Raul Ibanez Rumors

Mariners Offer Arb To Ibanez

According to Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune, the Mariners offered arbitration to outfielder Raul Ibanez. It was an easy decision, as at least ten clubs have interest in Ibanez and he's certain to decline the arb offer to sign a multiyear deal. As a Type A free agent, the Ms stand to gain two draft picks for him. For some reason, only 56.5% of MLBTR readers expected Ibanez to be offered arbitration in our recent poll.   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Teixeira, Burnett, Wilson

John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus has his Sunday article up. Let's go through it: The Angels may be willing to match the Yankees $140MM offer to CC Sabathia. They won't offer 10 years to Mark Teixeira. If they can't land Teixeira, they will consider Pat Burrell for first base. A.J. Burnett is looking at the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Yankees, Braves, Orioles, and Phillies. The Twins want a left-side infielder for Delmon Young, so they can open a spot for Denard Span in the starting lineup. The Tigers are pursuing Jack Wilson from the Pirates and Matt Treanor from the...   Continue Reading

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Latest On Raul Ibanez

According to Larry LaRue of the Tacoma News Tribune, the Cubs, Mets, and Phillies talked to Raul Ibanez's agent this week. Those three clubs remain high on him. LaRue says the Mariners fielded a call from Ibanez's agent, but he's unlikely to sign because he wants to win and does not want to be a designated hitter. Another reason to let Ibanez leave is his Type A status. He's highly unlikely to accept an offer of arbitration, and the Mets, Phillies, and Cubs all have unprotected first-round picks.   Continue Reading

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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Varitek, Burnett, Teixeira

Let's take a look at what is being written around the Blogosphere... River Ave. Blues debates Ben Sheets versus A.J. Burnett and wonders if Sheets will be the better bargain in the end. Detroit Tiger Thoughts shows that Jason Varitek is not a good fit with the Tigers, even in a platoon situation. Fire Brand of the American League lays down several reasons why the Red Sox should avoid signing Teixeira. Where have you gone, Andy Van Slyke? sees no downside to the Pirates' signing of Indian imports Dinesh Patel and Rinku Singh. The 'Burgh Blues feels Eric Hinske is...   Continue Reading

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Kurkjian Reports: Byrnes, Ibanez, Dunn

Tim Kurkjian at ESPN.com has a Friday morning round up for us, looking at several prominent team needs around the league. While the article mentions several big names like Mike Mussina, Matt Holliday, Francisco Rodriguez and Trevor Hoffman, perhaps the most interesting part of Kurkjian's article is that which discusses the offseason plan for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Part of that plan may include trading outfielder Eric Byrnes. Byrnes has two years and $20MM left on his deal with the D'Backs, and will be a challenge to move, says Kurkjian. Byrnes certainly has upside, with great speed and decent pop. But...   Continue Reading

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Fuentes' Price A Bit High For Mets?

According to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News, Brian Fuentes' agent told the Mets he's looking for three years and $10-11MM per. The article headline says this demand "rocks" Omar Minaya, but the body of the article just says Minaya finds it "a bit high." It's hard to imagine the Mets being surprised by Fuentes' asking price, as most fans could've guessed it. Earlier reports actually had Fuentes asking for more. Rubin says the Mets will negotiate on parallel tracks for Fuentes and Francisco Rodriguez, content to sign either closer. Other minor news: Minaya confirmed interest in Raul...   Continue Reading

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No Agreement Yet For Moyer

12:01pm: David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News says everyone expects the Phils to re-sign Moyer. He says not to read into the Lowe/Burnett inquiries; the team has inquired on more than 25 free agents. MLB.com's Ken Mandel names six of them: Doug Brocail, Russ Springer, Raul Ibanez, Rocco Baldelli, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Nick Punto. 10:16am: According to Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Phillies are still talking to free agent pitcher Jamie Moyer but don't have an agreement yet. Moyer apparently wants a multiyear deal. The Phils recently contacted Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett to hedge their...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Ibanez, Abreu, Teahen

