Jake Peavy Rumors

Stark's Latest: Sabathia, Furcal, Peavy

A few notes from Jayson Stark's latest blog post... Stark believes the possibility of C.C. Sabathia signing with the Giants is alive, and the Giants have talked to the pitcher's agent. Such a signing might compel Brian Sabean to remove Matt Cain's "untouchable" tag, in Stark's opinion. Earlier today Ken Rosenthal suggested the Giants were a dark horse for C.C. The Giants offered three years to Rafael Furcal. He wants four, so they switched their attention to Edgar Renteria. The Giants want a shorter-term deal so their own prospects can take over within a few years. Stark notes that the...   Continue Reading

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Giants Closing In On Renteria, Talking Cantu Trade

4:49pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Giants asked the Brewers about J.J. Hardy, but Milwaukee doesn't want to move him. So Brian Sabean moved on to Cantu. 4:12pm: Brian Sabean told reporters he hopes to sign a free agent infielder later this week. 3:42pm: Jon Heyman chimes in; he also thinks a two-year deal could be completed soon. Heyman says the Giants have yet to decide whether to target C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, or Manny Ramirez. Are we seeing a shift back to the win-now plan in San Francisco? 1:53pm: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick talked to Renteria's agent Barry Meister, who...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Dye, Jenks, Werth, Madson

Let's dig into the latest column from John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto speaks of whispers of a possible White Sox-Mets blockbuster. The Mets would receive Jermaine Dye and Bobby Jenks and the White Sox would receive Fernando Martinez among others. Regarding the Orioles' possible involvement in a trade that would send Jake Peavy to the Cubs, Perrotto says Baltimore seeks Ronny Cedeno and Felix Pie from Chicago. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has spoken to outfielder Jayson Werth and setup man Ryan Madson about contract extensions. Madson might be a tough one as he's represented by Scott Boras (who...   Continue Reading

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Javier Vazquez Trade Reactions

The word yesterday evening was that the Braves acquired starter Javier Vazquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan for Tyler Flowers, Brent Lillibridge, Jon Gilmore, and Santos Rodriguez (MLB.com's Mark Bowman confirms the prospects). Look for the trade to become official tommorrow. Reactions to the deal: South Side Sox expects a couple of accompanying moves: the trade of Jermaine Dye for a young starter and the signing of an affordable free agent outfielder. They don't see the White Sox benefitting from the Vazquez trade in 2009, but at least Ozzie cleared out his doghouse. Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune says...   Continue Reading

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Reagins Debunks Sabathia Rumors

MLB.com's Lyle Spencer talked to Angels GM Tony Reagins, who said Mark Teixeira remains the team's top priority (and they're not concerned about his knee). Reagins said there was nothing to reports of the Halos shifting their focus to C.C. Sabathia. The Angels have also not made a play for Jake Peavy. The original report on the Angels interest in Sabathia suggested Tex remained the priority, though Danny Knobler had said the Halos dropped their pursuit of Tex.   Continue Reading

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Braves Rumors: Hampton, Lowe, Burnett

Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the latest on the Braves in a new blog post. The Braves never intended Mike Hampton to be one of the two front-rotation starters they acquire this winter, so his rejection of their offer doesn't affect their plans much. O'Brien notes that he's heard no indications that the Braves are actively pursuing Derek Lowe. A.J. Burnett seems to be their top target, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Jake Peavy talks revived at the Winter Meetings. The Braves made trade inquiries on Roy Oswalt and Matt Cain and "haven't received favorable...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Monday

8:42pm: Towers gave Tom Krasovic a Peavy update. Towers believes that the Braves' unwillingness to grant Peavy a no-trade clause remains on obstacle in that potential match. Plus, a Krasovic source wonders whether Peavy would even OK a trade to Atlanta. Krasovic adds that the Cubs and Padres discussed a 5-for-1 deal, where the Orioles would be involved to route more pitching to San Diego. However, Towers noted the Cubs' current payroll concerns. 10:35am: Murray Chass snagged a good quote from Padres GM Kevin Towers regarding the Jake Peavy trade talks: "I would say the Cubs are still in it....   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Peavy, Wilson

Lots to cover in the latest from Ken Rosenthal: Jake Peavy to the Cubs is still being explored despite complications: The Cubs are being sold. Ryan Dempster was re-signed for 4 years, $52MM. The Padres are trying to include a third party to net the package GM Kevin Towers is seeking. If this happened then the Cubs would need to move Jason Marquis. Rosenthal suggests the Padres could take him if the Cubs ate around $3MM of his $9MM owed next season, or the Cubs could deal him and cash to another team (Rosenthal suggests the Rockies, Reds, or Giants)....   Continue Reading

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Third Team In Peavy Deal: Orioles?

