Jason Marquis Rumors
By Howard Megdal [November 18, 2009 at 8:56am CST]
Jason Marquis, native of Staten Island, has made no secret of his desire to pitch for the Mets, describing himself as a "perfect fit" to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post. But is this the case? The Mets themselves aren't sure, ranking Marquis below both John Lackey and Joel Pineiro on their pitching wish list, according to Hubbuch. Marquis' strengths are durability and his hitting. Both, particularly the former, would be something the Mets could use. However, Marquis will likely command a sizable contract, particularly after making the 2009 All Star team. Is a big investment worth it for...
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By Howard Megdal [November 16, 2009 at 8:00pm CST]
The incomparable Marty Noble answers many of the fan inquiries with his usual mixture of information and wit. Among other ideas, he considers: Just what would it take, hypothetically, to bring Adrian Gonzalez to Queens? Noble believes a package of John Maine, Fernando Martinez and Ike Davis "and perhaps more would be one to consider seriously." Noble likes Joel Pineiro more than Jason Marquis, adding that "I know the Mets are interested in [Bengie] Molina." He says that while Mark DeRosa wouldn't be a top priority, "If they can't bring back Alex Cora, DeRosa would an even better fit." He...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 12, 2009 at 3:28pm CST]
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic brings home a bunch of Diamondbacks hot stove buzz from the GM Meetings... The Diamondbacks would have to give up their second-round pick if they sign a Type A free agent who turned down arbitration. GM Josh Byrnes told Piecoro he'd consider it if the player came at a discount. You can check our free agent list to see all the types. Piecoro wouldn't be surprised to see Livan Hernandez return as the D'Backs' fifth starter. He wouldn't be the main rotation pickup; the bigger targets are probably Randy Wolf, Jason Marquis, and Brad...
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By Luke Adams [November 11, 2009 at 8:43pm CST]
The Arizona Diamondbacks will consider making multi-year offers when they look at this year's pitching free agent class, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Although Piecoro notes that GM Josh Byrnes has previously been reluctant to pursue free agent pitching, he writes that Byrnes could go that route this year. The free agent market looks particularly appealing given the Diamondbacks' relative lack of trade chips. Chris Snyder, who they've already discussed in at least one potential trade, has health questions and an unfavorable contract. As for who the Diamondbacks might pursue, John Lackey is likely out of the...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 11, 2009 at 8:29am CST]
Mets GM Omar Minaya met with agent Scott Boras last night at the GM Meetings for 45 minutes, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman says Matt Holliday, Alex Cora, Jarrod Washburn, and Rick Ankiel were discussed. Of course, the Mets' plans extend beyond Boras clients, and Sherman says Bengie Molina sits atop their list of catching targets. The Mets made a play for Molina four years ago. Another target might be Chone Figgins, as suggested by SI's Jon Heyman. Sherman sums up the Mets' offseason situation: The Mets' priority list in order is a slugging left...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 10, 2009 at 11:04am CST]
Some links for Tuesday morning... Rob Bradford of WEEI.com says there are concerns about Aroldis Chapman's makeup. One GM asked Joel Sherman of the New York Post why Felix Hernandez would consider signing long-term with the Mariners when the Yankees could conceivably offer $200MM in two winters when he's a free agent. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Bobby Valentine and Jim Riggleman are the two finalists for the Nats' managerial job. The Blue Jays claimed Mike McCoy from the Rockies off waivers, according to the Jays' Twitter. Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd was named executive of the year, writes...
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By Luke Adams [October 15, 2009 at 5:50pm CST]
Tracy Ringolsby of Inside The Rockies examines Colorado's commitments for 2010, and the decisions they'll face regarding potential free agents and arbitration cases. Here are a few of his thoughts: Jason Marquis has said he wants to sign with the Mets and likely won't be back in Colorado. There's a good chance that lefty Alan Embree will retire. Jose Contreras is interested in returning in a middle relief capacity, but Matt Belisle is a younger option for the team in that role. The club would like to retain Rafael Betancourt, but his contract would have to be reworked. Betancourt has...
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By Tim Dierkes [October 14, 2009 at 9:21am CST]
More Rockies hot stove info... Free agent starter Jason Marquis told MLB.com's Thomas Harding he'd love to return to the Rockies, but "the ball's in their court." Last month, Marquis downplayed an assertion from his friend Jeff Francoeur that the pitcher would love to come to New York. It was a different market, but Marquis' agent snagged his client a three-year, $21MM deal coming off a 6.02 ERA season back in December of '06. 2009 was a typical Marquis season aside from an increased groundball rate. We already knew the Rockies had designs on locking up closer Huston Street, who's...
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By Tim Dierkes [October 13, 2009 at 9:07am CST]
With the Rockies' 2009 season over, Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post is already discussing 2010. Here's the latest: Look for GM Dan O'Dowd to receive a new contract soon. O'Dowd will then attempt to re-sign manager Jim Tracy. Rafael Betancourt has a steep $5.4MM club option for 2010. The reliever wants to return, and Renck finds it possible. He says catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who has a $4MM mutual option, is less certain to remain with the team. The Rockies are expected to let free agent starter Jason Marquis leave and replace him with Jeff Francis. Presumably the Rockies...
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By Drew Silva [September 23, 2009 at 8:39pm CST]
Another round of links... According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the entire White Sox coaching staff, including hitting coach Greg Walker, pitching coach Don Cooper, bench coach Joey Cora and first base coach Harold Baines, received contract extensions Wednesday afternoon that will keep them all with the club through 2011. The Dallas Morning News' Tom Cowlishaw believes Kevin Millwood's $12 million option for 2010, which vested Monday, is a fine deal. "If you're general manager Jon Daniels or team president Nolan Ryan or manager Ron Washington and you're going to be judged next season by how much your...
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