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Rockies Interested In Correia, Francis

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As they attempt to bolster a rotation that ranked among the worst in MLB this past season, the Rockies have expressed interest in numerous free agent starting pitchers, including right-hander Kevin Correia and left-hander Jeff Francis, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports. The Rockies aim to acquire a reliable arm capable of providing steady innings within a relatively young and inexperienced rotation.

Correia, 32, spent last season with the Pirates, mostly as a member of the Pittsburgh rotation. He posted a 4.21 ERA with 4.7 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 171 innings. Correia, an All-Star in 2011, recently completed a two-year, $8MM contract with the Pirates. When I discussed the Rockies’ search for pitching last week, I suggested Correia would be worth considering.

Francis started 24 games for the Rockies in 2012, leading the team with 113 innings pitched. The 31-year-old posted a 5.58 ERA with 6.1 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9, but he has had success at Coors Field in the past. He has indicated a desire to return to Colorado, Renck reports.

The Rockies have also been getting calls on Dexter Fowler and Michael Cuddyer, though they aren’t looking to trade either outfielder. The Braves have called about Fowler, an Atlanta native, according to Renck.

Cubs To Sign Scott Feldman

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The Cubs announced that they agreed to sign right-hander Scott Feldman to a one-year contract. Feldman, a client of agent Matt Brown, obtains a base salary of $6MM with $1MM in incentives, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reports (on Twitter).

Feldman appeared in 29 games for the Rangers this past season, making 21 starts and pitching as a reliever eight times. He finished the season with a 5.09 ERA, 7.0 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and a 42.2% ground ball rate in 123 2/3 innings. In parts of eight seasons with the Rangers, Feldman has a 4.81 ERA with 5.4 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. His best season came in 2009, when he posted a 4.08 ERA in 189 2/3 innings and won 17 games.

Dave Cameron of FanGraphs identified Feldman as one of the best buys available for teams seeking value at the back of their rotations, explaining that Feldman resembles Brandon McCarthy in many ways. Feldman joins Scott Baker, Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood and others in the Cubs' projected rotation.

By signing Baker and Feldman, GM Jed Hoyer has addressed one of the Cubs' most pressing offseason needs — rotation depth — in a meaningful and affordable way. Like Paul Maholm, who signed in Chicago last offseason, Hoyer's additions figure to provide average or better than average production on contracts that don't limit the Cubs in the long-term.

The Rangers declined their 2013 option for Feldman last month, choosing a $600K buyout over a $9.25MM salary. He did not rank among MLBTR's top 50 free agents.

ESPN.com's Buster Olney first reported the sides were nearing a deal.

Marvin Miller Dies

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Marvin Miller, the first executive director of the MLB Players Association, died this morning at the age of 95, Yahoo's Jeff Passan reports. Condolences to Miller's family and the MLBPA.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Marvin Miller,” current MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner said in a public statement. “All players -– past, present and future -– owe a debt of gratitude to Marvin, and his influence transcends baseball. Marvin, without question, is largely responsible for ushering in the modern era of sports, which has resulted in tremendous benefits to players, owners and fans of all sports."

Miller led the MLBPA from its inception in 1966 until 1982. Under Miller the MLBPA worked to overturn baseball's reserve clause in a decision that led to free agency. The association also obtained many other rights for players, including the right to salary arbitration.

Yankees, Rivera Could Complete Deal This Week

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The Yankees are optimistic about completing a deal for Mariano Rivera this week, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The free agent reliever would likely earn more than Andy Pettitte, who is expected to return on a one-year deal worth $10-11MM. Joel Sherman of the New York Post and Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com also say the Yankees are optimistic about signing their longtime closer this week (Twitter links).

Rivera, who turns 43 this week, appeared in just nine games before tearing his ACL in May. He considered retirement after his two-year, $30MM contract expired before deciding to return. Rivera, the all-time leader in saves, has remained effective beyond his 40th birthday. He posted a 1.87 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 from 2010-12, his age 40, 41 and 42 seasons. Rivera is an SFX client.

Angels, Ryan Madson Nearing Deal

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11:56am: The deal is expected to be formalized after Madson takes his physical later today, reports MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez (on Twitter). It is a low-base salary, incentive-laden contract.

7:18am: The Angels are nearing an agreement with free agent right-hander Ryan Madson, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. The sides appear to be nearing a one-year deal that would make Madson the Angels' new closer.

