Randy Wolf Rumors

Arb Offered To Orlando Cabrera, David Weathers

According to the AP, Orlando Cabrera (Type A) and David Weathers (Type B) were offered arbitration. We await word on Type A/B free agents Mark Loretta, Randy Wolf, Doug Brocail, Juan Uribe, and Ken Griffey Jr., though the AP article implies none of the five received offers. Wolf would've been solid on a one-year deal; the Astros' payroll must be really tight.   Continue Reading

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Astros Rumors: Wolf, Brocail, Ross

Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle has the latest on the Astros: Astros GM Ed Wade said that he's had to slow down negotiations with free agent lefty Randy Wolf because he's unsure how much payroll he's working with. Negotiations are on hold at least until next week, but the Astros would still like to sign Wolf to a multi-year deal. The Astros still hope to bring back reliever Doug Brocail, but they haven't negotiated with his agent in over a week. Wade said he'll try to address the team's catching needs via trades or free agency. Houston is interested...   Continue Reading

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Astros Slow Negotiations For Randy Wolf

According to Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros slowed negotiations with free agent lefty Randy Wolf due to payroll concerns. The Astros made an offer earlier this month, but now GM Ed Wade says: "I told Arn that we still had interest but weren’t prepared to move forward at this time."   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Wade, Crisp, Holliday

Links for Thursday... New commenters are signing up every day as MLB Trade Rumors grows. Before commenting, be sure to read our policy. If you ever see someone violating the policy just send me an email and I'll take care of it. If you receive an email from noreply@mlbrumors.com talking about some kind of newsletter, that has nothing to do with me or MLB Trade Rumors. We have a daily email of our latest posts, and that comes from dierkes@gmail.com. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald wonders if Kerry Wood might accept an offer of arbitration from the Cubs. Hal...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Putz, Manny, Lackey, Ibanez

Let's take a look at the latest column from ESPN's Jayson Stark. Stark does the math and finds 15 potentially available closers versus six clubs in the market for one. Should result in a few bargains or teams holding on to their surpluses. The Mets don't seem willing to extend to four years for Francisco Rodriguez. Stark says J.J. Putz would become the Mets' top closer target if he's made available. MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone wrote a few days ago that the Mets are likely to trade for a reliever with closing experience before attempting to sign one. J.P. Ricciardi quote:...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Perez, Lowe, Garland, Swisher, Neshek

Some Tuesday evening links: Odalis Perez is waiting to sign a new contract this offseason, says MLB.com's Bill Ladson after a conversation with Perez' agent. Ladson also notes that Nats' GM Jim Bowden has expressed interest in resigning the lefty starter. Perez did start 30 games last season with Washington. The Braves have a significant interest in Derek Lowe, reports Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Beyond Lowe, Atlanta may look next at Jon Garland, Randy Wolf, or Oliver Perez. Bowman categorizes the members of this group as potentially "profitable gambles." Nick Swisher will play almost exclusively at first base for the...   Continue Reading

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Wolf Will Test Market

THURSDAY: Wolf told KRIV-TV in Houston last night that he's flattered by the Astros' efforts, but he plans to test the market. His main goal is playing for a winning team, and he says his urge to play on the West Coast is overstated. Astros GM Ed Wade says he'll look at alternatives starting Friday. WEDNESDAY, 5:30pm: The Astros also made an offer to reliever Doug Brocail. His agent says about a dozen teams have inquired, the Red Sox among them. The Astros would also like to re-sign Mark Loretta, but conversations have not yet begun. 1:46pm: According to Brian...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Hardy, Flowers, Wolf

Another day, another column from Ken Rosenthal. With multiple vacancies in the rotation and bullpen, the Brewers may need to see what kind of pitching Mike Cameron and/or J.J. Hardy can bring in return. GM Doug Melvin is not ready to shop Hardy. He's received interest, but most teams have not given names (one team suggested swapping him for a pitcher Melvin termed, "a fifth starter.") The Padres have asked the Braves to substitute catcher Tyler Flowers for center fielder Gorkys Hernandez in their Jake Peavy offer. Dave O'Brien sees this as unlikely. If they can't sign Mark Teixeira, the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Pettitte, Zaun, Blanco

