More Rosenthal's Latest

Slow day for rumors, and yet Ken Rosenthal gets two posts! No surprise there. This time from his nifty sidebar Notes of Importance: With John Smoltz returning as the closer, the Braves will be exploring trades for a starter. Rosenthal says Atlanta could afford to give up prospects but won't overpay. MLBTR covered this a couple days ago. Doing his best Monty Python, Rosenthal looks on the bright of life and sees the Troy Tulowitzki injury as an opportunity for Clint Barmes to rebuild his trade value. If he can produce anywhere near the level of his 80+ games in...

Rosenthal's Latest: Krivsky, Scherzer, Edwin Jackson

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let's take a look. Rosenthal gives a good refresher on July trade candidates; pretty much the names you'd expect. Reasons for Wayne Krivsky's firing are discussed. By the way check out John Fay's blog for some candid final comments from Krivsky. One interesting note is that he had no extension talks with Adam Dunn. The D'Backs could use Max Scherzer to strengthen their bullpen, or they could shop Chad Tracy for a reliever. Rosenthal wonders whether the Nationals might consider the under-30 segment of the next free agent class. Plenty of teams continue...

Odds and Ends: Crisp, King, Sweeney

Here's today's linkage. Bobby Kielty's hand injury drastically reduces the chance of a Coco Crisp trade within the next month. Who needs a lefty reliever? The Nationals' Ray King would like to be traded rather than head to Triple A. Mike Sweeney was excited about signing with the Twins last winter, but the Craig Monroe trade ended that possibility. Susan Slusser doesn't expect the A's to keep both Frank Thomas and Sweeney for very long. Joe Sports Fan ranks the seven best long-term contracts. Any additions? How about Dan Haren at four years and $12.65MM?

Free Agent Stock Watch: Cristian Guzman

Time for the first edition of Free Agent Stock Watch. Today we'll look at the rising stock of 30 year-old Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman, who is eligible for free agency after the '08 season. Jim Bowden was heavily criticized for signing the switch-hitting Guzman to a four-year, $16.8MM deal in November of '04. He was considered an all-glove, no-hit player. Guzman was awful for most of '05, though poor eyesight was suggested as one explanation. Guzman then missed all of '06 with shoulder surgery. The following season was cut short by hamstring and thumb problems. But since '07 he's been...

Baseball Blogs Weigh In

Bunch of random topics so let's just get to it and see what it being said in the Blogosphere... Big League Stew talks to Bless You Boys about the idea of Barry Bonds signing with the Tigers. BYB argues against signing Bonds noting that the Tigers already have a bunch of slow players (base cloggers?) and what they really need is some more speed in the lineup...Although we keep hearing about collusion and have not heard any numbers bandied about, Bonds has always made it very clear how much he values the almighty dollar. Does anybody else think that Bonds...

Odds and Ends: Rauch, Fielder, Braun, Garcia

Some links for you to peruse... We suggested on Wednesday that Jon Rauch makes sense for Detroit. That same day, the Washington Post's Barry Svrluga wrote that the Tigers "will watch Rauch very closely." You have to appreciate Matt Morris' candor regarding his salary. We learned on Saturday that the Brewers made offers to sluggers Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. Today the team's owner said talks with both are ongoing. Other multiyear offers have been made, though the players are not known. Tom Haudricourt speculates on Corey Hart, Yovani Gallardo, J.J. Hardy, and Rickie Weeks. Ken Rosenthal sees Freddy Garcia...

Tigers Eyeing Chad Cordero?

Matt Palmer and John Keim of the Washington Examiner write that the Nationals and Tigers discussed Chad Cordero this spring. Their source believes the Tigers' interest will heighten if their bullpen struggles early on. The article doesn't cover suggest it, but the Tigers could also consider relievers Jon Rauch or Luis Ayala. A look at the three: Cordero, 26, earns $6.8MM in '08. He'll be a free agent after the '09 season. Cordero hasn't pitched yet this season due to shoulder tendinitis, and he wasn't at his typical velocity in spring. His control was off in '07 and he was...

Could Cubs Switch From Roberts To López?

Nationals infielder Felipe López has been adamant about being their starting second baseman, but word out of National's camp is that Ronnie Belliard is their guy at second. López has played some short this spring, but Cristian Guzman has that position locked up, which all but ensures López a backup role and a warm seat in the bench. López isn't too happy about that, but will he demand a trade? The Nats' front office says it won't be forced into making a deal. However, according to the Washington Post, the Nats are indeed actively shopping López. The Cubs had scouts...

Rosenthal's Latest: Loretta, Ensberg, Lopez, Ring

Ken Rosenthal has some Spring Training odds and ends this morning. Rosenthal adds Mark Loretta as a possible third base acquisition for the Dodgers. Given their desire for a relatively affordable guy who can also handle second, Rosenthal has linked them to Ron Belliard and Esteban German previously. Loretta shouldn't be too hard to pry away from the Astros. Though he can't play second, Morgan Ensberg could be an option if the Yankees let him leave. The Nats are shopping Felipe Lopez, who's said he wouldn't be content on the bench. Rosenthal says the Nationals have their eye on awful...

