Rafael Betancourt Rumors

Diamondbacks Talk To Vazquez

MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports that the Diamondbacks have had informal conversations with the agent for free-agent infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez, 32, played 70 games at third, 26 at short, 11 at second and one at first for the Rangers in 2008. He is regarded as a good defender and as a left-handed hitter who would fit nicely in a right-handed heavy Arizona lineup. Vazquez could replace free-agent Orlando Hudson at second base. In 2008, he had the best offensive season of his eight-year Major League career, hitting .290 with a .365 on-base percentage. While it's likely his offense will decline...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: K-Rod, Burnett, Oliver Perez, Bedard

It's Thursday, and that means it's time to dig in and feast on Jayson Stark's latest rumor-packed column. The Braves have shifted their focus from starting pitching to an impact bat in left field. Stark suggests Raul Ibanez, Jason Bay, and Xavier Nady would make sense. Matt Holliday would be too costly; Adam Dunn is not mentioned. We have seen the surprising rumor that the Angels could pursue C.C. Sabathia. However, Stark's sources are in agreement with Bill Plunkett - the Angels are likely to stand pat. Francisco Rodriguez wants four years and more than $60MM, a dangerous record-breaking commitment....   Continue Reading

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Ocker On Blake, Marte, Dellucci, Borowski And Lee

Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal does some speculating on the Indians' third base, left field, and closer situations. Casey Blake's contract expires at the end of the season, and at age 35, Ocker doesn't believe that Indians' GM Mark Shapiro will re-up for him. Ocker points to two reasons why Andy Marte probably won't work out as the in-house solution to Blake's potential absence: he could be lost on waivers if he doesn't make the team as a utility man coming out of Spring Training, and he shows no sign of figuring things out and becoming an impact...   Continue Reading

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Betancourt Signs Multiyear Deal

UPDATE, 1-23-08 at 10:43am: According to MLB.com, Betancourt has signed a two-year deal with an option for 2010. FROM 1-22-08 at 10:51am: Indians reliever Rafael Betancourt recently asked for a $2.5MM salary, while the Indians submitted a $1.75MM figure. A multiyear deal is a possibility; we should know soon. Betancourt has four years of service time, so a three-year deal would buy out one year of free agency. We discussed this in early December, and commenters noted that the possibility of saves for Betancourt could complicate the contract. It's funny how a dominant setup man can earn significantly less than..   Continue Reading

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Indians To Discuss Long-Term Deal With Betancourt

Reliever Rafael Betancourt turns 33 in April. I have to admit, I didn't realize he was that old. He spent a lot of time in the Boston organization. Betancourt had a career year in '07, posting a 1.47 ERA in 79 innings. Also I feel like I have to make the obligatory mention: Betancourt was suspended 10 games in July of 2005 for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. He was the first Indians player to test positive and at the time spoke of filing a grievance to clear his name. Anyway we're in happier times now, as Betancourt's agent..   Continue Reading

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