Matt Kemp Rumors

Yankees Rumors: Teixeira, Igawa, Sabathia

The Yankees chatter died down a bit today, but here's what we've got. Joel Sherman of the New York Post notes buzz about Robinson Cano going to the Dodgers amid Yankee interest in Russell Martin and Matt Kemp. He admits it's unlikely. Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News talked to one big league exec about whether Mark Teixeira could handle the pressures of New York. Brian Cashman says nobody has asked him about Kei Igawa, who has three years and $12MM left on his contract. Cashman would not rule out the possibility of bringing back both Mike Mussina...   Continue Reading

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Yankees Rumors: Jeter, Sabathia, Hudson

Let's talk Yankees. Ken Davidoff makes recommendations for the '09 Yankees. He would sign Derek Lowe and Andy Pettitte, and offer arbitration to Damaso Marte and Bobby Abreu. Jim Baumbach explains a tricky situation coming up: re-signing Derek Jeter. Peter Abraham takes a look at various free agents on the minds' of Yankees fans. Tyler Kepner of the New York Times says first priority for the Yankees is to re-sign Brian Cashman. I imagine they already have a Plan B in place, but recent reports lean toward Cashman returning. Kepner says the Indians were aggressive in pursuing a deadline deal...   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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Manny Ramirez Rumors: Thursday

3:26pm: Many people are emailing saying Jon Heyman is reporting Manny to the Dodgers. 3:08pm: Aaaaaand...it's dead again. 3:02pm: Rosenthal stirs things up: the three-headed Manny-Bay-Hermida deal is back on. 2:46pm: Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the three-way is dead, while the Dodgers are in play. Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe says to count out the Dodgers on Manny. Guess these guys aren't cube-mates. 1:31pm: Heyman says the Dodgers are back in the mix for Manny but the Marlins aren't out of it. 1:17pm: Nick Cafardo doesn't buy the "dead" talk. However, the Pirates may have turned...   Continue Reading

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Manny Ramirez Rumors: Tuesday

9:55pm: Jayson Stark attempts to douse the Manny flames, getting denials (again) from the Dodgers and Phillies. 8:39pm: Ken Davidoff says the Teixeira deal makes a Manny trade more difficult, since that's one less option for Boston to replace Ramirez's bat. The Red Sox will keep trying nonetheless. 6:52pm: Jon Heyman says the Phillies might be the frontrunner for Manny. Ramirez will want his $20MM options eliminated upon a trade. The Dodgers are also involved, with the Marlins surfacing as a longshot. 3:07pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Dodgers are not pursuing Ramirez or Teixeira. So, conflicting reports again. The Dodgers...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Interested In Cano?

FRIDAY: SI.com's Jon Heyman says this rumor was "shot down by those in the know." THURSDAY: George King of the New York Post has a zinger of a rumor this morning: Dodgers have an interest in Robinson Cano and might be willing to deal Derek Lowe and outfielder Matt Kemp, but the Yankees aren't inclined to part with the red-hot second baseman unless there is a front-of-the-rotation-type starter coming to The Bronx. Lowe, who has the stomach for big games and has AL East experience with the Red Sox, doesn't fit that bill. If Lowe isn't a frontline starter, he...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fuentes, Sherrill, Nady, Kemp, Guthrie

New Rosenthal. Let's take a look. Rosenthal says the Marlins are in on Brian Fuentes and other top relievers, and they're more focused on bullpen help than a catcher. The Marlins' interest in Fuentes was first reported by the Denver Post's Troy E. Renck on July 9th. Sources tell Rosenthal that the Brewers aren't likely to pay up for a top reliever like George Sherrill. Rosenthal considers the Angels the best fit for Sherrill, but doesn't say whether they're actually interested. The Braves probably won't discuss Tim Hudson; they'll need him for next year. Rosenthal wonders whether the Phillies will...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Kemp, Kearns, Carrasco, Garcia

Friday linkage... Yesterday I linked to Dave Cameron's piece, in which he wondered whether Matt Kemp is overrated. Here's the other side of the debate, a response from Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness. Joe Sports Fans names the seven worst trades of the decade. I have some arguments here; what do you think? I wrote this post on the Pierzynski/Nathan/Liriano/Bonser deal two years ago, but I still think it holds that Brian Sabean's trade looked reasonable at the time. Joel Sherman wonders if the Mets and Yankees should consider trading for Washington outfielder Austin Kearns. Matt Gelb takes a look at...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Taveras, Kemp, Mota

Today's random linkage. Correction to the Justin Duchscherer post - he only has one more arbitration year, not two. He's set to reach free agency after the '09 season. Rob Neyer points us to a quality interview with Yankees beat writer Tyler Kepner over at NoMaas.org. MLB.com's Jim Molony says the Marlins have renewed interest in Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras. LEN3 thinks the Twins need a reliever more than anything. Dave Cameron wonders if Matt Kemp is overrated. Craig Brown of Royals Authority examines the team's trade candidates. The Padres' Paul DePodesta runs through his team's top trade candidates...   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Looking For Shortstop Help

