Dontrelle Willis Rumors

Olney On Potential Non-Tenders And Bradley

In today's blog post at ESPN.com, Buster Olney indicates that there is belief among general managers that the "financial restructuring that has been occurring across the landscape is about to hit the arbitration-level players like a tidal wave." He mentions underperforming, but well paid players like Garrett Atkins and Kelly Johnson are prime non-tender bait, especially since their clubs have replacements ready and it's unlikely they'll be able to trade them. Make sure you check out MLBTR's list of non-tender candidates. Olney also talks about some bad contracts the Cubs could acquire in exchange for Milton Bradley, adding that this...   Continue Reading

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Tigers Notes: Rodney, Perry, Polanco

It took 163 games to determine the AL Central title in 2009. The Detroit Tigers were, of course, on the losing end. After leading the Tigers to the 2006 World Series in his first year as their skipper, Jim Leyland has been unable to steer the club back to the postseason. As Keith Law writes, "This one will be hard to get past." Along with Baseball Prospectus and the ESPN Insider staff, Law takes a look at this past season and what the Tigs can do to improve in 2010. An Insider subscription is required to read the article, but...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Johnson, Dontrelle, Millwood

Some links for the evening... Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald hears that there's "some sentiment" within the Marlins organization toward offering Josh Johnson a long-term deal. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wonders if the Tigers might decide to eat the $12MM they owe Dontrelle Willis. The Rangers may skip Kevin Millwood's next start, according to MLB.com's Todd Wills. The 34-year-old is only 13 outs away from seeing his 2010 option kick in for $12MM. Millwood says he feels fine, so his option will likely vest whether he skips a start or not. The Reds aren't making the playoffs...   Continue Reading

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Heyman On Pedro, Nats, Mets, Rangers

Jon Heyman of SI.com says those closest to the Pedro Martinez situation expect him to sign soon. Heyman has many more rumors; here they are: One GM thinks the Nationals are demanding too much in return for their players. He says they want "a dollar and a quarter for a dollar." As Heyman points out, interim GM Mike Rizzo has an especially tough role, since his job isn't secure. Heyman says the Nats will make an announcement on a full-time GM this season. Rizzo has a good shot at the position. Rival GMs say Omar Minaya is now looking to...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Crow, Willis, Bay

More links for the afternoon... Aaron Crow, the Royals' first round draft pick, told MLB.com's Rustin Dodd that this year, he's focused on completing a deal and beginning to play. Last year, he was drafted by the Nationals, but didn't sign. Mike Hazen, the Red Sox Director of Player Personnel, told CMSB Media that the team has already begun working on the 2010 draft. Click the link to hear the entire interview. The most intriguing name in next year's draft class could be Bryce Harper. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star says Harper should finish high school early if...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Willis, Peavy, Astros, O's

A summary of Jayson Stark's latest "Rumblings and Grumblings" column... Why did the Tigers bother giving Dontrelle Willis another shot? Frustration, perhaps. "It was pretty obvious, wasn't it?" said one longtime front-office man. "They invested $29 million in the guy. They had $22 million left... They'd already eaten Gary Sheffield's money." As for a possible Jake Peavy-to-the-Cubs deal, Stark writes "The Cubs' ownership limbo now looks as if it might stretch until Christmas Eve. So who knows whether Cubs GM Jim Hendry will even be released from captivity in time to pursue another Peavy deal come July." The chances of...   Continue Reading

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Juan Rincon Designated For Assignment

According to John Lowe of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers designated reliever Juan Rincon for assignment to make room for Dontrelle Willis. Rincon, 30, posted a 5.23 ERA in 10.3 innings for the Tigers this year. The Tigers had signed Rincon to a minor league deal back on January 20th. Willis made four minor league starts at various levels, posting a 3.86 ERA and 3.16 BB/9. Under the contract extension signed in December of '07, Willis will earn $10MM this year and $12MM in '10.   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Wieters, Padres, Peavy, Price

LInks for Thursday... Chico Harlan of the Washington Post says the Nationals will honor a handshake agreement Dmitri Young made with Jim Bowden, and put the first baseman back on the 40-man roster. Catcher Matt Wieters has been told by the Orioles that he'll be optioned to Triple A on Monday, according to Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. Will the Orioles wait until late May to try to avoid Super Two status? Reds assistant GM Bob Miller talked to fans in an MLB.com Q&A. Check out an entertaining chat transcript with Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times over at...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Willis, Zito

Buster Olney touches on Dontrelle Willis and Barry Zito, two lefties long-struggling to make a comeback. Willis may not make the Tigers rotation. Instead, "rival talent evaluators" believe he will either be sent to the minors to continue to work, or be released. Willis hasn't impressed this spring, allowing 17 H, 7 BB, and 12 ER over 8.1 IP. Olney says scouts can't think of an example of a pitcher who has regressed as much as Willis and made a successful comeback. Zito is receiving mixed reviews with a fastball either in the range of either 80-82mph or 83-85mph. Says...   Continue Reading

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Tough Decisions For Tigers

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes about the tough decisions faced by the Tigers this spring. First, they have to decide whether to let 20 year-old phenom Rick Porcello break camp with the team, even though he has yet to pitch above A ball. GM Dave Dombrowski seems open to it. He says the issue of delaying Porcello's arbitration will not come into play. The Tigers also have to decide what to do with veterans Dontrelle Willis, Nate Robertson, and Gary Sheffield. Will their contracts lead to roster spots? Robertson (4 ER in 4 IP) is owed $17MM through 2010....   Continue Reading

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