Jon Lieber Rumors

Odds and Ends: Happ, Igawa, Hawkins, Lowe

Rounding up rumors and links from the weekend... SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mariners are asking the Mets for Jon Niese for Raul Ibanez. Not likely. ESPN's Buster Olney says the Braves would require Conor Jackson from the D'Backs in a Mark Teixeira deal, but Arizona is not biting. Another quick hit from Olney: the White Sox are surveying the relief market in the wake of Scott Linebrink's shoulder injury. Several readers have written in about Phillies' lefty J.A. Happ being pulled early from a Triple A start (2.2 scoreless innings) with no sign of injury. Something to keep an...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lieber, Tavarez, Oswalt

We've got mostly smaller stuff today, so let's kick it off with an odds and ends. The Mets designated Claudio Vargas for assignment. I'm a bit surprised, I think he's still a useful pitcher. Pitcher Jon Lieber may retire after the season. 130+ wins, that's a nice career. With Tom Gordon's shoulder barking, the Phillies' desire to add a reliever has intensified. Here's a look at the relief market. When a 2.93 ERA is considered underperforming, expectations were never reasonable. Anyone else get the impression that if Johan Santana's record was 10-3 instead of 7-6, there wouldn't even be a...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Roberts, Gibbons, Matthews

The Cubs and Orioles continue to be linked in trade speculation involving Brian Roberts. The latest from the Chicago Tribune says that an Orioles scout was in attendance for Sean Gallagher's two hitless innings on Saturday. The amount of time it's taking for these two clubs to get their acts together on this deal continues to be mind-boggling. The Trib is also reporting that Jon Lieber took a big step towards earning the fifth spot in the Cubs rotation on Saturday, coming through with four shutout innings against the Diamondbacks. Ryan Dempster and Jason Marquis are also in the mix....   Continue Reading

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Mailbag: Roberts, Teixeira, Johan, Nathan, And More

Time for this week's mailbag. You can hit it up at mlbtrmailbag@gmail.com to get in your question for next week. Do you see the Twins signing a big name middle of the order bopper or trading for one before the opening of the new stadium in 2010? - Jordan Funny you ask this. I recently asked LEN3 whether the Twins would have a $100MM payroll for the 2010 season, and he said, "I don't see it." So I'll go with his wisdom and say business as usual for the Twins despite the stadium. Why are the White Sox not aggressively..   Continue Reading

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Cubs Sign Lieber

UPDATE, 1-16-08 at 1:18pm: The deal is for $3.5MM plus incentives. The signing looks solid to me; the Cubs needed a little depth at the back end of their rotation and the risk is very small. Lieber had also spoken to the Reds, but the Cubs were his first choice. UPDATE, 1-16-08 at 10:45am: Rosenthal confirms the signing; it's a one-year deal. He says Lieber won't have to fight for a rotation spot. That might mean Jason Marquis is headed out of town or Ryan Dempster back to the 'pen (I suppose Dempster could be dealt instead). I guess Sean..   Continue Reading

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Reds Have Preliminary Discussions About Blanton

We've heard the rumblings for some time. Now there's word from the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay that the Reds have "had some preliminary discussions with Oakland about right-hander Joe Blanton." The Reds also made some kind of offer for Erik Bedard, but Fay admits that neither trade is likely to occur. That's because the Reds won't trade Jay Bruce and only want to part with one of Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, and Joey Votto (though all three are very good prospects). Note that Billy Beane reportedly wanted Cueto in a Dan Haren deal. Instead, the Reds are entertaining all sorts..   Continue Reading

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Brian Roberts Deal Dead?

A trusted emailer wrote in to tell me about a report today from Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio 1000. According to Levine, Brian Roberts is no longer available. The Orioles were apparently asking for Tyler Colvin or Felix Pie plus multiple pitchers, and the Cubs wouldn't do it. Levine says the Cubs may turn their attention to the Rangers' Marlon Byrd or free agent Jon Lieber   Continue Reading

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Cubs Eyeing Lieber?

