David Eckstein Rumors

Rosenthal's Latest: Fielder, Beimel, Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene at the GM meetings, and as usual has all kinds of new info. The Brewers are unlikely to trade Prince Fielder, and reluctant to trade J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. It'd be smart to retain those three players. Rosenthal still likes the Braves as the favorite for Jake Peavy, but wonders if the Cubs or another team could incorporate a third team to get it done. The Cubs will need to spend much of their available money on pitching, which may leave little payroll room for an outfielder like Bobby Abreu. They could backload...   Continue Reading

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Week In Review: 8/31 - 9/6

Sunday afternoon means it's time to look back at the week and recap the major stories here on MLBTR. Let's take a look: Arizona made a move to help replace Orlando Hudson when they acquired David Eckstein from Toronto for minor league pitcher Chad Beck. Second major move we saw from the D'Backs in August, and it seems like a fair price to add some stability to the middle of their infield for the remainder of the season. Brief update on the Pedro Alvarez drama. The Pirates will not re-negotiate his contract even if that option is somehow allowed. Tim...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Soto, Joba, Colletti, Tazawa

Let's dig in with today's links! As you know, the Steinbrenners want Brian Cashman back for '09. Now it's up to him. Geovany Soto was discussed as a throw-in on the trade that ultimately sent Sammy Sosa to Baltimore back in '05. One that did get away that year: Ricky Nolasco (in the Juan Pierre deal). Michael Gluckstadt interviewed ESPN's Buster Olney. CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler takes a look at the deep free agent class of starting pitchers. Dave Cameron considers this "the greatest collection of free agent arms to hit free agency at the same time in the history of...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Olivo, Eckstein, Angels, Astros

Labor Day linkage... I did a Q&A with an Angels blog called The Halo Is Lit. Royals catcher Miguel Olivo patched things up with manager Trey Hillman. Olivo has a mutual option for '09. David Eckstein is a borderline Type B player, but the D'Backs won't get a pick unless they offer him arbitration and he declines and signs elsewhere. As of August 29th, Eckstein did not have Type B status anyway. By the way, the D'Backs designated Emiliano Fruto for assignment to make room for Eckstein. Needless to say, the Angels weren't able to acquire a shortstop. Richard Justice...   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Acquire Eckstein

It's official: The Diamondbacks have acquired Blue Jays shortstop David Eckstein in exchange for minor league pitcher Chad Beck, according to MLB.com. Eckstein has posted a respectable line of .273/.352/.355 this season over 75 games with Toronto. Rotoworld sees Beck, 23, as a long shot to make it to the majors as starter, but feels he can reach the big-league level as a reliever. Beck has had success at both Class-A levels this season. He posted a 2.04 ERA with South Bend, and after being promoted to High-A Visalia, struggled as a starter but has posted a very nice 1.37...   Continue Reading

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D-Backs Now Favorite To Land Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the D-Backs are the favorite to land David Eckstein from the Blue Jays, prior to tonight's deadline for players to be eligible for the post-season. Previously we heard that both the D-Backs and the Angels were in pursuit of Eckstein. Eckstein, 33, is almost certain to be traded before the deadline for setting postseason rosters at midnight Sunday. While talks are fluid, the Jays currently are more inclined to trade with the D-backs, sources say. Rosenthal says the Angels are now considering other options, including Omar Vizquel of the Giants and Juan Castro of the...   Continue Reading

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D-Backs, Angels Interested In Eckstein

The Angels have been in pursuit of infield depth this week, and were rumored to be finalizing a deal with the Blue Jays for veteran shortstop and 2006 World Series MVP, David Eckstein until a "mystery" team entered the running. Ken Rosenthal is now reporting that the mystery team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both teams are looking to finalize the deal before Sunday's deadline for setting post-season rosters. The Angels would mainly use Eckstein as a backup, but the D-backs need a boost in the infield since Orlando Hudson is out for the rest of the season. It seems the...   Continue Reading

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Angels Eyeing Backup Shortstops

FRIDAY: Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi confirmed he's in discussions with the Angels about his shortstops. THURSDAY: With Maicer Izturis out for the season and Erick Aybar day-to-day, the Angels are looking to acquire a veteran backup shortstop. Backup at second base wouldn't be a bad idea either, in case Howie Kendrick's injury is serious. Mike DiGiovanna names John McDonald, David Eckstein, Marco Scutaro, Juan Castro, and Jamey Carroll as targets. The numbers on these guys: McDonald: .222/.269/.292 in 162 PAs. Owed $350K in '08, $1.9MM in '09. Eckstein: .274/.353/.357 in 293 PAs. Owed $830K in '08. Scutaro: .265/.347/.348 in...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hart, Ellis, Mientkiewicz, Varitek

