Dontrelle Willis Rumors

Red Sox Rumors: Lugo, Varitek

According to Sean McAdam of the Boston Herald, the Tigers' talks for Julio Lugo have stalled and a deal is unlikely. It seemed simple on the surface: Lugo for Dontrelle Willis or Nate Robertson. Also, the Red Sox plan to offer arbitration to Type A free agent Jason Varitek. McAdam says Tek "almost certainly won't accept the offer." In a recent poll, about 40% of MLBTR readers surveyed expected the Red Sox to offer arbitration to Varitek.   Continue Reading

---

Cafardo's Latest: Teixeira, Ramirez, Baldelli, Furcal

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo has a new article up with a few Red Sox rumors, and one for Oakland: Cafardo thinks Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez will not change jerseys this offseason because, while their teams might struggle to afford them, they can't afford to lose them. Teixeira is the protection and future replacement for Vladimir Guerrero that they have been seeking for a long time. He doesn't rule out the Yankees however. Rocco Baldelli could be Coco Crisp's replacement as Boston's fourth outfielder. Cafardo says Baldelli met with the Red Sox last week. He continues to hit on...   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Cafardo's Latest: Lugo For Dontrelle?

MONDAY: Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski is casting a wide net for his shortstop vacancy, but no deals are close. SUNDAY: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports on a trade that seems too obvious to actually happen: the Tigers are "contemplating a deal with Boston to send either Nate Robertson or Dontrelle Willis for Julio Lugo, but some money issues must be resolved. In the same article, he mentions Lugo had the lowest average with runners in scoring position in the majors, .139, and wishes him a happy 33rd birthday. Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press had speculated...   Continue Reading

---

Miller's Latest: Olsen, Willis, Blake

Here's a look at the latest from Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. The Braves and Rangers have talked to the Marlins about lefty Scott Olsen. The Red Sox have done background work on Dontrelle Willis, stirring up the Willis for Julio Lugo rumors. The Twins, Dodgers, and Indians have expressed interest in Casey Blake. Blake's agent said he anticipates offers ranging from one to three years.   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Rumors: Pudge, Varitek, Lugo, Thames

Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press doles out the latest Tigers rumors. How will the Tigers resolve their catching situation? GM Dave Dombrowski calls an Ivan Rodriguez reunion a longshot, and Scott Boras is asking the moon for Jason Varitek. The Tigers may not have the goods to swing a trade for Gerald Laird. Morosi likes the idea of Henry Blanco, but says the Tigers have yet to contact his agent. Check out the other free agent options here. Morosi considers a bad contract swap for Julio Lugo a viable option for the Tigers. He notes that Dontrelle...   Continue Reading

---

Latest Red Sox Rumors

A few notes on the Red Sox... From Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe Scott Boras met with Theo Epstein about Jason Varitek. Boras is still seeking a deal similar to the one signed by Jorge Posada (four years/$52.4MM). Epstein continues to look at other catchers including Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden. Cafardo also notes that the Red Sox could go after a veteran through the trade market like Bengie Molina. Other teams have expressed interest in both Coco Crisp and Julio Lugo, but noted that Lugo would not be part of a deal to the White Sox. Cafardo says...   Continue Reading

---

Cafardo's Latest: Contract Swap Meet

The Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo wonders: "I never really understood why there aren't more "swap meet" type deals in baseball. As in, 'You take what I can't use and I'll take what you can't use.'" It's a valid question if you believe a change of scenery can help a player and yet these deals rarely happen. Cafardo then goes on to list all of the players he considers "overpriced, underperforming, too old, or not useful to their present teams." Here's the list: Table 1, starting pitchers: Barry Zito (Giants); Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson (Tigers); Adam Eaton (Phillies); Carlos Silva,...   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle For Lugo?

