Jon Garland Rumors

Angels Offer Arb To Tex, K-Rod, Garland, Oliver

11:50pm: Mike DiGiovanna and Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times believe Garland and Oliver will accept their offers and work out one-year deals with the Angels. 7:31pm: According to the AP, the Angels offered arbitration to Mark Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Garland, and Darren Oliver today. The last two were uncertain, but the decisions make sense. Oliver now seems less likely to sign elsewhere, as a new team would have to pay the draft pick tax. Garret Anderson (Type B) did not receive an offer.   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: K-Rod, Fuentes, Vazquez, Garland

The latest on the Mets. Joel Sherman believes the Brewers could interfere with the Mets' attempts to sign Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez. Ben Shpigel of the New York Times wrote this weekend that the Mets don't appear likely to dabble in the second-tier relief market for pitchers like Juan Cruz or Joe Beimel. Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog passes along a John Harper article from the New York Daily News, adding his own commentary. Harper believes the Mets may have to move on to Javier Vazquez, Jon Garland, and Edwin Jackson due to the high price tags on Boras clients...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Perez, Lowe, Garland, Swisher, Neshek

Some Tuesday evening links: Odalis Perez is waiting to sign a new contract this offseason, says MLB.com's Bill Ladson after a conversation with Perez' agent. Ladson also notes that Nats' GM Jim Bowden has expressed interest in resigning the lefty starter. Perez did start 30 games last season with Washington. The Braves have a significant interest in Derek Lowe, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Beyond Lowe, Atlanta may look next at Jon Garland, Randy Wolf, or Oliver Perez. Bowman categorizes the members of this group as potentially "profitable gambles." Nick Swisher will play almost exclusively at first base for the...   Continue Reading

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Angels Hold Off On Teixeira Bid

Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times describes the Angels' strategy regarding free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. He says that since Tex will test the open market regardless, the Halos will not make an offer within their exclusive negotiation period. So much for resolving the situation quickly. The Angels do not want Scott Boras shopping around their offer to the Yankees, Red Sox, Orioles, and Nationals and driving up the price. Just a guess, maybe the Nats consider Josh Willingham their cleanup hitter acquisition and will back out of the Teixeira derby. DiGiovanna adds that the Angels "plan a serious...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Fuentes, Cordero, Delgado

5:18pm: More on the Mets: Ken Davidoff says they're shopping Aaron Heilman, Scott Schoeneweis, and Pedro Feliciano. The A's, Rays, and Rangers are fans of Heilman. The Rockies, Cardinals, Cubs, and D'Backs were also tossed into the mix by Adam Rubin, though the D'Backs haven't had recent talks. The Mets would be willing to pick up some of the $3.6MM owed to Schoeneweis next year. 4:58pm: Brian Fuentes' agent Rick Thurman calls the below rumor of an offer to the Mets a "total fabrication." 10:56am: Checking in on the Mets... Tracy Ringolsby says Brian Fuentes' agents proposed a four-year, $44MM...   Continue Reading

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Mets Prioritize Pitching

9:15pm: Michael Schmidt has a look at the amusing binder the Boras Corporation compiled to sell Oliver Perez. 6:31pm: Mets GM Omar Minaya commented on Manny Ramirez, indicating that he plans to invest in pitching instead. 2:34pm: The Mets expressed preliminary interest in Jon Garland and Ryan Dempster, according to Ken Davidoff. Dempster's agent made it clear that he won't be re-signing with the Cubs soon. 1:23pm: ESPN's Buster Olney wrote in his blog this morning that the Mets are probably not willing to go past three years for Francisco Rodriguez or any reliever. 10:03am: More Mets chatter from Joel...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Bradley, Peavy, Young

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere... Goat Riders of the Apocalypse looks at Milton Bradley and sees a clubhouse cancer, but can't ignore his .999 OPS and wonders if he is the answer in right field for the Cubs. Pinstripes Published takes a look at the crop of free agent starting pitchers and speculates on who will sign with the Yankees, with the most likely being C.C. Sabathia, Jon Garland and Ryan Dempster. Chop-n-Change takes a look at which prospects it might take to land Jake Peavy, and wonders if a package built around RHP Tommy...   Continue Reading

