Jose Valverde Rumors

Astros Decline To Offer Arb To Wolf, Brocail, Loretta

MLB.com's Alyson Footer makes it official - the Astros did not offer arbitration to Type B free agents Randy Wolf and Mark Loretta or Type A free agent Doug Brocail. The Astros still hope to re-sign Brocail. Just like the Cubs with Kerry Wood and the D'Backs with Adam Dunn, Wolf is a quality player who was not offered arbitration due to payroll concerns. Richard Justice figures it may have come down to Wolf or Jose Valverde for the Astros, and they chose Valverde. Another note in Justice's post - the Astros had their eye on Jose Ceda before he...   Continue Reading

---

Mets Will Try To Trade For Bullpen Help

The New York Times has sources who say the Mets will look to improve their bullpen through trades before starting more involved discussions with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. According to the article, the Mets have had discussions with various teams about trading for Jose Valverde, J.J. Putz, Huston Street and Bobby Jenks and are considering free agent relievers Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman. Even if the Mets add one of these relievers, they could still sign K-Rod or Fuentes in their efforts to completely remodel their bullpen. This week Mets GM Omar Minaya said Fuentes' asking price was "a...   Continue Reading

---

Rangers Rumors: Byrd, Valverde, Littleton

We haven't discussed the Rangers much lately. Let's take a look at the latest from MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan (here and here). Hat tip: The Newberg Report. The interest shown in Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla has been "tentative at best." Rangers GM Jon Daniels wants Clay Buchholz from the Red Sox for one of his catchers, but Sullivan says the Sox made it clear Buchholz is not available under any circumstances. Sullivan suggests the Sox might be more inclined to trade Justin Masterson or Michael Bowden if they bolster their minor league pitching depth by signing Junichi Tazawa. Sullivan wonders...   Continue Reading

---

Indians Rumors: Valverde, Street, Hudson

Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer posted a few Indians nuggets in last night's column. GM Mark Shapiro says he hasn't made any offers to free agents yet. It sounds like payroll might land in the $75-80MM range, leaving the team with roughly $15MM to spend. Shapiro admitted that he would explore a trade for Jose Valverde if the Astros closer is truly available. Astros GM Ed Wade said yesterday, "I would love to see Jose here for a long time." The 'Stros have him under team control for one more year, and there's been speculation he could be...   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Astros Likely To Trade Valverde, Wigginton?

According to Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros "seem likely to trade" closer Jose Valverde and third baseman Ty Wigginton in the next few weeks due to payroll concerns. Both players are arbitration-eligible, a year away from free agency. The Astros stand to save $10-15MM if they move both. The Astros are aiming for a $100MM payroll, and both players would have to go to get there. And, there still may not be room to sign a starter like Randy Wolf, Randy Johnson, or Andy Pettitte. It's not a great time to trade a closer, as supply outstrips...   Continue Reading

---

Closer Roundup: K-Rod, Fuentes, Wood, Hoffman

Joel Sherman of the New York Post takes a look at the sudden surplus of potentially available closers in major league baseball, a situation that certainly benefits the Mets considering their need to upgrade the bullpen this offseason. Two free agent closers that seemed destined to retire with their 2008 teams, Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood, now appear to be more available than was expected in October. That pair, along with Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes, give the Mets and other teams several options in free agency. Other relief pitchers with experience in the 9th inning have been recently mentioned...   Continue Reading

---

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

---

Molony's Latest: K-Rod, Helms, Valverde

Let's dig into the latest blog post from MLB.com's Jim Molony. Molony believes the Mets, Cardinals, Rays, Tigers, Indians, and Cubs are considering signing Francisco Rodriguez this winter. I think K-Rod's demands could cause a nice ripple effect for Brian Fuentes, the second-best closer on the market. Regarding Molony's six teams, a strong case can be made against several of them signing Rodriguez. The Rays and Indians will probably take a careful approach to free agency, while the Tigers may not have room in the budget. The Cubs seem likely to bring Kerry Wood back. Also on the topic of...   Continue Reading

---

Red Sox Eyeing Relief Options

12:51pm: MLB.com's Jim Molony says Brocail, Geary, and Jose Valverde aren't going anywhere since the Astros are actually looking to add to their 'pen. 11:21am: ESPN's Peter Gammons says the Red Sox have been discussing Doug Brocail with the Astros. 9:57am: Boston's top priority at the trade deadline seems to be relief help, if anything. They were linked to several relievers this morning. Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal says the Sox "are interested again and expect expect to get back to the Royals on Ron Mahay." Mahay is generally believed to be unavailable. Rob Bradford of the Boston Herald...   Continue Reading

---

Wade Looking To Add Pitching

MLB.com's Jim Molony tells us that Astros GM Ed Wade has been working the phones to get a feel for the "general lay of the land." After a busy offseason for Wade, most notably adding Miguel Tejada and Jose Valverde, Wade will likely be in the market for pitching upgrades. The Astros rank 21st in baseball with a team ERA of 4.50, and their rotation is a combined 20-25 with a 4.77 ERA, and a league-worst 65 home runs allowed. As Wade himself points out though, starting pitching won't be easy to come by this year. As usual, there are...   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Chat, Krivsky, Valverde

Let's discuss today's random links. We'll be doing a chat here at 2pm CST, don't miss it! Jon Heyman suggests that the number of unqualified GMs is dwindling. He names seven whose jobs may be in jeopardy. Wayne Krivsky cleared the air on various issues, including the signings of Dusty Baker, Josh Fogg, and Corey Patterson. Jose Valverde denies the notion that he made outlandish salary demands of the D'Backs. Good news on Jorge Posada's shoulder; maybe the Yanks won't have to acquire a catcher.   Continue Reading

