Octavio Dotel Rumors

Odds and Ends: Dotel, Valverde, Wilkerson

Some Saturday odds and ends to mull over... The Yankees considered bringing Octavio Dotel back, but wouldn't go two years on him. Richard Justice thinks Astros GM Ed Wade is making a mistake by setting a deadline and going to arbitration hearings with Jose Valverde and Mark Loretta. I doubt the Astros wanted Loretta to accept their offer of arbitration in the first place, but they took the $4-5MM gamble hoping to get a draft pick. But they actively sought out Valverde, and this might not bode well for him staying past 2009. Can't promise anything, but my source is..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Howard, Aardsma, Odalis

Here we go, another random collection of links. The Red Sox inked a couple of former closers to minor league deals: Dan Kolb and Dan Miceli. No need to run out and pick them up for your fantasy team. I think Papelbon is secure. Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe says the Red Sox are hunting for a lefty bench bat. Tony Clark emailed him to say he'd love a return to Boston, but Cafardo says he's not on the top of the list. Clark hit .207/.265/.291 for the '02 Sox. A few comments from Pat Gillick on the Ryan..   Continue Reading

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Octavio Dotel Signs With White Sox

UPDATE, 1-21-08 at 2:29pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, this deal is done, though the AP won't quite confirm it. Sox Machine debates the pros and cons of the signing and ultimately doesn't mind it. UPDATE, 1-18-08 at 2:27pm: Scott Merkin at MLB.com talked to Dotel's agent, who will only say that Dotel is in the mix. No deal has been reached. Apparently six teams are in "active discussions" about Dotel. FROM 1-18-08 at 7:15am: According to Impacto Deportivo, the White Sox have signed Octavio Dotel to a two-year, $11MM deal. The 32 year-old reliever had a 4.11 ERA and 12.0..   Continue Reading

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Kubatko's Latest: Jones, Dotel, Barajas

Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun has a blog update with plenty of new hot stove info. Adam Jones never left Venezuela, and has been cleared to play in tonight's winter league game. Does this means something changed in the Erik Bedard talks? We can only speculate. The Orioles have been talking to the agents for free agents Octavio Dotel and Rod Barajas. The Dotel talks were recent. However, Kubatko says "late inning relief isn't a top priority." Maybe Andy MacPhail just wants to see if he can get Dotel on a nice one-year deal for $6MM or so. MacPhail..   Continue Reading

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Mets Pitching Plans

Many readers have written me asking what the Mets are going to do to upgrade their starting rotation. Matthew Cerrone as a man in the know, and he's written a summary over at MetsBlog. Cerrone senses nothing much cooking on the Johan Santana front, yet the Mets remain "oddly confident." Cerrone believes the Mets will probably sign one rehabber - Freddy Garcia or Bartolo Colon. He says reviews on Colon in the Dominican Winter League have been positive. Omar Minaya knows Colon well, having traded the farm for him as GM of the Expos. Garcia may be ready to pitch..   Continue Reading

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Orioles, Pirates Eyeing Dotel

UPDATE, 12-19-07 at 9:28am: The Bucs also have their eye on Dotel, but are wary of the price and years. FROM 12-18-07 at 11:13am: The Orioles don't have a closer, and Octavio Dotel is the best of the remaining name-brand stoppers. He's at least better than Armando Benitez, Keith Foulke, and Bob Wickman (assuming he doesn't retire). Normally I wouldn't support the idea of a non-contending team dropping $6-8MM annually for maybe two years on a guy like Dotel. But Dayton Moore showed us last year that this strategy can net a decent player at the deadline (he picked up..   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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Rockies Rumors: Iguchi, Cook, Kip, Holliday

UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 12:57pm: According to Thomas Harding of MLB.com, David Eckstein is now a Rockies' target for second base. They talked to Mark Loretta today, also. Harding adds that the holdup on the Cook deal is the amount of a fourth-year option. FROM 12-6-07 at 12:21pm: The Denver Post's Troy E. Renck has a lunchtime Rockies update. Renck doesn't see Tadahito Iguchi getting Kaz Matsui money, noting that only the Rockies are pursuing Iguchi at his preferred position of second base. That could change if the Orioles trade Brian Roberts. Though Aaron Cook's 3/30 extension isn't final, GM Dan..   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Kuroda, Livan, Estrada, Colon

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 5:49pm: Jayson Stark says the Mets haven't talked to the the A's or Orioles at all in Nashville, meaning no talks for Haren or Bedard as of yet. FROM 12-4-07 at 8:05am: What's cooking with the Mets? Let's round 'em up. Mark Hale reports that the Mets have advanced to "Round 2" of the bidding process for Hiroki Kuroda. They did this by indicating a ballpark of what they might offer but without actually making an offer. Hale says 8-10 teams are in on Kuroda, including the Royals, Phillies, Diamondbacks, and Mariners. The Ms reportedly have some..   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Bay, Gagne, Fukudome

T.R. Sullivan has the Rangers goods for us this evening. Wow, did MLB.com send 30+ reporters out to Nashville? The Rangers are still pursuing Eric Gagne to return as their closer (and then maybe they'd flip him again). The interest is mutual. The team is also considering LaTroy Hawkins, Shawn Chacon, Luis Vizcaino, Trever Miller, and Octavio Dotel. Basically, most of the relief market. Problem is, the Rangers don't want to give more than one year to any of these guys. The Rangers are moving toward filling center field internally after exploring options. Carlos Gomez, Felix Pie, and Carlos Gonzalez..   Continue Reading

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Brewers Rumors: Crede, Riske, Gagne, Dotel

MLB.com's Adam McCalvy recently filed a report with a few new Brewers tidbits. Nothing new on the Scott Rolen front, but feel free to jump over to that rumor to discuss it. On to McCalvy's article: The Brewers briefly discussed Joe Crede at last month's GM Meetings. The Brewers and White Sox have been on friendly terms in the past; maybe they can work something out. There hasn't been much buzz about Crede lately, but the Carlos Quentin acquisition seems to punch his ticket out of town. The Brewers passed on an effective one-year, $8.5MM contract for Geoff Jenkins for..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Roberts, Barrett, Piazza

Ken Rosenthal is presumably in Nashville doing what he does best - collect trade rumors by the dozen. His latest column is an excellent example. What's the over/under on Rosenthal scoops over the next four days? I'll set it at 10. Rosenthal says the Mets are unwilling to extend the contract of GM Omar Minaya, who is signed through 2009. The lack of job security could compel Minaya to mortgage the future, and the Lastings Milledge trade was a good example. Carlos Gomez, watch out. Here's MLBTR's look at Omar Minaya's Mets trade profile. The Astros, Giants, and Cardinals aren't..   Continue Reading

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Tigers Offer Contract To Hawkins?

Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press writes that the Tigers have interest in free agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins and may have even offered him a multiyear contract. Among free agent relievers the Tigers have previously expressed interest in Octavio Dotel. Dotel is 32 and a health risk, but he still has that huge strikeout rate. I'm guessing he wants at least two years, $12MM. Hawkins is 35 and healthy; he did somehow manage to post a 3.42 ERA in 55 innings with the Rockies. That's not easy to do. But his 1.8 K/BB and 4.7 K/9 rates were..   Continue Reading

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Mets Interested In Santana, Dotel, Chacon

The New York Post's Mark Hale has an update for us regarding the Mets' pursuit of pitching. Even though the Wilpons haven't made any declarations to the media, the Mets are showing interest in Johan Santana. Hale notes a couple of stipulations: David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Beltran won't be dealt, and the Mets would want a 72-hour negotiation window. I don't think anyone expected anything different on either point. The Twins could certainly use an influx of outfield talent, and the Mets have it. Octavio Dotel is one free agent on the Mets' radar, though we've known that..   Continue Reading