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How To Fix The Mets

I will offer my own opinions on how to improve the Mets in the Offseason Outlook, due within a few weeks. Many journalists have already weighed in - let's take a look. Newly added bullet: John Harper of the New York Daily News. He advises the Mets to decline Delgado's option while signing Orlando Hudson, Raul Ibanez, and Derek Lowe and trading for J.J. Putz. Say goodbye to Castillo, Perez, and Martinez in this plan. Ken Davidoff of Newsday: Sign free agents Francisco Rodriguez, Darren Oliver, Juan Rivera, Fernando Tatis, and Wes Helms. Also sign one of Jon Garland, Derek...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hawkins, Pettitte, Strasburg

Rounding up the day's links... Jack Etkin of the Rocky Mountain News talks about the future of Garrett Atkins. We discussed the possibility of an Atkins trade in this post. MLB.com's Jim Molony says the Astros would like to re-sign reliever LaTroy Hawkins. Amazingly, Hawkins has thrown 17 scoreless innings as an Astro. This is a popular link lately...Vegas Watch examines April predictions from various analysts. Meanwhile, Scott Long digs in deeper on PECOTA's American League predictions. Personally I am more interested in the logic behind projections. Did anyone predict Rays starters to post a 3.88 ERA? Did anyone peg...   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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Odds And Ends: Thomas, Garland, Cabrera

Some links to get the thread going. I'll add more if anything interesting hits the wires: Frank Thomas' quadriceps injury is not as severe as previously thought, and he plans to play in 2009. Thomas, 40, is tied with Willie McCovey and Ted Williams for 18th place in the all-time home run list, with 521. Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com takes a look back at the Jon Garland for Orlando Cabrera deal and concludes that, what seemed like an unnecessary move for the Halos then, looks more like a "stroke of genius by general manager Tony Reagins." Rays pitching phenom David...   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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Perrotto's Latest: Waivers, Extensions, Garcia, Braves

John Perrotto over at Baseball Prospectus has his Every Given Sunday column up: Perrotto lists off several people which he believes are the most likely to be made available if and when they clear waivers. While the list is comprised of a lot of the usual suspects this August (Greg Maddux, Jarrod Washburn, Paul Byrd, Randy Winn), Perrotto lists some other names that we haven't seen as much: Francisco Cordero, Tyler Walker, Todd Jones, Jose Bautista, and Doug Mientkiewicz. Perrotto also says that he feels Aubrey Huff has the best chance to be traded of any impact bat available. Perrotto...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Beltre, Washburn, Escobar, Duchscherer

Ken Rosenthal brings us his latest Full Count video: Rosenthal thinks the Mariners should consider dealing Adrian Beltre along with Erik Bedard by the deadline. The A's and Dodgers would be interested in the 29 year old. Also, Jarrod Washburn's stock is rising. If Kelvim Escobar makes a strong return to the Angels rotation, Jon Garland could wind up on the trading block. As it stands, Escobar is slated for relief duties initially. 30 year old Justin Duchscherer could be Billy Beane's best trade piece. His sparkling 1.99 ERA in combination with his being signed through this year for only...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Jacque, Lee Hak-ju, Tavarez

Here's today's collection of links. The Tigers weren't able to trade Jacque Jones; he'll become a free agent tomorrow. The Marlins are expected to make an offer. The Cubs signed a Korean high school shortstop named Lee Hak-ju. Aaron Shinsano, who works for the Cubs as a scout, says the team believes he'd have been a first round pick in the states. Giants owner Peter Magowan is expected to step down Friday. Troy Renck says the Rox still want Julian Tavarez but won't give up pitching prospect Brandon Hynick. Baseball America ranked Hynick eighth among Rockies prospects, they describe him...   Continue Reading

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Free Agent Stock Watch: Jon Garland

One thing Jon Garland has going for him is his age. He'll spend the 2009 season as a 29 year-old. Only a few other free agent starters will be under 30 that year: Oliver Perez (27), Mark Prior (27), and C.C. Sabathia (28). A team that can't afford Sabathia but misses out on Perez might turn to Garland. Garland is an innings eater, having topped 210 in each of the last three seasons. His low strikeout rate leads to plenty of hits, but he balances that with good control. His groundball rate had been on the decline from 2005-07, but...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Garland, Linden, A-Rod