---

Astros Beat Jose Valverde In Arbitration Case

Another reliever bites the dust; Jose Valverde will receive $4.7MM rather than the $6.2MM he was after. That $1.5MM could go toward another starter, as could another $2.15MM saved in the event the Astros beat Mark Loretta (I think they will). Of course, the list of remaining free agent starters ain't pretty. It shouldn't be on February 15th. Valverde is under the Astros' control through the 2009 season. If he has another 40 save season, he can probably vault past $10MM for '09.   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Dotel, Valverde, Wilkerson

Some Saturday odds and ends to mull over... The Yankees considered bringing Octavio Dotel back, but wouldn't go two years on him. Richard Justice thinks Astros GM Ed Wade is making a mistake by setting a deadline and going to arbitration hearings with Jose Valverde and Mark Loretta. I doubt the Astros wanted Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration in the first place, but they took the $4-5MM gamble hoping to get a draft pick. But they actively sought out Valverde, and this might not bode well for him staying past 2009. Can't promise anything, but my source is..   Continue Reading

---

Odds and Ends: Cano, Colon, Lowry

Here are some links I've rounded up this morning. In theory, Robinson Cano would be open to a long-term deal. River Ave. Blues recently took a look at how historically good Cano has been so far, and suggest the Yankees lowballed him with their arbitration submission. Baseball Prospectus' Derek Jacques saw Bartolo Colon pitch in the Dominican League Finals, and lends his evaluation. Colon was not impressive, but not terrible. It doesn't seem like he will get the two-year deal he wants. The Brewers will bring Abraham Nunez to camp. Versatile, but a drain on offense. Mark Gonzales of the..   Continue Reading

---

Dissecting The Jose Valverde Trade

Regular MLBTR readers know I have mostly been a harsh critic of Ed Wade's short tenure as the Astros' GM. Well, not this time. He made an excellent deal in acquiring Jose Valverde for Chris Burke, Chad Qualls, and Juan Gutierrez. Valverde, 27, is a nasty shut-down closer with two seasons before free agency. He gets strikeouts by the bushel and can handle the ninth in a tough hitter's ballpark. Burke was once the 10th overall pick in the 2001 draft, but he turns 27 in March. His best year was a .765 OPS in 2006. The D'Backs hope he..   Continue Reading

---

Dan Haren Traded To Diamondbacks

It looks like Billy Beane has pulled the trigger on a trade for Dan Haren, sending him to the Diamondbacks for a package of prospects. The departed: Carlos Gonzalez, Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland, Greg Smith, Chris Carter, and Aaron Cunningham. The A's also sent right Connor Robertson to the D'Backs. The D'Backs also completed another deal, sending closer Jose Valverde to the Astros for Chris Burke, Chad Qualls, and Juan Gutierrez. Tim will be around later to share his views on the trade. -Jo   Continue Reading

---

Brewers Inquire On Valverde

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 2:22pm: I was just speculating below, but it turns out the Brewers actually did talk to the D'Backs about Valverde. However the teams don't seem to match up. FROM 12-4-07 at 10:52pm: According to ESPN's Enrique Rojas, the Diamondbacks are listening to offers for closer Jose Valverde. They feel they've got the bullpen depth to cover his loss. This trade possibility is nothing new to MLBTR readers, as it was first mentioned on November 6th. Valverde figures to get a $3MM raise for '08, to about $5MM. No mention of possible suitors, but maybe the Brewers and..   Continue Reading

---

Dan Haren Rumors: Wednesday

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 11:20am: Joel Sherman says Stephen Drew, Mark Reynolds, and Tony Pena are also off the table in the Haren talks. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 8:09am: Susan Slusser adds that the A's aren't being unreasonable with Arizona - they haven't asked for Justin Upton or Chris Young. Slusser also notes that Billy Beane wouldn't sit down with the Tigers unless they'd discuss Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin. That's when the Tigers turned to the Marlins. Beane downplayed the chances of trading Haren, but what else is he going to say? FROM 12-5-07 at 12:09am: Technically it's Wednesday now, and..   Continue Reading

---

Reported Jose Valverde Demands Not Accurate

UPDATE, 11-29-07 at 10am: Nick Piecoro talked to Valverde's agent; the below demands are not accurate. Valverde knows where he stands and that he's a few years off from cashing in. Another D'Backs note: they were in on Matt Garza but Carlos Gonzalez didn't measure up to Delmon Young. FROM 11-27-07 at 10:30am: Jose Valverde led the Majors with 47 saves last year, and now he wants to be paid accordingly. He made $2MM in '07 in his first year of arbitration. Listin Diario, a well-known Dominican Republic newspaper, reported on November 9th that Valverde is seeking a four-year deal..   Continue Reading

---

Latest D'Backs Rumors: Bonderman, Ervin Santana

Nick Piecoro has the scoop regarding all things Diamondbacks. Let's dive in. It had slipped my mind that the D'Backs don't do incentive-laden contracts when I suggested they'd sign Randy Wolf. Bad prediction on my part. The team's best trade chip: outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. The 22 year-old hit .286/.330/.476 in Double A last year, and has star potential. Kevin Goldstein recently ranked Gonzalez third among corner outfield prospects behind Travis Snider and Chris Marrero. Gonzalez could bring a coveted starter in a trade. Carlos Quentin is also talked about as a trade candidate, but he needs to get healthy and..   Continue Reading

---

Search MLBTR

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST