MLB.com on Rowand, LaRoche
Rumors weren’t flying around the White Sox today. The best we have is a mild indication that the Sox could have interest in Aaron Rowand. It’s a stretch.
On the Braves side, even if an Adam LaRoche/Mike Gonzalez agreement can’t be met, the Pirates could send over second baseman Jose Castillo to replace Marcus Giles. There’s also some Andruw Jones speculation here, but it sounds like a long shot.
Oh, and Jason Jennings is not "hot and bothered" by trade rumors. Ummm yeah.
Tigers Could Trade Maroth
One team that may have a surplus of starters that’s not getting a lot of press for it is the Tigers. Dave Dombrowski carefully seemed to indicate that 29 year-old southpaw starter Mike Maroth could be available.
Maroth pitches to contact and could be decent in front of a good defense. He only makes about $3 mil and has two seasons left before free agency. He’d probably come a lot cheaper than Kei Igawa, who might be comparable. Maroth had surgery in June to remove bone chips in his elbow. He wasn’t quite right upon his September return and didn’t make the postseason roster.
As far as lefty relievers go, Dombrowski chatted with Florida about Renyel Pinto. They also might like C.J. Wilson and Ron Mahay of Texas.
D’Backs Meet With Foulke
These MLB.com reporters are filing their stories all at once. Good times. Steve Gilbert has the Winter Meetings from a Diamondback point of view.
Josh Byrnes met with Keith Foulke’s agent, who is also the agent for Octavio Dotel. What’s this? Foulke is as healthy as he’s been in a long time? How convenient. I tried telling my employer the same and also that it’s between them and the Yankees. They didn’t give me a raise.
Yesterday night, the Rangers gave the D’Backs a list of pitchers they like, including Dustin Nippert and Micah Owings. Apparently Arizona passed back a note that said, "Nah."
Gregg Clifton is trying to get Mark Mulder‘s medical records over to the D’Backs. Why’s this taking so long?
Angels Rumor Roundup
Mike Scarr of MLB.com has the latest Angels hot stove. Among his findings:
The Angels still like A-Rod, but the Yankees probably won’t deal him.
The Halos could include Bartolo Colon in such a deal, though his rehab from a partially torn rotator cuff may get in the way.
A Chad Tracy for Joe Saunders deal could work for both teams.
Additionally, check out these hot stove predictions over at Halos Heaven.
Peter Abraham With Yankee Rumors
Brian Cashman can’t really comment on other teams’ players, but he can talk about which of his own are drawing interest.
Peter Abrahams reports that the Yanks are receiving inquiries on Humberto Sanchez, Chris Britton, Melky Cabrera, Philip Hughes, and Alex Rodriguez.
MLB.com On Pettitte and More
Some quick hits from MLB.com’s writers:
The Astros have "mild interest" in Jason Schmidt but are currently waiting on Andy Pettitte.
Negotiations between Barry Bonds and the Giants are picking up.
The Indians are considering Eric Gagne and various other health risk relievers.
Doug Melvin of the Brewers has a little bit of interest in Kenny Lofton or Steve Finley, but would prefer to combine the aging CFs into one guy. That would be awkward.
Jim Bowden is up to something; Chad Cordero, Ryan Church, and Jose Vidro have drawn interest.
The Mariners and Pirates have some interest in Adam LaRoche. The Bucs are probably out on former Pirates Jeff Suppan and Barry Bonds.
The Marlins definitely want Rocco, but Dontrelle Willis and Josh Johnson will not be involved. Ricky Nolasco won’t cut it, so they’d have to concede Scott Olsen or Anibal Sanchez. The Fish are not so interested in Willy Taveras at this point. As far as bounceback closer options, the Marlins might go after Dan Kolb or Derrick Turnbow. Interestingly, the Marlins could also have interest in B.J. Upton as their CF.
Teams Interested In Rodrigo Lopez
Rodrigo Lopez is suddenly a hot property. The O’s talked to at least five teams looking for starting pitching. The Brewers and Mariners have inquired specifically about Lopez.
Lopez will turn 31 later this month. He’s a 200 inning back-rotation guy with good control; he probably belongs in the NL. He earned $3.75MM in 2006 and will be a free agent after the 2007 season.
Other Oriole tidbits from MLB.com’s Spencer Fordin:
Baltimore met with Doug Melvin of the Brewers, presumably to discuss outfielders Kevin Mench and Geoff Jenkins. Chris Shelton could be another target.
Negotiations with Luis Gonzalez are ongoing; Jay Payton and Cliff Floyd seem unlikely.
Rumor Roundup From CBS Sportsline
Scott Miller over at CBS Sportsline provides a whole lot of hot stove buzz in his latest entry. Some highlights:
The Cards have offers out to Jeff Weaver and Jeff Suppan.
The Dodgers have come to the Tigers asking for Craig Monroe. An odd target, I would say.
The White Sox could hold onto their starters. Meanwhile, Nate Silver analyzed Kenny’s position of strength at BP.
The Dodgers and Mariners are talking to Luis Gonzalez‘s agent. Gonzo prefers the Dodgers because of location. Seattle signing him would probably be contingent on a Richie Sexson trade. The Ms are also listening to offers for Adrian Beltre.
The Reds are asking about Scott Linebrink, and the Pads would want Ryan Freel in return. Adam Dunn’s name has been bandied about as well.
I am in debt to RotoWorld, a site that is on top of the news like no other.
One Theory About Bonds
Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus speculates on the lack of interest in free agent slugger Barry Bonds: perhaps teams are concerned that he will go to jail.
Keith Scherer wrote for BP in August:
"The likelihood of Barry Bonds going to jail if he gets indicted is high. If he gets convicted of perjury, it’s certain. If he gets convicted of perjury, he will go to jail for at least as long as the guys who cooperated, but most likely longer. This means he’s likely to do more than three months. If he gets convicted on tax charges, he could do additional time."
Perhaps a "jail clause" would simply be written into Barry’s contract.
Edes On The Manny Meetings
Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe is all over the Manny Ramirez dealings.
The Angels will meet with the Red Sox tonight, but would have to bite the bullet and part with Scot Shields to get the deal done. Why are they so reluctant to do this? Come on. Its Manny. Boston is also interested in Orlando Cabrera, Ervin Santana, and Jered Weaver. You can count Weaver out. That’s silly.
The Giants might get in on it instead. The buzz is that the Nats could wedge their way into a three-way trade involving the following players: Chad Cordero, Noah Lowry, J.J. Putz, and/or Rafael Soriano, and Jimmie J.J. Walker.
Earlier this afternoon Edes talked to a Dodger official who rated the team’s chances of acquiring Manny at 5% at best. So you’re saying there’s a chance.