Eric Gagne Rumors

Brewers Offer Arb To Sabathia, Sheets, Shouse

According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Brewers offered arbitration to C.C. Sabathia (Type A), Ben Sheets (Type A), and Brian Shouse (Type B). They declined to offer arb to Eric Gagne (Type B). Sheets and Shouse were the question marks. The Brewers apparently don't mind getting Shouse back on a one-year deal, though he seeks two years. Sheets also seems likely to decline and pursue multiple years. If he declines and signs elsewhere, his new team will lose a draft pick to the Brewers. Ken Davidoff wonders if Sheets might accept the offer.   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Patterson, Lowry, Alvarez

Today's linkage... Brewers fans, act quickly to snag free tickets to tonight's game courtesy of Eric Gagne. Nice gesture. Of course Ned Colletti wants to re-sign Manny Ramirez. It's just a question of dollars and years. Does Manny get the rumored 4/100 he might desire? The Jays locked manager Cito Gaston up through 2010. Richard Griffin says the Blue Jays will be better for it if they lose A.J. Burnett. Meanwhile, River Ave. Blues is open to the idea of the Yankees signing him. No, Corey Patterson is not dating Dusty Baker's daughter. And Baker says he wasn't behind the...   Continue Reading

---

Week in Review: 8/17 - 8/23

Another week in the books, and we keep seeing big names moved after the July 31 non-waiver deadline. Let's look back on the past week: The Dodgers acquired Greg Maddux from the Padres for two minor league players to be named later. Nice acquisition to bolster their rotation, and does anyone want to place bets on how excited 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw is to get tips from Maddux every day for the rest of the season? The Pirates are exploring the idea of trading Jack Wilson this offseason more and more. Given the slim free agent market for shortstops, he would...   Continue Reading

---

Gagne, Riske, Weathers Clear Waivers

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, Eric Gagne, David Riske, and David Weathers have cleared waivers. Three more for the list. Since they've cleared, these relievers can now be traded to any team. Gagne is the least surprising; he's been awful and is still owed more than $2MM. Riske is owed almost $10MM more through 2010, so that's understandable. Weathers is a big surprise though - he's owed only $610K and has a 2.52 ERA since the beginning of June. All the contenders, including the Mets, Twins, Phillies, and Cardinals, decided not to make a claim on...   Continue Reading

---

Players Who Cleared Waivers

I will make this post a permanent sidebar link. This is a running list of players who have cleared waivers, based on published reports. Once a player clears waivers, he can be traded to any team (barring a no-trade clause). Updated 8-25-08 at 9:00am. Latest to clear in red. Paul Byrd - Byrd cleared waivers, but then was traded to the Red Sox. They were the only team willing to pay his remaining $2MM. Frank Catalanotto - Catalanotto, 34, is hitting .272/.337/.389 in 267 plate appearances. He's played first base and left field this year. He's not helpful against lefthanded...   Continue Reading

---

Red Sox Designate Snyder for Assignment

Relief pitcher Kyle Snyder was designated for assignment by the Red Sox this afternoon to make room on the roster for Josh Beckett, who is set to come off the DL and start for Boston tomorrow. Snyder is out of options and hence cannot be sent down to Pawtucket. Snyder has not impressed in 2008. Today versus Toronto, he pitched a third of an inning, gave up two runs, and walked two. March 25 against Oakland, he gave up two runs on two hits, including a solo home run. He wasn't terrible in 2007, posting a career-best 3.81 ERA, but...   Continue Reading

---

Wise DFA'd, Brewers Look At Blalock

UPDATE, 12-11-07 at 1:56pm: It's official, Wise has been DFA'd. If the Brewers aren't able to trade him then he'll hook on somewhere as a free agent. FROM 12-10-07 at 10:20pm: Tom Haudricourt has some quality stuff tonight, aside from the aforementioned return of Salomon. 32 year-old reliever Matt Wise is looking like a non-tender candidate for Wednesday. Eric Gagne took his uniform number. Wise hasn't been too bad while eating up relief innings the past few years. He only made a million bucks in '07. The Brewers tended to use him in low-leverage situations in 2007. Some other non-tender..   Continue Reading

