Astros Sign Bourn, Three Others
The Houston Chronicle’s Brian McTaggart reports that the Astros have signed outfielder Michael Bourn, right-hander Sammy Gervacio, and left-handers Polin Trinidad and Wesley Wright to one-year contracts.
Bourn struggled with increased responsibilities last season, finishing with a line of .229/.288/.300 in 467 at-bats. He stole 41 bases, but will need to prove that he can consistently hit major league pitching. The 26-year-old will make $435K in ’09.
Gervacio and Trinidad signed for $400K, and Wright, the team’s Rookie of the Year in ’08, signed for $425K.
M’s To Set Sights On Anderson, Griffey?
John Hickey of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer expects that the Mariners will soon turn their focus toward signing either Garret Anderson or Ken Griffey Jr.
Even if Seattle enters the race for Bobby Abreu, they’re likely to be outbid by the Angels. The M’s simply don’t have enough room in the budget, unless they’re somehow able to move Jarrod Washburn or Miguel Batista. Hickey suggests that the Mariners might chase Adam Dunn, but notes that he’s "less than enthusiastic about playing in the Northwest."
Beimel Discouraged By Weak Market
Free agent left-hander Joe Beimel told MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick Tuesday that he has spoken with 16 teams this offseason, but none have made "an offer worth accepting."
"It’s a good sign when a club calls, but in this market, you can’t get optimistic just because a club calls," Beimel said. "A lot of teams say they’re interested, but turning words into action hasn’t happened. It’s been strange... I put up good numbers three straight years, I’m durable. Usually that means you get a good contract, but it just hasn’t happened this year. It’s just really weird. I haven’t even had a reasonable offer to negotiate with. I don’t want to sign just to sign. It’s definitely discouraging, but you’ve got to deal with it. I’ll just wait it out."
The Dodgers contacted Beimel’s agent Tuesday afternoon, and the Phillies are also thought to have some level of interest.
Angels Closing In On Bobby Abreu
8:55pm: Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times collected a few quotes from Abreu’s agent, Peter Greenberg:
"The Angels have expressed interest, and we’ve been talking to them — they’re definitely one of the more interesting situations for Bobby," said Greenberg. "It’s a good city, a winning team, and he has some friends over there."
"We’d still like a multi-year deal, but if he doesn’t get what he wants, he’ll be fine with a one-year deal. Then, he could re-establish his market value and hope for better luck next year. He might be faced with that."
8:35pm: SI.com’s Jon Heyman says the Angels "appear to be closing in on a deal" with Abreu.
7:44pm: ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick heard from two baseball sources that the Angels are in serious talks toward a one-year agreement with Abreu.
7:09pm: FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Angels waived right-hander Nick Green from the 40-man roster on Tuesday and believes the team "could be trying to create a spot for a free-agent hitter."
The Angels are thought to prefer Bobby Abreu over Adam Dunn. "One GM pursuing Abreu said Tuesday that he was told Abreu was close to signing with an Amercian League team," writes Rosenthal.
Mets Ink Valentin To Minor League Deal
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Mets have signed infielder Jose Valentin to a minor league contract.
Valentin will be invited to spring training and can earn $800K if he makes the squad. He should provide adequate backup to Luis Castillo this season and could get a good amount of at-bats if Castillo continues to struggle. Valentin was the Mets’ starting second baseman in 2006, when he hit .271 and 18 home runs.
Dodgers Sign Milton To Minor League Deal
Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Dodgers have signed left-hander Eric Milton to a minor league contract worth $650K.
Milton, a 10-year MLB veteran, went 0-4 with a 5.17 ERA in six starts for the Reds in ’07 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June. He hasn’t finished with an earned run average under 5.00 since 2004, when he went 14-6 with the Phillies.
Rockies, Randy Flores Agree To Terms
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies have agreed to terms with left-handed reliever Randy Flores on a minor league contract worth $600K.
Along with the deal comes an invitation to spring training. The Rockies had discussed adding Joe Beimel, but Flores was clearly the much cheaper option. The 33-year-old posted a 5.26 ERA in 43 appearances for the Cardinals last season and a 4.25 mark in 2007.
Braves, Glavine Will Meet Wednesday
FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal reports that the Braves will meet with free agent left-hander Tom Glavine on Wednesday.
As Rosenthal writes, Glavine "is seeking a guarantee in the $2 million to $3 million range." The Braves offered him $1MM last week. Glavine, 43, went 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 13 starts last season before undergoing surgery. He is expected to be ready for Opening Day.
The Braves are thought to have around $7MM left in the budget, but are still in need of an outfielder.
Brewers To Sign Braden Looper
TUESDAY, 8:02pm: Tom Haudricourt, who’s done a great job staying on top of this whole saga, revealed today that Looper’s contract comes with a mutual option for 2010. His ’09 salary is thought to be $4.75MM.
MONDAY, 7:57pm: Haudricourt says the agreement is in place, pending a physical. It’s a one-year deal with an option of some kind for 2010.
2:55pm: Haudricourt talked to Brewers GM Doug Melvin, who is "optimistic" about signing Looper1:56pm: Haudricourt keeps the updates coming. He’s "pretty sure" Looper has reached an agreement with the Brewers.
12:59pm: Haudricourt has now heard from two more sources and says the Brewers will sign Looper. Apparently Looper’s wife didn’t deny the signing when she was contacted.
11:36am: Haudricourt says, "Just got word from one more source that the Looper signing is going to happen."
11:00am: Taking a cautious approach with the scoop, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says the Brewers might sign Braden Looper:
I’m starting to hear that the Brewers have changed their minds about adding a starting pitcher prior to camp and might sign Looper. From what I hear, the sides could be working toward a deal at this very moment.
Haudricourt figures Looper wouldn’t require more than the $5MM guaranteed to Randy Wolf. Looper, 34, posted a 4.16 ERA in 199 innings for the Cardinals in ’08. He pitched to contact, but walked only 2.04 per nine innings.
Diamondbacks Invite 17 To Spring Training
The Diamondbacks have extended 17 non-roster invitations. Steve Gilbert compiled the list for MLB.com.
Right-handed pitchers Hector Ambriz, Tony Barnette, Brooks Brown, Seth Etherton, and Reid Mahon; outfielders Evan Frey, Trent Oeltjen, Gerardo Parra, Chris Roberson and Brandon Watson; infielders Ryan Roberts, Rusty Ryal and Josh Wilson; catchers Luke Carlin, Ed Easley and John Hester, and left-handed pitcher Daniel Schlereth.
The Diamondbacks are hosting a workout for pitchers and catchers on Sunday. Position players must report by Tuesday, February 17.