Corey Patterson Rumors

Reds Will Let Patterson, Bako Leave

9:38pm: A bit more on the Reds from Jocketty via John Fay - Paul Bako won't be back, and the team has mild interest in Josh Bard. 10:56am: Mark Sheldon of MLB.com talked to Reds GM Walt Jocketty, who said he will not re-sign outfielder Corey Patterson. Patterson, 29, hit .205/.238/.344 in 392 plate appearances. This decade, only Alex Gonzalez of the 2000 Marlins had a worse OBP (.229) over 390+ plate appearances. Gonzalez, however, had only one PA in the leadoff spot (Patterson had 155). Patterson did play strong defense in center field this year. Sheldon expects the Reds...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Patterson, Lowry, Alvarez

Today's linkage... Brewers fans, act quickly to snag free tickets to tonight's game courtesy of Eric Gagne. Nice gesture. Of course Ned Colletti wants to re-sign Manny Ramirez. It's just a question of dollars and years. Does Manny get the rumored 4/100 he might desire? The Jays locked manager Cito Gaston up through 2010. Richard Griffin says the Blue Jays will be better for it if they lose A.J. Burnett. Meanwhile, River Ave. Blues is open to the idea of the Yankees signing him. No, Corey Patterson is not dating Dusty Baker's daughter. And Baker says he wasn't behind the...   Continue Reading

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Reds Designate Hatteberg

1:42pm: It's done - the Reds have designated Hatteberg for assignment to make room for Bruce. 9:30am: The Reds haven't announced the corresponding move to Jay Bruce's callup yet. John Fay wonders whether they'll opt to designate Scott Hatteberg for assignment, noting his well-diminished role on the team. I speculated back in April that Hatteberg might be a good replacement for Carlos Delgado or complement to Richie Sexson. Corey Patterson has to be worried as well, since Bruce is expected to take over as the regular center fielder. Patterson is hitting just .201/.242/.354 in 155 plate appearances.   Continue Reading

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Jay Bruce To Debut Tomorrow

According to Baseball Digest Daily, the Reds will promote top prospect Jay Bruce tomorrow. The 21 year-old is mashing to the tune of .364/.393/.630 in Triple A. Said Rob Neyer today: "Has there ever been a more obvious call-up in the history of the sport?" Bruce's promotion may signal the end of Corey Patterson in Cincinnati.   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Bruce, Longoria

Yesterday Rob Neyer of ESPN.com wrote about the fates of Baseball America's top two prospects, Jay Bruce and Evan Longoria. While Bruce start the season in the minors, Neyer notes that the Reds could be a playoff contender if Bruce and Joey Votto receive 1,000 plate appearances. On the other hand, a decision has yet be made on where Longoria will start the season. Neyer feels that the Rays may wish that Longoria was not playing so well in Spring Training. He thinks the Rays should forgo the potential savings of keeping him in the minors and buy some goodwill...   Continue Reading

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Reds Sign Corey Patterson

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have signed 28 year-old center fielder Corey Patterson to a minor league deal. Patterson, a Boras client, makes for a surprising bargain with a dash of upside. He happened to reach free agency in an offseason with a center field surplus. He's reunited with former Cubs manager Dusty Baker, who some say mishandled Patterson at times. Fay believes this takes Kenny Lofton off the table for Cincy. The Reds are calling it a center field competition, but Patterson will probably get the gig. This will allow the Reds to keep...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Patterson, Lohse, Lofton, Clemens

Finally, new info regarding some of the remaining free agents. Jayson Stark has the scoop. Seems there's a chance Corey Patterson takes a cheap deal to return to Baltimore. He could be relegated to fourth outfielder duty in that case. Stark says the Marlins have discussed Patterson internally, but aren't sure if they could afford the Boras client. Patterson would be a nice stopgap for Cameron Maybin, who'd be well-served with some time in Triple A. Ken Rosenthal also mentioned the Florida possibility. One of the most surprising free agents at this point is Kyle Lohse. Stark shoots down the...   Continue Reading

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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...   Continue Reading

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Dusty Talks To Lofton, Patterson

Cubs center fielders hit a fine .302/.344/.466 for Dusty Baker's 2003 club, which came within five outs of a World Series appearance. Most of the ABs at the position went to Corey Patterson and Kenny Lofton that year. Dusty's managing the Reds now, and both center fielders remain free agents as of February 17th. The Reds have some uncertainty in center field, though Jay Bruce is a stud and Ryan Freel is said to be 100%. According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Baker has spoken to both Lofton and Patterson recently. They are options for the Reds; Baker...   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 1-25-08 at 9:46pm: According to LEN3: I was told today that next week is a big week in terms of determining if and where Santana will be dealt. The end is in sight, then? FROM 1-25-08 at 9:30am: Time for your daily Johan Santana rumors post. LEN3 talked to a Twins official who said there had been no recent extension talks between Santana and the Twins. Meanwhile Sid Hartman at the same paper says the Mets and Yankees won't go seven years, and he think the Twins' 4/80 offer is fair. Neal says that while Santana won't necessarily veto..   Continue Reading

