2:24pm: Carroll's nearing a multiyear deal with the Twins, according to Crasnick (on Twitter). He would be Minnesota's everyday shortstop.
2:08pm: The Twins continue to pursue Carroll, according to Morosi (Twitter link). Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports hears that the Twins and Carroll are talking regularly (Twitter link).
12:50pm: The Twins have had recent discussions for Carroll, according to Morosi (Twitter link).
12:19pm: The Braves and Indians aren't finalists for Carroll, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
11:40am: The Padres are not the team nearing a deal with Carroll, reports MLB.com's Corey Brock (on Twitter).
10:57am: The Dodgers aren't the team that's nearing a deal with Carroll, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times (on Twitter). Troy Renck of the Denver Post says the Rockies aren't the mystery team (Twitter link) and Morosi reports that the Tigers aren't involved.
10:36am: The Blue Jays are showing serious interest in Carroll and were one of three finalists for him as of yesterday, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (all links go to Twitter). Morosi hears that the infielder is "very close" to agreeing to a deal.
7:38am: Jamey Carroll is nearing a multiyear deal with an unknown team, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick (all Twitter links). The Tigers, Rockies, Dodgers and Indians have been mentioned as potential suitors for Carroll, a Millenium Sports Management client who is expected to sign within a few days. The Phillies and Braves have also expressed interest.
The 37-year-old infielder played shortstop and second base for the Dodgers in 2011, posting a .290/.359/.347 line in 510 plate appearances. He hasn't posted an on-base percentage below .355 in any of the past four seasons and he has a career mark of .356 after a decade in the Major Leagues. Carroll, who also has experience at third base and in the outfield, stole ten bases without getting caught this past season. He is not a ranked free agent and won't cost his new team a draft pick.
Carroll spoke with MLBTR's Tim Dierkes in June and you can check out the interview here. Tim predicted the Tigers would sign Carroll, placing him 41st on MLBTR's list of top free agents.
This post was originally published on November 11, 2011.
Twins!!?? Damn, with all the secrecy about the teams involved, I was certain that he was going to sign with the CIA.
But what about Nishioka? He was a gold glove, all star, batting champ in Japan How soon they forget…
Seriously, I like the move, if it actually does happen. I just didn’t have a lot of faith in their other SS options. Just imagine how many errors Plouffe would have if he were to play a full season at SS. We would set a new Major League record.
Japan is like AA ball with even worse pitching.
Bullet dodged!!
Bullet dodged!!
This is a good signing for the Twins. Low risk-average reward type signing. People on here are complaining about our SS hole, when they forget Nishioka can play 2nd and SS. I think they’ll adjust accordingly depending on how the season goes. Right now I expect a platoon in the middle infield between Carroll, Nishioka, and Casilla. Out of those three, I would prefer the two former, and Casilla in clutch situations (at the plate, obviously).
Never heard of him. Good to know, though.
Never heard of him. Good to know, though.
I respectfully disagree, but I do understand what you’re saying. Still, I’d rather platoon Raburn and a guy like Santiago than trust a mediocre 38 year old. Thankfully, Dombrowski seems to want a bigger splash. (I am hoping for Kelly Johnson…)
They better not sign Kelly Johnson. Do you really want to sign Kelly Johnson and lose our first round pick. If we’re going to sign a type A free agent, it better not be Johnson.
I respectfully disagree, but I do understand what you’re saying. Still, I’d rather platoon Raburn and a guy like Santiago than trust a mediocre 38 year old. Thankfully, Dombrowski seems to want a bigger splash. (I am hoping for Kelly Johnson…)
What the f***does this story have to do with the Indians?! They could’ve used him at the end of the season past. Window closed.
You still never explained WHY you don’t want it to be the Twins? This guy could have his worst season as a major leaguer (.270 great D) and be a huge upgrade to the adventures in shortstops they had last year. It’s a great situtation for him to be in.