Dan Haren Rumors

Gammons' Latest: Martin, Dunn, Quentin

Here's the latest blog post from ESPN's Peter Gammons... Takashi Saito is mentioned as a free agent this winter, but I believe it's a situation where he can only re-sign, return to Japan, or retire. Gammons heard talk that Russell Martin could be switched permanently to third base. In that scenario, the Dodgers would sign a pitching-oriented catcher such as Jason Varitek. Would that be a good move? Adam Dunn knows it's cliche, but he intends to prioritize winning over money when he hits free agency. The D'Backs were asking a lot for Carlos Quentin last winter, with the White...   Continue Reading

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Week In Review: 8/3 - 8/9

Here's a quick look back at some of the bigger stories on MLBTR over the past week: D'Backs ace Dan Haren signed a very affordable extension with the team, which would keep him in Arizona through 2012 with an option for 2013. Great deal for the D'Backs and their fans. Brian Giles was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox, which is now believed to have been an effort to block the Rays from acquiring him. Giles blocked the trade to Boston with his no-trade clause. The Rockies acquired Livan Hernandez from the Twins. Minnesota won't receive a player in...   Continue Reading

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Haren Signs Extension With D'Backs

According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have extended Dan Haren's contract for an additional two years while adding an option year after that. The old contract is nullified. Here's a look at his contract now: 2009: $7.5MM 2010: $8.25MM 2011: $12.75MM 2012: $12.75MM 2013: $15.5MM option Haren turns 28 in September; he reliably provides 220 innings with an ERA below 4.00 (this year, below 3.00).   Continue Reading

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Renck's Mailbag: Snell, Helton, Holliday

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post published a mailbag today with some good rumors. The Pirates wanted Franklin Morales, Esmil Rogers, and Chris Nelson for Ian Snell. Can't blame 'em for asking. Last winter, the A's asked for Ubaldo Jimenez in a deal for Dan Haren. As good as Haren's been, the Rockies still have to be happy they passed. Renck doesn't see the Rox picking up Shawn Chacon - reportedly he has not been working out over the past month. Renck reveals that Todd Helton asked the Rockies upon signing his megadeal that money not be deferred. Nonetheless...   Continue Reading

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Week in Review: 7/27 - 8/2

We saw the non-waiver trade deadline come and go this week, and plenty of action to go along with it. Let's recap the big moves of the week: The Dodgers, Pirates, and Red Sox completed a three-team, blockbuster trade that sent Manny Ramirez to Los Angeles, Jason Bay to Boston, and Andy LaRoche, Bryan Morris, Craig Hansen, and Brandon Moss to Pittsburgh. The Pirates got a pretty nice haul, and while Bay won't necessarily replace Manny's production, he's much more affordable, signed through '09, and doesn't disrupt the clubhouse. The Dodgers add the big bat they need for a push...   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Close To Extension With Haren

According to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert, the Diamondbacks are close to a contract extension with starter Dan Haren. He's already under team control cheaply through 2010. Gilbert notes that previous talks involved a three-year extension, so then he'd be with the D'Backs through 2013. Maybe Jake Peavy's three-year, $52MM deal will serve as the model.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Eaton, Dykstra, Lohse, Burnett

Let's round up some linkage. ESPN's Buster Olney wonders if Adam Everett would be a good fit for the Dodgers. Phillies pitcher Adam Eaton accepted a minor league assignment today. It seems that J.A. Happ will replace him. Jim Callis of Baseball America thinks the only first-round pick who might not sign will be San Diego's Allan Dykstra. I did a Q&A with Mets Fans Forever. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak dismissed the idea of trading Kyle Lohse. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe believes the Cardinals have the best shot at acquiring A.J. Burnett. But don't forget that interesting suggestion...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Burnett, Sherrill

Here's the latest from Ken Rosenthal, who should probably take a vacation in August. The D'Backs inquired on Mark Teixeira, but a trade is unlikely. Tex might be the best available hitter, as Matt Holliday seems likely to stay put. The Rockies scouted Nick Adenhart's last start. The Angels have more interest in Brian Fuentes than Holliday. Tons of scouts converged on Camden Yards last night to watch A.J. Burnett and George Sherrill pitch (those hoping to see Sherrill were disappointed). The Cardinals, Phillies, Yankees, Brewers, Marlins, Dodgers, and Tigers all had scouts there to watch at least one of...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bedard, Hudson, Inoa, Varitek