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times has a couple of new Cubs articles up, here and here. Manager Lou Piniella would prefer the Cubs acquire a middle of the order hitter over a leadoff man, if only one can be acquired. Piniella had kind words for possible free agent target Raul Ibanez. Piniella continued to dismiss the idea of the Cubs pursuing Jake Peavy (despite recent comments from Padres GM Kevin Towers). He'd like to give Mike Fontenot more playing time in 2009, which would help balance the lineup. In the spring the Cubs will see if Fontenot can chip...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Phillies, Blake, Pedro

More links for Thursday... Don McKee says the Phillies should consider Jim Edmonds for the outfield. Ken Mandel has a source who says the Phillies have discussed Raul Ibanez. Mandel adds that it hardly means the Phillies plan on going after him aggressively. The Indians are keeping Casey Blake on their radar, but they're just talking for now. Rob Neyer of ESPN.com writes that the Royals' trades have them headed in the wrong direction. Nick Swisher says he would be "super excited" if the Yankees sign C.C. Sabathia. He adds that playing for the Yankees is a "dream come true."...   Continue Reading

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Braves Rumors: Hampton, Ludwick, Burnett

Braves GM Frank Wren chatted with fans on MLB.com today and David O'Brien has some new Braves rumors as well. Wren told O'Brien that the Braves have had "a number of conversations" with Mike Hampton about keeping him in Atlanta. In his MLB.com chat, Wren said he thinks Hampton is still a "very good pitcher." O'Brien says that talks with the Cardinals about Ryan Ludwick "aren't dead." Wren doesn't comment when asked about Ludwick in the chat, but that is in itself something of a statement. O'Brien says that if Atlanta can't trade for Ludwick, Raul Ibanez would be an...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Lowe, Everett

Time to discuss Ken Rosenthal's latest... Mark Teixeira is likely to sign before Manny Ramirez. The Nationals and Orioles are in the mix, but the Angels and Red Sox are more likely destinations. One GM predicted Raul Ibanez will receive a three-year deal worth $8-12MM per year. Not exactly going out on a limb there. ESPN's Jayson Stark named a dozen teams that have expressed interest. Rosenthal says the Mets are more likely to sign Brian Fuentes or Francisco Rodriguez than to acquire a closer via trade. Doesn't exactly fit with Stark's statement that J.J. Putz would go to the...   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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Graziano's Latest: Sabathia, Halladay

4:39pm: Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News shoots down all Dodgers rumors - no offer in the near future for Sabathia, no talks for Halladay, and no interest in Raul Ibanez. I think Graziano's Halladay musings have been distorted a bit - he basically said the Blue Jays might explore the trade market at some point. 3:31pm: Graziano adds in a new post that the Giants plan to make a six-year offer in excess of $100MM but under $140MM. Tom Haudricourt had info about a Giants bid several hours earlier as well. Haudricourt adds that the Angels will make...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Teixeira, Giles, Beimel

Links for Wednesday... You can hear me on Lenny Melnick's radio show at about 7:15pm CST. The Marlins could be an interesting long shot for Raul Ibanez, but he'd have to leave significant money on the table. Indians manager Eric Wedge really wants the team to bring in a closer. George King likes Jason Giambi for the Rays; Cork Gaines imagines the negotiations. Jesse Spector talking to Brewers GM Doug Melvin, who wasn't in a revealing mood. Tony Massarotti expects the Red Sox to make a huge offer to Mark Teixeira. Padres outfielder Brian Giles doesn't expect to be traded...   Continue Reading

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Mets, Phillies, Dodgers Interested In Ibanez

