Matt Cain Rumors

Stark's Latest: Sabathia, Furcal, Peavy

A few notes from Jayson Stark's latest blog post... Stark believes the possibility of C.C. Sabathia signing with the Giants is alive, and the Giants have talked to the pitcher's agent. Such a signing might compel Brian Sabean to remove Matt Cain's "untouchable" tag, in Stark's opinion. Earlier today Ken Rosenthal suggested the Giants were a dark horse for C.C. The Giants offered three years to Rafael Furcal. He wants four, so they switched their attention to Edgar Renteria. The Giants want a shorter-term deal so their own prospects can take over within a few years. Stark notes that the...   Continue Reading

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Braves Rumors: Hampton, Lowe, Burnett

Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has the latest on the Braves in a new blog post. The Braves never intended Mike Hampton to be one of the two front-rotation starters they acquire this winter, so his rejection of their offer doesn't affect their plans much. O'Brien notes that he's heard no indications that the Braves are actively pursuing Derek Lowe. A.J. Burnett seems to be their top target, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Jake Peavy talks revived at the Winter Meetings. The Braves made trade inquiries on Roy Oswalt and Matt Cain and "haven't received favorable...   Continue Reading

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Could Braves Target Cain?

This is more speculation than rumor, but David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wonders if the Braves could go after Matt Cain if their Jake Peavy pursuit falls through. It's an interesting thought, given reports of the Braves' mounting frustration with the Padres. At $13-15MM over the next three years, Cain is incredibly affordable. And I imagine the Braves' primary Peavy trade chips, especially the position players, would appeal to the Giants. Still, when asked last week if Cain is untouchable, Giants GM Brian Sabean replied in the affirmative.   Continue Reading

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Giants Rumors: Burrell, Rollins, Rowand

THURSDAY: More Giants info, courtesy of John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle. GM Brian Sabean is looking for offense in the infield, but he considers Cain untouchable. Jonathan Sanchez or various pitching prospects could be trade bait instead. Sabean also met with the agents for various free agent hitters and relievers, including Orlando Hudson and Bob Howry. WEDNESDAY: Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News has some interesting rumors this evening. Baggarly believes the rumor of the Giants' interest in Rafael Furcal makes sense, as it'd solidify their middle infield situation. He doesn't see the Giants signing Pat...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Want Pitcher For Catcher

The Rangers are seeking to deal one of their three catchers - Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, or Max Ramirez - for pitching, says Evan Grant of the Dallas News. Grant notes that they would still have Taylor Teagarden, who they're also open to dealing if "the return is great enough." Grant discusses potential matches in the Giants, Red Sox, Brewers, Reds, and Tigers: "San Francisco has pitching depth, and the Rangers love the Giants' arms, but San Francisco has a more pressing need for a corner infielder than a catcher because Bengie Molina is signed for 2009. Getting a pitcher...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Jacobs, Howard, Renteria

Links for Friday... The A's claimed infielder Joe Dillon off waivers from the Brewers. Dave Cameron criticizes the Royals' acquisition of Mike Jacobs. ESPN's Keith Law also panned the move, suggesting Jacobs was a non-tender candidate for the Marlins. Peter Abraham breaks down the different types of hot stove stories and sources. Derrick Goold looks at Ryan Howard's arbitration case. MLB.com's Chris Haft talked to various scouts about Matt Cain's trade value. Edgar Renteria hopes to remain in Detroit, saying "Next year, we are going to win everything." ESPN's Tim Kurkjian names his top ten offseason storylines. Ken Davidoff says...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bowden, Cain, Young

Links for Tuesday... Chat today! 2pm CST. Joe Pawlikowski at River Ave. Blues looks at some under-the-radar free agents. MLB.com's Adam McCalvy crunches the numbers and determines that it would be difficult to fit C.C. Sabathia into the Brewers' payroll. I think they could retain Mike Cameron and sign Sabathia, but only if they're willing to take payroll into the mid-$90MM range and forgo other improvements. Or, they could save $17-19MM by declining Cameron's option and trading Fielder. Reds beat writer John Fay muses on the team's offseason needs. Nationals GM Jim Bowden was diagnosed with a form of skin...   Continue Reading

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Giants Discussing Uggla, Konerko And Lee?

