Derek Lowe Rumors

Braves Rumors: Hampton, Lowe, Burnett

Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the latest on the Braves in a new blog post. The Braves never intended Mike Hampton to be one of the two front-rotation starters they acquire this winter, so his rejection of their offer doesn't affect their plans much. O'Brien notes that he's heard no indications that the Braves are actively pursuing Derek Lowe. A.J. Burnett seems to be their top target, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Jake Peavy talks revived at the Winter Meetings. The Braves made trade inquiries on Roy Oswalt and Matt Cain and "haven't received favorable...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Offer Arb Only To Manny, Lowe, Blake

The Dodgers' numerous arb decisions are in, courtesy of MLB.com's Ken Gurnick. Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe, and Casey Blake get offers. Joe Beimel, Brad Penny, Jeff Kent, and Greg Maddux (all Type Bs) don't. The only real surprise here is Beimel, who earned less than $2MM this year and seemed worth the risk.   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Lowe, Lowell, Dye, Saltalamacchia

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says when Derek Lowe sat down with his agent, he inquired first about the Boston Red Sox. Says Cafardo, "This Lowe doesn't bear much resemblance to the guy who left the Sox after 2004. Back then, his out-of-control personal life seemed to consume him. The Red Sox didn't want to deal with it and let him become a free agent. Lowe feels leaving was the best thing. 'I think I'm a lot better pitcher now, teammate now, than I was four years ago,' he said. 'Sometimes you have to learn, and I think getting...   Continue Reading

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C.C. Sabathia Rumors: Wednesday

6:19pm: It sounds like Sabathia's agent Greg Genske is shutting things down for the weekend. He didn't reveal anything new to Brewers GM Doug Melvin. Adam McCalvy also notes that the Brewers will offer Sabathia arbitration, a procedural move. 12:49pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman talked to Yankees people who believe the Angels leaked interest in Sabathia to reduce Tex's demands. Those people also believe the Halos will limit their offer to the $100-120MM range. Other factors: Tex makes more sense for the Angels, Arte Moreno loves him, and signing Sabathia could reduce the chances of extending John Lackey. Nonetheless, Heyman agrees...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Boras' Scheme

Ken Rosenthal has a theory on Scott Boras' goals in the free agent game: Mark Teixeira and Jason Varitek to the Red Sox C.C. Sabathia and Manny Ramirez to the Angels Derek Lowe to the Yankees The crux of the theory seems to be that Boras would want Manny near his Newport Beach headquarters to better babysit him. Personally I have a hard time seeing any team sign two of the big three free agents, and it's difficult to picture Manny as an Angel. Rosenthal doesn't see the Dodgers as major players, partially based on recent comments made by the...   Continue Reading

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No Agreement Yet For Moyer

12:01pm: David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News says everyone expects the Phils to re-sign Moyer. He says not to read into the Lowe/Burnett inquiries; the team has inquired on more than 25 free agents. MLB.com's Ken Mandel names six of them: Doug Brocail, Russ Springer, Raul Ibanez, Rocco Baldelli, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Nick Punto. 10:16am: According to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are still talking to free agent pitcher Jamie Moyer but don't have an agreement yet. Moyer apparently wants a multiyear deal. The Phils recently contacted Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett to hedge their...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: K-Rod, Fuentes, Vazquez, Garland

The latest on the Mets. Joel Sherman believes the Brewers could interfere with the Mets' attempts to sign Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez. Ben Shpigel of the New York Times wrote this weekend that the Mets don't appear likely to dabble in the second-tier relief market for pitchers like Juan Cruz or Joe Beimel. Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog passes along a John Harper article from the New York Daily News, adding his own commentary. Harper believes the Mets may have to move on to Javier Vazquez, Jon Garland, and Edwin Jackson due to the high price tags on Boras clients...   Continue Reading

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Yankees "What If": No A.J., CC, Lowe?