According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday, the Mets, Phillies, and Dodgers have expressed interest in free agent outfielder Raul Ibanez. Ibanez would replace Pat Burrell in Philly, and is a backup plan for the Dodgers if they fail to sign Manny Ramirez. The Cubs and Royals may also get involved, but both clubs face payroll limitations currently. Interest from four NL clubs means Ibanez could remain an outfielder for his age 37-39 seasons, a dicey proposition. He allowed 18 more bases than the average left fielder in 2008, according to the plus/minus system. Ibanez hit .293/.358/.479 in 707 plate appearances,...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Kawakami, Renteria, Johnson, Ohman

A number of Odds & Ends for your weekend update: From Japanball.com, Kenshin Kawakami is filing for free agency. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports the Cubs are considering Randy Johnson for a one year deal. The 45 year old lefty is a career 13-0 against the Cubs, 4-0 at Wrigley, and needs 5 wins to reach 300. The Cardinals are moving in on free agent Will Ohman, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and are reportedly interested in Jeremy Affeldt and Arthur Rhodes. In the same article, Goold suggests the Cards will stall on...   Continue Reading

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Ibanez May Be Too Pricey For Royals

According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, Royals officials view Raul Ibanez as the best free agent fit for them. However, they're not likely to give him a three-year deal in the $10-12MM range. They're also reluctant to surrender their second-round pick to the Mariners. Dutton says the Royals are "taking a hard look" at Rafael Furcal, who is the best available shortstop and doesn't cost a draft pick. However, Dutton doesn't see the Royals as the high bidder for Furcal either. The Giants, A's, and Braves are eyeing Furcal, among others. Dutton sees the Royals adding a...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Focused On Lefthanded Bat

Gordon Wittenmyer talked to his sources and agrees with Lou Piniella's indication that the Cubs are not serious about Jake Peavy. Wittenmyer believes San Diego sources were putting the Cubs rumors out there to drive up the price. He says the Cubs are focused on acquiring an athletic lefthanded hitter this winter. Wittenmyer says Raul Ibanez, Jeremy Hermida, and Brian Roberts remain on the radar. The latest word on Hermida is that the Marlins will need to be "wowed" to move him.   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Free Agent Predictions

John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Perrotto offers a list of some educated guesses as to where some of the top free agents in baseball will land, with some surprises here and there. Let's take a look: Perrotto lists the Yankees loading up on starting pitching, landing C.C. Sabathia and Derek Lowe, while the Dodgers land Manny Ramirez after doubling their initial offer to four years, $100MM. Perrotto says the Nationals will land Mark Teixeira, as they could be prepared to offer Teixeira - a Maryland native - ten years, $200MM. Turning down...   Continue Reading

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Mets Prioritize Pitching

9:15pm: Michael Schmidt has a look at the amusing binder the Boras Corporation compiled to sell Oliver Perez. 6:31pm: Mets GM Omar Minaya commented on Manny Ramirez, indicating that he plans to invest in pitching instead. 2:34pm: The Mets expressed preliminary interest in Jon Garland and Ryan Dempster, according to Ken Davidoff. Dempster's agent made it clear that he won't be re-signing with the Cubs soon. 1:23pm: ESPN's Buster Olney wrote in his blog this morning that the Mets are probably not willing to go past three years for Francisco Rodriguez or any reliever. 10:03am: More Mets chatter from Joel...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Dempster, Peavy, Sabathia, Hill

6:05pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are willing to offer Dempster a four-year contract. This helps their chances, though Dempster's agent said today "there's very little possibility he's going to sign soon with the Cubs." 9:36am: Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times has fresh Cubs rumors this morning. De Luca's sources describe the Cubs' interest in Jake Peavy as "limited." Instead, the Cubs have "deep interest" in C.C. Sabathia. De Luca also wonders if the Cubs will entertain A.J. Burnett. Dave van Dyck suggested Derek Lowe could fit. The Cubs' payroll room will depend on free agents Ryan...   Continue Reading

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Jays Hope To Send Overbay To Seattle?

