Jason Giambi Rumors

Odds And Ends: Astros, Kawakami, Uehara, Giambi, Cabrera

It's a lazy Saturday afternoon, but one gets the feeling there's a major signing or trade lurking right around the corner. In the meantime, here are some odds and ends: Fox Sports' Jeff Moore looks back at the top trades of the past three offseasons. His number one? Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell and Guillermo Mota to Boston for Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado and Harvey Garcia. The Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice says everyone knows Astros owner Dayton McLane has told GM Ed Wade "to keep the payroll at around $100 million," but "to keep the current team together would...   Continue Reading

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A's Interested In Nick Johnson, Jason Giambi

3:06pm: Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle has more. She says the A's checked in on Johnson a month ago, and they're looking into multiple first base/DH types that fit the affordable/solid OBP mold. Slusser believes Jason Giambi remains the A's top target, assuming he backs off his three-year demand. She adds that the A's want to keep Daric Barton and get him back on track. 12:59pm: MLB.com's Bill Ladson talked to a baseball source who says the A's received Johnson's medical records but trade talks have not yet begun. Ladson's source added that several other teams have Johnson's...   Continue Reading

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Rafael Furcal Rumors: Thursday

8:35pm: According to Jeff Passan, Furcal has been offered many three-year deals, but he wants a four-year contract. Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer confirmed that the Orioles, Braves, Giants, Cubs, Dodgers and A's are interested, along with one unnamed "mystery" team. 1:30pm: MLB.com's Mychael Urban talked to Kinzer, who said the A's have examined Furcal's medical records. Urban also says the A's expressed interest in Jason Giambi. 9:40am: Rounding up the recent Rafael Furcal links... According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the A's are still pursuing free agent shortstop Furcal. They like that he's not a Type A...   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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Blue Jays To Sit Out Free Agent Market?

Beyond attempting to re-sign starter A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi does not intend to dabble in free agency this year. He told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian he'd probably stay in-house. Ricciardi shot down rumors of interest in Jason Giambi, Milton Bradley, and Rafael Furcal. Drunk Jays Fans doesn't buy the talk, though. Trades are Ricciardi's ideal route, though Richard Griffin notes J.P. has rarely dealt prospects for Major Leaguers. Griffin believes big league trade chips may include B.J. Ryan, John McDonald, and Lyle Overbay. Jason Frasor could be another.   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Abreu, Arroyo, Hudson

ESPN's Jayson Stark is back with a look at needs and plans for all 30 teams. I highly recommend you read the article, but here are a few highlights. He's also got a fresh blog post here. The Phillies are eyeing Doug Brocail and Russ Springer. The Mets like Bobby Abreu, but not his three year, $45MM asking price. The Reds are quietly listening on Bronson Arroyo, and the Rangers may be interested. Contrary to previous reports, Stark believes the Mets' first order of business is getting a starting pitcher. Here's a new one - the Marlins are interested in...   Continue Reading

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Blue Jays Rumors: Greene, Giambi, Penny

Jeff Blair of the Globe and Mail has a few Blue Jays rumors, hidden at the bottom of his column today. The Jays have kicked the tires on Padres shortstop Khalil Greene, who will almost certainly be dealt if San Diego acquires Yunel Escobar. Greene is coming off an awful season and is set to earn $6.5MM, so he shouldn't be too hard to pry loose. Free agents Jason Giambi and Brad Penny are on the Jays' radar.   Continue Reading

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Brown's Latest: Furcal, Manny, Abreu

Tip of the cap to Yahoo's Tim Brown, who was the first reporter yesterday to name the three players the Rockies would receive in the Matt Holliday trade. Now let's take a look at Brown's latest column. Brown believes everyone cleared their physicals in the Holliday deal, so expect news conferences soon. He says the A's may add a couple more hitters, possibly Rafael Furcal and/or Jason Giambi. Brown says Jim Bowden is promising everyone the Nationals will be in on the Manny Ramirez bidding. With Josh Willingham, Lastings Milledge, Elijah Dukes, Austin Kearns, Wily Mo Pena, and Willie Harris...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

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LaRue's Latest: Francoeur, Sabathia, Teixeira

Here's the latest from Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune. The Braves are mentioning Jeff Francoeur "in trade talks with anyone who will listen." Royals GM Dayton Moore is known to be a fan. Looking at 2008's bottom ten in OBP...Moore signed Jose Guillen (.300), acquired Mike Jacobs (.299), and has been linked in trade talks to Francoeur (.294) and Yuniesky Betancourt (.300). And don't forget Willy Taveras (.308). LaRue says the Angels are hinting they can afford both Mark Teixeira and C.C. Sabathia. The Yankees could afford it, too. He says the A's are eyeing Jason Giambi. Oakland...   Continue Reading