No new official information has been reported from either side--but that may be precisely why articles about the scenario where the Yankees fail to sign a big name free agent starting pitcher this offseason are starting to show up. First, Jordan Bastian at MLB.com reports that the Yankees may not make a contract offer to A.J. Burnett. Burnett, through his agent, appears to be insisting on a five-year deal. While the market may not provide one, Bastian says that the Yankees simply will not. In the CC Sabathia ring, separate postings at River Ave. Blues and Brew Crew Ball look...   Continue Reading

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A.J. Burnett Rumors: Saturday

According to Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News, the Yankees won't offer A.J. Burnett a five-year contract. Ken Davidoff writes that Burnett's agent, Darek Brauneker, is confident that his client will sign a five-year deal somewhere. McCarron talked to a source who said that "the Yankees are not ready to go five years." The source also said that the Red Sox are more interested in Mark Teixeira and Derek Lowe than Burnett. The Blue Jays are still talking with Burnett, but they haven't yet offered him a deal.   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Lowe, Teixeira, Guillen

SI.com's Jon Heyman recently published several new blog posts. Free agent outfielder Garret Anderson has a new agent: Scott Boras. Click here for our full list of Boras clients. Rangers starters Vicente Padilla and Kevin Millwood are drawing interest from the Braves, Dodgers, and Mets. Padilla is owed $12MM in 2009 with a 2010 option for the same ($1.75MM buyout). Millwood gets $23MM over the next two seasons and has a limited no-trade clause. Heyman says rather than battle for A.J. Burnett, the Red Sox and Yankees may duke it out for Derek Lowe. Other suitors for Lowe: the Mets,...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Pedro, Sabathia, Peavy

A look at what is being written about the hot stove in the Blogosphere... Fire Brand of the American League looks at the ramifications of the Coco Crisp trade and what could happen if the Red Sox acquire Mark Teixeira and are unable to move Mike Lowell. Baseball Opinion says the Crisp deal leaves the Royals with a crowded outfield and a depleted bullpen and wonders if Mark Teahen or David DeJesus will be the next to go. Nationals Pride sees the Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham trade as a good start towards building a team with a core of...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Burnett, Lowe, Hudson, Tex

SI.com's Jon Heyman has several new blog posts up. Let's take a look. The Yankees planned offers in the four-year, $60MM range for A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, but that's not sufficient for either pitcher. Burnett wants five years, and Lowe presumably at least $16MM per year and perhaps five as well. The Indians, Mets, and Yankees are in on Orlando Hudson, who wants a five-year, $50MM deal. The Dodgers are another possibility. The New York teams would have to do some shuffling to make room for Hudson. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Indians' interest yesterday...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Lowe, Everett

Time to discuss Ken Rosenthal's latest... Mark Teixeira is likely to sign before Manny Ramirez. The Nationals and Orioles are in the mix, but the Angels and Red Sox are more likely destinations. One GM predicted Raul Ibanez will receive a three-year deal worth $8-12MM per year. Not exactly going out on a limb there. ESPN's Jayson Stark named a dozen teams that have expressed interest. Rosenthal says the Mets are more likely to sign Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez than to acquire a closer via trade. Doesn't exactly fit with Stark's statement that J.J. Putz would go to the...   Continue Reading

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Brown on Sabathia, Teixeira, Lowe, Peavy

In his latest article, Tim Brown at Yahoo! Sports considers a possibility that others have discussed: maybe C.C. Sabathia doesn't want to play for the New York Yankees. He certainly has options--Brown's list includes the Dodgers, Angels, White Sox, Red Sox, Mariners, Tigers, and of course, the Brewers. Not signing C.C. would increase the likelihood that the Yankees make a serious offer to Mark Teixeira. Nick Swisher seems to have the starting job at first base for now, but failing to land Sabathia might shift the Yankees' attention to all three of Teixeira, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, says Brown....   Continue Reading

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Crisp-Ramirez Trade Reactions

