Cliff Floyd Rumors

Crasnick On Retirement Candidates

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick looks at nine veteran players and estimates their chances of retiring. He assesses the situations of Jim Edmonds, Garret Anderson, Ken Griffey Jr., Cliff Floyd, Jeff Kent, Nomar Garciaparra, Luis Gonzalez, Frank Thomas, and Moises Alou. Crasnick feels Edmonds, Anderson, Griffey, and Floyd are likely to play, while the rest are not. Of the long shots, Thomas seems most intent on playing in '09.   Continue Reading

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Rays Decline Options On Floyd, Miller

According to Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times, the Rays declined their 2009 options on Cliff Floyd and Trever Miller. For Floyd, the Rays chose a $250K buyout over his $2.75MM option. He may decide to retire. For Miller, the Rays chose his $400K buyout over a $2MM option. Miller is a Type B free agent, but the Rays don't figure to offer him arbitration. The Rays may be in the market for a lefty reliever and DH/right fielder this winter.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Rivera, Floyd, Peavy

Links for Tuesday... The Red Sox added pitcher Virgil Vasquez while losing infielder Gil Velazquez. Dave Cameron has another free agent bargain: Juan Rivera. The Astros made their first Taiwanese signing: 22 year-old righty reliever Chia-Jen Lo. Japanese reliever Ryota Igarashi hopes to try MLB eventually (but not in 2009). Viva El Birdos figures the Cardinals will check in on Kenshin Kawakami. Bud Selig has praise for Padres owner John Moores. Rays Index passes along a report that Cliff Floyd's injury could end his career. This could open up some free agent possibilities. River Ave. Blues says the latest Jake...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Floyd, Winn

Here's a look at the latest from SI.com's Jon Heyman. Heyman heard recent "scuttlebutt" that C.C. Sabathia does not want to play for the Yankees. They're still expected to make a large offer, and Heyman also expects a big play from the Angels. Sabathia reportedly prefers California but has become more open-minded to other locations. Cliff Floyd plans to play next year, hopefully for the Rays. The team has a $2.75MM option with a $250K buyout. He's worth it. Heyman notes that Randy Winn would've made a fine acquisition for another club. The 34 year-old is hitting .315/.372/.438 in 611...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bradley, Floyd, Threets

Let's round up some links. Juan Rincon rejected the Twins' Triple A assignment. Anyone want him? The Reds received a 23 year-old righty named Henry Arias from the Royals to conclude the March Brad Salmon deal. I had forgotten about this...the Royals almost acquired Milton Bradley a year ago for Leo Nunez but the deal was voided. Paul Hagen offers some pitching ideas for the Phillies. David Cameron explains why the Mariners are so bad. The international signing period begins on July 2nd; pitcher Michel Inoa heads the class. It's been suggested the A's could offer him $4MM. Jon Heyman...   Continue Reading

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Baldelli's Hamstrings May Open Door For Lofton

With Rocco Baldelli appearing only twice in spring games this year, the Rays may consider reviving talks with free agent outfielder Kenny Lofton. Tampa Bay's right field and fourth outfielder depth is light enough that they've begun to look at infielders Joel Guzman and Ben Zobrist at left and right field, respectively. Ray's manager Joe Maddon won't even guess when Baldelli will return to full-time play. Baldelli is nursing sore hamstrings this spring. He's expected to play right field, if he can run, and will split time with Cliff Floyd and Jonny Gomes at DH. Given Floyd's fragility, the Rays...   Continue Reading

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Cliff Floyd To Sign With Rays

UPDATE, 12-13-07 at 4:44pm: The deal is done, for $3MM plus another possible $2MM in incentives. FROM 12-12-07 at 2:58pm: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Rays should have a deal in place with Cliff Floyd by this weekend. Floyd would spend time at DH and right field for them in '08   Continue Reading

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Rays Rumors: Pena, Floyd, Scott

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 2:17pm: Molony confirms that the Rays have talked to the Astros about Scott, though the Padres are still the frontrunner. FROM 12-6-07 at 8:29am: A few minor Rays nuggets (hat tip Drays Bay)... Marc Lancaster talked to Scott Boras about the possibility of Carlos Pena signing a long-term deal with the Rays. Pena is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season. Boras indicated that Pena would go year to year. If 2008 and 2009 are in the stratosphere of what Pena did in '08, he's looking at four years, $60MM easily in my opinion. Adam Rubin..   Continue Reading