According to Jeff Zrebiec and Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles appear to be the third team in the Jake Peavy-Cubs trade talks. Kevin Towers told Tim Brown earlier this week he may have found the third team. According to the Sun, one scenario could have the Cubs sending Felix Pie to Baltimore for Garrett Olson, who would become part of the Cubs' package for Peavy. The Orioles once targeted Pie during the Brian Roberts talks, while the Padres wanted Olson for Khalil Greene. No deal is imminent. The authors add that acquiring Pie would not affect the...   Continue Reading

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Towers Finds Third Team For Cubs-Peavy Deal?

Yahoo's Tim Brown has new info on Jake Peavy: Padres general manager Kevin Towers said Wednesday night he might have identified a third team that would facilitate sending the standout pitcher to the Cubs, who don’t possess the depth in prospects or big league-ready talent to meet the Padres’ asking price. Feel free to pose your guesses in the comments. Cubs top prospect Josh Vitters seems the most reasonable candidate to be in the middle of this trade. The 19 year-old third baseman is a few years away from the bigs, while the Padres want MLB-ready talent. Brown says Towers...   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Greene, Peavy

Let's check in on the Padres. SI.com's Jon Heyman talked to GM Kevin Towers, who doesn't anticipate a deal for Khalil Greene anytime soon. The market for free agent shortstops is buzzing right now, so it makes sense to wait until after the top guys sign. MLB.com's Corey Brock says Towers can't move to address other team needs until the Jake Peavy situation is resolved. The package for Peavy will likely fill multiple pitching needs, and then Towers can move on to free agent bargains and a backup catcher. Sean McAdam has a Padres article up at ESPN.com, describing the...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Ibanez, Abreu, Teahen

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times has a couple of new Cubs articles up, here and here. Manager Lou Piniella would prefer the Cubs acquire a middle of the order hitter over a leadoff man, if only one can be acquired. Piniella had kind words for possible free agent target Raul Ibanez. Piniella continued to dismiss the idea of the Cubs pursuing Jake Peavy (despite recent comments from Padres GM Kevin Towers). He'd like to give Mike Fontenot more playing time in 2009, which would help balance the lineup. In the spring the Cubs will see if Fontenot can chip...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Monday

SI.com's Jon Heyman has the latest on the Jake Peavy trade talks, after talking to Padres GM Kevin Towers. Towers seems to think the Cubs are a more likely suitor for Peavy than the Braves. The Cubs have obstacles - their ownership/financial situation is in flux, and they'll need a third team to get the Padres the players they want. But Towers hasn't spoken to the Braves in weeks, and they may object to Peavy's desire for a full no-trade clause.   Continue Reading

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Rogers' Latest: Royals/Cubs, Peavy, Phillies

Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune has an interesting piece covering many topics throughout MLB: The Royals are specifically eyeing Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot as targets while discussing a trade for Mark Teahen with the Chicago Cubs. We've heard some conflicting reports recently about whether or not this trade was actually being talked about. Teahen could fill the Cubs' right field vacancy, but his offensive struggles since moving to the outfield have been well-documented. Houston could still be a dark-horse candidate for Jake Peavy. Roy Oswalt has been telling Peavy the two of them could make Houston contenders together....   Continue Reading

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Mark Teixeira Rumors: Sunday

To recap: Teixeira told Erin Andrews on Thursday that he wants to have it finished before Christmas, according to Mike Scarr of mlb.com. It's reasonable to anticipate the winter meetings, December 8-11, to be a suitable high profile venue for Boras to break the news. The Angels are preparing an offer for Mark Teixeira, perhaps with a deadline. If he doesn't accept it, they may make a move for Jake Peavy. The Yankees are "set to be aggressive" if they only land one of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, or Derek Lowe. The Red Sox are apparently "lusting" for him, but...   Continue Reading

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With Billingsley Hurt, Dodgers Eyeing Peavy?