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Brewers May Pass On Gagne, Percival, Dotel

UPDATE: Here is the official Journal-Sentinel article. New material - Melvin admitted to an interest in David Riske, and may have an offer out to him. Thanks to Al's Ramblings for the tip. Tom Haudricourt recently spoke to Brewers GM Doug Melvin about his pursuit for a closer candidate. Melvin recently had Kerry Wood pass over his two-year, $6MM offer for a one-year deal with the Cubs. Melvin seemingly would only offer a one-year deal to Eric Gagne, Troy Percival, or Octavio Dotel. All want multiyear contracts, however. It's a bit odd that he wouldn't offer two years to any..   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Cabrera, Bay, Liriano, Clement, Dotel

Lots to go over this morning, so this might not be the last bullet point list you see. The Angels and Marlins are progressing in talks for Miguel Cabrera. It's believed that the Angels are willing to deal players like Reggie Willits, Howie Kendrick, and Jeff Mathis, but the sticking point here is the inclusion of Nick Adenhart. If the Angels want Cabrera, I would have to think Adenhart would be a part of any deal. Pirates GM Neal Huntington says that he is not actively shopping any of his players. However, he acknowledges that if he hears an offer,..   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Eckstein, Dotel

Let's catch up with the Mets, who are moving on to other needs now that they've settled their catching situation. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone says the Mets have some interest in David Eckstein as a second base option, and may meet with him soon to wine and dine him. Eckstein might be the backup option to Luis Castillo. I've said all along, I don't get why Eckstein would market himself as a second baseman. As a shortstop he stands to get $21MM over three years; as a second baseman he doesnt. Ben Shpigel of the New York Times adds that the..   Continue Reading

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Frank Wren Chat At MLB.com

Braves GM Frank Wren chatted with fans today at MLB.com. A hot stove summary is below. Wren is working on various short-term options for center field, as he does not want to block his two center field prospects. Rumors that the Braves would sign Mike Lowell or trade for Ken Griffey Jr., which were silly from Day 1, were shot down. Octavio Dotel wants a multiyear deal, and Wren doesn't seem to expect him back. The Braves do have interest in re-signing Ron Mahay though. Wren says that he won't go after any more starters if the Braves sign Tom..   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Clark, Izturis, Clemens

First day for teams to negotiate with free agents, always a good time. Here are today's odds and ends. Jeff Blair notes that one athlete may still be better paid than Alex Rodriguez: Kimi Raikkonen, a Formula One driver, earns $51MM per year. No need to debate on whether race car drivers should be considered athletes, I just thought it was interesting. The D'Backs don't figure to spend much on free agents, because they're a smart team. Tony Clark wants two years, $4MM, and the team is thinking it over. The Bucs will probably hold onto Jack Wilson this winter,..   Continue Reading

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Royals Rumors: Cordero, Silva, Guillen

Some good info surfacing regarding the Royals, as usual courtesy of the KC Star's Bob Dutton. While Joakim Soria will remain in the pen, the Royals want to add more relief help. They could re-sign David Riske, and even plan to contact Francisco Cordero's agent (Bean Stringfellow). Bringing back Octavio Dotel is also being considered, though Soria would remain the closer. Ron Mahay is on the radar. It's thought that he'll require something close to a three-year, $12MM deal as one of the better southpaw relievers out there. Riske wants a deal like that too. Dayton, just take the draft..   Continue Reading

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Latest Braves Rumors: Glavine, DeJesus, Dotel

Here's a look at the recent dealings and rumors surrounding the Braves. Frank Wren publicly admitted that the Braves would like to add Tom Glavine to their rotation for 2008. They're hoping for a hometown discount, which he may be amenable to based on this report. At the minimum, the Braves will have competition from the Nationals, Cardinals, Astros, and possibly the Mets. Wren also stated that the Braves will look outside the organization for their center fielder. David O'Brien (linked above) indicates that the Braves won't make offers to Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand, or Mike Cameron due to the..   Continue Reading