The Tigers 2009 season is going to be reliant on some bounce back candidates to do just that. According to Jon Paul Morosi, the Tigers will need to guess which of Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Dontrelle Willis, and Nate Robertson will bounce back. And aside from Verlander, they will more than likely want to deal one of them to scale back an already unsustainable projected team salary of $130MM. Some speculation by Morosi: The Tigers need a shortstop and could swap Dontrelle Willis for Boston's Julio Lugo. Both guys are signed through 2010, Willis making $22MM and Lugo making $18MM....   Continue Reading

---

With Willis Injured, Is Snyder Detroit-Bound?

Tigers lefty Dontrelle Willis didn't even make it out of the first inning last night, leaving the game with a hyperextended right knee. The bullpen kept the game close, and the vaunted yet under-performing Tigers offense carried the team to victory. However, Willis's knee adds greater concern to an already shaky rotation. Only Jeremy Bonderman has gone over 6.0 IP in a single start this year. Do these woes, combined with the Willis injury, mean that recently-DFA'd Kyle Snyder could be wearing orange soon? Yesterday, Tim told us that the Tigers were among two other teams interested in the 30-year-old...   Continue Reading

---

Willis Signs Extension With Tigers

UPDATE, 12-20-07 at 11:52am: Jerry Crasnick says Willis has agreed to a three-year, $29MM extension with Detroit. The deal buys out one year of free agency. I like it - assuming Willis' elbow checks out, the Tigers paid the innings-eater rate for a guy who could be more than that. And by 2010, can you imagine what the innings eater rate will be? UPDATE, 12-20-07 at 9:04am: Morosi reports that progress has been made on this extension. FROM 12-19-07 at 1:57pm: The Tigers have begun talks with Dontrelle Willis' agent on a three or four-year extension, according to Jon Paul..   Continue Reading

---

Willis Wants Extension With Tigers

Now that he's on a club with the financial resources for it, Dontrelle Willis would like to talk contract extension. Willis is only 26 in January. The model would apparently be Jeremy Bonderman's four-year, $38MM deal. That deal was signed two years prior to Bonderman being eligible for free agency, as Willis is now. Add a little inflation and maybe it's 4/40 or 4/42 for Willis. A few years from now that might be the going rate for a guy with a high-4's ERA who can eat 200 innings. So even if Willis doesn't bounce back the extension could be..   Continue Reading

---

Jays Waiting On Rios For Lincecum Offer?

UPDATE, 12-08-07 at 3:12pm: Brian Sabean spoke on the radio about making this decision within a few days; there's even a rumor the Giants could pursue the Tigers' Dontrelle Willis to replace Lincecum. UPDATE, 12-8-07 at 12:17pm: George King talked to a Blue Jays source who said "there was nothing to reports the Giants were talking to Toronto about Alex Rios for Lincecum or Cain." Who's right here, Blair or King? FROM 12-5-07 at 11:36pm: According to Jeff Blair, it's in the Giants' hands: Alex Rios for Tim Lincecum. A Jays official suggested to Blair that Brian Sabean might sit..   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle For Josh Hamilton Was Discussed

UPDATE, 12-8-07 at 2:47am: More excitement...throw Abraham Nunez into the mix of Marlins third base targets. This team is going places. FROM 12-7-07 at 11:27am: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro posted a new column last night full of good Marlins hot stove chatter. The most interesting note is that the Marlins talked to the Reds about swapping Dontrelle Willis for Josh Hamilton, prior to the blockbuster with Detroit. With Miguel Cabrera, the White Sox and Rangers were involved during the Meetings before the Tigers jumped in. The Rangers backed out when they couldn't get an extension window for Cabrera. The Tigers wanted..   Continue Reading

---

Willis/Pudge Spinoff To Mets?

