Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Wells, Griffey, Olney, Tavarez, Edmonds

A lot of links today, so let's get to what is being said about some trade and signing possibilities in the Blogosphere... The Darth Boss George Brigade wants Hank Steinbrenner to sign David Wells to prove that Hank is indeed his father's son. River Ave. Blues says the Yankees are too smart to sign Wells and then goes on to list about 87 pitchers that should be given a shot in the Highlanders' rotation before Wells. Redlegs Rant feels that Ken Griffey Jr. is behind the recent stories that speculate on him being traded. Mariners Central speculates on some of...

Rockies Not Planning Starter Acquisition

FRIDAY: Rockies owner Dick Monfort says the Rockies aren't looking to acquire a starter at this time. As of yesterday Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald said the Rox remained interested in Tavarez but that no advancements had been made. THURSDAY: On Tuesday we found out that the Rockies have been looking into a number of trade options for their starting rotation. The two most common names in the conversation are Josh Fogg and Julian Tavarez, both former Rox. Fogg has given up over a run an inning for the last place Reds, and could be DFA if the team...

Olney Speculation: Atkins A Fit For Indians?

ESPN's Buster Olney makes a point to say that this trade idea is pure speculation rather than anything he's heard. Still worth discussing. Here it is: If Colorado eventually turns the page on 2008, the Indians and the Rockies could match up well in a deal built around Garrett Atkins. The Rockies have a third baseman waiting in the wings, in Ian Stewart -- although he is not faring well so far -- and the Indians, as they look for ways to improve their offense, are flexible at first and third base. Back in March, Ken Rosenthal suggested that Atkins...

Rockies Looking For Starting Pitching

7:22pm: Walt Jocketty did not deny the Fogg-Rockies rumor when asked. Maybe he'll be a little more loose with the rumors than Krivsky was. 9:18am: Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has details on the Rockies' pursuit of starting pitching. Their search includes some familiar names. Josh Fogg seems like the most likely acquisition; he's a DFA candidate for the Reds. Fogg received an early one-year offer from the Rockies this winter that was later pulled back. Julian Tavarez, another former Rockie, is on the radar again. The Red Sox don't seem to have much use for him. Kevin...

More Rosenthal's Latest

Slow day for rumors, and yet Ken Rosenthal gets two posts! No surprise there. This time from his nifty sidebar Notes of Importance: With John Smoltz returning as the closer, the Braves will be exploring trades for a starter. Rosenthal says Atlanta could afford to give up prospects but won't overpay. MLBTR covered this a couple days ago. Doing his best Monty Python, Rosenthal looks on the bright of life and sees the Troy Tulowitzki injury as an opportunity for Clint Barmes to rebuild his trade value. If he can produce anywhere near the level of his 80+ games in...

Rockies Sign Juan Castro

FRIDAY: The Rockies win the Castro sweepstakes. Ken Rosenthal notes in a sidebar that the silver lining to the Tulo injury could be Barmes getting a chance to build up trade value. Rosenthal doesn't see the Rox pursuing Brian Roberts for second base help unless they battle their way into contention first. THURSDAY: Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News has been all over the Juan Castro situation. The 35 year-old shortstop became a free agent today, and four clubs are in pursuit. The Dodgers, Padres, Orioles, and Rockies are all after him. Jackson says the Dodgers and Rockies would...

Rockies Acquire Jason Grilli, Jorge de la Rosa

The Rockies and Tigers made a swap today. The Rockies get 31 year-old pitcher Jason Grilli, while the Tigers receive 22 year-old pitcher Zach Simons. Grilli has served as a mop-up man for the Tigers the past two years, eating bullpen innings at a mediocre ERA. The Rox may have been drawn to his typically decent groundball rates. Simons appears to be a long shot to reach the bigs; he wasn't among the Rockies' top 30 prospects. The Rox also completed their long-rumored deal for lefty Jorge de la Rosa. He'll jump right into the rotation. The 27 year-old is...

Odds and Ends: Morris, Moeller, de la Rosa

Let's kick things off with an odds and ends post today. By the way did anyone watch Max Scherzer's debut last night? Damn. Dejan Kovacevic notes that even if Matt Morris considered retiring and abandoning his '08 salary, the Players Association would've strongly objected. Rays Senior VP of Baseball Ops Gerry Hunsicker indicates that the team will spend money to improve the team if they're still contending a few months from now. According to Jon Heyman, catcher Chad Moeller will remain with the Yankees. Another fine piece from Bob Nightengale of USA Today (hat tip to ShysterBall). The article discusses...