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Stark On Dotel, Wickman

Jayson Stark was just on ESPN talking about the crazy market for relievers. As you know, the Octavio Dotel to Atlanta trade is held up until medical records for all six players involved in the Teixeira deal are reviewed. That's just business as usual. But Stark's saying that teams are still calling up the Royals trying to beat the offer of Kyle Davies for Dotel. He also mentioned that teams are calling the Braves to try to pry Bob Wickman loose in the event that the Braves do get Dotel. Tim Brown backs this up - Wickman can be had..   Continue Reading

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Dotel To Atlanta Deal Not Close

UPDATE: Word via the Kansas City Star is that the Royals will get Kyle Davies in the deal. The Teixeira trade needs to be finalized first though. Nice job by Dayton Moore. Apparently he preferred Davies over Wladimir Balentien. UPDATE 2: Based on this MLB.com report and reports from Sports Radio 810, the deal is not complete and Davies for Dotel was simply an offer. Dotel was apparently seen shagging flies in batting practice today. UPDATE 3: Mark Bowman of MLB.com says the teams are not close to finalizing a deal and John Schuerholz has yet to enter into serious..   Continue Reading

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Mets Hunting For Reliever, Second Baseman

Pretty much the same old story with the Mets, though Joel Sherman and Mark Hale of the New York Post do have some new tidbits. The authors name Chad Cordero, Jon Rauch, Octavio Dotel, and Eric Gagne as relievers on the radar. However it seems the asking price is too high for Gagne and the Indians have become the frontrunner for Dotel (they may have passed the Dodgers). Shawn Chacon doesn't catch the Mets' eye, and they don't want Chad Bradford's three-year commitment. They had that option with Bradford this winter. I think that logic is silly - Bradford's pitched..   Continue Reading

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Tigers Trade Rumors: Barmes, Dotel, Qualls

The Detroit Free Press has a Tigers update for us today. The Tigers are intent on acquiring a backup shortstop. They recently sent a scout to watch the Rockies' Clint Barmes at Triple A. Barmes is at .310/.374/.464 in the minors this year. Perhaps the Tigers envision him as a possible successor to Carlos Guillen at short. Relievers on the radar: Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, Octavio Dotel, and Kyle Farnsworth. Eric Gagne does not seem likely right now, and we know Lidge is a long shot. Farnsworth might make the most sense, as the cost would mainly be money. The..   Continue Reading

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Mets and Devil Rays

Ryan McConnell of the New Jersey Star-Ledger posted a run-down of Mets' rumors, mostly old hat by now. Items of note: The Mets are being asked too much for both Chad Cordero and Octavio Dotel, causing them to take another look at Eric Gagne. They are also looking at Matt Thornton (White Sox), Shawn Chacon (Pirates), Chad Bradford (Orioles) and Jon Rauch (Nationals). I think they should go for Chad Bradford, silly contract be damned. We've all heard about second base possibilities in Mark Grudzielanek, Mark Loretta and Luis Castillo. I think that of these candidates, Grudzielanek is the best..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest Videos: Teixeira, Dye, Garland

Ken Rosenthal has a couple of recent videos up at FOXSports. Check 'em out. Some highlights: The Mark Teixeira talks are at a standstill; the Braves and Angels are reluctant to improve their offers. The Dodgers are said to be out of the picture. Daniels, Schuerholz, Stoneman - which one blinks first? I'll say Daniels; he'll go with Atlanta's best offer. Jermaine Dye is Plan B for the Angels, but as you know the Red Sox still have interest. Jon Garland can be had, but Kenny Williams' price is sky-high. The Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Mets, and Braves all have interest. The..   Continue Reading

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Yankees Focused On Gagne, Wheeler, Qualls