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 8:13am: Adam Rubin's source still believes Willis could be flipped to the Mets. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 9:21pm: Danny Knobler says the Tigers did briefly consider a three-way scenario that sent Willis and Pudge to the Mets. That permutation was dismissed before anything went public and won't be revisited. FROM 12-5-07 at 6:08pm: According to Sweeny Murti via MetsBlog, the Tigers have looked into the idea of spinning Dontrelle Willis off to the Mets. I'm sure this would thrill the Marlins, who didn't want to trade within the division. No offer has been made, but it's been discussed...   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Acquire Cabrera, Willis For Six Players

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 6:04pm: Jon Paul Morosi reveals the three remaining players, and they're all pitchers: Burke Badenhop, Eulogio de la Cruz, and Dallas Trahern. Based on Kevin Goldstein's Tigers prospect list, the team surrendered its #1, 7, and 11th ranked prospects. Miller's not on the list due to big league experience but he'd be third if he was. Morosi also notes that Marcus Thames, Brandon Inge, and Chad Durbin are now on the block. Baseball Prospectus' Nate Silver weighs in on the big trade here. FROM 12-4-07 at 5:30pm: ESPN's Peter Gammons is reporting that the Tigers have acquired..   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Marlins/Tigers Cabrera/Willis Blockbuster

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:41pm: Joe Capozzi agrees - separate deals if anything. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 1:29pm: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro has a source indicating that the Tigers are interested in Willis or Cabrera and not necessarily both. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:23pm: According to Danny Knobler, the Tigers feel they're being used by the Marlins to jack up the price for other teams like the Angels. The trade talks between Detroit and Florida are characterized as discussions rather than trade negotiations. Knobler says Dombrowski doesn't want to trade Maybin, but I can't see this happening otherwise. FROM 12-4-07 at 11:02am: Ken Rosenthal..   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Santana, Bedard, Willis

UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 5:48pm: Jayson Stark confirms the Reds' interest in Willis. However he suggests that the Marlins would ask for Homer Bailey and then some in return. FROM 12-3-07 at 11:41am: SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with the latest hot stove banter he's hearing. There's some confusion here as Heyman has contrary info to other published sources. Heyman believes Johan Santana is "more likely than not" to get traded at the Meetings, and quite possibly today. Heyman says the Red Sox and Yankees are the two teams Santana would waive his veto power for, running contrary to LENIII's recent..   Continue Reading

---

Marlins Plan To Keep Willis

According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Marlins expect to keep Dontrelle Willis at least until the July trading deadline. That said, the Fish have had preliminary talks with the Tigers and Astros during the past few weeks. Those clubs deemed the asking price too high. ESPN's Jayson Stark commented on the Willis situation in late November, noting that the price is two young players. Stark said the Marlins would have to be "blown away" by these two players, so don't think you're going to steal him away. He named the Mets, Mariners, and Diamondbacks as the suitors   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Odds and Ends: Livan, Bartlett, Willis, Webb

Random pieces of rumorage... The Mets have expressed interest in Livan Hernandez, though he appears to be their Plan C or D. Jim Bowden and the Nats will be active in the trade market, perhaps finally pulling the trigger on deals for Chad Cordero and/or Jon Rauch. The Rays and Twins have had discussions about shortstop Jason Bartlett. Would a 1 for 1 trade for Rocco Baldelli make sense? Buster Olney believes the Rays should consider trading for the Nats' Cristian Guzman. Update on the Rockies' reliever situation. They're probably going to pass on Ron Mahay and Jeremy Affeldt, while..   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest: Santana, Hamilton, Snell

Ah, a new Rumblings and Grumblings from Jayson Stark. Let's dig in. It sounds like the Yankees would discuss Phil Hughes and the Red Sox might part with one of Ellsbury/Lester/Buchholz to acquire Johan Santana. The acquiring team would need an extension window though. The Mets are in on Santana big-time and would have to give up Carlos Gomez and then some. If the Twins do trade Santana, they would probably hang onto Matt Garza. But otherwise Garza could be traded for a young hitter, as we've been hearing. The Fish want four 0-3 players for Miguel Cabrera, pretty much..   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Mariners Searching For Starters

