Jeremy Affeldt Rumors

Twins To Avoid Type A Free Agents?

A note from Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune: I've been told it’s highly doubtful the Twins will sign a Type A free agent, which would cost them their first-round draft pick next June, though they have checked into some of the Type A relievers and are in a “Never say never” mode. The Twins own the #23 pick in next year's draft. Players such as Orlando Cabrera, Doug Brocail, Juan Cruz, Darren Oliver, and Russ Springer would presumably cost them that pick. Christensen also notes that the Twins had strong interest in Jeremy Affeldt and scouted Dayan Viciedo.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Wade, Crisp, Holliday

Links for Thursday... New commenters are signing up every day as MLB Trade Rumors grows. Before commenting, be sure to read our policy. If you ever see someone violating the policy just send me an email and I'll take care of it. If you receive an email from noreply@mlbrumors.com talking about some kind of newsletter, that has nothing to do with me or MLB Trade Rumors. We have a daily email of our latest posts, and that comes from dierkes@gmail.com. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald wonders if Kerry Wood might accept an offer of arbitration from the Cubs. Hal...   Continue Reading

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Crisp Almost A Red, Says Jocketty

Reds GM Walt Jocketty says that his team nearly settled on a deal for Coco Crisp, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We were close," Jocketty said, although specific pieces aren't mentioned in the article. It'd be interesting to know what the Reds were offering considering the Red Sox received pitching help in exchange for Crisp. The same article lists upgrading the bullpen as a focus of the Reds' offseason plans. Jocketty has been in touch with the agents of David Weathers and Mike Lincoln, but doesn't expect to sign anyone soon. Jocketty also talks about being surprised...   Continue Reading

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Affeldt Signing Reactions

Giants GM Brian Sabean kicked off the free agent proceedings yesterday by signing southpaw Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year, $8MM deal. Reactions: ESPN's Keith Law likes the move. Affeldt has good stuff, it's a short-term deal, and it doesn't cost the Giants a draft pick. Affeldt definitely could've gotten more money elsewhere. El Lefty Malo says "this was about as good a cost/benefit move the Giants could make for a free agent reliever." Affeldt says signing was a no-brainer for him after the Giants came in and met the dollars he was looking for. Henry Schulman's San Francisco Chronicle article...   Continue Reading

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Giants Sign Jeremy Affeldt

2:39pm: MLB.com's Mark Sheldon says it's a two-year, $8MM deal for Affeldt. Nice signing! Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Giants are not done looking for relievers, though Chris Haft figures Joe Beimel is out on account of his left handedness. 1:46pm: According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, the Giants signed lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt to a two-year deal. He was a Type B free agent, so the Reds will receive a sandwich pick for him in the June draft. I'm surprised Affeldt didn't pursue a closing job; ESPN's Keith Law ranked him...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Kawakami, Renteria, Johnson, Ohman

A number of Odds & Ends for your weekend update: From Japanball.com, Kenshin Kawakami is filing for free agency. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports the Cubs are considering Randy Johnson for a one year deal. The 45 year old lefty is a career 13-0 against the Cubs, 4-0 at Wrigley, and needs 5 wins to reach 300. The Cardinals are moving in on free agent Will Ohman, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and are reportedly interested in Jeremy Affeldt and Arthur Rhodes. In the same article, Goold suggests the Cards will stall on...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Peavy, Teixeira, Burnett

Ken Rosenthal's got an interesting new column up. Now that talks with the Braves have ended for the time being, Padres GM Kevin Towers is talking with the Yankees about Jake Peavy. The Yankees have had "numerous discussions" with the Padres, even though they just offered C.C. Sabathia a contract and are still considering A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod said that "the Angels probably would be more appealing" geographically, but "from other perspectives, they might be less appealing" than other teams Rosenthal talked with an agent who said that the Angels could wait a week or...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Perez, Torres, Beimel

Links for Friday, with an unplanned emphasis on relievers... The Tigers and Trevor Hoffman may be a match. Hoffman's agent closed the door on the Padres. The Royals brought Mike Arbuckle aboard, formerly of the Phillies. The Nationals have interest in re-signing Aaron Boone and Odalis Perez. MLB.com's Bill Ladson gives it a 50-50 chance. The Nats re-signed infielder Pete Orr, who could earn $600K. The Brewers picked up Salomon Torres' 2009 option, more of a procedural move than anything. The Marlins have an eye on minor league free agent Zach McClellan. Ken Davidoff makes contract and destination predictions for...   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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Reds Rumors: Pitching, Greene, Hairston