It seems highly likely that the Yankees will make a move to upgrade their bullpen before the Tuesday trade deadline. They appear to have three main targets. Kat O'Brien of Newsday says the Yanks have had serious discussions with Texas regarding Eric Gagne. Though Gagne wants to close, remember that he can be traded to New York without his consent. A Rivera-Gagne combo would essentially turn every game into seven innings. O'Brien names righthanders Ian Kennedy and Jeff Marquez as two pitchers the Rangers might be after. Kennedy is definitely more highly regarded. The Rangers also like Melky Cabrera but..   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Teixeira, Dotel

Jayson Stark has updated his big ol' rumor post over at ESPN.com. Some highlights: Stark believes Mark Teixeira to the Braves or Angels is "almost certainly going to happen." The Angels' willingness to offer Joe Saunders instead of Ervin Santana is seen as a big plus. Meanwhile the Braves want the Rangers to tack C.J. Wilson onto their trade but Texas is resisting. Stark's update counteracts Will Carroll's latest; Will recently wrote: "It's looking more and more like Mark Teixeira is going to stay a Ranger." You decide. Toss a few more scenarios into the Octavio Dotel mix: to the..   Continue Reading

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Dotel Would Like Contract Extension

While Octavio Dotel is very likely to be traded by the Royals, he said yesterday that he'd like to talk about a contract extension to stay. It's possible but doesn't seem likely. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star says Dotel would probably look for something around three years, $21MM, which the Royals could afford. Locking him in would allow Joakim Soria or Zack Greinke to move to the rotation. It still looks like Dotel will end up a Dodger or Indian by Tuesday though. The names we've heard so far include Franklin Gutierrez, Ben Francisco, Chin-Ling Hu, and Tony..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Dunn, Wheeler, Izzy

Ken Rosenthal posted a new column last night, and has updated it very recently. I've already spoken about the Teixeira stuff, but there's other good material in there too. Some of the wilder speculation out there has been that the Twins might trade Torii Hunter or Johan Santana if they decide they're out of it. Various Baseball Prospectus reports put the Twins' playoff chances between 5-10%. Rosenthal debunks the idea that Minnesota would shop Hunter without first making him an offer, and keeping Santana for at least 2008 makes sense. Plus, Santana has a no-trade clause. Rosenthal does have some..   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest:

Jayson Stark has a new column over at ESPN.com. Some highlights: Octavio Dotel is almost a lock to be traded, and Chin-Lung Hu remains a possibility. Stark adds that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti scouted reliever John Malone, which I think means Jonathan Meloan. The 23 year-old Meloan throws in the low 90s with a hard slider; he commands his fastball well but carries some health concerns. Regarding Jon Garland, we've already heard that the Mariners, Braves, and Yankees are interested. Stark adds the Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies to that list. However, he thinks Kenny Williams really just wants to trade..   Continue Reading

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Mariners Watching Starters

UPDATE: Hickey writes that the Mariners have also scouted Kyle Lohse, Matt Morris, Jason Johnson (thought he went to Japan), and Octavio Dotel. However, a deal seems unlikely because none of those players are worth top Mariner prospects. According to Jim Hickey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the Mariners have been scouting all kinds of available and not-so-available starters lately. The Mariners have been scouting the White Sox "religiously" lately. If they saw Javier Vazquez beat the Tigers on Tuesday, they came away impressed. (However, Vazquez can and probably would veto a trade to the AL or NL West). They were..   Continue Reading

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Latest On Octavio Dotel

You know what I love about the Kansas City Star? The enormous, extreme close-up pixellated player photo that seems to accompany every article. It's bizarre in a good way. Anyway, Bob Dutton gives us the latest on hot commodity Octavio Dotel. According to Dutton, the Dodgers and Indians are at the forefront, with the Red Sox, Mets, and some other teams monitoring the situation. As before, Dutton indicates that the Dodgers are the best possibility. They refuse to part with Tony Abreu, however. Abreu is seen as Jeff Kent's replacement at second base, though Kent is still going strong and..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Nats After Dunn

