Gary Matthews Jr. Rumors

Angels Notes: Guerrero, Lackey, Oliver

MLB.com's Lyle Spencer answered a pile of fans' questions about the Angels' free agents, possible new signings and trade options. Here are some of the highlights... Spencer "has his doubts" that Los Angeles will re-sign any of its big three free agents (Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey). He thinks the other three AL West teams would be smart to sign Guerrero given that the outfielder is "a prideful man who would have something to prove to his former employer." If the Angels do dip into the free-agent market, it would be for a starting pitcher. Spencer lists Randy...   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Odds & Ends: DeRosa, Mateo, Mets, Cubs

A few links to click through before the Phillies and Yankees do battle in Game 1 of the World Series... According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Mark DeRosa underwent surgery Monday to repair a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. He's a free agent this winter and is expected to be fine by the start of spring training. Wagner Mateo, a 16-year-old Dominican outfielder, won Bo Jackson's first annual Five-Tool Challenge over the weekend. It's an event open to 18-year-olds. Mateo's contract with the Cardinals was nullified a month ago after the organization discovered he had...   Continue Reading

---

Gary Matthews Jr. Wants Out

When the Angels handed Gary Matthews Jr. a five-year, $50MM contract prior to the 2007 season, the team figured it was getting an elite centerfielder that played Gold Glove defense and hit .300+ like he did in his final season in Texas. Instead, the Angels brought Torii Hunter on board just one season later, and Matthews has been a part-time player ever since. With two years and $23MM left on his deal, Matthews wants out of Anaheim, according to Mike DiGiovanna of The LA Times. "I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on," Matthews said as he...   Continue Reading

---

Trade Candidates: Outfielders

This year’s outfielders have a lot to live up to on July 31st. It was just a year ago that the Red Sox parted with Manny Ramirez and acquired Jason Bay. This time, Matt Holliday’s the big name, but there are also a few cheap, powerful players out there for teams looking to add an outfielder. Here’s your list of trade candidates, ranked from highest 2009 salary to lowest: Matt Holliday - At $13.5MM, Holliday's pricey, but he's a good defender with a history of batting excellence. With just seven extra base hits in the last month, Holliday's no longer...   Continue Reading

---

Reds Seek Bats

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Reds are actively seeking right-handed hitting, especially after losing out on Mark DeRosa to the rival Cardinals. Here are a few options for the Reds, who could improve at third base, shortstop and left field: They have considered dealing for Josh Willingham. Ty Wigginton could fit their needs as well. Adding Matt Holliday would be huge for the Reds, but he'd command the biggest return of all. Gary Matthews Jr. could fit in Cincy if the Angels are willing to pay a considerable portion of his contract. The Angels would likely...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal On Spilborghs, Peavy, Aybar

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports hears that teams began calling the Rockies about Ryan Spilborghs last week when Carlos Gonzalez was called up. Here are the details from Rosenthal's column: The Phillies, Red Sox and Tigers were among the teams inquiring about Spilborghs. The Rockies will likely take their time fielding offers for Spilborghs and their other trade candidates. Jason Marquis, Huston Street and Brad Hawpe could all be dealt, but the Rockies aren't in a hurry to part with them. Rosenthal finds it hard to imagine the Padres trading Jake Peavy before the offseason unless the Cubs get permission...   Continue Reading

---

Odds & Ends: Lackey, Sheffield, Luis Gonzalez

Links for Thursday... Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald learned that while White Sox GM Ken Williams seeks a leadoff hitter, he does not have interest in Juan Pierre or Gary Matthews Jr. In an article yesterday, MLB.com's Lyle Spencer said all is quiet on the John Lackey extension front. Angels GM Tony Reagins said Lackey's initial Opening Day deadline was never a factor for the team. Murray Chass says Gary Sheffield's clubhouse presence is a positive. Luis Gonzalez, a free agent, hopes to play in 2009. But when he retires, he'll do so as a Diamondback according to MLB.com's...   Continue Reading

---

Gary Matthews Jr. Comments

Yahoo's Tim Brown talked to Gary Matthews Jr., who is unhappy about his projected role as the Angels' fourth or fifth outfielder. Matthews didn't exactly publicly demand a trade, but he said things like "We have a problem" and "It's going to have to get resolved." Problem is, no team seems interested in taking on the $33MM owed to Matthews. The Angels would have to eat money or match up with another bad contract, and they might just prefer to keep Matthews in a reserve role. Over at his blog, Torii Hunter tries to explain where his teammate is coming...   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal On Matthews, Thomas, Hammel, Niemann

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new column... The Angels attempted to sell the Reds on Gary Matthews Jr., but it was a one-sided discussion. The Reds have no desire to trade Bronson Arroyo or Aaron Harang for Matthews. Angels GM Tony Reagins told Rosenthal, "We haven't had much discussions with respect to trades and trade possibilities." UPDATE: Reds GM Walt Jocketty told John Fay he hasn't talked to the Angels since the Winter Meetings. Free agent DH Frank Thomas is still waiting for an offer. He intends to delay a decision about retirement until at least the All-Star...   Continue Reading

---

Top Stories

Search MLBTR

Lijit Search

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST