Nelson Cruz Rumors

Teams Calling About Nelson Cruz

Several teams are calling the Rangers about Nelson Cruz, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com, but the Rangers aren't inclined to move him, citing his low salary and high production. Cruz posted a .260/.332/.524 line in 2009, but made just over $418K while earning his first All Star selection. According to the report, "Cruz could intrigue clubs such as the Braves, Cardinals and Giants if their other efforts to add an outfield bat fall short."   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Astros, Tigers, Braves, Reds

A few more links to cap off the night.... GM Ed Wade and the Houston Astros will begin contacting managerial candidates Friday, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. McTaggart adds that the team's interview process will get underway next week, as they hope to pare down a 10-name list. Keith Law and ESPN.com take a look at the Tigers' 2009 results and anticipate their offseason moves. Law notes that Detroit is a franchise that doesn't mind avoiding big-name closers, so Ryan Perry could conceivably pitch the ninth inning in 2010 if Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon depart. Law also thinks...   Continue Reading

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Rangers Sign 16 Players

The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Rangers have signed 16 players to 2009 contracts. These players include Scott Feldman and Matt Harrison, who are both expected to make the Rangers starting rotation. Position players include catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and right fielder Nelson Cruz. Here's a list of the others: Pitchers - Josh Rupe, John Bannister, Tommy Hunter, Luis Mendoza, Dustin Nippert, Omar Proveda, Kason Gabbard Position Players - Joaquin Arias, Jose Vallejo, Brandon Boggs, David Murphy, and Greg Golson The Rangers have yet to sign Josh Hamilton, Taylor Teagarden, and nine others.   Continue Reading

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Jeremy Hermida Rumors

7:12pm: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro says Mariners catcher Rob Johnson and Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia were discussed in these Hermida talks, but no match was found. 6:31pm: Baker says the Marlins wanted catching prospect Adam Moore from the Ms in a Hermida deal. Baseball America ranks Moore as the Mariners' sixth best prospect. They say he looks like a future big league starting catcher; he'll start '09 at Triple A. 5:31pm: Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald says the Ms and Rangers initiated the Hermida talks, and they didn't get far. 4:44pm: Geoff Baker says the Marlins offered Hermida to the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Tazawa, Young, Kouzmanoff

Links for Friday. As always, I'll update this post with more stuff so refresh later if you're interested. Nick Piecoro suggests catcher Miguel Montero could be the D'Backs' best trade chip. Their needs will be second base and perhaps starting pitching. The Marlins' top priority is improving their defense. Dave Cameron takes apart Scott Boras' claim about Oliver Perez. If more of these client books leak out, Boras is going to have to hire Cameron to keep him quiet. White Sox GM Ken Williams talked about adding speed from within, though Williams is notoriously unpredictable. Two 19 year-old Indian men...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Twins, Big Unit, Rockies

Links and tidbits for Wednesday. Remember to check back on this post for updates! Dave Cameron notes that the Elias rankings screwed over Damaso Marte by making him a Type A. See also: Doug Brocail, Bob Howry, Darren Oliver. Remember to check out the Previous Entries link at the bottom of the website, as stories get buried pretty quickly in times like these. Japanese outfielder Saburo Ohmura (link in Japanese) would be fine with a minor league deal. Roch Kubatko has info on what it might take to trade for Khalil Greene or Jack Wilson. Pirates president Frank Coonelly confirmed...   Continue Reading

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Japanese Team Pursuing Nelson Cruz?

Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker passes along a Sanspo.com story. Apparently the Hanshin Tigers plan to aggressively pursue Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz this winter. Cruz had an incredible 2008, both in Triple A and a month with the Rangers. It figures that they'll pencil him in as next year's starting right fielder rather than sell/trade him to Japan. A year ago, Cruz could've been had for little.   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Ricciardi, Guardado, Alvarez

Let's round 'em up... Chat today, 2pm CST. Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star tries to view J.P. Ricciardi's tenure from both sides. Drunk Jays Fans gives their take on the article. Aaron Gleeman takes a closer look at Eddie Guardado, while Jamey Newberg tells us about Mark Hamburger. Inspired by Nelson Cruz's excellent '08 MLB debut, Rob Neyer and Sam Mellinger discuss cheap talent and "4A" players. Do Jeff Bailey, Mike Hessman, Joe Koshansky, Scott McClain, Terry Tiffee, and Josh Whitesell fit the bill? It's always fun when these guys get a legitimate shot. The Pirates are getting frustrated...   Continue Reading

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Reds Interested In Nelson Cruz?

According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Reds may pursue Rangers' outfielder Nelson Cruz to replace Ken Griffey Jr. in right field. Cruz, 28, is hitting a ridiculous .345/.436/.716 with 37 home runs in 97 minor league games. Of course, this is his fourth shot at Triple A.   Continue Reading

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Nelson Cruz Drawing Interest

28 year-old Rangers minor league outfielder Nelson Cruz has a career line of .231/.282/.385 in 478 plate appearances. So why is he drawing trade interest right now? Cruz has utterly destroyed Triple A pitching this year, hitting a monstrous .343/.444/.689 in 80 games. He's even cut down on the strikeouts somewhat. Of course, this is his fourth extended stint at Triple A and he's mashed there before. But perhaps after Jack Cust last year teams will give these Quad-A types a closer look. Cruz, unlike Cust, can play right field. He does not appear to be in the Rangers' plans.   Continue Reading

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