Let's dig through today's links. Cork Gaines takes a look at the Rays most likely to be traded. According to Ken Davidoff, the Rockies have been scouting Yankees pitching prospect Humberto Sanchez. He'd be a more reasonable return for Brian Fuentes. Erik Bedard's MRI came out clean, but it's still hard to see him in a big league game before August. Dan Haren used to follow every trade rumor on the Internet, but Justin Duchscherer doesn't monitor the hot stove buzz. Shane Victorino is aware of the rumors, but wants to stay in Philly. With Emilio Bonifacio gone, Scott Bordow...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Bradley, Haren, Griffey, Holliday, Atkins

A few minor notes from the MLBiverse... Evan Grant wonders if the Rangers might try to trade Milton Bradley if they fall even farther back in the standings and then try to resign him in the off-season when he is a free agent. The D-Backs have begun negotiations with Dan Haren on a contract extension. Haren is signed though '09 with a $6.75MM team option in '10. Ken Griffey Jr says that he wants to win a championship in Cincinnati. With the Rockies playing the Indians, it was inevitable that the Matt Holliday- or Garrett Atkins-to-the-Indians speculation would resurface. Cork...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Fujikawa, Inge, Haren, Jacque

Today's collection of links... SI.com's Jon Heyman does not believe Omar Minaya's job is in jeopardy. New blog to check out: NPB Tracker. Patrick's goal is to provide a reliable source of information on Japanese leagues to an American audience. He's already got a name for us to watch: reliever Kyuji Fujikawa. He'd like to be posted, but that's up to the Hanshin Tigers. Brandon Inge is up for full-time catching in '09, even if it's not his preference. The D'Backs discussed an extension with Dan Haren, but talks broke off. They could rekindle. He's signed cheaply through 2010 already....   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Benitez, David Wells, Delgado

And for my first trick: My very first Odds and Ends. The Toronto Star's aptly named Blue Jays blog reports the team placed Vernon Wells on the 15-day DL, and they expect him to be out six to eight weeks after fracturing his left wrist during Friday night's game. The Jay's also placed reliever Jeremy Accardo on the 15-day DL with a strained right forearm. As replacements, the Jays will call up infielder Joe Inglett and veteran hurler Armando Benitez. With Wells out, do the Jays re-enter the Barry Bonds speculation market? David Wells in Pinstripes? No deal says Joe...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Lidge, Shields, Eveland, Lahey

Here are some trade-rumor-tidbits from Buster Olney this morning: For the first time in his career, Scot Shields was activated from the DL and rookie pitcher Rich Thompson was sent down to Triple A. The Angels had hoped to keep the kid around but last friday's 1 inning, 5-run meltdown assured his ticket out. A likely story: Dana Eveland is making Billy Beane look smart. He shut down the Indians for 7 innings yesterday, striking out 7. When Dan Haren was sent to Arizona for 6 prospects, Tim thought the Dbacks won and suggested Eveland could be a back of...   Continue Reading

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Slusser On The Dan Haren Trade

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle was recently named Rumor Royalty for the A's. She answered a few questions for MLBTR for the series. MLBTR: Some have called Billy Beane's return on Dan Haren "quantity over quality." Do you agree? What is your opinion on the Haren haul? Slusser: My understanding is that the A's felt that Arizona might be the best match all along for Haren and that they received pretty much exactly what they asked for, so clearly these are prospects the A's valued highly, Carlos Gonzalez and Brett Anderson in particular. Maybe there's some belief the..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Prior, Bedard, Haren

The rumor mill is picking up today, thanks in no short part to Ken Rosenthal. Check out his latest column. Rosenthal believes the Padres are Mark Prior's first choice, but as usual they won't pay as much as other teams. Both Texas clubs are in the lead for Prior currently. Rosenthal also names the Cards, Mets, and Yankees are suitors, as we knew. The Pirates, by the way, have not inquired. Talks for Erik Bedard have slowed down, because the Orioles aren't impressed with the offers. The Mariners, Reds, and Mets are the top contenders. Rosenthal indicates that the Reds..   Continue Reading

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Reds Still Searching For A Starter

