Orlando Hudson Rumors

Dodgers Javier Vazquez Rumor Shot Down

1:24pm: MLB.com's Mark Bowman talked to a team source who said the Dodgers and Braves are not currently having trade discussions. Bowman believes the Brewers do have interest in Vazquez. As for Derek Lowe, Bowman doesn't see the Yankees in the mix but does consider the Angels and Brewers possibilities. 9:16am: Former Reds and Nationals GM Jim Bowden is on Twitter, and last night he floated a couple of Dodgers rumors. Bowden wrote that the Dodgers are talking with the Braves about pitcher Javier Vazquez and with the Mets about second baseman Luis Castillo. Vazquez would be an excellent addition...   Continue Reading

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Mariners Rumors: Matsui, Lackey, Harden

In his latest article, Larry Stone of the Seattle Times examines some names that have been linked to the Mariners, and speculates on how likely each player is to end up in Seattle. Let's take a look at some of his thoughts.... If Hideki Matsui were to leave New York, Stone doesn't expect the designated hitter to sign with the Mariners. Seattle would prefer a DH that could play the field occasionally, which Matsui probably can't do. How aggressively the Mariners pursue John Lackey will depend on the market. If Lackey could be had at a reasonable price, Stone anticipates...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Holliday, Lackey, Bay, Trades

Jon Heyman has a new column up at SI.com, so let's dive on in... Scott Boras said on Sunday that the Cardinals have not made any proposals in an effort to retain Matt Holliday, and Heyman says "the chances for Holliday to remain a Cardinal look slim at this point." A source familiar with the situation said the Angels offered John Lackey an extension earlier this year worth less than $40MM over three years on top of 2009's $10MM salary, so if they wish to re-sign him now, they'll have to completely rethink their original stance. The Red Sox are...   Continue Reading

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Heyman On Chapman, Mets, Hudson

The latest hot stove notes from SI's Jon Heyman... Despite interest from several other clubs, Heyman sees the Aroldis Chapman bidding as ultimately a Yankees-Red Sox battle. Heyman says the Mets "don't seem inclined" to pursue free agent starter John Lackey. Heyman believes Lackey will aim for $100MM+, which is higher than most estimates we've seen. The Mets have no interest in Milton Bradley, despite a September report. Heyman believes a left fielder will be the team's big-ticket import, with Matt Holliday atop their list. Like many, Heyman does not see Orlando Hudson returning to the Dodgers. Hudson earned about...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Tigers, Pedro, Rays, Dodgers

Some links to peruse while you eagerly await Game Six of the ALCS... Lynn Henning of The Detroit News suggests some salary figures for the Tigers' four key free agents: Fernando Rodney, Brandon Lyon, Placido Polanco, and Adam Everett. He also says there's no way to the team will bring back Aubrey Huff or Jarrod Washburn, nor "is it fathomable that either player will be offered salary arbitration for 2010." The Phillies' braintrust has already met about offseason decisions according to Andy Martino of The Philadelphia Inquirer, and a person familiar with the team's thinking tells him that they haven't...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Indians, Dodgers, Blue Jays

Because baseball should be in all four seasons, no matter what Forbes Magazine thinks... As Buster Olney first reported on October 3, Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell officially took his name out of the running for next manager of the Cleveland Indians. Joe Torre denied that life with the Dodgers is "a living hell", as Peter Gammons told Michael Kay on his radio show Wednesday. Torre did say, however, that he doesn't expect to manage past his 2010 contract. Perhaps the phrase will be used instead in the upcoming divorce proceedings between Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and his wife,...   Continue Reading

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Olney On Type A Free Agents

ESPN.com's Buster Olney looks back to last winter when players like Juan Cruz saw their value tumble because the Elias rankings classified them as Type A free agents. Some players are good enough to qualify, but not tantalizing enough for teams to give up the high draft pick that Type A free agents cost if their teams offer arbitration. Olney quizzed a group of executives about this year's likely Type A free agents; here are the details you need to know: Vladimir Guerrero makes $15MM this year, so Olney's execs doubt the Angels will offer arbitration. The executives polled said...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Dodgers, Villalona, Johnson

A few Monday evening links.... Dave Cameron of FanGraphs argues Joe Torre is making the Dodgers worse by giving Ronnie Belliard playing time at the expense of Orlando Hudson. Belliard is outperforming Hudson lately, and keeping Hudson on the bench is saving the Dodgers some money, but Cameron thinks that playing Belliard at second base in October would hurt the team's World Series chances. Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News reports that Giants prospect Angel Villalona has pleaded innocent to the charge of murder. Still, Baggarly says it's anyone's guess whether Villalona will ever play baseball again. After...   Continue Reading

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Benching Costs Orlando Hudson

Talking to Jim Peltz of the L.A. Times, Dodgers manager Joe Torre would not commit to Ronnie Belliard over Orlando Hudson as the team's starting second baseman. Belliard has started at second base in eight of the team's 18 games this month, as well as a few times at third. Hudson stands to lose money as a bench player, though he was gracious in comments made to Peltz. The way his contract is set up, Hudson is currently earning $10,000 per plate appearance up until his 632nd. He's already earned $7.63MM on the season, despite a base salary of $3.38MM....   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Mets, D-Backs, Indians

Jon Heyman takes a look at three teams that underachieved this season and how each might approach the off-season... New York Mets Heyman thinks the payroll will be about the same next season, noting that any attempt to lower the payroll would be a tough sell to the fans. Needs include left fielder, first baseman, catcher, starting pitcher and overall depth. Mets are looking at Matt Holliday and Jason Bay and could target Adrian Gonzalez and Bengie Molina. Starting pitchers the Mets may pursue include Randy Wolf, Jon Garland and Jason Marquis as well as Roy Halladay if he's available....   Continue Reading

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