Milton Bradley Rumors

Rangers Offer Arb To Bradley

11:55pm: Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News says the Rangers have interest in re-signing Bradley to a one or two-year deal, but GM Jon Daniels expects him to explore the market. Grant adds that the Rangers have interest in re-signing starter Jason Jennings to a minor league deal. The interest is known to be mutual; Jennings had elbow surgery in May. 10:05pm: According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers offered arbitration to Type B free agent Milton Bradley. It was an easy decision given his .436 OBP and .563 SLG this year. Jon Heyman wrote about a month ago...   Continue Reading

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Blue Jays To Sit Out Free Agent Market?

Beyond attempting to re-sign starter A.J. Burnett, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi does not intend to dabble in free agency this year. He told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian he'd probably stay in-house. Ricciardi shot down rumors of interest in Jason Giambi, Milton Bradley, and Rafael Furcal. Drunk Jays Fans doesn't buy the talk, though. Trades are Ricciardi's ideal route, though Richard Griffin notes J.P. has rarely dealt prospects for Major Leaguers. Griffin believes big league trade chips may include B.J. Ryan, John McDonald, and Lyle Overbay. Jason Frasor could be another.   Continue Reading

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Gammons Rumors: Sabathia, Manny, Furcal, Bradley

Here's how ESPN's Peter Gammons sees some of the bigger free agent dominoes falling, assuming the Dodgers land Sabathia: Interesting how many GMs think that if the Dodgers get C.C. Sabathia, the Giants will get big into Manny Ramirez, and Billy Beane and the A's will continue to move fast on Rafael Furcal. Also, expect Toronto to make good on its promise to Milton Bradley that he is the Blue Jays' priority. Would Beane and Brian Sabean really be influenced by Sabathia landing in L.A.? We may never know, as the Yankees have come out of the free agent gate...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Furcal, Bradley, Greinke

Another day, another Ken Rosenthal column. The A's have payroll flexibility, and are expressing "strong interest" in free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal. Bobby Crosby is set to earn $5.25MM in '09, but it makes sense to upgrade. Contrary to previous reports, Rosenthal says the Tigers are not in on Furcal. They'll also pass on Francisco Rodriguez, which was expected. Rosenthal discusses possible fits for Milton Bradley, including the Rays, Rangers, Blue Jays, Mets, Cardinals, and Phillies. It will be hard to overlook the health risk and give Bradley a three-year deal, especially for an NL club. Rosenthal confirms interest in...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Holliday, Bradley, Hudson

SI.com's Jon Heyman reports from the GM meetings... Matt Holliday showed up at the GM meetings to talk to Scott Boras, sparking trade speculation by reporters. The Rangers failed to reach an agreement with Milton Bradley, and he'll seek a four-year deal worth more than $10MM per. Good luck with that. Heyman says the Nationals are interested in Mark Teixeira and Matt Holliday, which MLB.com's Bill Ladson first reported yesterday. It does not seem that the Nats have the goods to acquire Holliday. Heyman adds A.J. Burnett as a possibility, though Ken Rosenthal said to scratch them from the running...   Continue Reading

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Bradley Gets Type B Status

It seems that teams have received the official Elias rankings, so we'll have to see if they're posted publicly today. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that Milton Bradley is officially a Type B free agent. Bradley was right around the Type A/B borderline. This is good news for teams other than the Rangers that may wish to sign Bradley. As a Type B, he can be signed without his new team surrending a draft pick. The Rangers will still snag a supplemental pick if they offer him arbitration and he declines and signs elsewhere.   Continue Reading

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Dallas Morning News: Jon Daniels Q&A

Mike Hindman of the Dallas Morning News recently conducted a Q&A with Rangers GM Jon Daniels. A few highlights: Daniels thought the Rangers had a great chance to sign Michael Inoa, as ownership made a budget exception to pursue him. Daniels doesn't seem inclined to trade his top pitching prospects for a young big league starter. He still has certain targets though. A contract extension for Josh Hamilton will probably be explored during the first three months of 2009. Daniels knows what he wants to do with Milton Bradley, but wouldn't reveal it. He expects to exercise Hank Blalock's $6.2MM...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Hendry, Payroll, Ibanez, Roberts