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Crasnick's Latest: Hamilton, Figgins, Andruw, Inge

Jerry Crasnick filed more rumors ripe for discussion. The Reds may consider trading Josh Hamilton, but not to an NL Central team. There was nothing to the Hamilton-Cubs rumor anyway, according to Bruce Levine. And now officials from both teams have debunked it. The Cubs actually want to add two left-handed hitting outfielders, for some reason. Beyond Kosuke Fukudome, Geoff Jenkins remains on the radar. Jim Hendry likes Chone Figgins, but the Angels would ridiculously ask for Aramis Ramirez in that one. Scott Boras is still saying Andruw Jones isn't looking for a one or two-year deal. The Rays have..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Colon, Clark, Gagne

Random rumors, let's round 'em up. How about Bartolo Colon to the Mets? David Lennon notes that Omar Minaya sold the farm to acquire him in 2002 as the Expos' GM. Scott Lauber says Aaron Rowand is insisting on a five-year deal. He adds that the Phils have interest in Geoff Jenkins but he might be too expensive. Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller are considered untouchable, so don't look for the Tigers to make any big trades. Patrick Saunders runs down some free agents the Rockies may consider for the back end of their rotation: Tony Armas, Matt Clement, Steve..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Glavine, Kent, Kuroda

Picking up some rumors and tidbits that haven't been otherwise posted during this busy day... An Atlanta TV station states that Tom Glavine would take a lot less money to play for the Braves. Also, the Astros have reportedly been in touch with him. Joe Torre senses that Jeff Kent will return in 2008. The Dodgers certainly hope so; he led the team with 20 home runs in '07. Trey Hillman took a parting shot at Japanese reporters (hat tip to JapanBall). Reliever Masafumi Hirai might come over to MLB. I'll have to learn more about him. Hiroki Kuroda prefers..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Wood, Schilling

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times has a Cubs update for us this morning. Let's start with Kerry Wood, who would garner plenty of interest on the open market. Despite rumors that Wood might look elsewhere for a chance to start, he's likely to stay with the Cubs as a starter. The Cubs are on Curt Schilling's list, and they'll be in the mix for him if his price is reasonable. I take that to mean not much more than $12-13MM. A cheaper option might be Hiroki Kuroda, though that could take a three-year commitment. So, perhaps a larger cash..   Continue Reading

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Marlins High On Floyd's List

We were a little late to the party a few days ago, linking to a September 30th article indicating that Cliff Floyd would like to end his career back in Florida. As we mentioned at the time, Shannon Stewart seems to make more sense for the Fish. Regardless, Floyd has now gone public with his desire to play for the Marlins. He said he'd love to "come, chill out, and help Fredi win some ballgames." Joe Capozzi notes that Floyd's agents will reach out to every team this winter, and he's hunting for a salary similar to the $3MM he..   Continue Reading

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Floyd Could Return To Marlins

Here's a note I missed from a September 30th Palm Beach Post column: Cubs outfielder Cliff Floyd, a Marlin from 1997-2002, has told people close to him that he'd like to end his career in Florida. Floyd, a free agent, lives in the Fort Lauderdale area. Larry Beinfest admitted at that time that he may have underestimated the need for veteran players to round out the roster. However, Floyd has said that he's looking for regular playing time and it's hard to see how the Marlins can offer that. Shifting Josh Willingham to first base wouldn't be a bad idea,..   Continue Reading

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Cubs a Good Fit for Barry's Bat

Tim mentioned in this post that fielding know-it-all John Dewan thinks Barry Bonds can still play a tolerable outfield. Well, Bob Nightengale has broken the rumor-ice and brought two NL teams into the "Where Will Bonds Play Next" game: Chicago and Florida. The Cubbies, heavy in right handed hitters, would love a bat like Bonds' in the lineup. They probably have the money, though they'll add $10MM in payroll for '08 just to maintain the current group. With Bonds' regular need for time off, there'd still be plenty of playing time for Matt Murton. Bonds, meanwhile, just may be the..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Finally Sign Floyd