11:16am: Larry LaRue of The News Tribune speaks of a "decided lack of enthusiasm" for Overbay from the Mariners. 9:28am: A rumor from Larry Stone of the Seattle Times: Word out of Toronto is that the Jays want to trade Lyle Overbay to Seattle and are willing to pick up some of his salary. According to one source, Overbay was part of the package (along with reliever Jason Frasor) for Raul Ibanez that was nixed by the Mariners at the trade deadline. Overbay, 32 in January, hit .270/.358/.419 in 630 plate appearances. He'll earn $14MM over the 2009-10 seasons. Also...   Continue Reading

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Royals Rumors: Francoeur, Butler, Ibanez, Greinke

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star has several Royals rumors this morning... Dutton says the Braves appear willing to trade Jeff Francoeur. While no trade talks have taken place, it's known that Royals GM Dayton Moore is a fan. Dutton speculates that the Royals would not give up Zack Greinke for Francoeur, but may consider offering Luke Hochevar, Danny Cortes, or Mark Teahen. The Royals and Mariners discussed a Billy Butler for Yuniesky Betancourt trade before the '07 season, and Dutton wonders if Seattle's new GM could reignite those talks. Dutton says the Mark Teahen to Cleveland rumor "just...   Continue Reading

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LaRue's Latest: Manny, Ibanez, Putz

Larry LaRue of The News Tribune has several new rumors... Scott Boras has floated an asking price for Manny Ramirez that begins at $27MM per year. It seems that the Dodgers may be willing to offer that salary for two years, but Boras wants a significantly longer term. The Cubs and Mets expressed interest to Raul Ibanez's agent. Does this mean the Cubs are comfortable with the idea of Ibanez in right field? The Tigers crave a closer, and J.J. Putz may be a target. Putz will earn $5MM in '09 with an $8.6MM option for '10.   Continue Reading

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Cafardo Rumors: Wigginton, Ibanez, Rodney

A few rumors we missed from Nick Cafardo's Sunday column... The Indians would want a young closer type in return for catcher Kelly Shoppach. The Tribe has Houston's Ty Wigginton on the radar as a third base possibility. But then who would play third for the Astros? The Yankees have been calling around aggressively, even inquiring on Roy Oswalt and Lance Berkman. They're not available. The Mets are said to be eyeing Raul Ibanez for left field. The Tigers are dangling setup man Fernando Rodney, hoping to acquire a better closer. Jon Paul Morosi believes the Tigers might aim for...   Continue Reading

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Ricciardi On Burnett, Manny, Shortstop

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports talked to Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi today. Re-signing A.J. Burnett is one of Ricciari's primary goals, but Rosenthal says J.P. won't spend $15-18MM on another free agent starter if Burnett leaves. The Jays also want to add a hitter. Ricciardi's take on Manny Ramirez: "Manny is not priority No. 1. I can't even say he's priority No. 2. It would really be a long shot for us to bring him to Toronto. He's on our radar, but maybe not on our radar like some people will report. I don't see us getting involved in unbelievable,...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Searching For Lefthanded Bat

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune talked to Cubs GM Jim Hendry, while Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times chatted with manager Lou Piniella. Both said the Cubs are looking to add lefthanded hitting. De Luca believes Brian Roberts and Raul Ibanez remain on Hendry's radar. I mentioned most of the feasible names in the Cubs Offseason Outlook. Since right field is difficult to play at Wrigley field, players such as Milton Bradley and Ibanez are a questionable fit. I believe the ideal acquisition would be Brian Giles, but he'd have to be willing to waive his no-trade clause....   Continue Reading

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Cubs Rumors: Hendry, Payroll, Ibanez, Roberts

Let's talk Cubs. First things first - the Cubs need to lock in their GM. ESPN's Buster Olney says the Cubs are currently trying to convince Jim Hendry not to opt out of his contract in December. Olney expects a new long-term agreement. Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago-Sun Times talked to Cubs CEO Crane Kenney, who anticipates another payroll bump despite ownership uncertainty. Maybe the $140MM range? Lot of talk about the Cubs adding a left-handed hitter for balance, with Kosuke Fukudome looking like a failure. Names suggested by Olney, Wittenmeyer, and Andy Dolan of Desipio.com: Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu,...   Continue Reading

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Where Will Atlanta Find A Bat?