Let's talk Cubs. First things first - the Cubs need to lock in their GM. ESPN's Buster Olney says the Cubs are currently trying to convince Jim Hendry not to opt out of his contract in December. Olney expects a new long-term agreement. Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago-Sun Times talked to Cubs CEO Crane Kenney, who anticipates another payroll bump despite ownership uncertainty. Maybe the $140MM range? Lot of talk about the Cubs adding a left-handed hitter for balance, with Kosuke Fukudome looking like a failure. Names suggested by Olney, Wittenmeyer, and Andy Dolan of Desipio.com: Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu,...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Blalock, Bradley

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News discusses the Rangers' offseason in a new article, focusing on areas other than pitching (which is top priority). We tackled the Rangers here. Grant says the Rangers will "almost certainly" exercise Hank Blalock's $6.2MM option for '09. However, the Rangers prefer Chris Davis at first base. That means Blalock will either DH or be traded. Milton Bradley could be re-signed as DH, but the Rangers still don't want to give him a multiyear deal given his health history. Bradley is dead set on multiple years. When Eddie Bajek last checked, Bradley was right...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Looking Into Free Agent Market

Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram reports the Rangers will be having the first of a series of meetings on October 6th to assess the free agent market. They need starting pitching, a right handed bat, a lefty reliever, and improved defense, leading the majors in errors and unearned runs allowed. Nolan Ryan plans to overhaul the attitude of the pitching staff, and the general consensus is that the young pitching staff will be improved next year. Nelson Cruz will be counted on as a right handed power bat, and the Rangers will have an opportunity to re-sign Milton Bradley....   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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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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Bradley Wants Long Term Contract

The often, uhm, misunderstood Milton Bradley rarely speaks to the press, but in a recent exchange with Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers outfielder outlined how he expects his contract situation to work out this offseason. Bradley feels his offsensive production this year warrants a long-term deal, something the Rangers haven't offered him (yet), and as such, he sees the possibility of returning to the team at 50-50. "I just know I deserve to quit getting [stuck] with these one-year deals. I need to have a long-term contract. I’m not just a rent-a-player for one year. I’m...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: LaRoche, Bradley, Burnett

Digging into today's random links... Joel Sherman looks at what went wrong for the Yankees this year. Did they fall too in love with their farm system? At least six teams have called the Pirates about third baseman Andy LaRoche in recent weeks. If LaRoche pans out and Pedro Alvarez comes aboard, the Bucs could have a surplus at some point. Craig Harris examines the rise of D'Backs GM Josh Byrnes. Eddie Bajek updated the Elias rankings for the AL 1B/OF/DH category. They're fluctuating wildly. Eddie also did catchers for both leagues; Ivan Rodriguez is headed into Type B territory....   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Alvarez, Orioles, K-Rod, Bradley

A few more notes from the MLBiverse... Dejan Kovacevic is reporting the Pedro Alvarez case may not be settled until well after the season. While there is a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, some feel that the case is too complex for a single hearing. Peter Schmuck feels the O's will sign a "couple of Paul Byrd-type pitchers," rather than open the pocketbook for a front-of-the-rotation starter. It is just speculation, but Nick Cafardo feels the Tigers and Cardinals will be the front-runners for Francisco Rodriguez...Of course this was written prior to the news that Billy Wagner will be out for...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Bradley, Rodriguez

Some links this Saturday morning; I'll add more to the list as the day's news progresses. Doug Baxter of DraftInfo chats with ESPN.com's Keith Law to get his thoughts on the 2009 draft. Tim MacMahon at the Dallas Morning News' Rangers blog ponders whether the Rangers should offer Milton Bradley a multi-year deal or not. Speaking of players looking for new deals, Francisco Rodriguez tells the LA Times that his desire to explore free-agency does not necessarily indicate he wants to leave the Angels. Alejandro A. Leal writes for UmpBump.com. Comments? Rumors? alexo05 (at) umpbump (dot) com   Continue Reading

