Pirates Could Trade Doumit

The latest update from Ken Rosenthal's and Jon Paul Morosi's blog at FOX Sports indicates that the Pittsburgh Pirates are willing to trade Ryan Doumit.

Rosenthal and Morosi hear that multiple teams asked about Doumit's availability at this week's GM meetings, and that the Pirates "would not hesitate" to move him for the right package.

The 28-year-old struggled through an injury-plagued 2009 campaign, posting a .250/.299/.414 line in only 75 games. He's just one year removed, however, from a .318/.357/.501 season in which he played almost exclusively behind the plate. His ability to play multiple positions (including catcher), combined with his power, could make him an attractive option to a handful of teams. The FOX report names the Giants, Mariners, and Rays as good fits, though it doesn't confirm that any of the three teams have expressed interest.

Rangers Interested In Guerrero

The Texas Rangers' search for a right-handed bat has them looking at Vladimir Guerrero, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

A source "with knowledge of [Guerrero's] thinking" says that the two-year, $19MM contract that Bobby Abreu signed with the Angels might raise Guerrero's expectations for a deal this winter. The FOX report, however, speculates that Vladdy may ultimately just earn a one-year deal, perhaps for $3-5MM plus incentives, which Texas should be able to afford.

The 34-year-old and the Rangers appear to be a good match, considering Texas' need for right-handed power and Vlad's career numbers at Rangers Ballpark (.394/.471/.705). In our Rangers offseason outlook earlier today, Guerrero's name came up as a potential target for the team.

Nationals Looking At Defensive Shortstops

The Washington Nationals are interested in shortstops Alex Gonzalez and Adam Everett, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.

With the Nationals tentatively planning to move Cristian Guzman from short to second base, a major league source tells Rosenthal and Morosi that the team is looking to add a strong defensive shortstop. Gonzalez posted a +10.5 UZR/150 in 2009, while Everett's UZR/150 was +13.6.

Gonzalez and Everett could each still re-sign with their respective teams, the Red Sox and Tigers, in which case the Nationals might look elsewhere for middle infield help. In a separate article by MLB.com's Bill Ladson, new manager Jim Riggleman suggests that he wouldn't mind starting 2010 with prospect Ian Desmond at shortstop.

Giants, Orioles Pursuing Dan Uggla

THURSDAY, 9:10pm: Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports say that while the Orioles and Marlins are discussing Uggla, it might not be a match.  The Orioles aren't sure how Uggla would produce in the American League, and may be reluctant to give up young talent for two years of his services.  Indeed, check out Andy MacPhail's general comments to Jeff Zrebiec:

"I just don't see us giving up a young and talented player for a short-term fix.  If we give up a young and talented player and fill a different position that we thought was a greater need going forward, that would be something we'd consider. But I don't see us giving up somebody we see as a core guy for a one- or two-year guy."

Of course, the Marlins didn't get a ton for Josh Willingham and Scott Olsen a year ago, so maybe the price for Uggla will be acceptable.

WEDNESDAY, 3:04pm: MLB.com's Joe Frisaro believes the Nationals will also show interest in Uggla.

1:19pm: The Giants and Orioles are showing the most interest in Dan Uggla, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.  Those clubs would move Uggla to third base, a position he hasn't played since 2005 in the minors.  The writers add that the Red Sox have inquired, with an eye on using Uggla in left field.  Uggla played 20 games in the outfield in Double A in '04.  Rosenthal and Morosi add that an Uggla trade would compel the Marlins to retain Jorge Cantu.

Uggla, 30 in March, hit .243/.354/.459 in 668 plate appearances this season as the Marlins' second baseman.  He's under team control for two more years, but is due a raise on his $5.35MM salary of '09.

Discussion: Reds Looking To Deal?

SI.com's Jon Heyman reported yesterday that the Cincinnati Reds might field offers for Brandon Phillips, Francisco Cordero, and Bronson Arroyo.

We've heard plenty of speculation that the trade market will be more vibrant this offseason than the free agent market, with so few big names available through free agency. Phillips and Cordero would each match up well with the best free agents available at their respective positions, and even Arroyo posted a 3.84 ERA in 220.1 IP this season. Teams may be more inclined to inquire about their price tags than to dish out long-term contracts to similar or lesser free agents.

The Reds once again finished below .500 last year in the NL Central, and are looking up at the Cardinals, Cubs, and Brewers, who all seem more likely than Cincinnati to add an impact talent this winter. The Reds are not a large-market team; their 2009 payroll sat at $73MM, and we heard earlier this week that it'll be even smaller in 2010. It makes sense that they would explore the return on a few of their bigger contracts and attempt to rebuild around players like Jay Bruce, Edinson Volquez, and Joey Votto (or top first base prospect Yonder Alonso).

