimpressive Red Sox career, noting that Jed Lowrie is nipping at his heels. Is there any chance the Sox consider guys like Orlando Cabrera or Rafael Furcal this winter? Christina Kahrl believes leaving Matt Murton in Triple A was the right move. White Sox beat reporter Joe Cowley explains that real baseball is different from fantasy baseball. The Scherzer Watch begins, especially for fantasy leaguers. Joe Sports Fan offers their list of...

Odds and Ends: Pavano, Lima, Sabathia

Today's link collection contains a trio of awesome pitchers. Enjoy. Carl Pavano is talking about five or six more seasons; his new agent calls him a "1-2 starter." You can chuckle, but some team will probably toss him a million bucks this winter. The Kia Tigers have already had enough of Jose Lima. Coincidentally here's a funny quote from Lima regarding his Atlantic League paycheck from '03. Ken Rosenthal discusses C.C. Sabathia's situation, noting that the Indians could probably sign him if they'd give five years. Rany Jazayerli writes in praise of Dayton Moore. Rule V pick Fernando Hernandez is...

Orlando Cabrera Contracts Talks Will Wait

According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox will not have further contract discussions with shortstop Orlando Cabrera until after the season. While an extension is still possible at that time, the chances seem to decrease as he reaches the cusp of free agency. Often when a guy is that close, he'll then say he wants to explore the market. Cabrera makes $9MM this year, with the Angels paying $1.5MM. It's a solid price for the Sox, but Cabrera has to be looking for three years and at least $20MM. He'll turn 34 in November, so it'd...

What's The Deal With Crede?

The rumors of Joe Crede's demise were greatly exaggerated. With many people writing him off after a poor spring, the White Sox third baseman jumped out to a .393/.419/.679 start in 28 ABs. That marks less than five percent of the season, but it's a start. South Side Sox is both supporting and doubting the early returns. Understandably, Crede is leaving the trade and contract details in the hands of his agent, Scott Boras. He's earning $5.1MM this year, his last before free agency. The hot corner free agent market is looking bleak next winter, and Crede might be the...

Phils Designate Lahey For Assignment

Earlier today, the Phillies activated closer Brad Lidge from the 15-day DL and, to make room for him on the roster, designated young right-handed reliever Tim Lahey for assignment as foreseen. He'll now be looking for his fifth job in as many months. The wandering Lahey has already been part of the Cubs, the Rays, and the Twins. He's still relatively new to pitching, having been converted by the Twins from catching. He posted a 3.45 ERA in 78 and a third innings at AA New Britain last year, and gave up three runs in three innings at AAA Rochester....

Cubs, Sox Still Like Crisp

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

Odds and Ends: Giles, Crisp, A-Rod

Nothing huge cooking this morning, so here are some odds and ends. Doesn't look like the Dodgers will acquire Marcus Giles. Rany Jazayerli writes about how Kansas City is home to many of the country's best baseball journalists. On a related note, the Star's Sam Mellinger has a chat with Brian Bannister on his blog. Coco Crisp rattles off the trade rumors he's heard: Cubs, Sox, A's, Padres. No deal appears imminent, though Crisp was healthy enough to pinch-run this morning. John Harper snags an exclusive with Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod admitted he chose the Rangers over the Mets for money...

Odds and Ends: Papelbon, Darvish, Crisp

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

Market For Crede Dries Up

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times says the market for Joe Crede has "dried up," as the Dodgers and Giants have little interest. Tough luck for Josh Fields, who seems headed back to Triple A. Ozzie Guillen's explanation for the lack of Crede interest: This game has gotten to be a bunch of political, a bunch of [expletive] budget, a bunch of [expletive]. They forgot about the talent. I'm not sure what Ozzie means by that. Perhaps the "political" comment has something to do with Scott Boras, who represents Crede. SI.com's Jon Heyman offers an alternative explanation, quoting a scout...

White Sox Waive Uribe

FRIDAY, 8:50am: Heard from ESPN's Keith Law on the two pieces of info below. He says they don't jive - if a guy is on outright waivers, he can't be pulled back. Sounds like Cowley had it right - Mark Gonzales says the Sox can keep Uribe if no one claims him and Uribe is not being released. THURSDAY, 6:32pm: Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has the latest. First of all, second base candidate Danny Richar is out for a month. Cowley adds that a team claimed Uribe and the White Sox pulled him back to make a deal....

Orlando Cabrera Extension Talks May Carry Into Season

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times couldn't get much commenting out of Kenny Williams or Orlando Cabrera regarding the state of contract extension talks. The Sox do want to sign their shortstop, who can become a free agent after the season. Cabrera doesn't mind letting talks carry into the season. I imagine Cabrera wants something in the neighborhood of three years and $24MM. PECOTA would give a little more than half that amount; Cabrera is already 33. Next year's free agent market has perhaps three viable shortstop options aside from Cabrera: David Eckstein, Adam Everett, and Rafael Furcal. Cristian Guzman...