Time to round up various tidbits and rumors. Jon Garland says that unless his agent kept him in the dark, a long-term deal was never discussed with the White Sox. But in the unlikely event the Sox pursue Garland this winter, he'll listen. Here's a look others who will be free agents after this season and under 30 years old for '09. We've heard the Brandon Inge/Joe Crede rumors regarding the Dodgers. Tony Jackson speculates that Wes Helms or Jeff Cirillo could also be options. Paul Sullivan says Aaron Rowand was the Cubs' Plan B to Kosuke Fukudome. ShysterBall can't...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Kelly Johnson, Nathan, Crede

Time for some early Monday odds and ends. Remember how White Sox GM Ron Schueler embarrassed Cubs GM Ed Lynch in 1998 by acquiring Jon Garland for Matt Karchner? Rany Jazayerli sees a parallel to that heist with the Royals' acquisition of Daniel Cortes as part of the July '06 Mike MacDougal trade. Mike Berardino's blog continues to entertain; this time with a Dan Miceli story. Ah, knife fights with siblings. Who among us can say they haven't had one or two? Buster Olney learned from Braves GM Frank Wren that Kelly Johnson has been the team's most asked-for player...   Continue Reading

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White Sox Trade Jon Garland For Orlando Cabrera

UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal reports that the White Sox received $1.5MM in the deal. It certainly seems that the Sox are clearing payroll for Torii Hunter. Mark Gonzales notes that while the Sox hope to sign Cabrera long-term, they'll still benefit from this trade if they don't. Cabrera is likely to be a Type A a year from now while Garland will probably be a B. According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox acquired shortstop Orlando Cabrera for starter Jon Garland today. In a vacuum, this seems like a pretty even swap to me. Just comparing the..   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Atkins, Barrett, Fukumori

What are the Rockies up to as they plot to defend their NL pennant? Tracy Ringolsby and Troy E. Renck have the latest. Ringolsby says Garrett Atkins is staying put, which should help the third baseman relax a little bit. This echoes Renck's sentiments yesterday. Renck also noted that the Rox won't be offering Atkins a multiyear deal anytime soon. Yesterday Renck said that after Yorvit Torrealba, the Rockies were considering Jose Molina, Paul Lo Duca, Jason Kendall, and Ramon Castro for catcher. However Ringolsby says today that Michael Barrett and Kendall are the main targets. Renck has come on..   Continue Reading

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Latest Mets Rumors: A-Rod, Silva, Blanton

Plenty of action around the Mets lately; Omar Minaya has his work cut out for him. Hat tip to MetsBlog for several of the links. The sensational storyline here is that Minaya will meet with Scott Boras to discuss Alex Rodriguez. However, Boras and Minaya might spend more time discussing Kyle Lohse and Eric Gagne than A-Rod - the Mets' focus is pitching. Newsday's Ken Davidoff reminds us of past trade talks regarding Joe Blanton, Jose Contreras, and Jon Garland. Those talks may be re-opened, though Davidoff notes that the White Sox aren't enamored of Lastings Milledge. Additionally, the Mets..   Continue Reading

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Phils Won't Focus On Third Base

Third base was a gaping hole for the Phillies in 2007. But because the team scored a lot of runs that year, GM Pat Gillick does not see the need to upgrade at the position. Instead, he will focus on adding pitching whether via trade or free agency. I have to say that I don't agree with the logic. Runs are runs, whether you score more of them or let in fewer. The goal is to create the largest differential between runs scored and allowed, doesn't matter whether you try to move the top or bottom line. That's my opinion..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends

More random rumors and reading material! Baseball Prospectus' Nate Silver discusses Ryan Braun's undeniably terrible defense at third base, suggesting some interesting trade and signing permutations to get him into right field. Also note that Kevin Kouzmanoff is a butcher at third; maybe the Friars will be in the market for Mike Lowell this winter (a player they've expressed interest in in the past). Awesome headline for this Garrett Atkins article. Steve King discusses how the Phillies would be a fine fit for a trade, throwing the Dodgers, Twins, Angels, and Astros into the mix as well. Note that Atkins..   Continue Reading

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Will D'Backs Add A Starter?