John Fay writes of the Reds' continued search for a starting pitcher. That's Wayne Krivsky's focus; his main limitation is that Jay Bruce is untouchable. The Reds couldn't get Dan Haren because they wouldn't give up young starter Johnny Cueto. The focus remains on Erik Bedard; the Reds seem willing to offer Homer Bailey as a starting point. Fay indicates that the Dodgers lead for Bedard, which is odd given their current six-deep rotation. I have a feeling the hot stove is going to turn to Joe Blanton now. The Reds may be in the thick of it, especially if..   Continue Reading

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Dan Haren Trade Analysis

The first domino fell tonight as an ace starter, Dan Haren, was dealt to the Diamondbacks for a bevy of prospects. I believe the D'Backs won this one. Let's dig into the details. Take Haren, a horse of an American League pitcher, and throw him in the easier league. The D'Backs got themselves a bona fide ace to pair with Brandon Webb, and they get him for three years at a reasonable price. He makes a mere $16.25MM over 2008-10; he's worth at least three times that amount. (Arizona also gets 26 year-old reliever Connor Robertson, who hasn't really conquered..   Continue Reading

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Dan Haren Traded To Diamondbacks

It looks like Billy Beane has pulled the trigger on a trade for Dan Haren, sending him to the Diamondbacks for a package of prospects. The departed: Carlos Gonzalez, Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Chris Carter, and Aaron Cunningham. The A's also sent right Connor Robertson to the D'Backs. The D'Backs also completed another deal, sending closer Jose Valverde to the Astros for Chris Burke, Chad Qualls, and Juan Gutierrez. Tim will be around later to share his views on the trade. -Jo   Continue Reading

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Indians Rumors: Haren, Blanton, Bedard, Inge

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer gets the Indians rumor mill churning. As we mentioned earlier today, the Indians have spoken to the A's about Dan Haren and Joe Blanton. They've also inquired on Erik Bedard. The Tribe is quietly looking to pair C.C. Sabathia with another ace. Such an acquisition would soften the blow if Sabathia leaves after the '08 season. Hoynes says a Haren acquisition might require one player from the Indians' 25-man roster plus at least one near MLB-ready guy. The Tribe had brief talks with Detroit about Brandon Inge, but they've moved on. Doesn't seem..   Continue Reading

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Surprise Players For Haren

During the Winter Meetings, there wasn't much talk of the Indians or Reds pursuing Oakland starter Dan Haren. However, there's buzz that both Ohio teams have interest. The Tribe definitely inquired on Haren. See Susan Slusser's article today, where she notes that Asdrubal Cabrera was "believed to be an A's target." The Indians don't want to part with the young infielder, a player they stole from the Mariners in June of 2006 for Eduardo Perez. Paul Hoynes further solidifies it, saying Mark Shapiro has spoken to Billy Beane about Haren. Slusser believes the Reds "might turn their focus toward Haren..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Santana, Cabrera, Kuroda, Edmonds, Rolen

Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest hot stove buzz around baseball. Johan Santana is Boston's only target - they're not after Dan Haren or any other starter. The talks keep slugging along. For what it's worth, Curt Schilling expects the Red Sox to get him. 36 year-old first baseman Alex Cabrera is a sleeper power threat among free agents. The former Rockie, Cub, and Diamondback has been mashing in Japan since 2001. The Nationals don't have any room for him but want him anyway. Rosenthal says A.L. clubs are looking at him as a DH candidate, also. Cabrera hit..   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Put Offer On Table For Haren

According to John Mahnke of the East Valley Tribune, the Diamondbacks have a trade offer out to the A's for Dan Haren. The package includes Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio, and Brett Anderson - but not Max Scherzer. Gonzalez is apparently the headliner - the A's would try him in center field even though he's mostly played right. Mahnke says Gonzalez hasn't appeared in a winter league game in over a week, and that's a sign that he's part of a possible trade. It'd be surprising to see Josh Byrnes pull this off without giving up any young Major Leaguers. However,..   Continue Reading

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Cleveland In The Haren Sweepstakes?