Mark Bowman of MLB.com has a new mailbag up. The first question leads to a discussion of the Braves adding a bat this off-season. The Braves have $45MM to spend this winter, and could use every penny to fortify their team. While pitching is certainly a concern, the team would like to add a bat. They could use an outfielder or three. Bowman begins by listing the usual free agent targets: Pat Burrell and Adam Dunn, though he notes that the team isn't necessarily interested in either. In the Braves offseason outlook, Tim also mentioned free agents Raul Ibanez and...   Continue Reading

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Mariners Rumors: Ibanez, Beltre, Ichiro

More fine work from Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times as he takes a look at the future of the Mariners. A few notes: Raul Ibanez names winning as his top priority, like most players. He'll still entertain a possible return to Seattle, but it seems likely a more competitive team will make a solid offer. Adrian Beltre doesn't like the idea of playing for a rebuilding club in '09, but he's under contract with the Ms at a reasonable $12MM. Does it make sense to trade him and let Ibanez walk, opting for a full-out rebuild? Or do the...   Continue Reading

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Mariners Rumors: Johjima, Washburn, Ibanez

Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times has all sorts of good Mariners info today. Kenji Johjima's three-year, $24MM extension was mandated by Japanese ownership. Johjima has an opt-out clause after the '09 season, but only in the event of a serious family issue. The extension looks like a sunk cost for Seattle before it even begins. Backup catcher Jamie Burke is a free agent after the season. He would like to return but needs to discuss playing time with the Ms. The Mariners' direction remains unclear - is 2009 a rebuilding year? If so, why didn't they swap Jarrod Washburn...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Royals, Ibanez, Rauch, Gregg

It's Sunday, which means that John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Here's the highlights... Royals GM Dayton Moore will likely make a big splash in the free agent market once again. Two years ago, he signed Gil Meche to a five-year, $55MM deal. Last year, he signed Jose Guillen to a three-year, $36MM contract. This year, his big target appears to be Rafael Furcal, which would allow the Royals to move Mike Aviles to second base. Moore is also believed to be willing to trade anyone on the team with the exceptions of...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Millar, Lowe, Jays, Ibanez, Garciaparra, Posey

A few notes from the MLBiverse... Kevin Millar wants to return to the Orioles in '09. Of course, many feel the O's will make a run at Mark Teixeira this off-season which would decrease Millar's chances of re-signing, unless both sides feel he can be a full-time DH. Millar made $2.75MM this season. Detroit Tiger Thoughts has made an adjustment to the projected Elias ranking for Derek Lowe. He will indeed be a Type A free agent this off-season. The original article is missing from the Toronto Sun, but Sportsnet has the piece in which Paul Godfrey says the Jays...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: La Russa, Offseason Moves

John Perrotto at Baseball Prospectus has his Every Given Sunday column up. Here's the highlights from the Rumors and Rumblings section (with some added speculation here and there from yours truly): There's a growing rumor that Cardinals manager Tony La Russa could step down after this season and pursue a job as a general manager. We all know Seattle's looking... The Diamondbacks love Adam Dunn's production so much that they are considering re-signing him and possibly having him play first base. Dunn's racked up a .474 OBP since coming to Arizona... what's not to like about that? The Padres seem...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Teixeira, Lamb, Ibanez, Blake

Hot stove highlights from Jayson Stark's latest... Stark sees the Mets picking up Carlos Delgado's $12MM option for '09, taking them out of the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. He sees the Yankees in the mix for Tex. Will Teixeira top the $140MM the Rangers offered him? The Yanks will also pursue a top flight starting pitcher, with C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets as Plans A and B. Stark does not see the Braves diving into megadeals for Sabathia, Sheets, or A.J. Burnett. They'll have payroll room, but could pursue trades or mid-tier free agents. Stark says friends of Tom Glavine and...   Continue Reading

