We’ve seen a massive amount of news here since last Sunday, with rumors swirling around names like Jake Peavy, Matt Holliday, Mark Teixeira, and several more. Let’s take a look back and try to hit some of the highlights from the chaos:
- The Cardinals may be the frontrunner for Holliday, with a package centered around Ryan Ludwick being the big draw. I’m not entirely sold on Ludwick, but it’s impossible to ignore the outrageous numbers he put up this season.
- The latest Peavy rumors can be found here. We’ve heard that the Cubs may be the frontrunners, but I can’t see him ending up anywhere other than Atlanta, based on what the Cubs have to offer in comparison. Could the talk about Chicago be just a tool to up the pressure on the Braves? The Cubs, by the way, want Peavy as well as Ryan Dempster for 2009 and beyond.
- Apparently the Dodgers REALLY want Manny Ramirez to stay… I think in the end, he will, but the Dodgers will have to up their offer to at least three years, probably four, first.
- Here’s a look at some of the Teixeira madness. Remember, he turned down eight years, $140MM from the Rangers last year. I know a lot of people are picking the Yankees, but I see them focusing more on pitching as well. Everyone says the Angels will make one quick offer and dip out if he rejects, but my prediction is that he stays put when it’s all said and done.
- We saw a couple of rumors this week, including a scenario that would send Javier Vazquez to the Mets, and another that would involve a swap of Ryan Ludwick for Kelly Johnson. Some of the talks surrounding the Vazquez trade puzzled me, especially people equating his contract to that of Luis Castillo. The Sox may also be shopping Nick Swisher.
- Couple of Scott Boras notes: He expects Magglio Ordonez to stay put in Detroit, and has publically stated that he wants "Posada money" for Jason Varitek. As absurd as that sounds, keep in mind how good Boras is at what he does. He’s likely setting the bar far higher than his actual expectations in this case.
- No surprise here, but A.J. Burnett has finally officially opted out of his contract. I imagine he’ll be in for quite the large payday. My own personal prediction? Yankees.
- Few notes for Dodgers fans: Russell Martin is NOT available, accodring to Ned Colletti, while Rafael Furcal may test the open market in search of a four-year deal.
- Brian Fuentes will definitely not be back in Colorado next season. Miguel Olivo, however will be returning to Kansas City despite previous reports.
- Greg Maddux is likely to call it quits following the 2008 season. Hats off to Maddux for one of the greatest careers the game will ever see.
- Several options exercised this week: Mike Cameron, Brian Giles, and Hank Blalock.
- A few moderately notable signings include the Yankees signing Sergio Mitre for $1.25MM, and the Astros signing LaTroy Hawkins to a one-year, $3.5MM contract.
- A few pieces on the offseason plans for various teams, including the Cardinals and Phillies. Tim also capped off the Offseason Outlook series with some of his own insight for the Phils.
- Jon Heyman offered up his free agent predictions early in the week. Tim did the same when he posted his list of picks for the Top 50 Free Agents.
- Tim also did an interesting feature on notable picks selected as compensation picks for losing a Type A or B free agent: First Round, Supplemental Round.