Today's random links... Ken Rosenthal discusses possible changes at various GM positions. Jon Heyman says Pat Gillick could take a high-ranking role with the Blue Jays if not the Mariners. Former Indians and Rangers GM John Hart is interested in the Mariners job. The Mariners hope to have their permanent GM hired by the end of October. A Japanese pitcher invented a new pitch called the shake. Eddie Bajek wonders if Mark Ellis could handle shortstop. It's good to think out of the box given the free agent market at the position. Doug Mientkiewicz would like to spend another season...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Street, Durham, Holliday

SI.com's Jon Heyman just posted a new column. The Brewers and White Sox inquired on A's closer Huston Street. However, A's GM Billy Beane said "there is nothing going on" in regards to Street. The Sox were linked to both Street and Jon Rauch today, so Kenny Williams is clearly monitoring the relief market. Heyman says the Rays have not discussed Street with the A's, and the Dodgers "aren't believed to be heavily involved." Heyman is on board with the recent rumors about Ray Durham and Jack Taschner possibly heading to Milwaukee. Heyman also confirms Ken Rosenthal's report of the...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Looking For Shortstop Help

TUESDAY, 3:49pm: MLB.com's Jim Molony chimes in on the Dodgers' hunt for a shortstop. He says they'll give Nomar Garciaparra a chance, but they are also considering Toronto's David Eckstein. Back on July 3rd, the Baltimore Sun suggested the Orioles were looking at Eckstein. TUESDAY, 8:53am: Dejan Kovacevic puts the brakes on the Jack Wilson-to-L.A. rumor. He says that while Wilson is not untouchable, the Pirates are not likely to trade him. They consider him affordable and do not have a capable replacement. Kovacevic says talks with the Dodgers "seem dormant," and the Dodgers never offered a player from their...   Continue Reading

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Week In Review

Continuing with Tim's new tradition, here's my take on some of the top rumors of the week from June 29 - July 6: The C.C. Sabathia sweepstakes is nearing an end, with the Brewers' Matt LaPorta package being the frontrunner. We'll let everyone know the full story as soon as possible. The Phillies extended Brad Lidge to a three-year contract. Lidge looks like his old self - great deal for Philadelphia. Looks like this means Brett Myers will remain in the rotation if he can get back on track. We heard a lot about the Rays' growing interest for Colorado...   Continue Reading

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Olney Rumor Bag: Eckstein, Teixeira

Another Saturday, another edition of Buster Olney's weekly blog; along-side the deafening Sabathia discussions, we find some hidden gems: According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are pondering making a deal for David Eckstein. The Blue Jays have a well-stocked infield that has made the veteran short stop and former World Series MVP expendable. The Orioles have also been inquiring about Juan Uribe of the White Sox and Felipe Lopez of the Nationals. Mark Bradley of the Atlanta-Journal Constitution thinks the Braves should trade Mark Teixera. Although some veteran leaders think the team is still in the division race, the...   Continue Reading

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Orioles Interested In Eckstein

According to the Baltimore Sun, citing "industry sources," the Orioles are talking to the Blue Jays about shortstop David Eckstein. The Jays have deemed Eckstein expendable, even though they're reportedly hunting for a long-term shortstop. Jeff Zrebiec and Roch Kubatko believe it wouldn't take much to acquire him. Eckstein, 33, is hitting .273/.360/.348 this year. The Orioles' shortstops have hit .228/.264/.287 this year collectively. The O's have also scouted Juan Uribe and Felipe Lopez. Despite previous reports of "substantive conversations" for Lopez, the Sun says the team's interest has waned.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Barrett, Koufax, Santana

A few notes from this evening... Michael Barrett and the Padres avoided arbitration, arriving at a $3.5MM deal. A little less than I expected given his $4.6MM salary in '07. If some team acquires Barrett on the cheap he could bounce back if he's comfortable. Wasn't long ago he was one of the better-hitting catchers in the game. Is there even a slight chance he wouldn't embarrass himself back at the hot corner? Great ShysterBall post in reference to Curt Schilling's attempt to call out Roger Clemens. Sandy Koufax did not do steroids. Derrick Goold looks at how David Eckstein..   Continue Reading

