Russ Springer Rumors

Odds & Ends: Julio, Cubs, Springer

A fresh batch of links as we move into the evening... According to Adam Sobsey of The Independent Weekly, the Rays have released 30-year-old reliever Jorge Julio. The right-hander had a 5.96 ERA and a 24/15 K/BB ratio in 22 2/3 innings this season with Triple-A Durham. Cubs GM Jim Hendry told Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times Saturday that he is open to a waiver deal if it will make his club better. "We'll see," said Hendry. "If we find something that makes us better, we'll try.'' Need a refresher on the way waiver deals work? Will Carroll of...   Continue Reading

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Rays Claim Russ Springer Off Waivers

2:46pm: It's a straight waiver claim, according to Slusser, so the A's will receive nothing in return (besides a small payroll cut). Here's A's assistant GM David Forst: "We felt like it was a good opportunity to see some guys in Triple-A the last month of the season, and it gives Russ the chance to pitch in a pennant race. That's something he deserves at this point in his career. He's done a great job for us and he's been a great mentor for our youngsters." 2:31pm: According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Rays have claimed...   Continue Reading

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A's Rumors: Garciaparra, Springer, Crosby

Susan Slusser at the San Francisco Chronicle says that the A's will be pressed to make a roster move upon the return of Jason Giambi this Tuesday, though it's unclear what the move will be. She notes that the A's essentially have five first basemen on their roster and wonders if one could be traded. Slusser suggests that Nomar Garciaparra could generate interest as a bench bat in a waiver deal, but Billy Beane would likely ask for Garciaparra's approval before any move. She also notes that four teams' interest in Russ Springer before the deadline could spell a deal...   Continue Reading

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Cardinals After Relievers?

WEDNESDAY: Strauss has more on the proceedings. He says the Cardinals are "definitely pushing" for a right-handed setup man. There's "strong internal support" to obtain Chad Qualls, but the search is "apparently directed elsewhere." TUESDAY: Joe Strauss at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that the Cardinals are in "hot pursuit" of right-handed relievers. He also says that they had tried to include former Redbird Russ Springer in the deal for Matt Holliday from the A's, but balked when they learned they'd have to throw in another starting pitching prospect. Still, with the bullpen struggling, Strauss says they "may revisit"...   Continue Reading

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Relief Rumors: Grabow, Marlins, Yankees

Contenders are always in the hunt for relief help this time of year. Let's scope out the latest on that front: After refusing to deal Eric Young Jr. for John Grabow or Joe Beimel, the Rockies have lowered their aim, notably toward the Orioles' Mark Hendrickson, says Joel Sherman at the New York Post. The Marlins are in the mix for Grabow's services, says Joe Frisaro at MLB.com. CBS Sports' Danny Knobler says the Yankees have steered their focus toward middle relief help, but too many of their desired names reside in the AL East. The Cardinals are indeed still...   Continue Reading

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Trade Candidates: Relievers

Just about every team could improve its bullpen and some clubs, like the Marlins and Rockies, are working aggressively to add relievers. Here are some of the names to consider, ordered from highest 2009 salary to lowest. Kerry Wood - He's been a disappointment in Cleveland, and the Indians owe him about $15MM before the end of next year, and possibly more in 2011. Rafael Soriano - Could the Braves get creative and deal Soriano ($6.1MM) or Mike Gonzalez ( $3.5MM), who will also become a free agent this winter. Danys Baez - At $5.5MM, he's an expensive option, but...   Continue Reading

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Stark On White Sox, Bedard, A's, Penny

A new Rumblings and Grumblings column from ESPN's Jayson Stark... Even if they don't acquire Jake Peavy, the White Sox are apparently "open for business." Stark takes that to mean names such as Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Octavio Dotel, and A.J. Pierzynski could hit the market. The Mariners are not quite yet at the point of making Erik Bedard available. They figure to price him like an ace if they do so. If A's GM Billy Beane decides to fold on 2009, he could make veterans such as Matt Holliday, Orlando Cabrera, Jason Giambi, and Russ Springer available....   Continue Reading

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Gammons On Ackley, Red Sox, Relievers

ESPN's Peter Gammons has a new blog post up. Let's take a look. Gammons writes in praise of North Carolina's Dustin Ackley, who is likely to be chosen by the Mariners at #2 in June. Ackley may wind up at center field or second base. The Red Sox don't appear willing to trade young pitchers like Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden, and Nick Hagadone. The Sox have looked at bats such as Colorado's Matt Murton and Ryan Spilborghs, but for now aren't desperate enough to trade pitching. Gammons wonders if, for the right bat, Boston would part with Manny Delcarmen. He...   Continue Reading

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A's Sign Russ Springer

FRIDAY: Slusser says Springer will earn $3.3MM plus another possible $300K for games pitched. THURSDAY: Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle says the Springer deal is official and is worth more than $3MM plus incentives. WEDNESDAY: Springer apparently took his physical today, though his deal with the A's is not yet official. The A's told reliever Andrew Brown they're releasing him to make room for Springer, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. MONDAY: The AP says the A's are "close to finalizing" the Springer deal, with the physical the final step remaining. Not sure why they...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal On Abreu, Garland, Glavine, Sisco

The latest from Ken Rosenthal... The Mariners and Giants are interested in Bobby Abreu, if the price is right. Yesterday Buster Olney suggested that Abreu is willing to take a one-year deal. The A's and Nationals have other targets, while the Mets, White Sox, and Braves are seen as long shots. Rosenthal examines the nuances of Jon Garland's December 7th decision to reject arbitration, saying that it wasn't an obvious mistake at the time. Tom Glavine's agent Gregg Clifton did not attend yesterday's meeting with Frank Wren; it was a health update and not a contract negotiation. Rosenthal says Glavine...   Continue Reading

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