Ron Villone Rumors

Heyman On August Trades

Executives tell Jon Heyman of SI.com that we saw the "softest deadline ever" last week because there's still the possibility for trades this month. Here's an explanation of how trades can occur after the deadline and here are the players Heyman deems likely to clear waivers (player who clear waivers may be traded): Bronson Arroyo, Adam Dunn, Jose Guillen, Aaron Harang, Adrian Beltre, Aubrey Huff, Jason Giambi, Melvin Mora, Miguel Batista, Juan Cruz, Ty Wigginton, Ron Mahay, Willie Bloomquist, Lyle Overbay, Willy Taveras. Some players who could clear waivers: Jon Garland, Doug Davis, Gil Meche, Alex Rios, Carl Pavano, Mark...   Continue Reading

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Nationals Sign Ron Villone

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Nationals signed lefty Ron Villone to a minor league deal. Villone is fourth on the depth chart in terms of southpaw relievers; he'll report to Triple A. He wasn't able to stick with the Mets earlier this spring. Ladson adds that the Nats are in on free agent Chad Gaudin, but only for a minor league deal.   Continue Reading

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Marlins Release Dallas McPherson

10:39pm: Frisaro says the Marlins released McPherson, as they were unable to find a trade. 10:36am: Joe Frisaro of MLB.com has the latest on the Marlins. Out of options Marlins shortstop Robert Andino remains on the Pirates' radar; the interest dates back to at least the Winter Meetings. Frisaro wonders if the idea of an Andino-Brian Bixler swap could be reignited. However, with Andino being out of options and Bixler raising his profile during Spring Training, that seems unlikely. My own speculation - the San Diego would be a good destination for Andino. Frisaro says the Marlins appear to be...   Continue Reading

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Mets Release Ron Villone, Jose Valentin

According to Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog, the Mets released lefty reliever Ron Villone today. Villone, 39, allowed eight hits and six runs in five spring innings. Cerrone guesses Pedro Feliciano will be the team's only southpaw reliever when they break camp. Cerrone also reports via SNY that the Mets released infielder Jose Valentin. He hit .267/.320/.378 in 48 spring plate appearances. In February, Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News learned that Omar Minaya wants Valentin to be a player and unofficial coach at Triple A Buffalo.   Continue Reading

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Mets, Ron Villone Agree To Terms

According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, the Mets have agreed to terms with left-handed reliever Ron Villone on a minor league contract. Apparently the Scott Boras Corp. can still get things done in the midst of the Manny negotiations. Villone, 39, posted a 4.68 ERA over 50 innings last season with the Cardinals. He's likely to join the Mets' spring training camp once he passes a physical.   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Taveras, Villone, Marquis

9:48pm: The Rockies are moving forward on a deal for Rusch, according to Tracy Ringolsby. Ringolsby adds that the Rox may explore a long-term deal with Ubaldo Jimenez after the holidays, but aren't quite ready to do so with Chris Iannetta. Also, the Rockies like Josh Bard but they don't have room for him. 1:00pm: Joel Sherman adds Eddie Guardado as a lefty of interest for Colorado. 2:07am: Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post sums up the latest hot stove buzz around the Rockies. As you know, the Nationals are interested in Rockies outfielder Willy Taveras. Taveras might be...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Manny, Laird, Strasburg, Chipper

Let's gather up today's linkage. Andy Pettitte will probably pitch next year, but Mike Mussina remains an unknown. Reader Peter H. reminds us that the Brewers' playoff berth means the Indians get to choose the player to be named later in the C.C. Sabathia deal. Ross Newhan finds it indisputable that the Dodgers and Angels have to re-sign Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira at any cost. Manny generated an estimated $7.6MM in extra revenue for the Dodgers. T.J. Simers snagged all kinds of quotes from Manny in recent articles, including one about Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick dissing Manny...   Continue Reading

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Isringhausen Wants a Break

The Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss today reports that there is growing concern about the work of closer Jason Isringhausen, who has already blown five save chances this year. After his most recent blow-up, Izzy said he is sick of embarrassing himself and hurting the team. He suggested a meeting today with manager Tony La Russa, pitching coach Dave Duncan and general manager John Mozeliak to find at least a temporary alternative to using him in the ninth inning. In the short term, Ryan Franklin or Randy Flores could be called on to close games for the Cards, though neither pitcher strikes...   Continue Reading

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Ron Villone Signs With Cardinals

The Cardinals inked 38 year-old lefty reliever Ron Villone to a minor league deal today. Randy Flores and Tyler Johnson seem to have the lefty bullpen roles locked up, but maybe Villone can squeeze his way in. Villone is typically pretty tough to hit, but his control is questionable and he's a flyball pitcher.   Continue Reading

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Orioles Discuss Lohse, Villone, Chacon

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the Orioles are looking at various one or two-year stopgap free agents. According to Scott Boras, he and Andy MacPhail have discussed six or seven of his clients. Among them are Kyle Lohse, Ron Villone, and Corey Patterson. Lohse would probably not sign for two years, I'm guessing. Or in the American League. Who else might they have discussed? Jeff Weaver? Anyway, it's nice to see the Orioles getting along with Boras! Zrebiec notes that the O's have had "preliminary talks" with the agents for Shawn Chacon and Steve Trachsel. Looks like MacPhail..   Continue Reading

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