Links for Tuesday... Scott Bordow feels the D'Backs and Randy Johnson should meet at $5MM, which still seems light. David Murphy explains why the Phillies make more sense than the Mariners for Jamie Moyer, geographically. David Ortiz would like the Red Sox to add a 30 home run bat. Richard Justice wants the Astros to sign both Randy Wolf and Andy Pettitte. He says the Cubs and Cardinals will be talking to Pettitte even though his heart is with the Yankees. El Lefty Malo recommends the Giants sign Derek Lowe. The Giants are at least considering the big-ticket free agents....   Continue Reading

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Astros Rumors: Wolf, Hawkins, Hampton

MLB.com's Alyson Footer has the latest Astros buzz. Astros GM Ed Wade will meet with Randy Wolf's agents tomorrow, but doesn't expect an agreement to be reached before the exclusive negotiating period ends. Wolf will test the open market, and the Mets are already known to be interested. Talks are ongoing with the agents for Doug Brocail and LaTroy Hawkins. Brocail is a Type A free agent, and the Astros already declined a $3.25MM option on him. Wade met with Mike Hampton's agent recently. Hampton could return to Houston on an incentive-laden contract. Wade is on the lookout for a...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Wolf, Fuentes, K-Rod, Street, Pedro

11:37am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets are eyeing Randy Wolf, in addition to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez. Heyman adds that some Mets people are concerned about their catching, but others aren't thrilled with the free agent options. 9:20am: All kinds of Mets rumors this morning. Let's begin with the closer situation. The Mets are interested in Brian Fuentes, but Omar Minaya will not rule out Francisco Rodriguez. He makes a great point: contract numbers are tossed around early, but the player often fails to reach that amount. Joel Sherman says the Mets also want to speak to the...   Continue Reading

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Astros Rumors: Sabathia, Wolf, Hawkins

Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle has the lowdown on the Astros. Again the word "tweak" is thrown around in regard to the Astros' offseason. So I would not expect a major signing or trade. Regarding C.C. Sabathia, owner Drayton McLane said, "That might be way out of our league." The Astros will try to re-sign Randy Wolf and LaTroy Hawkins. It would still make sense to sign a starter if Wolf is retained. GM Ed Wade has flexibility to go past last year's $90MM payroll. The 'Stros will apparently go with internal options in center field. At catcher, they'll...   Continue Reading

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Wolf Open To Astros Return

Jose de Jesus Ortiz quotes Astros southpaw and Ed Wade favorite Randy Wolf: A few weeks ago I had a short conversation with Ed and talked about what I thought of it here and if I’d be open to playing here. Like I’ve said, I think...yes definitely. The geography doesn’t really matter anymore. I think first and foremost I want to be on a winning team and have the best possible chance to be where I’ve never been before, which is the playoffs. It seems this was a consideration for Wade all along when he made the trade for Wolf....   Continue Reading

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Week In Review: 8/31 - 9/6

Sunday afternoon means it's time to look back at the week and recap the major stories here on MLBTR. Let's take a look: Arizona made a move to help replace Orlando Hudson when they acquired David Eckstein from Toronto for minor league pitcher Chad Beck. Second major move we saw from the D'Backs in August, and it seems like a fair price to add some stability to the middle of their infield for the remainder of the season. Brief update on the Pedro Alvarez drama. The Pirates will not re-negotiate his contract even if that option is somehow allowed. Tim...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Mets, Brewers, Astros

Ken Rosenthal has a lot to offer in his latest Full Count video: The Mets will prefer to pickup Carlos Delgado's $12MM option rather than buy him out for $4MM. That's a guarantee for a guy who should finish the year around 35-100 despite not contributing for the first two months. According to sources, Manny Ramirez is unlikely to go the Mets. They will more likely focus their spending on pitching. John Maine has a bone spur in his right shoulder. Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez are free agents. The Mets will need to go after starting pitching. If the...   Continue Reading

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Wolf Will Consider All Destinations In '09