Here's the latest from John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. GM Walt Jocketty said he will not be trading young pitching for a quick fix. Still, you have to think Homer Bailey is available in the right deal for another young player. Despite an earlier report to the contrary, the Reds are not interested in San Diego shortstop Khalil Greene. If Jocketty is to acquire a shortstop, it'll be a pre-arbitration player. The Reds are shaky at shortstop - Alex Gonzalez is penciled in for next year, but he missed all of '08 with a compression fracture in his knee....   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Holliday, Taveras, Atkins

4:54pm: More Rockies chatter from Troy Renck. The Rockies intend to sort out the Holliday/Atkins trade situations before moving on to other concerns such as the bullpen. They do like the idea of bringing Jeremy Affeldt back, though. Renck has the Twins and Indians kicking the tires on Atkins, while Tracy Ringolsby believes Michael Cuddyer could be a fit for Colorado. 11:18am: The latest Rockies buzz... Buster Olney says the Rockies are very motivated to move Matt Holliday. Olney wonders if the Rox might end up taking a bit less than expected for him. Troy Renck says various execs see...   Continue Reading

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Reds Will Consider Mulder

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer spoke to Reds GM Walt Jocketty recently. A few nuggets from the conversation: The Reds will "at least explore" signing free agent lefty Mark Mulder. Jocketty, of course, has a history with Mulder from the Cardinals. Mulder recently told MLB.com's Mychael Urban he won't consider signing until he's healthy and throwing well. Jocketty has spoken to the agents for free agents David Weathers, Mike Lincoln, Jeremy Affeldt, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Javier Valentin. Weathers doesn't seem interested in taking a discount, while Valentin said last month he'd love to return. The Reds aren't interested...   Continue Reading

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Mets To Explore Trade For Closer

Ken Davidoff of Newsday has a new article up discussing possibilities for the Mets' closer vacancy. He says the Mets will check in on free agents Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, but remain wary of the price. I'm wondering if K-Rod will have to back off the five year demand if he wants to get multiple serious bidders. Davidoff says the Mets feel that they have the minor league depth to swing a trade for a closer rather than buy one. Davidoff goes on to speculate that the Mets could look at J.J. Putz, Huston Street, George Sherrill, Joakim Soria,...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hughes, Tigers, Affeldt

Links for Monday... I'm working on this year's Top 50 Free Agents list, with predicted destinations. It's always a tough puzzle to assemble. Anyone have educated guesses on where Ben Sheets, Oliver Perez, Braden Looper, and Jon Garland might sign? MLB.com's Mychael Urban believes Mark Mulder would like to return to the A's, but the team may not be interested. Plus, Mulder isn't even considering destinations until he is healthy. Japanese free agent pitcher Kenshin Kawakami hired American agent Tony Attanasio. The Red Sox may be interested. Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes the Yankees to task for...   Continue Reading

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Reds Make Offers To Hairston, Weathers

5:00pm: Jocketty told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon that he hasn't heard back from Weathers' or Hairston's people in about a week since making the offers. 1:01pm: According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds made contract offers to David Weathers and Jerry Hairston Jr. Both are eligible for free agency. Weathers would probably serve as the seventh inning guy, while Hairston might handle center field duties. Weathers seems to profile as a Type B free agent, while Hairston is neither A nor B. Fay believes GM Walt Jocketty will also attempt to re-sign relievers Mike Lincoln and Jeremy Affeldt....   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Cardinals, Astros, K-Rod

Links for Saturday... It doesn't sound like Jon Daniels has autonomy in Texas. Ian Hunter of Country 103.9 in Ontario recently talked to MLBTR about the Blue Jays. Click here to download the mp3. Reds GM Walt Jocketty has talked to three or four of the Reds' nine free agents. John Fay speculates those players are David Weathers, Jerry Hairston Jr., Mike Lincoln, and Jeremy Affeldt. The Padres' grievance against shortstop Khalil Greene won't be heard until spring. The case of Doyle Alexander may be a precedent; the Yankees were not able to recover any money after Alexander broke a...   Continue Reading

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Jocketty Wants Right-Handed Slugger

According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, GM Walt Jocketty lists a right-handed run-producing hitter as the Reds' top offseason need. In our Reds Offseason Outlook, we suggested the Reds attempt to trade for Adrian Beltre. That could improve the team on both offense and defense. Commenters on that post noted that Chris Dickerson could play center field in '09, leaving a vacancy in left. Right-handed hitting left fielders on the free agent market include Manny Ramirez and Pat Burrell. The Reds could also consider Matt Holliday or Magglio Ordonez as trade targets. Payroll could increase to $80MM, which...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Cards, Sheets, Twins, Pirates, K-Rod, Sabean

A few random notes from around the baseball Blogosphere... Rockin' The Red says one of the priorities for the Cardinals this offseason should be signing a left-handed reliever. They examine the upcoming free agent market and feel Will Ohman and Jeremy Affeldt are the most attractive options. Was Watching explores the Yankees "lust" for Ben Sheets and notes that he may be a better option than A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia. Twinkie Town projects the Twins '09 payroll. Where have you gone, Andy Van Slyke? says it is better for the Pirates to wait and add payroll noting that a...   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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Rhodes To The Marlins?

2:44pm: ESPN's Jerry Crasnick also heard the Marlins were eyeing Jeremy Affeldt and David Weathers of the Reds. 12:47pm: Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald is reporting that the Marlins could be close to landing Arthur Rhodes from the Mariners. The Marlins could be closer to a deal to acquire left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes from the Seattle Mariners, who are looking only for a midlevel minor-league prospect in return. Rhodes, 37, is 2-0 with a 3.83 ERA in 35 relief appearances this season. Yesterday we heard that the Marlins were targeting several left-handed relievers and it looks like they have...   Continue Reading

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Arroyo Off The Market

First A.J. Burnett, now Bronson Arroyo. According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Reds have informed other teams that Arroyo unavailable. Arroyo's contract was causing unsatisfactory offers. The Reds are pretty quiet all around. MLB.com's Mark Sheldon says offers for Adam Dunn, David Weathers, Dave Ross, and Jeremy Affeldt have been unimpressive.   Continue Reading

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More From Stark: Mets, Dodgers, Indians

Jayson Stark brings us a few more tidbits from the Hot Stove... The price for Raul Ibanez may be too high for the Mets as Stark reiterates what we heard previously, that Fernando Martinez and Jon Niese are not available...Ken Rosenthal added Robert Parnell to that list of untouchables. The Mets may no longer be in the running for Brian Fuentes as they are not willing to part with Aaron Heilman. Stark says other relief pitchers the Mets have shown some interest in include Cla Meredith, Chad Bradford and Jeremy Affeldt. The Dodgers are said to be interested in several...   Continue Reading

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The Lefty Reliever Market

Let's take a look at some of the left-handed relievers on the market. George Sherrill, Orioles 31 years old, under team control through 2011. Known suitors: Cardinals, Brewers Asking price: two or three prospects, possibly a shortstop among them Brian Fuentes, Rockies Almost 33 years old, free agent after season. Type A status likely. Known suitors: Marlins, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, Cubs, Cardinals, Rays, Angels, Brewers, Tigers Asking price: Apparently a young starting pitcher - Jon Niese, Ian Kennedy, and Clay Buchholz have been named Damaso Marte, Pirates 33 years old, $6MM club option for '09 with a $250K...   Continue Reading

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Reds Sign Affeldt

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Reds signed southpaw Jeremy Affeldt to a one-year, $3MM deal plus performance bonuses. First and foremost the Reds view him as a cheap rotation option, but they'll move him to the pen if it doesn't work out. I'm very surprised that he signed for just one year. Originally reports were saying four or even five years for the 28 year-old. Perhaps he's thinking that if he can make 30 starts and keep his ERA around 4.50 he'll get a huge deal next winter. The biggest hurdle for Affeldt will probably be his control. I like..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Reitsma, Affeldt

