Scott Olsen Rumors

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Pedro, Sabathia, Peavy

A look at what is being written about the hot stove in the Blogosphere... Fire Brand of the American League looks at the ramifications of the Coco Crisp trade and what could happen if the Red Sox acquire Mark Teixeira and are unable to move Mike Lowell. Baseball Opinion says the Crisp deal leaves the Royals with a crowded outfield and a depleted bullpen and wonders if Mark Teahen or David DeJesus will be the next to go. Nationals Pride sees the Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham trade as a good start towards building a team with a core of...   Continue Reading

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Olsen/Willingham Trade Roundup

It's official - the Marlins traded Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham to the Nationals for Emilio Bonifacio, Jake Smolinksi, and P.J. Dean. Let's round up commentary on the surprising deal. Jim Bowden says he acquired Willingham as an outfielder, not a first baseman. MLB.com's Joe Frisaro has Larry Beinfest saying the Marlins will move forward with both Jeremy Hermida and Dan Uggla. Mike Berardino and Juan C. Rodriguez also believe Uggla will stay put this winter. Olsen talked to Frisaro and the Palm Beach Post's Joe Capozzi about the trade. He's happy it's over, but doesn't sound bitter. Also at...   Continue Reading

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Nats Trade For Olsen, Willingham

9:44pm: Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel was assured this evening that Dan Uggla will not be traded this winter. Additonally, Mike Berardino says the Marlins won't be signing Ivan Rodriguez for a second stint. 6:34pm: According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, the Nationals acquired Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham from the Marlins for second baseman Emilio Bonifacio and two minor league players, pitcher P.J. Dean and shortstop Jake Smolinski. Bonifacio was the prospect the Diamondbacks traded straight up for Jon Rauch. He fits into the "speed and defense" plan. Smolinski was ranked 11th among Nationals prospects heading into...   Continue Reading

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Miller's Latest: Olsen, Willis, Blake

Here's a look at the latest from Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. The Braves and Rangers have talked to the Marlins about lefty Scott Olsen. The Red Sox have done background work on Dontrelle Willis, stirring up the Willis for Julio Lugo rumors. The Twins, Dodgers, and Indians have expressed interest in Casey Blake. Blake's agent said he anticipates offers ranging from one to three years.   Continue Reading

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Rangers Rumors: Blalock, Blake, Catchers

Next up we'll dig into the latest Rangers rumors, courtesy of Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers are expected to pick up their $6.2MM option on Hank Blalock today. It doesn't seem that Blalock will spend much time at third base if he's with the Rangers in 2009. Instead, he'd play first and DH. Of course, a trade is possible. The Rangers may look at outside options for third base, and they've been in touch with Casey Blake's agent. The Rangers have an eye on defense, which might rule out Garrett Atkins. Grant finds Joe Crede questionable,...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Rumors: Max Ramirez, Pavano, Rhodes

Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald has the latest on the Marlins. The Marlins have had informal talks with the Rangers regarding catcher Max Ramirez. The Fish are willing to trade lefty Scott Olsen, though the Rangers are wary of his makeup and home run tendencies. The Marlins are OK with their in-house options if they can't work out a trade. The Marlins aren't interested in Gerald Laird. The Marlins may consider bringing Carl Pavano back to Florida, the site of his last success. Luis Gonzalez, Mark Hendrickson, Paul Lo Duca, and Arthur Rhodes are the Marlins' free agents. Of...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Tex, Furcal, Johnson, Lofton

Here's a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly. However, it's Scott Boras' custom to let the market develop until late December or so. It's possible the Angels change gears on November 14th. There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex. Rosenthal's worst case scenario for the Yankees: C.C. Sabathia goes to a West Coast team while A.J. Burnett re-signs with Toronto. The Jays truly are in the mix for Burnett. ESPN's Keith Law says Burnett...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Fielder, Beimel, Eckstein

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene at the GM meetings, and as usual has all kinds of new info. The Brewers are unlikely to trade Prince Fielder, and reluctant to trade J.J. Hardy or Alcides Escobar. It'd be smart to retain those three players. Rosenthal still likes the Braves as the favorite for Jake Peavy, but wonders if the Cubs or another team could incorporate a third team to get it done. The Cubs will need to spend much of their available money on pitching, which may leave little payroll room for an outfielder like Bobby Abreu. They could backload...   Continue Reading

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Rangers To Shop Catchers, Blalock

According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, Rangers GM Jon Daniels will open up discussions to acquire starting pitching at next week's GM meetings. Specifically, Daniels could deal from his catching surplus or trade Hank Blalock. The Rangers will first need to pick up Blalock's $6.2MM option for 2009. One thing to keep in mind about Blalock is that his ability to play third base regularly is in question. Sullivan names all kinds of potential targets and trading partners - the Mariners, Giants, Rays, Marlins, Reds, Red Sox, and many more. Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported this morning...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Raise Payroll Limit To $40 Million

Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel talked an industry source who says Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria has authorized a payroll of up to $40MM for 2009. This means they won't be forced to trade any of their 16 arbitration-eligible players. Greg Cote first suggested this on September 30th, and Buster Olney reiterated it on October 15th. However, Berardino confirms Olney's note from Friday: Kevin Gregg, Mike Jacobs, and Scott Olsen are available. The Marlins discussed sending Jacobs to the Royals for righty Carlos Rosa, but the Fish are worried about Rosa's August forearm soreness. A thought: why would the...   Continue Reading

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Jacobs To Royals Fell Through