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Millwood, Padilla, Catalanotto Clear Waivers

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan has three more names for the cleared waivers list from the Rangers: Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, and Frank Catalanotto. These players can now be traded to any team. Sullivan says the Rangers aren't looking to sell but are willing to listen. Millwood, 33, has a 5.24 ERA in 122 innings this year. He's been better than that; Millwood has been a victim of an abnormal amount of hits dropping in. He's dealt with a groin injury for much of the season, as well as a hamstring issue in spring. Millwood will earn another $1.6MM this year and...   Continue Reading

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Week in Review: 8/17 - 8/23

Another week in the books, and we keep seeing big names moved after the July 31 non-waiver deadline. Let's look back on the past week: The Dodgers acquired Greg Maddux from the Padres for two minor league players to be named later. Nice acquisition to bolster their rotation, and does anyone want to place bets on how excited 20-year-old Clayton Kershaw is to get tips from Maddux every day for the rest of the season? The Pirates are exploring the idea of trading Jack Wilson this offseason more and more. Given the slim free agent market for shortstops, he would...   Continue Reading

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Milton Bradley Hopes To Return To Rangers

According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Rangers DH Milton Bradley would like to return in '09. Both sides are interested, but negotiations will wait until after the season. Bradley feels comfortable in Texas, and that's led to a massive .314/.441/.579 line in 407 plate appearances. He hasn't been this healthy since '04. His OBP ranks first in the AL by a wide margin, and he's third in SLG. The 30 year-old Bradley is earning roughly $6MM this year if you include incentives. I imagine he'd want to double that salary in free agency, though he's pretty hard...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: McLouth, Doumit, Eyre, Bradley

Here's today's link roundup. Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus rates the best remaining fits for Barry Bonds. The Angels come out on top. The Mets seem pessimistic about Ryan Church returning this season. MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo has the latest buzz on the unsigned draft picks. The Astros dug up a pitcher in the independent leagues who is said to touch 100 mph. He's a 21 year-old righty named Jack Tilghman. The Pirates plan to offer long-term contracts to Nate McLouth and Ryan Doumit. Sean McAdam says the Red Sox still have some interest in Scott Eyre. Dave Cameron can't figure...   Continue Reading

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Milton Bradley Trade Unlikely

Word on Chicago radio is that the Cubs have the Rangers' Milton Bradley on the radar. However, it does not appear that the Rangers are motivated to trade him.   Continue Reading

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What's Next For D'Backs?

FRIDAY: Milton Bradley is also not on Arizona's radar. THURSDAY: D'Backs right fielder Justin Upton may hit the DL with an oblique strain, while left fielder Eric Byrnes is probably out for the season. Will the D'Backs make an acquisition? The Barry Bonds idea has been dismissed. Beat writer Nick Piecoro wonders about Kenny Lofton, but GM Josh Byrnes prefers either a trade or internal options. Byrnes' comments: "There's sort of a fine line between patience and stubbornness. But if we're going to do something to improve our offense, it's sort of [a question of] whose at-bats are we replacing,...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Sabathia, Bradley

Time to take a spin through John Perrotto's lastest column over at Baseball Prospectus. C.C. Sabathia suitors named: Yankees, Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox, Rays, and Angels. The Rays seem to be a new name; DRays Bay has a comment thread up on it. Jon Heyman has similar names but adds the Dodgers to the mix. The Rangers are apparently warming to the idea of trading Milton Bradley (they're 7.5 games back) but they could still re-sign him in the offseason.   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Bradley, Haren, Griffey, Holliday, Atkins

