Randy Wolf Rumors
By Mark Polishuk [November 17, 2009 at 8:15pm CST]
MLB.com's Lyle Spencer answered a pile of fans' questions about the Angels' free agents, possible new signings and trade options. Here are some of the highlights... Spencer "has his doubts" that Los Angeles will re-sign any of its big three free agents (Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey). He thinks the other three AL West teams would be smart to sign Guerrero given that the outfielder is "a prideful man who would have something to prove to his former employer." If the Angels do dip into the free-agent market, it would be for a starting pitcher. Spencer lists Randy...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 12, 2009 at 3:28pm CST]
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic brings home a bunch of Diamondbacks hot stove buzz from the GM Meetings... The Diamondbacks would have to give up their second-round pick if they sign a Type A free agent who turned down arbitration. GM Josh Byrnes told Piecoro he'd consider it if the player came at a discount. You can check our free agent list to see all the types. Piecoro wouldn't be surprised to see Livan Hernandez return as the D'Backs' fifth starter. He wouldn't be the main rotation pickup; the bigger targets are probably Randy Wolf, Jason Marquis, and Brad...
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By Luke Adams [November 11, 2009 at 8:43pm CST]
The Arizona Diamondbacks will consider making multi-year offers when they look at this year's pitching free agent class, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Although Piecoro notes that GM Josh Byrnes has previously been reluctant to pursue free agent pitching, he writes that Byrnes could go that route this year. The free agent market looks particularly appealing given the Diamondbacks' relative lack of trade chips. Chris Snyder, who they've already discussed in at least one potential trade, has health questions and an unfavorable contract. As for who the Diamondbacks might pursue, John Lackey is likely out of the...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 11, 2009 at 2:15pm CST]
Regarding the Brewers' search for starting pitching, we heard yesterday that John Lackey is unlikely while Jarrod Washburn and Doug Davis are possibilities. Today, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has further details. Brewers GM Doug Melvin didn't seem to rule out Lackey, saying: "It depends what they’re asking for. I don’t know if it could fit or not. I might have to make some other moves to make it fit." Haudricourt says Randy Wolf could be a more reasonable target; Melvin met with his agent Arn Tellem at the GM Meetings. Wolf is seeking a multiyear deal. Tellem's agency...
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By Tim Dierkes [November 11, 2009 at 8:29am CST]
Mets GM Omar Minaya met with agent Scott Boras last night at the GM Meetings for 45 minutes, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Sherman says Matt Holliday, Alex Cora, Jarrod Washburn, and Rick Ankiel were discussed. Of course, the Mets' plans extend beyond Boras clients, and Sherman says Bengie Molina sits atop their list of catching targets. The Mets made a play for Molina four years ago. Another target might be Chone Figgins, as suggested by SI's Jon Heyman. Sherman sums up the Mets' offseason situation: The Mets' priority list in order is a slugging left...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 10, 2009 at 2:08pm CST]
Jon Heyman has the latest on Milton Bradley, Roy Halladay, Adrian Gonzalez, and plenty of other big names in his new column. Let's check out some of the highlights.... Although Texas and Tampa Bay seem like the most likely destinations for Bradley, one GM says the outfielder needs to play in a small market like Kansas City or San Diego. If the Rangers were to acquire Bradley, they would probably want the Cubs to pick up about $16MM of the remaining $21MM on his contract. People around baseball figure that Halladay is more likely than Gonzalez to be traded this...
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By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 10, 2009 at 10:34am CST]
The free agent rankings are out, so ESPN.com's Buster Olney breaks down the winners and losers. Here are the details from his latest blog post: Billy Wagner is a Type A free agent, so teams will have to surrender a draft pick to sign him if the Red Sox offer arbitration, as expected. This hurts Wagner's value, since he's coming back from Tommy John surgery and teams will hesitate to give up a top pick for an injury risk. Olney wouldn't be surprised to see Mark DeRosa field two and three year offers. The versatile 34-year-old is a Type B...
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By Mike Axisa [November 9, 2009 at 1:00pm CST]
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...
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By Zach Links [November 8, 2009 at 10:35pm CST]
Earlier this week, the Dodgers, as expected, declined to pick up their side of a $10MM mutual option for Jon Garland. However, one has to think that Ned Colletti & Co. would like to hang on to the 6'6 righty after surrendering Tony Abreu for him. In 2009, Garland turned in an ERA of 4.01 in 200+ IP. The 30-year-old shined in his limited time in Dodger Blue, recording a 2.72 ERA with a 2.89 SO/BB ratio in six regular season games. While he would be a fairly attractive option in any free agent class, this winter's weak crop of...
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By Luke Adams [November 7, 2009 at 7:11pm CST]
As if dominating the playoffs wasn't enough, the New York Yankees are now dominating much of the hot stove discussion as well. We took a look at some rumors from the Bronx earlier today. Now John Harper of the New York Daily News offers ten suggestions for building the 2010 Yankees. A few of his ideas.... Harper suggests offering Hideki Matsui a one-year deal, rather than just letting him walk. He thinks that, after a relatively healthy 2009, the Yankees could use the offensive depth, in case they aren't so lucky in 2010. He also would like the team to...
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