The Red Sox traded center fielder Coco Crisp to the Royals for reliever Ramon Ramirez today; tip of the cap to Brian McRae for the scoop. Let's round up the reactions and consequences. MLB.com's Dick Kaegel says Royals GM Dayton Moore will now attempt to rebuild his bullpen, perhaps by trading an outfielder or first baseman. Kaegel says "word from Chicago downplays the Cubs' reputed interest" in Mark Teahen. MLB.com's Ian Browne says Red Sox GM Theo Epstein will bring in a fourth outfielder to replace Crisp. Browne suggests free agents Gabe Kapler or Rocco Baldelli. Ken Davidoff says the...   Continue Reading

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Lowe Wants $16MM

Today we've heard Scott Boras wants a Zito-like contract for Derek Lowe, or at least a five-year deal. Now SI.com's Jon Heyman says Lowe seeks $16MM per year, on par with Andy Pettitte's 2008 salary. That salary is pretty reasonable; I would've thought Boras would start the bidding around $18MM and worked his way down. What do you think - four years, $64MM for Lowe?   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Burnett, Lowe, Peavy

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal says reports of the Blue Jays' four-year, $54MM offer to A.J. Burnett are inaccurate - they've yet to make a proposal. He's on board with Kat O'Brien's info from yesterday, noting Boston's interest. Scott Boras is apparently telling teams he wants "a Zito-type contract" for righty Derek Lowe. Lowe is 35, while Zito was 28. Is Boras implying that he wants $18MM a year? Obviously Lowe will not find a seven-year offer. ESPN's Buster Olney says Boras wants five years for Lowe. The Padres told the Yankees a Jake Peavy...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Perez, Lowe, Garland, Swisher, Neshek

Some Tuesday evening links: Odalis Perez is waiting to sign a new contract this offseason, says MLB.com's Bill Ladson after a conversation with Perez' agent. Ladson also notes that Nats' GM Jim Bowden has expressed interest in resigning the lefty starter. Perez did start 30 games last season with Washington. The Braves have a significant interest in Derek Lowe, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Beyond Lowe, Atlanta may look next at Jon Garland, Randy Wolf, or Oliver Perez. Bowman categorizes the members of this group as potentially "profitable gambles." Nick Swisher will play almost exclusively at first base for the...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Abreu, Burnett, Teixeira

George King of the New York Post and Kat O'Brien of Newsday have the latest on the Yankees, who are in hot pursuit of free agent starting pitching. The Yankees will offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu, according to Jon Heyman. No surprise there. King says the Yankees are preparing an offer for A.J. Burnett, "perhaps a five-year deal worth about $80 million." Burnett's agent says they're just discussing parameters. It would be a strong offer, dwarfing the Blue Jays' four years, $54MM. ESPN's Buster Olney believes a fifth guaranteed year will ultimately result in the winning bid for Burnett. The...   Continue Reading

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Mets To Make Offers To Free Agent Targets

According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets will make offers to Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes this week, and perhaps Derek Lowe and other starters. Rather than attempt to scare other teams off with massive initial bids, the Mets will make small offers and work their way up. It seems that the sticking point with K-Rod will be guaranteeing a fourth year. That was what they had to do to get Billy Wagner three years ago.   Continue Reading

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Steinbrenner Ready To Offer Burnett, Lowe Contracts

Hank Steinbrenner made a bold statement about the Yankees' free agent targets, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. "We're prepared to make offers to Burnett and Lowe," Steinbrenner said. "I'm starting to become very optimistic. I think it’s going to be mutually beneficial to us and for these particular players that we’re after for them to join the Yankees.” Steinbrenner also confirmed that the Yankees offered C.C. Sabathia a contract.   Continue Reading

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Yanks Make Offer To Sabathia