Chad Billingsley slipped on ice, fell, and broke his leg according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, spreading the Dodgers rotation thin as it stands. "How this will affect the Dodgers' maneuverings in the free-agent and trade markets, if at all, is... uncertain. General Manager Ned Colletti was unavailable for comment Saturday night. With [Derek] Lowe and [Brad] Penny expected to sign elsewhere and Greg Maddux likely to retire, the Dodgers' rotation at this point consists of only Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw." Hernandez reports the Dodgers are saying he'll be ready for spring training. Buster Olney...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Pedro, Sabathia, Peavy

A look at what is being written about the hot stove in the Blogosphere... Fire Brand of the American League looks at the ramifications of the Coco Crisp trade and what could happen if the Red Sox acquire Mark Teixeira and are unable to move Mike Lowell. Baseball Opinion says the Crisp deal leaves the Royals with a crowded outfield and a depleted bullpen and wonders if Mark Teahen or David DeJesus will be the next to go. Nationals Pride sees the Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham trade as a good start towards building a team with a core of...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Thursday

2:00pm: David O'Brien says the Padres and Braves need each other and still believes Peavy winds up in Atlanta. I agree. O'Brien also says the Braves' talks for Ryan Ludwick aren't dead. 10:29am: SI.com's Jon Heyman talked to Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod. Peavy hasn't revised his original list of five teams, but Axelrod says the NL West would interest Peavy (aside from the Rockies). So, maybe Giants fans have something new to speculate about. Axelrod says the list was only guidance for Towers. 8:52am: Let's round up today's Jake Peavy linkage. MLB.com's Carrie Muskat said yesterday the Cubs' talks for...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Putz, Manny, Lackey, Ibanez

Let's take a look at the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark does the math and finds 15 potentially available closers versus six clubs in the market for one. Should result in a few bargains or teams holding on to their surpluses. The Mets don't seem willing to extend to four years for Francisco Rodriguez. Stark says J.J. Putz would become the Mets' top closer target if he's made available. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone wrote a few days ago that the Mets are likely to trade for a reliever with closing experience before attempting to sign one. J.P. Ricciardi quote:...   Continue Reading

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Schulman On The Giants

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle gives us a look at what the Giants' offseason plans look like right now. For one, they'd like to upgrade at shortstop. However, the Giants' current pursuit of Rafael Furcal would be "impacted," says Schulman, by any deal that sends Jake Peavy to Atlanta. It's expected the Braves would get in on the bidding for Furcal if Peavy were acquired. By "impacted," I'm going to assume this means the Giants would be much less interested in the free agent shortstop. Second, they need an impact bat for the middle of the order. There...   Continue Reading

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Brown on Sabathia, Teixeira, Lowe, Peavy

In his latest article, Tim Brown at Yahoo! Sports considers a possibility that others have discussed: maybe C.C. Sabathia doesn't want to play for the New York Yankees. He certainly has options--Brown's list includes the Dodgers, Angels, White Sox, Red Sox, Mariners, Tigers, and of course, the Brewers. Not signing C.C. would increase the likelihood that the Yankees make a serious offer to Mark Teixeira. Nick Swisher seems to have the starting job at first base for now, but failing to land Sabathia might shift the Yankees' attention to all three of Teixeira, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, says Brown....   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Teixeira, Giles, Beimel

Links for Wednesday... You can hear me on Lenny Melnick's radio show at about 7:15pm CST. The Marlins could be an interesting long shot for Raul Ibanez, but he'd have to leave significant money on the table. Indians manager Eric Wedge really wants the team to bring in a closer. George King likes Jason Giambi for the Rays; Cork Gaines imagines the negotiations. Jesse Spector talking to Brewers GM Doug Melvin, who wasn't in a revealing mood. Tony Massarotti expects the Red Sox to make a huge offer to Mark Teixeira. Padres outfielder Brian Giles doesn't expect to be traded...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Wednesday