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Davidoff's Latest: Sabathia, El Duque, Heilman

A few notes from Newsday's Ken Davidoff, who has blog posts here and here. C.C. Sabathia's agents met with the Yankees yesterday, among other teams. As you know, teams can only talk contract with their own free agents currently. Sabathia is certainly open to playing for the Yankees. Orlando Hernandez not only wants to pitch in 2009; he wants to close. He's thinking big after missing all of 2008. Davidoff gives a 10% chance of the Yankees re-signing Jason Giambi, and a 1% chance of re-signing Carl Pavano. The Rays like Aaron Heilman, though not as much as they once...   Continue Reading

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Yanks Decline Options On Giambi, Pavano

According to Ed Price of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Yankees declined their options on Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano as expected. With Giambi, the Yanks chose his $5MM buyout over his $22MM option. For Pavano, they chose a $1.95MM buyout over a $13MM option. Either player could re-sign for less, though it's not likely.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: El Duque, Tazawa, Ausmus

Links for Tuesday. Be sure to check back on Odds and Ends posts, as I update them throughout the day with minor links. The Jays may no longer have A.J. Burnett under contract, but they continued their claiming frenzy by adding pitcher Les Walrond. The A's re-hired Jason Giambi's strength coach. Does it mean anything? The Cardinals remain intrigued by the idea of bringing Edgar Renteria back. The Dodgers bought out catcher Gary Bennett for $50K; he's a free agent now. Mike Cameron thinks C.C. Sabathia has a good chance of re-signing with the Brewers. He says Sabathia could be...   Continue Reading

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Latest Yankees Info

Peter Abraham was in on the Brian Cashman briefing; his blog posts can be found here and here. Option decisions are due on Jason Giambi, Carl Pavano, and Damaso Marte by November 14th. The only uncertainty is with Marte's $6MM option. George King reported yesterday that the Yankees are unlikely to exercise it. Abraham says Cashman indicated that Marte could be signed to a new contract if the option is declined. I imagine it'd take multiple years to entice him. There have been no conversations between the Yankees and Bobby Abreu's agents. Abreu is looking for a three-year deal, so...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Mussina, Giambi, Teixeira

George King of the New York Post has a handful of Yankees rumors this morning. Mike Mussina's agent, Arn Tellem, will travel to his client's Pennsylvania home this week to talk about the pitcher's future. The general vibe is that Moose will retire, but he may file for free agency after the World Series to keep his options open. I imagine the Yankees would like to resolve this quickly. Currently, GM Brian Cashman is not counting on Mussina. Tellem told King that Jason Giambi would like to stay in New York if they'll have him. While it may not be...   Continue Reading

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A's Chatter: Ellis, Giambi

A few notes from Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle: Mark Ellis's deal is for two years with a third year option; it could be worth close to $20MM. He came at a discount due to his shoulder injury this year. He would've been a bargain regardless; the market continues to undervalue defense in some ways. Tom Tango goes as far as to say the players union should be having a fit over Ellis' new deal. Just like he was open to Barry Bonds, third baseman Eric Chavez would like to see the A's sign Jason Giambi. Speaking of...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Yankees Offseason Plans

The latest column by Jon Heyman of SI.com is full of all kinds of Yankees notes: They will pursue a top-of-the-rotation starter, and yes, C.C. Sabathia is one of them, but the list also includes A.J. Burnett, Jake Peavy, Derek Lowe, and possibly Ben Sheets. As we wrote yesterday, Peavy's agent said he'd need "a lot of convincing" to approve a deal to the American League. According to Heyman the goal is for the Bombers to "secure more than one of them." The Yankees have targeted Mark Teixeira but may also take a look at Manny Ramirez (Heyman has mentioned...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Holliday, Teixeira, Mussina

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere... MetsBlog recognizes that Francisco Rodriguez will improve the team and appease fans, but is not sure he is worth a four or five-year deal. Mets Geek projects the Mets '09 roster and looks at some options from outside the organization with Pat Burrell and Derek Lowe being the biggest offseason targets. Was Watching says bringing back Brian Cashman was a mistake. River Ave. Blues assesses the Matt Holliday market and feels that Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano for Holliday "doesn't make much sense." Sox and Pinstripes provides an in-depth preview...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Yankees, Cashman, Giambi

A few hot stove notes from ESPN's Buster Olney... Olney heard the Yankees' 2009 payroll will be in the $180MM range, down $29MM or so from this year. The Yankees didn't need to negotiate dollars with Brian Cashman...it was just a matter of whether he wanted to come back. Olney can see Jason Giambi returning to the A's "if the money can be worked out." Does two years, $20MM sound right? A Giambi signing would either push Daric Barton to the bench or Jack Cust to left field.   Continue Reading

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Will Yanks Re-Sign Giambi?