---

Odds And Ends: Inge, Gagne, Pavano

Couple of findings around the Internets: Drew Sharp argues that Brandon Inge should stay with the Tigers. His argument is that Inge would still get 300 or so at bats and would be playing for a surefire contender. If he was to be traded, he likely wouldn't land with a team nearly as good. Plus, with some of the injury histories of current Tigers, it might be best for Inge to wait around for playing time. Though the Rangers were interested in Eric Gagne, they were only $6 million interested. For a one-year deal with an option, there was little..   Continue Reading

---

Brewers Near Deal With Gagne

UPDATE, 12-9-07 at 12:31am: The AP agrees Gagne will get $10MM, plus another mil in incentives. UPDATE, 12-8-07 at 8:51pm: Tom Haudricourt has heard the deal might be around $10MM for one year. FROM 12-8-07 at 1:06pm: According to Yahoo's Tim Brown, the Brewers are nearing an agreement with free agent Eric Gagne. It'll probably be a one-year deal, which jives with what Doug Melvin has said. The move pushes newly acquired David Riske to the eighth inning, while Derrick Turnbow, Salomon Torres, and Guillermo Mota can split sixth and seventh inning duty. As far as I can tell, Gagne..   Continue Reading

---

Arbitration Decisions

Free agents' decisions on whether to accept their teams' offers of arbitration are rolling in. Eric Gagne told the Red Sox that he won't their offer of arbitration. The Boras camp had sent signals otherwise, but it was an idle threat. He wants that multiyear deal or at least a chance to close. The Red Sox get a delicious sandwich pick for their dalliance with Gagne. Could've been more, if Gagne was lights out for them and snagged Type A status. Mark Loretta accepted; Trever Miller declined. Loretta should make $3MM+ to take on a utility role. The Astros could..   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Out On Gagne

Evan Grant says the Rangers are out of the bidding for Eric Gagne. Either he's getting a two-year deal somewhere or he's accepting Boston's offer of arbitration. Or, his one-year demand is just too high. We should know soon   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Loretta, Patterson

You know the drill, here's a roundup of some rumor nuggets. I'll update the post continuously throughout the day. Corey Patterson wants a multiyear deal, which probably isn't something the Rangers want to do. The Indians met with C.C. Sabathia's agent on Thursday, but have yet to submit an extension proposal. That will happen this month, most likely. Check out how excited Pirates Rule 5 pick Evan Meek was. Pretty cool. The Astros expect Mark Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration. The deadline is midnight tonight for players to decide. Despite what Ed Wade says I doubt they really..   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Santana, Gagne, Kuroda

SI.com's Jon Heyman has penned (or typed I guess) a new column with some hot stove banter. The Mets are offering Carlos Gomez, Mike Pelfrey, and others for Santana. Joel Sherman thinks the offer is at least viable, and that Aaron Heilman may interest Minnesota.. The Yankees offered Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and Jeff Marquez. The Red Sox proposed Jon Lester, Coco Crisp, Jed Lowrie, and Justin Masterson. The Mariners have offered Adam Jones and Brandon Morrow. Seems to me the Red Sox still have the advantage, at least slightly. Heyman says the Brewers and Astros are in the mix..   Continue Reading

---

Gagne May Accept Arbitration

According to Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald, Eric Gagne may accept Boston's offer of arbitration. The deadline for that decision occurs tomorrow. Bradford says a surprising number of players might accept tomorrow. Bradford thinks it may just be posturing, and Gagne will hook on to close with the Brewers, Rangers, or Astros. After all, he'd make more money in 2009 if he finished '08 with 30 saves   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: Lamb, Gagne, Prior

