Hank Blalock Rumors

Rosenthal On Saito, Rangers, Hardy

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Red Sox discussed a trade that would have sent Takashi Saito to Texas for Hank Blalock. The idea lost traction once Josh Hamilton underwent surgery and David Ortiz began hitting better and it's not likely to be revived. However, "several" teams have interest in Saito, who the Red Sox might prefer to deal for a prospect. Here are more details from Rosenthal's column: The Rangers remain the leading contenders to sign Ben Sheets. They also considered going after Nick Johnson, but are more likely to replace Chris Davis internally if they decide...   Continue Reading

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Heyman On Peavy, Pedro, Blalock

Jon Heyman of SI.com has a number of rumors in his latest column: He believes the Cubs and Brewers have the best shot at acquiring Jake Peavy, because of the pitcher's preference for the National League and his desire to play in "middle America." Heyman believes Peavy would accept a deal to either team, but there are never guarantees with a no-trade clause. The Yankees and Indians both say they cannot add payroll. One AL executive believes Pedro Martinez would sign for $3MM plus incentives at this point. The Rangers would listen to offers for Hank Blalock and ask for...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Lackey, Dunn, Young, Isringhausen

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal. John Lackey is due up for extension talks with the Angels, as he'll be eligible for free agency after the '09 season. He'd easily be the best available starter. Rosenthal says talks with the Angels should occur before the beginning of the season, but the Halos may not be willing to offer A.J. Burnett money (five years, $82.5MM). In November, Jayson Stark said Lackey had been telling friends he expects to have an extension by Opening Day. That came after Lackey's confirmation he'd wait to see the Angels' offensive plans before...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Manny, Sheets, Gagne, Young

SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with a post on the Rangers; most of the info came up during his recent MLB Network appearance. Heyman says the Rangers "are considering a pursuit" of Manny Ramirez, noting that Jon Daniels isn't currently pursuing him but didn't rule it out. Heyman still considers the Dodgers and Giants the top suitors. El Lefty Malo doesn't seem him landing with San Francisco. The Rangers maintain interest in Ben Sheets and are also considering bringing Eric Gagne back. T.R. Sullivan also mentions Tim Redding, Chad Cordero, Jason Isringhausen, and Eddie Guardado. The Rangers have received inquiries...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Bradley, Burrell, Dunn

Ken Rosenthal filed a new column earlier today. The Angels are lukewarm on Manny Ramirez, and for now are talking about filling their lineup with internal candidates. Kevin Towers says that if the Jake Peavy sweepstakes heats back up, "nobody is going to know it." Rosenthal discusses the chances of the Angels or Cubs. Mark Teixeira is "almost certain" to get an escape clause in his deal. The Cubs are confident about signing Milton Bradley, but the Rays, Yankees, and Nationals are interested too. Rosenthal looks at possibilities for Pat Burrell, discussing the Rays, Mariners, Rangers, and Reds. The Brewers...   Continue Reading

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Giants Rumors: Burrell, Turnbow, Sanchez

9:22pm: Baggarly says Brian Sabean touched base with 25 teams today. Baggarly does not buy recent rumors connecting the Giants to Cantu, Encarnacion, and Hank Blalock. 6:08pm: Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News provides the Giants rumors... Pat Burrell would love to play for the Giants, but he's far down on the team's list due to defensive concerns. The Giants offered Derrick Turnbow a non-guaranteed contract. The Pirates are another team eyeing Turnbow. Jonathan Sanchez is a popular name in trade talks. Baggarly doesn't foresee a Sanchez for Edwin Encarnacion or Jorge Cantu straight up type deal.   Continue Reading

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Winter Meetings Previews

We've added a few new Winter Meetings preview to the collection... Yahoo's Tim Brown runs through plans for all of the American and National League teams. Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post says the Rockies are all about left-handed relief help. They've got several trade chips to work with. Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer has the Phillies covered. You know the plan: starting pitcher, outfielder. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reminds us of the Cardinals' wish list: starter, closer, lefthanded reliever. Arthur Rhodes would fit, but he's leaning toward the Reds. Strauss wonders if John Mozeliak can...   Continue Reading

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Giants, Rangers Talking Blalock?

T.R. Sullivan writes that the Rangers and Giants will discuss a potential deal to send Hank Blalock to San Francisco. The teams match up well on paper, with the Giants needing offense and the Rangers in need of pitching. Texas is interested in Matt Cain, but know the Giants won't move him easily (especially for Blalock). Their focus will likely shift to Jonathan Sanchez. Blalock still doesn't seem like enough for Sanchez. Can the two teams work out a package?   Continue Reading

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Rangers Cutting Payroll?

While not making any drastic reductions, the Rangers may be shedding payroll says Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. This could make available Gerald Laird, Hank Blalock, Kevin Millwood, and Vincente Padilla. "'I wouldn't say we're in cost-cutting mode, but we're certainly conscious of all our expenditures,' [GM Jon] Daniels said. 'We're going to look at all the ways to improve our club. For the most part, we've been focused on trying to add players who fit with our long-term plan. Those are younger players.' ... With more than $51 million committed to seven players and the desire to...   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Penny, Jenks, Salty

Let's take a look at Peter Gammons' Saturday blog post. Gammons indicates that Brad Penny is working hard this offseason, and teams such as the Cardinals, Red Sox, Rangers, and Blue Jays "appreciate" his past success. The Mets are apparently worried about Bobby Jenks' declining strikeout rate, a sentiment echoed by Joel Sherman. Sherman talked to a Mets official who said the chances of acquiring Jenks are "close to zero." The Rangers apparently wanted Clay Buchholz or two of Justin Masterson/Nick Hagadone/Michael Bowden for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Red Sox aren't biting. The Rangers would probably have to trade Hank Blalock...   Continue Reading

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