There are two schools of thought regarding the young, successful Arizona club. The Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro seems to think Josh Byrnes will stay quiet this winter, re-signing Tony Clark and letting Randy Johnson replace Livan Hernandez. The East Valley Tribune's Scott Bordow would rather not rely on The Big Unit, instead trading a young position player for a young starter. Specifically, Bordow notes that Carlos Quentin and Conor Jackson could be expendable. However, injuries complicate possible trades of either player. With Quentin it's direct - he had surgery to repair the rotator cuff and labrum of his non-throwing shoulder..   Continue Reading

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Phillies Have $20MM To Burn

The Philadelphia Inquirer's Todd Zolecki tallied up the Phillies' commitments and determined that they have roughly $20MM free to spend on pitching, third base, and perhaps Aaron Rowand. Zolecki feels that the Phils would choose to let Rowand walk if they couldn't fit it all in the budget. Zolecki mentions Mike Lowell as a possibility for the hot corner; that'd run $8-12MM for '08 depending on how you backload it. Lowell seems in line for at least two years, $22MM. Gordon Edes has speculated that it could require a three or four year commitment. The Phillies at least fall under..   Continue Reading

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Update on Garland: Phillies Scouting

We said a few weeks back that the White Sox May Shop Jon Garland and that Garland knows it. The White Sox are seeking 2 relievers. As Tim noted, the Red Sox, Rockies, Braves, Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies have all shown interest. Well, it starts here: Paul Hagen recently caught wind of the Phillies scouting the tall right hander during his complete game shutout of the Royals last Wednesday. Garland is due $12MM in the final year of his contract. The Phillies will be waving goodbye to Jon Lieber and flop Freddy Garcia, opening up $17MM and the..   Continue Reading

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Garland Expects To Be Traded

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times has some quotes from 28 year-old White Sox starter Jon Garland. Basically, Garland expects to be traded this winter. Cowley also pokes fun at Garland's laid-back attitude, which seems to be a sore spot in Chicago. If nothing else, Garland is consistent. He's never been seriously injured. His strikeout rates are usually around 4.8 per nine each year. He typically has good control. The most random part of his stat line is hits allowed, as you would expect. A hit-lucky year in '05 had some thinking he could be an ace. That performance helped..   Continue Reading

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Jon Garland For Brian Fuentes?

As you know, Kenny Williams is looking for two relievers (one proven) for starter Jon Garland. Part of the motivation is moving Garland's $12MM salary in his last year before free agency. You may also recall that the Rockies inquired on Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, and Garland this summer. Talks stalled when the White Sox insisted on southpaw starter Franklin Morales or third baseman Ian Stewart. According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the teams could re-engage in talks involving Garland. The discussion would begin with lefty veteran reliever Brian Fuentes. Renck believes Fuentes will make about $7MM..   Continue Reading

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White Sox May Shop Jon Garland

The White Sox have shopped Jon Garland around in the past. You may recall the failed deal with the Astros at the last Winter Meetings - the Sox were supposed to receive Jason Hirsh, Willy Taveras, and Taylor Buchholz. There was even a press conference scheduled for that one. Apparently the deal died when Kenny Williams demanded Hunter Pence as well. Many teams have had discussions with the White Sox regarding Garland since then. The Red Sox, Rockies, Braves, Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies all expressed interest. The Braves reportedly offered Edgar Renteria and a top pitching prospect (pre-Teixeira..   Continue Reading

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A Possible 2008 White Sox Roster

Nathaniel Whalen of the Daily Southtown speculates on a possible 2008 White Sox roster. His scenario sends Jon Garland and Brian Anderson to San Diego for Khalil Greene, Heath Bell, and a pitching prospect. Not sure who the Padres would use at shortstop, then. Whalen's scenario also has the White Sox signing Aaron Rowand. Most folks around Chicago expect Kenny Williams to make a run at him, especially if it's for Eric Byrnes bucks. But that leaves Ryan Sweeney and Jerry Owens as the corner outfielders. Neither fits the profile of a corner outfielder, and I'm not sure the Sox..   Continue Reading

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White Sox Discuss Vazquez, Garland