John Hickey has an update on the Mariners' starting pitching targets. The options look grim. As far as trade targets, there's always Johan Santana and Dontrelle Willis. The Mariners have long had their eye on Dontrelle, so maybe they'd offer a Wladimir Balentien/Jeff Clement package. Carlos Silva might be on the radar, but Hickey says the vibe is that he could get north of $12MM per season. A better deal might be Hiroki Kuroda, who is estimated to earn $7-9MM annually by Hickey. The Mariners may have the edge on Kuroda because of their location and Japanese catcher. I keep..   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Inquire About Willis

Scott Boras and Kenny Rogers threw a wrench in the Tigers' plans by suggesting The Gambler will test the open market. It's already been noted that the Tigers have expressed interest in Carlos Silva as a fallback. Also on the radar: Dontrelle Willis. Dave Dombrowski recently called the Marlins to inquire. Dombrowski, of course, previously worked for the Fish. Jon Paul Morosi notes that the Tigers asked about Willis two years ago as well. I imagine the asking price was much higher then. With Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez now with the Braves, it may be hard to find a..   Continue Reading

---

Contract Window For Miguel Cabrera?

MLB.com's Joe Frisaro says the Miguel Cabrera trade talks are heating up. As you know, Cabrera is under team control for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He might become more enticing if the acquiring team can talk to his agent prior to completion of a trade, with a long-term contract in mind. As far as I can tell Cabrera is represented by Arn Tellem and Fernando Cuza currently. Frisaro says the Angels and Dodgers are in the lead for Cabrera. The Yankees, White Sox, Indians, and Tigers are also in the mix. However this Paul Hoynes article seems to indicate..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Garcia, Greene, DeJesus

With so many rumors, there's a need for a daily Odds and Ends post to catch 'em all. Buster Olney talked to Freddy Garcia's agent. He's looking at a June return from shoulder surgery. Indians GM Mark Shapiro made an offer on Brad Lidge. The Astros didn't even reply. They did hear back from the Marlins on their Miguel Cabrera inquiry. The price is seemingly too high for talks to continue. Peter Gammons says that before the Astros got Michael Bourn, the White Sox pushed for a Chad Qualls for Ryan Sweeney swap. Evan Grant notes that the Rangers have..   Continue Reading

---

Miguel Cabrera Trade Rumors

For up for auction: two years of Miguel Cabrera. Who's going to place a bid? The latest buzz from Joe Capozzi is that the Dodgers, Angels, Giants, Yankees, Red Sox, and White Sox are all after him. A deal could happen at the Winter Meetings from December 3-6. The needs for the Marlins are starting pitching, third base, catcher, and center field. They want three players. Dodgers: Capozzi's source says they're "making a big push" for Cabrera, after calling about him last summer. This could even involve a package deal with Dontrelle Willis. The names being thrown around: Matt Kemp,..   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Marlins Will Listen On Willis

According to Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, both Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis are available. We had heard previously that trade availability was limited to Cabrera, but Willis can definitely be discussed as well. Rodriguez notes that trading a hitter of Cabrera's age and accomplishment is unprecedented. Good point. It wouldn't be surprising to see him stay put, given the enormous value of young starters like Phil Hughes and Clay Buchholz. It might be easier for the Marlins to reach an accord on a Willis trade   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle Willis To Stay?

Take this for what it's worth. Dontrelle Willis' agent, Matt Sosnick, ran into former Marlins GM Larry Beinfest in the supermarket recently. Beinfest basically said that the Marlins plan on Willis remaining with the team, so the two sides should plan to discuss a contract as usual. For Sosnick that means late November talks. Willis will earn more than $7MM next year, which will probably comprise a fifth or so of the team's payroll. Most likely new Marlins GM Michael Hill will listen to offers on both Willis and Cabrera and trade one of them   Continue Reading

---

State Of The Marlins

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson has all sorts of info concerning the state of the Florida Marlins. We've heard this before - the Fish can't afford to keep both Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera. Do you trade the cheaper guy, or the more valuable one? As Jackson says, it really just depends on the offers. It wouldn't be a complete shock to see both traded if the Marlins received separate knockout offers on each. The Marlins are likely to non-tender Miguel Olivo, with an eye on bringing Paul Lo Duca back to Florida to provide veteran leadership for the young..   Continue Reading

