Kenny Lofton Rumors
By Joe Pawlikowski [May 28, 2009 at 1:46pm CST]
A look at the remaining 2009 free agents reveals a number of household names still without a job. True, most of these are over the hill veterans, but in many cases they can help contending teams fill roster gaps. Over the next few weeks we'll look at which team/player combinations make sense. Since we're right around the 1/3 mark of the season, now is the time for teams to take chances on these guys. Since they'll probably need at least a few weeks to get into game-playing condition, acting soon would mean having them around the halfway mark. The 23-23...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [March 19, 2009 at 7:10pm CST]
A few links for Thursday night... Good news for the Astros: The AP (via ESPN) reports that a federal prosecutor recommended that Miguel Tejada get probation, but no prison time for his involvement with PEDs. MLB.com's Ken Gurnick passes along a memorable Manny Ramirez quote: "No more cricket. I'm not signing to play cricket. Well, I can be a free agent after this year, so we'll see. But don't ask me about cricket." Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald writes that the White Sox need to make a deal for a center fielder who can bat leadoff. He thinks GM...
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By Tim Dierkes [January 9, 2009 at 8:54am CST]
The latest from Ken Rosenthal... Rosenthal suggests the Brewers trade Prince Fielder for "premium pitching" and then sign Adam Dunn to replace him. Which begs the question, why wouldn't the team giving up this premium pitching just sign Dunn instead? Despite signing John Smoltz, the Red Sox still are not willing to trade Clay Buchholz for Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The Sox may be willing to move Michael Bowden or especially Daniel Bard for Salty. The Yankees' interest in Mike Cameron "seems to be waning." Despite Jon Heyman's report, the Phillies, Angels, and Brewers deny interest in Derek Lowe. Rosenthal says the...
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By Tim Dierkes [December 15, 2008 at 2:30pm CST]
Links for Monday... According to the Newberg Report mailing list and CBSSports.com, the Rangers re-signed pitcher Doug Mathis to a minor league deal. Joe Nelson's been popular since being non-tendered - he's heard from "at least 12-14 teams." Ruben Amaro Jr. said today the Phillies inquired on "20 or so" non-tendered players. Adam Everett's deal with the Tigers is official - $1MM plus incentives. MLB.com's Barry Bloom spoke to Padres owner John Moores. Richard Justice doesn't think Drayton McLane would ask Ed Wade to trade Roy Oswalt, but he could see Oswalt requesting a trade. Dave Sheinin says nothing has...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 5, 2008 at 8:34am CST]
Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly. However, it's Scott Boras' custom to let the market develop until late December or so. It's possible the Angels change gears on November 14th. There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex. Rosenthal's worst case scenario for the Yankees: C.C. Sabathia goes to a West Coast team while A.J. Burnett re-signs with Toronto. The Jays truly are in the mix for Burnett. ESPN's Keith Law says Burnett...
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By Tim Dierkes [August 15, 2008 at 9:14pm CST]
Just to hammer the point home, Barry Bonds' agent Jeff Borris told Ken Rosenthal today that Rays GM Andrew Friedman failed to respond to his text message. The Rays would like to add a hitter, but they've never had serious interest in Bonds. Borris believes his client has been "blackballed" by MLB. Rosenthal says the Rays would only consider Gary Sheffield if the Tigers picked up the majority of his contract, understandably. They're not interested in Kenny Lofton or Jose Vidro.
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By Tim Dierkes [August 13, 2008 at 1:33pm CST]
SI.com's Jon Heyman checks in with a new column. Jarrod Washburn reportedly cleared waivers, though Heyman's use of the word "reportedly" makes me think the statement came from one of the shaky reports floating about. We'll wait for definitive word on that one. Heyman's sources say the Yankees plan to offer a new contract to GM Brian Cashman after the season. Hank Steinbrenner has apparently warmed to Cashman. Additionally, "club higherups" expect Cashman will want to stay rather than jump to the Seattle job. Heyman loves the Freddy Garcia acquisition; he wonders if Garcia will be motivated by Ozzie Guillen's...
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By Tim Dierkes [August 12, 2008 at 9:53am CST]
Let's kick off the morning with some random links. Live chat here today at 2pm CST. Brian Matusz is hopeful about striking a deal with the Orioles by Friday's deadline. Roch Kubatko has a source saying it's likely. Baseball America's Jim Callis warns us not to listen to the posturing - he still expects all the first-round draft picks to sign with the possible exception of Allan Dykstra. Should the Mariners offer Raul Ibanez a three-year deal at $10-11MM per? No word yet on possible Rays acquisitions in wake of the Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria injuries. Marc Lancaster wonders...
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By Nat Boyle [July 6, 2008 at 10:04am CST]
And now, the latest from Ken Rosenthal's Full Count video: If the Braves decide to shop Mark Teixeira, they may have a tough time getting as much as they'd like. The Red Sox, Angels, and Diamondbacks - among other contenders - are set at 1B/DH with David Ortiz, Casey Kotchman, and Conor Jackson respectively. Rosenthal notes Boston will only pursue Teixeira if Ortiz's wrist fails to heal. Brian Cashman isn't sure whether the Yankees are buyers or sellers. Most of their high paid players have no-trade clauses. Should they want to buy, Rosenthal suggests A.J. Burnett is a guy they...
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By Tim Dierkes [June 13, 2008 at 1:46pm CST]
Time to delve into Jayson Stark's latest column for ESPN. The Rockies are 9.5 games out, and if they slip further over the next month they may trade Matt Holliday or Garrett Atkins (not both). If so, they'd be flexible on the number and ages of the players they'd want in return. Aaron Cook will not be traded. Stark talked to one team official who speculated the Pirates could keep their outfield intact in the name of a run at .500. Presumably they'd be doing this for the fans, but diehards would probably prefer a sweet bounty of young players...
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