Willy Taveras Rumors

Rockies Rumors: Fuentes, Embree, Taveras

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has a few Rockies tidbits today... It deserves another mention - Brian Fuentes has scheduled a visit with the Mets. If he signs there, the Rockies will add the Mets' #25 pick to their own #11 pick in the first round while also snagging a sandwich pick. The Rockies want two lefties, probably from the pool of Glendon Rusch, Alan Embree, Brian Shouse, and Joe Beimel. Renck says the Tigers are aggressively pursuing Beimel, while Embree might have extra appeal if he can be had on a one-year deal. The Rockies hope to...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Embree, Shouse, Taveras, Atkins

Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has the latest on the Rockies. Manager Clint Hurdle says the Rockies are focused on adding pitching, particularly in the bullpen. On the radar: Aaron Heilman, Alan Embree, Joe Beimel, and Brian Shouse. Yesterday Joel Sherman said the Mets balked at the idea of swapping Heilman and Pedro Feliciano for Huston Street. Renck adds that the Reds and White Sox remain interested in outfielder Willy Taveras. On November 11th, Tracy Ringolsby said the Reds were not interested in Taveras despite reports. As for Garrett Atkins, Renck believes the market will take shape after...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Talking Trade With Reds

8:50pm: Reds GM Walt Jocketty says nothing is close with the Rockies; he's talked to a lot of clubs. His snide remark: "They all didn't allow it to get out." Jocketty talked to the Rockies about Matt Holliday, but it was a short discussion. 7:37pm: Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News says the Reds have definite interest in Atkins, but not Torrealba or Taveras. The Reds like the idea of adding Atkins' righthanded bat. They don't like Torrealba's price and Taveras' inability to get on base. Ringolsby says the Phillies, Angels, and Twins are also after Atkins. 3:28pm: Troy...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Holliday, Taveras, Atkins

4:54pm: More Rockies chatter from Troy Renck. The Rockies intend to sort out the Holliday/Atkins trade situations before moving on to other concerns such as the bullpen. They do like the idea of bringing Jeremy Affeldt back, though. Renck has the Twins and Indians kicking the tires on Atkins, while Tracy Ringolsby believes Michael Cuddyer could be a fit for Colorado. 11:18am: The latest Rockies buzz... Buster Olney says the Rockies are very motivated to move Matt Holliday. Olney wonders if the Rox might end up taking a bit less than expected for him. Troy Renck says various execs see...   Continue Reading

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White Sox Shopping Vazquez, Swisher?

8:43pm: Ken Davidoff says the Yankees had "extremely preliminary" talks with the Sox regarding Swisher. Something to keep an eye on if the Yanks don't sign Mark Teixeira. Additionally, Davidoff says the White Sox are not anxious to unload Vazquez. 9:42am: According to Dave van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune, the White Sox are aggressively shopping Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher. Additionally, the Sox reportedly have interest in Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras. GM Ken Williams didn't offer much info regarding possible trade talks. Van Dyck speculates on names like Luis Castillo or Julio Lugo for Vazquez, seemingly suggesting Vazquez...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Holliday, Atkins, Podsednik

Let's check in on the Rockies next. Matt Holliday may be selling his Denver-area home, not that it means anything. Tracy Ringolsby has the Nationals, Rays, Cardinals, and Mets as teams interested in Holliday. Meanwhile, Troy E. Renck explores a Yankees scenario. Renck can't see the Rox trading both Holliday and Garrett Atkins. Ringolsby says the Angels are more interested in Atkins than Holliday. Renck has the Indians and Twins as suitors for Atkins. Scott Podsednik is open to returning to the Rockies, and they could have a place for him if Willy Taveras is dealt. Renck expects the Rockies...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Shopping Holliday, Atkins, Taveras

9:11pm: According to David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves are not interested in Taveras after all. 10:47am: According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post and Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News, the Rockies are shopping Matt Holliday, Garrett Atkins, and Willy Taveras. Holliday, a Scott Boras client, is set to earn $13.5MM in 2009 before reaching free agency. Ringolsby says the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Angels, Mets, and Phillies have shown interest. Renck has the Cardinals as a lurker. The Nats may also be interested. The Rockies will target young pitching in return. Atkins is...   Continue Reading

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Will Rockies Trade Taveras?

Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras hit .251/.308/.296 in 538 plate appearances this year, a major drain on the team's offense. Defensively, Taveras had a big year in 2006 but has been below average since. Quad and knee injuries may be the culprit, though Taveras has been able to steal bases. Taveras wants to play every day, but it probably won't be for the Rockies. Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post fully expects him to be traded this winter. Taveras was claimed off waivers in August, possibly by the Nationals, Phillies, or Mets (obviously no trade agreement was reached). Taveras...   Continue Reading

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White Sox Offseason Possibilities

I did a White Sox Offseason Outlook earlier this month, rattling off available speedy players and also suggesting a Bobby Jenks trade be explored. Today, Chicago Tribune beat writer Mark Gonzales offers his take on the Sox. Gonzales sees Juan Uribe and Toby Hall as two players the White Sox hope to re-sign, with Hall at a lower salary than his $2.25MM option. Orlando Cabrera, Ken Griffey Jr., and Joe Crede will be gone. Cabrera is good for two draft picks if the Sox offer arbitration and he signs elsewhere. Gonzales wonders if a Paul Konerko for Chone Figgins trade...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Atkins, Holliday, Barmes

Let's see what we can find in three new columns from Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post today. I wrote last week that the Rockies would come in a bit under $80MM after arbitration raises. Renck pegs it around $75MM. The team's plan is to shop Garrett Atkins for a frontline starter. If the interest is not there (why would it be?), they could switch to Matt Holliday. Renck ponders Matt Cain and a prospect to Colorado, but that is a lot to give up for one year of Holliday. Plus the Giants are not looking to add an...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Taveras, Brewers, Kent

A few notes from around the MLBiverse... Troy E. Renck says Willy Taveras prefers to stay with the Rockies, despite being claimed off waivers. Taveras speculates that he was claimed by either the Yankees or the Nationals. Renck says it is unlikely that Taveras will be traded during the season. Tom Haudricourt is reporting that the Brewers don't expect to make any deals prior to tonight's deadline to acquire players that would be eligible for the post-season. Tony Jackson of the LA Daily News is reporting that Jeff Kent's knee injury could be career-ending. Kent is contemplating retirement following the...   Continue Reading

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Taveras Claimed Off Waivers

Willy Taveras has been claimed off waivers. There is no indication that the Rockies are actually going to work out a deal with the team that claimed him but there has been interest in the speedy outfielder from the Nationals, Phillies and Mets.   Continue Reading

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Fuentes, Taveras Placed On Waivers

3:25pm: Rosenthal says Fuentes' trip to the bereavement list pretty much kills the chances of a trade. WEDNESDAY, 10:55am: Troy E. Renck weighs in, suggesting that Taveras might clear waivers. The Nationals like him, but don't want to add payroll. He expects the Dodgers, Rays, and Cardinals to put in claims on Fuentes (the Dodgers would win). The price remains a premium young starter, even though now the receiving team would get one less month of Fuentes. TUESDAY: As expected, the Rockies have placed closer Brian Fuentes and center fielder Willy Taveras on waivers. Ken Rosenthal does not expect either...   Continue Reading

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Odds And Ends: Lane, Taveras, Cubs, Reyes

Round three from the MLBiverse... The Red Sox have signed former Astros outfielder Jason Lane to a minor league deal. Troy E. Renck says that Willy Taveras could be moved this winter and speculates that the Nationals might be a good fit if Lastings Milledge is moved from center field. Paul Sullivan says the Cubs are not likely to make many changes this winter with only four key free agents. One of those free agents, Ryan Dempster, said that he would prefer to stay with the Cubs. Omar Minaya says Al Reyes turned down a major league job with another...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Dempster, Mora, Cameron

Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let's take a look. Rosenthal agrees with those who considered C.C. Sabathia pitching the ninth inning Monday a needless risk. Sabathia already had thrown 112 pitches and the Brewers had a seven run lead, but he pitched the ninth to bring the total to 130. The innings shouldn't affect Sabathia's payday, but hopefully he remains healthy. Rosenthal sees a minimal chance of Ryan Dempster signing elsewhere, given his strong relationship with Cubs GM Jim Hendry. Dempster will be the Cubs' top offseason priority. I also consider Kerry Wood unlikely to leave. Add Melvin...   Continue Reading

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Marlins Rumors: Fuentes, Taveras, Torrealba

How about some Marlins rumors from MLB.com's Joe Frisaro? The Marlins still like the Rockies' Brian Fuentes, but aren't willing to trade Chris Volstad for him (it's unclear whether the Rockies asked, but he's in line with their asking price for other teams). The Fish were previously linked to their expansion-mate on two other players, center fielder Willy Taveras and catcher Yorvit Torrealba. Frisaro's source says that discussion is dead. Keep in mind that the Rockies are in third place, six games out. They may not want to throw in the towel.   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Fuentes, Barmes, Taveras

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post has a handful of Rockies rumors today. Saunders believes the Phillies' spent too much prospect capital on Joe Blanton to be able to acquire Brian Fuentes. He says the Rays, Yankees, and Mets are still in the mix for Fuentes. The Rays are interested in two other Rockies: Clint Barmes and Willy Taveras. Unexpected targets...what do you think? Would Barmes be an upgrade at shortstop?   Continue Reading