A few minor notes from the MLBiverse... Evan Grant wonders if the Rangers might try to trade Milton Bradley if they fall even farther back in the standings and then try to resign him in the off-season when he is a free agent. The D-Backs have begun negotiations with Dan Haren on a contract extension. Haren is signed though '09 with a $6.75MM team option in '10. Ken Griffey Jr says that he wants to win a championship in Cincinnati. With the Rockies playing the Indians, it was inevitable that the Matt Holliday- or Garrett Atkins-to-the-Indians speculation would resurface. Cork...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Bradley, Floyd, Threets

Let's round up some links. Juan Rincon rejected the Twins' Triple A assignment. Anyone want him? The Reds received a 23 year-old righty named Henry Arias from the Royals to conclude the March Brad Salmon deal. I had forgotten about this...the Royals almost acquired Milton Bradley a year ago for Leo Nunez but the deal was voided. Paul Hagen offers some pitching ideas for the Phillies. David Cameron explains why the Mariners are so bad. The international signing period begins on July 2nd; pitcher Michel Inoa heads the class. It's been suggested the A's could offer him $4MM. Jon Heyman...   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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Free Agent Stock Watch: Milton Bradley

In December, Milton Bradley signed a one-year deal with the Rangers for $5.25MM guaranteed. He can earn up to $2.75MM more based on playing time incentives. The Padres didn't offer him arbitration; they were afraid of a possible award nearing $10MM. Bradley was available at an affordable price and term mainly because of his injury history - he hasn't played 100 games in a season since 2004. His '07 season ended with an ACL tear in a bizarre incident (his manager tackled him to keep him away from an umpire who had provoked him). That Bradley was ready for Opening...   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Bradley, Griffey, Padilla

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post to discuss. Gammons says Cubs manager Lou Piniella would like to add a left-handed hitting right or center fielder to bat fifth. Milton Bradley and Ken Griffey Jr. seem like long shots though. It's odd that the Rangers wouldn't want to move Bradley. Gammons notes that the Rangers wanted Mike Pelfrey, Aaron Heilman, and Deolis Guerra for Vicente Padilla in the offseason. Even as a negotiation starting point, that's a ton for Padilla.   Continue Reading

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Rangers Expected To Be Sellers

At 7-15, the Rangers have the worst record in the American League. Team president Nolan Ryan doesn't seem ready for a fire sale yet, but you have to figure the Rangers will be clear sellers come June. Joel Sherman of the New York Post recently suggested Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, Hank Blalock, Frank Catalanotto, and Milton Bradley as trade candidates. As Sherman says, Millwood could be a hot commodity. He looks healthy and would certainly help a contender. Gerald Laird, Marlon Byrd, Jamey Wright, and Joaquin Benoit could also be dealt. The Rangers already have the fourth-best farm system in...   Continue Reading

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Padres May Learn Today About Fukudome Offer

Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune has a new column up, chock full of Padres rumors. Let's discuss. The Padres have a three-year offer out to Kosuke Fukudome that may make him the highest paid Padre ever, aside from Jake Peavy. Kevin Towers expects to get an answer today from Fukudome's agent, Joe Urbon. Urbon basically said that geography would only come into play if offers from competing teams were similar. Towers admitted he sees the Cubs as the lead horse in this race. San Diego has a strong need for an outfielder or two, especially now that Milton..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Reach Deal With Bradley

MLB.com is reporting that the Rangers have come to terms with outfielder Milton Bradley on what appears to be a one-year deal. Its base worth is $5 million, though Bradley can earn a few incentives. Of course, there's still the issue of Bradley's knee. He suffered a torn ACL towards the end of the season in that strange scuttle with Mike Winters and Padres manager Bud Black. Some reports have Bradley being ready by Opening Day, some have him sitting out the first month of the season. Not that we could have expected it, but this report gives us no..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Like Patterson, Ethier, Hamilton, Fukudome