Madson, a client of the Boras Corporation, missed the 2012 season to undergo Tommy John surgery. In parts of nine seasons with the Phillies from 2003-11 the 32-year-old posted a 3.59 ERA with 7.8 K/9, 2.7 BB/9 and a 47.7% ground ball rate. His numbers improved once he settled into a late inning relief role, and he evolved into an impact closer by 2011, when he posted a 2.37 ERA with 9.2 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 48.8% ground ball rate in 60 2/3 innings. The Long Beach, California native had an average fastball velocity of 94.0 mph in 2011, his last full season before undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The Angels had been looking for relief help, but didn't want to commit significant long-term dollars for a closer. GM Jerry Dipoto told the LA Times earlier this offseason that spending big on relievers is like "going to Las Vegas and throwing it down on double-zero green." Assuming the Angels rely on Madson as their closer, Ernesto Frieri would move into a setup role.

The Phillies and Reds also showed interest in Madson, according to Heyman. Madson's contract with the Reds included an $11MM mutual option for 2013, which he declined in favor of a $2.5MM buyout.

Mike Axisa contributed to this post. This post was first published on November 27th.

Cubs, Scott Feldman Nearing Deal

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The Cubs are nearing a one-year deal with Scott Feldman, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). Agent Matt Brown represents the free agent right-hander.

Feldman appeared in 29 games for the Rangers this past season, making 21 starts and pitching as a reliever eight times. He finished the season with a 5.09 ERA, 7.0 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and a 42.2% ground ball rate in 123 2/3 innings. Dave Cameron of FanGraphs identified Feldman as one of the best buys available for teams seeking value at the back of their rotations, explaining that Feldman resembles Brandon McCarthy in many ways.

The Rangers declined their 2013 option for Feldman last month, choosing a $600K buyout over a $9.25MM salary.

This post was originally published on November 27th, 2012.

Outrighted: Ivan De Jesus

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The latest outright assignments from around MLB…

  • The Red Sox outrighted Ivan De Jesus off of the 40-man roster after he cleared waivers, Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe reports (on Twitter). The Red Sox designated the infielder for assignment last week. In 45 games for the Dodgers and Red Sox this past season, he hit .220/.267/.293 while playing second base, third base and shortstop.

Quick Hits: Giants, Cardinals, Wright

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After a relatively quiet Thanksgiving week, it’s time for MLB teams to resume their offseasons. The Rays completed a historic deal today, signing Evan Longoria to an extension that will keep him in Tampa Bay through at least 2022. Here are some more news items as teams gear up for next week’s Winter Meetings…

  • The Giants each obtained $377K for winning the World Series and the Tigers obtained $284K each for winning the AL pennant, according to the Sports Network (via the Miami Herald). Check out the article for the complete details on how the $65MM players' pool was divided between the ten playoff teams.
  • Speaking of the Giants, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle hasn’t heard anything to suggest the Giants are in on Michael Bourn or B.J. Upton (Sulia link).
  • The Cardinals continue looking for a left-handed reliever, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes. GM John Mozeliak said he believes in Marc Rzepczynski but intends to find another lefty reliever. "When he was a one-man band out there he didn’t pitch as well," the GM said. "That’s why we need to find someone.” Mozeliak repeated that he's open to signing a reliever to a multiyear deal.
  • The Mets haven’t yet seriously explored trade options involving David Wright, Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal reports (on Twitter). The club could explore potential trades eventually, but for now they remain hopeful of signing the third baseman to an extension. 
  • Teams are concerned about Dan Haren’s hip, not his back, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). Haren’s bad hip won’t prevent teams from showing interest, according to Olney.
  • Jason Grilli and Stephen Drew are among the undervalued free agents remaining on the open market, Jim Bowden writes at ESPN.com.

Mets Acquire Brandon Hicks

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The Mets acquired Brandon Hicks from the Athletics for cash considerations, the teams announced. The infielder had been designated for assignment on November 20th.

The A’s claimed Hicks off of waivers from Atlanta in Spring Training and he appeared in 22 games at the MLB level. The 27-year-old right-handed hitter spent most of the season at Triple-A, where he hit 18 home runs and posted a .244/.350/.506 batting line in 383 plate appearances. He played shortstop, second base and first base with the A’s this year.

Reds In Serious Talks With Jonathan Broxton

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The Reds are in serious talks about a three-year deal for free agent reliever Jonathan Broxton, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. The deal could cover more than three years, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com suggests (on Twitter).

Broxton, a client of Jet Sports Management, ranked 45th on MLBTR's list of top 50 free agents. The 28-year-old spent the 2012 season pitching for the Royals and Reds. In 58 innings of relief he posted a 2.48 ERA with 7.0 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 and a 53.8% ground ball rate. Broxton appeared in just 14 games in 2011, but he underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery in September of 2011 and recovered to post an average fastball velocity of 94.7 mph this past season.

If the Reds agree to a deal with Broxton, it would play a role in shaping the rest of their pitching staff. Moving Aroldis Chapman to the rotation would be easier if Broxton returns. If the Reds don't add a late inning reliever such as Broxton or Ryan Madson, it will be more difficult to replace Chapman's high leverage relief innings. The Reds also had expressed interest in free agent right-hander Joakim Soria, Rosenthal reports.

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