5:13pm: Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News says the offer is for six years and $140MM. 4:37pm: Ed Price of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Yankees made their initial offer to Sabathia, but they expect his agents to look around a bit. 1:14pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Yankees will also make offers to A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe within the next day or two. FRIDAY, 10:27am: ESPN's Buster Olney says this initial Yankees offer will be in the $140-142MM range. By the way, the Giants have already touched base with Sabathia's agents. THURSDAY: According to Joel Sherman...   Continue Reading

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Burnett, Braves Have Mutual Interest

According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the Braves and A.J. Burnett have mutual interest. Preliminary talks have taken place. Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, downplayed the idea that Burnett strongly desires to play closer to home. The Braves also like Derek Lowe and Ryan Dempster. They could try to sign two of the three if a Jake Peavy deal cannot be hammered out. Burnett has a four-year, $54MM offer from the Blue Jays to shop around. The Yankees should make an offer soon.   Continue Reading

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Jays' Plans Start With Burnett

According to Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star, the Blue Jays have a four-year, $54MM offer ready for A.J. Burnett. They'll apparently leave that proposal out there, let Burnett shop it around, and wait until the situation is resolved before moving on to other free agent pitchers. Surely Burnett can top $13.5MM a year. Griffin says Ryan Dempster (Canadian!) and Derek Lowe could be targets if Burnett signs elsewhere, assuming they are still on the market. Jeff Blair wrote yesterday that Brad Penny is also on the radar.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Holliday, Takahashi, Lincecum

Links for Wednesday... Richard Justice says the Astros should offer Andy Pettitte $7-8MM to come back. Joe Christensen doesn't see Huston Street landing in Minnesota. Larry Beinfest dismissed a "cyberspace rumor" that the Marlins are planning a run at Manny Ramirez. Gordon Wittenmyer says the Cubs could fit both Jake Peavy and Ryan Dempster into the payroll, and that the Peavy situation will be resolved first. Today is the deadline for MLB.com's Free Agent Frenzy. You have until 4pm CST to submit your picks for 15 free agents. Here are my predictions from November 3rd...I would change the Furcal and...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Inquire On Lowe

According to Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have inquired on free agent starter on Derek Lowe. Scott Boras even gave them one of his infamous books hyping the 35 year-old righty. Massarotti figures the Red Sox consider Lowe a safer bet than A.J. Burnett or Ben Sheets. Massarotti adds that the Red Sox are looking for groundballing strike throwers in terms of bullpen additions. He wonders if Doug Brocail or Brandon Lyon could work. I noticed that Brian Shouse, Todd Coffey, Dennys Reyes, and Jeremy Affeldt also fit the profile, for what it's worth.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Pettitte, Zaun, Blanco

Links for Tuesday... Scott Bordow feels the D'Backs and Randy Johnson should meet at $5MM, which still seems light. David Murphy explains why the Phillies make more sense than the Mariners for Jamie Moyer, geographically. David Ortiz would like the Red Sox to add a 30 home run bat. Richard Justice wants the Astros to sign both Randy Wolf and Andy Pettitte. He says the Cubs and Cardinals will be talking to Pettitte even though his heart is with the Yankees. El Lefty Malo recommends the Giants sign Derek Lowe. The Giants are at least considering the big-ticket free agents....   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Crisp, Lugo, Burnett, Baldelli

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has the latest on the Red Sox. GM Theo Epstein says there's one deal he might be able to do before the winter meetings, possibly involving Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo. The free agent market for center fielders and shortstops is weak this year. Cafardo doesn't believe the Sox are in on C.C. Sabathia or A.J. Burnett, and he says they're unsure about Derek Lowe. However, Buster Olney says "there is an expectation within other quarters of the AL East that the Red Sox will get in on the Burnett bidding." Cafardo does see...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Fuentes, Cordero, Delgado