According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers are targeting various young outfielders. Corey Patterson, 28, is a free agent and Scott Boras client. He's looking for multiple years while the Rangers only want to give one. His talent might tantalize somebody, though he hit just .269/.304/.386 this year. He's shown in the past that he can hit like a league average CF and play plus defense, so he could be a bargain. Patterson reversed his platoon split this year, hitting lefties pretty well. He's an Atlanta native; maybe the Braves would be a match. Andre Ethier, 26 in April, is..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Loretta, Patterson

You know the drill, here's a roundup of some rumor nuggets. I'll update the post continuously throughout the day. Corey Patterson wants a multiyear deal, which probably isn't something the Rangers want to do. The Indians met with C.C. Sabathia's agent on Thursday, but have yet to submit an extension proposal. That will happen this month, most likely. Check out how excited Pirates Rule 5 pick Evan Meek was. Pretty cool. The Astros expect Mark Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration. The deadline is midnight tonight for players to decide. Despite what Ed Wade says I doubt they really..   Continue Reading

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ESPN's Latest: Barrett, Ensberg, Mahay

Who said the Meetings are over? ESPN's Peter Gammons, Buster Olney, and Jerry Crasnick are still running down rumors. The Rays want Michael Barrett, according to Gammons. Looks like Kevin Mench will be non-tendered. Crasnick says the Marlins may go after Morgan Ensberg, who is also likely to be non-tendered. The Phillies aren't much interested in him. Gammons says Ron Mahay is down to the Yanks or Royals. He also says the Padres' Milton Bradley signing won't get in the way of their Kosuke Fukudome pursuit. Olney backs up the rumor about the Giants' interest in Hideki Matsui   Continue Reading

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Padres Near Deal With Milton Bradley

UPDAT, 12-6-07 at 12:11pm: MLB.com's Corey Brock says the deal is worth $3.5-4MM. FROM 12-6-07 at 11:24am: According to MLB.com's Jim Molony, the Padres are nearing a one-year deal with outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley is expected to be ready to play in April; hopefully he can stay healthy and give the Padres 400-500 good ABs. Bradley recently lost 15 pounds in an effort to reduce his injury risk. Does this take the Padres out of the Kosuke Fukudome sweepstakes? Probably not - the Padres won't sign both Fukudome and Mike Cameron, but Bradley probably came cheaply   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Lamb, Gagne, Prior

As usual, Evan Grant has the latest Rangers hot stove buzz. New acquisition Chris Shelton may see some time at first base for the Rangers. As far as left-handed hitters, the Rangers' options are Mike Lamb, Sean Casey, and in-house choice Frank Catalanotto. Free agents Eric Gagne, LaTroy Hawkins, Corey Patterson, and Milton Bradley are still on the radar. Contrary to previous reports, the Rangers aren't interested in Mark Prior. The Rangers don't want to move Vicente Padilla or Kevin Millwood as straight-up salary dumps   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Bradley, Haren

Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz. The Astros might be "on the verge of a major deal." Rosenthal notes the availability of Chris Burke and Luke Scott plus the team's interest in Damaso Marte. He also says some clubs are after Houston's young pitching. Ed Wade spoke of two-way, three-way, and even four-way discussions before he hit the hay last night, but nothing seemed imminent. Rosenthal says the Padres might have a better chance of re-signing Milton Bradley than Mike Cameron. He also implies that the Friars could reach a one-year agreement with Michael Barrett and then shop..   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Bay, Scott, Barrett

Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune has a late-night update for us. Several outfielders are on the radar that we haven't previously linked to San Diego: Milton Bradley, Xavier Nady, and Jason Bay. Of course all three have played for the Padres in the past. It would certainly be an interesting storyline if they reacquired Bay. Ken Rosenthal told us earlier that the Padres talks for Luke Scott broke off. Krasovic doesn't say that, but notes that the Astros want catcher Nick Hundley for him. The 24 year-old backstop hit .247/.324/.475 in Double A last year. According to Baseball..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Patterson, Bradley, Bay