Some late night odds and ends to digest... The Mariners re-signed Chris Reitsma; he hopes to be ready for Spring Training following August elbow surgery (not Tommy John, of course). Reitsma hopes to return to his groundballing, healthy form of 2005. On a related note, Bleeding Blue and Teal speculates that the Mariners could target Jeremy Affeldt if they trade George Sherrill. At one point Affeldt was said to be seeking five years. His agent has already pitched him to the Mariners as a possible starter. Eduardo Encina reports that the Rays seek a superutility player and lefty reliever, and..   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Prior, Lofton, Otsuka

ESPN's Jayson Stark dishes some good rumorage in his latest column. Stark dug around to find all the Mark Prior suitors and came up with this list: Yankees, Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners, Mets, Cardinals, Padres, Astros, Giants, Reds, Nationals (11 teams). Let's compare notes. MLBTR readers have seen the Yankees, Mets, Cards, Padres, Astros, Reds, and Nats linked to Prior already. So Stark has added the Red Sox, White Sox, Mariners, and Giants. The idea of the Mariners runs contrary to this MLB.com article. Stark did not name the Rangers, who are said to be aggressively pursuing Prior. Prior..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Santana, Cabrera, Kuroda, Edmonds, Rolen

Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest hot stove buzz around baseball. Johan Santana is Boston's only target - they're not after Dan Haren or any other starter. The talks keep slugging along. For what it's worth, Curt Schilling expects the Red Sox to get him. 36 year-old first baseman Alex Cabrera is a sleeper power threat among free agents. The former Rockie, Cub, and Diamondback has been mashing in Japan since 2001. The Nationals don't have any room for him but want him anyway. Rosenthal says A.L. clubs are looking at him as a DH candidate, also. Cabrera hit..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Figgins, Helms, Affeldt

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. The Angels are telling teams they will only consider trading Chone Figgins if they find a third baseman. If Figgins does hit the market, figure on the Cubs getting involved. The Marlins offered Scott Nestor to the Phillies for Wes Helms, if the Phils paid $1.8MM of the $2.9MM owed to the third baseman. The Phils passed. Jeremy Affeldt already has a four-year offer in hand, so he's now looking for five years. Jeez. Teams known to be in on Affeldt: the Yankees, Rays, and Astros. Affeldt's agent has contacted the Mariners, trying..   Continue Reading

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Yankees Bullpen Situation

It's well-known the Yankees want to improve their bullpen. There's been talk of converting young minor league starters into relief for 2008. Otherwise, who's on the radar? A reliever could be acquired for Hideki Matsui - Tyler Kepner suggests Jonathan Sanchez or Kevin Correia. Brad Hennessey is another possibility. Kepner says the Yanks checked in on LaTroy Hawkins, Ron Mahay, and Trever Miller but haven't made offers. However, Mark Feinsand says the Yanks are talking to Hawkins about a one-year deal worth between $3.25-3.5MM. Luis Vizcaino is probably out of the picture. George King adds Jeremy Affeldt to the list..   Continue Reading

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O'Brien's Latest: Andruw, Marte, James

The AJC's David O'Brien has a rumor update on his blog. Let's summarize. The White Sox are very reluctant to go after Andruw Jones, because of Scott Boras. They'd offer three years and less than $30MM, which would result in a dial tone. Unless it was a cell phone. The Braves need a lefty reliever, and might turn to the Pirates for Damaso Marte. That'd be easier to pull off if the Yankees opt to sign Ron Mahay or Jeremy Affeldt for their lefty reliever. O'Brien suggests the Braves have collected a starting pitching surplus, which is a dangerous thought...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Loretta, Pettitte, Affeldt

Random Winter Meetings rumors... Doug Melvin confirms that the Nats offered Chad Cordero for Rickie Weeks. Melvin is adamant that he won't be trading Weeks or J.J. Hardy for a closer. Mike Timlin for $3MM, done. Mark Loretta would like to return to San Diego but the Padres will pass. The Rockies may yet sign him. Rob Biertempfel thinks the Pirates could send a reliever to the Rockies for Jamey Carroll, if the Rockies would eat some of Carroll's salary. That's right, a Jamey Carroll trade rumor. For a man of his abilities Carroll is a tad pricey at $2.3MM...   Continue Reading

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Rays Interested In Ron Mahay