5:18pm: More on the Mets: Ken Davidoff says they're shopping Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis, and Pedro Feliciano. The A's, Rays, and Rangers are fans of Heilman. The Rockies, Cardinals, Cubs, and D'Backs were also tossed into the mix by Adam Rubin, though the D'Backs haven't had recent talks. The Mets would be willing to pick up some of the $3.6MM owed to Schoeneweis next year. 4:58pm: Brian Fuentes' agent Rick Thurman calls the below rumor of an offer to the Mets a "total fabrication." 10:56am: Checking in on the Mets... Tracy Ringolsby says Brian Fuentes' agents proposed a four-year, $44MM...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Cameron, Melky, Pettitte, Lowe

5:06pm: More on the Cameron situation: Ken Davidoff says Cabrera and Ian Kennedy have been discussed. However, the Brewers will probably wait to see if they can sign Sabathia, since he's good friends with Cameron. 10:26am: The latest Yankees hot stove buzz... According to Joel Sherman and George King of the New York Post, the Yankees inquired with the Brewers on Mike Cameron. The Yanks would be willing to send Melky Cabrera and pitching to Milwaukee. The Yankees are also talking to other teams about Wilson Betemit. The Yankees are only willing to do a one-year deal for Andy Pettitte,...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Sabathia, Marte, Mussina

11:09pm: Brian Cashman sums up the Yankees' plan: "We're going to show a lot of love." 12:15pm: It's about time we check in with Yankees links. The Yankees will make their record-breaking pitch to C.C. Sabathia. If it fails, they'll move on to A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Oliver Perez. Joel Sherman says the Yankees could get involved on Manny Ramirez, but only if they fail to sign Mark Teixeira and manage to trade Hideki Matsui. Sherman says the Yanks are in on the catching market just to be safe, engaging the Rangers about Gerald Laird and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. They'll...   Continue Reading

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Mets Prioritize Pitching

9:15pm: Michael Schmidt has a look at the amusing binder the Boras Corporation compiled to sell Oliver Perez. 6:31pm: Mets GM Omar Minaya commented on Manny Ramirez, indicating that he plans to invest in pitching instead. 2:34pm: The Mets expressed preliminary interest in Jon Garland and Ryan Dempster, according to Ken Davidoff. Dempster's agent made it clear that he won't be re-signing with the Cubs soon. 1:23pm: ESPN's Buster Olney wrote in his blog this morning that the Mets are probably not willing to go past three years for Francisco Rodriguez or any reliever. 10:03am: More Mets chatter from Joel...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Dempster, Peavy, Sabathia, Hill

6:05pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are willing to offer Dempster a four-year contract. This helps their chances, though Dempster's agent said today "there's very little possibility he's going to sign soon with the Cubs." 9:36am: Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times has fresh Cubs rumors this morning. De Luca's sources describe the Cubs' interest in Jake Peavy as "limited." Instead, the Cubs have "deep interest" in C.C. Sabathia. De Luca also wonders if the Cubs will entertain A.J. Burnett. Dave van Dyck suggested Derek Lowe could fit. The Cubs' payroll room will depend on free agents Ryan...   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Rumors: Bay, Tazawa, Kawakami, Lugo

Collecting today's Red Sox rumors and links... Nick Cafardo says the Red Sox did not meet with C.C. Sabathia's agent and he doesn't appear to be in their plans. The Sox are eyeing southpaw reliever Billy Traber, according to WEEI's Alex Speier. Scott Boras believes Derek Lowe would be a good fit in Boston or New York. Nick Cafardo says Lowe would like to return to Boston, maybe even at a slight discount. Jason Bay's agents say he's loving Boston and is open to a contract extension. When asked about the possibility of Manny Ramirez signing with the Yankees, Red...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Twins, Big Unit, Rockies

Links and tidbits for Wednesday. Remember to check back on this post for updates! Dave Cameron notes that the Elias rankings screwed over Damaso Marte by making him a Type A. See also: Doug Brocail, Bob Howry, Darren Oliver. Remember to check out the Previous Entries link at the bottom of the website, as stories get buried pretty quickly in times like these. Japanese outfielder Saburo Ohmura (link in Japanese) would be fine with a minor league deal. Roch Kubatko has info on what it might take to trade for Khalil Greene or Jack Wilson. Pirates president Frank Coonelly confirmed...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Burnett, Matsui

Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. C.C. Sabathia is the Yankees' top offseason target, and they'll make him an offer beyond Johan Santana's $137.5MM. Heyman also sees the Yanks pursuing A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Oliver Perez (with Ben Sheets a less likely target). Heyman's sources believe the Yanks could even attempt to sign three free agent starters. The Yankees aren't counting on Mike Mussina, and may wait on him before considering Andy Pettitte. Contradictory note from Heyman: the White Sox have no plans to try to keep Joe Crede or Juan Uribe, but might...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Wolf, Fuentes, K-Rod, Street, Pedro

11:37am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets are eyeing Randy Wolf, in addition to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez. Heyman adds that some Mets people are concerned about their catching, but others aren't thrilled with the free agent options. 9:20am: All kinds of Mets rumors this morning. Let's begin with the closer situation. The Mets are interested in Brian Fuentes, but Omar Minaya will not rule out Francisco Rodriguez. He makes a great point: contract numbers are tossed around early, but the player often fails to reach that amount. Joel Sherman says the Mets also want to speak to the...   Continue Reading

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Burnett Decision Due Monday Before GM Meetings

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick talked to A.J. Burnett's agent Darek Braunecker, who says his client will make his opt-out decision prior to the start of Monday's GM meetings. We all know Burnett is opting out, of course. Crasnick believes Burnett and Derek Lowe will seek salaries of at least $16MM per year. He names the Yankees, Mets, Rangers, Red Sox, Orioles and Nationals as potential suitors for Burnett. The Blue Jays will remain in the mix as well.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Yankees, Lowe, D'Backs

Links for Thursday... Peter Abraham takes a look at the Yankees' first base options. The Royals could match up on a trade, if the Yanks are willing to try an unproven player. A pair of free agent bargains from Dave Cameron: Randy Johnson and Derek Lowe. What kind of salary will Lowe command? Free agent reliever Will Ohman hopes to remain in Atlanta. Braves GM Frank Wren has already talked to every team about his needs in left field and the rotation. Nick Piecoro looks at the D'Backs' offseason needs. Will there be room in the budget to make the...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Rumors: Manny, Furcal, Peavy

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti talked to the media yesterday; here's the latest. Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News believes Colletti will pursue a competent backup catcher to allow more rest for Russell Martin. A decision is due on Gary Bennett's $900K option within seven days. So far this offseason, Colletti and Scott Boras have exchanged two voicemails. They'll meet in person to discuss Manny Ramirez and other Boras clients (Derek Lowe, Greg Maddux, Andruw Jones, maybe Joe Crede) at next week's GM meetings. Colletti will not put the other team needs on hold to deal with Manny. Colletti has...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Red Sox, Mets, Burnett, Blalock

John Perrotto over at Baseball Prospectus has his weekly column up... let's take a look at what he has to say: Couple of notes about the Red Sox: Perrotto expects Theo Epstein to re-sign Jason Varitek to a two-year deal in the $16MM range. This seems like drastically overpaying for what Varitek has become, in my opinion, but as Perrotto points out, there's very little on the free agent market. Epstein will then look to trade for a young catcher who can become the starter in 2010 or 2011. Additionally, he'll try to move Mike Lowell to open up a...   Continue Reading

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Colletti: No Offer To Manny Yet

SATURDAY: Dodgers GM Ned Colletti says both reports about the Dodgers preparing or offering a two-year deal to Ramirez in the $55-60MM range are fiction. Colletti says the Dodgers haven't even discussed the length or salary of their offer internally. Colletti plans to meet with Scott Boras in the near future, and both Ramirez and Derek Lowe will be discussed. Colletti's heard Lowe wants to move to the East Coast, however. FRIDAY: According to Bart Hubbuch, George King, and Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Dodgers offered Manny Ramirez a two-year, $60MM contract. Their sources believe this offer...   Continue Reading