Nationals Release John Patterson

6:58pm: Bart Hubbach of the New York Post says the Mets are not interested in Patterson. The Astros may take a look. 2:18pm: Today the Nationals released oft-injured starter John Patterson, who hasn't had a healthy season since his excellent 2005. Patterson says he's healthy, but wasn't progressing as quickly as the Nationals had hoped. His velocity has been down this spring. Based on his comments he seems like a good guy; I'm sure he'll find work with another club. Patterson was drafted fifth overall by the Expos in '96, but jumped to Arizona as a $6MM loophole free agent...

Nationals' Surpluses Could Lead To Trades

Nationals GM Jim Bowden signed veterans Dmitri Young and Ron Belliard to curious two-year extensions last year. He's now faced with a logjam at two infield positions. Ben Goessling of the Washington Times describes the first base battle between Young and Nick Johnson, who get along well. Johnson has more trade value, given his age. Neither player is a lock for 150 games though. Johnson is injury-prone, but his perennial .400 OBPs are appealing. He and Young are both signed through '09; Young has a vesting option for '10. The Yankees or Mets could be in the market for Johnson...

Odds and Ends: Jerome Williams, Linden, Lo Duca

Below you'll find the day's random rumors and links. Remember Jerome Williams? He's begging the Giants or any other team to give him a shot, "even if it means in A-ball" according to John Shea. The 26 year-old Hawaiin couldn't find any success last year with Washington. He started out pretty strong with the Giants back in 2003-04. Todd Linden can get out of his minor league deal with Oakland if offered a deal in Japan, which is a possibility. Paul Lo Duca has choice words for the Mets, rejecting the notion that they were ever interested or that he...

Nats To Pass On Weaver

Scott Boras found a deal for Kyle Lohse; will he now focus on getting Jeff Weaver a job? On Monday, Jeff's brother Jered said the Nationals and Cardinals had expressed interest. The Cards are surely out of the mix now, and MLB.com's Bill Ladson says Weaver has seemingly "priced himself out of the Nats' pay range." I'll guess the Nats were thinking $2MM or so. So if the Nats and Cards are both out, what's the elder Weaver to do? Baltimore seems to be his best option. Toronto could work. Perhaps the Astros as a long shot. In a note...

Nationals, Cardinals Interested In Jeff Weaver?

Whither Jeff Weaver? We haven't heard much about potential destinations for the 31 year-old righty. Probably has to do with his 6.20 ERA last year, but at least he's healthy. Jeff's younger brother Jered piped up yesterday, saying that the Nationals and Cardinals have expressed interest. Hard to say if that interest is current or just occurred at some point this winter. But either team would do well to bring him in on a minor league deal. If he's holding out for a Major League contract it may be time to adjust expectations. When teams have their rotations all lined...

Odds and Ends: Loretta, German, Belliard, Baldelli

An update to the Ken Rosenthal article discussed earlier suggests that either Esteban German or Ron Belliard would be better, cheaper alternatives for the Dodgers than Joe Crede or Brandon Inge. It would take less to get Belliard or German, they're paid less, and either of them could back up Jeff Kent, 40, at second base in addition to playing third. Both players are "attracting the Dodgers' interest" according to Rosenthal. The Baltimore Sun is now reporting that the Orioles have an interest in Mark Loretta. Hopefully this is a sign that the Brian Roberts-to-Chicago saga will soon mercifully come...

Rosenthal's Latest: Crede, Willits, Rivera, Belliard

Ken Rosenthal checks in with all kinds of hot stove info. Continuing on yesterday's post regarding Joe Crede and the Dodgers , Rosenthal reports that a source close to Dodgers management explained that the team trading for a third baseman like Crede or Brandon Inge is "all about the budget and whether [owner Frank] McCourt will allow them to add money." Rosenthal continues to point out that Crede is a better deal than Inge in terms of their contracts, and that Crede could also be more attractive to Dodgers management because the White Sox might be willing to trade for...

Odds and Ends: Zimmerman, Lohse, Quintero

The Nationals renewed Ryan Zimmerman's contract and will pay him $465K in 2008, but still hope to sign him to a longer deal. Zimmerman will be eligible for arbitration in 2009. According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles recently discussed free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse with his agent, Scott Boras. Lohse was originally seeking a five-year deal for approximately $50 million, but word is his price has come down drastically. The Detroit Free Press says the Tigers "have mild interest in Houston's Humberto Quintero but are giving strong consideration to Dane Sardinha, the starting catcher at Triple-A Toledo last year."...

Odds and Ends: Ponson, Inge, Papelbon

Let's round up some Monday morning links. The Cardinals are taking another look at Sidney Ponson. Insert your own punchline in the comments. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun could see the O's making a minor trade for a veteran second baseman if they acquire Ronny Cedeno but not Eric Patterson in a Brian Roberts deal with the Cubs. Brandon Inge is trying his best to talk his way out of town. The Dodgers' recently reported nibble hasn't been publicly shot down, so that's a plus. South Side Sox thinks speedy infielder Eugenio Velez is the type of player the...