As usual, Evan Grant has the latest Rangers hot stove buzz. New acquisition Chris Shelton may see some time at first base for the Rangers. As far as left-handed hitters, the Rangers' options are Mike Lamb, Sean Casey, and in-house choice Frank Catalanotto. Free agents Eric Gagne, LaTroy Hawkins, Corey Patterson, and Milton Bradley are still on the radar. Contrary to previous reports, the Rangers aren't interested in Mark Prior. The Rangers don't want to move Vicente Padilla or Kevin Millwood as straight-up salary dumps   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: Patterson, Bradley, Bay

T.R. Sullivan recently filed his Rangers report at MLB.com. The Rangers will meet with Scott Boras soon to talk about Eric Gagne. Another topic for the Boras conversation: Corey Patterson. The Rangers like Milton Bradley, and have asked for his medical reports. Bradley's agent said a few days ago that he would be ready for Opening Day. The Bucs' asking prices for Jason Bay and Nate McLouth were deemed too high - Eric Hurley and Elvis Andrus were suggested. External first base options: Mike Lamb, Tony Clark, and Ben Broussard   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Tavarez, Lieber, Stewart

Another collection... A few notes from Brian Cashman...the Yanks have talked to Luis Vizcaino's agent about bringing him back. Also, they've yet to inquire on any free agent center fielders. Miguel Cabrera has been talking to Ozzie Guillen daily since the season ended. The article makes Cabrera sound like a big kid. The Red Sox have had a couple of inquiries on Julian Tavarez. Five or six teams have inquired on Shannon Stewart, who wants a two-year pact apparently. The Phillies, contrary to previous reports, are not interested in re-signing Jon Lieber. On a scale of 1 to 10, the..   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: Bay, Gagne, Fukudome

T.R. Sullivan has the Rangers goods for us this evening. Wow, did MLB.com send 30+ reporters out to Nashville? The Rangers are still pursuing Eric Gagne to return as their closer (and then maybe they'd flip him again). The interest is mutual. The team is also considering LaTroy Hawkins, Shawn Chacon, Luis Vizcaino, Trever Miller, and Octavio Dotel. Basically, most of the relief market. Problem is, the Rangers don't want to give more than one year to any of these guys. The Rangers are moving toward filling center field internally after exploring options. Carlos Gomez, Felix Pie, and Carlos Gonzalez..   Continue Reading

---

Brewers Rumors: Crede, Riske, Gagne, Dotel

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy recently filed a report with a few new Brewers tidbits. Nothing new on the Scott Rolen front, but feel free to jump over to that rumor to discuss it. On to McCalvy's article: The Brewers briefly discussed Joe Crede at last month's GM Meetings. The Brewers and White Sox have been on friendly terms in the past; maybe they can work something out. There hasn't been much buzz about Crede lately, but the Carlos Quentin acquisition seems to punch his ticket out of town. The Brewers passed on an effective one-year, $8.5MM contract for Geoff Jenkins for..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Colon, Clark, Gagne

Random rumors, let's round 'em up. How about Bartolo Colon to the Mets? David Lennon notes that Omar Minaya sold the farm to acquire him in 2002 as the Expos' GM. Scott Lauber says Aaron Rowand is insisting on a five-year deal. He adds that the Phils have interest in Geoff Jenkins but he might be too expensive. Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller are considered untouchable, so don't look for the Tigers to make any big trades. Patrick Saunders runs down some free agents the Rockies may consider for the back end of their rotation: Tony Armas, Matt Clement, Steve..   Continue Reading

---

Today's Arbitration Decisions

The decision whether to offer your own free agent arbitration can affect your team in two ways: you may end up retaining a player you didn't want, or you may score a draft pick or two as compensation. With that in mind let's run down the rumors regarding some Type A and B free agents. The Red Sox plan on offering arbitration to Type B Eric Gagne. Worst case scenario, they hang onto him for one more year. Best case, they get a sandwich pick. The Astros have to decide on Trever Miller and Mark Loretta. Both are Type Bs,..   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: Dunn, Hamilton, Kemp