There hasn't been much buzz on Javier Vazquez, but as suspected, Kenny Williams is at least willing to discuss him. According to Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times, Williams was discussing Vazquez with the Phillies before the Phils got Kyle Lohse. Pat Gillick and Kenny Williams really get along it seems. It would be interesting to see Vazquez in play over the next 6.5 hours. SI.com's Jon Heyman reports some talks surrounding Jon Garland. Heyman says Garland is "by far the best available starting pitcher right now." The Dodgers, Mets, and Diamondbacks have all inquired and found the price unreasonable,..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Dye, Lamb, Jennings

Ken Rosenthal has a new article up. Let's see what's in there beyond the Teixeira stuff. The Angels have a few alternatives to Mark Teixeira in Jermaine Dye and Mike Piazza. However, the team isn't exactly bursting with open outfield/DH spots, especially once Juan Rivera returns. Troy Glaus still makes a ton of sense, but the Blue Jays would want a lot. Probably 2/3 of the Teixeira package. Aside from Mark Loretta, the Padres would also like to acquire Mike Lamb from the Astros. Even tossing aside his awful April, Kevin Kouzmanoff has been about average for his position offensively..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest Videos: Teixeira, Dye, Garland

Ken Rosenthal has a couple of recent videos up at FOXSports. Check 'em out. Some highlights: The Mark Teixeira talks are at a standstill; the Braves and Angels are reluctant to improve their offers. The Dodgers are said to be out of the picture. Daniels, Schuerholz, Stoneman - which one blinks first? I'll say Daniels; he'll go with Atlanta's best offer. Jermaine Dye is Plan B for the Angels, but as you know the Red Sox still have interest. Jon Garland can be had, but Kenny Williams' price is sky-high. The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Mets, and Braves all have interest. The..   Continue Reading

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Latest Mets Rumors: Luis Castillo, Chad Cordero

Let's have a look at the latest rumors swirling around the Mets. Second base remains an area of focus. A Twins scout was at Shea recently, presumably trying to figure out what to ask for from the Mets for Luis Castillo. The Mets were recently scouting the Twins as well. The problem is that Castillo is not yet officially available. A couple of Marks, Grudzielanek and Loretta, remain on the radar. The Astros might consider signing Loretta to an extension, though no details have been discussed. The Devil Rays hosted the Red Sox last night, and a Mets scout was..   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest:

Jayson Stark has a new column over at ESPN.com. Some highlights: Octavio Dotel is almost a lock to be traded, and Chin-Lung Hu remains a possibility. Stark adds that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti scouted reliever John Malone, which I think means Jonathan Meloan. The 23 year-old Meloan throws in the low 90s with a hard slider; he commands his fastball well but carries some health concerns. Regarding Jon Garland, we've already heard that the Mariners, Braves, and Yankees are interested. Stark adds the Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies to that list. However, he thinks Kenny Williams really just wants to trade..   Continue Reading

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Mariners Pursuing Jon Garland

Jim Hickey mentioned yesterday that the Mariners have been all over White Sox pitchers lately. Assuming Jose Contreras isn't helpful and Javier Vazquez doesn't want to go west, that leaves Jon Garland as the most reasonable target. The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rogers adds some color to that scenario, noting that one of Bill Bavasi's henchmen used to work for the White Sox and loves Garland. Rogers believes the right match would be 23 year-old right fielder Wladimir Balentien. Wlad has a robust .310/.381/.557 line in Triple A this year. The two GMs roles were reversed on June 27th, 2004, when..   Continue Reading

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Teixeira Talk Heating Up

UPDATE: Jon Heyman of SI.com has a nice rundown of the Teixeira suitors. His sources seem to indicate that the chances of a trade are now better than Rosenthal's 50/50. Good point raised by Heyman and many commenters - even if the Braves wanted to trade Escobar, the Rangers don't really have a need for a middle infielder. UPDATE 2: Jim Molony of MLB.com says the Red Sox are the frontrunner. The Rangers have scouted all of their major pitching prospects. Ken Rosenthal has the latest on Mark Teixeira, who is now 50/50 to be dealt according to one source..   Continue Reading

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Yankees Interested In Garland, Thornton

According to George King of the New York Post, the White Sox have scouts watching the Single-A Tampa Yankees. Outfielders Austin Jackson and Jose Tabata are the big names from that team, far as I can tell. Which White Sox players interest the Yankees? They've already had a go with Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras, which leaves Jon Garland. It seems the Yanks might want lefty reliever Matt Thornton as well, according to King. Thornton had a breakout last year by developing decent control, but he's regressed this season. His strikeout rate is down as well. Rather than go year-to-year..   Continue Reading

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Garland For Renteria Discussed?