Ken Rosenthal's got a new column up; let's dive in. Fun new rumor: the Nationals are pursuing Adam Dunn. Huh? Makes no sense on the surface. Jim Bowden's possible motivation would be to sign Dunn long-term and make him the cornerstone of the franchise. If he fails at that, all would not be lost given the draft pick compensation. Rosenthal says the market for Dunn beyond Washington is a bit foggy - the Twins, Angels, Yankees, Red Sox, and Padres could all get involved but none stand out. Rosenthal adds some color to my recent Nationals post. He mentions that..   Continue Reading

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Joel Sherman's Ten Trade Candidates

Joel Sherman of the New York Post has an article today regarding ten veterans who may be traded this month. He's packed the column full of insider info beyond the ten players highlighted; check it out. Mark Teixeira is now more likely to be dealt than Eric Gagne. Sherman sees the Angels as perhaps the best possibility here; they'd have to include Casey Kotchman. I imagine Ervin Santana's stock is down far enough that the Rangers would not settle for the two. The Indians appear to be out on Gagne but the Tigers still make sense for all parties. Would..   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Teixeira, Dunn

I neglected to mention a Ken Rosenthal article from yesterday, chock full of rumory goodness as always. Rosenthal believes the Yankees need a backup plan in case they are not able to retain Alex Rodriguez. Wilson Betemit definitely makes sense in that he'd be useful even if they do keep A-Rod. Rosenthal basically names every third baseman you can think of. The most likely option, to me, is to simply sign Mike Lowell as a free agent. Would he switch sides? Perhaps, if the Red Sox don't make an offer or try to lowball him. The Braves apparently won't give..   Continue Reading

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Yankees In On Dotel

You can add the Yankees to the growing list of teams interested in Royals' closer Octavio Dotel. According to Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, the Yankees are interested despite Dotel's inability to contribute last year. As you might expect, Kepner says Dayton Moore is still asking for too much. Prices should get reasonable in about a week. The list of teams interested in Dotel, as far as I know: Cubs, Dodgers, Brewers, Red Sox, Rockies, Indians, Yankees. Today the Kansas City Star also mentioned the Tigers and Braves. I haven't seen the Phillies or Mariners mentioned in print..   Continue Reading

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Graziano On Greinke, Pettitte

Good stuff today from Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger. Here's my summary: Beyond the Cubs, Graziano lists the Braves, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks as teams interested in pitcher Zack Greinke. If the initial asking price for Octavio Dotel was as high as reported, I can't imagine what Dayton Moore would want for Greinke. Graziano's Dotel suitors: Cubs, Dodgers, and Brewers. The Red Sox, Rockies, and Indians have been mentioned by other sources. Quite a market for this guy. David Weathers is seen as the poor man's Dotel/Gagne. Let's see if Wayne Krivsky can get something useful for him. Stormy makes..   Continue Reading

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McAdam On Red Sox Trade Possibilities

Yesterday, Sean McAdam of The Providence Journal posted an article discussing trade possibilities for the Red Sox. Let's discuss. It seems that the Red Sox will add a bullpen arm despite the fine work of Manny Delcarmen. Apparently they want someone with experience. Eric Gagne doesn't seem likely, nor does Brad Lidge. Instead, Chad Qualls, Dan Wheeler, and maybe Salomon Torres or Scott Linebrink could be acquired. The focus is said to be on the Houston relievers. Wheeler seems like a solid buy-low option. You can add Octavio Dotel to the radar as well. And let's throw Brian Fuentes into..   Continue Reading