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Orioles Discuss Lohse, Villone, Chacon

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the Orioles are looking at various one or two-year stopgap free agents. According to Scott Boras, he and Andy MacPhail have discussed six or seven of his clients. Among them are Kyle Lohse, Ron Villone, and Corey Patterson. Lohse would probably not sign for two years, I'm guessing. Or in the American League. Who else might they have discussed? Jeff Weaver? Anyway, it's nice to see the Orioles getting along with Boras! Zrebiec notes that the O's have had "preliminary talks" with the agents for Shawn Chacon and Steve Trachsel. Looks like MacPhail..   Continue Reading

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Mailbag: Roberts, Teixeira, Johan, Nathan, And More

Time for this week's mailbag. You can hit it up at mlbtrmailbag@gmail.com to get in your question for next week. Do you see the Twins signing a big name middle of the order bopper or trading for one before the opening of the new stadium in 2010? - Jordan Funny you ask this. I recently asked LEN3 whether the Twins would have a $100MM payroll for the 2010 season, and he said, "I don't see it." So I'll go with his wisdom and say business as usual for the Twins despite the stadium. Why are the White Sox not aggressively..   Continue Reading

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Braves May Be Interested In Kotsay, Patterson

As I mentioned in my Braves Needs and Luxuries post, the one piece missing from this puzzle is a decent big league center fielder. According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mark Kotsay and Corey Patterson could be options. In regards to Kotsay, O'Brien doesn't specifically say the Braves are interested. It's more implied based on the fact that no one has told him the Braves aren't interested. Kotsay has one year left on his deal at $8MM, and it's thought that the A's might eat half of that to ship him out. Who knows, maybe he can toss..   Continue Reading

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Orioles Could Re-Sign Corey Patterson

It seemed the Orioles had no interest in retaining Scott Boras client Corey Patterson. However, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have renewed their interest in the 28 year-old center fielder. My guess is that the Orioles backed off when Boras told them his initial demands for Patterson (three years, $24MM maybe?) But now Patterson is still hanging around and no teams seem to be actively pursuing him. Connolly mentions the Cardinals, Braves, Twins, and Pirates as possible fits, but admits they're long shots. Patterson was born in Atlanta. Patterson has a chance to be a..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Guardado, Cameron, Hamilton

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan has all the latest hot stove buzz around the Rangers. The Rangers are nearing a deal with Eddie Guardado. Everyday Eddie might be a dark horse to close, if he can flash his late season form again. The Reds decided in October that he was not worth $3.5MM, and declined his option. Guardado is 37. The Rangers hope to add some kind of veteran starter. Bartolo Colon and Jason Jennings are still options, but Mark Prior and Freddy Garcia pretty much are not. Sullivan names Mike Maroth, Mark Hendrickson, and Josh Towers as pitchers of interest. Mike..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Mench, Patterson

Some random rumors for this evening... The Royals, once fans of Kevin Mench, have no interest in him now. He'll be a free agent soon. Missed this tidbit - the Yankees have interest in Corey Patterson. They'd almost have to trade an outfielder for that to make sense. George King says they also have minimal interest in Kris Benson   Continue Reading

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Rangers Like Patterson, Ethier, Hamilton, Fukudome

According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers are targeting various young outfielders. Corey Patterson, 28, is a free agent and Scott Boras client. He's looking for multiple years while the Rangers only want to give one. His talent might tantalize somebody, though he hit just .269/.304/.386 this year. He's shown in the past that he can hit like a league average CF and play plus defense, so he could be a bargain. Patterson reversed his platoon split this year, hitting lefties pretty well. He's an Atlanta native; maybe the Braves would be a match. Andre Ethier, 26 in April, is..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Loretta, Patterson

You know the drill, here's a roundup of some rumor nuggets. I'll update the post continuously throughout the day. Corey Patterson wants a multiyear deal, which probably isn't something the Rangers want to do. The Indians met with C.C. Sabathia's agent on Thursday, but have yet to submit an extension proposal. That will happen this month, most likely. Check out how excited Pirates Rule 5 pick Evan Meek was. Pretty cool. The Astros expect Mark Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration. The deadline is midnight tonight for players to decide. Despite what Ed Wade says I doubt they really..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Lamb, Gagne, Prior