---

Phillies Have $20MM To Burn

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Todd Zolecki tallied up the Phillies' commitments and determined that they have roughly $20MM free to spend on pitching, third base, and perhaps Aaron Rowand. Zolecki feels that the Phils would choose to let Rowand walk if they couldn't fit it all in the budget. Zolecki mentions Mike Lowell as a possibility for the hot corner; that'd run $8-12MM for '08 depending on how you backload it. Lowell seems in line for at least two years, $22MM. Gordon Edes has speculated that it could require a three or four year commitment. The Phillies at least fall under..   Continue Reading

---

Marlins To Focus On Rotation, Defense

Marlins starters posted a 5.58 ERA this year, worst in the National League. The five with the most starts were Dontrelle Willis, Scott Olsen, Sergio Mitre, Byung-Hyun Kim, and Rick VandenHurk. Only Mitre was able to avoid posting an ERA above 5.00. Marlins president Larry Beinfest has labeled the rotation the team's #1 area of need this winter. Olsen and Mitre are cheap, and you can find positives with both. VandenHurk whiffed a batter per inning, and deserves a look in the #5 slot. Kim will depart via free agency. Josh Johnson will miss all of 2008 with Tommy John..   Continue Reading

---

Rumors and Questions

If Cubs make the playoffs, they will be glad not to see the Marlins in the postseason. After last night's defeat, the Cubs haven't beaten the Fish since April... of 2006. Lots of buzz today, so here are some Rumors and Questions on the day: Florida Marlins Fans, it may be disheartening for you, both of you, to know that David Hyde (with some help from Bill Murray) believes as though either Miguel Cabrera or Dontrelle Willis will indeed be dealt this offseason. Tim crunched the numbers and thinks they should shed Willis' contract. If I had to choose, I'd..   Continue Reading

---

Willis Wouldn't Mind Playing In Philly

Not exactly a rumor, but worth a mention. This type of thing is common when teams meet up for a series. We saw it with Aaron Rowand when the White Sox played the Phillies this year. Though the Phillies tattooed Dontrelle Willis Sunday night, Willis's friend Jimmy Rollins and teammate Brett Myers were discussing how they'd love to see him in a Phillies uniform. Rollins suggested that Willis may be unmotivated in Florida. He also added that he's asked Dontrelle and confirmed that the pitcher would not mind playing for Philadelphia. Of course, Willis doesn't have any say in it...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest Videos: Hunter, Piazza

A couple of Ken Rosenthal new videos - Inside Pitch and Full Count - are up at FOXSports.com. Here's a summary of the rumor-related stuff. Rosenthal says Torii Hunter rejected a four-year, $56MM offer from the Twins. However, Hunter said today that he received no such offer. The Twins approached him about a contract extension, but he'll wait until the winter to negotiate. At any rate, Rosenthal believes Hunter will end up in the $18MM per year territory occupied by comparables Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells. Mike Piazza could be an option for the Tigers if Gary Sheffield's shoulder problems..   Continue Reading

---

Long Shot: Willis Back To Cubs?

Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus has an interesting note in today's Rumor Mill: "The Cubs also still covet Dontrelle Willis as "the one that got away" and-despite his not being on the market-Willis is one player the Cubs could get if Larry Beinfest suddenly changes his mind about that. Adding Felix Pie to Jacque Jones and Donald Veal would get it done, while not adding to the Cubs payroll." Jim Hendry already tried to patch up one of the all-time classic Cub mistakes by signing Greg Maddux before the 2004 season. At least that departure didn't happen under Hendry's watch...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Dunn, Wheeler, Izzy

Ken Rosenthal posted a new column last night, and has updated it very recently. I've already spoken about the Teixeira stuff, but there's other good material in there too. Some of the wilder speculation out there has been that the Twins might trade Torii Hunter or Johan Santana if they decide they're out of it. Various Baseball Prospectus reports put the Twins' playoff chances between 5-10%. Rosenthal debunks the idea that Minnesota would shop Hunter without first making him an offer, and keeping Santana for at least 2008 makes sense. Plus, Santana has a no-trade clause. Rosenthal does have some..   Continue Reading