Rockies Designate Jayson Nix

According to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post, the Rockies have designatd second baseman Jayson Nix for assignment. So, he can be had cheaply or for nothing. Nix, 25, was a long shot to have the bat for regular duty this year after posting a .793 OPS in his second Colorado Springs stint in '07. He is a skilled defensive player though. He was the last pick of the first round of the '01 amateur draft (just six after David Wright, and ahead of Dan Haren!). The hindsight game isn't fair but I like to play anyway.

Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Jones

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has his latest video "Rosenthal's Full Count" up and running. First, Rosenthal calls Andruw Jones the "early candidate for worst free agent signing" noting that Jones is now batting 7th. Rosenthal goes so far as to say that the Dodgers' best outfield right now includes Juan Pierre and does not include Jones...The Dodgers are truly lucky to have Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp on the cheap right now ($840K combined), because Jones ($14.1M) and Pierre ($8M) are a lot of dead contract weight for one outfield. And we can thank Rosenthal for keeping Brian Roberts in...

Rockies Likely To Get de la Rosa

According to Tracy Ringolsby, the Rockies are likely to receive pitcher Jorge de la Rosa from the Royals as the player to be named later in the Ramon Ramirez deal. The Rox will have him start at Triple A now that he's cleared waivers and accepted his minor league assignment. He went unclaimed partially because of his $1.025MM salary. De la Rosa, a southpaw, turns 27 in a few days. He hit the DL in August with an elbow strain. He was also affected by a bruised thumb. His fastball averaged 92.3 mph in '07, not bad for a lefty.

Odds And Ends: Quintero, Rios, Pierre

A few random notes from around the MLBiverse... Henry Schulman says the Giants are in need of a backup catcher and a logical choice may be Astros backup Humberto Quintero, whom Bruce Bochy is familiar with from his days with the Padres. He also notes that the Rays have two experienced catchers that were just reassigned to the minor leagues in Josh Paul and Mike DiFelice. The Jays and Alex Rios are closer today to an agreement on a long-term extension than they were yesterday. That according to Rios' agent, Paul Kinzer. Yesterday it was reported that the Jays had...

Rockies Want De La Rosa As PTBNL

Last Wednesday, the Royals acquired Ramon Ramirez from the Rockies for a player to be named later. Well, later appears to be now as the Rockies have expressed interest in Jorge De La Rosa assuming he clears waivers and accepts the assignment. For more clarity, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star breaks down why it wasn't just a straight trade of Ramirez for De La Rosa: "Any club claiming De La Rosa on waivers would be on the hook for his $1.025 million salary. He can choose to become a free agent if he clears waivers but would forfeit...

Odds And Ends: Gotay, Register, Haynes

A couple of minor pickups this afternoon: The Rays have claimed left-hand-hitting Nathan Haynes off waivers from the Angels. Rocco Baldelli will be moved to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man. Marc Lancaster speculates that Haynes, who is out of options, will take a roster spot that was presumed to be Eric Hinske's. The Mets have given up trying to trade for Rule V pick Steven Register, and are letting him go back to Colorado. He'll report to Triple A. Ruben Gotay, who had been DFA'd by the Mets, has been picked up by the Braves. Adam...

Rockies Release Marcus Giles

The Rockies have released veteran Marcus Giles; they're going with Jayson Nix at second base to open the season. Giles had a good spring, hitting .321/.457/.536 in 28 ABs. The Dodgers are one team with possible mild interest. Giles is not yet 30 but he's scramlbing for work these days. Back in '05 he posted an .826 OPS; what happened?

Royals Acquire Ramon Ramirez

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies traded reliever Ramon Ramirez to the Royals for a player to be named later. In an accompanying move, the Royals designated Jorge de la Rosa for assignment. The 26 year-old righty reliever has posted some big-time strikeout rates at various stops. He's a former outfielder who has bounced around in the Yankees, Reds, and Rockies organizations. He even did a stint in Japan. In 2005, Baseball America described Ramirez's power repertoire as a 92-94 mph heater, a hard curveball, and a splitter.

Mets Place Register, Gotay On Waivers

The Mets have placed second baseman Ruben Gotay and pitcher Steve Register on waivers. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone explains the situation (Register was a Rule V pick from the Rockies). Gotay, 25, would be a mildly interesting pickup.

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...

