Padres Agree To Terms With David Eckstein
According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres agreed to terms with David Eckstein on a one-year deal worth $850k. He’ll play second base. Eckstein, 34 in a few days, hit .265/.343/.349 in 376 plate appearances for the Blue Jays and D’Backs in ’08. He played an above-average second base in 197 innings there.
A Ken Rosenthal source suggests that the Padres might decide to pass on signing Omar Vizquel.
Jon Garland Rejects Offer From D’Backs
According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, starter Jon Garland rejected a contract offer from the Diamondbacks. The offer is unknown, but Piecoro believes the D’Backs have about $4MM left to spend this winter.
Pedro Martinez, Ben Sheets, and Jason Jennings are also on the radar. Piecoro figures Braden Looper would make sense based on his similarity to Garland.
Marlins Avoid Arb With Dallas McPherson
According to Dylan Hernandez, the Marlins avoided arbitration with third baseman Dallas McPherson, signing him at $500K for ’09. McPherson mashed 42 homers at Triple A this year. He could get a shot at the hot corner if the Marlins move Jorge Cantu to first base.
Griffey Talking To Four Teams
John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer talked to Ken Griffey Jr.‘s agent, Brian Goldberg. They’re talking to four teams, two in each league. The Mariners are one; the Reds and Rays are not. Nick Cafardo suggested the Nationals back on December 7th.
Fay believes Griffey could be signed for $3-4MM on a one-year deal. His knee is said to be healthy now following offseason surgery.
Orioles Invite 23 To Spring Training
The Orioles just released info on their 23 non-roster Spring Training invitees: Alberto Castillo, Scott Chiasson, Fredy Deza, Brad Hennessey, Ryan Keefer, Andy Mitchell, Chris Tillman, Ross Wolf, Adam Donachie, Robby Hammock, Chad Moeller, Guillermo Quiroz, Jose Reyes, Guillermo Rodriguez, Matt Wieters, Craig Brazell, Jolbert Cabrera, Blake Davis, Chris Gomez, Donnie Murphy, Brandon Snyder, Justin Turner, and Justin Christian.
Padres Considering Eckstein, Vizquel
1:23pm: ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick heard the Padres prefer David Eckstein over Vizquel. He suggests the Padres may not be able to offer a base salary much beyond $1MM. Meanwhile, Ken Rosenthal says the Padres are in serious discussions with Eckstein to play second base.
THURSDAY, 8:50am: MLB.com’s Corey Brock confirmed that the Padres hope to sign a shortstop this week and Vizquel is on the radar. Vizquel admitted San Diego could be a great fit.
WEDNESDAY: According to Channel 4 San Diego anchor and Padres pre/post-game host John Weisbarth:
I’m hearing today that Omar Vizquel (owner of 11 gold-gloves) could be the Friars shortstop as soon as tomorrow.
White Sox Agree To Terms With Bartolo Colon
THURSDAY: According to the AP, Colon gets $1MM plus another possible $2MM based on innings pitched.
WEDNESDAY: FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the White Sox have added veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon on a one-year deal.
Rosenthal believes Colon will compete for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, along with Aaron Poreda. The 35-year-old Colon started seven games for the Red Sox last season, posting a 3.92 ERA and record of 4-2. Colon was a workhorse for the 2003 White Sox, tossing 242 innings.
Nick Johnson Trade Talks With Oakland Resume
12:45pm: MLB.com’s Bill Ladson talked to a source who said nothing is imminent in these talks and they haven’t really heated up.
10:48am: According to Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post, the Nationals and A’s have revived trade talks for first baseman Nick Johnson. Sheinin notes that the Nats have previously shown interest in Daric Barton, though that might be a high price to pay for one year of the injury-prone Johnson. Another wrinkle is the A’s addition of Jason Giambi, but there would be ways to make it work.
Stark On The Arbitration Class
ESPN’s Jayson Stark says we’re headed for a historic arbitration class. Players file today, and the dollar submissions become known on Tuesday. If the sides can’t come to an agreement, they go to a hearing and an arbitrator chooses one of the two salary submissions. Be sure to read the article, but here are a few highlights.
- Ryan Howard‘s dad may be behind the player’s unprecedented salary expectations. Howard may ask for $15-17MM in his second arbitration year. He could be a trade candidate in the 2009-10 offseason.
- Prince Fielder‘s numbers and accolades don’t match up to Howard’s, so Scott Boras may have difficulty matching Howard’s first arb year record award of $10MM.
- Cole Hamels could ask for $5MM or more, but seems more amenable to a long-term deal than Howard. Will the Phillies offer him more than three years?
- Other interesting names: Jonathan Papelbon, Kevin Youkilis, Felix Hernandez, Dan Uggla, Zack Greinke, Justin Verlander, Russell Martin, B.J. Upton, Ryan Zimmerman, Jeff Francoeur, and Ervin Santana.
- Looking for a surprise summer trade candidate? Stark talked to one AL exec who wondered if Verlander could be made available if the Tigers are out of contention.
Rangers Avoid Arb With Brandon McCarthy
According to Troy Renck, the Rangers avoided arbitration with starter Brandon McCarthy, signing him for ’09 at $650K.