The Rockies have six known candidates for their managerial vacancy in Jason Giambi, bench coach Tom Runnells, former shortstop Walt Weiss, Jerry Manuel, former Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, and current Diamondbacks bench coach Matt Williams. While they have expressed interest in Giants bench coach Ron Wotus, a major league source told Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post that the list is not likely to be expanded beyond those six. The source didn't completely rule out the possibility of more names being added, though Wotus hasn't had an interview scheduled with the club. Here's more from around baseball..
- In a conference call with reporters, White Sox General Manager Rick Hahn said that the short length of Jake Peavy's deal was "absolutely key" in getting the deal done, writes Jim Margalus of South Side Sox. Hahn went on to reiterate that he hopes to have Kevin Youkilis, A.J. Pierzynski, and Brett Myers back with the club in 2013.
- After acquiring reliever Heath Bell and shortstop Cliff Pennington, the Diamondbacks don't have a lot of free agent needs this winter, writes Corey Brock of MLB.com. General Manager Kevin Towers will now look to add a starting pitcher, left-handed reliever, and possibly a third baseman. Towers obviously isn't averse to trading and could go that route rather than looking to the open market.
- Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker runs down this year's NPB free agents with possible major league interest. Relievers Kyuji Fujikawa and Hideki Okajima are already well-known but shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima and second baseman Kensuke Tanaka could also make the jump this winter. The Yankees won the rights to sign Nakajima last year but were unable to come to terms with him on a deal. Tanaka appears to be a prototypical small-ball player and is reportedly willing to take a minor league deal.
- Reds pitching coach Bryan Price has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Marlins' managerial vacancy, tweets John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Kind of wonder if Duquette maybe will have 2nd thoughts regarding the 13m option with Reynolds now (if he was thinking about picking it up) now that Youk’s option was declined. Youk is a better defender at both 3b and 1b, better eye at the plate and odds are his bat comes back some in 2013.
Something around 2/16-18 would be a good deal.
Youk is also increasingly brittle. Stick with Reynolds.
Good to hear about Bryan Price. Not only is he invaluable to that Cincinnati team, but Miami is NOT the place to go and hope to succeed as a manager. As long as Loria is in charge of that club they will go nowhere. Wise choice, Mr. Price.
Hiroyuki Nakajima didnt sign with the Yankees last time around but I hope now that Hiroki Kuroda and Ichiro Suzuki have played there, he might be a little more interested in what New York has to offer. His OBP ranked 2nd in the league, His SLG% was 4th and he was 1 point away from having the highest batting average in the Pacific League (NPB).
With Jeter’s ankle in question and no heir apparent in sight, I would love to see Nakajima (29) in Pinstripes. I really hope the contract negotiations from last time are water under the bridge and they can work something out. Having Nakajima and Nunez to back up Jeter and Arod while also getting At Bats at DH and in the field makes so much sense.
Nakajima and Nunez could even battle it out for third base if Arod is traded as it would help the team get younger and faster. Yankees would have a ton of flexibility bringing in a hitter like Hiroyuki.
Correct me if I’m wrong but I recall the yankees basically offered Nakajima a bench role last year to which he vehemently declined and you’re suggesting he take the same deal.
Hiroyuki Nakajima or Kensuke Tanaka to the Jays. Kyuji Fujikawa could be useful to.