Twins Sign Scott Baker To Extension
3:48pm: Christensen adds the annual details: Baker will earn $750K this year, $3MM in ’10, $5MM in ’11, and $6.5MM in ’12. So, $14.5MM for the three arb years.
1:07pm: According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins signed pitcher Scott Baker to a four-year deal with an option for 2013. The deal is worth $15.25MM and the ’13 option is for $9.25MM. The contract includes this year and his three arb years and gives the team an option on one free agent season. Baker’s extension is very similar to Paul Maholm‘s deal, which was signed on January 30th.
The 27 year-old righty posted a fine 3.45 ERA in 28 starts last year. He has the impeccable control many Twins pitchers have displayed over the years.
Padres Seek Bullpen Help
MLB.com’s Corey Brock talked to Padres GM Kevin Towers, who said he’s "actively looking" for relief help. Towers is uncertain how his bullpen will shake out beyond Heath Bell in the ninth, and would like to add someone who can miss bats. Towers doesn’t have much to spend on the free agent market, so a trade may be more likely.
Brock finds Joe Beimel unlikely, but notes that the Padres have expressed interest in Will Ohman. On the trade front, Towers specifically mentioned pitchers who are out of options.
Jim Bowden – GM Trade History
By our count, Jim Bowden made over 168 trades as GM of the Reds and Nationals over the years. MLBTR contributor Brendan Bianowicz compiled all of Bowden’s deals in this spreadsheet. Click here to see the other entries in the GM Trade History series.
Royals Catchers In Demand
According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, opposing team scouts have been tracking the Royals’ surplus of catchers this spring.
"A lot of teams need catchers," one scout told Dutton, "and they’ve got three guys who can help a big-league club. You know they’re probably only going to keep two. So you know somebody is going to be available."
The Royals have Miguel Olivo, John Buck and Brayan Pena in camp. Olivo will start at catcher on Opening Day, so Buck and Pena are the most likely to be moved. Dutton writes that "club officials believe a trade market exists for all three players."
Bobby Crosby Requests Trade
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Bobby Crosby met with A’s manager Bob Geren and GM Billy Beane on Friday, and the player was told he’ll be learning multiple positions for 2009. MLB.com’s Barry Bloom adds that Crosby reiterated his desire to be traded at this meeting. All 29 teams declined a chance to take on Crosby and his $5.25MM salary when he was placed on waivers, so the A’s would have to eat salary somehow.
Phillies Sign Rodrigo Lopez
SATURDAY, 10:27am: Troy Renck has the contract details: Lopez will earn $650K if he makes the team. He can opt out June 15 if he’s not on the major league roster.
WEDNESDAY: According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Phillies signed pitcher Rodrigo Lopez to a minor league deal.
The Rockies acquired Lopez from the Orioles in January of 2007, but he was diagnosed with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow in July of that year and had surgery in August. He signed a minor league deal with the Braves in August of last year, but they declined his ’09 option. As far as I can tell, Lopez is represented by Scott Boras.
A’s, Sisco Agree To Minor League Deal
According to the Denver Post’s Troy Renck, the A’s have agreed to terms with left-handed reliever Andrew Sisco on a minor league contract.
The deal is worth $550K. Sisco, 26, last pitched in the majors in 2007. He has a 5.18 career ERA in over 147 major league innings. The A’s had their sights set on Dennys Reyes, before he signed with the Cardinals, and Joe Beimel, who remains a free agent. Sisco was obviously the cheaper option in the end.
Red Sox Pre-Arb Signings
With the exception of Jon Lester, who’s expected to sign at any moment, the Red Sox have agreed to 2009 contracts with every player on their 40-man roster. (Information courtesy of Sean McAdam with the Boston Herald).
Jacoby Ellsbury, Justin Masterson, Jed Lowrie, Clay Buchholz and Wes Littleton have finalized contracts in recent days. Ellsbury will make $449.5K in ’09. Masterson will earn $441K. These are guys with zero to three years of MLB service time.
Notes On The A-Rod Injury
9:44pm: Peter Abraham of the Journal News writes that Yankees GM Brian Cashman "has not spoken to any teams regarding trades." It sounds like the Yanks could deal with A-Rod’s vacancy using in-house options. Then again, as noted below, there are still a few infielders left on the free agent market.
9:50am: A few interesting thoughts from ESPN’s Buster Olney this morning:
The Yankees talked internally in the past about how Robinson Cano‘s best position, in the long term, might be third base. And it may be that if they determine that A-Rod will be out for a long period of time, they could shift Cano from second to third, and create another set of options for themselves, as they try to replace A-Rod’s offense.
At least in terms of the free agent market, this could make sense. Second basemen Mark Grudzielanek and Ray Durham aren’t known for their range, but signing one for $1MM or less could serve as an insurance policy. If the Yankees seek more pop, they could call the Marlins about Dan Uggla (my own speculation). Uggla is under team control through 2011, though, so acquiring him would create a long-term logjam.
Speaking of insurance, Olney notes that the Yankees do have a policy on A-Rod’s contract.
Mauer Extension Talks Soon?
According to Charley Walters of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, representatives for catcher Joe Mauer are expected to meet with Twins GM Bill Smith at some point this week.
Walters suspects that a long-term contract will be the primary issue discussed. Mauer, 25, can become a free agent after the 2010 season. This early in the game, though, perhaps the two sides are just feeling each other out and setting initial parameters.
Mauer has a .317/.399/.457 career line over five MLB seasons.