Kelvim Escobar Rumors
By Tim Dierkes [November 24, 2009 at 11:51pm CST]
Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald says the Red Sox have kicked the tires on many free agents already, with Marco Scutaro and Kelvim Escobar the newest names. Others include Rafael Soriano, Matt Holliday, Rick Ankiel, Adrian Beltre, John Lackey, Aroldis Chapman, Billy Wagner, Mike Gonzalez, Alex Gonzalez, and, of course, Jason Bay. Silverman cautions that not all names connected to the Red Sox have "enduring news value." Scutaro certainly makes sense for Boston; he's the best available shortstop, considering both the free agent and trade market. We ranked Scutaro the eighth-best free agent overall, perhaps a reflection of a...
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By Zach Links [November 22, 2009 at 8:40pm CST]
The Mets are busy crafting a Plan B in the event that they do not win the John Lackey sweepstakes, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. They would love to sign the market's top starter, but if they don't, they want to add from a group that includes Joel Pineiro, Randy Wolf, Ben Sheets, and Jason Marquis. According to a source, that group does not include Rich Harden. Rosenthal and Morosi were told that the Metropolitans believe that Sheets has more upside than other hurlers coming back from injury, such as Kelvim Escobar, Erik Bedard,...
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By Mark Polishuk [November 17, 2009 at 8:15pm CST]
MLB.com's Lyle Spencer answered a pile of fans' questions about the Angels' free agents, possible new signings and trade options. Here are some of the highlights... Spencer "has his doubts" that Los Angeles will re-sign any of its big three free agents (Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey). He thinks the other three AL West teams would be smart to sign Guerrero given that the outfielder is "a prideful man who would have something to prove to his former employer." If the Angels do dip into the free-agent market, it would be for a starting pitcher. Spencer lists Randy...
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By Mark Polishuk [October 21, 2009 at 9:14pm CST]
In the midst of a tight Dodgers-Phillies game, here are some news tidbits from around the baseball world.... Before Game Five, Joe Torre said he wants to (and believes he will) be the Dodgers' manager next season, reports Mike Jensen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that Frank Wren is in a bit of a Catch-22 when it comes to re-signing Tim Hudson and Adam LaRoche, and/or trading Kenshin Kawakami or Derek Lowe for hitting help. MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports that new Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos has spent his first few weeks on...
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By Eddie Schmid [August 12, 2009 at 7:27pm CST]
I can't even begin to describe the hyper-ness of these links: Nick Piecoro at the Arizona Republic got word that the Diamondbacks don't plan to decrease payroll from the $73 million they have on the books this year. He gives a nice rundown of what'll be due next season. Despite Jamie Moyer being sent to the bullpen before multiple incentives kicked in, Andy Martino at the Philadelphia Inquirer isn't convinced the move was financially motivated. Mark Sheldon at MLB.com thinks the Reds should pursue Bill Hall as it's a "no-risk move." Doug Davis is aware of the rumors swirling around...
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By Mike Axisa [July 18, 2009 at 8:36am CST]
The Angels are going to hold off on negotiating with their seven potential free agents until after the season, according to Bill Shaikin of The LA Times. The Angels will have a 15 day window to talk exclusively with their players after the World Series, but after that all teams can bid for their services. "It's unlikely we'd do anything during this time period," General Manager Tony Reagins said Friday. "We don't want it to be a distraction. We want to focus on trying to win." The team had discussed an extension with ace John Lackey earlier this season, but...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [June 24, 2009 at 10:26am CST]
On this day in MLBTR history, the Padres hadn't decided whether to be buyers or sellers. A lot's changed since last year, but many teams face a similar dilemma now. Here are some links for the morning... Coco Crisp will miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger reports that former MLB closer Armando Benitez is pitching for the Newark Bears, hoping for another shot in the big leagues. Prospect Bryce Harper knows he's "not LeBron yet," according to the AP. Mark Teixeira says...
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By Nat Boyle [June 29, 2008 at 9:25am CST]
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...
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By Sarah Green [June 28, 2008 at 2:27pm CST]
Buster Olney has a new column up. Let's take a look: He suggests Randy Wolf as a "possible trade chip" with the Padres looking increasingly out of it this year. One problem: Wolf has veto power over trades to 14 teams. He's been decent this year, with a 4.13 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98 innings, but nothing to get too excited over. Gossip item: the Mets could have had Kyle Lohse for what the Cardinals are paying ($4.25MM), only Omar Minaya passed. Olney doesn't see much in the speculation about the Angels wanting C.C. Sabathia. With Kelvim Escobar's rehab...
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By Tim Dierkes [March 26, 2008 at 2:19pm CST]
Kelvim Escobar's season, and perhaps even career, may be in jeopardy because of his shoulder issue. A contribution this year is a long shot. Baseball Injury Report's Rick Wilton guesses it is related to the rotator cuff. By the way, Baseball Injury Report was all over this last night; check it out and consider subscribing. John Lackey's triceps strain takes on heightened importance with the probable loss of Escobar. Lackey, Jered Weaver, and Jon Garland is still a competitive front three. And between Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana, Dustin Moseley, and Nick Adenhart, the Halos can figure out the last two...
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