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Jays Sign David Eckstein

UPDATE, 12-13-07 at 10:56am: Rosenthal says it's a one-year, $4.5MM deal. Who can complain about that? FROM 12-13-07 at 8:30am: This one's from out in left field - Ken Rosenthal reports that the Blue Jays are close to signing David Eckstein. Rosenthal expects the signing to push newly inked defensive specialist John McDonald to a backup role. Perhaps the Jays can go for some kind of offense/defense platoon. If a groundballer like Jesse Litsch or Jeremy Accardo happens to be on the mound, the Jays could opt for defense   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Iguchi, Eckstein, Barrett, Bonds

Aside from the aforementioned Fukudome stuff, Tom Krasovic has some trade rumors to discuss in today's article. It seems the Padres and Rockies are the main competitors for Tadahito Iguchi. The Pads wouldn't mind getting Matt Antonelli more seasoning at Triple A. Meanwhile the Rockies are offering Iguchi two years. The Padres also like the idea of getting David Eckstein on a one-year deal, not something he's expecting to go for. The Pirates still like Michael Barrett, but expect him to require little in the way of players. While the Padres recently met with Barry Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, the..   Continue Reading

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Youngman's Latest: Tejada, Eckstein, Inge

Randy Youngman of the OC Register has a few new rumor tidbits for us. Let's discuss. The Angels won't include Jered Weaver in a Miguel Tejada trade. Youngman says the O's asked for the moon as a way of gauging Tejada's market value. Now they'll get serious. Both the Padres and Angels like David Eckstein as one-year possibilities, not that he's open to that. The Halos actually have a bench role in mind for him, according to Youngman. The Padres, by the way, spoke to Eckstein's agent today. Youngman says the Dodgers have interest in Brandon Inge and Pedro Feliz...   Continue Reading

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Jamey Carroll Traded To Indians

UPDATE, 12-7-07 at 8:19pm: Troy E. Renck says this deal is done, and right now it's for a player to be named later. Dan O'Dowd said he wasn't eating any of the $2.15MM owed to Carroll, so that's some pocket change to put toward a free agent reliever. Yes, I just referred to two million dollars as pocket change. FROM 12-7-07 at 9:46am: Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News says the Rockies are set to trade utility infielder Jamey Carroll to the Indians. It was to be for minor league starter Sean Smith, but that part has changed. The..   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Iguchi, Cook, Kip, Holliday

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 12:57pm: According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, David Eckstein is now a Rockies' target for second base. They talked to Mark Loretta today, also. Harding adds that the holdup on the Cook deal is the amount of a fourth-year option. FROM 12-6-07 at 12:21pm: The Denver Post's Troy E. Renck has a lunchtime Rockies update. Renck doesn't see Tadahito Iguchi getting Kaz Matsui money, noting that only the Rockies are pursuing Iguchi at his preferred position of second base. That could change if the Orioles trade Brian Roberts. Though Aaron Cook's 3/30 extension isn't final, GM Dan..   Continue Reading

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Nationals Rumors: Colon, Fukumori

MLB.com's Bill Ladson has a handful of Nationals rumors tonight. As you know, Damian Miller, Johnny Estrada, and Miguel Montero have been targeted at the catcher position. The Nats want to sign Bartolo Colon to a one-year deal, but it appears he craves multiple years. As mentioned earlier, the Nats like Kazuo Fukumori. What we didn't mention earlier was the idea that Fukumori could start. The notion seems questionable, as the 31 year-old hasn't started a game since 2002. The Nationals have no interest in David Eckstein or Kenny Lofton, despite their desire for a leadoff hitter. They certainly don't..   Continue Reading

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Crasnick's Latest: Ellsbury, Owings, Eckstein

A few new rumors courtesy of ESPN's Jerry Crasnick... The Scott Boras Corporation recently signed two new clients - Jacoby Ellsbury and Micah Owings. Seems insignificant now, but wait 4-5 years. David Eckstein is open to playing second base or shortstop. Crasnick notes that he turned down a four-year offer from the Mets, which might've been a mistake   Continue Reading

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Cards Considering Jack Wilson, Izturis, Tejada

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss has an excellent update on the Cardinals' pursuit of a new starting shortstop. Sounds like the end of the David Eckstein Era in St. Louis - Strauss says it's a widespread belief that Eckstein will not be offered arbitration and probably will not stay around. While the Cards are drawn to Miguel Tejada, a deal seems highly unlikely. John Mozeliak wants to move quickly to fill the shortstop position and the Orioles are taking their time with Tejada. Sounds like there's a very good chance the Cards get Jack Wilson from the Bucs. They're..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Fukudome, Eckstein, Lowell