In mentioning the possible Dan Haren trade, Buster Olney mentions the Indians as a sleeper pick. They haven't really been mentioned in relation to the 27-year-old righty, as talks have been dominated by the Diamondbacks. The Yankees and the Dodgers are the other teams Olney mentions as interested. This would make Cleveland's rotation for 2008: 1. C.C. Sabathia 2. Dan Haren 3. Fausto Carmona 4. Jake Westbrook 5. Paul Byrd Mentioned as A's bait are Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey, and, of course, Adam Miller. It's unlikely that they'd be interested in players like Andy Marte and Josh Barfield, since a..   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Still Searching For A Starter

The D'Backs' loss of Livan Hernandez should become official today when he declines their offer of arbitration. That leaves the team with a rotation of Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Doug Davis, and Micah Owings. The Big Unit is a question mark, so a starter must be acquired. Back on November 15th, Nick Piecoro noted the team's interest in Matt Clement and Bartolo Colon. But the Diamondbacks are sticking to their no bonuses/no escalator clauses mandate. So that pair will probably look elsewhere. Hiroki Kuroda received a three-year offer and a pitch video featuring Randy Johnson. He'll visit Arizona next week...   Continue Reading

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A's Rumors: Jenkins, Haren, Swisher

Susan Slusser and Rick Hurd check in with the latest on Billy Beane and the A's. Hurd indicates that the A's might have some interest in free agent Geoff Jenkins. It's a sign that the A's might be playing for 2008, after all. Slusser wonders whether Barry Bonds rumors are next to surface, if that's the case. The D'Backs put together a five-player offer for Dan Haren, including Carlos Gonzalez and Brett Anderson. Slusser says there's a "slim chance" of a deal. Likewise the Dodgers are not close to anything on Joe Blanton. While the Cubs have liked Nick Swisher..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Bradley, Haren

Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz. The Astros might be "on the verge of a major deal." Rosenthal notes the availability of Chris Burke and Luke Scott plus the team's interest in Damaso Marte. He also says some clubs are after Houston's young pitching. Ed Wade spoke of two-way, three-way, and even four-way discussions before he hit the hay last night, but nothing seemed imminent. Rosenthal says the Padres might have a better chance of re-signing Milton Bradley than Mike Cameron. He also implies that the Friars could reach a one-year agreement with Michael Barrett and then shop..   Continue Reading

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Santana/Reyes/Haren Rumor Quashed

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 5:45pm: Billy Beane, who rarely comments on trade rumors, actually went out of his way to call mine below a "total fabrication." I guess I should be proud, right? I was the subject of an elaborate hoax/impersonated sportswriter (thanks, Fake John Delcos!). I apologize - not sure why someone would go to such lengths, but lesson learned. FROM 12-5-07 at 3:36pm: Just got an incredible rumor from a trusted New York sportswriter. Stay with me, because this one's crazy. But rest assured that if the source wasn't good, I wouldn't post it. Minnesota has initiated talks for..   Continue Reading

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Dan Haren Rumors: Wednesday

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 11:20am: Joel Sherman says Stephen Drew, Mark Reynolds, and Tony Pena are also off the table in the Haren talks. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 8:09am: Susan Slusser adds that the A's aren't being unreasonable with Arizona - they haven't asked for Justin Upton or Chris Young. Slusser also notes that Billy Beane wouldn't sit down with the Tigers unless they'd discuss Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin. That's when the Tigers turned to the Marlins. Beane downplayed the chances of trading Haren, but what else is he going to say? FROM 12-5-07 at 12:09am: Technically it's Wednesday now, and..   Continue Reading

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Dan Haren Will Be Pricey

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:09pm: Hank Steinbrenner weighed in on the Haren-Yankees talks, calling Billy Beane's request "ridiculous." The Yankees are out on Haren. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:00pm: Nick Piecoro's source says Conor Jackson is not a part of the Haren talks, actually. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:13pm: The Boston Herald's Rob Bradford says the A's and D'Backs have had "constructive talks" about Haren for Carlos Gonzalez, Conor Jackson, and two others. FROM 12-4-07 at 10:58am: OK, you already knew that. But Joel Sherman has details. Billy Beane sees Dan Haren as equal in value to Johan Santana, all things considered. Over..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors: Tuesday