The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rogers mentions some names that the offensively-challenged San Francisco Giants are considering acquiring this off-season, specifically, Dan Uggla, Paul Konerko, and Derrek Lee. He writes: San Francisco, desperate for a proven bat, is expected to pursue one-dimensional second baseman Dan Uggla. The Giants also may kick the tires on first baseman Paul Konerko of the White Sox and Derrek Lee of the Cubs, both of whom have full no-trade clauses. They probably would have to deal a young pitcher—Jonathan Sanchez or Matt Cain. I understand why the Giants would want to add some bats. They averaged...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Hardy, Manny

Let's take a look at Jon Heyman's column from yesterday. The Yankees will go "all in" for C.C. Sabathia. Heyman sees the Dodgers, Mets, and Giants as other possible suitors. Heyman dismisses a rumor of J.J. Hardy, Prince Fielder, and another player for Matt Cain. He predicts a "feeding frenzy" for Hardy. I'm with Heyman though, I wouldn't be quick to trade him this winter. Heyman talked to a GM who feels the Mets will go after Boras client Manny Ramirez. If the five-year demand is accurate, the list of suitors will probably shrink significantly. Manny quote: "I gotta thank...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Lowe, Redmond, Timlin

Linkage for Friday... River Ave. Blues discovered that Mike Mussina's wife may be a bigger factor than we thought in regard to his retirement decision. David O'Brien tosses out some names for the Braves to consider: Derek Lowe, Matt Cain, Roy Oswalt, and Josh Willingham. Everyone likes Lowe...Anthony McCarron says the Yankees and Mets should consider him. Those clubs could also enter a bidding war for C.C. Sabathia, says Bob Klapisch. Will C.C.'s postseason record diminish his contract? I don't think so. Greg Couch doesn't want Javier Vazquez pitching for the White Sox again. Maybe Ozzie is right, Vazquez is...   Continue Reading

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Olney: Young Starters On Trade Market

ESPN's Buster Olney names three young starting pitchers who might be available this winter: Jake Peavy, Zack Greinke, Matt Cain, and Edwin Jackson. Peavy is 27; his trade value is off the charts. He's under contract for the next four seasons at a below-market $59MM total. In 2013, his $22MM club option could be seen as a discount as well - remember when A.J. Burnett at $11MM a year was crazy? The A's received a six-prospect bounty for three years of Dan Haren; Peavy suitors will have to top that. Peavy will also need to be compensated to waive his...   Continue Reading

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Braves May Have $45MM To Spend

TUESDAY: Dave O'Brien rattles off a few more pitchers of interest for the Braves: Matt Cain, Ryan Dempster, and Brad Penny. MONDAY: In our Braves Offseason Outlook, we suggested the Braves might have $40MM to spend this winter even if they hold payroll steady. Instead, GM Frank Wren revealed today that payroll will increase beyond last year's $102.4MM. MLB.com's Mark Bowman estimates Wren will have $45MM to work with. As you know, the Braves intend to add two veteran starters as well as a slugging outfielder. They'll also attempt to re-sign John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, and Mike Hampton. We covered...   Continue Reading

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Giants Rumors: Aurilia, Vizquel, Cain

Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News did some quick blogging from Brian Sabean's press conference today. Here's a full transcript. Hot stove notes: Rich Aurilia could be re-signed, but Omar Vizquel won't be back. The Giants will buy Vizquel out for $300K. With Pablo Sandoval penciled in at first base, the Giants may be reluctant to trade catcher Bengie Molina (my own speculation on the Molina part). Matt Cain is said to be "untouchable" in a trade. So we'll stop with the Cain trade scenarios for now. Possible offseason needs include bullpen help and a run-producer. The relief...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Atkins, Holliday, Barmes

Let's see what we can find in three new columns from Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post today. I wrote last week that the Rockies would come in a bit under $80MM after arbitration raises. Renck pegs it around $75MM. The team's plan is to shop Garrett Atkins for a frontline starter. If the interest is not there (why would it be?), they could switch to Matt Holliday. Renck ponders Matt Cain and a prospect to Colorado, but that is a lot to give up for one year of Holliday. Plus the Giants are not looking to add an...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Mientkiewicz, Michaels, Greinke, Soria, Scheppers

Some links for Saturday lunch, I'll add some more as the day progresses: The Mariners may sign the first woman general manager, Dodger's assistant GM Kim Ng. Pirates GM Neal Huntington says the team will approach Doug Mientkiewicz and Jason Michaels about resigning with the club, but has yet to do so. Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star ruffled some feathers by quoting a scout on the possibility of the Royals trading Joakim Soria and Zach Greinke. The discussion devolved into a debate on whether to move Soria to the rotation. A Tanner Scheppers sighting: The Pirates draft pick...   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Tigers, Teixeira, Burnett

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere... MVN Outsider takes a look at some potential offseason moves for the Tigers, including trading Magglio Ordonez and Gary Sheffield and signing Brian Fuentes. Baseball Banter takes a look at the five teams most likely to go after Mark Teixeira this winter. River Ave. Blues wonders if the Yankees should consider signing A.J. Burnett because of his strong career numbers against the Red Sox. Pending Pinstripes takes a look at the Yankees 40-man roster and some potential offseason changes. Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Patterson, Lowry, Alvarez