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan has some interesting hot stove banter surrounding the Rangers. A three-year deal for Kosuke Fukudome or a two-year pact for Mike Cameron might be the most sensible options to fill the Rangers' center field void. Aaron Rowand is probably too expensive. While the Rangers have a touch of interest in Adam Dunn and Coco Crisp, they prefer the idea of acquiring a young bat. Names they like: Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez, Carlos Gonzalez, and Matt Kemp. Sullivan notes that the Rangers have talked to the Reds about Josh Hamilton. If the Rangers sign starting pitching it's likely..   Continue Reading

---

Brewers May Pass On Gagne, Percival, Dotel

UPDATE: Here is the official Journal-Sentinel article. New material - Melvin admitted to an interest in David Riske, and may have an offer out to him. Thanks to Al's Ramblings for the tip. Tom Haudricourt recently spoke to Brewers GM Doug Melvin about his pursuit for a closer candidate. Melvin recently had Kerry Wood pass over his two-year, $6MM offer for a one-year deal with the Cubs. Melvin seemingly would only offer a one-year deal to Eric Gagne, Troy Percival, or Octavio Dotel. All want multiyear contracts, however. It's a bit odd that he wouldn't offer two years to any..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Kendall, Crisp, Gagne

I'm back in the swing of things, kind of. We're still living out of boxes, but I've got a laptop and I'm digging into all the rumors I missed. Joe did a great job the last couple of days. Be sure to visit his Yankees blog, River Ave. Blues. On to today's random rumors... I'm hearing that Jason Kendall could be a fallback for the Mets if they can't pry Ramon Hernandez loose from the Orioles. The Blue Jays have about $4MM to spend, and J.P. Ricciardi likes the idea of Michael Barrett splitting time behind the plate with Gregg..   Continue Reading

---

Wood On BoSox Radar

In Nick Cafardo's column in the Boston Globe today, he mentions that Kerry Wood is on Sox's radar. He says they envision him as the guy they were looking for when they traded for Eric Gagne on July 31. Unfortunately, this may not jibe with Wood's intentions. As Tim has discussed here, he might be looking to remain as a starter, though that would limit the teams that are interested in him. Presumably, given his injury history and temporary success as a reliever in '07, more teams would line up to have Wood in their bullpens. The Cubs, who could..   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: Rogers, Gagne, Hunter

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan has some new info regarding the Rangers' plans this offseason. Kenny Rogers has already had three separate stints with the Rangers, the last one ending with the cameraman incident. The Rangers would like to bring him back for a fourth tour, if the price is right. One emailer speculated that the team also wouldn't mind an apology to management for the incident, also. Sullivan says the Mariners, Phillies, Dodgers, and Mets may also have Rogers on the radar. Seems like Ned Colletti is letting bygones be bygones with Scott Boras. UPDATE: Boras reiterated tonight that the Tigers..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Lowell, Sabathia, Polanco

I'm going to start up a catch-all Odds and Ends post for smaller rumors and notes today. Refresh to see it grow. A reader emailed me to tell me that Buster Olney said on XM Radio recently that there are talks of the Twins going after Scott Rolen. These reports can be tough to confirm, but there you go. UPDATE: Joe Christensen squashes this one. Mark Feinsand doesn't think Epstein is keen on giving Mike Lowell even a three-year contract. He might get five on the open market. UPDATE: The Red Sox apparently have a three-year offer out to him,..   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: A-Rod, Atkins, Gagne

SI.com's Jon Heyman has a new column up. Let's discuss. Alex Rodriguez's five possible destinations: Angels, Red Sox, Mets, Giants, Dodgers. That sounds about right. Heyman notes that the Dodgers do not have an advantage because of Joe Torre; he says star players don't consider managers as a criteria when deciding where to sign. Though not mentioned as one of A-Rod's five potential landing spots, Heyman says the buzz is growing that Mike Ilitch and the Tigers could go after him. Heyman says the Rockies will hang on to Garrett Atkins and follow through with the plan to try Ian..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Lincecum, Wakefield, Schilling