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Cafardo's Latest: Ausmus, Towles, Mariners, Giants, Sheffield, Salty

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a few items in his Sunday column... Cafardo says that the Red Sox, despite being in the market for a catcher, are not interested in Brad Ausmus. They did inquire with the Astros about J.R. Towles, who is currently in Triple A, but were told he is unavailable. One executive told Cafardo that the Mariners continue to demand other teams take entire contracts and give up prospects for players like Raul Ibanez, Jarrod Washburn and Adrian Beltre. In the cases of Ibanez and Beltre, that position is defensible. Cafardo interviewed Brian Sabean about...   Continue Reading

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Bonser Not Discussed In Washburn Talks

8:42pm: Hold the phone - John Hickey says Bonser's name never came up in the Washburn talks. Jim Street and Larry Stone agree. The criticism of the Mariners may be somewhat unjustified. Hickey says Nick Blackburn was on the table for a very brief period of time. Lee Pelekoudas was tight-lipped on the topic. 4:52pm: Even Washburn can't believe the Mariners wouldn't trade him for Bonser. He's disappointed the trade didn't go through. Perhaps a new GM will deal him this winter. FRIDAY, 12:19pm: Joe Christensen has details on the Twins' uncharacteristic claim of Washburn. He heard they offered the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Ibanez, Dunn, Blake, Stewart

Let's kick off the morning with some random links. Live chat here today at 2pm CST. Brian Matusz is hopeful about striking a deal with the Orioles by Friday's deadline. Roch Kubatko has a source saying it's likely. Baseball America's Jim Callis warns us not to listen to the posturing - he still expects all the first-round draft picks to sign with the possible exception of Allan Dykstra. Should the Mariners offer Raul Ibanez a three-year deal at $10-11MM per? No word yet on possible Rays acquisitions in wake of the Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria injuries. Marc Lancaster wonders...   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Lucchino, Manny, Rangers

I wanted to let the Dunn trade cool off a bit before diving into Jon Heyman's latest. Heyman "people in high places in baseball" who believe Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino might leave after the season, possibly for the Dodgers. He's still butting heads with Theo Epstein apparently. Heyman doesn't buy the idea that Scott Boras orchestrated Manny Ramirez's departure from Boston. He also doesn't buy the idea of Ramirez playing in New York. Nolan Ryan would like Tom Hicks to sell the Rangers to him, but Hicks has shown no willingness to do so. Players such as George Sherrill,...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Teixeira, Ibanez, Giles, Lee

CC Sabathia is 6-0 since getting traded to the Brewers, and naturally his teammates are thrilled to have him. Especially Prince Fielder, who said of his new ace, "I'm like his mini-me." Angels owner Arte Moreno said it was "emotional" for him to trade home-grown first baseman Casey Kotchman, but that he won't regret the move even if new Angel Mark Teixeira leaves as a free agent after the season. He mentioned budding AAA star Kendry Morales as a possible replacement. The News Tribune's Larry LaRue worries that the Mariners won't be able to keep Raul Ibanez after the season....   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Price, John Hart, Ibanez

A look at Ken Rosenthal's latest column... Rosenthal notes that the Rays have an ace in the hole with David Price available to boost their pitching staff when they deem him ready. I imagine the Rays won't end up signing Freddy Garcia. The reports on Garcia are lukewarm, by the way. Teams are beginning to value free agent compensation draft picks more than ever. As a result, we're seeing fewer salary dump trades. Rosenthal notes that it is possible for a team to receive a supplemental pick even without offering arbitration. That is true, but only if the free agent...   Continue Reading