TUESDAY, 3:49pm: MLB.com's Jim Molony chimes in on the Dodgers' hunt for a shortstop. He says they'll give Nomar Garciaparra a chance, but they are also considering Toronto's David Eckstein. Back on July 3rd, the Baltimore Sun suggested the Orioles were looking at Eckstein. TUESDAY, 8:53am: Dejan Kovacevic puts the brakes on the Jack Wilson-to-L.A. rumor. He says that while Wilson is not untouchable, the Pirates are not likely to trade him. They consider him affordable and do not have a capable replacement. Kovacevic says talks with the Dodgers "seem dormant," and the Dodgers never offered a player from their...   Continue Reading

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CC Sabathia Links

The CC Sabathia trade is complete, but there's still some good info floating about. Michael Silverman says the Brewers wanted players such as Michael Bowden, Lars Anderson, Jed Lowrie, and Josh Reddick from the Red Sox in various Sabathia scenarios. The Dodgers apparently talked about dealing Matt Kemp and one of Jonathan Meloan/James McDonald for Sabathia, Casey Blake, and Jamey Carroll. Baseball Prospectus' Joe Sheehan analyzes the trade. Turns out Sabathia prefers CC over C.C. The agent for Brewers prospects Michael Brantley and Taylor Green believes both are in play as the player to be named later in the Sabathia...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Kemp, Bradley, Fuentes, Street

New Rosenthal. Seems like he just put a column out a few days ago. Rosenthal believes the Dodgers would consider trading a young player (especially Matt Kemp) for a slugger. He discusses what it would take to get Jason Bay, Magglio Ordonez, Adam Dunn, or Matt Holliday. This all seems like a bad idea for the Dodgers. There are certainly arguments for the Rangers to keep or even extend Milton Bradley. But Rosenthal thinks he could net "multiple high-end prospects" if Jon Daniels goes the trade route. He says the Rangers could shop some of their veterans while also trying...   Continue Reading

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Juan Pierre Not Happy Being A Bench Player

Juan Pierre, who has been the odd man out in the crowded Dodgers outfield this year, said following the team's 5-3 victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday that he still has not accepted his current role with the club as a bench player: "I don't see myself as a bench player. I haven't accepted that. I know if they don't want me to play out there, that's their decision. But I don't see myself as a bench player." One reporter asked Pierre if he wanted to remain with the Dodgers to which the 30-year old responded: "I'm not going...   Continue Reading

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Pierre's Days With Dodgers May Be Numbered

The Orange County Register speculates this morning that Juan Pierre may be on the verge of losing his job after only one season with the Dodgers, which may force a trade. If true, the Dodgers will have received only one year of service for their $44MM investment. Tony Jackson notes that with center field belonging to Andruw Jones, that leaves two spots for Pierre, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp. Ethier and Kemp have shown this spring that they may be ready for everyday jobs. Jackson also suggests that Pierre is not an ideal candidate for the bench even if the...   Continue Reading

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Colletti Wants To Hang Onto Kemp

We've heard his name linked to potential trades for Miguel Cabrera, Erik Bedard, and Johan Santana, but if we're to believe Ned Colletti's current stated position, Matt Kemp won't be going anywhere. "I don't have any interest in trading Matt Kemp," general manager Ned Colletti said after new center fielder Andruw Jones was introduced to the media on Wednesday. Kemp has the potential to be a middle of the order force, and seeing as he's only 23 years old, he could fulfill that role for many years to come. Dishing him as the centerpiece of a Cabrera, Bedard, or Santana..   Continue Reading

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Brewers, Dodgers Didn't Talk Sheets

Tom Haudricourt debunks a USA Today report (see sidebar) that the Brewers and Dodgers have discussed swapping Ben Sheets and Bill Hall for Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. Dylan Hernandez reported the Hall inquiry yesterday. (Thanks to Jason L. for the USA Today link). Haudricourt was able to verify that the two clubs did not discuss Sheets, but he does think there might something to the Crew's interest in Kemp and Ethier. You may also recall that the Brewers have talked about Andy LaRoche at least internally   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Sign Andruw Jones

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 7:42am: Make that $36.2MM, plus a no-trade clause. I wonder why it was done with the huge $12.2MM bonus. Meanwhile, Tom Krasovic said the Padres never got around to bidding on Jones despite the talk of a one-year, $17MM offer. UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 1:14am: The salary structure to Jones' deal is interesting: $9MM in '08, $15MM in '09, and a $12MM signing bonus. That setup could make Jones much more tradeable if the need arises. UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 12:23am: Tony Jackson has a hunch that the Dodgers will now trade Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier in a..   Continue Reading