More random rumors. You know you love it. Tracy Ringolsby has some hot stove musings. It's a fairly sloppy article with one new tidbit: "Tim Lincecum can be had for a quality bat." Either Ringolsby is misinformed, or Brian Sabean has lost it. Lincecum has Cy Young potential. A couple of Red Sox mainstays will stay for '08 - Tim Wakefield and Julian Tavarez. Wake was a no-brainer at his perpetual $4MM, while Tavarez was debatable at $3.85MM. Tavarez expected it to be declined, since the team left him off the World Series roster. The Ms will decide very soon..   Continue Reading

---

Random Rumors: Erstad, Gagne, Podsednik

Here's a smattering of random rumors. The Twins have tried and failed to acquire Mike Piazza, Jermaine Dye, and Kevin Mench. Instead of Dye, the White Sox offered up 33 year-old outfielder Darin Erstad, he of the .671 OPS. The Twins passed. Eric Gagne will apparently earn Type A status as a free agent, despite pitching only two innings in 2006. Rob Bradford has the details. This was apparently a big factor for the Red Sox in making the deal. The Chicago Sun-Times debunks a rumor that the Cubs are trying to trade for Scott Podsednik. How come I wasn't..   Continue Reading

---

Failed Trades

Let's take a look at some deals that almost happened yesterday. Kyle Farnsworth for Bob Wickman. This would've been fun, reunions with former teams for both players. However, the Braves wanted the Yankees to pick up all of Farnsworth's salary, apparently. Brian Cashman didn't want to make him go away that badly, and Wickman would probably be a nonfactor back in the AL. Mariners acquire Mark Loretta. Eh. Let's not overstate the abilities of Loretta. It sounds like Tim Purpura wanted some kind of legitimate prospect for him. Rockies send Jeff Baker and others to Tampa Bay for Dan Wheeler...   Continue Reading

---

Red Sox Acquire Eric Gagne

UPDATE: According to NESN's Tom Caron, Gagne has agreed to come to Boston and will serve as the setup man. UPDATE: Third player going to Texas, according to Buster Olney. That would be 17 year-old five-tool outfielder Engel Beltre. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Red Sox are the winner of the Eric Gagne sweepstakes pending Gagne's consent and a review of medical records. Rosenthal says Gagne might share the closer role with Jonathan Papelbon; it would not be shocking to see Papelbon become the setup man for the rest of the year. That would be a hell of a 1-2..   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Discouraged On Gagne, Cubs Still In?

UPDATE: Peter Abraham confirms that the Yankees seem unlikely for Gagne. He says the Red Sox are offering David Murphy and Kason Gabbard, while the Cubs are still quietly involved. Not sure whether Gagne would have to consent to a trade to the Cubs, but he could be used as their closer without a major uprising. Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Yankees aren't liking their chances to get Eric Gagne. That might mean he's going to the Red Sox, Mets, or Brewers, or that he's staying put. The Mets don't seem likely given some previous reports and the Rangers'..   Continue Reading

---

Tim Brown's Latest: Cordero, Quentin

UPDATE: You can throw Conor Jackson into the mix along with Quentin. Yahoo's Tim Brown has some new rumors and info: Plan B if the Red Sox can't get Eric Gagne: Washington's Chad Cordero. It seems Wily Mo Pena would be a part of that, but I imagine Jim Bowden would want a top prospect as well. The Diamondbacks are shopping Carlos Quentin for a starting pitcher; the Indians and Nationals have interest. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Indians are willing to deal Cliff Lee, so maybe there's a match there. And keep in mind that..   Continue Reading