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com: The Yankees have not ruled out a return from Jason Giambi in 2009, and general manager Brian Cashman has already reached out to Giambi to gauge his interest in playing in New York for another season. Giambi said that Cashman told him he would need to figure out his own situation first. Giambi is finishing up a seven-year, $120MM contract signed in 2001. He has a $22MM option for '09 with a $5MM buyout. Getting Giambi at one-year, $17MM isn't that bad, but the Yankees are still expected to take the buyout. They can...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Roberts, Cain

Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. One "Yankees person" believes it will take "crazy money" to convince C.C. Sabathia to pitch in New York and in the American League. The following three names are being bandied about in the Yankees' clubhouse for center field next year: Nate McLouth, David DeJesus, and Matt Kemp. DeJesus seems the most reasonable target, though Robinson Cano could be part of a package for Kemp. DeJesus, it should be noted, played a poor center field this year according to the plus/minus system. Heyman doesn't see the Yankees re-signing Jason Giambi...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: GMs, Angels, Offseason Moves

John Perrotto at Baseball Prospectus has his Every Given Sunday column up, let's take a look at what he has to say: Perrotto believes that there's a good chance that the only GM change baseball will see this offseason may be the one we already know about, as Pat Gillick has already announced his retirement. Perrotto cites Assitant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. as a likely replacement. The most likely other change is in Seattle, and cites Dodgers' Assistant GM Kim Ng as a possible replacement, which would make her the first female general manager in the game's history. Perrotto believes...   Continue Reading

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Yanks To Let Abreu, Giambi Leave?

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post: The general consensus appears that free agents Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi will be allowed to leave and that fits a logic: The Yanks are trying to get younger, trying to thin the herd of aging corner outfield/first base/DH types and trying to reduce the payroll where possible. The Yanks would save more than $25MM by letting the pair leave. But as Sherman notes, they'd lose a couple of their top OBP guys. They'd also face a weak free agent market for first basemen, aside from Mark Teixeira. In the outfield,...   Continue Reading

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Looking At The Yankees' Impending Free Agents

The Yankees have several big-name free agents looming this off-season, including Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettite, Ivan Rodriguez, Mike Mussina, and Jason Giambi ($5MM buyout for his $22MM option). Deciding who to bring back, who to let walk and who to offer arbitration could be the key decisions that have a ripple effect throughout the rest of baseball. Tyler Kepner says the Yankees have already decided to not bring back Abreu and Giambi at their current salaries, $16MM and $21MM respectively. However Kepler says the Yankees may be open to bringing Abreu back at a reduced rate, especially without any obvious...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Angels, D'Backs, Giambi, Ellis

Here is the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Many important Angels will reach free agency this winter: Mark Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Garland, and Juan Rivera. Rosenthal doesn't expect any of these four back. Garret Anderson's $14MM option will not be exercised, but he could be re-signed. John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero both have reasonable club options for '09, but the Halos need to plan beyond that. Several journalists have noted the D'Backs may restock the farm system if they let Adam Dunn, Orlando Hudson, Brandon Lyon, and Juan Cruz depart as free agents after the season. They're...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Giles, Dodgers, Indians, Fielder

Ken Rosenthal has a new Full Count video up over at FOX Sports. Here's the highlights: The Red Sox wanted to use Brian Giles in right field against certain right-handers, and shift J.D. Drew over to center field for those games. Giles blocked the trade for family reasons, according to Rosenthal, despite the chance at an increased pay day and an opportunity to play in the postseason. Rosenthal says that while the Dodgers are under pressure to re-sign Manny Ramirez, there may be more pressure to sign Casey Blake after this season. Rosenthal points out that Blake is batting .333...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Sabathia, Bedard, Phillies, Freel

It's Thursday, and you know what that means. Time for another installment of Jayson Stark's Rumblings and Grumblings at ESPN.com. Stark runs through a laundry list of candidates for the Mariners' and Mets' manager and GM vacancies. The Indians will not be giving a negotiation window for a team hoping to sign C.C. Sabathia while acquiring him. Erik Bedard is "now officially on the market." Bedard's value has diminished since the Mariners acquired him, however. The Phillies have already inquired on Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Bronson Arroyo, and Jarrod Washburn. Stark sees Bedard joining that group, but believes it'd require Carlos...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Weaver, Mulder, Pena, Giambi

Here are a few random notes from the MLBiverse... Paul Hagen is reporting that the Mets are interested in acquiring a first baseman and/or a corner outfielder. Hagen says that Omar Minaya is rumored to be interested in Kevin Millar, Jason Bay and Xavier Nady. Hagen must share a source with Dan Graziano, who mentions the same trio. Might Aaron Heilman be used as bait? According to the minor league deal that Jeff Weaver signed with the Brewers, if he was not called up by this Sunday he could ask for his release. The Brewers and Weaver's agent, Scott Boras,...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Lidge, Daniel Cabrera, Bonds, Edmonds