---

Molony's Latest: Willis, Encarnacion, Sowers

MLB.com's Jim Molony has his daily rumor summary up; check it out. New rumors: Molony's sources say the Marlins are now listening to offers for Dontrelle Willis. Might as well - what if the Mariners decide to offer Adam Jones? Many folks remain enamored of Willis's talent, if not his recent numbers. The Cardinals could shop Russ Springer or Juan Encarnacion. Springer is unlikely to be traded, however, because he has his son going to a specific school in St. Louis and the Cardinals respect that. Encarnacion is hitting decently at .293/.329/.471; it might be high time to unload the..   Continue Reading

---

Mariners Watching Starters

UPDATE: Hickey writes that the Mariners have also scouted Kyle Lohse, Matt Morris, Jason Johnson (thought he went to Japan), and Octavio Dotel. However, a deal seems unlikely because none of those players are worth top Mariner prospects. According to Jim Hickey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners have been scouting all kinds of available and not-so-available starters lately. The Mariners have been scouting the White Sox "religiously" lately. If they saw Javier Vazquez beat the Tigers on Tuesday, they came away impressed. (However, Vazquez can and probably would veto a trade to the AL or NL West). They were..   Continue Reading

---

Tim Brown's Latest: Willis, Hillenbrand

Yahoo's Tim Brown has some new material up: So is Dontrelle Willis available or isn't he? Brown says Marlins GM Larry Beinfest is privately talking about him with other clubs. Brown rattles off the Yankees, Dodgers, Mariners, Diamondbacks, and Indians as interested parties. Nonetheless, I think the time has passed for the Marlins to get a truly impressive bounty for their ace. Shea Hillenbrand will sign with either the Padres or one other unknown NL team. Maybe to the Nationals as Dmitri Young's replacement? Yes, Bobby Kielty has been DFA'd and the Red Sox are considering him. Typically, the 31..   Continue Reading

---

Unfounded Rumors

Would you think less of me if I busted out the old Unfounded Rumors category? I know the #1 request at MLBTR is More Rumors. So why not toss a few unfounded ones out there? These are 100% unconfirmed, shaky rumors that have crossed my inbox. Believe them at your own risk. But since 99% of deadline rumors don't happen anyway, why not put 'em out there for discussion? Word is that FedEx was at Reggie Sanders' house today, packing up his stuff. Not sure where he's headed. This one will have more substance if Sanders is nowhere to be..   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle Willis Staying Put

According to Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Dontrelle Willis is not available right now. The Marlins aren't having discussions about him, and scouts are not watching him pitch. I believe Juan, so keep this article in mind when things heat up around Tuesday's deadline. Rumors will fly fast and furious and I'm sure a few will erroneously involve Willis. Even if he were available, I probably wouldn't name Willis the best available starter. As I've said, that's probably Joe Blanton. Knowing Billy Beane, he would at least field offers. Well, I don't know Billy personally but that's..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest Video: A-Rod, Willis

There's a new video up with Ken Rosenthal contributing. Let's see what the man had to say this time: According to Rosenthal, Alex Rodriguez will opt out, and he will get $30MM a year. The coverage of this story is just beginning, unfortunately. The Marlins have been telling teams they won't move Dontrelle Willis; they think they're still in contention. The Fish are 7.5 out in the NL East and 8 out for the Wild Card. The simulations I've seen give the Marlins a 1-3% chance at making the playoffs. Would Willis command a stronger package of prospects if dealt..   Continue Reading

---

Mariners After Dontrelle Willis?