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Blue Jays Rumors: Burnett, Manny, Ryan

10:07pm: Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution heard the Blue Jays will make Burnett a "take it or leave it" offer of four years, $54MM ($13.5MM per year). Burnett's agent hasn't heard that, and Ricciardi says there's no offer on the table currently. Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail says the Jays have indicated privately they'll do a three-year, $48MM deal ($16MM per year). On the open market, Burnett can probably get four or five years at a higher salary. 10:06am: A little more on Ricciardi's talks with Burnett's agent. Here, Ricciardi says talks have been "very productive." But...   Continue Reading

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Lowe Too Pricey For Red Sox?

Accordig to Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald, Derek Lowe's strong finish to the 2008 season may have priced him out of the Red Sox's range. McAdam believes Lowe will sign for $14-15MM a year over three or four years. He suggests the Red Sox would've been more open to the idea at $10MM or so. The Red Sox are believed to be Lowe's preferred destination, but Nick Cafardo says a dozen other teams are interested (the Mets among them). Lowe, a Boras client, was never getting paid less than Carlos Silva on the open market. Silva, a far inferior...   Continue Reading

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Mets Eyeing Lowe, Fuentes

Joel Sherman of the New York Post talked to an NL executive who has spoken to Mets officials. That official says the Mets plan to pursue free agent pitchers Derek Lowe and Brian Fuentes this winter. Sherman believes they will check in on C.C. Sabathia and Francisco Rodriguez, but won't be willing to match their prices. Lowe and Fuentes would fill two of the Mets' three offseason needs for roughly $30MM in '09 salary. That could be all of the available money, unless the Mets backload the contracts, raise payroll, or shed salary via trades. Left field would be the...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Lowe, Maddux, Peavy

Here's a look at the latest column from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Interestingly, the Red Sox are reportedly Derek Lowe's preferred destination. It's unknown whether the Sox intend to add a starter this winter, but they may lose free agent Paul Byrd (and will have to decide on Tim Wakefield's $4MM option). Cafardo names a dozen other clubs interested in Lowe: the Yankees, Mets, Tigers, Indians, Cardinals, Cubs, Angels, Braves, Phillies, Rangers, Astros, and Blue Jays. Bill Mueller, 38 in March, admits he'd like to play again. Medically, it's a long shot because he'd need to regrow cartilage...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Peavy Suitors, Lowe, Cardinals, Marlins

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up, focusing largely on suitors for Jake Peavy, but also touching on some other news at the end... so let's take a look! Rosenthal states that the following teams have been speculated to be suitors for the Padres' ace: Braves, Angels, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs, Astros, Dodgers, Cardinals, Brewers, Rays, Rangers. While all of these are not serious possibilities, he elaborates on each team. He mentions Yunel Escobar as a likely centerpiece from Atlanta, and states that the Angels would love to acquire a frontline starter to allow them to send Ervin Santana...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Peavy, Unit, Joba

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Here's some highlights from his "Rumors and Rumblings section" this week: Perrotto expects a Jake Peavy deal to be done before the Winter Meetings, stating that the Braves, Yankees, and Dodgers seem to be the leaders in the race right now. He notes that the Yankees will be willing to include Phil Hughes, while the Braves are willing to move Yunel Escobar. I personally like the Escobar idea for San Diego, as it would allow them to make Atlanta take on Khalil Greene's salary. A package around...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Yankees Offseason Plans