When Astros lefty Randy Wolf reached free agency after the 2006 season, he made his desire to play closer to home, on the West Coast, well known. He signed with the Dodgers, and managed a little over 100 innings amid shoulder issues. His ERA, 4.73, wasn't too impressive. Yet the Padres, considered before the season to be contenders, decided to take a flier. They signed him to a one-year, $4.75MM deal with a number of incentives. Back in July, the Astros acquired Wolf in a trade. GM Ed Wade had been fond of the lefty since his days as general...   Continue Reading

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Week In Review: 7/20 - 7/26

This one will be a bit lengthy, which can be expected as the deadline approaches. Here's a review of some of the major moves and rumors of the last week: The Yankees acquired Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte from the Pirates for OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Dan McCutchen and RHP Jeff Karstens . I agree with Tim that Ian Kennedy would've been a better centerpiece, but Tabata is pretty highly-touted himself. Kennedy would have made a more immediate impact, while Tabata is only 19 years old. The Dodgers acquired Casey Blake for minor league RHP Jon Meloan...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Redding, Laird, Wolf

Fresh column from Ken Rosenthal. The Rockies, six games out in the NL West, could certainly become buyers. They offered Clint Barmes for Jeremy Guthrie and were turned down, and continue to monitor Bronson Arroyo and Tim Redding. Closer Brian Fuentes still seems likely to be traded though (the demand: top of the line prospect and a secondary player). Rosenthal cautions us against judging the Pirates' new regime too quickly. The deadline will be a good test for them. The Yankees definitely have interest in Rangers catcher Gerald Laird, but haven't asked the Royals about Miguel Olivo. The Astros are...   Continue Reading

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Wolf Trade Reactions

The Padres found an unlikely suitor for lefty starter Randy Wolf in the Houston Astros. Here are the reactions: Paul DePodesta thinks Chad Reineke might be able to help the Padres soon. Richard Justice calls it a stubborn move for the Astros, who "threw $3.5MM at a lost season." MLB.com's Jim Molony wonders if the Astros could shop Wolf in August if the team falls further out of contention. An Ed Wade quote reveals part of the motivation for the acquisition - the GM says the Astros get their foot in the door in case they want to sign Wolf...   Continue Reading

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Astros Acquire Randy Wolf

TUESDAY: The Astros acquired Wolf for minor league pitcher Chad Reineke, according to Tom Krasovic. Baseball America wondered if Reineke could eventually become another Chad Qualls, a guy who blossoms with a move to the bullpen. What are the Astros thinking here? This team is still playing to win, even with their backs against the wall. Perhaps they hope to convince Wolf to stick around in '09. Might be hard though - he just bought Slash's house in L.A. MONDAY: According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Astros are "engaged in serious discussions to acquire veteran left-hander Randy Wolf of the...   Continue Reading

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Quiet On The Maddux/Wolf Front

MLB.com's Corey Brock has an update on the non-rumors surrounding Padres pitchers Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf. Though many of the pitchers ranked ahead of Wolf have found new homes recently, trade talks are moving slowly. Wolf has a healthy 101 strikeouts this year, but he's been inconsistent in general and lousy away from PETCO. Previous suitors like the Cubs, Brewers, and Phillies are all probably out. Maddux has been informed of his suitors, since he has a full no-trade clause. But Brock's source says Maddux may choose to play out the string in San Diego.   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Maddux, Wolf, Clark

Padres beat writer Corey Brock has the latest on the team's trade candidates. GM Kevin Towers recently told Greg Maddux which teams have expressed interest in him. The Professor will ponder his options over the break, since he controls his fate with a full no-trade clause. Possible suitors like the Cubs and Brewers may have backed off, I imagine. As expected, Randy Wolf is drawing interest. Tony Clark could be moved within a few days, with Arizona the rumored suitor. The Padres are only looking to move veterans, and want prospects in return.   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Burnett, Nady, Greinke, Burrell

FRIDAY: We have an update to Stark's column - he is now saying that Burnett does have veto power over 15 teams. THURSDAY: Let's take a look at Jayson Stark's latest over at ESPN.com. The Phillies and Yankees both made failed runs at CC Sabathia. The Phils wouldn't include Carlos Carrasco or Lou Marson, while the Yanks insisted on a negotiating window. The Phils are looking at Erik Bedard and A.J. Burnett by default, while neither of those pitchers makes sense for the Yankees. The Yanks checked in on Aaron Harang, but that's a moot point since he's ailing. Despite...   Continue Reading

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Quiet Deadline For Tigers?

Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press believes the Tigers might be quiet in the trade market this month. However, the team could use starting pitching and relief help. Morosi notes that the Tigers have not inquired on Randy Wolf or Greg Maddux. What's more, Wolf has the Tigers on his no-trade list. One starter known to be on Detroit's radar: Freddy Garcia. Morosi adds that the Tigers had discussions for John Grabow and Damaso Marte earlier this year. And keep in mind that Barry Svrluga said back in April that the Tigers "will watch Jon Rauch very closely."   Continue Reading

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Randy Wolf Likes San Diego

31 year-old southpaw Randy Wolf bounced back in his start last night, pitching seven fine innings against the Marlins. Didn't hurt that the Marlins have been lousy against lefties all year. MLB.com's Corey Brock spoke to Wolf, who said he'd consider re-signing with the Padres for the '09 season. Wolf noted that he is comfortable in San Diego and likes working with Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley. He's a West Coast guy and he left money on the table to sign with the Padres (and the Dodgers the year before). Interesting note - Wolf followed a rigorous offseason training program...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Pursuing Harden In Wake Of Sabathia Deal

How will the Cubs counter the Brewers' C.C. Sabathia acquisition? They simply can't match it, but the next best thing might be Rich Harden. Harden is also a frontline starter, but he lacks Sabathia's durability. According to Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times, "the Cubs have spent a lot of time on the phone recently with Oakland Athletics GM Billy Beane trying to pry away Harden." De Luca says they've been discussed a deal for at least a month. Plan C is apparently Randy Wolf. Will Carroll says the Cubs "think they match up well for A.J. Burnett." Jayson...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Yankees, Padres, Fish

And now, the latest from Ken Rosenthal's Full Count video: If the Braves decide to shop Mark Teixeira, they may have a tough time getting as much as they'd like. The Red Sox, Angels, and Diamondbacks - among other contenders - are set at 1B/DH with David Ortiz, Casey Kotchman, and Conor Jackson respectively. Rosenthal notes Boston will only pursue Teixeira if Ortiz's wrist fails to heal. Brian Cashman isn't sure whether the Yankees are buyers or sellers. Most of their high paid players have no-trade clauses. Should they want to buy, Rosenthal suggests A.J. Burnett is a guy they...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Eyeing Harden, Wolf?

So many diehard Cubs fans hitting up this site...they need their own thread to talk trades. As you know, the Cubs hope to add a starter this month. Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times echoes the common sentiment that the Cubs probably don't have the young players needed to acquire C.C. Sabathia. I mentioned in today's chat that I thought the only way the Cubs could be seriously considered would be to include Sean Gallagher. You can debate the merits of that. Beyond Sabathia, De Luca says Rich Harden and Randy Wolf "sit atop their wish list." Jayson Stark...   Continue Reading

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Wolf's Audition Goes Poorly

According to MLB.com's Corey Brock, it's likely that scouts were on hand for Randy Wolf's start last night against the Rockies. Granted it was Coors Field, but seven earned runs in four innings did not help his stock. His previous start against the Mariners was also lousy. Wolf has pitched 102 innings over 18 starts. Last year, he was finished at the exact same point. The Phillies and Cubs still might pursue Wolf, perhaps as a fallback. Steven Goldman recently made a good point in the New York Sun - Wolf and Greg Maddux have drastic home-road splits, and would...   Continue Reading

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Gammons On The Cubs' Starter Pursuit

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog entry up, with the focus on the Cubs' desire to add a starting pitcher. Gammons talked to a Cubs official who said, "We almost certainly will do something. But we really don't want to give up Sean Gallagher at this point." Here's a quick rundown of the candidates: C.C. Sabathia - Cubs don't believe they have enough to get him. Rich Harden - Gammons doesn't specifically say the Cubs are interested, just that they're monitoring Oakland. Randy Wolf - The Cubs have interest, and Gammons says Wolf would waive his no-trade to go...   Continue Reading