Change is brewing in the Marlins front office this offseason. Not only have they decided to increase payroll to $30-35MM but also they are actively shopping Mike Jacobs, Scott Olsen, and Kevin Gregg this offseason; so actively, that a deal with Kansas City fell apart last week according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. The deal collapsed, according to Jackson, due to "a medical issue involving a minor-league pitcher" from Kansas City. If, or when, Jacobs is dealt, the Marlins feel Gaby Sanchez can take over at first, and Olsen's spot in the rotation is expected to be occupied...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Will Discuss Jacobs, Olsen, Gregg

From ESPN's Buster Olney this morning: Wrote here recently that the Marlins intend to keep the vast majority of their arbitration-eligible players, including Dan Uggla, unless they are completely overwhelmed by trade offers. Three of the Marlins' arbitration-eligible players who they are more willing to discuss: first baseman Mike Jacobs, left-hander Scott Olsen and reliever Kevin Gregg. Olsen looks like a sell-high candidate. The 24 year-old posted a 4.20 ERA in 201.2 innings this year. His strikeout rate has declined every year he's been in the bigs, falling to 5.04 per nine innings this season. He also benefitted from an...   Continue Reading

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Scout's View Of Marlins Trade Targets

Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel talked to a veteran scout this week about the Marlins' possible trade chips. The reviews were on the positive side for Scott Olsen, Mike Jacobs, Dan Uggla, and Alfredo Amezaga. The scout apparently recommended against Jeremy Hermida, Kevin Gregg, and Josh Willingham. Hermida's report was particularly damning, with the scout claiming the right fielder has "no passion for the game." For more on the Fish, check out our Offseason Outlook.   Continue Reading

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Many Marlins Due Raises

Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel discusses the Marlins' difficult situation this winter, with as many as 18 players facing arbitration. Berardino projects salaries for these players in this chart. As you may know, players typically reach arbitration the offseason after they cross the three-year service time mark. The resulting raise can be as much as 1000%, with Ryan Howard's case last year the most drastic example ($900K in '07, $10MM in '08). The Marlins' biggest jump figures to be second baseman Dan Uggla - $417K in 08, perhaps $5MM or more in '09. Most players face arbitration three...   Continue Reading

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Perrotto's Latest: Reds, Dempster, Silva, Lugo

John Perrotto's Every Given Sunday column is up over at Baseball Prospectus. For those without a BP subscription, here's the highlights: Perrotto believes that Reds owner Bob Castellini will give Walt Jocketty the go-ahead to dive into the free agent market this season in an attempt to contend in 2009. The Reds like their young core, and feel a solid bat or two can help them contend in NL Central immediately. Jed Lowrie's play since taking over for the injured Julio Lugo has convinced the Red Sox that he can be the everyday shortstop. They'll look to move Lugo (and...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Mets, Embree, Olsen, Hoffman, Izzy, Phillies

A few notes from around the MLBiverse... Bill Madden says the Mets may be out of luck for a closer, even if Huston Street and Brian Fuentes have cleared waivers and are available. Madden says the price tags are just too high for the Mets. Alan Embree hopes that not being traded is a sign the A's are going to pick up his $3MM option for next season. Scott Olsen said he prefers to be back with the Marlins in '09 but conceded that the Marlins may prefer to move him due to his arbitration eligibility. Kevin Towers would not...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Could Be Set For Another Fire Sale

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the Marlins will be forced to trade away some of their arbitration-eligible players this offseason unless management is willing to double their payroll into the $50MM range. Jackson takes a closer look at which players may be on the move... Two scouts and a GM told Jackson that the Marlins will likely explore the market for Mike Jacobs, noting they have other options at first base. Jackson feels the Marlins won't want to give Dan Uggla a long-term deal and will look to trade him. With Cameron Maybin ready to take over, Jackson...   Continue Reading

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Olsen Not Worried About Samson

Back in August, Marlins President David Samson said that Scott Olsen would not be welcome on the team if convicted on charges of DUI and resisting arrest. Almost a month later, Olsen responded to Samson's remarks. Olsen doesn't think Samson has any say in player personnel decisions and didn't seem too concerned with Samson's comments. He said he wouldn't be surprised to be dealt but expects to stay because he's cheap. The 22 year-old southpaw has had an awful sophomore season - all his peripheral stats have gone in the wrong direction. After posting a 4.04 ERA last year, his..   Continue Reading

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Olsen Conviction Could Lead To Trade

Marlins president David Samson indicated yesterday that starter Scott Olsen would not be welcome on the team if convicted of charges of DUI and resisting arrest. Apparently the felony designation is the tipping point for Samson, who seemingly would not boot Dontrelle Willis off the team if convicted of only a DUI. To be fair, Willis has had just the one incident while Olsen has had at least six. Many teams could match up if the Marlins decide to trade Olsen this winter - the Diamondbacks, Phillies, Royals, and Devil Rays come to mind. The Fish probably still need a..   Continue Reading

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Marlins Could Trade Scott Olsen

23 year-old southpaw Scott Olsen is very talented, but he's earned a reputation as a bit of a hothead. Take a look at his history: six incidents, including his Saturday arrest. Performance is 99% of what matters in baseball, though, so Olsen would be very popular on the trade market. Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post speculates that the Marlins could make a push to trade him. The Marlins still need a center fielder, so that would figure to be the top target in an Olsen trade. They had previously entertained sending Olsen to the Devil Rays for B.J...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Still After Gathright

Today, a source close to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays updated me on their efforts to trade Joey Gathright. The word is that the Marlins and Dodgers are the frontrunners, while the Rangers and Cubs are still "in the mix." Three days ago, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com mentioned that the Marlins could send Scott Olsen to the Rays for Gathright. Gathright essentially is Juan Pierre, and the Marlins would have a formidable 1-5 in their order, believe it or not. Call me crazy, but the Fish are a few well-timed breakouts, reliever success stories, and a couple of miracles away..   Continue Reading

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