Cubs owner Tom Ricketts told Mully and Hanley of 670 The Score (via Levine) that he is interested in having extension talks with president of baseball operations Theo Epstein. The 40-year-old executive joined the Cubs just over three years ago on a five-year deal. Here’s more from around the big leagues.
- The Royals are not ruling out the possibility of bringing back DH Billy Butler, reports Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star. While Kansas City obviously did not value him at his $12.5MM option, and had hoped to give some DH time to Alex Gordon and Salvador Perez, Mellinger says that Butler’s play down the stretch and in the postseason has changed the club’s thinking. Of course, his .770 OPS over the season’s last 62 games was hardly world-beating production for a bat-only player, but it did hint that his previous excellence at the plate may still be found. Mellinger theorizes that Kansas City could be willing to guarantee Butler eight figures on a two-year deal, though the lifetime Royal would probably need to forego better offers to stay — which he did say was a possibility earlier in the year.
- Free agent righty Chad Billingsley has changed his representation to Octagon’s Steve Hilliard, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter). He had been a client of Dave Stewart, who of course has given up the business as part of his new career move. Billingsley, still only 30, has missed virtually all of the past two seasons with multiple elbow surgeries. In spite of his health struggles, Billingsley should draw plenty of interest as a buy-low candidate.
I hope that the Dodgers bring both Martin and Billingsley back. Billingsley was doing great right before he went down, I believe going 8-0 in his last 8 starts. Like it says, buy low high rewards. And Martin, one of my Dodger favorites. We have a need at both positions, so yeah. Get on it Dodgers F.O.
Nice!
Come on home to Canada, Russell!
Hopefully the Dodgers are one of those teams that buy low on Bills. Could be a big help if he can stay healthy, definitely worth the risk of a minor league deal
When they say buy low, they are saying low base salary with tons of incentives. Billingsley will get a major league contract, no question about it.
I could see Boston going after Bills. Id like to see LA sign him and Russ.
Only if it is something like JJ got last season in San Diego or he gets the option they gave Lackey. Where should he miss time with an elbow injury the Sox get a team option at the league minimum.
So theroretically cut Butler’s salary in half to a minimum of 5m over 2? I can’t imagine he’d bite on that. I suppose there’s a wide range in saying 8 figures
Billy Butler. Best defensive DH in the American League.