These contracts won't be easy for the Reds to move, however. Cordero's deal runs through 2011, with a club option for 2012. In each of the next two seasons, he'll make $12MM, and a limited no-trade clause could complicate matters even more. Arroyo will earn $11MM in 2010, with a $11MM club option for 2011. Phillips is a little cheaper for now, earning $6.75MM in 2010. He'll also make $11MM in 2011 though, with a club option for 2012.

An all-out fire sale seems unlikely, but the Reds could earn salary relief, and maybe even decent prospects, in exchange for Phillips, Cordero or Arroyo (or, for that matter, Aaron Harang). On the other hand, it might kill whatever hope the team has of contending in the near future. So what do you think, Reds fans? Would you like to see the club explore trade options, or is there a better way to restore the franchise to prominence?

Check out Tim's offseason outlook for the Reds to see all of the team's 2010 commitments. And if you missed it earlier today, click here for his analysis of the trade market for starters, which includes Arroyo and Harang.

Eyre Would Only Pitch For Phillies

Scott Eyre had successful surgery on his throwing elbow and has filed for free agency, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Zolecki says that if Eyre doesn't retire, the left-hander only wants to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010.

We heard earlier in the season that Eyre was leaning towards retiring, but Philadelphia's playoff run rejuvenated his interest in continuing his career. The team was waiting to see how Eyre's elbow surgery turned out before discussing the 37-year-old's future. Now that the surgery has been performed without a hitch, Zolecki indicates that the Phillies will be in touch with Eyre's agent about a possible return.

When he was healthy, Eyre was one of the club's most dependable relievers, posting a 1.50 ERA in 42 appearances (albeit only 30 innings). If the Phillies are confident in Eyre's health, I don't think they'd mind bringing him back on a one-year deal similar to the one he signed for $2MM last winter.

Odds & Ends: Astros, Schmidt, Callaspo

A few Thursday evening links to browse through….

Mariners Rumors: Matsui, Lackey, Harden

In his latest article, Larry Stone of the Seattle Times examines some names that have been linked to the Mariners, and speculates on how likely each player is to end up in Seattle. Let's take a look at some of his thoughts….

  • If Hideki Matsui were to leave New York, Stone doesn't expect the designated hitter to sign with the Mariners. Seattle would prefer a DH that could play the field occasionally, which Matsui probably can't do.
  • How aggressively the Mariners pursue John Lackey will depend on the market. If Lackey could be had at a reasonable price, Stone anticipates the team making "a big push."
  • Rich Harden heading back west to the AL West "has legs," according to Stone. He views Harden as a worthwhile gamble this winter, and one the Mariners could look into.
  • If the team's pursuit of Lackey, Harden, or other higher-profile pitching targets fell through, Doug Davis could be a cheaper option.
  • Among the free agents Stone doesn't see the Mariners being major players for: Jason Bay, Orlando Hudson, and Jarrod Washburn.
  • Stone also doesn't buy into the Lyle Overbay rumors.

Trade Market: Starting Pitchers

Next up in our Trade Market series, starting pitchers.  Click here to see our free agent market analysis.  Get a comfy chair, because there are about 30 pitchers named here.

