Links for Wednesday night, as we wonder which team won the rights to negotiate a contract with Yu Darvish…
- The chances of Jimmy Rollins signing with the Tigers seem incredibly thin, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).
- GM Dave Dombrowski said the Tigers had "minimal" discussions with Aramis Ramirez’s representatives, Chris Iott MLive.com reports. The Tigers did not make the third baseman a formal offer before the Brewers signed him.
- Athletics closer Andrew Bailey admits that he doesn't know where he'll be pitching next year, but the trade candidate sounds prepared for the possibility that he'll be dealt before Opening Day, as Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald writes. Bailey grew up on the East Coast and says he has an understanding of what it would be like to pitch for a team like the Red Sox.
- Brewers GM Doug Melvin says he's moving forward under the assumption that Ryan Braun will be in the lineup next year, Carrie Muskat of MLB.com reports. The Brewers are doing "business as normal," though Braun tested positive for a banned substance and faces a possible 50-game suspension.
Solid point. I wasn’t against going after Reyes/Rollins at all, and if Florida ends up with a problem with Ramirez I wouldn’t mind trying to trade for him….Peralta is an alright shortstop, but his range is limited and I think 3rd is better for him.
I also wouldn’t mind getting rid of Raburn, and I think Santiago’s perfect role is what we’ve already been using him in the last few years. It’s just if they make no more moves and go in with what they have, I think I’ll feel better about 2nd than 3rd this season. Ideally they upgrade one of the 2 though. And I guess considering that both Raburn AND Santiago can play 3rd a bit, plus Inge and Kelly, and maybe Avila or Cabrera in an absolute pinch, 2nd would be the better option.
Michael Cuddyer?