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:00pm: LENIII says that despite their public proclamations, the Yanks haven't told the Twins they're out on Johan. Neal recommends you go to bed anyway. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:28: A new team is in the mix for Johan, but barely. The Rangers talked to the Twins today about what it would take, but they're not expected to pursue it much further. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:05pm: Talks are expected to re-open in about an hour, after the execs have dinner. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 8:21pm: Theo Epstein expects negotiations with the Twins to carry "well into the night." He..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Rolen, Haren, Prior, Hawkins

Ken Rosenthal has some new rumors for us. The Dodgers lead the chase for Scott Rolen, with the Angels also in the mix. The Giants' Brian Sabean denied interest. The D'Backs view the Athletics' requests for Dan Haren to be quite excessive. Talks between the Padres and Cubs for Mark Prior have cooled. The Rangers offered LaTroy Hawkins a one-year deal with a club option. As you know, he wants two years   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Rumors: Haren, Kuroda, Carlos Gonzalez

MLB.com's Steve Gilbert has some trade rumors to digest this evening concerning the D'Backs. Arizona had discussions with the A's about Dan Haren today. Many names were thrown about. Conor Jackson was not involved. The A's asked about Max Scherzer and were told he's not available. We learned earlier that Carlos Gonzalez's name came up. By the way, the D'Backs aren't interested in Joe Blanton. Arizona is still around 3/30 on Hiroki Kuroda. The Rangers inquired about Carlos Gonzalez but wouldn't consider parting with Eric Hurley for him. The Nats are indeed interested in Miguel Montero, as reported previously   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Kuroda, Livan, Estrada, Colon

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 5:49pm: Jayson Stark says the Mets haven't talked to the the A's or Orioles at all in Nashville, meaning no talks for Haren or Bedard as of yet. FROM 12-4-07 at 8:05am: What's cooking with the Mets? Let's round 'em up. Mark Hale reports that the Mets have advanced to "Round 2" of the bidding process for Hiroki Kuroda. They did this by indicating a ballpark of what they might offer but without actually making an offer. Hale says 8-10 teams are in on Kuroda, including the Royals, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Mariners. The Ms reportedly have some..   Continue Reading

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Chronicle Rumors: Haren, Blanton, Lincecum

Susan Slusser and John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle have an extensive collection of A's and Giants rumors from Monday's Winter Meetings mayhem. The asking price for Dan Haren is said to be massive, is in 3-4 blue chippers. The Tigers might even be willing to part with both Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin for him - wow. The D'Backs are a bit more gunshy about their top prospects, though most believe Carlos Gonzalez to be available. I imagine Justin Upton is off limits. The Dodgers are going the hardest after Joe Blanton, with the Mets trailing. Huston Street..   Continue Reading

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Tigers Willing To Trade Miller In Haren Deal?

A short note from Yahoo's Tim Brown: the Tigers were apparently willing to put stud starter Andrew Miller in a deal for Dan Haren. It's interesting to hear that the Tigers inquired on Haren. You have to figure Miller or Cameron Maybin would be a requirement. Meanwhile Brown reiterates that the D'Backs checked in on both Haren and Joe Blanton. Arizona may have also checked in on Ian Snell, if you believe lobby fodder   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Inquire On Sheets?

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:38pm: Baker corrects himself - the Mariners talked to the Brewers, but not about Sheets. UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 9:34pm: Here's the deal. Geoff Baker says the West Coast team inquiring on Sheets was the Mariners. Tom Haudricourt seems positive it was the Dodgers though. No offer was made; it was just an inquiry. The Dodgers seemingly don't need more injury risk though. UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 6:35pm: Tom Haudricourt spoke to Doug Melvin and learned that he has not spoken to any East Coast team about Sheets. However Haudricourt believes Melvin may have spoken to the Mariners about..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Cabrera, Blanton, Haren, Sabathia

Let's round 'em up. Indians GM Mark Shapiro will soon get a contract extension offer for C.C. Sabathia approved by ownership. Then he'll put that in front of Sabathia's agent, with an eye on resolving the situation one way or another before Spring Training. Shapiro's model will not be Johan Santana's upcoming deal but rather Jake Peavy's three-year, $50MMish extension. White Sox outfielders Ryan Sweeney and Brian Anderson might be on the fringe. The Marlins, if I recall correctly, once had interest in Anderson as a center field option. Miguel Cabrera is out to prove he's a good athlete and..   Continue Reading

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Beane Has High Asking Price For Haren