  • Roy Halladay, Blue Jays.  Doc is perhaps the game's best pitcher, and new Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos may look to cash him in for a bevy of young talent.  Halladay has a no-trade clause and $15.75MM remaining on his contract.
  • Edwin Jackson, Tigers.  The rumor first surfaced at the GM Meetings that Jackson could be made available as a way for the Tigers to trim payroll.  Jackson's probably not as good as his 3.62 ERA this year, but he's only 26 and is under team control for two more years.
  • Justin Verlander, Tigers.  We haven't heard Verlander's name in trade rumors. But he's similar to Felix Hernandez, a young ace headed toward a large second-year arbitration award.  Imagine the teams that would come calling for Verlander.
  • Nate Robertson, Tigers.  At $10MM next year, the Tigers could attempt to unload Robertson in a bad contract swap or by pairing him with someone valuable.  He had minor elbow surgery in July and hasn't been effective in years.
  • Dontrelle Willis, Tigers.  Willis, owed $12MM in 2010, suffered through another lost season this year.  He has even less trade value than Robertson.
  • Jeremy Bonderman,Tigers.  The 27-year-old Bonderman would be an interesting project if he wasn't owed $12.5MM.  He's coming back from a shoulder injury.
  • Derek Lowe, Braves.  Trading Lowe would free up $45MM over the next three years for the Braves. The contract might be viewed as excessive, but Lowe still has value.
  • Kenshin Kawakami, Braves.  With $13.3MM owed over the new two years, Kawakami would be an affordable mid-rotation acquisition.  Kawakami posted a 3.86 ERA in 156.3 innings in his MLB debut.
  • Javier Vazquez, Braves.  Vazquez was an ace in 2009, ranking fourth in baseball with 238 strikeouts.  He's earning $11.5MM in '10, and can block deals to AL and NL West clubs.  The Braves may extend him if they trade Lowe.
  • Felix Hernandez, Mariners.  At the GM Meetings, Ms GM Jack Zduriencik said "Felix is our property," but wouldn't rule out a future trade.  The expectation is that the Mariners will attempt to lock him up and might consider a trade if they fail.  Hernandez will turn 24 in April.
  • Barry Zito, Giants.  Zito is owed $83MM over the next four years, and has a full no-trade clause.  He's pretty much untradeable, and aside from Vernon Wells' deal there's not much worse.
  • Bronson Arroyo, Reds.  The durable Arroyo pitched below a 2.00 ERA over the season's last two months, dragging his '09 mark down to 3.84.  He has $13MM and one year left on his contract, and presumably the Reds could dump him to cut costs.
  • Aaron Harang, Reds.  Harang has been very hittable in recent years, but his strikeout and walk rates are still pretty good.  He has $14.5MM and one year left on his deal, so he might be tougher to move than Arroyo.
  • Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles.  Guthrie turns 31 in April, but he's still under team control through 2012.  His numbers slipped last year, and the Orioles could move him to the NL and still get something decent in return.
  • Josh Johnson, Marlins.  Arbitration-eligible Marlins always make the Trade Candidate posts.  Johnson is the rare talent the Fish will actually try to lock up, though.
  • Jeff Suppan, Brewers.  His ugly contract is wrapping up, with $14.5MM left for one year.  The Brewers need starters, but not ones with a 1.08 K/BB ratio.
  • Roy Oswalt, Astros.  Will the Astros fixture finally be traded this year?  He has a full no-trade clause and is owed $33MM over the next two seasons.  His value seems to be slipping as his salary increases.  But if the Astros are trying to contend, they must keep Oswalt.
  • Carlos Zambrano, Cubs.  A trade rumbling popped up in September, but was quickly shot down.
  • Gil Meche, Royals.  Meche will earn $24MM over the next two seasons.  Shoulder and back problems resulted in his first lousy Royals campaign this year.
  • Brian Bannister, Royals. The studious righty drew trade deadline interest from multiple clubs.  Shoulder fatigue ended his season, during which he posted a 4.73 ERA in 154 innings.  Like Guthrie, Bannister is under team control through 2012.
  • Brian Tallet, Blue Jays.  The 32-year-old lefty moved in and out of the Jays rotation this year, and seems expendable.  He's headed toward an arbitration raise if tendered a contract.
  • Dave Bush, Brewers.  The Brewers are not in a position to shed pitching, but the arbitration-eligible Bush earned $4MM in '09.  If the Brewers consider him a non-tender candidate, they could look to trade him first.
  • Brandon McCarthy, Rangers.  Another arbitration-eligible righty, McCarthy has never pitched more than 101.6 big league innings in a season.  The Rangers may decide to go with someone else for their fifth starter job. 
  • Andy Sonnanstine, Rays.  The soft-tossing righty couldn't hang on to his rotation spot this year despite 13 wins in '08.  He lost his pinpoint control, but the NL has a way of making those things return.  Bonus: he's not yet arbitration-eligible.
  • Oliver Perez, Mets. Just another ugly contract, with $24MM over two years remaining.  He'll try to rebuild his value with a winter at the Athletes Performance Institute.
  • Carlos Silva, Mariners.  Silva has $25MM remaining over two years, so he's probably unmovable. 
  • Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks.  Webb is one to watch as a possible summer trade candidate, should the D'Backs fall out of contention.
  • Jamie Moyer, Phillies.  Moyer profiles as the Phillies' fifth starter, with Pedro Martinez and Brett Myers headed for free agency.  The 47-year-old wasn't thrilled about being sent to the bullpen in August, and ESPN's Jayson Stark pondered his offseason trade prospects at that time.  The $8MM he has coming next year would be the issue.
  • Chris Young, Padres.  At $6.25MM in 2010, Young is the highest-paid Padre.  If he can bounce back from exploratory shoulder surgery, he could be put on the block next summer.
  • Jake Westbrook, Indians.  The Tribe surely wouldn't mind shedding Westbrook's $11MM.  He had Tommy John surgery in June of '08 and hasn't pitched in the Majors since.

Royals Prefer Trades

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star dishes on the Royals…

  • Dayton Moore…step away from the free agent market.  The Royals are moving toward trades, with an eye on the long-term.  Owner David Glass says the plan is to "turn over some of the club."  Moore already made a nice move in flipping Mark Teahen for Josh Fields and Chris Getz.
  • Dutton again mentions the talks between the Dodgers and Royals on a possible A.J. Ellis for Alberto Callaspo deal.  Ellis, 29 in April, posted OBPs over .436 in Triple A for 2008-09.
  • The Royals are probably stuck with Jose Guillen, but David DeJesus and Gil Meche could be trade chips.  Dutton says the Royals prefer to keep Meche though.
  • Dutton says the Royals are more likely to trade for a center fielder than to re-sign Coco Crisp.
  • Via Twitter, Dutton says lefty Lenny DiNardo and reliever Yasuhiko Yabuta elected free agency.