Dan Hayes of the North County Times talked to Jake Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod, who said there are "probably six or eight more teams we'd be willing to look at" beyond Peavy's initial preferred five. Some suggest the Cubs are still in play; MLB.com's Carrie Muskat says talks have ended. No other team is generating buzz. The Braves certainly have the goods, if they're willing to up their offer (and give Peavy a full no-trade clause).   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Marquis, Furcal, Peavy

The Cubs re-signed Ryan Dempster yesterday; what's next? They've got one of the game's most expensive rotations, yet could add another starter. They're also projecting to exceed a $130MM payroll, so GM Jim Hendry will need to be creative. Joel Sherman expects the Cubs to try to trade Jason Marquis, who is owed $9.875MM in 2009. Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times runs through the options for a lefthanded/switch-hitting bat. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune says the Cubs spoke to Rafael Furcal's agent, though nothing is serious yet. Furcal was very nearly a Cub in 2006. Sullivan says the...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Burnett, Lowe, Peavy

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal says reports of the Blue Jays' four-year, $54MM offer to A.J. Burnett are inaccurate - they've yet to make a proposal. He's on board with Kat O'Brien's info from yesterday, noting Boston's interest. Scott Boras is apparently telling teams he wants "a Zito-type contract" for righty Derek Lowe. Lowe is 35, while Zito was 28. Is Boras implying that he wants $18MM a year? Obviously Lowe will not find a seven-year offer. ESPN's Buster Olney says Boras wants five years for Lowe. The Padres told the Yankees a Jake Peavy...   Continue Reading

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Towers: Peavy To Braves Could Still Happen

Now that the Cubs have essentially taken themselves out of the Jake Peavy sweepstakes by signing free agent pitcher Ryan Dempster, Padres GM Kevin Towers is looking for a new trade partner. MLB.com's Corey Brock reminds us that "Towers indicated Monday that the Cubs were essentially his sole focus as far as discussions to trade Peavy, the 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner." Now the Padres may try to rekindle talks with the Braves: Towers wouldn't rule out the possibility of circling back around to the Braves, who last week said they were moving on after a deal couldn't...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Re-Sign Dempster

3:45pm: ESPN is reporting details of the contract. Dempster gets a $4 million signing bonus, $8MM in 2009, $12.5MM in 2010, $13.5MM in 2011, and a $14MM player option for 2012. He can make additional money based on awards. Looks like the Cubs backloaded the deal to leave payroll room. 11:51am: Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times also says there's a four-year, $52MM agreement and Dempster will sign the deal today. I consider this an acceptable price. There's a health risk, but Dempster already had Tommy John surgery. He can probably maintain an ERA below 4.00. 11:47am: Dan Graziano of...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Abreu, Burnett, Teixeira

George King of the New York Post and Kat O'Brien of Newsday have the latest on the Yankees, who are in hot pursuit of free agent starting pitching. The Yankees will offer arbitration to Bobby Abreu, according to Jon Heyman. No surprise there. King says the Yankees are preparing an offer for A.J. Burnett, "perhaps a five-year deal worth about $80 million." Burnett's agent says they're just discussing parameters. It would be a strong offer, dwarfing the Blue Jays' four years, $54MM. ESPN's Buster Olney believes a fifth guaranteed year will ultimately result in the winning bid for Burnett. The...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Griffey, Peavy, Dempster

A look at the latest column from FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal: Rosenthal wonders if Jason Varitek's viral sickness and divorce last year contributed to his poor performance at the plate. Ken Griffey Jr.'s wife gave him her blessing to play anywhere he'd like. If he's focused on getting a ring, Seattle might not make sense. Griffey's doctor believes his knee will be in better shape in 2009. Padres GM Kevin Towers wonders if Jake Peavy would've accepted a trade to the Braves, given Atlanta's club policy against no-trade clauses. Towers isn't talking to the Braves, Dodgers, or Yankees about Peavy,...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Monday

MLB.com's Corey Brock has the latest on Jake Peavy, after speaking to Padres GM Kevin Towers. It doesn't sound like much is going on with the Yankees, despite Ken Rosenthal's report of numerous discussions. Towers says he's had "no direct conversations with Cashman about Peavy over a period of time." Towers is currently focused on the Cubs, but admits that a third or even fourth team would need to be involved. He hasn't talked to the Angels about Peavy.   Continue Reading