Did you expect anything different? Billy Beane is happy to field offers on Dan Haren and Joe Blanton, but he'll require a king's ransom for either pitcher. Jayson Stark says Beane asked the Yankees for two of Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Ian Kennedy for Haren. With the Red Sox it was two of Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, and Jacoby Ellsbury. The Mets would have to pony up Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez. With two starters under contract through 2010, Beane and the A's are sitting pretty. One source of Stark echoes the popular sentiment that Miguel Cabrera in an..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 12:02am: Not only will Johan veto any midseason deal, he'll veto any deal to a team other than the Yankees or Red Sox. UPDATE, 12-2-07 at 8:30pm: Hank weighs in, reiterating the deadline. He says the third player actually isn't the sticking point. Thanks Hank! UPDATE, 12-2-07 at 7:30pm: The Yanks' deadline on their offer, which no one is taking seriously, is for end of day Monday. Brian Cashman has given Bill Smith a list of possibilities for the third player in the deal. UPDATE, 12-2-07 at 6:15pm: Ken Rosenthal says Santana told the Twins he won't..   Continue Reading

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Johan Santana Rumors

UPDATE, 12-1-07 at 10:30pm: Yanks and Twins are haggling over the third guy - Twins want Horne or Austin Jackson per Jon Heyman. The Yanks are apparently holding out on that front, trying to retain some dignity. Peter Abraham says the Yanks will also slap a deadline on their offer and then turn their attention to Dan Haren. Concurrently, the Red Sox will only give up Ellsbury if they get more than Santana back. How about making this thing a real blockbuster, getting Joe Nathan involved? Imagine a 7-8-9 combo of Gagne-Nathan-Papelbon (if Gagne were to accept arb). Peter Abraham..   Continue Reading

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Can Mets Acquire An Ace?

We've discussed this before...it seems like the Mets don't stack up with certain other clubs trying to acquire available frontline starting pitching. Ken Rosenthal definitely feels this way - Carlos Gomez is considered a blue-chipper but the others may not be. Rosenthal notes that a package starting with Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman doesn't do much for Billy Beane. The A's don't see Milledge as a long-term center field solution, and Heilman is a reliever. Mike Pelfrey and Phil Humber aren't the top-shelf pitching prospects the A's covet in return for Dan Haren or Joe Blanton. It seems as if..   Continue Reading

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Mets Focused On Blanton/Haren?

According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets are focused on getting Dan Haren or Joe Blanton from the A's. Lennon admits they probably don't have the chips to get Johan Santana, which makes me wonder how they'd have enough to get Blanton or Haren. Omar Minaya and Billy Beane discussed these guys a year ago, and couldn't come to an agreement. Now Beane's price has risen - Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman won't cut it (not sure if it would've last year anyway). I'm not sure if adding any Mets pitching prospect to that pair would be enough to..   Continue Reading

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Matt Garza For Carlos Quentin?

Shooter! It's time for some new rumors courtesy of Charley Walters. You like rumors don't you? Walters tosses out the idea of a Matt Garza for Carlos Quentin swap. He's the guy who was saying previously that Garza for Delmon Young wouldn't die. I think if Quentin demonstrated good health this could be a fair swap. Meanwhile, Buster Olney suggests Quentin could end up an Athletic if the D'Backs look to acquire Dan Haren or Joe Blanton. However, Nick Piecoro doesn't see it happening. No extension talks going on with Justin Morneau, and it's arbitration time. Hey, maybe those trade..   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Piazza, Matthews, Milledge

SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with a new Daily Scoop column full of rumors. A lot of the standard trade talk we've seen regarding Miguel Cabrera, Johan Santana, Miguel Tejada, and Dan Haren. All these guys require two good young players or more in a trade. Mike Piazza is considering DHing in Japan if he doesn't find anything he likes in the U.S. Heyman talked to an AL exec who speculated that the Angels may try to unload Gary Matthews Jr. GMJ makes $9MM in '08, $10MM in '09, $11MM in '10, and $12MM in '11. He currently has a..   Continue Reading

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Olney On Blanton And Haren

Buster Olney has been digging up all sorts of good trade rumors, and I'm happy to pass along his info. Let's start with the A's. We recently discussed Eric Chavez, who as far as we know is staying put but wouldn't get in Billy Beane's way if he decides to move him. However, with apologies to Chavez, the hot stove buzz around the A's will be focused on their young pitching. We know Dan Haren would draw a huge bounty of three to five very good young players. We can assume that Joe Blanton would command a similar price, maybe..   Continue Reading