T.R. Sullivan recently filed his Rangers report at MLB.com. The Rangers will meet with Scott Boras soon to talk about Eric Gagne. Another topic for the Boras conversation: Corey Patterson. The Rangers like Milton Bradley, and have asked for his medical reports. Bradley's agent said a few days ago that he would be ready for Opening Day. The Bucs' asking prices for Jason Bay and Nate McLouth were deemed too high - Eric Hurley and Elvis Andrus were suggested. External first base options: Mike Lamb, Tony Clark, and Ben Broussard   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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Padres Rumors: Maddux, Cabrera, Barrett, Bradley

As usual, Tom Krasovic has the scoop with the Padres. The Padres expect Greg Maddux back, at a salary near the $10MM he earned in '07. One way it could happen - Mad Dog declines his $8.75MM player option and the Padres exercise their $11MM club option. Otherwise they'll just tear it up and figure something out. The Padres will pass on available third basemen Alex Rodriguez and Miguel Cabrera. It sounds like a Padres team source is indicating the Marlins plan to shop Cabrera aggressively. As if this offseason wasn't going to be crazy enough, here's another marquee player..   Continue Reading

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Random Rumors

Some random rumors to help you get through your Thursday morning... As you might imagine, the Rangers are keenly watching and hoping Alex Rodriguez opts out of his contract. That would free up $7MM for them in each of the next three years. Rangers' manager Ron Washington's wish list includes a center fielder, corner outfielder, and first baseman. The Rangers have been connected to Torii Hunter quite a bit, but they'll have plenty of competition. Will the exchange rate free up a bunch of money for the Blue Jays? Perhaps even enough to make a pass at A-Rod? Hey, fans..   Continue Reading

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Padres Acquire Milton Bradley

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres have acquired Milton Bradley from the A's for 26 year-old reliever Andrew Brown. Krasovic says Bradley would play left field for the Padres if healthy. The Padres got Brown from the Indians in the Josh Barfield deal. Oddly, the Indians got Brown from the Dodgers before that for Milton Bradley. Brown throws in the mid-90s, even touching 99 at times. He could make a useful reliever for Oakland. Bradley and Michael Barrett look like a couple of low-risk, decent reward acquisitions for Kevin Towers. He's really a smart GM...   Continue Reading

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Jacque Jones Trade Near?

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times yesterday, the Cubs are trying to trade another position player by Monday so they can add a 12th pitcher. That position player probably is our good friend Jacque Jones. Wittenmyer named the Padres, Rangers, and White Sox as interested parties. Bruce Miles adds the Mets to the mix. The Cubs would have to eat some of the $7.2MM or so remaining on Jones' contract, which runs through 2008. Another option would be to move shortstop Cesar Izturis, who has about $2.6MM left on his deal (assuming his '08 option is bought out)...   Continue Reading

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Royals' Bradley Trade Cancelled

UPDATE: The trade of Bradley to the Royals has already fallen through. Turns out Bradley had an oblique injury that neither team was aware of. Maybe the GMs can still work something out, since Bradley could've been expected to have an oblique injury within a week or two anyway. According to ESPN, the Royals have acquired Milton Bradley from the A's for reliever Leo Nunez. It's a surprising move for Kansas City. Nunez is a 23 year-old righty reliever. He's been compared to Julian Tavarez. He's got a decent hitter but his secondary pitches need work. Nunez has been knocked..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. A summary appears below. Rosenthal thinks the Tigers are unlikely to acquire Eric Gagne or Akinori Otsuka, perhaps preferring to look at internal options. That's a shame, as I think they really need to add someone. The White Sox won't be granting a 72 hour negotiating window if they trade Mark Buehrle. Strictly a rental. That could limit the market for him, but Kenny Williams will come up with at least one quality prospect. The Dodgers don't seem likely to trade for Adam Dunn or Jermaine Dye, but could go after Mark Teixeira...   Continue Reading

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Possible Milton Bradley Suitors