Here's a rumor of mild interest. 1060West relays a Bruce Levine radio report in which Jon Lieber is mentioned as a possible target for the Cubs. Lieber won 20 games for the Cubs in 2001, but went down with Tommy John surgery the following year. Getting Lieber from the Pirates for Brant Brown in '98 was a nice move by Ed Lynch. At the right price I think Lieber could be a capable fifth starter for a lot of National League clubs. I wouldn't expect him to demand two years, but you never know. The Mets, Reds, Royals, and Rangers..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Villarreal, Cano, Rowand

Alright let's round 'em up. This was one I was going to pass on posting, but it's pretty dead right now. The Astros signed newly acquired reliever Oscar Villarreal to a two-year deal. He was already under team control through 2008. The MLB.com article adds that Ed Wade's interest in Livan Hernandez and Bartolo Colon is low, and talks with Jon Lieber pretty much died. The Yankees pulled Robinson Cano out of Winter Ball. The word is that he doesn't want to aggravate a calf injury. You could read into it and speculate he's a part of trade talks. Seems..   Continue Reading

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Mets Still Like Jon Lieber

The New York Daily News reiterated the Mets' interest in free agent starter Jon Lieber this morning. Liebs turns 38 in April. He's probably just as good as Livan Hernandez, but less durable. The Mets' interest in Lieber was previously reported by Jayson Stark on December 5th. Other teams connected to Lieber - the Reds, Royals, Astros, and Rangers. Peter Botte and Roger Rubin name Lieber as one of many free agent options for the Mets if they fail to trade for a frontline guy. Kyle Lohse, Freddy Garcia, and Bartolo Colon are candidates. Matthew Cerrone says the Mets have..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Loretta, Patterson

You know the drill, here's a roundup of some rumor nuggets. I'll update the post continuously throughout the day. Corey Patterson wants a multiyear deal, which probably isn't something the Rangers want to do. The Indians met with C.C. Sabathia's agent on Thursday, but have yet to submit an extension proposal. That will happen this month, most likely. Check out how excited Pirates Rule 5 pick Evan Meek was. Pretty cool. The Astros expect Mark Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration. The deadline is midnight tonight for players to decide. Despite what Ed Wade says I doubt they really..   Continue Reading

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Royals, Astros, and Reds Interested In Lieber

According to ESPN's Jayson Stark, free agent hurler Jon Lieber is garnering interest from the Royals, Astros, Reds, Mets, and Rangers. Liebs is expected to be ready for Spring Training after a foot injury. Stark had previously reported that the Astros were not interested   Continue Reading

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ESPN's Latest: Sosa, Prior, Kuroda, Reyes

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:19pm: Ah, the truth comes out. Sammy Sosa's people approached the Royals, but they weren't interested. FROM 12-4-07 at 3:17pm: ESPN has a huge team at the Meetings; here are some tidbits that haven't appeared elsewhere on MLBTR. Enrique Rojas says the Royals have interest in Sammy Sosa. Could that indicate a Mark Teahen trade is in the works also? Teahen is expected to move to first base to accomodate Jose Guillen, which would push Billy Butler to DH. But Sammy can only DH. Buster Olney says the Rangers and Padres are in on Mark Prior. The..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Tavarez, Lieber, Stewart

Another collection... A few notes from Brian Cashman...the Yanks have talked to Luis Vizcaino's agent about bringing him back. Also, they've yet to inquire on any free agent center fielders. Miguel Cabrera has been talking to Ozzie Guillen daily since the season ended. The article makes Cabrera sound like a big kid. The Red Sox have had a couple of inquiries on Julian Tavarez. Five or six teams have inquired on Shannon Stewart, who wants a two-year pact apparently. The Phillies, contrary to previous reports, are not interested in re-signing Jon Lieber. On a scale of 1 to 10, the..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Colon, Clark, Gagne

Random rumors, let's round 'em up. How about Bartolo Colon to the Mets? David Lennon notes that Omar Minaya sold the farm to acquire him in 2002 as the Expos' GM. Scott Lauber says Aaron Rowand is insisting on a five-year deal. He adds that the Phils have interest in Geoff Jenkins but he might be too expensive. Cameron Maybin and Andrew Miller are considered untouchable, so don't look for the Tigers to make any big trades. Patrick Saunders runs down some free agents the Rockies may consider for the back end of their rotation: Tony Armas, Matt Clement, Steve..   Continue Reading

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Phillies Could Re-Sign Lieber

The Phillies need pitching, and they intend to spend money on it. Jon Lieber is a free agent, and he still has a little left in the tank. Why not bring him back? Lieber's agent said yesterday that Liebs still has the Phillies under consideration. His '07 season with them was cut short by foot surgery. For the Phillies the contract would probably have to be one year plus incentives. Lieber's agent wisely wouldn't say whether he was up for that. Who knows, maybe a guy like Lieber snags two years guaranteed somewhere. So far the Astros are the only..   Continue Reading