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Padres Likely To Sell

The Padres have lost eight in a row, slipping to 9.5 games out in the NL West. CEO Sandy Alderson says "it's probably easier to see us as sellers at this point." He added that they could still look to buy if the Padres can creep up to 6.5 games out by the break (which begins July 14th). Here's another look at the team's top trade chips: Tim Sullivan says southpaw starter Randy Wolf is "almost certainly gone." Wolf was having a very similar season in '07 but was done by July 3rd. Aside from health concerns, Wolf has a...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Wolf, Lohse, Sabathia, Fuentes, Oswalt, Bailey

Buster Olney has a new column up. Let's take a look: He suggests Randy Wolf as a "possible trade chip" with the Padres looking increasingly out of it this year. One problem: Wolf has veto power over trades to 14 teams. He's been decent this year, with a 4.13 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 98 innings, but nothing to get too excited over. Gossip item: the Mets could have had Kyle Lohse for what the Cardinals are paying ($4.25MM), only Omar Minaya passed. Olney doesn't see much in the speculation about the Angels wanting C.C. Sabathia. With Kelvim Escobar's rehab...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Rockies, Padres, Braves, Sabathia

Today let's take a look at Buster Olney's blog. Executives from the Rockies and Padres are telling other clubs that they will not be sellers. They've climbed back into the race with the recent D'Backs slump. Popular trade rumor names like Brian Fuentes, Greg Maddux, and Randy Wolf may be off the market. Olney runs through some scenarios for Mark Teixeira trades, if Frank Wren and the Braves decide to punt on '08. The Rangers have their eye on C.C. Sabathia - maybe now, maybe after he reaches free agency.   Continue Reading

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Gammons' Latest: Sabathia, Dunn, Harden

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post up. The Indians are "thoroughly scouting" eight teams that may be interested in C.C. Sabathia, including the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Dodgers (the Mets may be another). Gammons agrees with Ken Rosenthal that Mark Shapiro may trade Sabathia soon to maximize his value. Gammons does not see the Yanks jumping in with Phil Hughes or a multi-prospect offer, unless Chien-Ming Wang's injury forces their hand. He does not think the Cubs or Phillies have the goods, but suggests the Rangers as a dark horse. If the Cubs don't have enough for...   Continue Reading

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Wade Looking To Add Pitching

MLB.com's Jim Molony tells us that Astros GM Ed Wade has been working the phones to get a feel for the "general lay of the land." After a busy offseason for Wade, most notably adding Miguel Tejada and Jose Valverde, Wade will likely be in the market for pitching upgrades. The Astros rank 21st in baseball with a team ERA of 4.50, and their rotation is a combined 20-25 with a 4.77 ERA, and a league-worst 65 home runs allowed. As Wade himself points out though, starting pitching won't be easy to come by this year. As usual, there are...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Wolf, Indians, Ensberg

Random items for today... MLBTR live chat, today at 2pm CST. Right after I finish my corned beef sandwich. RotoAuthority takes a look at the fantasy value of Randy Wolf. On Sunday I joined the guys from Drunk Jays Fans for part of their podcast. A button to listen to the show can be found here. Paul Hoynes says the Indians' Mark Shapiro will need "at least a month to narrow the field of suitors for players such as C.C. Sabathia and Paul Byrd to see if he really wants to trade them." RotoWorld says the Yankees have released Morgan...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Bonderman, Perez, Wolf, Bonds

Buster Olney makes some noise on a quiet Saturday: There is concern Jeremy Bonderman has a circulation problem in his shoulder or arm which would quiet Jayson Stark's inquiry as to whether or not the Tigers would deal him for (more) offense. Willie Randolph keeps the faith with starter Oliver Perez but, as Olney points out, "if [Perez] were to be dropped from the rotation, it would be an enormous hit for a pitcher expected to be among the better free agents in the fall." I'll say. Randy Wolf ups his trade value (and likelihood) with every good start. He's...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, Bay, Wolf