Today's linkage... Brewers fans, act quickly to snag free tickets to tonight's game courtesy of Eric Gagne. Nice gesture. Of course Ned Colletti wants to re-sign Manny Ramirez. It's just a question of dollars and years. Does Manny get the rumored 4/100 he might desire? The Jays locked manager Cito Gaston up through 2010. Richard Griffin says the Blue Jays will be better for it if they lose A.J. Burnett. Meanwhile, River Ave. Blues is open to the idea of the Yankees signing him. No, Corey Patterson is not dating Dusty Baker's daughter. And Baker says he wasn't behind the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends : Snyder, Ludwick, Bradley

Reading material for Tuesday... Chris Carpenter is reportedly dealing with a unique and career-threatening nerve injury, which could increase the Cardinals' need for starting pitching this winter. Viva El Birdos says the Cardinals should offer Ryan Ludwick and others for Matt Cain. Can't hurt to ask. The Cubs claimed outfielder Brad Snyder off waivers from the Indians. He was the 18th overall pick in 2003, but hasn't produced enough in the minors. Milton Bradley stands to earn another half-million bucks if he can snag seven more plate appearances. Bradley met with the Rangers a few months ago to discuss a...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Roberts, Cain

Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman. One "Yankees person" believes it will take "crazy money" to convince C.C. Sabathia to pitch in New York and in the American League. The following three names are being bandied about in the Yankees' clubhouse for center field next year: Nate McLouth, David DeJesus, and Matt Kemp. DeJesus seems the most reasonable target, though Robinson Cano could be part of a package for Kemp. DeJesus, it should be noted, played a poor center field this year according to the plus/minus system. Heyman doesn't see the Yankees re-signing Jason Giambi...   Continue Reading

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Week in Review: 9/14 - 9/20

Another week down here at MLBTR, here's your review! The Brewers fired manager Ned Yost on Monday. Yost has taken a lot of criticism, and while I personally don't feel like it's a bad move, it seems like an odd time to disrupt the clubhouse, given that the Brewers are right in the wild card race. Perhaps this was intended to spark the Brewers and act as a wakeup call, but they have just two wins since the move. In an attempt to cut payroll, the Tigers may have to move Magglio Ordonez this offseason. Ordonez will make $18MM next...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: GMs, Angels, Offseason Moves

John Perrotto at Baseball Prospectus has his Every Given Sunday column up, let's take a look at what he has to say: Perrotto believes that there's a good chance that the only GM change baseball will see this offseason may be the one we already know about, as Pat Gillick has already announced his retirement. Perrotto cites Assitant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. as a likely replacement. The most likely other change is in Seattle, and cites Dodgers' Assistant GM Kim Ng as a possible replacement, which would make her the first female general manager in the game's history. Perrotto believes...   Continue Reading

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Cain Hopes To Stay

According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, Giants pitcher Matt Cain doesn't want to be traded this winter. Baggarly says the Giants don't want to trade him, but "they will have to keep an open mind to add a power hitter to their offense." Baggarly cites the Cain-for-Prince Fielder rumor, noting that the Giants want more than that. Cain can be under contract for the next three seasons, so the Giants should demand more than the Orioles received for Erik Bedard. The Brewers could certainly match up, with a possible surplus of young infielders. Chris Davis and...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Cain, Beltre, Burrell, Wigginton

Let's take a look at the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark wonders why no one has questioned MLB's apparent trade deadline extension for the Manny Ramirez deal. Currently the idea of the Brewers swapping Prince Fielder for Matt Cain is just fun speculation. However, it is true the Brewers will listen on Fielder (he is about to get expensive). The Giants are known to like the big first baseman. The hangup is Brian Sabean's reported unwillingness to trade Tim Lincecum or Cain. The Giants also have their eye on Adrian Beltre. The Mariners want starting pitching, but one...   Continue Reading

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Sherman's Latest: Yankees' Off-Season Plans

Earlier this week Hank Steinbrenner promised changes this off-season for the Yankees. Today Joel Sherman of the New York Post speculates on what those changes could look like... Sources tell Sherman that Steinbrenner wants to make CC Sabathia the highest paid pitcher ever. Sherman thinks Shane Victorino would be a nice fit for the Yankees in center field. Some Yankees officials are toying with the idea of trading some of their young pitching if the Yankees do land Sabathia and another veteran such as AJ Burnett. Sherman thinks a player like Phil Hughes could be used to land a young...   Continue Reading

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Phillies Eyeing Cain, Blanton

