Nick Punto Rumors

Twins Rumors: Pavano, Cabrera, Punto

The Twins and Carl Pavano are both interested in making a deal, but it's unlikely we'll see anything finalized before Pavano hits the open market, according to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Twins have exclusive negotiating rights for now, but Pavano's likely to test the open market first. The righty made $4.35MM this season, mostly by reaching performance incentives. This time, Pavano's agent suggests his client deserves more guaranteed money. Pavano has repeated that he enjoyed playing for the Twins after they acquired him from the Indians in August, so a return seems possible. Pavano is a...   Continue Reading

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Twins Still Exploring Shortstop Options

According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins are still exploring shortstop options despite signing Nick Punto. Two of the team's targets do not seem available - J.J. Hardy and Yunel Escobar. The Braves were hard-pressed to discuss Escobar even when they thought they had Rafael Furcal, though the Twins inquired. And Doug Melvin is sticking to his stance on Hardy. We talked about other failed Twins infield pursuits yesterday.   Continue Reading

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Pirates Sign Ramon Vazquez

FRIDAY, 1:51pm: Kovacevic says the Vazquez signing is official at two years and $4MM. THURSDAY, 11:37pm: Dejan Kovacevic says the Pirates have agreed to the framework of a contract with Vazquez. The contract is not signed yet, and Vazquez needs to take a physical. Another note: the Twins' signing of Nick Punto reduces the already-weak market for Jack Wilson. Kovacevic says the Dodgers have leverage if they want to go after Wilson as a Rafael Furcal fallback. 12:32am: Vazquez's agent told Kovacevic they're "very, very close" but not done. Neal Huntington also said it's not done. 10:51am: Dejan Kovacevic phrases...   Continue Reading

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Twins Re-Sign Punto

According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins re-signed infielder Nick Punto to a two-year, $8.5MM deal with an option for 2011. Punto drew interest from the D'Backs, Yankees, Phillies, Mets, and Tigers at the Meetings.   Continue Reading

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D'Backs Rumors: Clark, Punto, Rhodes, Unit

8:10pm: Piecoro says the D'Backs don't want to trade Snyder; in fact, they'd like to extend him. Piecoro notes talks with Eddie Guardado, but they didn't go far. And Japanese lefty Ken Takahashi is not on Arizona's radar. 7:20pm: The D'Backs have discussed a contract with Tony Clark for '09, says Gilbert. 6:20pm: Rosenthal says the D'Backs want to trade the more pricey Snyder to clear a path for Montero. They could then ink a Gregg Zaun type to back him up. 3:30pm: Gilbert says the D'Backs have a one-year offer out to Loretta. 3:18pm: MLB.com's Steve Gilbert says the...   Continue Reading

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Punto Visits With Phillies, Draws Yankee Interest

7:31pm: The Yankees are looking for a utility infielder, and Brian Cashman said today Punto is on their radar. 6:51pm: John R. Finger of Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia says Nick Punto visited with Phillies brass this afternoon. They'll meet again later today. Punto may return to the Twins, and he's also been linked to the D'Backs and Mets.   Continue Reading

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Tigers Acquire Gerald Laird

1:21am: Morosi says the second pitching prospect is indeed Melo. 12:12am: Morosi says an agreement has been reached, and the second prospect is a pitcher. There's speculation that prospect could be Carlos Melo, as he fits Rosenthal's description. 11:27pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Tigers acquired Laird for Moscoso and a second prospect. The second prospect "is a 17-year-old who spent last season in the Dominican Summer League." Could it be shortstops Samuel Ortiz or Domingo Gonzales? Pitchers Rayni Guichardo or Carlos Melo? The deal will be announced Monday. Laird, a Scott Boras client, is under team control through 2010. Rosenthal...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Teahen, Mastny, Clement

Sunday evening links...I will add to this post as needed. Dejan Kovacevic describes what it's like for a reporter at the Winter Meetings. The Royals do not want to trade Mark Teahen. They've received inquiries on Teahen, David DeJesus, Jose Guillen, and Billy Butler. They mainly seem willing to move Guillen, which Jayson Stark reported earlier. Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker passes along nuggets on Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara. He says the Angels contacted Kawakami's agent, while the Tigers and Giants have been in touch with Uehara's. Newman also says the Yokohama BayStars acquired reliever Tom Mastny from the...   Continue Reading

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Phillies, Mets Interested In Punto

According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Phillies and Mets have expressed interest in free agent infielder Nick Punto. The Twins are also in contact. Punto, 31, hit .284/.344/.382 in 377 plate appearances this year. He seems to play an above average shortstop, according to the plus/minus system. Punto is also capable of playing the other infield positions. He earned $2.4MM in '08.   Continue Reading

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No Agreement Yet For Moyer

12:01pm: David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News says everyone expects the Phils to re-sign Moyer. He says not to read into the Lowe/Burnett inquiries; the team has inquired on more than 25 free agents. MLB.com's Ken Mandel names six of them: Doug Brocail, Russ Springer, Raul Ibanez, Rocco Baldelli, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Nick Punto. 10:16am: According to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are still talking to free agent pitcher Jamie Moyer but don't have an agreement yet. Moyer apparently wants a multiyear deal. The Phils recently contacted Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett to hedge their...   Continue Reading

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