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. I put the Griffey info in a separate post; let's discuss the rest. Rosenthal suggests that Brad Lidge would be harder to replace than Pat Burrell, and for that reason the Phillies will make a bigger effort to re-sign him. I imagine Phillies fans would prefer that course of action. The problem? The Phillies have little chance of offering four years, according to Jayson Stark. The Rangers will face a delicate situation in coming years: moving Michael Young to a different position. The chain reaction could make Hank Blalock available. Blalock has a...   Continue Reading

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On The Hot Seat: Giambi, Hafner, Sexson, Timlin

I love lists, and here's one from Peter Abraham at The Journal News that details who he thinks is in the hot seat. In other words, who might be traded or released if current trends continue. There are a number of managers and GMs on the list, but we like to focus on players here. I'm going to go through the list and take stabs-in-the-dark whether a player is likely to be dealt or if they're just fluff for Mr. Abraham's article - and then we can discuss in the comments. Jason Giambi - An announcer this year said that...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends II: Longoria, Manny, Giambi, Tejada

Rumors are a bit sparse today...this should be expected in the weeks and month to come. So here are a few articles for your afternoon reading. Sabernomics takes a look at the economics of the Evan Longoria deal. Tom Verducci puts Manny Ramirez in historical perspective. 'Ducc thinks that Manny is better than some of us give him credit for. Which is difficult, because you have to give him all the credit in the world (at the dish, at least). Rob Neyer (subscription required) talks about the Yankees releasing Jason Giambi. He links to an article saying that Giambi simply...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: DeJesus, Lamb, Millar

Evan Grant writes for the Dallas Morning News, but he posted this column at night. Go figure. He's got some new info regarding the Rangers. As you know, the Rangers have had difficulty finding a long-term center fielder. That's the main focus of this offseason. The team has already shown interest in Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, the top center fielders available. Other free agents such as Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron appear to be in play as well. Grant's trade candidates: Coco Crisp, David DeJesus, Mark Kotsay, and Carlos Beltran. We've speculated on DeJesus to Atlanta in the past...   Continue Reading

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Do Yanks Have Room For Damon And Giambi?

I think Johnny Damon's comments yesterday have been overblown - he backed off a few hours after he made them. And when asked point blank if he wanted a trade, he said no. He did hint that a trade might make sense if he couldn't play regularly, but calmed down after talking to Joe Torre. Still, the Yankees will face a roster crunch once Jason Giambi returns to the club to act as the regular DH. Damon has lingering injuries that will keep him from starting in center field regularly. Between Giambi and Damon, that's $34MM in 2007 salary spent..   Continue Reading

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Latest On Giambi

A slew of stories in today's papers featured Jason Giambi, as reporters approached him yesterday regarding the Angels trade rumor. Giambi said, "News to me," which I find kind of hard to believe. I think it's safe to say that someone in his camp told him about yesterday morning's New York Post article from George King. Giambi's broken quotes seemed to indicate that he never asked for a trade, and that he has no desire to go to L.A. As you know, he has the right to veto any trade. An Angels spokesman denied interest, but what else is he..   Continue Reading

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Angels Interested In Jason Giambi

I definitely did not see this one coming. According to George King of the New York Post, the Angels are interested in trading for 36 year-old Yankees slugger Jason Giambi. The interest surfaced prior to Giambi's public semi-admission of steroid use and subsequent MLB investigation. The Angels will wait it out to see whether the Yanks are able to void his contract. As Peter Abraham said yesterday, it's not likely. Giambi earns $21MM this year and another $21MM in 2008. He has a $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout attached. Now, no club would exercise the option,..   Continue Reading

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Abraham On Giambi's Contract

Good read over at the LoHud Yankees Blog: Journal News beat writer Peter Abraham discusses why voiding Jason Giambi's contract is highly unlikely. Check it out. The only point on which I might disagree is the first - that the Yankees could not find a DH to replace Giambi. I'll grant that they won't dig up a .970 OPS guy, but we don't know if the 36 year-old Giambi can still play at that level. Jack Cust has shown us that high OBP minor league lifers who can't play defense are freely available   Continue Reading

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Could Yanks Void Giambi's Contract?

When I first heard this, I figured it was just idle talk. It seemed highly unlikely to me that Jason Giambi's recent comments - mainly "I was wrong for doing that stuff" - could get his contract voided. But with MLB now investigating, it's starting to become a possibility. Brian Cashman is still interested in getting out from under the contract. The Yanks tried to void the deal before, when Giambi was coming off an uncharacteristic .721 OPS. Even with an excellent performance over the last two seasons, no one wants to pay Giambi $47MM for 2007-08 ('09 buyout included)...   Continue Reading

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