According to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, Dontrelle Willis-to-Seattle buzz is starting to heat up. Willis could slide right in with Felix Hernandez to form a solid 1-2 punch atop the Mariners' rotation. Baker pretty much covers all the analysis angles and scenarios in his blog posting. The Mariners have plenty of players who could interest the Marlins: Jeremy Reed, Jeff Clement, and/or Wladimir Balentien. Baker does not think Adam Jones would be necessary to get a deal done, and the Mariners wouldn't part with him anyway. (By the way, click here to see my fantasy analysis of Jones)...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest: Willis, Dunn, Griffey

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up today. Not too much brand new material but worth discussing nonetheless. Rosenthal opines that Dontrelle Willis is currently at his peak value. Mark Buehrle is off the market. Dontrelle is seemingly healthy and under control through 2009. There was a scare, though, when Willis had a sore forearm in June. Rosenthal points out that despite mediocre stats the past couple of seasons, Willis still has an ace aura about him. That's probably because of his near-Cy Young in '05 and the way he took the league by storm in '03. The Mets, Mariners,..   Continue Reading

---

Mets After Jose Contreras

The Mets have kicked the tires on Mark Buehrle, but Jose Contreras may be a more likely acquisition according to the Newark Star-Ledger. The Mets would prefer not to trade younger players for a rental, and may turn to Contreras because he's signed through 2009. I'm sure Kenny Williams would have no problem with that. I think Contreras would handle a return to New York well. Lastings Milledge would be more than enough for Contreras, in my mind. Dan Graziano's article also confirms that the Braves and Red Sox have been pushing hard for Buehrle. He says there was "no..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. A summary appears below. Rosenthal thinks the Tigers are unlikely to acquire Eric Gagne or Akinori Otsuka, perhaps preferring to look at internal options. That's a shame, as I think they really need to add someone. The White Sox won't be granting a 72 hour negotiating window if they trade Mark Buehrle. Strictly a rental. That could limit the market for him, but Kenny Williams will come up with at least one quality prospect. The Dodgers don't seem likely to trade for Adam Dunn or Jermaine Dye, but could go after Mark Teixeira...   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest

ESPN's Jayson Stark has his latest Rumblings and Grumblings column up, and it's chock full o' rumors. Stark speaks to one NL exec who thinks any Barry Bonds trade rumor is hogwash. That source believes that there would be no market for him. Personally, I don't buy it. There would only be $8MM or so left on the deal, and as a two-month DH Bonds could make a huge impact on a contender. And he did indicate he'd waive his no-trade clause. Word is that the Mets wouldn't trade Lastings Milledge for an impending free agent - Mark Buehrle included...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest

Ken Rosenthal posted a new article this afternoon. A good read as usual, though not chock full of new rumors. Rocco Baldelli remains the Devil Rays' best trading chip; they hope to see the 25 year-old return and re-establish the trade value he had in 2006. Many are already saying the Rays waited too long on Baldelli, but let's see what they get for him before making that judgment. Reggie Willits has hit his way into a starting job for the Angels. Nice to see an Angel drawing walks 12% of the time. That will enable Willits to remain effective..   Continue Reading

---

Stark's Latest

Jayson Stark posted a new Rumblings and Grumblings column over at ESPN; it's definitely worth a read. A summary of his trade rumors: GMs calling the Marlins have noticed that the team seems a little more open to trading Dontrelle Willis this year. Miguel Cabrera doesn't appear to be under discussion. If the Marlins are out of the race in mid-July and a team ponies up with three legimate young regulars, they might be able to pry him away. The D'Backs or Dodgers could probably pull this off without damaging their current group too much. Stark says the D-Rays are..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal On Dontrelle Willis

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Marlins will probably only listen to offers for starter Dontrelle Willis if they fall out of the race by the July 31st trading deadline. He also adds the interesting fact that a new ballpark for the Marlins could actually encourage them to trade Willis. At least then a public backlash wouldn't affect a stadium deal. Both Willis and Miguel Cabrera figure to earn over $10MM next year, and Rosenthal says no Marlin is untouchable. The idea of trading Dontrelle first surfaced about a year ago; I would imagine the Fish have received some decent offers..   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle Willis Arrested, Griffey Hurt

