Glavine Shows Interest In Nationals
According to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson, Tom Glavine would be interested in signing with the Nationals if he is unable to reach an agreement with the Braves for the 2009 season. A source close to Glavine says that the lefty is close to Washington’s team president Stan Kasten, who was with the Braves from from 1987 to 2002.
Though the Nationals would rather sign young players to long-term deals, the 42-year-old could serve as a mentor to Washington southpaws John Lannan and Scott Olsen.
In just 13 games with the Braves last season, Glavine went 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA.
Hudson On Braves’ Radar
In the comments section of his blog, David O’Brien reports that the Braves either previously had or currently have their sights on free agent Orlando Hudson.
In the same comment however, O’Brien mentions that he’s not sure the Braves would be too excited about moving Kelly Johnson out to left field. As an alternative to signing Hudson, the Braves may stick with Johnson at 2B, and test the outfield market.
Padres, Nats Interested In Ohman
According to ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick the Nationals and Padres are among the teams interested in Will Ohman. Both teams are "bottom fishing," and are considered secondary options for the lefty reliever.
Ohman hoped for a deal similar to the ones signed by Jeremy Affeldt ($8MM, two years) and Damaso Marte ($12MM, three years). He’s generated lots of interest and has a new contract offer from an unnamed team.
Crasnick mentions the Dodgers and Mets as potential suitors for Ohman, and the D’Backs, Orioles, Rangers, Indians, Rays and Braves have all reportedly had interest in him.
Chipper Wants To Stay With Braves
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman talked with Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who is entering the final year of his contract. Jones would like a three-year extension, but hasn’t had any talks with the Braves this winter. He’d prefer not to negotiate during the season.
Jones, 37 in April, hit a massive .364/.470/.574 in 534 plate appearances last year. His defense came out above average in the plus/minus system. FanGraphs placed a phenomenal value on Jones’ season: $34.4MM.
O’Brien Discusses Andruw Jones
Braves beat writer David O’Brien discusses Andruw Jones in a new blog post. He believes the Braves are leaning toward signing him, simply as "very small gamble they’d hope would pay off, nothing more." The Braves continue to look at other outfield options, guys like Adam Dunn, Nick Swisher, and Xavier Nady.
O’Brien adds that Scott Boras said Jones received eight inquiries and probably will not make a decision before late next week.
Braves’ Non-Roster Invitees
David O’Brien has the Braves’ non-roster Spring Training invitees:
RHPs Rafael Cruz, Emiliano Fruto, Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen; LHPs Francisley Bueno, Mariano Gomez and Juan Perez); catchers J.C. Boscan, Phillip Britton, Alvin Colina and Matt Kennelly; INFs Brooks Conrad, Freddie Freeman and Brandon Hicks, and OFs Jason Heyward and Jordan Schafer.
Glavine Progressing Rapidly
Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Tom Glavine’s second session throwing off the mound went significantly better than his first, and that the veteran lefty now feels that he could be ready for the start of the regular season.
Working out his surgically-repaired elbow and shoulder for the second time in four days, Glavine mixed in changeups for the first time, and reported no pain. "If you’d have told me that in the middle of January I would have thrown off the mound a few times and seen this kind of improvement in arm strength, I’d have certainly taken it," Glavine said.
As for whether or not he anticipates returning to the Braves, Glavine admitted uncertainty. "There’s always a chance that it might not work out because of finances or that they want to go in another direction. I’m not worried about that. I’m just worried about getting to the point where I can pitch again." The 42-year-old had a 5.54 ERA in 63.1 innings with the Braves in 2008.
Tim Hudson’s Option
TUESDAY: ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick spoke to Hudson’s agent Paul Cohen today, who said Hudson’s 2010 option is mutual. Hudson can void it if the Braves exercise it (info came via an email from Crasnick).
FRIDAY: David O’Brien fills in readers on Tim Hudson‘s 2010 option:
I asked about Hudson’s option today, and found out it’s not a mutual option, but a club option. Yes, they fully intend to exercise it, barring some unexpected turn of events.
That option is for $12MM with a $1MM buyout. Since Hudson had Tommy John surgery in August of ’08, he could make a second-half impact for the Braves this year.
Rosenthal On Roberts, Hudson, Counsell
Let’s take a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal.
- The Orioles have their ears open Brian Roberts, whose trade value has diminished as he nears free agency. The White Sox can’t afford him, the Braves are reluctant to give up talent, and the Cubs didn’t discuss him in the Felix Pie talks. The Roberts market may improve once Orlando Hudson signs.
- Rosenthal’s source says the Michael Young–Jermaine Dye discussions did take place. If you read Dave van Dyck’s article, Ken Williams never specifically denied talks with the Rangers.
- Rosenthal believes that if the Cubs make another big move, it’ll be a Jake Peavy trade. They’re not in on Hudson.
- The Dodgers have roughly $50MM in payroll flexibility right now.
- The Giants may be looking at Manny Ramirez, but they’ve also looked in trades for hitters – "presumably" Prince Fielder or Corey Hart included. Those talks with the Brewers didn’t go far. The Giants may be willing to move Jonathan Sanchez, but the Jorge Cantu talks have stalled.
- So far the Dodgers and Russell Martin have only talked about a one-year deal.
- The Mariners are Brewers are eyeing Craig Counsell.
- The Ms "likely are willing" to trade Aaron Heilman.
Mike Gonzalez, Duaner Sanchez Avoid Arb
According to the AP, relievers Mike Gonzalez and Duaner Sanchez have avoided arbitration and signed for ’09.
Gonzalez, closer for the Braves, will earn $3.45MM. He’ll join Jose Valverde, Billy Wagner, and others on the free agent market after the season. Sanchez will make $1.6875MM with the Mets.