Randy Miller had some interesting Phillies rumors yesterday. According to Miller: The latest has the Phils hoping San Francisco, an NL West pretender, will shop 23-year-old right-hander Matt Cain. Word is the Giants might part with Cain, who is 5-7 with a 4.06 ERA in 20 starts, if offered an intriguing package of young talent. However, Jayson Stark wrote on Thursday: We keep hearing people speculate about the Giants trading Matt Cain. But we can't find a team that has gotten anywhere in its attempts to even get the Giants to discuss him. "I don't know who got that rumor...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Burnett, Nady, Greinke, Burrell

FRIDAY: We have an update to Stark's column - he is now saying that Burnett does have veto power over 15 teams. THURSDAY: Let's take a look at Jayson Stark's latest over at ESPN.com. The Phillies and Yankees both made failed runs at CC Sabathia. The Phils wouldn't include Carlos Carrasco or Lou Marson, while the Yanks insisted on a negotiating window. The Phils are looking at Erik Bedard and A.J. Burnett by default, while neither of those pitchers makes sense for the Yankees. The Yanks checked in on Aaron Harang, but that's a moot point since he's ailing. Despite...   Continue Reading

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Sabean Explains Giants' Trade Strategy

Giants GM Brian Sabean explained his trade deadline strategy to the San Francisco Chronicle's Henry Schulman. As you might expect, starters Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and Jonathan Sanchez are off-limits. The trio has 331 Ks already. The Giants aren't interested in a rental, even though they are in the race at five games out. Sabean is likely to keep Bengie Molina and Randy Winn, but Ray Durham, Omar Vizquel, and Rich Aurilia are available.   Continue Reading

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Sabean Takes Lincecum/Cain Off The Table

The Aaron Rowand signing has led Brian Sabean to pull his young starters off the market (to the extent that they were ever available). Specifically, the idea of an Alex Rios for Tim Lincecum swap is dead. The Giants are still looking for help at the infield corners and in the 'pen. It's hard to figure out what Sabean is doing - is he trying to win in 2008   Continue Reading

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Rios For Cain Or Lincecum?

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 6:16pm: Jeff Blair says the Jays' offer on the table is Rios for Lincecum, straight up. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 12:34pm: Brian Sabean wants more than just Rios for Lincecum (yes, the Jays prefer Lincecum based on service time). The Giants want an improved proposal from the Jays, and Toronto could add Robinzon Diaz, Curtis Thigpen, or Brett Cecil. Cecil would have to be a player to be named later since he was drafted in 2007. He signed on June 22nd, so he can't even be named as a PTBNL until December 22nd. UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 10:56am: Peter..   Continue Reading

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Jays In On Lincecum, Bedard, Bay

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:34am: Blair has updated his article to reflect the Jays' interest in Cain and Lincecum. He says the Giants spent much of the day watching tape of the two, trying to decide which they prefer. Putting two and two together, maybe the "interesting offer" Brian Sabean spoke of today was Alex Rios? FROM 12-3-07 at 8:46pm: The Globe and Mail's Jeff Blair has several new rumors in his column tonight. The Jays' President, Paul Godfrey, is all about bringing in a big-name Canadian player. Blair rattles off Jason Bay, Erik Bedard, Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden, and Eric..   Continue Reading

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Giants Rumors: Lincecum, Tejada, Molina, Fukudome

Another MLB.com article for you, this time about the Giants from Chris Haft. Brian Sabean is getting a bit annoyed with teams thinking Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain are available. They're pretty much not, but since the door is open a crack it may be inhibiting other deals. Sabean did admit that one team made an "interesting" offer for Lincecum. Any guesses? The Giants had talks with the Orioles about Miguel Tejada, as has been reported elsewhere. The Giants aren't thrilled with Miggy though because of his age, salary, and the position switch thing. A team asked about Bengie Molina...   Continue Reading

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Will Matt Cain Throw A No-Hitter?

Recently, I mentioned that a cool stat would be a pitcher's percentage likelihood of throwing a no-hitter. Little did I know, Bill James devised this exact formula. I plugged in Matt Cain's career numbers. His chances of throwing a no-hitter in any given start are 0.27%. Not too bad! Nolan Ryan's chances in any given start were 0.35%. So after figuring that out it's just a volume game. If Cain makes 100 career starts, we should expect 0.27 no-hitters. It follows that if he makes 364 career starts and maintains his hit rate, he should be expected to throw exactly..   Continue Reading

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Giants Sign Cain Long-Term

UPDATE: Cain did indeed settle for Lowry money. I guess he places a large price on security and certainty. The Giants will announce later today that they have signed Matt Cain to a four-year contract with a fifth-year option. We don't know the details quite yet, but MLB.com's Chris Haft theorizes that the contract will resemble Noah Lowry's - four years, $9.25MM with a $6.25MM option year. El Lefty Malo, a fine Giants blog, disagrees. They argue that Cain's contract should be between that of Lowry's and the projected earnings of Dontrelle Willis, who is not on a long-term deal...   Continue Reading

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