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Latest Erik Bedard Rumors: Tuesday

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:36pm: Geoff Baker says that a Bedard trade with the Mariners would likely involve Wladimir Balentien, Adam Jones, and Brandon Morrow. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:06pm: The Dodgers met with the Orioles to talk Bedard today. Ned Colletti has pretty much deemed Broxton untouchable, and no deal is close. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:19pm: John Fay says the Reds are seriously pursuing Bedard. Wayne Krivsky won't reveal much, but Fay thinks Bailey, Votto, and another prospect might interest the Orioles. UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:16pm: The Mets again offered Heilman, Gomez, and Humber for Bedard, perhaps thinking that offering it..   Continue Reading

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Erik Bedard Rumors

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec has the latest regarding ace Erik Bedard. Some rank Bedard as the best available starter, all-in-all - he's under team control for longer than Johan Santana, doesn't have no-trade rights, and has better stuff than Dan Haren. The Orioles and Bedard's agent never actually exchanged salary figures, and now contract extension talks have come to a stop. Andy MacPhail isn't concerned but no one seems to expect the O's to pony up the money needed to retain their ace beyond 2009. Johan Santana should set the bar; Bedard may become a $20MM pitcher. Zrebiec lists..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Dunn, Hamilton, Kemp

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan has some interesting hot stove banter surrounding the Rangers. A three-year deal for Kosuke Fukudome or a two-year pact for Mike Cameron might be the most sensible options to fill the Rangers' center field void. Aaron Rowand is probably too expensive. While the Rangers have a touch of interest in Adam Dunn and Coco Crisp, they prefer the idea of acquiring a young bat. Names they like: Fernando Martinez, Carlos Gomez, Carlos Gonzalez, and Matt Kemp. Sullivan notes that the Rangers have talked to the Reds about Josh Hamilton. If the Rangers sign starting pitching it's likely..   Continue Reading

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Orioles, Dodgers Talking Bedard, Kemp

Earlier this month, we learned that the Orioles will listen to offers for Erik Bedard. Sounds kinda crazy, shopping a potential Cy Young candidate with two years remaining until free agency. But if the Orioles can pick up a couple of younger but still MLB-ready players, so be it. The first connection comes from the Dodgers, who are offering a package centered around - guess who - Matt Kemp. Kemp himself won't get this deal done. Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports lists the usual suspects from the Dodgers: Andy LaRoche (because 93 at-bats is a plenty big sample), Jonathan Meloan,..   Continue Reading

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Orioles To Attempt To Extend Bedard

It looks like Erik Bedard is Andy MacPhail's top priority right now. He's already gauged the trade interest for his ace, and is now exploring the idea of a contract extension. Jeff Zrebiec says the Mets, Yankees, Angels, and Dodgers expressed interest in the southpaw starter. Interesting to see the Halos in the mix. The Dodgers are pushing the hardest for him. Two years of Bedard is expected to cost a team three MLB-ready players. The names mentioned for the Dodgers are Jonathan Broxton, Matt Kemp, and Clayton Kershaw. While Kershaw's not MLB-ready, I doubt the Orioles would mind. Zrebiec..   Continue Reading

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Angels and Dodgers Battling For Miguel Cabrera

UPDATE, 11-15-07: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro says the Angels are in the lead now, and trade talk for Cabrera is picking up with A-Rod on the verge of signing. Frisaro says a deal could be done by Thanksgiving, in contrast to Joe Capozzi's suggestion that this would happen at the Winter Meetings. The L.A. Times explained several Dodgers/Angels scenarios on Wednesday; that's also worth a read. FROM 11-13-07: Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post says the Dodgers and Angels are leading the pack in the Miguel Cabrera derby. Four other clubs are said to be in the mix. The Marlins..   Continue Reading

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Padres Targeting Matt Kemp?

As always, Tom Krasovic has the scoop on the Padres. Free agents Geoff Blum and Milton Bradley are not expected back. Blum wanted to return but the Padres are going to pass. Blum is likely to sign with Houston. The Padres may try a combo of Scott Hairston and Chase Headley in left field next year. Wouldn't it make more sense to push Kevin Kouzmanoff out there? It'll probably be a moot point, as the Padres are hoping to sign Geoff Jenkins. Krasovic tantalizes us by not elaborating on this tidbit: Responding to Colletti's preference for veterans, the Padres are..   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Serious About Andruw Jones

Bill Shaikin has a small note in today's column: Scott Boras is believed to consider the Dodgers a more serious contender for center fielder Andruw Jones than for Alex Rodriguez. It's not the first time we've seen the Dodgers linked to Jones; David O'Brien suggested it several weeks ago. Ned Colletti, you may recall, wasn't exactly thrilled with Scott Boras a year ago when J.D. Drew unexpectedly opted out. But it sounded like much of his anger was directed at Drew. Boras seems to disagree with the notion that Jones should come with a significant price cut this winter. Before..   Continue Reading