Nationals' Surpluses Could Lead To Trades

Nationals GM Jim Bowden signed veterans Dmitri Young and Ron Belliard to curious two-year extensions last year. He's now faced with a logjam at two infield positions. Ben Goessling of the Washington Times describes the first base battle between Young and Nick Johnson, who get along well. Johnson has more trade value, given his age. Neither player is a lock for 150 games though. Johnson is injury-prone, but his perennial .400 OBPs are appealing. He and Young are both signed through '09; Young has a vesting option for '10. The Yankees or Mets could be in the market for Johnson...

No Crede Trade Imminent

Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports that it's become "increasingly likely" that Joe Crede will get the Opening Day nod at third base for the White Sox, with Josh Fields heading to Triple A. It's an unfortunate situation for the 25 year-old Fields, who doesn't have much left to learn in the minors. Gonzales adds that trade talks with the Giants have "all but ceased," and the Dodgers don't seem all that interested either. Crede is trying to shake off the rust (his last regular season game was June 4th of last year) and prove he's an above average...

Giants Plan To Keep Pitchers

According to John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants are looking to add a bat without trading pitching. The names mentioned remain Joe Crede and Brandon Inge, but the White Sox and Tigers want hurlers. The equation doesn't seem to make sense on the surface - if the Giants won't trade pitching, and they have no hitters to speak of, how are they going to make an acquisition? As we learned Thursday, the answer is that the Giants may only be looking to trade undesirable veterans. Names like Scott Williamson, Randy Messenger, and Dave Roberts have been part...

Odds And Ends: White Sox, Angels, Crisp, Gillick

Here are a few links to whet your appetite, including a Brian Roberts sighting. You didn't think we could go two days without a Robert update, did you? Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune notes that the White Sox are looking for a middle infielder and wonders if they might get involved in the Roberts sweepstakes. However, Rogers wonders if there is anything left in the system to intrigue the Orioles. Scott Miller of CBS Sportsline looks at the recent rash of injuries plaguing the Angels pitching staff and wonders if it was a blessing that they did not trade...

White Sox Not Happy With Crede Offers

We knew that Joe Crede's name would be an oft-mentioned this spring. Further, we knew that he'd be connected with the Giants, who have infield needs. It appears the two teams have been discussing possible swaps, but the Sox are less than impressed with what's been offered thus far. According to Mark Gonzalez of the Chicago Tribune, the Giants have been offering up the likes of recently-cut Scott Williamson, recently-optioned Randy Messenger, and outfielder Dave Roberts, though not all in the same package. On the other end, GM Ken Williams is looking for "one of the Giants' top prospects and...

Giants Scouting Crede, Inge

This morning we have reports that the Giants have recently scouted Joe Crede and Brandon Inge. Even without a decent third baseman in the house, I don't really see the point of acquiring either guy. On Sunday, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo noted that the Giants could be less likely to acquire Crede given the Noah Lowry injury. Then on Monday, Kenny Williams mentioned that the two teams he'd discussed Crede with hadn't impressed with their offers. Williams suggested Crede could be his Opening Day third baseman, despite Josh Fields' worthiness. Inge is the other veteran third base option for...

Blue Jays Sign Armando Benitez

According to the Toronto Star, the Blue Jays have signed reliever Armando Benitez to a minor league deal. He's apparently not in the closer picture (which makes sense, with B.J. Ryan and Jeremy Accardo good to go). Benitez, 35, struck out 57 in 50.1 innings last year with the Giants and Marlins. The problem was too many hits, home runs, and walks. That resulted in an ERA of 5.36. Benitez's control has always been poor; he's succeeded by being tough to hit. The strong Toronto defense could help in that regard. By the way, Benitez's agent called the White Sox...

Cafardo's Latest: Inge, Marte, Fuentes, Lohse

TUESDAY: Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has an update to Cafardo's Yankees/Fuentes item. Renck says that while the Yanks have scouted Fuentes, Rockies' GM Dan O'Dowd says there's "zero chance" of a trade at this time. I imagine he wants to see a healthy Luis Vizcaino before considering it. MONDAY: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe checks in with plenty of rumors in his Sunday column. The Red Sox checked in on Brandon Inge during the Winter Meetings, but found his contract prohibitive. Most teams seem to feel the same way. The Yankees are eyeing southpaw relievers Damaso...

Heyman's Latest: Crede, Ethier, Teixeira

SI.com rumor guru Jon Heyman has a new column up; let's take a gander. Heyman talked to an NL scout who considers Joe Crede a below average third baseman right now. If that scout's opinion is the consensus, it makes sense that Kenny Williams is inclined to wait for Crede to build more value. The Rangers pushed hard to acquire Andre Ethier from the Dodgers, both in a Mark Teixeira deal and after L.A. signed Andruw Jones. If I were a Dodger fan, I'd be angry to see the team put its pride ahead of winning by playing Juan Pierre...