Found via Buster Olney's blog: Peter Gammons suggested that the White Sox and Braves have discussed a Jon Garland for Edgar Renteria swap. Renteria, soon to turn 32, is hitting better this year than he ever has. He's quite a bargain for Atlanta, because the Red Sox are footing much of the bill. Assuming Boston's $8MM contribution was spread evenly for 2006-08, the Braves are paying Renteria about 6.66MM this year and the same in 2008. Renteria also has an $11MM option for 2009 on which Boston would pay the $3MM buyout if necessary. At present it seems very likely..   Continue Reading

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McAdam On Red Sox Trade Possibilities

Yesterday, Sean McAdam of The Providence Journal posted an article discussing trade possibilities for the Red Sox. Let's discuss. It seems that the Red Sox will add a bullpen arm despite the fine work of Manny Delcarmen. Apparently they want someone with experience. Eric Gagne doesn't seem likely, nor does Brad Lidge. Instead, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and maybe Salomon Torres or Scott Linebrink could be acquired. The focus is said to be on the Houston relievers. Wheeler seems like a solid buy-low option. You can add Octavio Dotel to the radar as well. And let's throw Brian Fuentes into..   Continue Reading

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Conor Jackson Showcased For White Sox?

You may have noticed Conor Jackson oddly playing left field last night. On the surface, the idea was just to get Jackson, Mark Reynolds, and Chad Tracy into the same lineup against Dave Bush. However, Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Diamondbacks' real motivation was to showcase Jackson for the White Sox. Left field is the only place the Sox could use him. Rogers writes that while the D'Backs scouted Jose Contreras, they're after Jon Garland or even John Danks. Javier Vazquez's name did not come up, but wouldn't it be crazy to see the Chris Young..   Continue Reading

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Rockies Inquired On White Sox Starters

In June, the main trade buzz around the Rockies was that they had interest in Octavio Dotel. Today, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune added some intriguing names also on Colorado's wish list: Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, and Jon Garland. Obviously Buehrle is off limits now. It wasn't too long ago that Dan O'Dowd expressed his interest in adding a White Sox hurler. Apparently talks stalled when Kenny Williams wanted southpaw starter Franklin Morales or third baseman Ian Stewart from the Rox. Morales has frontline stuff and is trying to hone his control at Double A Tulsa. He missed some..   Continue Reading

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What About Other White Sox Pitchers?

A couple of Chicago newspapers raised a logical possibility today: what if the impending White Sox fire sale extends beyond those who will become free agents? Specifically, the Sox have three veteran starting pitchers under contract and any of them could be traded. Take Javier Vazquez. He's a fine addition to any team looking for a complementary, solid, healthy pitcher. Vazquez is signed through 2010 at $11.5MM annually, about the market rate. He'll turn 31 soon, and has no health issues. His strikeout rate is strong, his walk rate low. Granted he's HR prone and his ERA never quite seems..   Continue Reading

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Gammons Rumors: Qualls, Garland

In today's blog post at ESPN.com, Peter Gammons slips in a couple of trade tidbits. While discussing the Boston bullpen, Gammons remarks: "They'll keep looking at relievers on other teams - like Houston's Chad Qualls - and figure they'll get a mess of innings out of the starting rotation." Gammons may be speaking in the hypothetical, but he may be implying that the Red Sox are looking into Qualls' availability. The 28 year-old righty has been tough to hit the last two seasons, but a K/9 below 6 isn't closer material. Another Gammons bullet point regarding the Red Sox: "The..   Continue Reading

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Astros Interested In Paul Wilson, Pedro Astacio

Some interesting rumor bits courtesy of the Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice this morning... Justice mentions that Tim Purpura is discussing a contract with Paul Wilson and examining Pedro Astacio's medical records. Wilson had a second labrum surgery in June and has been unable to regain velocity. Astacio tossed just 90 innings this year because of a strained forearm (often a precursor to an elbow injury). The Astros could invite right fielder Richard Hidalgo to compete for a fourth outfielder job. I like the idea; Hidalgo has always been one of the game's best defensive RFs. Justice also adds that after..   Continue Reading