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Ibanez Trade Unlikely

6:10pm: Just to wrap up Toronto's brief venture into the Bay sweepstakes (since it was first reported in this post)...the Jays backed out when the Pirates asked for Shaun Marcum and top prospect Travis Snider. 5:36pm: Geoff Baker has some more details on the failed deal with Toronto although he still is not sure who was offered for Ibanez. Baker has quotes from JP Ricciardi that says it was the Mariners that backed out of the deal. Baker then goes on to speculate that the aquisition of Ibanez was a marketing tool to convince the fans in Toronto that the...   Continue Reading

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Mets In Holding Pattern

8:39am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets have "kicked around" the idea of acquiring Ian Snell from the Pirates and using him in relief for the rest of the year. Snell is signed through 2010 with club options for '11 and '12. It's tough to see the Bucs moving him, even in an off year. 8:13am: According to David Lennon of Newsday, the Mets are not finding a deal to their liking for a reliever or outfielder. They've put pretty much all of their good prospects off-limits - Fernando Martinez, Jon Niese, Eddie Kunz or Bobby Parnell. Players such as...   Continue Reading

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Cubs Eyeing Ibanez, Giles, DeJesus

THURSDAY, 12:12am: CBSSports.com's Scott Miller says the Cubs also inquired on David DeJesus and Brian Giles. WEDNESDAY, 10:31am: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are discussing trades for a left-handed hitter, including Raul Ibanez. He is a curious fit and would leave the Cubs with questionable outfield corner defense. But, the Mariners have to be happy that a suitor has emerged aside from the Mets. The price remains two quality prospects. Rosenthal says the Cubs could also turn to bench players or just stand pat. The Cubs already have a decent lefty-hitting bench player in Mike Fontenot. One left-handed hitter...   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Ibanez, Washburn, Redding, Rhodes

Some additional notes from ESPN's Jayson Stark: The Mariners still want Jon Niese and another prospect for Raul Ibanez; the Mets are not biting. Similar situation with the Ms asking the Cubs for Felix Pie and another player. The Mets aren't in on Jarrod Washburn or Tim Redding. The Marlins are making it clear that there is no done deal for Arthur Rhodes. Clark Spencer had written the Fish "could be closer" to a deal for Rhodes than a catcher. Stark says the Mariners are driving a hard bargain for Rhodes, with the Red Sox, Marlins, Phillies, Brewers, Tigers, Mets,...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Ibanez, Ohman, Fuentes

The latest from rumor guru Ken Rosenthal: The Mariners are not having much luck stirring interest in Jarrod Washburn and Raul Ibanez. Only the Mets are seriously looking at Ibanez, and they don't like the price. The D'Backs aren't interested. Exacerbating the situation is that interim GM Lee Pelekoudas may feel compelled to make a good impression on the higher-ups. The Braves chose Casey Kotchman and Stephen Marek over an offer of Chad Tracy and Micah Owings from the D'Backs. I'm surprised the Diamondbacks didn't go a little further. The Braves tried to expand the deal and send Will Ohman...   Continue Reading

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Mets Rumors: Manny, Ibanez, Bullpen

12:06pm: ESPN's Buster Olney ranks the Mets' priorities as reliever, corner outfielder, and starter, in that order. They're currently discussing Ibanez with the Mariners, but not much has come of it yet. 10:17am: Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger doesn't buy the denials - he says Mets GM Omar Minaya remains interested in Manny Ramirez. The Mets rank Ramirez above alternatives like Raul Ibanez, Adam Dunn, and Randy Winn, and might make certain prospects available just for Manny. Is Jon Niese among them? Niese is thought to be untouchable, and was promoted to Triple A today. Meanwhile Mets manager Jerry...   Continue Reading

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Manny Ramirez Rumors: Monday

9:35pm: The D'Backs are considered "highly unlikely" to acquire Ramirez. So now we have denials from all four teams named this morning. 9:08pm: The Dodgers would only be interested in Ramirez if the Red Sox took Andruw Jones back. 8:42pm: Peter Gammons has some unkind words for Manny. 6:46pm: Cross the Mets off the list too, according to Jayson Stark. 3:06pm: GM Pat Gillick says the Phillies have no interest in Ramirez. He makes the fairly obvious point that the Phils don't have an open position for Manny. 9:26am: Click here for a refresher on yesterday's Manny Ramirez rumors. He...   Continue Reading

