Pedro Feliz Rumors
By Mark Polishuk [November 24, 2009 at 5:43pm CST]
The Orioles aren't expected to be major players on the free-agent market this winter, but if the team does make a move, it will likely be to acquire a veteran presence at first and/or third base. Speaking to MASN Sports' Steve Melewski, Baltimore team president Andy MacPhail said that given the Orioles' young outfield and second-year catcher Matt Wieters, he would "like to put more proven bats" in the lineup to compliment the team's young stars. The O's have prospects Brandon Snyder and Josh Bell in the pipeline at first and third, respectively, but since MacPhail said he doesn't see...
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By Zach Links [November 21, 2009 at 10:40pm CST]
The Orioles are positioned to be buyers in free agency, according to Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun. GM Andy MacPhail says that the club is looking to spend this offseason, but there remains some skepticism in Baltimore as to whether owner Peter Angelos will be willing to open up his checkbook. If the O's decide to dole out dollars this winter, here are some of the players they will and won't be targeting: Barring a change in organizational plans, you can cross the Orioles off the list of suitors for outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay....
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19, 2009 at 10:46am CST]
Some links to read through on Ryan Howard's 30th birthday... The White Sox would like to add a true leadoff man and are open to bringing back Jim Thome, according to MLB.com's Scott Merkin. MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says the Phillies aren't considered serious contenders for free agent Chone Figgins. MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez reports that the Marlins may spend on a corner outfielder, a second baseman or a third baseman if they free up some payroll by trading Dan Uggla. Jamey Carroll is one of the many free agents the Marlins would consider. The Brewers are open to bringing Craig Counsell...
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By Steve Adams [November 15, 2009 at 2:48pm CST]
MLB.com's Todd Zolecki runs down the Phillies offseason, looking at how the club is planning to improve coming off back-to-back World Series appearances. Here's some highlights: The Phillies are looking to upgrade at third base, as we've heard before. Chone Figgins figures to be too expensive for their liking, and they'll look for a shorter, more affordable contract. Zolecki names the same possibilities we heard earlier in the week: Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, and Placido Polanco. Philadelphia has interest in Fernando Rodney, but it may not be mutual, as Rodney likely would prefer a team with whom he can close....
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By Tim Dierkes [November 12, 2009 at 9:19am CST]
Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun has the buzz on the Orioles... President Andy MacPhail said he can't see himself trading a young, talented player for a short-term (one or two-year) fix. He left open the possibility of trading a young player to fill a different, more urgent need long-term. Zrebiec says bringing Erik Bedard back to the organization has been discussed. The Orioles may acquire bullpen help, but Zrebiec adds, "some team officials would be comfortable starting the season with Koji Uehara as the closer." MacPhail admitted the third base supply is strong. Zrebiec says the O's have interest...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 10, 2009 at 4:57pm CST]
4:57pm: The Phils are seriously considering Chone Figgins, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com. 2:45pm: Here's the latest on the NL Champs' hunt for a third baseman: Jon Heyman of SI.com reports that the Phils are interested in bringing Pedro Feliz back if he's up for a deal worth less than $5.5MM. The club turned down an option worth that much this week. Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. tells David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News that other options are out there, even if he can't sign Feliz. "There are more third basemen available than there are third base positions...
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By Zach Links [November 8, 2009 at 5:31pm CST]
Scott Lauber of Wilmington News Journal reports that the Phillies have decided not to pick up Pedro Feliz's $5.5MM option. While it remains possible for Feliz to return to the club, Lauber writes that it is unlikely. In 625 plate appearances this past season, Feliz turned in a slash line of .266/.308/.386, which meant an OPS of .694 - his worst since 2002. Feliz's calling card is his defensive play at third but his UZR/150 of 5.0 - while still above average - was his worst posting since the stat was first monitored in 2002. With a number of options...
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By Zach Links [November 8, 2009 at 5:00pm CST]
After falling short in their quest to repeat as world champions, Ruben Amaro Jr. & Co. are charged with the task of putting the organization in position to take the crown in 2010. Buster Olney, Baseball Prospectus and the Insider Staff reviewed the Phillies' '09 campaign and discussed what might be in store for them this winter. An Insider subscription is required, but here are some highlights for those without: With $11.5MM committed to Brad Lidge in each of the next two seasons, the Phillies are likely to keep him penciled in as their fireman. However, the club could seek...
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By Mike Axisa [November 7, 2009 at 9:30am CST]
Phillies' GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said the team is "actively exploring alternatives" to third baseman Pedro Feliz before deciding whether or not to pick up his option, according to Andy Martino of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "More than anything else, we want to see what options may be out there for us and decide whether picking his option up is best suited for this club to try to move forward," Amaro said. "He had a solid year for us," Amaro said. "I like the man personally. He's a great person and a great teammate, but I also believe in trying to...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 6, 2009 at 11:06am CST]
The Phillies exercised their $9MM option on lefty Cliff Lee, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. The move was a no-brainer for the Phils, as Lee posted a 3.22 ERA in 231.6 innings this year and won the Cy Young award in '08. Next on the docket: long-term extension talks. Also, the Phillies must decide on Pedro Feliz's $5.5MM club option by Monday.
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