Roger Clemens Rumors

Smoltz To Take Clemens Approach?

SUNDAY: Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reminds Braves fans of the plan for Smoltz. He will continue to rehab (sans progress reports for the media). If Smoltz is willing and able to pitch, the Braves want him back. SATURDAY: Jesse Spector of the New York Daily News talked to John Smoltz's agent, Keith Grunewald. Smoltz, of course, would love to finish his career in Atlanta. The Braves figure to make an effort to re-sign him, but it's not a lock. Smoltz could be ready in May or June following shoulder surgery, and could sign late with a contender as...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Schilling, Manny, Mateo

Links for Thursday... If Curt Schilling does a half-season next year, he apparently will not model it after Roger Clemens' approach. Drunk Jays Fans discusses Ken Rosenthal's recent chat with J.P. Ricciardi. Richard Justice says some GMs complained privately that Ed Wade didn't do a good job letting teams know Brad Lidge was available last year. The Adam Dunn trade pushed the D'Backs a little over budget. They don't have much to spend this winter. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic elaborates on the topic. Dave Cameron looks at some free agent landmines, led by Manny Ramirez. The Giants voided...   Continue Reading

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Olney's Latest: Teixeira, Sabathia, Ramirez, Burnett

Buster Olney has some fun-to-read analysis of last night's game, as well as some solid rumors for our consumption: The Yankees seem almost destined to sign Mark Teixeira this offseason, but while it's been suggested that Teixeira is seeking upwards of 10 years, $200MM, the Yankees may be looking to offer half of that, or "a deal in the range of 6 years, $18-20MM a year." Good news for the Orioles who look to be the biggest competitor for the Yankees in pursuing both Teixeira and A.J. Burnett. The Yankees are gearing up to offer CC Sabathia "an offer that...   Continue Reading

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Clemens Quotes

KRIV-TV in Houston talked to Roger Clemens recently. Clemens seems caught in some kind of limbo between pitching and retiring: "Right now I don't have the desire to do so. I'm enjoying what I'm doing, the number of things I'm doing around town, just enjoying that. I don't know if I will ever say no. I would have to know that I could perform at a high level and that my body would be able to hold up." Not sure exactly what to make of that meandering quote - is the 46 year-old leaving the door open to playing again?...   Continue Reading

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Astros Will Not Rule Out Signing Clemens

Drayton McLane, the chairman and chief executive of the Astros, spoke with Roger Clemens recently and said that Clemens has not ruled out a possible return to playing baseball. "We have a personal services contract with him and it's not activated until he tells us he's ready to retire," said McLane, just after this week's quarterly owners' meetings drew to a conclusion. "Well, he hasn't said that. I think if he was ready to retire, and that was clear, he would have already said that to us. But that has not happened." McLane noted that the Astros would not rule...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Clemens, Soria, Randolph, Mulder

A couple of notes for this Thursday afternoon. Bob Watson, GM of the U.S. Olympic baseball team, says Roger Clemens is not welcome. "We don't need that type of distraction," said Watson. Should the Royals give Joakim Soria a shot as a starter? I'm always inclined to say yes. If he fails in the rotation, just bump him back to the bullpen. Same logic goes for Joba Chamberlain. In a minor trade, the Astros have sent 34-year-old lefty Stephen Randolph to the Phillies for a player to be named later. Randolph was 0-1 with a 1.23 ERA in AAA this...   Continue Reading

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Astros Talked To Clemens Last December

It's been refreshing to ignore Roger Clemens on this site. But Ken Davidoff does have a piece of information today that fits within our realm. Davidoff talked to Astros owner Drayton McLane and learned that the Astros had a conversation with Clemens in December (post-Mitchell Report) about the Rocket pitching in 2008. One last half season with the Astros might've made sense at the right price, and it appeared at the time that Clemens wanted to play. However, Davidoff says the events since that time make another comeback unlikely.   Continue Reading

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Stark's Latest: Patterson, Lohse, Lofton, Clemens

Finally, new info regarding some of the remaining free agents. Jayson Stark has the scoop. Seems there's a chance Corey Patterson takes a cheap deal to return to Baltimore. He could be relegated to fourth outfielder duty in that case. Stark says the Marlins have discussed Patterson internally, but aren't sure if they could afford the Boras client. Patterson would be a nice stopgap for Cameron Maybin, who'd be well-served with some time in Triple A. Ken Rosenthal also mentioned the Florida possibility. One of the most surprising free agents at this point is Kyle Lohse. Stark shoots down the...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Spiezio, Pavano, Gross, Jackson

Links, rumors... Scott Spiezio is in trouble with the law, and the Cardinals decided to release him for it. Joe Ostermeier notes that the Cards now have about $20MM in dead money on the payroll for '08. Evan Grant believes the Rangers would want Jose Ceda or Donald Veal in a deal for Marlon Byrd. Call it informed speculation, but Mike Berardino wonders whether Carl Pavano could end up back with the Marlins eventually. Ken Rosenthal recently wrote that the Padres were eyeing Gabe Gross. Tom Haudricourt found out that Kevin Towers never inquired on the Brewers outfielder, but that...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Hughes, Nathan, Pedro

Here's today's collection. Interesting article about Phil Hughes' blog. We should see more and more player blogs as the Internet generation reaches the Majors. Jonathan Mayo's book Facing Clemens has hit shelves. The MLB.com writer attempts to put you in the batter's box against the Rocket. Nothin' doin' on the Joe Nathan talks. I thought they'd hammer this one out to restore some Johan goodwill. Guess not. Like reading about injuries? Take a look at Baseball Injury Report, by my friend Rick Wilton. Especially good for fantasy junkies. Pedro isn't going to approach the Mets about an extension, but he'd...   Continue Reading

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