Reds Predictions From John Fay
John Fay has taken a unique approach to generating some more offseason predictions for this weekend. Rather than offer up ideas on what the Reds might do, Fay thinks he’s more likely to be correct if he takes a few guesses at what they won’t do.
- The Reds will not acquire a veteran shortstop; Alex Gonzalez and Jeff Keppinger should be up to the task. If healthy, Gonzalez should start over Keppinger, says Fay.
- Joey Votto will not be traded this offseason. Fay quotes Jocketty on this one; says the GM, "No chance."
- Micah Owings will not play the outfield. He’ll pitch, as he well should.
- The Reds won’t sign a veteran outfielder to a multi-year contract. If the Reds do sign such an outfielder, like Bobby Abreu, the deal will be for one-year. With the economy the way it is, such a deal may become increasingly more favorable to a player like Abreu.
- As for Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey, Jr., however, neither player will suit up for the Reds in 2009. While both of these outfielders may also become amenable to a short-term contract given the current market, says Fay, "the Reds are set on moving beyond the Griffey-Dunn era."
Phillies Arb: Howard, Victorino, Werth
In addition to backing up the facts behind today’s Cole Hamels story, Todd Zolecki has an update on the Phillies’ remaining arbitration-eligible players.
After Greg Dobbs‘ 2-year, $2.5MM deal, six players are left on the arb list: Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Jayson Werth and Chad Durbin.
According to Zolecki, "The Phillies have been talking with Madson about a contract extension, but he reportedly turned down a three-year, $12 million offer."
Zolecki also doesn’t expect Howard’s deal to be done anytime soon.
Rangers Interested In Vizquel
T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that the Texas Rangers are interested in signing Omar Vizquel to a one-year deal.
Vizquel would help the Rangers for a year in the event that Elvis Andrus isn’t major league ready in 2009. It again appears that Michael Young will not be playing shortstop for the Rangers anytime soon.
Writes Sullivan, "A source said there is a good chance the deal will get done."
Orioles, Ray Avoid Arbitration
7:39pm: The deal is worth $850,000, says MLB.com’s Doug Miller.
5:19pm: According to Roch Kubatko of MASN, the Orioles have avoided arbitration with reliever Chris Ray, by agreeing to a one-year deal with the pitcher.
Hoffman Officially A Brewer
Lots of links going up lately about today’s announcement that the Brewers’ signing of Trevor Hoffman is now official.
The most interesting thing I’ve seen so far is this Tom Haudricourt blog post that gives readers an idea of what the Milwaukee bullpen might look like next year.
Thoughts?
Padres Sign Prior, Burke
The San Diego Padres have signed Mark Prior and Chris Burke to one-year, minor league deals. The signings include invitations to Spring Training, according to Scout.com.
Buster Olney has contract info: "If Prior pitches in the major leagues, he’ll earn $1 million, and Burke — who will go into spring training with a strong chance of winning the Padres’ everyday job at second — will earn $650,000."
Paul DePodesta has more on the signings, along with info on another minor league acquisition, Virgil Vasquez.
Orioles Close To Signing Zaun
8:45pm: Roch Kubatko has an update based on a direct conversation with Gregg Zaun.
From Kubatko: "The former Orioles catcher says team president Andy MacPhail and agent Dan Evans have been able to ‘bridge the gap a little bit better, and recent conversations have been encouraging.’"
Kubatko expects Zaun to be signed next week, and suggests the Orioles are in control of the situation since the free agent catcher is willing to accept a one-year deal.
4:43pm: Peter Schmuck at the Baltimore Sun reports the Orioles are "very close" to signing free agent catcher Gregg Zaun to a one-year deal.
Zaun would likely be the starter until Matt Wieters is ready to go.
Pedro Talking With Marlins
According to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com, Pedro Martinez is involved in an early form of negotiations with the Florida Marlins.
Rojas says, "The Marlins have spoken with Martinez’s agent." The parties may meet next week.
Derek Lowe Rumors: Saturday
5:19pm: We’ve got a bit of a status update in Ken Rosenthal’s latest.
Fresh off closing the deal on Kenshin Kawakami, it seems as though the Atlanta Braves are the latest front runners in the Derek Lowe sweepstakes. Citing a source, Rosenthal says the Braves are "all over" Lowe. As for the team that was perhaps overtaken in this case, Rosenthal writes, "Mets officials seemed pessimistic."
Any pending offer from Atlanta is not likely to include a fourth year, according to Rosenthal. However, an offer for three years in the $40-42MM range with a club or vesting option is "one possibility."
Dan Johnson Signs With Yokohama
Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports that Dan Johnson has signed a one-year, $1.2MM deal with the Yokohama BayStars.