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Sunday Morning Santana

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe discusses the names being thrown around for Johan Santana. As well as the Kemp/Kershaw for Santana, Cafardo quotes an AL Executive: One AL executive theorized, "There are a few teams who could match up with the Twins. Would the Yankees deal Melky Cabrera and an Ian Kennedy for Santana? How about Boston? Would they send a Clay Buchholz and a Jacoby Ellsbury for him? The Mets? There are few teams who could handle the paycheck you'd have to give Santana and also be able to part with key prospects." If that logic is correct,..   Continue Reading

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Kemp/Kershaw for Santana

Well it's what I call an "official possibility" now. In his ESPN.com chat yesterday afternoon, Jonah Keri of Page 2 confirmed the Johan Santana for Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw rumor that's been generating a lot of buzz here at MLBTR. Let's discuss, shall we? Kemp and Kershaw both have 6 years before they reach free agency. Santana has 1. There's the obvious red flag right there, Dodgers fans. But if Los Angeles GM Ned Colletti wants to win now, and he usually does, Santana could be the golden ticket. I shudder to think of how dominant Santana could be..   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Willing To Trade Matt Kemp?

Matt Kemp is an incredibly valuable player. Some would argue he's worth more than $50MM over the next three seasons of his career, and he'll cost a few million bucks. Then there's Bill Plaschke, who feels Kemp's power and speed "have been negated by silly at-bats and baserunning mistakes." By my calculation Kemp would have to make 742 baserunning mistakes per year to negate his .331/.364/.509 line. Plaschke has insider sources indicating that the Dodgers think their best chance to win would be to trade a very good young player like Kemp for a veteran. U.S.S. Mariner recently noted just..   Continue Reading

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Latest From Baseball Prospectus: Jacque, Snell

Will Carroll and John Perrotto have teamed up at BP to join the rumor mill, and yesterday's post is free to nonsubscribers. Some highlights: Carroll reports that the Cubs could swap Jacque Jones and a prospect for Jeff Conine. Perhaps such a move would be in tandem with Adam Dunn leaving Cincinnati. The Cubs might want to hold on to Jones though; he's playing well lately. Carroll heard a far out Alex Rodriguez to the Dodgers rumor, but doesn't buy it. Neither do I - the Yankees don't seem to be selling. Carroll says Brian Cashman and Co. will wait..   Continue Reading

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Buehrle Extension Lives

UPDATE: Kenny Williams spoke to the press tonight; the White Sox have offered Buehrle no-trade protection except for an 18-month span. It seems likely that the two sides reach an agreement. Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times believes tonight could be Mark Buehrle's last start as a member of the White Sox. His teammates have been collecting memorabilia, and extra support is expected tonight at U.S. Cellular. Hard to believe that this thing died over a no-trade clause. Perhaps Buehrle wanted a full and the Sox would only give a partial. But how can they justify passing on a well..   Continue Reading

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Scott Rolen Dodgers Trade Rumor

Looking for a trade rumor, and don't care whether it's been confirmed in any way? We got you covered. A couple of Cards fans have emailed me this thread from Bernie's Pressbox. St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bernie Miklasz throws this scenario out for debate: Wilson Betemit and one of Matt Kemp/Andre Ethier for Scott Rolen. Now, according to Bernie, there's nothing concrete and he's just talking. Still, it's interesting to ponder. Factors to consider: Rolen is owed $12MM annually through 2010. He'd have to be convinced to waive his full no-trade clause. Although maybe he wouldn't mind playing under a..   Continue Reading

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Jays Offered Rios For Myers, Billingsley

According to Ken Rosenthal's latest column, the Blue Jays wanted either Brett Myers or Chad Billingsley plus Matt Kemp or Jonathan Broxton in return for right fielder Alex Rios. Both clubs are known for their current starting pitching surpluses; the Phils actually have the need for an outfielder. Not too many teams are looking to unload an AL-East-ready starter, so the Jays might have to lower their expectations. Plenty of teams could make room for Rios as a right or center fielder   Continue Reading

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Red Sox Ask For Matt Kemp In David Wells Deal

According to both the Boston Herald and the Los Angeles Daily News, the Red Sox have asked for 21 year-old outfielder Matt Kemp in exchange for David Wells. Tony Jackson of the L.A. paper actually suggests that the Red Sox requested a package of prospects including Kemp. As in, more than just Kemp. Jackson states that the request "probably makes the deal impossible unless Boston general manager Theo Epstein reduces his asking price." That's an understatement. Six years of Matt Kemp for a month or two of David Wells? That'd be even worse than two or three months of an..   Continue Reading

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