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Mets Unlikely To Acquire Outfielder

Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes about the Mets' unsuccessful search for a corner outfielder. The Mets find the prospect price too high on players such as Raul Ibanez and Jason Bay. They don't seem to care for Adam Dunn or Brian Giles. They don't like Randy Winn's contract or lack of power. And Manny Ramirez is unlikely for numerous reasons. While the Mets are fans of Ibanez, they've made all of their interesting prospects untouchable. The Mets may prefer to use some of those prospects in offseason deals. For now they will stick with the red-hot Fernando...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Happ, Igawa, Hawkins, Lowe

Rounding up rumors and links from the weekend... SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mariners are asking the Mets for Jon Niese for Raul Ibanez. Not likely. ESPN's Buster Olney says the Braves would require Conor Jackson from the D'Backs in a Mark Teixeira deal, but Arizona is not biting. Another quick hit from Olney: the White Sox are surveying the relief market in the wake of Scott Linebrink's shoulder injury. Several readers have written in about Phillies' lefty J.A. Happ being pulled early from a Triple A start (2.2 scoreless innings) with no sign of injury. Something to keep an...   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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Perrotto's Latest: Ross, Jacobs, Kent, Burnett

Baseball Prospectus' John Perrotto has a new column. The Mets are looking at relievers Huston Street, Brian Fuentes, Arthur Rhodes, and Eddie Guardado. On the radar for outfielders: Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, and Randy Winn. A new suitor for Fuentes has emerged: the Diamondbacks. Would they really make another move for a reliever? Other known suitors were named here. The Marlins would consider trading Cody Ross or Mike Jacobs for relief help. New name on the Rays' radar: Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent. They're better off with Akinori Iwamura aren't they? George Sherrill suitors: Cardinals, Tigers, Dodgers, Marlins, and Phillies....   Continue Reading

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Manny Ramirez Speculation: Phils, D'Backs, Mets

Theo Epstein told Tim McCarver he'd try to trade Manny Ramirez if he'd waive his 10-and-5 no-trade rights. If Ramirez were to be dealt, I'm guessing he'd either require an extension or reassurance that his $20MM option would not be picked up so he could reach free agency. Here's some reverb from Epstein's remarks: Ken Rosenthal doesn't see a good match anywhere. He notes that Manny got himself into this odd contractual situation in the first place. Jon Heyman says the Mets have no interest in Manny. His string of bad behavior this year has been undoubtedly a turnoff. They'd...   Continue Reading

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Mets Focus On Raul Ibanez

Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News brings us insight on the Mets' interest in acquiring an outfielder, namely Raul Ibanez, before the deadline: "The Mets scratched a second name off their list of four primary trade targets when Cleveland dealt Casey Blake to the Dodgers yesterday, one day after Xavier Nady landed with the Yankees. Seattle's Raul Ibanez appears the most logical remaining target, since Pittsburgh seems less inclined to trade Jason Bay after having dealt Nady." The price tag for Ibanez may be too high for the Mets, but with the Nady and Blake deals being within...   Continue Reading

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More From Stark: Mets, Dodgers, Indians

Jayson Stark brings us a few more tidbits from the Hot Stove... The price for Raul Ibanez may be too high for the Mets as Stark reiterates what we heard previously, that Fernando Martinez and Jon Niese are not available...Ken Rosenthal added Robert Parnell to that list of untouchables. The Mets may no longer be in the running for Brian Fuentes as they are not willing to part with Aaron Heilman. Stark says other relief pitchers the Mets have shown some interest in include Cla Meredith, Chad Bradford and Jeremy Affeldt. The Dodgers are said to be interested in several...   Continue Reading

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Mets Actively Looking For Corner Ou