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Yankees Pursuing Peavy

A quick update on Jake Peavy. On Thursday, Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune said it was clear that neither the Braves nor Cubs would be acquiring Peavy. The Braves are moving on, looking at A.J. Burnett, despite Buster Olney's suggestion that both sides need this deal. Krasovic wondered if Kevin Towers might approach the Yankees and Angels. Yesterday, Ken Rosenthal reports Brian Cashman and Towers have been discussing a Peavy deal since the GM meetings earlier this month. Towers apparently wanted to engage NL clubs - a "strong preference" for Peavy - before touching base again with the...   Continue Reading

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Olney On Braves, Peavy, Burnett

Buster Olney writes that the Braves are still the best fit for Jake Peavy, even if they are apparently moving on for the time being. Olney argues that "both sides need this trade." The Braves will not bid on C.C. Sabathia, and Olney thinks they'll have a tough time signing A.J. Burnett. If the Braves can't sign Burnett, Olney suggests Jon Garland, Oliver Perez and Ryan Dempster as alternatives. The Braves have already had preliminary discussions with Burnett's agent, Darek Brauneker.   Continue Reading

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Braves Moving On From Peavy

4:26pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs remain interested in Peavy; they intend to add one starting pitcher. Ryan Dempster is another possibility, and Randy Johnson is also on the radar. 4:14pm: Much ink has been spilled on the possibility of the Braves acquiring Jake Peavy, but GM Frank Wren tabled that idea today. Wren has notified the Padres he's moving on to other pitchers to fill his rotation. A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Ryan Dempster are known to be targets.   Continue Reading

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Burnett, Braves Have Mutual Interest

According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the Braves and A.J. Burnett have mutual interest. Preliminary talks have taken place. Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, downplayed the idea that Burnett strongly desires to play closer to home. The Braves also like Derek Lowe and Ryan Dempster. They could try to sign two of the three if a Jake Peavy deal cannot be hammered out. Burnett has a four-year, $54MM offer from the Blue Jays to shop around. The Yankees should make an offer soon.   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Thursday

9:41pm: Kevin Towers told Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune that despite advanced discussions with the Braves and Cubs, he does not see a potential deal with either club. Krasovic wonders if Towers will now try to engage the Yankees and Angels. 4:26pm: Rosenthal says trade talks between the Padres and Braves remain at an impasse, but the Braves would pursue Rafael Furcal next if they do acquire Peavy. 4:14pm: Brown has a quote from Kevin Towers: "Nothing is close. I wouldn’t say we are even remotely close to pulling the trigger on anything with Jake." But the question...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Focused On Lefthanded Bat

Gordon Wittenmyer talked to his sources and agrees with Lou Piniella's indication that the Cubs are not serious about Jake Peavy. Wittenmyer believes San Diego sources were putting the Cubs rumors out there to drive up the price. He says the Cubs are focused on acquiring an athletic lefthanded hitter this winter. Wittenmyer says Raul Ibanez, Jeremy Hermida, and Brian Roberts remain on the radar. The latest word on Hermida is that the Marlins will need to be "wowed" to move him.   Continue Reading

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Braves Near Peavy Deal?

According to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, the Padres are expected to request Jake Peavy waive his no-trade clause to go to the Braves. The deal being discussed: Yunel Escobar, Gorkys Hernandez, Charlie Morton or Jo-Jo Reyes, and Blaine Boyer or one of two minor league southpaws. Miller says the Padres are leaning toward Morton and Boyer. The Braves want an answer by Friday, so they can figure out their free agent needs. Peavy is said to prefer the Cubs, but we'll see what happens if the Padres approach him to waive the no-trade for Atlanta. It hasn't happened yet.   Continue Reading

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Nothing Imminent On Peavy Deal

5:46pm: Manager Lou Piniella thinks the Peavy-Cubs rumors are "only talk." At least, he hasn't talked to Cubs GM Jim Hendry much about it. Piniella remains fixated on a lefthanded hitter. 4:31pm: Yahoo's Tim Brown has an update on the Jake Peavy trade talks, though it's not very exciting. A Padres exec says the team has options, but nothing is close. The Padres have not yet asked Peavy to approve a trade. Interesting note from Brown - the Yankees pushed hard, while the Red Sox and Mets "inserted themselves" into the mix. Brown notes that Peavy would probably want the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Holliday, Takahashi, Lincecum