Ah yes, the odds and ends post, where I cobble together the day's random links. The Rangers have mild interest Scott Podsednik. Pods had two separate stints in the Rangers organization but never reached the bigs with them. The Big Lead has an interesting interview with Yahoo baseball guy Jeff Passan, wherein a run-in with Jose Lima is recounted. Passan also takes on Fire Joe Morgan a bit. Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog is hearing that Kosuke Fukudome is looking for three years and $30MM. Sounds fair. The Angels are considering signing David Eckstein and/or Darin Erstad, for some reason. Bob..   Continue Reading

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Eckstein seeking Lugo-esque deal

If Julio Lugo was able to snag four years and $36 million last off-season, well, by golly, David Eckstein wants to do the same this year. You can make some arguments with the comparison - Lugo is a year younger, flashes a bit more power, and has been more consistent in his production (from year-to-year; we're not counting his huge drop-off after being traded to the Dodgers last year). But it's tough to argue with Eckstein for wanting to start talks at that level. This may deter Eckstein's perceived No. 1 suitor, the New York Mets, who are looking at..   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Benson, Lowell, Chavez, Mulder, Eckstein

Buster Olney's ESPN Insider blog is always a good source for links from around the league. Let's see what's up today. Kris Benson's agent Gregg Clifton says his client will to throw in Arizona about a week after the Winter Meetings. He says that the Yankees "haven't put forth any offers that would give them a serious chance to get Mike Lowell." So did the Yankees pull back their offer, or did they even make one in the first place? Eric Chavez just underwent his third surgery in the past two months. With three years and $37 million left guaranteed..   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Eckstein, Dotel

Let's catch up with the Mets, who are moving on to other needs now that they've settled their catching situation. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone says the Mets have some interest in David Eckstein as a second base option, and may meet with him soon to wine and dine him. Eckstein might be the backup option to Luis Castillo. I've said all along, I don't get why Eckstein would market himself as a second baseman. As a shortstop he stands to get $21MM over three years; as a second baseman he doesnt. Ben Shpigel of the New York Times adds that the..   Continue Reading

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Cardinals Interested In Silva, Lohse

Joe Strauss has the latest regarding the Cardinals' pursuit for starting pitching. The team is interested in free agents Carlos Silva and Kyle Lohse. Matthew Leach recently quoted John Mozeliak as searching for a starter with some upside, so maybe the Cards favor Lohse. They'd have to tangle with Scott Boras to get him - I've heard some speculate that Lohse could get a Gil Meche 5/55 deal. Strauss's article also mentions that the Cards are exploring options besides David Eckstein for shortstop. They've recently been linked to Cesar Izturis. Maybe the Cardinals could try to get a shortstop in..   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Crisp, Pie, Andruw, Eckstein

Tom Krasovic continues to set the standard for Padres inside information. Today's column is especially delicious for rumor junkies, with tons of new material to chew on. Kevin Towers expects to fill his center field vacancy via trade. He may first want to wait to see if Mike Cameron accepts the team's upcoming offer of arbitration. Cameron is a Type B free agent. Remember that he will be limited to 137 games in '07. As for trade candidates, Coco Crisp is on the radar but the Padres smartly won't part with Chase Headley. Krasovic notes that Bud Black's connection with..   Continue Reading

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Astros Hope To Sign Luis Castillo

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Astros are looking to inject some OBP into their leadoff spot by signing second baseman Luis Castillo. He adds that not many teams are looking to fill second base via free agency, so the Mets might be the only team battling for Castillo. Rosenthal rates Kaz Matsui and David Eckstein as the best second base alternatives behind Castillo. The Rockies are prepared to offer a two-year deal to Matsui but will move on if he wants too much. They can't be thinking about offering more than $8MM, wouldn't you say? Rosenthal says Matsui is not..   Continue Reading

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White Sox To Meet With Torii Hunter

According to Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times, White Sox GM Kenny Williams plans to meet with Torii Hunter next week. They can't talk contract terms, but Williams will work to convince Torii that the South Side is the place to be. Apparently Hunter told a friend he was receptive to the Sox. It seems that five years and $75MM is the minimum Hunter will accept, and the Sox seem prepared to do that. It's a huge commitment for a guy coming off a career year. Plus, Hunter doesn't contribute an above-average OBP, something the White Sox need. Aaron Rowand is..   Continue Reading

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Latest Cardinals Hot Stove: Antonetti, Eckstein, Maroth

Let's take a look at what's going on with the Cardinals. Viva El Birdos has a hunch that Chris Antonetti will be the team's next GM. According to RotoWorld, the team has released Mike Maroth. The 30 year-old lefty was terrible with St. Louis, but will probably hook on somewhere for $2-3MM. He would've been non-tendered anyway. Interim GM John Mozeliak recently talked about his dealings with David Eckstein. No deal is imminent, and he may test the free agent waters. I don't see the team going with Brendan Ryan, so look for some trade activity this winter if Eckstein..   Continue Reading