Hot stove guru Ken Rosenthal has a new column up. Rosenthal tosses around some fun ideas in case the Indians want to trade C.C. Sabathia for another free-agent-to-be. Presumably they'd target a slugger in return. Rosenthal applauds the Pirates' decision not to sell low on Jason Bay this winter. Signed cheaply through '09, Bay may have more trade value than Adam Dunn (in my opinion). Randy Wolf is expected to be "among the most available Padres." The 31 year-old southpaw sports an 8.2 K/9. A strong, healthy June would give Wolf's trade value a boost.   Continue Reading

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Phillies Rumors: Wolf, Feliz, Jenkins

MLB.com's Ken Mandel has a Phillies update for us tonight. Pat Gillick's honesty is refreshing and funny. On Randy Wolf: "He's the only guy who's voiced some concern, but I haven't heard anyone else voice concern about the ballpark. He's always voiced concern. I talked to him last year and talked to him this year, and he always makes some remarks about the park which are quite unfounded." Gillick also weighed in on Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva, noting their agents want to keep as many clubs involved as possible. The Phillies expect to sign neither. It's a bottom priority,..   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Peavy, Fukudome, Clement

Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune has a new column up with some good Padres info. The Padres are still hammering out Jake Peavy's deal. It'll include no-trade protection and a player option for 2013. Brandon Webb and his agent will be watching closely. The Friars have stepped up their interest in Kosuke Fukudome, who they'd use as a center fielder. The Cubs are also in hard on him. I recently broke down Fukudome's suitors here. Randy Wolf will get $4MM guaranteed, with another possible $5MM in incentives. Matt Clement's top choice is the Padres, but they're not treating..   Continue Reading

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Padres Sign Randy Wolf

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres have a preliminary agreement in place with starter Randy Wolf. It'll be final once Wolf passes a physical. The Phillies and Astros had been in on him as well. Wolf had Tommy John surgery in July of 2005. He found his way back to a big league mound a year later. He struggled through 12 starts in '06 to finish off a solid Phillies career. That winter the Blue Jays and D'Backs had interest, but Wolf opted to give the Dodgers a hometown discount by signing for $7.5MM in '07 plus a $9MM club..   Continue Reading

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Padres Rumors: Cameron, Jenkins, Colon

UPDATE, 11-28-07 at 10pm: Krasovic has an update on the Union-Tribune's sports blog. Cameron's agent said tonight that he would decline the Padres' offer of arbitration. That doesn't mean the Padres still can't sign him, but it seems unlikely. Krasovic also notes that the Friars are pursuing Japanese reliever Kazuo Fukumori. As you know, they brought him in for a workout previously. The Rockies and Red Sox have been linked to him in the past. FROM 11-28-07 at 10:40am: Tim Sullivan and Tom Krasovic make are a productive tandem for Padres rumors. Sullivan and Krasovic both posted new articles today...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Riske, Bedard, Wolf

And now for your daily jumble o' rumors. More to come. The Twins cleared several spots on their 40-man roster...will they be active next week? The Yankees have "reached out" to free agent reliever David Riske. Troy Percival and Ron Mahay have also been linked to the Yanks this offseason. The Dodgers have an interest in Tony Clark, which has to bum out James Loney. Dylan Hernandez also notes that the Dodgers' talks for Erik Bedard have stalled because the Orioles want to see what happens with Miguel Cabrera first. Ned Colletti expects Jeff Kent back, by the way. The..   Continue Reading

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More Odds and Ends: Kuroda, Pena, Wolf, Percival, Molina

Tim sent me a couple of items, so let's create another bullet list: Mariners GM Bill Bavasi and manager John McLaren have met with Hiroki Kuroda yesterday. There is no report of an offer, but it's believed that four years and $45 million are expected. Kuroda hopes to make his decision on the 29th. Impacto Deportivo, the same site that had first news of the Mets deal with Luis Castillo, reports that Carlos Pena has rejected a three-year, $30 million deal from the Rays. Pena, however, calls the report "a straight lie." Randy Wolf is generating interest from the Padres,..   Continue Reading

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Phillies Make Offers To Kuroda, Wolf