Links for Wednesday... Richard Justice says the Astros should offer Andy Pettitte $7-8MM to come back. Joe Christensen doesn't see Huston Street landing in Minnesota. Larry Beinfest dismissed a "cyberspace rumor" that the Marlins are planning a run at Manny Ramirez. Gordon Wittenmyer says the Cubs could fit both Jake Peavy and Ryan Dempster into the payroll, and that the Peavy situation will be resolved first. Today is the deadline for MLB.com's Free Agent Frenzy. You have until 4pm CST to submit your picks for 15 free agents. Here are my predictions from November 3rd...I would change the Furcal and...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Hardy, Flowers, Wolf

Another day, another column from Ken Rosenthal. With multiple vacancies in the rotation and bullpen, the Brewers may need to see what kind of pitching Mike Cameron and/or J.J. Hardy can bring in return. GM Doug Melvin is not ready to shop Hardy. He's received interest, but most teams have not given names (one team suggested swapping him for a pitcher Melvin termed, "a fifth starter.") The Padres have asked the Braves to substitute catcher Tyler Flowers for center fielder Gorkys Hernandez in their Jake Peavy offer. Dave O'Brien sees this as unlikely. If they can't sign Mark Teixeira, the...   Continue Reading

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Could Braves Target Cain?

This is more speculation than rumor, but David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders if the Braves could go after Matt Cain if their Jake Peavy pursuit falls through. It's an interesting thought, given reports of the Braves' mounting frustration with the Padres. At $13-15MM over the next three years, Cain is incredibly affordable. And I imagine the Braves' primary Peavy trade chips, especially the position players, would appeal to the Giants. Still, when asked last week if Cain is untouchable, Giants GM Brian Sabean replied in the affirmative.   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Tuesday

12:14pm: Dave O'Brien agrees that the Braves are growing frustrated waiting on Kevin Towers, with the free agent open season creeping up. 10:21am: ESPN's Buster Olney has the latest on the Jake Peavy trade talks. Olney says the Braves and Padres are making progress, despite Ken Rosenthal's report of Atlanta's frustration. Olney says the Braves would send Yunel Escobar and Gorkys Hernandez to the Padres, plus Charlie Morton or Jo-Jo Reyes. They're haggling over one last player, with the Padres eyeing southpaw Jeff Locke. The Cubs are still in the mix, and a third team would be included to flip...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Johnson, Peavy, Dempster

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. It doesn't seem likely that Randy Johnson re-signs with the Diamondbacks, though Johnson is holding out filing for free agency until the possibility is exhausted. The D'Backs hope he will take a significant hometown discount; they have roughly $10MM to spend for Johnson and a second baseman. If a Mark Loretta type takes $2MM, will Johnson take $8MM after earning $15.1MM for a fine '08 season? The Braves are frustrated with the progress on the Jake Peavy talks, and will explore other options (especially once the free agent...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Monday

Summing up this weekend's Jake Peavy information... David O'Brien noted that the friendship between Padres GM Kevin Towers and Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod has raised some eyebrows. O'Brien also learned that Peavy's concern over Yunel Escobar being in the deal was overblown - it's more a general concern that the pitcher joins a strong team. On Saturday, Ken Rosenthal had the Braves and Cubs as frontrunners with the Yankees and Dodgers on the backburner. He said the Padres discussed keeping Peavy if offers do not suffice. The Braves were said to be growing impatient. Astros owner Drayton McLane indicated the...   Continue Reading

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Cardinals Rumors: Hudson, Lopez, Kennedy

The Cardinals have moved on from Matt Holliday for the time being; let's see what else is cooking. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has the latest. Middle infield seems to be the primary concern now. One option is to pursue a trade for Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar of the Braves, but that will probably require Ryan Ludwick. However, those talks must wait until the Braves resolve their chase of Jake Peavy. On the free agent front, the Cardinals are interested in Orlando Hudson but not Felipe Lopez. Scott Boras seems to be aiming for a multiyear deal...   Continue Reading