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Dodgers Interested In Dotel

According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, the Dodgers are currently the top suitor for 33 year-old reliever Octavio Dotel. Dutton reports that Royals GM Dayton Moore is said to be asking for a position player regular, like James Loney or Matt Kemp. Lest you think Dutton is off his rocker, consider that Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News says the same thing. Jackson even mentions Russell Martin. I have to begin by questioning the Dodgers' need for Dotel - he would be their third-best reliever. I don't know why he would jump ahead of Jonathan Broxton..   Continue Reading

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Royals Possess Coveted Relievers

There's seemingly some sentiment that the Royals don't want to break up their bullpen by trading anyone. I think that's kind of silly, given the volatility of relievers and the Royals' chances at contending in 2008. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star names four relievers on which Dayton Moore is getting phone calls: Octavio Dotel - Dotel was a $5MM gamble, and he's been decent so far. He can earn another few hundred thousand in incentives and also has a $5.5MM player option for '08. If he exercises that, the team can still void it. After a late start..   Continue Reading

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Rockies Inquire About Octavio Dotel

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post mentioned today that the Rockies have inquired about Royals' closer Octavio Dotel. This confirms Ken Rosenthal's report from Friday. Rosenthal had also mentioned that the Indians were looking into Dotel. The Rockies' interest in a rental reliever like Dotel indicates to me that they won't be trading Brian Fuentes this year. Renck spoke of that possibility today in his mailbag, noting that the Phillies, Red Sox, and Yankees have interest in Fuentes if the Rox make him available. The Rockies are 5.5 games out of the divison lead and 4.5 games out of..   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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Royal Treatment For Dotel

Octavio Dotels has turned down an offer from the Boston Red Sox, according to the Kansas City Star, and is about to officially sign with the Kansas City Royals for a 1-year/$5MM contract that may be bumped up to $7MM after incentives. Dotel will likely replace Ambiorix Burgos as the front runner for the Royals' closer position in 2007. This will probably push the Sox to go after Eric Gagne a bit more in the coming days. The Boston Herald is reporting that Gagne is still looking for an annual salary of over $5MM. By Adam How   Continue Reading

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Offers Made To Dotel

The Boston Herald reports that two or three offers have been made to Octavio Dotel, including one from the Red Sox. You can add the Yanks, Royals, and Indians as other possibilities. The Mets, Cards, and Indians were interested in him last year before he signed with New York. Dotel's agent says he will decide tonight. No word on Dotel's merengue album   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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Dotel Prefers Yankees

Just got a note from my favorite source today. Remember our New York barber friend who's in tight with Octavio Dotel? My source got another haircut today, and Dotel's preference was revealed to be the Yankees. According to my source, both the barber and another friend of Dotel's were confident that the reliever wants to pitch for the Yankees. In addition, Dotel believes he will be ready to pitch by opening day. Signing Dotel could make up for the Yanks' failure to get Rudy Seanez and would give them a strikeout heavy, dominant bullpen. In Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth, and..   Continue Reading

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Dotel's Agent Confirms Cards' Interest

Octavio Dotel's agent, Dan Horwits, confirmed late Saturday that the Cardinals have been in contact with his client. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article by Derrick Goold, more than a dozen teams have inquired about Dotel. Of course, regular visitors of MLBTradeRumors.com were privy to this information early on Thursday, long before the newspapers picked it up. The scoop came via our favorite source, a New York barber in the know about Dominican players. In addition to St. Louis, the Mets would like to fit Dotel into an 8th inning role, and the Indians are looking for an insurance..   Continue Reading

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Mets, Indians, Cards Contact Dotel

In recent years, Octavio Dotel has whiffed batters at a ridiculous rate, sometimes approaching 13 per nine innings. While tough to hit in general, Dotel has been prone to the home run and too generous with bases on balls. The colorful Dotel went down this summer with a strained right elbow, and by June Dr. James Andrews was wrapping a tendon from his leg around that same elbow. Interestingly, the tendon was long enough to be wound three times around the elbow, giving Dotel superhuman strength. Well, I'm not sure about the strength but it was wrapped three times. Dotel..   Continue Reading

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