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Padres Look To Extend Peavy

Jake Peavy will soon add a Cy Young to his resume, and the Padres would like to explore a contract extension with him. Under his current contract, Peavy will earn $6.5MM in '08 and $11MM in '09 once he wins the award. The Padres would like to extend him for the 2010 and 2011 seasons and possibly more. Peavy realizes the Padres won't give him the $18MM+ per year he could earn on the free market. But an extension for 2010-11 in the range of $32-35MM could work. It's been assumed that any team trading for Peavy this winter would..   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Crawford, Haren

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo has a new colum up this morning; let's check it out. The Carl Crawford/Cubs thing won't die. Cafardo says the Cubs are after him, possibly offering a package starting with Rich Hill and Carlos Marmol. This rumor originated with Bruce Levine a few days ago, though Roger Mooney dismissed it yesterday. While the Red Sox have discussed Miguel Cabrera with the Marlins, Cafardo believes they might instead be eyeing a blockbuster for Johan Santana or Dan Haren. As if the Red Sox need more pitching   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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Rosenthal's Latest: Cabrera, Haren, Barrett

Rumor guru Ken Rosenthal checks in with a new column this afternoon. The White Sox are legitimately in the mix for Miguel Cabrera, but many stars would have to align for it to get done. Suitors with better prospects would have to balk, and the Sox would have to part with Josh Fields and Gio Gonzalez. Kenny Williams might even have to cash Jon Garland in and turn around and flip that prospect in a Cabrera deal. Regardless, it's clear that Williams is once again thinking big. Let's face it: the Twins aren't retaining free agents Torii Hunter or Carlos..   Continue Reading

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Latest Mets Rumors: A-Rod, Silva, Blanton

Plenty of action around the Mets lately; Omar Minaya has his work cut out for him. Hat tip to MetsBlog for several of the links. The sensational storyline here is that Minaya will meet with Scott Boras to discuss Alex Rodriguez. However, Boras and Minaya might spend more time discussing Kyle Lohse and Eric Gagne than A-Rod - the Mets' focus is pitching. Newsday's Ken Davidoff reminds us of past trade talks regarding Joe Blanton, Jose Contreras, and Jon Garland. Those talks may be re-opened, though Davidoff notes that the White Sox aren't enamored of Lastings Milledge. Additionally, the Mets..   Continue Reading

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Duchscherer To The Rotation?

According to Buster Olney, the A's are thinking about moving 30 year-old Justin Duchscherer to the starting rotation. Duke hasn't started a big league game since 2003 (he started 20 in the minors that year). His 2007 season ended in July as he opted for surgery on his arthritic hip. He's battled elbow, triceps, neck, and back problems in the past. Why is this relevant to rumor junkies? Because even if Duchscherer and Rich Harden are health question marks, more starting pitching depth increases the chances of a Joe Blanton or even a Dan Haren trade this winter. As I..   Continue Reading

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Mets Still Trying For Dan Haren?

UPDATE: Spoke to my Mets source, and he indicated that the below trade possibility could be expanded to include Michael Devaney and Santiago Castilla. According to a Bay Area official speaking to Gotham Baseball, the Mets and A's "are finally discussing a deal that could send right-hander Danny Haren to the Mets in return for Aaron Heilman, Lastings Milledge and a minor league pitcher." Gotham's source goes on to say that the A's would prefer to put Joe Blanton in that deal instead but the Mets are holding out for Haren. Can Omar Minaya and Billy Beane find common ground..   Continue Reading

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Mets Covet Dan Haren

It's just one letter, after all. Ken Rosenthal reports that the Mets hope to acquire Dan Haren from the Mets, not Rich Harden. That makes sense. However, Haren is incredibly valuable as a young stud pitcher signed for cheap. He could be a Cy Young candidate in the NL. I can't see what the Mets would give the A's for Haren that would make Oakland better in 2007. If Haren is truly available, I would imagine all sorts of teams to come knocking. The Angels and Dodgers would be best suited to acquire him because of their top-notch prospects, but..   Continue Reading

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