Glavine’s Return To Braves Not Certain
FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal has heard from several major league sources that the Braves’ "tightening finances could lead to the departure of yet another Braves legend," Tom Glavine.
As Rosenthal writes, "the Braves, in greater need of another outfielder than another starting pitcher, might not be in position to add both."
The team is targeting Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady in trade talks, and has made contact with free agent Bobby Abreu. Each of those guys will earn over $5MM this season. Glavine is apparently looking for around $3MM in guaranteed money, which might not fit in the budget.
Phillies Still Eyeing Nomar Garciaparra
Scott Lauber of the Wilmington News Journal spoke with Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. Thursday afternoon. Amaro reaffirmed the club’s interest in Nomar Garciaparra, but said he doesn’t expect an answer from the free agent infielder until spring training begins.
Garciaparra is supposedly considering retirement due to health issues. "Nomar has been great through the whole process, but he doesn’t want to put our team in a position to bring on a player who may not be prepared to perform at his accustomed level," Amaro said. "But if we can bring Nomar in and give him an opportunity to be in camp, if he feels like he’s healthy enough to do that, it gives us more depth."
Amaro said he’s "not sure" if Nomar would be willing to accept a minor league contract if he does decide to play this year.
Reds Hoping To Avoid Arb With Encarnacion
According to MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon, the Reds are working to avoid arbitration with third baseman Edwin Encarnacion.
A hearing is scheduled for February 17. Encarnacion is seeking $3.7MM while the club offered $2.55MM. The 26-year-old hit .251/.340/.466 last season with 26 home runs and 68 RBI, but his defense has been questioned by some critics.
How’s Joe Crede Doing?
4:53pm: Scott Boras told Christensen Crede is healthy and playing surface is not an issue. He implied that Crede will sign somewhere within the next two weeks.
1:54pm: Joe Crede‘s workout for scouts took place on January 28th, with the Giants and Twins the teams known to have attended. SI.com’s Jon Heyman heard the workout was "impressive," while Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune said he "looked good." La Velle E. Neal III of the Star-Tribune heard on January 22nd that Crede "thinks he’s finally licked the back problems that have limited him to 144 games over the previous two seasons" after minor offseason surgery.
Christensen’s outlook today is less rosy – he’s heard Crede is at 75 percent. The Twins won’t guarantee the $5MM Crede and Scott Boras desire at this point. Christensen adds that Twins officials "seem about 90 percent certain there won’t be any notable changes to the roster before spring training." That means a reliever signing is unlikely.
Mets Sign Elmer Dessens
According to Troy Renck of the Denver Post, the Mets signed pitcher Elmer Dessens to a minor league deal potentially worth $600K.
Dessens, 37, pitched four innings for the Braves last year but spent most of the year in the Mexican League.
Mariners Sign Tyler Johnson
One of the seven free agent lefty relievers was plucked off the market today, as the Mariners signed Tyler Johnson to a minor league deal according to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times. Johnson, 27, was non-tendered by the Cards in December. He missed the entire ’08 season with shoulder problems. He held lefties to a .224/.307/.418 line in 2007.
Blue Jays Add T.J. Beam, DFA Russ Adams
According to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, the Blue Jays claimed pitcher T.J. Beam off waivers from the Pirates and designated infielder Russ Adams for assignment.
Beam, 28, posted a 4.14 ERA and 4.7 K/9 in 45.6 innings for the Pirates last year. The Bucs had signed him as a free agent in January of ’08, but designated him for assignment a few days ago to make room for Eric Hinske.
Adams, 28, hit .259/.341/.417 at Triple A this year. He was drafted 14th overall in 2002. He was the team’s starter at shortstop and second base at various points in ’05 and ’06.
Twins, Matt Guerrier Avoid Arbitration
According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins avoided arbitration with reliever Matt Guerrier by signing him for $1.475MM for ’09 (the midpoint of their submissions).
Just a few days ago, the Twins and Guerrier appeared headed to a hearing.
Ben Sheets To Have Elbow Surgery
3:39pm: SI.com’s Jon Heyman talked to Sheets’ agent Casey Close, who said his client will have elbow surgery. Sheets hopes for a July or August return. Tom Haudricourt says Sheets expects the Brewers to pay for the procedure.
1:56pm: ESPN’s Jayson Stark says the surgery Sheets is considering has a standard 9-10 month recovery time, jeopardizing his 2009 season. Stark adds that "some teams that had pursued Sheets this winter seemed to be more concerned about his shoulder than his elbow."
Ken Rosenthal says Sheets is "seriously considering" surgery, with the goal of pitching in the second half.
12:45pm: According to MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy and T.R. Sullivan, Ben Sheets has a torn flexor tendon in his elbow that might require surgery. There is some debate as to whether the Brewers would have to pay for the procedure. The Rangers and Sheets agreed to a two-year deal last week, but the physical threw a wrench into it. GM Jon Daniels says he’s not optimistic at this point.
The injury first surfaced late in the ’08 season, but until Sheets’ physical with the Rangers it was thought that rehab would be sufficient. As many readers have pointed out, if Sheets has surgery and signs after the June draft he’ll no longer cost a draft pick to sign.
Reds Sign Jacque Jones, Daryle Ward
According to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News, the Reds signed Jacque Jones and Daryle Ward to minor league deals today.
Jones, 34 in April, hit .147/.239/.207 in 134 plate appearances for the Tigers and Marlins last year. Jones played winter ball and had laser eye surgery this winter. Troy Renck says he’ll get $600K and an April out clause.
Ward, 33, hit .216/.319/.402 in 119 plate appearances for the Cubs last year. He missed time with a herniated disc.