Stark's Latest: Roberts, Fuentes, Lofton

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new blog post jam-packed with hot stove rumors. The Cubs are getting frustrated with the Brian Roberts situation, wondering if they'll ever complete this trade. The Orioles are scouting players but still haven't given the Cubs the names they crave. I got the exact same vibe from the source who told me Jose Ceda's inclusion was never proposed by the Cubs. The Tigers and Phillies are both hunting for bullpen help; Detroit's sights are set higher than Philadelphia's. Unwanted players such as Wes Helms and Brandon Inge aren't in demand. And while Marcus Thames is...

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Rule 5 Draftees

Last year the Reds selected Josh Hamilton in the Rule 5 draft despite only 23 games above Single-A and only 15 games anywhere since 2002 (actually the Cubs picked Hamilton and traded him to the Reds the same day). Hamilton went on to hit .292-19-47 in 90 games. This year, 18 players were chosen in the Rule 5 draft (14 pitchers). These players must remain on the 25-man roster all season or be offered back to their original club for $25K. By my count, three players (Sergio Valenzuela, Lincoln Holdzkom, Jose Capellan) have already been offered back to their original...

Cafardo's Latest: Fuentes, Sowers, Laffey

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo's Sunday column has new hot stove material, as usual. Cafardo notes that Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez, and Bryan Corey have all been heavily scouted by other clubs. Snyder is out of options, so he's a good trade candidate. Cafardo mentioned on Thursday that the Orioles were taking a look at Corey, who might return to Japan if he doesn't join a big league 'pen. I imagine the Sox are going to want the insurance Tavarez provides. The Phils are hunting for a southpaw reliever and another starter. Brian Fuentes remains on their radar, but...

Rockies Rumblings: Barmes, Sullivan, Podsednik

While talking to reporters Saturday, Rockies General manager Dan O'Dowd tried to make it clear he has no plans to trade infielder Clint Barmes. His name recently surfaced in rumors with the Angels and Orioles. However, according to the Denver Post, O'Dowd's reaction was decidedly less definitive regarding the possibility of dealing reserve outfielder Cory Sullivan. Why? It's likely due to the torrid spring of Scott Podsednik, who on Saturday made a "full tilt, horizontal to the ground, fully extended" diving catch (this according to manager Clint Hurdle) to rob Rangers' DH Jason Botts of an hit. This spring Podsednik...

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...

Angels, Orioles Eyeing Barmes

TUESDAY: Add the Orioles as another team with Barmes on the radar. Troy Renck says he's not available despite the interest. The O's really need to get in a few more capable shortstop candidates, regardless. MONDAY: Remember 2005, when Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes hit .329/.371/.516 through 51 games to start the season? Then he was sidelined for two months with a broken clavicle from the infamous deer meat incident. Maybe the hot-hitting was a simple fluke, but Barmes posted just a .584 OPS in 640 career ABs since coming back from the injury. He lost his job to Troy Tulowitzki...

Perrotto's Latest: Giles, Crisp, Wells

John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus has some hot stove tidbits to consider in his Sunday column. Perrotto notes that Jeff Baker's success this spring for the Rockies could lead to a trade of Marcus Giles. Baker is hitting .316/.350/.579 in a 19 AB sample. Giles is at .385/.500/.615 in 13 ABs (yes, it seems silly to be talking about these stats). Giles hasn't hit much since '05, so I doubt he'd bring anything in return. Perrotto says the Padres are "considering trying to trade for Coco Crisp." However, Tom Krasovic wrote on Friday that the Padres pursuing Crisp was doubtful...

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...

Atkins, Holliday Wait For Big Payday

With yesterday's signing of Brad Hawpe the Rockies have now locked up five young players through at least 2010 over the past 14 months. Impressive. The Denver Post says Garrett Atkins would be "the next logical candidate" for a deal, but that his situation continues to be complicated by Ian Stewart, who the Rockies are attempting to move over to second to avoid a logjam. Naturally Matt Holliday's name came up in light of the Hawpe signing, but owner Dick Monfort tried to keep that at bay, calling the situation "a different animal, not related to these contracts." This spring...

Rockies Sign Hawpe Long-Term

Troy Renck of the Denver Post is reporting that the Rockies and Brad Hawpe have agreed to a three-year deal with a fourth-year option. The contract is worth $17MM with the 2011 option expected to be close to $10MM. The deal will lock up Hawpe for each of his arbitration seasons while the team option could eliminate his first year of free agency. The right fielder hit .291-29-116 with a 129 OPS+ in 2007. The Rockies who won the NL last year with a payroll close to $52MM have now committed $91MM to four of their core players this off-season....

