Mariners Close To Signing John Thomson?
The Mariners requested medical files on starter John Thomson today and could sign him soon. U.S.S. Mariner says it could be a one-year contract with an option for the second year. In my free agent summary I wrote:
"Thomson turned 33 in October. Elbow soreness and a blister slowed him down in the beginning of the season, followed by shoulder problems from a mild labrum tear. He’s going to take the rehab approach and hopes to start fresh in ’07. Thomson made $4.75MM this year; he spent two years as a solid innings eater from 2003-04. That seems like a long time ago."
Thomson would probably fit into the #4 or #5 slot in the Mariners’ rotation, leaving room for one more acquisition.
Ray Ray Re-Signs With Giants
The Giants re-signed Ray Durham today to a two-year deal worth around $14MM. It’s a reasonable price, given that Durham was the second-best power threat remaining on the market.
If you want pop, you’re left with Barry Bonds or Mike Piazza, basically.
Glavine Chooses Mets
Murray Chass’s New York Times article as well as Buster Olney’s blog indicate that Tom Glavine will make a decision today on whether to pitch for the Mets or Braves.
I’m not sure Glavine even has two options, as no one is reporting that the Braves have made him an offer. Perhaps Schuerholz is waiting on a deal of Tim Hudson or Marcus Giles to free up payroll before doing so.
UPDATE: As many have emailed to me, Glavine has re-signed with the Mets for one year and $10.5MM.
White Sox Retain Podsednik
The White Sox decided to hang onto Scott Podsednik for the time being, re-signing him for one year and $2.9MM. I think it’s the right choice even with his lackluster 2006. In an environment where Juan Pierre is worth 5/44, Pods should have some trade value for his age 31 season on a cheap one-year deal.
Perhaps the Braves or Nats would have interest at the right price. And, of course, the White Sox could just keep him for one more season. Their offense isn’t hurting for a big bat, and using Podsednik as a fourth outfielder wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Market For Ted Lilly Develops
Ted Lilly is looking for a four-year deal at close to $40MM. It’d be tough to hand that contract to a guy with his injury history, but five teams are said to have serious interest.
There are two mystery teams, one from each league, in addition to the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Cubs. The NL club could be the Giants. But how about the Mets? They have plenty of competition for Barry Zito, and Lilly might be the best remaining southpaw starter.
The AL club could be (pure speculation) the Orioles, Royals, Mariners, or Rangers.
My money is on the Cubs, as the Blue Jays seem to be more into Gil Meche and the Yankees don’t seem thrilled with Lilly.
Giants Talking To Bengie Molina
Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Giants are in "serious negotiations" with free agent catcher Bengie Molina. Molina will be 33 next season; he posted a career high .467 SLG for Toronto in 2006.
Beyond Molina, the catcher market consists of Mike Piazza, Mike Lieberthal, Rod Barajas, and Javy Lopez. Other clubs that could be shopping for a starting catcher include the Phillies, Angels, Padres, and Rockies.
Red Sox To Retain Nixon?
Word from Gordon Edes is that the Red Sox are likely to offer arbitration to right fielder Trot Nixon. He’ll be 33 next season. As Edes says, the retention of Nixon seems to indicate a Manny Ramirez trade is likely.
If the Sox do keep Nixon and complete the J.D. Drew signing, Jose Guillen will be pretty much the only decent remaining RF on the market.