A couple of top baseball stories that can't be classified as trade rumors but shouldn't be ignored: Dontrelle Willis was arrested this morning on a drunk driving charge and refused a breathalyzer. It's just a shame to see a stand-up guy and role model do this. I mean we've all urinated on the street before but there's no excuse for driving while intoxicated. Meanwhile, Ken Griffey Jr. broke his left hand in a mysterious home accident. Most likely a vigorous session of Guitar Hero was involved. Griffey's teammate, Adam Dunn, actually played the 2005 season with a broken hand. I'm..   Continue Reading

---

Dontrelle Willis Yankees Rumor

Are we really going to resurrect this one again? We already have the Manny and Clemens storylines repeating themselves; it's only fitting that silly Dontrelle Willis proposals are bandied about. George King of the New York Post remarks that the Yankees "could put together a package headed by Melky Cabrera and Humberto Sanchez to lure the Marlins into moving Dontrelle Willis out of Miami." Those are two pretty good young players, but the Marlins could do better. Sanchez is interesting but untested, and Cabrera doesn't seem like the center fielder the Marlins covet. At least not at that price. An..   Continue Reading

---

MetsBlog On Dontrelle Willis

MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone talked to various baseball insiders and came away with some info concerning the possibility of a Dontrelle Willis trade. Cerrone's sources indicate the Marlins want an MLB ready potential All-Star and the D'Backs and Dodgers are best equipped to satisfy that request. Pure speculation, but I could see a deal for Matt Kemp and one of Scott Elbert/Chad Billingsley. This would be comparable to the bounty the Fish received for Josh Beckett - stud position player, stud starter. I wouldn't make that deal if I was Ned Colletti, but that's what I could see Larry Beinfest requiring   Continue Reading

---

Latest Mets Buzz

I spoke to my Mets source recently, so here's the latest buzz around the team. As has been reported in several places, Tom Glavine plans on returning to the Braves. I'm told a "handshake agreement" is in place. If the playoff excitement can't change his mind, the Mets will take a look at Barry Zito and Mark Mulder. Orlando Hernandez may be re-signed and of course Steve Trachsel is a goner. Beyond that, the Mets have many in-house starting pitching options. The Mets still like outfielder Lastings Milledge even with the problems he's had in the clubhouse. The only way..   Continue Reading

---

Available Starting Pitchers: The Horses

One very important aspect in a starting pitcher is the ability to go deep into games. Teams can avoid resorting to inferior middle relievers if the starter can consistently pitch seven innings. Only two starters this year - Brandon Webb and Roy Halladay - are averaging seven innings per start. Neither of those guys will be available this winter. Let's take a look at some starters who are available and can save bullpens. Jason Schmidt, in addition to being one of the NL's best this year, has averaged 6.83 innings per start. The 33 year-old is destined for one of..   Continue Reading

---

Trade Rumor Roundup: 9 Days Left

Let's see what we've got this morning in the non-Hillenbrand department... This is cool: a commenter over at Viva El Birdos emailed Dontrelle Willis's agent, Matt Sosnick, asking about the latest trade rumor. Meanwhile, Jayson Stark was adamant in his chat Friday that Willis will not be traded. Enough with the Mike Lowell for Jake Peavy rumors, folks. No. Freakin'. Way. I know Buster Olney mentioned that Boston must've been targeting a notable pitcher given how well Lowell has played this year (.297/.349/.504) but Peavy isn't going anywhere. Plus, if you adjust Lowell's production for PETCO Park it would be..   Continue Reading

---

Cardinals Discussing Dontrelle Willis Trade

The Cardinals message boards are lighting up, and with good reason: there is a legitimate Dontrelle Willis rumor making the rounds. The thread was started by a respected Cards source who goes by the handle Hawg Wild. I can confirm that this guy has a track record of success. Colby Rasmus is a 19 year-old outfielder in high Class A. He was a first-round pick and is easily the team's best prospect