Matt Capps Rumors

Molony's Latest: Mahay, Loretta, Erstad, Guzman

Let's check in with MLB.com's Jim Molony. The Rays are scouting lefty relievers Brian Fuentes and Ron Mahay. The issue? The price for Fuentes seems exorbitant, and Mahay may not be available. Troy E. Renck names the Yankees, Mets, Cardinals, and Marlins as the main suitors for Fuentes aside from the Rays. A few contenders have inquired with the Astros as to the availability of Mark Loretta and Darin Erstad. As you might imagine, the Rangers are open to trading Frank Catalanotto. We mentioned yesterday that his contract is a bit of a burden. It seems that Jim Bowden is...   Continue Reading

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Bucs Sign Capps Through '09

According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates signed closer Matt Capps through the 2009 season. They added $65K to his '08 salary and gave him $2.35MM for '09 (his first arb year). They also tossed in a $500K signing bonus. Previously, Kovacevic had said talks with Capps fizzled because of Manny Corpas' deal. Corpas receives $2.75MM for his first arb year, so Capps gets about 85% of that. By that logic, perhaps the Pirates could buy out Capps' last two arb years (2010-11) for a total of $8.3MM or so. Regardless, this is a nice little move...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Rumors: LaRoche, Duffy

Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has the latest Pirates hot stove buzz. The Pirates and Adam LaRoche have reached an impasse in extension talks. LaRoche is set to reach free agency after the '09 season; his free agency years have to be worth $10MM each. Kovacevic notes that the Pirates might be permanently done trying to sign LaRoche. Kovacevic reports "no recent movement" on a Matt Capps extension. Last time we checked, talks with Capps inexplicably fizzled after Manny Corpas signed a team-friendly deal with Colorado. Capps probably isn't going anywhere, but LaRoche certainly could be traded. The presence...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Rumors: Nady, Capps

I always enjoy Dejan Kovacevic's Q&As for Pirates insight. Let's take a look at today's edition. Kovacevic suggests that the Pirates' decision to option Steve Pearce already indicates nothing is cooking on the Xavier Nady trade front. Pearce is a classic blocked prospect, as described in an MLBTR piece by Aaron Shinsano. One blogger isn't buying Neal Huntington's comments on the topic of Nady. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I found it odd that the Pirates' talks with Matt Capps would fizzle because Manny Corpas' affordable deal raised the bar. Today Kovacevic adds that he doesn't expect...   Continue Reading

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Pirates Talking Long-Term With Snell, LaRoche

According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates have reached out to Ian Snell's agent about a long-term deal. Snell's salary will increase drastically in 2009 as he reaches arbitration. For that reason, I've wondered whether he might be next offseason's available young ace. Jamie Shields' deal could serve as a guide if the Bucs just want to buy out Snell's three arb years from 2009-11. Shields gave up his arb years for $13.75MM, though the last of those involves a club option. $13-14MM (not necessarily guaranteed) seems to be the going rate for a young pitcher's arb...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Gross, Weaver, Encarnacion

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene with some new rumors. Astros president Tal Smith arguing other teams' arbitration cases. Rosenthal finds it a bit awkward, while Keith Law finds it to be a hilarious conflict of interest. Possible trades of Matt Murton to the Padres or Rangers seem to have fizzled. The Padres may turn to the Brewers' Gabe Gross, a player who previously caught the eye of the A's, Indians, and Braves. Our good friend PECOTA sees a .267/.366/.467 line from Gross this year. With Gross and various veteran starters, the Brewers have some surpluses to work with. Rosenthal...   Continue Reading

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