As usual, Evan Grant has the latest Rangers hot stove buzz. New acquisition Chris Shelton may see some time at first base for the Rangers. As far as left-handed hitters, the Rangers' options are Mike Lamb, Sean Casey, and in-house choice Frank Catalanotto. Free agents Eric Gagne, LaTroy Hawkins, Corey Patterson, and Milton Bradley are still on the radar. Contrary to previous reports, the Rangers aren't interested in Mark Prior. The Rangers don't want to move Vicente Padilla or Kevin Millwood as straight-up salary dumps   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Patterson, Bradley, Bay

T.R. Sullivan recently filed his Rangers report at MLB.com. The Rangers will meet with Scott Boras soon to talk about Eric Gagne. Another topic for the Boras conversation: Corey Patterson. The Rangers like Milton Bradley, and have asked for his medical reports. Bradley's agent said a few days ago that he would be ready for Opening Day. The Bucs' asking prices for Jason Bay and Nate McLouth were deemed too high - Eric Hurley and Elvis Andrus were suggested. External first base options: Mike Lamb, Tony Clark, and Ben Broussard   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Guillen, Patterson, Clark, Andruw

Let's keep things rolling along with a morning Odds and Ends collection. U.S.S. Mariner is not amused with the Ms' decision not to offer arbitration to Jose Guillen. Andruw Jones hasn't been getting much player, and his camp initiated contact with the Royals yesterday. The mutual interest may have been what pushed Guillen to sign. With the David Riske to Milwaukee signing not official, the Orioles apparently had talks with his agent yesterday. He'll be too pricey for them, anyway. By the way, the Cubs checked in on Brian Roberts, but nothing is really stirring right now on that front...   Continue Reading

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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

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Nats Talk To Boras About Patterson And Andruw

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Nationals have gotten in touch with Scott Boras regarding center fielders Andruw Jones and Corey Patterson. As you know, Andruw isn't prepared to give much of a discount despite a terrible 2007. As for Patterson, the Nats seemingly hope to miscast him as a leadoff hitter (.298 career OBP), the same mistake the Cubs made. Ladson also has a quote from Aaron Rowand indicating that he hasn't heard much from the Nats   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Kendrick, Uggla, Haren

Another random collection of rumorage... The Braves have "many millions more" to spend on players this winter. One emailer suggested that maybe the Braves will offer arbitration to Andruw Jones and he'll accept. Corey Patterson and the Nationals have mutual interest. Baseball Prospectus' Joe Sheehan considers him a possible bargain, noting that he is only 28. We figured the Padres and Matt Clement had mutual interest. Now it's official. Clement wants a one-year deal with incentives. Tracy Ringolsby confirms that Yorvit Torrealba wants a three-year deal. He says the Rockies are at two years, $7MM, the Marlins are in the..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Fukudome, Burrell, Furcal, Rolen

Two of my favorite local blogs have good hot stove posts for us today as part of Odds and Ends. Bleed Cubbie Blue has a Cubs source indicating the Cubs are serious about both Hiroki Kuroda and Kosuke Fukudome. They could be signed quickly and fill team needs. This info jives with the recent info from Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald. While Kuroda recently filed for free agency, he's open to offers from MLB and Hiroshima. South Side Sox has their suggested offseason plan up for the White Sox. I like the idea of acquiring Pat Burrell and/or Rafael..   Continue Reading

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Orioles To Become Sellers?

Jeff Zrebiec's article for the Baltimore Sun this morning discusses the possibility that the Orioles start selling off veteran parts as we approach the trading deadline. He specifically names Scott Williamson, Corey Patterson, Jay Gibbons, and Steve Trachsel as trade candidates. In a related note, Gotham Baseball's Mark Healey spoke to an industry source indicating that the Mets might be interested in trading for Williamson and Jay Payton. Williamson makes $900K this year, with additional incentives based on his number of games. Patterson, a Scott Boras client, makes $4.3MM and is a free agent after the season. His terrible hitting..   Continue Reading

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O's Will Wait On Corey Patterson

The Orioles made a rare smart move last year in stealing Corey Patterson from the Cubs for a 1990 Jerome Walton Starting Lineup figure. Patterson was insanely bad in 2005, but regained his power stroke last year. He hit less grounders and more line drives to get his batting average back up to a respectable level. Combined with good defense and a spot towards the bottom of the order, he's an asset. It's been a while since he hit left-handed pitchers, but he did post a decent line against them in 2003-04. Patterson is a Scott Boras client. While the..   Continue Reading

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Patterson To Orioles For Minor Leaguers

According to ESPN and other sources, Corey Patterson has been dealt to the Orioles for 20 year-old 2B/SS Nate Spears and 23 year-old southpaw starter Carlos Perez. Spears is a scrappy middle infielder in the David Eckstein mold. He hit .294/.349/.429 for advanced Class A Frederick in 2005. Perez posted a 4.28 ERA in 151 innings for Class A Delmarva this year. Click here to view my Corey Patterson projection   Continue Reading