---

Latest On Eric Gagne: Brewers Jump In, Red Sox Leading

Deadline day! I'll be with you nonstop until the trading is done. Eric Gagne is the big name to watch, unless things heat up with Adam Dunn and Jermaine Dye. UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal mentioned in his recent column that the Brewers are one of the 12 teams that can acquire Gagne without his permission. So to review: the Yankees, Mets, Angels, Brewers, and eight other unknown teams can acquire Gagne without his permission. He'd need to consent to trades to the Tigers, Indians, Phillies, Red Sox, and 13 other unknown clubs. UPDATE: Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe is hearing..   Continue Reading

---

The Market For Eric Gagne

Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog has the latest regarding Texas closer Eric Gagne. It seems the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Indians, Mariners, and Dodgers may all be in on him depending on who you listen to. We've heard the Tigers in on him previously but not so much anymore. We've heard the Diamondbacks and Cubs connected to Gagne in the past but not as much lately. There still seems to be some confusion about which teams Gagne can be dealt to without his consent. To review what's been published: Gagne can be traded to the Yankees, Mets, Angels, and nine other..   Continue Reading

---

Yankees To Pass On Gagne?

Jon Heyman wrote yesterday that the Yankees appeared to be the frontrunner for Texas closer Eric Gagne, given the Yanks' need and Gagne's lack of veto power. However, today Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Yankees' involvement on Gagne is exaggerated. Apparently the Rangers wanted Melky Cabrera in return. Joba Chamberlain has been switched to relief at Triple A; he could be 90% of Gagne without the cost   Continue Reading

---

Mets Hunting For Reliever, Second Baseman

Pretty much the same old story with the Mets, though Joel Sherman and Mark Hale of the New York Post do have some new tidbits. The authors name Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, Octavio Dotel, and Eric Gagne as relievers on the radar. However it seems the asking price is too high for Gagne and the Indians have become the frontrunner for Dotel (they may have passed the Dodgers). Shawn Chacon doesn't catch the Mets' eye, and they don't want Chad Bradford's three-year commitment. They had that option with Bradford this winter. I think that logic is silly - Bradford's pitched..   Continue Reading

---

Heyman On Eric Gagne

SI.com's Jon Heyman had a new post in the wee hours of the morning today. The Yankees seem to be the frontrunner for Eric Gagne, while simultaneously trying to unload Kyle Farnsworth. Gagne would set up Mariano Rivera in New York. Gagne can't veto this trade, even though working as a setup man would cause him to miss some of his incentives. Heyman talks about the Yankees accomodating this problem, although they are under no obligation to do so. The Yankees are being very possessive about their pitching prospects. Beyond Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, they've deemed Ian Kennedy and..   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Trade Rumors: Barmes, Dotel, Qualls

The Detroit Free Press has a Tigers update for us today. The Tigers are intent on acquiring a backup shortstop. They recently sent a scout to watch the Rockies' Clint Barmes at Triple A. Barmes is at .310/.374/.464 in the minors this year. Perhaps the Tigers envision him as a possible successor to Carlos Guillen at short. Relievers on the radar: Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, Octavio Dotel, and Kyle Farnsworth. Eric Gagne does not seem likely right now, and we know Lidge is a long shot. Farnsworth might make the most sense, as the cost would mainly be money. The..   Continue Reading

---

Mets and Devil Rays

Ryan McConnell of the New Jersey Star-Ledger posted a run-down of Mets' rumors, mostly old hat by now. Items of note: The Mets are being asked too much for both Chad Cordero and Octavio Dotel, causing them to take another look at Eric Gagne. They are also looking at Matt Thornton (White Sox), Shawn Chacon (Pirates), Chad Bradford (Orioles) and Jon Rauch (Nationals). I think they should go for Chad Bradford, silly contract be damned. We've all heard about second base possibilities in Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Loretta and Luis Castillo. I think that of these candidates, Grudzielanek is the best..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest Videos: Teixeira, Dye, Garland