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Astros Interested In Lieber, Linebrink

Ed Wade is contacting all sorts of free agents, and going public with it. The latest was starter Jon Lieber, who seems like a bargain and a decent fit for them. Wade was behind the Phillies' signing of Lieber in '04. Lieber will turn 38 in April of next year. He only pitched 78 innings for the Phils in '07 a strained oblique and a ruptured tendon in his foot. He had surgery on the foot in July. Maybe the Astros can get him on a one-year deal. Jim Molony's MLB.com article also mentions that the Astros have reached out..   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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Lieber For Farnsworth?

At this point, the rumor appears more speculation than actual confirmed talks between the Yankees and Phillies. But plenty of folks see the logic in a Jon Lieber for Kyle Farnsworth swap, including Peter Abraham. The Yankees find themselves with a rotation of Mussina, Wang, Pettitte, Igawa, and pray for rain. Pavano, Hughes, and Karstens are all hurt. Igawa is in the rotation mainly by necessity. Brian Cashman can hold out, hope for a Roger Clemens rescue. Or he can find some sort of reinforcement now. Is Lieber the answer? Has the Lieber of old returned? It's only been three..   Continue Reading

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Time For Yankees/Phils Rumors?

With the Yankees struggling so much to assemble a healthy five-man rotation, it was only inevitable that rumors will begin to surface about a trade between the Yankees and Phillies, given the latter's surplus of starting pitchers and Brian Cashman's regret a few years ago at letting Jon Lieber get away. Not only does Philly have six starters on the big league roster, but J.A. Happ - another lefty - has been dominating International League hitters (2.05 ERA, 10.23 K/9, .194 BAA) providing the appearance of organizational depth when it comes to starting pitching. But unless the Phillies get a..   Continue Reading

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Garcia's Injury Halts Lieber Trade

This is my second contribution to MLBTradeRumors.com and with this entry, I have yet to comment on a trade that might be happening. So far, when it comes to the Phillies, it's been all about trades that aren't going to happen. Yesterday afternoon, manager Charlie Manuel told reporters that Jon Lieber, the subject of considerable trade speculation since December, would begin to pitch exclusively out of the bullpen, not because of poor performance, but because he was the odd-man out on a team with six starting pitchers. Later in the evening, Freddy Garcia was pulled from the first inning. Besides..   Continue Reading

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Lieber, Kim Rumors

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has some trade rumor tidbits from around baseball this morning. To summarize: Renck does not think the Phils truly want to use Jon Lieber as a reliever, and mentions two scenarios floating around. Lieber could be paired with Aaron Rowand and sent to the White Sox, which I would think would require at least Mike MacDougal. Would be interesting to see Liebs back in Chicago if old pals KW and "Stand Pat" Gillick can work it out. Or, he could go to Milwaukee for Kevin Mench. Such a trade would have to push..   Continue Reading

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Would White Sox Acquire Lieber?

Phil Rogers throws out the possibility in today's column, suggesting the White Sox trade for Aaron Rowand and Jon Lieber. Mike MacDougal would probably be involved in such a deal. After trading away several starters, one would not expect the White Sox to be in the market for starting pitching. Kenny Williams is unpredictable though. And it is true that the Sox scouted Carl Pavano's last start. It would be interesting to see Liebs return to Chicago, but for the Sox to send their starter surplus to Philly only to get it back seems unlikely. Rogers thinks the Mets, Cards,..   Continue Reading

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More On Rowand Rumors

Just a few tidbits regarding yesterday's Sun-Times story that the White Sox may reacquire Aaron Rowand. The Philadelphia Inquirer says that the White Sox have been scouting recent Phillies games, though Rowand did not play yesterday. Additionally, the Delco Times speculates that the availability of Rowand is directly related to the fine play of Greg Dobbs this spring. The waiver pickup could platoon with Jayson Werth in right field, with Shane Victorino moving to center. In a related topic, Buster Olney said today that any Lieber/Rios talks are dead but that the Rangers might make sense for Lieber   Continue Reading