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Four Teams After Patterson

According to Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000, four different teams have interest in Cubs former phenom Corey Patterson. The contenders are the Orioles, Mariners, Rangers, and Nationals. Hendry apparently wants at least two young players in return. A trade is possible next week. Personally, I hope Hendry chooses quality over quantity here. Running down the teams: The Orioles have nothing to lose by throwing Patterson in CF and seeing if he can reignite his career. The club doesn't seem fond of Luis Matos at this point. A trade to the Mariners would imply the departure of Jeremy Reed, which..   Continue Reading

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Kaplan: Cubs "Trying Hard" For Tejada

Late last night I talked to Dave Kaplan, co-host of WGN's Sports Central. Dave gave me a different take on the Miguel Tejada situation than what my source told me. He said his sources indicate the White Sox are out of the Tejada sweepstakes and that the Red Sox are also backing away now that Manny said he'll stay. According to Kaplan, the Cubs are "trying hard." He also mentioned that there's "still a long way to go to get a deal done, but if the Cubs will include Felix Pie they could get it done." FoxSports's Ken Rosenthal threw..   Continue Reading

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Cubs/Red Sox/Mariners Trade Possible

A reliable source told me today about a three-way deal that is "imminent." It's always risky to throw around "imminent," but I'm just quoting him here. Here's the scenario: BOS gives: Bronson Arroyo, Tony Graffanino, PTBNL BOS gets: Jeremy Reed, Will Ohman CHC gives: Corey Patterson, Ohman CHC gets: Raul Ibanez, Graffanino, cash SEA gives: Reed, Ibanez, cash SEA gets: Arroyo, Patterson, PTBNL Let's evaluate. There's no doubt the Cubs would be making out like bandits in this trade. Corey Patterson is useless to them, even as a fourth outfielder. 28 year-old lefty Ohman tossed a solid 43 innings this..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Tejada Trade On The Table

An emailer reports that the Cubs are awaiting word from the Orioles on this offer: Cubs get: Miguel Tejada, Erik Bedard Orioles get: Mark Prior, Rich Hill, Corey Patterson This proposal is on the table. The report comes from Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000. The pros and cons of this deal have been debated endlessly on this site. To restate my opinion: this move works as a "win now" move. The Cubs would add something like seven wins, so they'd need some additional upgrades or players outplaying projections to be favored as the division winner. A couple of options..   Continue Reading

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Update: Prior-Tejada Trade

A couple of emailers have informed me of a radio report by Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000. Levine was the first to report the Juan Pierre trade earlier this month. According to the emailers, the Cubs are waiting to hear back from the Orioles (Angelos will be involved) on this offer: Cubs receive Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard for Mark Prior, Rich Hill, and Corey Patterson. Essentially, Patterson is a non-factor in discussing 2006 value. Hill would also not be likely to add much value to a Major League rotation next year. As I mentioned yesterday, this trade nets..   Continue Reading

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Buzz Around The Game

Let's see what we've got going on today in a potpourri-style format. As predicted, Eric Byrnes was non-tendered last night. I can't possibly think of a better way for the Cubs to turn the Jacque Jones signing into a positive. If you sum up Byrnes and Jones' salaries, you'll be getting solid stats from RF for the price. Assuming Dusty Baker understands what a platoon is and how all that works. Of course, it's probably one more roster spot than the Cubs wanted to use on this type of thing since they already have John Mabry. But Mabry can back..   Continue Reading

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Diamondbacks After Corey Patterson

Several different sources have recently mentioned the Dimaondbacks' interest in Corey Patterson. The rumor first surfaced in my inbox Thursday morning, and I put in a word to Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune. Magruder confirmed the rumor, saying that it might happen depending on who the Cubs would take. After further inquiries, Magruder revealed that the D'backs were reluctant to part with relievers after the Johnny Estrada trade thinned their 'pen. He also mentioned that Arizona will not part with Carlos Quentin, Conor Jackson, Stephen Drew, or other top prospects, which makes sense. Some have floated the idea..   Continue Reading

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Kevin Mench To The Cubs

The Cubs are hot on the trail of Kevin Mench to fill one of their vacant outfield spots. Given that the Rangers have a need for a center fielder, it's been speculated that Corey Patterson would be sent to Texas. At age 27, Mench may have already reached his ceiling offensively. His AVG, OBP, and SLG all took a dip in 2005, his first full season. Mench didn't rely on Ameriquest for his 25 home runs, as his splits are pretty even. He still has three years until free agency. Mench might be better served as a lefty-masher in a..   Continue Reading

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