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Peavy Rumors: Saturday

I'm giving up and setting up a post to house Jake Peavy rumors, because I keep coming across different variations. I'll update the post if I come across more as the afternoon goes on. To recap: Buster Olney expects a deal before Thanksgiving. Ken Rosenthal has heard that the Braves are getting tired of waiting, at that yesterday, the Padres discussed just keeping Peavy for themselves. He mentioned the Braves, Cubs, Dodgers and Yankees as still in the running. Brian McTaggart at the Houston Chronicle has reported that the Astros see themselves as out of the running, because the Padres'...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Nationals, Manny, Peavy, Vazquez

We've already touched on Ken Rosenthal's Matt Holliday update, but there are other good tidbits in the article as well: "Club officials believe" that the Nationals are "reasonably close to a breakthrough." They blame 2008's sorry performance on the raft of injuries Washington suffered, which is why they're willing to spend now for a big bat -- the key names floating around have been the aforementioned Holliday, Adam Dunn, and Mark Teixeira, though Rosenthal seems skeptical they could snag any of them. But what about Manny Ramirez? "Jim Bowden, the Nats' unconventional GM, probably would love the idea, but D.C....   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Peavy, Hoffman, Sabathia

Buster Olney has a new update on the Padres and a new article about the Giants. Olney says there's a growing feeling that Jake Peavy will be dealt "sometime before Thanksgiving." Trevor Hoffman hopes to meet with Padres executives soon to discuss the team's direction. Olney says that the Indians are one of many teams who might be interested in Hoffman if he decides to reject the Padres one year $4MM offer. Olney writes that the Giants shouldn't let the Barry Zito signing stop them from going after C.C. Sabathia aggressively this offseason.   Continue Reading

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McLane: Astros Unlikely To Acquire Peavy

According to Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle, Astros owner Drayton McLane doesn't expect his team to trade for Jake Peavy. Not surprisingly, the Padres asked for "three or four" of Houston's best prospects in return for the ace pitcher. McLane didn't reveal which players the Padres were interested in, but said that their asking price was ultimately a "stumbling block." The Cubs and Braves are still front-runners in the Peavy sweepstakes.   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Friday

1:47pm: This Scott Miller column is from yesterday, but it has some good info. Miller's source believes the Braves are the frontrunners for Peavy and are willing to include Gorkys Hernandez. Additionally, the source said the Cubs are very aggressive and the Dodgers are making a strong pitch. 12:53pm: Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald says Samardzija is not on the table and has a full, not partial, no-trade. Additionally, the Cubs have not thrown Fontenot into the mix. Miles gives a 50-50 chance of the Cubs getting Peavy. 9:39am: GM Kevin Towers expects to trade Jake Peavy before the...   Continue Reading

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Orioles, Reds, Tigers, Jays Interested In Greene

THURSDAY: Reds GM Walt Jocketty shot down the rumor that he was interested in Greene. If he adds a shortstop, it'll be a 0-3 guy. TUESDAY, 11:21pm: Tom Krasovic adds the Blue Jays to the mix for Greene. Padres GM Kevin Towers says Greene would likely be traded in a separate deal rather than packaged with Jake Peavy. 7:42pm: The Red Sox and Padres made a point to officially dismiss the idea of Crisp for Greene. 2:59pm: It seems that LaRue was saying both Crisp and Greene are available, not that one was offered for the other. So, scratch the...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Thursday

4:05pm: Ken Rosenthal has some of the names being offered by the Braves for Peavy. According to Rosenthal, the Braves are offering Yunel Escobar, either Jo-Jo Reyes or Charlie Morton and an unnamed player believed to be a top prospect. Rosenthal does not have any details on the Cubs' package but notes that it is likely to be "fluid". 4:00pm: Chris De Luca has updated his earlier piece and now says Dempster is seeking five years, $70MM. 3:03pm: Peter Abraham says that Kevin Towers has told Peavy that he will be traded and that negotiations have been narrowed to three...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal: Cubs Want Peavy And Dempster

Ken Rosenthal is working overtime today with his second column. This time Rosenthal reports that the Cubs are willing to give Ryan Dempster a four-year deal even if they land Jake Peavy from the Padres. The club also is willing to give Dempster a four-year contract, sources say, a decision that should put them in good position to retain the free-agent right-hander. Even though the Cubs are for sale, team officials apparently believe that they can absorb the four years and $63 million remaining on Peavy's contract while committing at least $50 million to Dempster over the same term. Rosenthal...   Continue Reading