The latest column by Jon Heyman of SI.com is full of all kinds of Yankees notes: They will pursue a top-of-the-rotation starter, and yes, C.C. Sabathia is one of them, but the list also includes A.J. Burnett, Jake Peavy, Derek Lowe, and possibly Ben Sheets. As we wrote yesterday, Peavy's agent said he'd need "a lot of convincing" to approve a deal to the American League. According to Heyman the goal is for the Bombers to "secure more than one of them." The Yankees have targeted Mark Teixeira but may also take a look at Manny Ramirez (Heyman has mentioned...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Rumors: Manny, Nomar, Lowe, Penny, Kent

Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times discusses the Dodgers' upcoming busy offseason, while Bill Shaikin focuses on Manny Ramirez. Nomar Garciaparra is undecided about playing next year. He hit .264/.326/.466 in 181 plate appearances in 2008 while earning $8.5MM. Manager Joe Torre seems to consider pitching the top offseason priority. Makes sense, with the statuses of Derek Lowe and Brad Penny in question. Hernandez's sources say Lowe felt underappreciated during his time in L.A., and he is expected to leave. It's unknown whether the Dodgers will choose Penny's $9.25MM option or the $2MM buyout. Hernandez doesn't see GM Ned Colletti...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Yankees, K-Rod, Moyer

Notes from SI.com's Jon Heyman... The Yankees apparently want to sign two free agent starters out of C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Derek Lowe. If Sabathia is one of them they'd be looking at a total outlay of $200MM or more. Ken Davidoff of Newsday notes that Sabathia might feel pressure from the players union to take the highest offer. Heyman believes the nation's struggling economy might temper spending, but not in the Yankees' case. Heyman doesn't see the Angels as terribly gung-ho about retaining closer Francisco Rodriguez. People close to Jamie Moyer say he wants to pitch until he's...   Continue Reading

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Speculating On The Yankees: McLouth and Lowe

The New York Post and Daily News are providing us with some ideas on what's being considered by the front office in the Bronx this off-season. George A. King III of the Post writes that the Yankees and Pirates have not yet discussed the possibility of Nate McLouth roaming center field when the new Stadium opens in 2009. Pirates GM Neal Huntington has declared nobody is untouchable, and the Pirates are looking to upgrade a poor minor league system and major league talent base, so McLouth's name has been tossed around. The Yankees are in the market for a center...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Holliday, Teixeira, Mussina

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere... MetsBlog recognizes that Francisco Rodriguez will improve the team and appease fans, but is not sure he is worth a four or five-year deal. Mets Geek projects the Mets '09 roster and looks at some options from outside the organization with Pat Burrell and Derek Lowe being the biggest offseason targets. Was Watching says bringing back Brian Cashman was a mistake. River Ave. Blues assesses the Matt Holliday market and feels that Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano for Holliday "doesn't make much sense." Sox and Pinstripes provides an in-depth preview...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lowe, Redmond, Timlin

Linkage for Friday... River Ave. Blues discovered that Mike Mussina's wife may be a bigger factor than we thought in regard to his retirement decision. David O'Brien tosses out some names for the Braves to consider: Derek Lowe, Matt Cain, Roy Oswalt, and Josh Willingham. Everyone likes Lowe...Anthony McCarron says the Yankees and Mets should consider him. Those clubs could also enter a bidding war for C.C. Sabathia, says Bob Klapisch. Will C.C.'s postseason record diminish his contract? I don't think so. Greg Couch doesn't want Javier Vazquez pitching for the White Sox again. Maybe Ozzie is right, Vazquez is...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: LaCava, Colletti, Andruw

Links for Wednesday... I did a Q&A with the Roselle Press. The article includes a sweet picture of me hacking the Internet. Greg Cote of the Miami Herald speculates on the new-look 2009 Marlins. If defense is a goal, they could look to acquire Adrian Beltre and try Jorge Cantu at first base. Randy Winn could improve the defense in right. John Fay runs through the Reds' nine free agents. He believes Jerry Hairston Jr. wants to return. Brian Cashman wants to acquire a real first baseman, rather than have Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui spend time there. The Mariners...   Continue Reading

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