According to Marc Lancaster, the Rays are looking for a left-handed reliever. Ron Mahay is on the radar, and Jeremy Affeldt is another possibility. The Rays are moving quickly to plug up their holes - will this team finally break .500 in 2008? Looking through the MLBTR archives, the Yankees, Brewers, and Royals seem to be the main suitors for Mahay. Meanwhile Affeldt interests the Mariners, Braves, and Astros. Lancaster's article also indicates the Rays are looking for a left-handed hitter who can handle right field and first base. DRays Bay thinks that means Darin Erstad, Ryan Klesko, or Mike..   Continue Reading

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Mariners Rumors: Kuroda, Affeldt, Guillen

Let's talk Mariners rumors, aside from their questionable interest in Johan Santana. David Andriesen breaks it down. The Ms will acquire at least one solid starter, and hopefully two. They've got a four-year offer out to Hiroki Kuroda, which is pretty aggressive. It's possible that if they land him they could look internally for the #5 starter. One interesting rotation option is Jeremy Affeldt, who grew up in Washington about four hours away from Seattle. Affeldt said he'd consider starting again, which is probably the only way the Ms would have interest in him. His agent is already talking to..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Livan, Bartlett, Willis, Webb

Random pieces of rumorage... The Mets have expressed interest in Livan Hernandez, though he appears to be their Plan C or D. Jim Bowden and the Nats will be active in the trade market, perhaps finally pulling the trigger on deals for Chad Cordero and/or Jon Rauch. The Rays and Twins have had discussions about shortstop Jason Bartlett. Would a 1 for 1 trade for Rocco Baldelli make sense? Buster Olney believes the Rays should consider trading for the Nats' Cristian Guzman. Update on the Rockies' reliever situation. They're probably going to pass on Ron Mahay and Jeremy Affeldt, while..   Continue Reading

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Braves Offer $7MM To Glavine

According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves have made a one-year, $7MM offer to free agent starter Tom Glavine. Glavine has already come back with a counterproposal, and O'Brien expects a deal shortly. If Braves GM Frank Wren is to be taken for his word, the Braves may be done acquiring pitching after Glavine. He says they would have eight starter for five spots: John Smoltz Tim Hudson Tom Glavine Chuck James Mike Hampton Jair Jurrjens Jo-Jo Reyes Buddy Carlyle I have to admit, that looks like decent depth to start the '08 season. What would be..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lowell, Sabathia, Polanco

I'm going to start up a catch-all Odds and Ends post for smaller rumors and notes today. Refresh to see it grow. A reader emailed me to tell me that Buster Olney said on XM Radio recently that there are talks of the Twins going after Scott Rolen. These reports can be tough to confirm, but there you go. UPDATE: Joe Christensen squashes this one. Mark Feinsand doesn't think Epstein is keen on giving Mike Lowell even a three-year contract. He might get five on the open market. UPDATE: The Red Sox apparently have a three-year offer out to him,..   Continue Reading

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Report: Affeldt, Bautista Dealt For Shealy

Reportedly, a Royals TV affiliate in Kansas City is saying that Jeremy Affeldt has gone through the clubhouse to say goodbyes. Word from MLB Radio is that Affeldt was sent to Colorado along with Denny Bautista for Ryan Shealy and Scott Dohmann. This one's been in the works for a while now, dating back to July 19th   Continue Reading

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Royals Rumors: Ryan Shealy

According to my Royals source, Dayton Moore has finished evaluating his roster and the team is about to become quite active in the trade market. You saw the Mark Redman rumor yesterday. Today MLBTradeRumors has learned of a possible deal in the works between the Rockies and Royals. The Rox are looking for relievers, and the Royals have Elmer Dessens and Jeremy Affeldt available. Mike MacDougal also has a chance to be dealt. The Royals would prefer to unload shortstop Angel Berroa and just one reliever to get first baseman Ryan Shealy. That way other relievers could snag more value..   Continue Reading

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Royal Rumblings

Today's KC Star reports this morning that the Royals, with the first waiver wire claim, will probably snag Tony Graffanino to plug into a utility role once again. They have a spare $4-5MM with which to do so. Take that, Mets! Furthermore, a new Royals source of mine (yes, they do exist) mentions that lefties Jimmy Gobble and Jeremy Affeldt are currently on the trading block. Mike Wood may also be available. According to the source, a deal might happen before the end of the week. Affeldt is probably the most intriguing of the bunch. The 26 year-old has a..   Continue Reading

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