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Cards Won't Rule Out Ludwick/Ankiel Trade

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch dug into the rumors that Cardinals outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel might be available. It seems that the Cards will listen on them, but with caveats: GM John Mozeliak says there's a "high likelihood" both stay, and a trade is just one of many scenarios. Strauss confirms the recent chatter from Dave O'Brien - the Braves are interested, and would be willing to give up Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar if they don't trade one of them in a Jake Peavy deal. The Cardinals like both infielders, but would probably require "significant...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Wednesday

11:00pm: Meanwhile, Yahoo's Tim Brown says the Braves, Cubs, and Cardinals are all working out contigency plans to replace the players they'd use in a Peavy deal. 10:53pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs are the frontrunner for Peavy, "perhaps even ahead of the Braves." He says the Cubs also want to re-sign Ryan Dempster. The Cubs' dream rotation would be Peavy, Carlos Zambrano, Dempster, Ted Lilly, and Rich Harden. The Braves had a window of exclusivity to hammer out a Peavy trade, but that has apparently passed. The Padres like the Cubs' young pitching, even if it doesn't match Atlanta's....   Continue Reading

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Braves Rumors: Ludwick, Johnson, Escobar, Francoeur

David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has all kinds of Braves info, found in the body and comments of his latest blog post. The Braves have expressed interest in Ryan Ludwick, and the Cardinals would be willing to take Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar in return. However, the Braves would probably have to include one of their middle infielders in a Jake Peavy deal and don't want to trade both this winter. Braves GM Frank Wren publicly acknowledged the Peavy trade talks. O'Brien believes a package built around Escobar has a chance. Pitching prospect Tommy Hanson is not available. The...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Dempster, Peavy, Sabathia, Hill

6:05pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are willing to offer Dempster a four-year contract. This helps their chances, though Dempster's agent said today "there's very little possibility he's going to sign soon with the Cubs." 9:36am: Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times has fresh Cubs rumors this morning. De Luca's sources describe the Cubs' interest in Jake Peavy as "limited." Instead, the Cubs have "deep interest" in C.C. Sabathia. De Luca also wonders if the Cubs will entertain A.J. Burnett. Dave van Dyck suggested Derek Lowe could fit. The Cubs' payroll room will depend on free agents Ryan...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Tuesday

9:58pm: Peavy apparently rejected one trade, to an American League team with a small ballpark. 12:12pm: David O'Brien says Braves and Padres officials met Sunday and Monday to talk Peavy, discussing proposals not including Tommy Hanson. The Braves remain the favorite. 12:08pm: Brewers GM Doug Melvin says he is not engaged in talks for Peavy. 10:32am: Joel Sherman says the Yankees have shown no early movement toward Peavy. Free agents just make more sense. Still, Jay Paris snagged some good quotes from Axelrod and Towers about the Yankees possibility. 8:52am: Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod, says they have not given approval...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fielder, Beimel, Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene at the GM meetings, and as usual has all kinds of new info. The Brewers are unlikely to trade Prince Fielder, and reluctant to trade J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. It'd be smart to retain those three players. Rosenthal still likes the Braves as the favorite for Jake Peavy, but wonders if the Cubs or another team could incorporate a third team to get it done. The Cubs will need to spend much of their available money on pitching, which may leave little payroll room for an outfielder like Bobby Abreu. They could backload...   Continue Reading

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More Peavy: Yankees, Angels, Cubs

10:37pm: Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune comments on the Cubs' interest in Peavy. There's not much new here - if the Cubs can't re-sign Ryan Dempster, they could take a crack at Peavy. Van Dyck has an unconfirmed rumor of a Cubs offer of Felix Pie, Ronny Cedeno, and others. The others would be pretty important in such a scenario. Van Dyck makes a good point in that the Cubs might have to dive into the pool of second tier free agent starters if they can't get Dempster or Peavy. 8:42pm: Padres GM Kevin Towers recently spoke to...   Continue Reading

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Jake Peavy Rumors: Monday