According to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies currently have offers out to free agent starters Hiroki Kuroda and Randy Wolf. There are other unknown offers out as well. The Phils are thought to have roughly $10-12MM to burn this winter. Jayson Stark reiterated that the Phils are after Wolf, noting that he's high on their list. Stark adds Matt Clement, Kris Benson, and Mike Wood to those coveted by the Phils. Seven other teams are after Benson, including the Royals and Marlins. MLBTR readers also know the Phils like Jon Lieber, Bartolo Colon, Kenny Rogers, Livan Hernandez,..   Continue Reading

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Rumor Roundup: Colon, Barrett, Clement, Monroe

Rounding up some of today's rumors... The Phillies have had conversations about Randy Wolf and Bartolo Colon. It's assumed they have about $10MM to spend. The Rockies are talking to Michael Barrett's agent. They've also got some interest in Mike Maroth. He doesn't seem like a great match. LaTroy Hawkins hasn't had any recent discussions with the Rockies, and other teams are knocking on his door (including the Brewers). The White Sox may look to Japan for relief help. They've been linked to Yasuhiko Yabuta in the past. Richard Griffin notes that the Blue Jays pursued Matt Clement three years..   Continue Reading

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Astros To Make Offers To Cordero, Castillo, Wolf

So far, Ed Wade's list of targets for the Astros is as follows: Jeremy Affeldt Luis Castillo Francisco Cordero Tom Glavine Tadahito Iguchi Jason Jennings Troy Percival Jon Lieber Scott Linebrink Kaz Matsui Dontrelle Willis Randy Wolf According to the Houston Chronicle's Richard Justice, Wade will be making offers today to Cordero, Castillo, Wolf, and more. Wade plans to toss out "multiple offers at multiple positions" until each hole is filled with some kind of warm free agent body. It seems like a strange way to build a team. Sounds like the Astros intend to sign a second baseman, closer,..   Continue Reading

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State Of The Dodgers

The L.A. Daily News' Tony Jackson has a look at the Dodgers' upcoming offseason. You also might be interested in my recent Needs and Luxuries post on the team. A summary of Jackson's column: Juan Pierre could be shifted to left field to allow the Dodgers to employ a stronger arm in center field. It's odd...teams seem to be souring on last winter's signings even when they received exactly what everyone expected (Pierre and Jason Marquis, for example). It'd be different for the Red Sox to sour on J.D. Drew, he played well below expectations in Year 1. Anyway, Pierre..   Continue Reading

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Wolf Hopes To Return To Dodgers In '08

According to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, Randy Wolf would like to return to the Dodgers for the 2008 season. Last winter, the Dodgers snagged Wolf on a below-market $8MM deal with a $9MM club option for '08. Wolf expects them to decline the option. His season was abbreviated by shoulder surgery. As Hernandez mentions, the Dodgers appear to be set with Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Jason Schmidt, Chad Billingsley, and Esteban Loaiza for the '08 rotation. But how many times have we seen a team go all year starting only its Opening Day five? Wolf at $4-5MM..   Continue Reading

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Wolf, Baez to new homes

Looks like Randy Wolf is about to become a Dodger. Apparently LA is set to sign him to a one-year deal with an option for 2008; I'd guess it's in the $6-7M range. The same article speculates that Greg Maddux is looking for a raise on his $9M salary from last year-a two-year deal for Mike Mussina money. I guess I didn't realize quite what a stud he was after the trade last year, but I don't know who's going to give him that kind of cash. I've been a Maddux fan since the first time he was with the..   Continue Reading

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Waiver Trade Candidate: Randy Wolf

Phillies' southpaw starter Randy Wolf makes $9MM this year in the last of a four-year deal. This makes him an ideal candidate for a waiver trade before August 31st. Wolf turns 30 this month. He made his first start since June 12, 2005 last Sunday due to Tommy John surgery. His return was also delayed a bit because of a broken hand bone from a line drive. As you would expect with a recent Tommy John guy, Wolf's control was lacking in his '06 debut. He probably won't get his walks down to below 3 per nine innings until 2007...   Continue Reading

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