Ken Griffey Jr. Rumors
By Luke Adams [November 11, 2009 at 7:33pm CST]
Let's have a look at another handful of evening links.... MLB.com's Corey Brock reports that new Padres GM Jed Hoyer will sit down with Adrian Gonzalez next week to discuss the first baseman's future. Keith Law of ESPN.com shares his thoughts on the trades that have transpired so far during the hot stove season. Scott Miller of CBS Sports wraps up his observations from the GM meetings, and includes a quote from Angels GM Tony Reagins, saying the team will try their best to retain both John Lackey and Chone Figgins. I think they'd be doing very well if they...
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By Luke Adams [November 11, 2009 at 12:06pm CST]
WEDNESDAY, 12:06pm: The Mariners' initial offer to Branyan included a second-year option, the first baseman told Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. Branyan remains optimistic about re-signing, but he wants two guaranteed years for the first time in his career. TUESDAY, 4:53pm: MLB.com's Jim Street reports that Branyan rejected the team's offer. He'd rather test the free agent market than settle for something less than a two-year deal. Branyan, who hit 31 homers this year, says he would like to return to Seattle. He wants to sign a multi-year deal, however. Street says Wilson appears to have rejected the Mariners'...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 11, 2009 at 11:53am CST]
11:53am: The Mariners confirmed the news in a press release. A quote from Griffey: I look forward to contributing in any role that Don (Wakamatsu) sees fit on the field, and any manner I possibly can off the field. 10:54am: The Mariners have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with Ken Griffey Jr., according to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times. ESPN's Jerry Crasnick says Junior's new contract is similar to last year's. SI's Jon Heyman says it's a $2MM base with incentives that could exceed $1MM. The Griffey signing did no harm a year ago, but this time...
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By Luke Adams [November 8, 2009 at 9:49am CST]
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new column up today, in which he discusses a variety of topics from around the league. Let's recap a few of the highlights.... Although the Boston Red Sox have been the team most frequently linked to Adrian Gonzalez, it's unclear whether they have the pieces to work out a trade. Rosenthal suggests the Padres will want some major-league talent in return, and quotes one baseball executive who says he can't imagine how the Sox get a deal done. Rosenthal says the Padres should be more inclined to move closer Heath Bell than Gonzalez....
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By Tim Dierkes [November 6, 2009 at 2:30pm CST]
Links for Friday... Lefty reliever Darren Oliver "will play in 2010 and perhaps beyond," according to his agent Mike McCann (MLB.com's Lyle Spencer reporting). Free agent Hideki Matsui ruled out the possibility of returning to Japan, says NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman (via Twitter). The Indians have hired their new pitching coach: Tim Belcher. The decision on Michael Cuddyer's $10.5MM option for 2011 is due by Monday, according to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Cuddyer would like to finish his career in Minnesota. Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel considers Jeremy Hermida among the all-time exasperating Marlins. Mark...
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By Mark Polishuk [November 5, 2009 at 5:38pm CST]
More items from a busy opening day of baseball's hot stove season... Consider it a formality, but John Lackey, Matt Holliday, and Jason Bay were among the 79 players filing for free agency today according to MLB.com's Tom Singer. Free agent Bobby Crosby told MLB.com's Mychael Urban that he doesn't expect to be back in Oakland next season. Alex Gonzalez has yet to hear from the Red Sox in regards to whether or not they will exercise his $6MM option for next season, says The Boston Herald's Michael Silverman. Jim Street of MLB.com breaks down Seattle's free agents, noting that...
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By Howard Megdal [October 19, 2009 at 7:11pm CST]
The Internet is filled with insight into the teams of the Pacific Coast... MLB.com Giants beat reporter Chris Haft answered a number of reader questions, shooting down both the idea that the Giants can stand pat offensively and trade suggestions from a reader for Prince Fielder and Carl Crawford. Haft offers plenty to chew on in this comprehensive piece. Haft's San Diego counterpart Corey Brock answers plenty of Padre questions as well. Brock believes Ken Griffey Jr. is not a good target for the Padres and Kevin Correia absolutely will return. Brock touches on the long-term plan for the Padres...
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By Steve Adams [October 11, 2009 at 4:31pm CST]
A few afternoon links for you: Some people may be expecting Ken Griffey Jr. to retire, but Phil Rogers isn't among them. Rogers says Griffey still has fun in baseball and the real surprise will be if he doesn't come back. Adam McCalvy says the White Sox will meet with Scott Podsednik's agent, Ryan Gleichowski, this month. The two sides have had preliminary discussions, and Podsednik has expressed interest in a return for 2010. Bobby Valentine may end up managing in Japan, according to Ken Rosenthal. The Yokohama Bay Stars are making a "concentrated effort" to hire him. Valentine has...
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By Mike Axisa [October 10, 2009 at 11:52am CST]
Are you over that back-and-forth, edge of your seat Yankees-Twins game yet? If not, here's some links to calm you down... Jeff Wilson of The Dallas Morning News provides a quick breakdown of each of the three bidders that are considering purchasing the Rangers. He notes that there is still no timetable for a sale to be complete. Jim Armstrong of The Denver Post wonders about Brad Hawpe's future in Colorado after Jim Tracy used three lefthanded pinch hitters during Game Two of the NLDS, none of whom was Hawpe. With several younger, more athletic, and (perhaps most importantly) cheaper...
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By Tim Dierkes [October 5, 2009 at 3:23pm CST]
The AP has a few notes on free agent DH Ken Griffey Jr. The report says Junior earned $3.15MM in total this year - a $2MM base plus $1.15MM in incentives for playing time and team attendance. The Mariners kindly played Griffey often in the season's final week, causing him to earn an additional $250K. As for 2010, Griffey will talk to his family and decide within a few weeks. Griffey, 40 in November, hit .214/.324/.411 in 454 plate appearances this year. A bench role might make sense if he does return next year.
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