Phillies Not Getting Bedard
UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 11:44am: Scott Lauber says the Phils and O’s haven’t discussed Bedard at the Meeings. However, he seems to indicate that at some point prior the O’s told the Phils they don’t have the players to get it done. Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote on Tuesday that the Phillies were initially told they didn’t match up but were still trying to get involved.
UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 11:04am: Todd Zolecki of the Philadelphia Inquirer shoots this one down, writing that the Phils and Orioles have not discussed Bedard.
FROM 12-6-07 at 9:33am:
According to Joe Haggerty of the Metro out of Philadelphia, the Phillies offered Kyle Kendrick, Shane Victorino, and two unknown prospects to the Orioles for Erik Bedard and were turned down. It’s generally believed that the Phillies don’t have the young available talent Andy MacPhail seeks, but it never hurts to ask.
Marlins Considering Helms, Cantu
MLB.com’s Jim Molony reports that the Marlins are considering Wes Helms and Jorge Cantu as candidates for their now-vacant third base job.
Helms had a career year in 2006 for the Marlins, hitting .329/.390/.575 while seeing a disproportionate amount of southpaws. The Phils then wishcasted him as a starter and gave him two years and $5.45MM. Helms has $2.15MM left on his contract plus a $750K buyout.
Cantu was recently cut by the Reds; his claim to fame is driving in 117 runs for the 2005 Devil Rays. He turns 26 in January; perhaps his career can be revived in Florida.
Padres Near Deal With Milton Bradley
UPDAT, 12-6-07 at 12:11pm: MLB.com’s Corey Brock says the deal is worth $3.5-4MM.
FROM 12-6-07 at 11:24am:
According to MLB.com’s Jim Molony, the Padres are nearing a one-year deal with outfielder Milton Bradley. Bradley is expected to be ready to play in April; hopefully he can stay healthy and give the Padres 400-500 good ABs. Bradley recently lost 15 pounds in an effort to reduce his injury risk.
Does this take the Padres out of the Kosuke Fukudome sweepstakes? Probably not – the Padres won’t sign both Fukudome and Mike Cameron, but Bradley probably came cheaply.
Odds and Ends: Castillo, Marte
Some random rumorage as the mill slows down a bit…
- RotoWorld reports that the Pirates have released infielder Jose Castillo. Castillo has had flashes of brilliance, for example his 7 HR month in ’06. But he’s been a disappointment overall and doesn’t figure to be anyone’s starting second baseman.
- The Yankees and Bucs are discussing a Damaso Marte deal. At the same link a failed Jack Wilson for Chris Duncan rumor is mentioned.
Rangers Rumors: Lamb, Gagne, Prior
As usual, Evan Grant has the latest Rangers hot stove buzz.
- New acquisition Chris Shelton may see some time at first base for the Rangers. As far as left-handed hitters, the Rangers’ options are Mike Lamb, Sean Casey, and in-house choice Frank Catalanotto.
- Free agents Eric Gagne, LaTroy Hawkins, Corey Patterson, and Milton Bradley are still on the radar.
- Contrary to previous reports, the Rangers aren’t interested in Mark Prior.
- The Rangers don’t want to move Vicente Padilla or Kevin Millwood as straight-up salary dumps.
Rule 5 Action: Cards Take Barton, Cut Taguchi
The Rule 5 draft isn’t my cup of tea, but I’d like to direct you to Baseball America for coverage. By the way the Cardinals took Brian Barton. To open up a spot for him, they released So Taguchi.
Silva Headed To Kansas City?
An uncredited report in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune says Carlos Silva "has been rumored to be headed to Kansas City, although his agent said nothing is imminent."
The Royals have room in the budget for one more decent-sized acquisition, and Andruw Jones is now off the table.
Brewers, Dodgers Didn’t Talk Sheets
Tom Haudricourt debunks a USA Today report (see sidebar) that the Brewers and Dodgers have discussed swapping Ben Sheets and Bill Hall for Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier. Dylan Hernandez reported the Hall inquiry yesterday. (Thanks to Jason L. for the USA Today link).
Haudricourt was able to verify that the two clubs did not discuss Sheets, but he does think there might something to the Crew’s interest in Kemp and Ethier. You may also recall that the Brewers have talked about Andy LaRoche at least internally.
A’s Rumors: Jenkins, Haren, Swisher
Susan Slusser and Rick Hurd check in with the latest on Billy Beane and the A’s.
- Hurd indicates that the A’s might have some interest in free agent Geoff Jenkins. It’s a sign that the A’s might be playing for 2008, after all. Slusser wonders whether Barry Bonds rumors are next to surface, if that’s the case.
- The D’Backs put together a five-player offer for Dan Haren, including Carlos Gonzalez and Brett Anderson. Slusser says there’s a "slim chance" of a deal. Likewise the Dodgers are not close to anything on Joe Blanton.
- While the Cubs have liked Nick Swisher for some time, they’ve never impressed the A’s with an offer.
- Beane had some talks yesterday with Huston Street‘s agent about a long-term pact.
- The best quotes of the day yesterday came from Beane in reference to our debacle of a three-way trade rumor. Beane labeled it the "all-time most ridiculous" trade rumor and "laughable." It sounds like it almost knocked Beane off his exercise bike.
Phillies Rumors: Iguchi, Inge, Silva, Ensberg
Sounds like there’s a whole lot of ‘nothin’ going on with the Phillies.
- As you know, the Phils are out on Hiroki Kuroda.
- Yesterday the Phillies made an offer and a second improved offer to Tadahito Iguchi. Iguchi is looking for a three-year deal for around the $16.5MM Kaz Matsui received.
- Todd Zolecki says the Phils have "kicked around" Brandon Inge‘s name; he’s definitely available. The general sentiment is that the Tigers would have to eat some of the $19.1MM owed to Inge over the next three seasons. Plus, the Phillies already tried the defense-first idea at third base.
- Talks with Mike Cameron went nowhere, as the Phillies didn’t want to consider a multiyear deal. Aaron Rowand is also a long shot. Not a very exciting Meetings for Phillies fans.
- Scott Lauber checks in this morning and says Carlos Silva would like to return to the Phillies. The interest isn’t mutual, however, if Silva continues to ask for four or five years.
- Lauber suggests Morgan Ensberg is a strong non-tender candidate and someone the Phils should look at.