After weeks of being close, the Cubs have signed outfielder Cliff Floyd to a one-year deal with a mutual option for '08. The AP has the terms. It's $3MM guaranteed, with bonuses that can bring it to a maximum of $17.5MM over the next two seasons. The homecoming was a long time coming as Jim Hendry has had various ties to Floyd for many years. He hoped to acquire him for Sammy Sosa in '04. Floyd will make a solid fourth outfielder for the Cubs. His signing doesn't leave much room for uber-prospect Felix Pie, but Jacque Jones could still..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Still Close On Floyd

The Cubs are still close to an agreement with Cliff Floyd, though you have to question the word "close" when it's been that way for more than a month. The Daily Southtown has some new info on the situation today, though. Jeff Vorva reports that the deal may include a player option for 2008. Additionally, the Pirates and several AL West teams have shown interest in Floyd. I think the A's have been connected to him before   Continue Reading

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Cubs Close On Floyd

I know I've used that headline at least twice before. But the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that a Cliff Floyd deal might be completed this week. The catch was getting Alfonso Soriano to sign off on trying center field. It appears that he's willing to try it - it was revealed to the crowd at the Cubs Convention yesterday. Soriano could shift to right field in 2008 when Felix Pie is ready. Floyd will be the fourth outfielder for the Cubs. He'd make a solid bat off the bench. Lou Piniella seems to like Matt Murton and he'll hopefully get..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Still Looking To Trade Jacque Jones?

The Cubs have certainly been looking to trade right fielder Jacque Jones all offseason. It's not a matter of performance or salary - Jones played a respectable right field last year for a mere $3MM. He's due $9MM for 2007-08. But as Chris De Luca reports, Jones hasn't been comfortable in Chicago since the beginning of last season. His source indicated that both parties feel a trade would be best. However, De Luca makes a good point in that the Cubs need Jones right now. Why trade him and then sign Steve Finley or someone to bridge the gap until..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Close On Cliff Floyd

I swear I used that headline last week, but here are. Paul Sullivan reports that the Cubs are "on the verge" of acquiring Cliff Floyd. He'd platoon with Matt Murton, which begs the question: why does Murton need a platoon partner? As I said five days ago: "It seems like a great way to stunt Matt Murton's growth and waste a year of cheap service time. Floyd hit .266/.342/.423 against righties in '06. Murton managed a .295/.356/.426 line against them in his first full season. The Big Murt also hit .319/.390/.522 after the break. And he has red hair." There..   Continue Reading

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Cliff Floyd To Cubs Soon?

According to Jerry Crasnick in today's chat for ESPN, he remarked on the status of the Cubs' negotations with free agent outfielder Cliff Floyd: "I'm hearing that the Cliff Floyd signing will come soon. He has some health issues, but he's a good on base percentage guy and a great clubhouse guy. He should be a nice fit for the Cubs." Floyd's power plummetted in 2006, another injury-plagued year. Cornelius Clifford Floyd, born in Chicago, recently turned 34. He's been connected to the Cubs and Jim Hendry for years. I'm guessing he'd be the part of a left field platoon..   Continue Reading

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Cliff Floyd To Tigers?

John Delcos, writer for The Journal News, has a Cliff Floyd rumor that's been making the rounds. The rumor seems more on the speculative side; I'm not sure that Delcos is suggesting that the Tigers have asked about Floyd specifically. Instead, Delcos's friend may have just been curious about the Mets' interest, which apparently is slim. But let's see which Tiger arms could perhaps be enough to acquire Floyd, an impending free agent. Floyd had a very rough start but has hit .267/.383/.489 in May - pretty close to career norms. Humberto Sanchez and Jordan Tata come to mind as..   Continue Reading

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New Manny Scenario Discussed?

A source close to the Mets organization has supplied me with a possible trade scenario that is being discussed. It's complicated, but I thought I'd put it out there. Mets trade: Aaron Heilman, Cliff Floyd, Victor Diaz, Brian Bannister Mets get: Manny Ramirez TB trades: Julio Lugo, Joey Gathright TB receives: Aaron Heilman, Victor Diaz, Bronson Arroyo Red Sox trade: Manny Ramirez, Bronson Arroyo Red Sox receive: Julio Lugo, Joey Gathright, Cliff Floyd, Brian Bannister Wow. I'm not sure if this is any more plausible than the other complicated possibilities floating around, but this is a solid source. Let's see..   Continue Reading

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