Blue Jays Sign Kevin Millar
4:00pm: The Blue Jays have a press release out.
3:16pm: According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Blue Jays and Kevin Millar reached an agreement on a minor league deal. Millar, 37, hit .234/.323/.394 in 610 plate appearances for the Orioles last year. Rosenthal notes that Millar has been in the AL East since the Red Sox snagged him in February of ’03.
Rosenthal On Lefty Relievers, Bobby Crosby
New information from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
The top free agent lefty relievers may sign this week. Will Ohman received three offers in recent days and four total; he could sign today or tomorrow. Back on February 5th, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick linked the Mets and Phillies to Ohman after talking to his agent. Rosenthal does not indicate which clubs made the offers, however. The Dodgers are in on Joe Beimel, who they declined to offer arbitration to in December. Dennys Reyes continues to draw interest from the Dodgers and A’s.
Rosenthal adds that the A’s want to save their money for Orlando Cabrera, who would replace Bobby Crosby at shortstop. The Padres would not have interest in Crosby.
Odds and Ends: Garland, Lindstrom, Angels
Links for Wednesday…
- I cleaned up the 2010 free agent list a bit, eliminating a few guys who will not have six years service time after ’09. For example, Tim Redding. He’ll be a Met in 2010 unless they non-tender him.
- Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic learned that if Jon Garland is traded this season and is a Type A free agent afterwards, his new team cannot offer him arbitration.
- Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald has an interesting profile on Marlins closer Matt Lindstrom.
- RotoAuthority gathers comments from readers on their favorite fantasy league provider. Yahoo leagues are open for registration, by the way.
- Sam Miller of the OC Register lists possible trade pieces for the Angels if they are able to finish up the Bobby Abreu contract.
Miguel Tejada Admits Lying
WEDNESDAY: Tejada pleaded guilty to lying and "admitted buying what he believed was human growth hormone." He figures to get probation.
TUESDAY: According to Del Quentin Wilber and Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post, Astros shortstop Miguel Tejada "was charged today with lying to congressional investigators about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball." Specifically, Tejada is charged with lying to investigators about having conversations with another player (Adam Piatt) about performance-enhancing drugs.
D’Backs Could Re-Sign Juan Cruz
WEDNESDAY: Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic says a D’Backs reunion with Cruz is unlikely, because they’d lose the chance at a compensation pick.
MONDAY: On Friday, ESPN’s Jayson Stark mentioned that the Diamondbacks "do have some interest in bringing back Juan Cruz in the right deal." Cruz’s Type A status and rejection of Arizona’s offer of arbitration has crippled his market.
Today MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert confirms Stark’s note, writing that the D’Backs have discussed re-signing Cruz. We learned when the D’Backs signed Jon Garland that recent circumstances have freed up cash for Arizona. Cruz, 30, boasts huge strikeout rates but has poor control.
Uggla’s Arbitration Hearing Is Today
According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla will have his arbitration hearing today. The Marlins submitted $4.4MM, while Uggla is at $5.35MM. Uggla will sit in on the proceedings.
Royals Monitoring Free Agent Market
The Royals are leaving the door ajar for a free agent addition or midseason move, says Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. Team owner David Glass had this to say:
"Being as candid as I can, we’re close to where we’re going to have to be on payroll. But you still can make some moves. One thing that I want to make sure we do is have the flexibility where at midseason, if we’re in this thing, we have the opportunity to improve this team."
Royals GM Dayton Moore on the topic:
"We’ll continue to look at names, and we’re monitoring how things are unfolding with some of the remaining players. But if we add (payroll), we’re going to have to subtract."
The salary of new first baseman Mike Jacobs remains undetermined, with the team submitting $2.75MM and Jacobs at $3.8MM. Aside from Jacobs, the Royals added about $16MM in ’09 salaries this winter by bringing in Coco Crisp, Kyle Farnsworth, Miguel Olivo, Horacio Ramirez, Doug Waechter, and Willie Bloomquist.
Dutton notes that the Royals had previous interest in Orlando Hudson and Orlando Cabrera, but remain reluctant to lose their second-round pick even if the middle infielders come at bargain prices.
Yankees Won’t Void A-Rod’s Contract Or Trade Him
As expected, the Yankees won’t try to void Alex Rodriguez‘s contract or trade him in the wake of news about his 2001-03 steroid use. George A. King III and Mark Hale of the New York Post asked Hank Steinbrenner about the possibility of voiding the deal, and he said, "No, no…it’s simply…that’s it basically." Steinbrenner also chuckled/giggled when asked about attempting to trade A-Rod.
Glavine Decision Close
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, free agent lefty Tom Glavine is likely to make a decision within 36-48 hours on whether to take the Braves’ offer or move on. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman says he’s scheduled to meet with Braves GM Frank Wren today. Crasnick describes the offer:
Sources said the Braves have offered Glavine a $1MM base salary, another $1MM if he’s on the Opening Day roster, and an additional $1MM after 60 days. Glavine is believed to be looking for some incentives that could kick in and increase the value of the deal if he’s able to make at least 25-30 starts. Glavine is also apparently willing to defer some salary to make a deal work with Atlanta.
Glavine, 42, had flexor tendon and shoulder surgery in August of last year.
Rangers Sign Andruw Jones
TUESDAY, 10:16pm: Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Rangers finalized their deal with Jones. He has contract details, including a March 20th opt-out.
SUNDAY, 8:31pm: Tony Jackson of the Los Angeles Daily News reports that the Dodgers will receive half of the money Jones gets from the Rangers in ’09.
8:01pm: Manager Ron Washington seems to think Jones will find success with the Rangers. This quote comes via Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
"[Hitting coach] Rudy [Jaramillo] liked what he saw in his swing and thinks he can help him be consistent," said Washington. "He could be an impact. He was an impact for 12 years in Atlanta… I’m excited to have him. I think it’s a big challenge for him. We’re looking forward to seeing what he may still have and how he can help us."
1:23pm: Jeff Wilson has confirmation of the deal from Rangers GM Jon Daniels. Jones can opt out of his contract on March 20.
10:45am: Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports the Rangers will sign Andruw Jones to a minor league contract in the next few days.
The deal is for $500,000 if he makes the big league club and includes $1MM in bonuses; however, Sherman notes, he would have to be a full-time player to earn the full one million. The Rangers already have five outfielders that Jones will need to compete with for a starting role, most notably David Murphy or Nelson Cruz – so his chances are slim. Even as a backup he’s competing with Frank Catalanotto and Marlon Byrd.