Managers On The Hot Seat

It is a slow news day, so we are going to venture a bit off the beaten path...As spring training is now in full swing, a number of managers may have their jobs on the line during the '08 season. Three managers are in the final year of their deals and another 12 managers have two years left on their contracts. This second group will be due either an extension or a pink slip next winter as few teams are willing to play out a season with a lame-duck manager. Therefore, any manager with two years remaining on their contracts...

Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton

FOX's Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training. The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards' interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal's agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the '08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in...

Manny Corpas Signs Long-Term Deal

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies have signed closer Manny Corpas to a four-year deal with two option years. The options cover his last year of arbitration and first of free agency. $8MM is guaranteed, with potential for $22MM. Renck has the details here. It's definitely a team-friendly contract. The Rox have also locked up youngsters Troy Tulowitzki and Jeff Francis. Garrett Atkins and Brad Hawpe are currently going year-to-year. There has never been a deal of this kind, a closer with less than two years service time signing for four years. Closers like Jonathan...

Odds and Ends: Spiezio, Pavano, Gross, Jackson

Links, rumors... Scott Spiezio is in trouble with the law, and the Cardinals decided to release him for it. Joe Ostermeier notes that the Cards now have about $20MM in dead money on the payroll for '08. Evan Grant believes the Rangers would want Jose Ceda or Donald Veal in a deal for Marlon Byrd. Call it informed speculation, but Mike Berardino wonders whether Carl Pavano could end up back with the Marlins eventually. Ken Rosenthal recently wrote that the Padres were eyeing Gabe Gross. Tom Haudricourt found out that Kevin Towers never inquired on the Brewers outfielder, but that...

Brewers Talk Extension With Braun

According to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy, Ryan Braun's agent had preliminary contract extension talks with Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash recently. Troy Tulowitzki's recent deal may serve as a framework. Tulo received $31MM over six years with a seventh year option. For their cases to be comparable in terms of service time, Braun will have to qualify as a Super Two player. I spoke to ESPN's Keith Law on the topic. He said: Right now, given his service time and where the cutoff for super-twos has been for the last ~ten years, I don't believe he'll have enough service time after...

Fogg Still Looking For Work

Every year some free agent unexpectedly finds himself without a job in late February. This year, that guy is Josh Fogg. To rejoin the Rockies, Fogg would have to take a pay cut from his '07 salary of $3.625MM, and he'd have to be open to bullpen work. Will anyone take Fogg in for $4MM and give him a rotation spot? The Nationals, Reds, Astros, and Cardinals seem like viable options. Viva El Birdos isn't thrilled with the Cardinals' portrayal of Matt Clement's health. Since Clement won't be ready for the start of the season, maybe St. Louis will add...

Fogg Turns Down Rockies

According to ESPN's Buster Olney: The Rockies talked again about re-signing Josh Fogg, but again, Fogg's side has turned down a one-year offer. The Rockies dangled a $5 million deal, while Fogg has been looking for a multi-year contract. As each day goes by, the remaining free agents lose what little leverage they have left. I predicted Fogg would get a three-year, $21MM deal. Instead, only five starters received deals worth $7MM or more annually: Tom Glavine, Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, Kenny Rogers, and Carlos Silva. Pettitte at $16MM seems a little out there, doesn't it? I think we're going...

Rockies Win Arbitration Case Against Fuentes

The Rockies beat Brian Fuentes in their arbitration hearing, with the panel choosing the team's $5.05MM figure over Fuentes' $6.5MM. Can't hurt his trade value. Fuentes, a 32 year-old southpaw, is set to enter 2008 as a setup man for the first time in quite a while. Given that this is his contract year, it's not ideal for him. He'll get paid regardless, but I'm sure he'd prefer to hit the market with another 30 saves in his pocket. Here's a look at the pecking order for saves on each of the 30 clubs. The Braves were interested in Fuentes...

Astros Close To Kaz Matsui Deal?

UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal notes that the Astros are close to a deal with Geoff Blum, and believes the Astros are behind both the Rockies and Cubs for Matsui. Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News is reporting that Kaz Matsui "appears headed to the Astros." Maybe Ed Wade will save the Cubs from themselves. The Cubs were reportedly going to offer Matsui a three-year pact. Ringolsby adds an interesting twist: the Astros and Rockies could swap second basemen. The Rockies like Chris Burke, and he will probably be deemed expendable if Matsui is signed. Seems to me there's a decent...