Ken Rosenthal has a couple of recent videos up at FOXSports. Check 'em out. Some highlights: The Mark Teixeira talks are at a standstill; the Braves and Angels are reluctant to improve their offers. The Dodgers are said to be out of the picture. Daniels, Schuerholz, Stoneman - which one blinks first? I'll say Daniels; he'll go with Atlanta's best offer. Jermaine Dye is Plan B for the Angels, but as you know the Red Sox still have interest. Jon Garland can be had, but Kenny Williams' price is sky-high. The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Mets, and Braves all have interest. The..   Continue Reading

---

Yankees Focused On Gagne, Wheeler, Qualls

It seems highly likely that the Yankees will make a move to upgrade their bullpen before the Tuesday trade deadline. They appear to have three main targets. Kat O'Brien of Newsday says the Yanks have had serious discussions with Texas regarding Eric Gagne. Though Gagne wants to close, remember that he can be traded to New York without his consent. A Rivera-Gagne combo would essentially turn every game into seven innings. O'Brien names righthanders Ian Kennedy and Jeff Marquez as two pitchers the Rangers might be after. Kennedy is definitely more highly regarded. The Rangers also like Melky Cabrera but..   Continue Reading

---

Heyman's Latest: Teixeira, Otsuka

Jon Heyman of SI.com has been working the phone lines; here are some notable rumors from his latest column. The Braves seemed fairly close to a Mark Teixeira trade yesterday, but the Angels are definitely knee deep in it. They'll make a solid offer including Casey Kotchman, Ervin Santana, and Major League player. Adam Dunn remains Plan B. Heyman says there's speculation that Akinori Otsuka could need Tommy John surgery, which might compel the Rangers to sign Eric Gagne and/or keep Joaquin Benoit. Refresher on Gagne's 12-team allowable list can be found here. Gagne must consent to a trade to..   Continue Reading

---

Joel Sherman's Ten Trade Candidates

Joel Sherman of the New York Post has an article today regarding ten veterans who may be traded this month. He's packed the column full of insider info beyond the ten players highlighted; check it out. Mark Teixeira is now more likely to be dealt than Eric Gagne. Sherman sees the Angels as perhaps the best possibility here; they'd have to include Casey Kotchman. I imagine Ervin Santana's stock is down far enough that the Rangers would not settle for the two. The Indians appear to be out on Gagne but the Tigers still make sense for all parties. Would..   Continue Reading

---

New Plan: Extension For Gagne

The Rangers are throwing trade rumor junkies a curveball - they're now thinking about hanging onto Eric Gagne and signing him to a contract extension. This development may be related to the limited trade options for the rejuvenated closer. Keep in mind that the extension talk may just be lip service. As a Scott Boras client, wouldn't the oft-injured Gagne require a good three years, $36MM guaranteed? That's my guess. That would be very risky. Assuming Mariano Rivera remains a Yankee, Francisco Cordero will be the only free agent closer near Gagne's level. Nice timing for Coco, by the way...   Continue Reading

---

More Of Gagne's List Revealed

We keep learning bits and pieces of Eric Gagne's 12-team allowable trade list; it'd be nice if someone would just leak the entire thing. The latest: Gagne can be traded to the Yankees, Mets, Angels, and nine other clubs without his consent. If Gagne is to be traded to the Tigers, Indians, Phillies, Red Sox, or thirteen other unknown clubs, he must consent. That means additional concessions on the part of the acquiring team. Rob Bradford's recent post added the Red Sox to the latter list. While Gagne nonetheless seems keen to the idea of pitching in Boston, he sounds..   Continue Reading

---

Gagne/Otsuka Suitors

Teams are lining up to pluck away the top two members of the Rangers' bullpen, and Jon Daniels is in "listening mode." MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan has the scoop: the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Red Sox, and Yankees are the top suitors for Eric Gagne. The Mets, Braves, Phillies, Tigers, and Brewers are focused on Akinori Otsuka. And the Tribe likes both relievers. Benefits of Gagne: he can be unhittable and he'll give you two good draft picks after the season. Plus he seems to be finally healthy. The Indians, despite their interest, are not on Gagne's list of 12 teams he can..   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