Jim Bowden Trade Profile (Nationals)

A week ago, Mike Glab weighed in on Jim Bowden's tenure as Reds' GM. Today, he takes on Bowden's trade work with the Nationals below. At last, Jim Bowden will be working in a relatively stable environment in Washington. Ownership issues are settled, his title is no longer qualified by the interim tag and the Nats open their new ballpark in March. Bowden’s taking a different tack in opening a stadium this time around. Last time, when the Reds were gearing up to open Great American Ballpark, Bowden shot for the moon in 2000 and traded for Ken Griffey, Jr....

Ryan Howard Fallout

Ryan Howard winning a $10MM salary yesterday was kind of a big deal. Let's examine this first-year arbitration record. A source of Jayson Stark's thinks the Phillies would've won had they submitted above Miguel Cabrera's $7.4MM. Seems that even slightly above would've done it, because then Howard losing would've still set a record. Tom Haudricourt talks about how Prince Fielder is now in line for the same $10MM for his '09 salary. And he doesn't see Scott Boras relenting and doing a multiyear deal. Stark adds Ryan Braun, Ryan Zimmerman, and Hanley Ramirez as other young stars who will be...

Odalis Perez Signs With Nationals

12:45pm: It's official; the Nats have signed Perez to a minor league deal. He certainly picked the right team to attempt to bounce back to relevancy. He gets $850K if he makes the team. 12:23pm:Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe says it appears likely Perez will sign with the Nats. I imagine both offers were of the minor league variety. TUESDAY, 9:02am:The Nats have an offer on the table for Perez, as do the Red Sox. You'd think he'd prefer the opportunity in Washington. MONDAY, 7:49pm: In January, the Mets met with Odalis Perez. They scouted him in the Dominican...

Nationals Sign Bret Boone

I don't have enough for an odds and ends post at the moment, so it's Bret Boone's lucky day. The Nationals have signed the 38 year-old second baseman to a minor league deal. The organization is already home to Bob and Aaron Boone. Bret comes out of retirement in an attempt to crack Washington's roster as a utility guy. They've already got Ron Belliard and Felipe Lopez competing for time at second base. The Nationals hope Boone can reprise his 2001 line: .331 average, 37 home runs, 141 RBIs. Man I wish he was on my fantasy team that year.

Will Andruw Take One Year?

According to Scott Boras, his client Andruw Jones will not be taking a one-year deal to rebuild his value. Boras cites Jones' home run total, RBI total, and Gold Gloves as evidence that he deserves a marquee contract. That might work if it were 1990 and OBP, SLG, and better fielding metrics weren't standard. Is Boras losing his touch? Boras said the same thing a couple of months ago: "I wouldn't even consider a one-year contract with Andruw Jones." This was a few days after Andruw admitted he'd listen to any offer. Crasnick's article (linked in the first post) indicates...

Blue Jays, Nationals, Rays Notes

We'll start with the Blue Jays. Jordan Bastian has an article up on MLB.com reporting that the Jays have been in contact with Matt Clement. He says that the team has "always liked Matt," but added that he think "it depends on what Matt's looking for a this point." Indeed, Bastian opines that the club "would likely take a shot on Clement if the pitcher agreed to a Minor League contract with a chance at competing for a job with the Jays." With interest from a few other clubs, that seems unlikely. So this is likely one big non-rumor. The...

Odds and Ends: Hunter, A-Rod, Bedard

Sunday morning minor rumor collection... There's always some skepticism from readers regarding Charley Walters rumors. Nonetheless I'll report that he names the Nationals, White Sox, Braves, Yankees, and Dodgers as teams that will bid for Torii Hunter. I don't see the Braves getting involved at $15MM per. And are the Dodgers ready to move Juan Pierre to left field already? The other clubs named seem reasonable. As expected, the Cardinals interviewed Chris Antonetti for their open GM position. No doubt it's an attractive position but you have to wonder what kind of autonomy he'd have with Tony La Russa around....

Odds and Ends

Here are some various trade rumors that didn't quite have enough behind them for individual posts. There's a gossip section in the Boston Herald called Inside Track, written by Gayle Fee, Laura Raposa, and Erin Hayes. They heard that Coco Crisp told fans at the recent Division Champs celebration that he expects to be dealt this winter to make room for Jacoby Ellsbury. By most accounts Crisp has developed into a fine defensive center fielder, and he's under contract for $4.75MM in '08, $5.75MM in '09, and an $8MM club option in '10. Perhaps Crisp could be used to acquire...

Nats Just Messing With Reds On Dunn?

John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer has an interesting tidbit today: did Jim Bowden engage Wayne Krivsky in talks about Adam Dunn just to string him along and waste his time? Fay's source says Bowden never intended to trade for Dunn, but strung Krivsky along in some sort of childish maneuver. The Reds still have a pending grievance regarding reliever Gary Majewski, who they believe was damaged goods when they received him. Is bad blood lingering, or can the two clubs play nice? Chris Needham doesn't buy Fay's story.