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle mentions several potential suitors for Milton Bradley in today's column. She names the Padres and Pirates as possibilities, citing connections to Paul DePodesta and Jim Tracy. Additionally, Slusser quotes Billy Beane in saying that he worked on a Bradley trade within the past three weeks but it fell through. The Pirates, as a noncontender, really don't need to be picking up impending free agents. There's just no reason for it. They need to give as much playing time to young players as possible. The Padres, though, make a fine fit. Bradley could help..   Continue Reading

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A's Designate Bradley For Assignment

In a surprising move, the Athletics designated Milton Bradley for assignment today. The A's will have to trade Bradley and his $4MM contract within ten days or just release him and eat the cost. Around $2.2MM remains. He'll become a free agent after the season. Bradley is one of the most fragile players in all of baseball, the Kerry Wood of position players. He spent 2006-07 as an Athletic, hitting .279/.371/.447 in 416 ABs. Bradley remains a very useful center fielder when he's able to play, so a number of teams should pursue him. At least at this moment, he..   Continue Reading

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Oakland A's Buzz

I've got a source out of Oakland who filled me in on the latest buzz from the club recently. Frank Thomas has told his agent, Arn Tellem, that he wants to join the A's. Billy Beane holds all the cards here, as Thomas's confusing medical reports have scared off all other suitors. Gambling on Thomas's health is another example of Beane snagging a player undervalued in the market. Word is that the A's really don't want to go to arbitration with Milton Bradley. Bradley's due for a sizeable raise from the $2.5MM he made in 2005, and he's using his..   Continue Reading

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Walker For Bradley: Update

I've lost track of how many of these Todd Walker for Milton Bradley posts I've written. According to an emailer, Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio 1000 is reporting that the Cubs are awaiting word from the Dodgers on this trade - the offer of Walker is on the table. No timetable was given for a decision. Levine's been all over this one since November; he mentioned yesterday that it could happen before the weekend. Thanks to Ale   Continue Reading

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Bradley For Walker Talks Renewed?

A reader emailed me saying that WSCR The Score (George Ofman) and ESPN Sports Radio 1000 (Bruce Levine) are reporting that the Cubs are talking again about a Milton Bradley for Todd Walker trade, to happen within the next day or two. Levine reported this same rumor on November 29th. Thanks to Ale   Continue Reading

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Milton Bradley Dealt For Saarloos And Ramos?

According to a source in Sacramento, the Dodgers have traded Milton Bradley to the A's for pitchers Kirk Saarloos and Mario Ramos. My source heard about Ramos's departure via KXTV Channel 10 in Sacramento. There's a thread hopping over at MLB.com about the deal as well. Bradley's potential is unquestionable, and has been discussed on this site many times. It's a very Beane-like move to snag a player who the market has undervalued. Despite winning ten games in 2005, Kirk Saarloos doesn't figure to ever escape the fifth starter realm. In every Major League trial, the 26 year-old soft-tosser has..   Continue Reading

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Milton Bradley For Todd Walker

According to Bruce Levine on ESPN Radio 1000, the Cubs are talking to the Dodgers about swapping Todd Walker for Milton Bradley. Considering the devaluing of Bradley around baseball, the proposed trade sounds plausible. If the deal were to go through, it's most likely that Walker would play third base for Los Angeles. It's also possible that Jeff Kent moves to first and Walker remains at second base. Walker has played 60 games at third base in his career, and Kent has spent 105 games playing first. Thanks to Joh   Continue Reading

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Cubs Interested In Bradley: Update

Will Carroll over at Baseball Prospectus has confirmed the Cubs' interest in center fielder Milton Bradley, and adds a few interesting tidbits. According to Carroll, Bradley "figures to be a Dodger non-tender and is someone who doesn't scare Dusty Baker." I've heard whispers of L.A. non-tendering Bradley before, and I find it downright baffling. To throw away a world of potential just to do things "The Dodger Way" seems like a terrible business decision. Whether or not Bradley is a guy you want to have a beer with, his talent is undeniable. Consider: Bradley posted a 3.8 WARP (Wins Above..   Continue Reading

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