---

More Info On Gagne's Veto List

As you know, Eric Gagne's contract allows for him to be traded to 12 teams without his consent. Earlier we learned that the Tigers, Indians, and Phillies are not among the 12 allowable teams. Today, Ken Rosenthal verified the above info and added that the Yankees, Mets, and Angels are on the allowable list. The remaining nine he can be traded to without consent are thought to be inconsequential. And the Angels aren't going to worry about Gagne. The Mets have been looking for bullpen help for at least a few weeks now. Gagne has been on the radar, among..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal On Teixeira For Hughes Possibility

Ken Rosenthal has a long article today regarding possible scenarios by which Mark Teixeira becomes a Yankee. Rosenthal says the Yankees scouted the Rangers last week in regards to Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka. The Rangers expect Brian Cashman to have interest in Teixeira, and have been performing due diligence on Phil Hughes and other Yankee farmhands. Rosenthal's main point: Hughes is not untouchable, but Teixeira could be traded to the Yankees without him involved. Maybe Jon Daniels surrenders two of his major trading chips in a single blockbuster, giving up Otsuka or Gagne plus Teixeira just to get Hughes...   Continue Reading

---

Gagne's List

We know Rangers closer Eric Gagne has some kind of no-trade protection in his contract, but further details were unknown. Jon Heyman of SI.com recently clarified a bit. Apparently Gagne has given the Rangers a list of 12 teams he can be traded to. Heyman says that almost all of those allowable 12 are not in contention or would have no motivation to trade for him. Heyman also believes that the Tigers, Indians, and Phillies are not among the 12 allowable teams. So if one of those wants Gagne, they'll need his approval and his salary will escalate. Meanwhile, Bill..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest Video

Ken Rosenthal has a new video up at FOXSports.com for your viewing pleasure. My summary: As you know, Eric Gagne and Akinori Otsuka are drawing strong interest across baseball. The only team named by Rosenthal is the Yankees, and in a roundabout way. He simply said that the Rangers have been scouting the Yanks. Both the Dodgers and Angels would love to add a power-hitting third baseman. The problem is, there's not much about there. Rosenthal says Troy Glaus, Mike Lowell, and Miguel Cabrera are all currently unavailable. One who might become available and could play third is Miguel Tejada...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal's Latest

The authority on all trade rumors, Ken Rosenthal has spoken. Let's review. As we have heard before, the Dodgers like Adam Dunn. We've also discussed the fact that there's not a clear place to put him. Whether you go with first base or left field, a veteran must move. The Padres like Dunn as well but talks have yet to occur. The Angels may have liked him in the past but they don't seem likely at this point. And the Twins? They just won't break the bank for him unfortunately. With Michael Barrett having issues with 40% of the Cubs'..   Continue Reading

---

Padres, Dodgers Remain Interested In Dye

Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times has a couple of trade rumors for us this morning. Shaikin reiterates Ken Rosenthal's scoop that the Padres and Dodgers have interest in White Sox slugger Jermaine Dye. Shaikin believes the "we won't trade for prospects" edict from Kenny Williams could be stretched if Jonathan Broxton or Chad Billingsley were made available. Those guys may have graduated from prospectdom anyway. Ned Colletti is definitely working the phones for a slugger. Scott Linebrink is named as an available Padre, but I would not expect Kenny Williams to go for that. Throw in Clay Hensley or..   Continue Reading

---

Indians Interested In Eric Gagne

According to Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal, Mark Shapiro and the Indians are likely to make a move to acquire a reliever sometime this summer. Patience with guys like Roberto Hernandez (5.87 ERA) and Fernando Cabrera (5.40 ERA) is wearing thin. Ocker says the Indians are interested in Rangers closer Eric Gagne. Gagne has been dominant in his 15 innings, allowing just a single run. His control has been a little off, but it's a small sample yet. Gagne has been handled carefully, spending some time on the DL and only pitching back-to-back days twice. If the Rangers..   Continue Reading

---

Tigers Trade Rumors