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Lieber Showcase Goes Well

One of the most likely players to be traded this spring is 37 year-old starter Jon Lieber. He tossed a couple of scoreless frames yesterday in front of plenty of scouts. Liebs makes $7.5MM in the last year of his deal. If he can come up with 180 innings of 4.50 ball, he's worth it as a fourth starter. Were I the Phillies, I would not be in any rush to make a deal. Use Adam Eaton out of the pen, sit on the surplus and enjoy it. How many teams keep all five of their starters healthy the entire..   Continue Reading

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Gillick Visits Ricciardi

Phillies GM Pat Gillick swung by the Blue Jays' camp yesterday to talk some baseball with J.P. Ricciardi. The Globe and Mail's Jeff Blair writes that the Phils like Alex Rios and Dustin McGowan and are trying to trade Jon Lieber. Reed Johnson could be a more reasonable bounty for Lieber. As Blair says, the Jays want to see what they've got first. And I'm not sure why the Phillies would be actively trying to acquire an outfielder with Burrell, Rowand, and Victorino under contract. That looks like a decent outfield to me. The Phillies are weak in the bullpen...   Continue Reading

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Cards Hope To Woo Clemens

UPDATE: Hendricks squashed the rumor. The big story this morning: Walt Jocketty and co. met at length with Roger Clemens's agent Randy Hendricks yesterday. Other clients' of Hendricks were the main topic, but Roger's name came up. Unlike this winter's Barry Bonds rumor, Jocketty isn't denying interest. The Cardinals have some extra money after missing out on various pitching targets this winter. Clemens is quite a longshot, but it's certainly fun to speculate. This is the single move with the largest possible impact for St. Louis. Adding 100 innings of the Rocket would probably improve the Cardinals by 3-4 wins,..   Continue Reading

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Jon Lieber Action

You know it's a rough year for pitching when Jon Lieber is a hot commodity. I kid - he's not that bad. Liebs turns 37 next April, and figures to be the most expendable of Philly's six starters. He'll make $7.5MM in 2007. Home runs and hits got the best of Lieber last year, though his command remained elite. He had a 4.93 ERA overall, but can probably pitch at his second half level (4.53). The Pirates wanted to bring him back, perhaps hoping they could right the wrong of trading him to the Cubs for Brant Brown. However, John..   Continue Reading

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Machinations for Mench

There's been surprising interest in Kevin Mench, according to Doug Melvin, and one of the teams who are known to be looking at the right-handed outfielder is the Philadelphia Phillies. One deal that was rumored a few weeks ago was Aaron Rowand for Mench and, perhaps, Damian Miller. The money is about even and Melvin seems to think he needs a proven center fielder, so that seemed plausible, but the Brewers may have balked at including Miller. So this is interesting: the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (perhaps optimistically) speculates that Mench could be part of a deal for Jon Lieber. If speculation..   Continue Reading

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Lieber Rocked In Philly

In case you forgot, there is an actual baseball game going on today. Jon Lieber has been taken out of today's game after just four and two-thirds innings, but not because of an impending deal. He was yanked because the Marlins destroyed him with eleven hits and nine earned runs. Looks like Lieber's staying put. At this point, if David Dellucci or Pat Burrell is pulled from the game, it may just be to rest them because it's become a blowout. With Burrell, I think there's little sense of urgency because his contract would probably pass through waivers. UPDATE: My..   Continue Reading

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Stark: Phils To Package Abreu and Lieber?

ESPN's Jayson Stark has a new lead on the Bobby Abreu discussions: the Phils have begun pitching Abreu and Jon Lieber as a package deal. Stark says that only the Yankees could consider it, and that the price would actually lessen in this scenario because of all the salary. Check out the Phils' salary page at Cot's Baseball Contracts; they've got a host of ugly commitments handcuffing Pat Gillick. Beyond Abreu and Lieber, there are contracts for Pat Burrell, Randy Wolf, Mike Lieberthal, Arthur Rhodes, and Tom Gordon. In my opinion, if you're going to blow it up, don't half-ass..   Continue Reading

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Rumor Roundup

Another day, another rumor roundup. Let's throw everything fresh into the mill. The Orioles are thinking about taking on one of Philly's huge outfielder contracts, for some reason. I guess this could help next year's push for third place. Baltimore is one of baseball's most baffling teams to me. Abreu rumors have been floating around the Orioles since at least November. The Cubs and Yankees may have something cooking, with Scott Williamson the likely candidate to be dealt. If the reliever market is really so inflated, why don't the Cubs trade Howry and Eyre? The Pirates are offering up all..   Continue Reading

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