By Alex Walsh | at
In a preview of his Sunday column, Tom Haudricourt reports the Brewers aren’t likely to sign a big ticket free agent starting pitcher this offseason.
As an indication of just how unlikely that signing might be, Haudricourt has a quote from Doug Melvin; says the Brewers GM, "I haven’t even talked to Scott Boras."
At the very least, that quote would appear to explicitly eliminate Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez from the Brewers’ shopping list.
By Alex Walsh | at
Bill Ladson of MLB.com says the Nationals are calling the Yankees about Xavier Nady and Nick Swisher. Nationals GM Jim Bowden’s alleged interest in these reportedly available outfielders should not surprise anyone.
Ladson says Nady has been a Washington target since last summer, as a potential stabilizing force at first base. The Nationals have indeed been frustrated with Nick Johnson’s lack of durability. Now Swisher is reportedly a possibility for the first base job, while Nady is seen as an upgrade in right field.
Also, confirming what many had suspected, Ladson notes that free agents Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson "have exceeded the team’s price range."
By Alex Walsh | at
Once again, John Fay and Walt Jocketty have discussed some Reds offseason activity.
By Alex Walsh | at
Some interesting facts are mentioned in Derrick Goold’s article about Aaron Miles’ departure from St. Louis.
Apparently, the Cardinals were prepared to offer $4.3MM themselves – only $600,000 less than the Cubs. What drew Miles to Chicago, however, was a more sincere interest demonstrated by Cub management. As reported previously, the Cardinals waited until the last minute to give Miles their offer. Goold suggests that offer was delayed by dealings with Adam Kennedy.
By Alex Walsh | at
John Fay has an update that addresses the recent rumors suggesting newly available Andruw Jones might be headed to the Reds–in short, Fay doesn’t see it happening.
As for reasons specific to the club, the Reds just picked up Willy Taveras to play center field, which is Jones’ position. Taveras’ status with the club makes it extremely unlikely that Jones would have a starting role, which he is apparently looking for.
More generally, Fay cites Jones’ rapidly declining OPS as a reason for the Reds to stay away. Unfortunately for Jones, that reason to stay away applies for every team.
By Alex Walsh | at
10:43pm: A bit more from MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick. Boras left a voicemail for Colletti, and they’ll probably talk this week.
8:48pm: Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports that Scott Boras has contacted Dodgers GM Ned Colletti regarding the future of his superstar client Manny Ramirez.
The contact was likely motivated by a recent Times piece that quoted Colletti as saying Ramirez was the Dodgers’ "first choice." Boras may be feeling pressure to get a deal done for his client, as recent rumors have connected the Dodgers to Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu. If the Dodgers were to sign one of those free agents, they would likely no longer be interested in Ramirez.
With the list of potential suitors for Manny already shrinking, taking the Dodgers out of the picture would probably force some creative thinking on the part of Scott Boras to get his client signed.
By Alex Walsh | at
Having missed out on the Teixeira Sweepstakes, the Orioles appear to be looking at Richie Sexson as an option for filling their current vacancy at first base, says Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun.
According to Schmuck, "Club officials apparently have had at least one conversation with Sexson’s agent, Casey Close, though the depth of their interest is uncertain."
By Alex Walsh | at
John Fay has a quick update following a discussion with Walt Jocketty, providing us with some interesting quotes from the Reds GM.
Regarding Willy Taveras, Jocketty likes his solid defensive ability in center field, as well as his potential to lead off. That "potential" depends on Tavares’ ability to replicate his 2007 offensive numbers, featuring an on-base percentage of .367, as opposed to a repeat of 2008, in which he posted a .308 OBP.
Jerry Hairston Jr. remains a possibility for the Reds. Says Jocketty: "He could end up being the left fielder if we can’t get that RBI man, which might be hard to do at this point."
Rocco Baldelli is also on the Reds’ radar. "We’re looking into the medical a little more," Jocketty said.
Alex Walsh can be reached at alexwalshatmlbtr@gmail.com
By Alex Walsh | at
5:41pm: Brewers GM Doug Melvin confirmed interest in Looper but denied that they’re close to a deal. Melvin would not say whether the Brewers made an offer, but suggested Looper and the Brewers’ other targets want multiyear deals.
10:28am: In the "Etc." section of his Sunday update, Nick Cafardo has some updated information on a few free agents, as well as some potential trades.
Other topics of note (found on page 5 of Cafardo’s article) include the Tampa Bay Rays’ plan for a DH upgrade, as well as some notes on Derek Lowe and Manny Ramirez.
Alex Walsh can be reached at alexander.walsh@gmail.com.
By Alex Walsh | at
Buster Olney has an update on the future of Brian Fuentes. Fuentes will likely not be receiving the three-year, $30MM deal he was recently hoping for, says Olney, and could expect something closer to $15-18MM over the same three year period.
Olney looks at ten teams that could end up with Fuentes, with the St. Louis Cardinals at the top of the list (although it’s not quite clear that the ten teams are ranked on likelihood of acquiring the free agent). The Cardinals have been linked to Fuentes quite often this offseason, but are perhaps waiting for the price to come down on the free agent.
The Angels and Brewers are also mentioned; both these teams will need to replace their 2008 closers. Slightly more puzzling is Olney’s inclusion of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Alex Walsh can be reached at alexwalshatmlbtr@gmail.com.
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