Odds and Ends: Garland, Linden, A-Rod

Time to round up various tidbits and rumors. Jon Garland says that unless his agent kept him in the dark, a long-term deal was never discussed with the White Sox. But in the unlikely event the Sox pursue Garland this winter, he'll listen. Here's a look others who will be free agents after this season and under 30 years old for '09. We've heard the Brandon Inge/Joe Crede rumors regarding the Dodgers. Tony Jackson speculates that Wes Helms or Jeff Cirillo could also be options. Paul Sullivan says Aaron Rowand was the Cubs' Plan B to Kosuke Fukudome. ShysterBall can't...

What's Next For Brian Anderson?

White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson has had a roller coaster career, though he's only 26. The former first-round pick entered the '06 season as Chicago's starting center fielder, but he didn't hit enough to keep the job. BA didn't make much noise in '07 (aside from comments he made to Scott Merkin). Now Anderson is making the good kind of noise, hitting .351/.442/.568 in 37 spring ABs. He's battled his way into the Opening Day picture, especially with Jerry Owens and Carlos Quentin ailing. Anderson is leading all players in spring ABs, which would almost indicate a showcase. All...

Odds and Ends: Loretta, German, Belliard, Baldelli

An update to the Ken Rosenthal article discussed earlier suggests that either Esteban German or Ron Belliard would be better, cheaper alternatives for the Dodgers than Joe Crede or Brandon Inge. It would take less to get Belliard or German, they're paid less, and either of them could back up Jeff Kent, 40, at second base in addition to playing third. Both players are "attracting the Dodgers' interest" according to Rosenthal. The Baltimore Sun is now reporting that the Orioles have an interest in Mark Loretta. Hopefully this is a sign that the Brian Roberts-to-Chicago saga will soon mercifully come...

Does Crede Make Sense For Dodgers?

South Side Sox wonders if the Dodgers will look to acquire White Sox third baseman Joe Crede now that Andy LaRoche is out two months with a torn thumb ligament and Nomar Garciaparra's status is day to day after getting hit in the wrist by a pitch. Buster Olney says the Dodgers are likely to trade for a player like Crede because "the perception about Garciaparra, among scouts, is that his unusual throwing mechanics make it very difficult for him to play third base on a regular basis." Previously, Los Angeles had been mentioned as a possible destination for Detroit...

Sox To Wait On Crede Trade?

SI.com's Jon Heyman gives his take on the White Sox-Giants Joe Crede trade talks: The White Sox apparently haven't been enamored by what the Giants have to offer for third baseman Joe Crede. A Giants person conceded, "We badly need bats,'' but they aren't to the point where they'll give up any of their better pitchers to get them. One possibility could be hard-throwing reliever Jonathan Sanchez, though it appears now that Crede may not be traded until closer to this summer's deadline. White Sox GM Kenny Williams has previously said that Josh Fields will play third base in 2008,...

Rosenthal's Latest: Thames, Konerko, Ellis, Atkins

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let's take a look. Rosenthal dissects the outfield options for the Mets, many of the names we've been speculating. He notes that the Mets' talks for Marcus Thames fizzled during the Winter Meetings. He says Paul Konerko "remains quietly available," and expresses the opinion that the Mets or Yankees could both use him. Rosenthal believes Chicago's biggest need is starting pitching. Rosenthal speculates that six years at $18MM per might be the Rockies' limit for Matt Holliday. Will the Scott Boras client demand full market value? Also, Colorado doesn't seem to have any...

A's Not Interested In Pierre

11:50am: Slusser says A's sources are thoroughly denying this rumor. It was fun while it lasted! She is also skeptical of the Mark Ellis rumblings. 8:01am: There's a headline I didn't expect to write, given that the Dodgers' Juan Pierre comes with a $36.5MM commitment over the next four years. Susan Slusser reports that the Athletics have inquired on him, proof that they may be looking to acquire a veteran center fielder. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense on the surface. Either the A's would want the Dodgers to absorb a significant portion of the money, or they'd...

Odds and Ends: Lowry, Mantei, Inge

Link time! The White Sox had a scout watching Noah Lowry's disaster yesterday. Maybe that affected him. Todd Zolecki says Ruben Amaro Jr. is the frontrunner for the Phillies' GM job next year, with Mike Arbuckle the other main candidate. Meanwhile, Bob Ford thinks the Phils should've paid $200K for Cole Hamels' happiness. Looks like Matt Mantei's comeback attempt may come to an end. Despite Jim Leyland's comments, you have to think Dave Dombrowski will troll the market for relievers. Leyland also talked about how he's not going to force Brandon Inge to catch. Jeff Sackmann discusses some clubs that...

Odds and Ends: Ponson, Inge, Papelbon

Let's round up some Monday morning links. The Cardinals are taking another look at Sidney Ponson. Insert your own punchline in the comments. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun could see the O's making a minor trade for a veteran second baseman if they acquire Ronny Cedeno but not Eric Patterson in a Brian Roberts deal with the Cubs. Brandon Inge is trying his best to talk his way out of town. The Dodgers' recently reported nibble hasn't been publicly shot down, so that's a plus. South Side Sox thinks speedy infielder Eugenio Velez is the type of player the...