Jeff Baker Rumors

Cubs Acquire Jeff Baker, DFA Ryan Freel

12:07pm: In a corresponding move, the Cubs designated Ryan Freel for assignment, according to a team press release. Freel, 33, put up an OPS of .369 in 14 games for the Cubs. 11:27am: ESPN.com's Bruce Levine reports that the Rockies receive right-hander Alberto Alburquerque, who was pitching in A ball for the Cubs. The 23-year-old has struck out 44 and allowed 40 baserunners in nearly 35 innings pitched this year. 8:41am: The Cubs acquired Jeff Baker from the Rockies, according to Yahoo Sports. It's unclear what the Rockies will receive in exchange for the infielder. Baker, 28, has played in...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Sheffield, Repko, McPherson

A look at Ken Rosenthal's column from yesterday afternoon... The Marlins chose Ross Gload over Frank Catalanotto, but are still considering signing Cat for the minimum now that he's been released. The Braves are not interested in bringing back Gary Sheffield. Meanwhile, Joel Sherman of the New York Post believes the Mets (as well as the Phillies and Reds) have an eye on Sheffield. Sheffield is apparently the only right-handed hitter on the Phillies' radar. Rosenthal learned that the Rockies' asking price for Jeff Baker is high. The Braves almost made a deal for Dodgers outfielder Jason Repko, but backed...   Continue Reading

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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

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Niemann/Hammel Rumors: Padres, Pirates, Rockies

4:53pm: According to John Perrotto of Pirates Report, the Pirates are also interested in Niemann. He says the Bucs also remain interested in Robert Andino and Jeff Baker. Additionally, Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse says the Rockies have jumped in on Hammel. 11:16am: Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote Saturday regarding the Padres' interest in Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann: In return, the defending American League champions have inquired about Padres prospects Simon Castro, Wynn Pelzer, Juedy Valdez and Nick Schmidt. The Padres have deemed the price too high. Niemann is out of minor league options, reducing the Rays'...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Keppinger, Baker, Phillies

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark has a new blog post up. Some of this is old news, but probably worth revisiting... The Reds are dangling infielder Jeff Keppinger, with the Red Sox and Astros as possible suitors. The Red Sox and Astros have also checked in on Colorado's Jeff Baker, along with the Phillies. But, the Rockies are reportedly demanding a "quality young starter" in return. The Mets expressed interest in Ronny Paulino before he was dealt to the Giants (then moved swiftly to the Marlins). The Phillies continue to shop around for a right-handed reserve outfielder.   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Rangers, Rays, Mulder

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new column up with plenty of rumors: The Rangers think they can trade Frank Catalanotto if they pick up a considerable portion of the $6MM he's owed or if they accept a similar sized contract in return. They just aren't sure it's worth making room for Andruw Jones, who's making progress with his swing. Ian Stewart's emergence means Jeff Baker's become expendable for the Rockies. Rosenthal doesn't expect the A's to sign a free agent starter even though Justin Duchscherer needs surgery and will likely miss six weeks. Instead Rosenthal suggests the A's...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Wieters, Padres, Peavy, Price

LInks for Thursday... Chico Harlan of the Washington Post says the Nationals will honor a handshake agreement Dmitri Young made with Jim Bowden, and put the first baseman back on the 40-man roster. Catcher Matt Wieters has been told by the Orioles that he'll be optioned to Triple A on Monday, according to Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. Will the Orioles wait until late May to try to avoid Super Two status? Reds assistant GM Bob Miller talked to fans in an MLB.com Q&A. Check out an entertaining chat transcript with Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times over at...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Hope To Trade Torrealba, Baker

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post writes today about the Rockies desire to trade catcher Yorvit Torrealba and infielder Jeff Baker. Torrealba was signed in November of '07 after coming close to a deal with the Mets. The Rockies had reached the World Series with Torrealba behind the dish, and Chris Iannetta had yet to emerge. Now, though, the Rox would love to move Torrealba and the $4MM owed to him for '09. Renck says they shopped him hard this winter but came up empty. The Rockies like Sal Fasano as the backup catcher and don't have much use...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On White Sox, Pedro, Baker

The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports... The White Sox are still trying to figure out their center field situation, but they are not involved on pricey veterans such as Juan Pierre and Gary Matthews Jr. Fantasy alert: Rosenthal names David Aardsma as the likely leader for the Mariners closer job, with Chad Cordero and Brandon Morrow lingering. The Dodgers "continue to balk at Pedro Martinez's $5MM asking price." Rockies utility man Jeff Baker, who is out of options, is drawing interest from the Phillies, Astros, and Pirates. Rosenthal suggests recently-demoted Kyle Kendrick as a possible target for Colorado,...   Continue Reading

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Gammons On Matthews, Teahen, Harang, Peavy

12:07pm: John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer asked Reds GM Walt Jocketty about Gammons' Harang note. Jocketty said, "I'm not going to comment on something when he doesn't know what he's talking about." 9:19am: ESPN's Peter Gammons had a new blog post yesterday discussing available players. Gammons names Geoff Jenkins ($8MM remaining, limited no-trade), Brian Giles ($9MM remaining, full no-trade), Gary Matthews Jr. ($33.5MM remaining, full no-trade), Marcus Thames ($2.275MM salary), Nick Johnson ($5.5MM salary), Jason Repko, and Jeff Baker as players being dangled. Gammons links Matthews to the Yankees but admits his contract will be an issue. Mark Teahen...   Continue Reading

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