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Astros' Options Remain Wide Open

One way or another, Tim Purpura is going to acquire a decent starting pitcher. The Houston Chronicle reports that Purpura is still in touch with the White Sox, but has a host of other active scenarios as well. In the article, Purpura goes to great lengths to confirm that starter Taylor Buchholz is healthy without actually confirming that he could be involved in a trade. It remains possible that the Astros trade for Jon Garland. They won't, however, acquire both Garland and Andy Pettitte. The Astros still have a one-year, $12MM offer out there. The Yankees have already blown that..   Continue Reading

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Astros/White Sox Jon Garland Confusion

UPDATES AT BOTTOM. Now this is a shocker. The Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros are set to announce a trade for Jon Garland. The righty turned 27 in September. He makes $10MM in '07 and $12MM in '08. Jose De Jesus Ortiz mentions that the buzz is that Willy Taveras and Taylor Buchholz may be involved. Can you believe it? In two days Kenny Williams has sent away 40% of his rotation. While I find the Garcia bounty reasonable, it doesn't seem to be the best possible return. Same here, if it's really Buchholz/Taveras. There will be all sorts..   Continue Reading

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Assorted updates: Alou, Hudson, Garland, Okajima

Earlier today, we found a report that Moises Alou was about to sign with the Mets. Now Rosenthal is saying that it could be a two-year deal. With Carlos Gomez right behind Lastings Milledge, putting two established vets in the outfield through 2008 would seem to make Milledge expendable. Yesterday, Phil Rogers speculated that Mark Buehrle could be headed to Texas. Rosenthal says it's Jon Garland, and hints (as Rogers did) that John Danks and Brian Anderson could be part of the package, especially if the deal gets bigger. And, Buster Olney is reporting chatter about Tim Hudson heading to..   Continue Reading

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Rowand for Garland Rumor

A lot of folks are wondering if there's anything to the rumored swap of Jon Garland for Aaron Rowand. Todd Zolecki from the Philadelphia Inquirer said it best: 1. Garland has a 6.04 ERA. 2. He just signed a three-year, $29 million contract in December. He makes $10 million in 2007 and $12 million in 2008. Phillies GM Pat Gillick has talked often about payroll flexibility. It's doubtful he would take on such a contract, especially for a pitcher who is slumping. Garland's contract also includes a no-trade clause. 3. Perhaps most important, the Phils love Rowand. Everything Zolecki says..   Continue Reading

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Jon Garland Re-Signs With White Sox

A Bruce Levine radio report on ESPN Radio 1000 indicates that Jon Garland has re-signed with the White Sox for three years, $29MM. The contract is backloaded: $7MM in 2006, $10MM in 2007, and $12MM in 2008. The contract has a no-trade provision for 2006 only, so the Sox have flexibility if they don't want to be on the hook for the final $22MM. The deal is another excellent move by GM Kenny Williams. With any type of decent showing in 2006, Garland stood to command a five or six year deal averaging as much as $11MM annually. Perhaps the..   Continue Reading

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Astros Update: Garland, Garciaparra

Good stuff today from my main Astros guy. First off, the Astros are talking to the White Sox about what it would take to acquire Jon Garland. It's well known that Garland is on the market, and the Astros do have some interesting young arms that are sure to come up in the discussion. Southpaw Troy Patton had a nice run in high Class A this year, and righty Jason Hirsh righted the ship at Double A Corpus Christi. Both pitchers are very highly regarded by Baseball America. Assuming a well-rested Roger Clemens rejoins the Astros in June, the team..   Continue Reading

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White Sox Interested In Blalock?

In today's Chicago Tribune, Phil Rogers lays out some options for the White Sox to further bolster their club. According to Rogers: "The most transparent scenarios are a starter and Joe Crede to Texas for a package fronted by left-handed-hitting third baseman Hank Blalock (signed for a highly reasonable $13.7 million for the next three years with a $6.2 million option in 2009); a starter and Juan Uribe to Baltimore for Miguel Tejada—not that likely—or a starter to Baltimore for a package of young talent in a deal that makes Tejada happier about staying put. When Williams trades one of..   Continue Reading

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