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Heyman's Latest: Holliday, Fuentes, Teixeira

Jon Heyman of SI.com posted a new column yesterday. Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is quietly calling other teams about Matt Holliday scenarios. One that was "floated," perhaps by Colorado, involved Holliday, Willy Taveras, Fernando Martinez, and Carlos Beltran. The Mets don't want to trade Beltran, nor does the player want to waive his no-trade clause. The Holliday-Mets scenario is deemed a long shot. Meanwhile, Troy E. Renck says the Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets are "all panting after" Holliday. As you know, Brian Fuentes is likely to be traded. Heyman talked to a GM who expects Mark Teixeira to stay...   Continue Reading

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Odds and Ends: Taveras, Kemp, Mota

Today's random linkage. Correction to the Justin Duchscherer post - he only has one more arbitration year, not two. He's set to reach free agency after the '09 season. Rob Neyer points us to a quality interview with Yankees beat writer Tyler Kepner over at NoMaas.org. MLB.com's Jim Molony says the Marlins have renewed interest in Rockies center fielder Willy Taveras. LEN3 thinks the Twins need a reliever more than anything. Dave Cameron wonders if Matt Kemp is overrated. Craig Brown of Royals Authority examines the team's trade candidates. The Padres' Paul DePodesta runs through his team's top trade candidates...   Continue Reading

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Rosenthal's Latest: Teixeira, Yankees, Padres, Fish

And now, the latest from Ken Rosenthal's Full Count video: If the Braves decide to shop Mark Teixeira, they may have a tough time getting as much as they'd like. The Red Sox, Angels, and Diamondbacks - among other contenders - are set at 1B/DH with David Ortiz, Casey Kotchman, and Conor Jackson respectively. Rosenthal notes Boston will only pursue Teixeira if Ortiz's wrist fails to heal. Brian Cashman isn't sure whether the Yankees are buyers or sellers. Most of their high paid players have no-trade clauses. Should they want to buy, Rosenthal suggests A.J. Burnett is a guy they...   Continue Reading

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Rockies Trade Talk: Torrealba, Taveras, Podsednik, Herges

Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News reports the Marlins have inquired on the availability of Rockies' catcher Yorvit Torrealba, and outfielders Willy Taveras and Scott Podsednik. Torrealba has been on Marlins radar and there's continuing speculation that they will be buyers come July 31st. Meanwhile, St. Louis inquired on pitcher Matt Herges to provide a veteran pressence in their bullpen.   Continue Reading

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Rockies Rumors: Holliday, Fuentes, Torrealba

The Rockies have been even worse than the Padres - 19 games under .500, 10 games out in a lousy division. According to Tracy Ringolsby, they'll decide at the All-Star break whether to officially become sellers. Let's start with closer Brian Fuentes, whose ERA jumped from 2.56 to 3.94 last night. Reports had the suitors at the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, and A's. Ringolsby says to cross the A's off the list and add the Rays, Cubs, and Cardinals. Ken Rosenthal tossed the Cubs into the mix on June 12th, but then changed that report. Troy E. Renck adds...   Continue Reading

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Rockies May Find Podsednik, Taveras Expendable

On Tuesday, Rockies manager Clint Hurdle hinted that Ryan Spilborghs would begin to receive more playing time in center field. As a result, Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post says the futures of Scott Podsednik and Willy Taveras are in question. It might make sense to keep Podsednik around as the resident speedy extra outfielder. However Pods is hitting just .222/.311/.311 in 103 plate appearances despite a solid April. Renck says the Cubs might have renewed interest if Jim Edmonds doesn't work out. He says the Cubs have a "working list of potential available left-handed bats" as a contingency...   Continue Reading

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Heyman On the Rockies and Holliday

The idea of the Rockies trading Matt Holliday this summer is not a new one. Ken Rosenthal speculated on the possibility two weeks ago. Today, Jon Heyman goes a little deeper. While he feels trading Holliday is certainly possible, there are at least a couple of executives who think it is unlikely. To sum up: The Rockies are tied for the worst record in baseball and several executives are now wondering if they will be willing to trade Garrett Atkins and/or Holliday. Willy Taveras and Brian Fuentes will almost certainly be made available. One GM thinks that last year's mid-season...   Continue Reading

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Rockies May Head To Arbitration Hearings

According to Troy E. Renck, the Rockies have only had two arbitration hearings in franchise history. I dug around and found that they beat Sun-Woo Kim over a $200K difference in '06 and lost to Dennys Reyes over a $200K difference in 2002. This year, the Rockies will be prepared for the possibility of multiple hearings. They've got to deal with Matt Holliday, Brian Fuentes, Garrett Atkins, Brad Hawpe, and Willy Taveras. Renck notes that "significant gaps exist with Atkins and Fuentes." Since we saw the Rox go to their only two hearings over $200K, we know it doesn't take..   Continue Reading

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Crisp Rather Than Rowand For White Sox?

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times says Aaron Rowand has already priced himself out of the White Sox's range. Apparently the Sox talked to Rowand before they made an offer to Torii Hunter, and found the number of years Rowand requested to be out of the question. Randy Miller said back in mid-October that Rowand was looking for a six-year, $84MM deal. Cowley sees the Rangers and Dodgers as the main suitors for Rowand. Cowley believes the White Sox, meanwhile, will move on to Coco Crisp. They've long had interest in him. I'm not sure how the White Sox and..   Continue Reading

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Astros' Options Remain Wide Open

One way or another, Tim Purpura is going to acquire a decent starting pitcher. The Houston Chronicle reports that Purpura is still in touch with the White Sox, but has a host of other active scenarios as well. In the article, Purpura goes to great lengths to confirm that starter Taylor Buchholz is healthy without actually confirming that he could be involved in a trade. It remains possible that the Astros trade for Jon Garland. They won't, however, acquire both Garland and Andy Pettitte. The Astros still have a one-year, $12MM offer out there. The Yankees have already blown that..   Continue Reading

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Trade Rumor Roundup: 6 Days Left

What's new in the world of trade rumors? It wasn't just Humberto Sanchez missing a start - Tigers prospect Jair Jurrjens is skipping two starts because of a stiff neck. While it certainly seems that recent trade winds could be at play here, it may just be a case of bad luck for Detroit. Both players can still be dealt despite the minor injuries. A few more nuggets concerning the White Sox's efforts to acquire Alfonso Soriano surfaced in newspapers today. Phil Rogers notes sources indicating that Scott Podsednik, and not Brian Anderson, would be part of a package for..   Continue Reading

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Trade Rumor Roundup: 8 Days Left

To begin with, this just isn't true. With the Kearns deal and probably Soriano trade, the 2006 deadline just can't be classified as a dud. That honor belongs to 2005 for sure. The trading action never matches the buildup, but this year's still a good one. Read Ken Rosenthal's latest. The White Sox are in the Soriano game, the Rangers have interest in Luis Gonzalez, the Braves could add another reliever, Julio Lugo still might become a Blue Jay, and the Brewers look like sellers. In my opinion, some Brewers besides Carlos Lee that could be unloaded: Geoff Jenkins, Corey..   Continue Reading

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Latest Astros Buzz

Today we've got some Astros info for you to digest. According to an emailer, Richard Justice recently spoke with Astros GM Tim Purpura on Sports Radio 610. Here's what came out of the discussion: The Astros aren't expecting much from Jeff Bagwell, surprise surprise. The main concern is, of course, his inability to throw. In Brian McTaggart's article in the Houston Chronicle today, he mentions that Bagwell "will have his shoulder analyzed next week by respected orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham." Expect Bags to be relegated to pinch-hitting duties given the Preston Wilson signing. I don't have anything..   Continue Reading

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Astros Discussing Jose Contreras

First off, my apologies for the confusion in my last post. Let's set the record straight about this Astros/White Sox thing. My source wasn't referring to the Astros' interest in Miguel Tejada, but rather Jose Contreras. Baltimore likes the righthander, but Houston covets him as well. The Sox are talking to the Astros currently, but have no interest in Brad Lidge. Their reasoning: they believe in the young, cheap Bobby Jenks. The Sox also have concerns about Lidge's future health after piling on the innings as well as his impending large salary. That all makes sense; the Sox have no..   Continue Reading

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Miguel Tejada Trade: Update

Some more quality details on the possible Miguel Tejada trade: First issue: White Sox payroll. My source is saying that adding Tejada would not be a problem - the team's board of directors are willing to take the payroll up to $105 million. Should the Orioles accept one of their offers, they'll still have flexibility for more additions at the July trading deadline as needed. UPDATE: There was a miscommunication between my source and I about this deal. He was not telling me that the Astros were in on Tejada, but rather Jose Contreras. I'll go into more detail on..   Continue Reading

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Willy Taveras Projection

Something for you fantasy baseball types to consider: can Willy Taveras match Juan Pierre in 2006? My projection is up at RotoAuthority   Continue Reading

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Willy Taveras, Jarrod Washburn Mentioned For Cubs

Chicago Sun-Times writer Chris De Luca has a few names he thinks would work for the Cubs. Said De Luca today: "It's too bad Wood's future is so murky. The Houston Astros, in need of pitching and always in the market for homegrown stars such as Wood, are listening to offers for center fielder Willy Taveras, the runner-up in National League Rookie of the Year voting. With the Astros showing more trust in Chris Burke during the postseason, Taveras has become a hot name on the trade market." While one Juan Pierre in the lineup has a chance of working,..   Continue Reading

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