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Cards Hope To Re-Sign Eckstein

Last we'd heard, David Eckstein was expected to leave the Cardinals and sign with the White Sox, Tigers, or Mets. However, the Cards' team spokesman said two days ago when Joel Pineiro was signed that John Mozeliak's next order of business was to re-sign Eckstein. Eckstein earned $4.5MM this season in the last year of his three-year deal. He turns 33 in January, and has averaged 120 games in the last two seasons. Eckstein has a solid career OBP of .351. There's a great point-counterpoint over at Viva El Birdos about whether the Cards should re-sign him. Their best estimate..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Bonds, Nathan, Barrett

Ken Rosenthal has a new rumor column up. Feels like it's been a while. Rosenthal thinks it's a sign of desperation that the Angels would entertain signing Barry Bonds, who doesn't fit in with their club. His OBP would fit in anywhere, but he would tie up the DH spot at the expense of Juan Rivera and Vladimir Guerrero. The Cubs are expected to bring Daryle Ward back at $1.2MM (makes sense) and Steve Trachsel at $4.75MM (questionable). Cubs fans can only hope Trachsel would be considered a tradeable asset, as Rosenthal opines. Rosenthal also quashes the idea of trading..   Continue Reading

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Should Mets Pursue Rowand, Eckstein?

When I first saw the subheading of Joel Sherman's most recent column - "Mets Would Get Much-Needed Jolt From Rowand And Eckstein" - I had the knee-jerk stathead reaction. That is: Eckstein's overrated, Rowand's coming off a career year, and the grinder element either doesn't exist or doesn't add wins. But Sherman doesn't seem blind to the numbers and his plan to move Carlos Beltran to right field and use Eckstein at second base seems reasonable. Who am I to say that adding two guys who play with such enthusiasm wouldn't have an intangible effect? Sometimes the pendulum swings too..   Continue Reading

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Carlos Guillen to Play 1B Next Season

The Tigers anticipated this. Carlos Guillen's okay with it. Despite signing Guillen in March to a 4 year deal for $48MM to begin next season, the shortstop is going to be moving across the diamond sooner than expected to play first base. The move is designed to protect his knees from the physical stresses of SS. Tim argued that 4/48 was a bargain as long as he remained the Tigers' shortstop. Unfortunately, it appears Manager Jim Leyland has had to talk him into moving to first, despite Guillen's condition last week that the Tigers had to bring in a gold..   Continue Reading

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White Sox Targeting Eckstein

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, shortstop David Eckstein is the #1 target of the White Sox this offseason. An Eckstein signing would then result in the team paying $300K to buy out Juan Uribe's $5MM option for '08. Eckstein signed a three-year, $10.25MM deal with the Cardinals after being non-tendered by the Angels in December of 2004. He'll be 33 heading into the '08 season, and injuries have been increasing over the years. Another three-year pact for $15-18MM would be fairly risky for the White Sox. Especially for a player whose value is tied so closely to..   Continue Reading

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Padres Inquire On Eckstein

According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Padres have asked the Cardinals about impending free agent David Eckstein. They'd use him at second base. However, the Cardinals aren't prepared to sell off parts after a recent winning streak   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Scouting Eckstein?

UPDATE: A few Cardinal fans have emailed me, suggesting that Hrabosky's comments about Eckstein may have been misconstrued as a trade rumor. Apparently he was just discussing scouting and how Eckstein was a talent from the Boston system. I have to be careful with broadcast rumors I did not hear myself; my aplogies. Tonight, color commentator Al Hrabosky mentioned on the FSN Midwest broadcast that the Red Sox were scouting David Eckstein. Eckstein led off tonight in the Cardinals' defeat of the Brewers. Eckstein is hitting .298/.339/.362 this year for the Cardinals, not too far from career levels. He's spent..   Continue Reading

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Eckstein Contract Talks Tabled

The Cardinals and David Eckstein would like to continue their relationship, but it sounds like Walt Jocketty will wait until after the season to hammer things out. If Eckstein has a poor season and Jocketty lets him walk, the team's options will be limited. There's never a surplus at shortstop. If 25 year-old shortstop Brendan Ryan can stay healthy and have a big year at Triple A, he could inherit the job. Otherwise Jocketty will have anywhere from zero to three free agent options. The Cubs and Sox have similar situations, as both have club options for around $5MM on..   Continue Reading

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