Olney On Braves, Peavy, Burnett
Buster Olney writes that the Braves are still the best fit for Jake Peavy, even if they are apparently moving on for the time being. Olney argues that “both sides need this trade.”
The Braves will not bid on C.C. Sabathia, and Olney thinks they’ll have a tough time signing A.J. Burnett.
If the Braves can’t sign Burnett, Olney suggests Jon Garland, Oliver Perez and Ryan Dempster as alternatives.
The Braves have already had preliminary discussions with Burnett’s agent, Darek Brauneker.
Odds And Ends: K-Rod, Renteria, Padres
Links for Saturday…
- Paul Kinzer, who represents Francisco Rodriguez, said that K-Rod “has a great fondness for the Angels” and would be open to returning.
- One of Edgar Renteria‘s agents thinks that the Cardinals and Giants are good fits for Renteria.
- Padres GM Kevin Towers would like another team in on the Jake Peavy bidding now that trade talks are back to “square one.”
- Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami is eligible to play baseball in North America.
- Former Athletic Donnie Murphy agreed to a minor league deal with the Orioles.
- Mike Berardino writes that the Marlins are looking to build around pitching, speed and defense.
- Cardinals GM John Mozeliak says the Cardinals will work “aggressively” to improve their bullpen.
- The Rays will soon find out whether Troy Percival will opt for surgery.
- Mike Downey writes that the White Sox could look very different in 2009.
Steinbrenner Ready To Offer Burnett, Lowe Contracts
Hank Steinbrenner made a bold statement about the Yankees’ free agent targets, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.
“We’re prepared to make offers to Burnett and Lowe,” Steinbrenner said. “I’m starting to become very optimistic. I think it’s going to be mutually beneficial to us and for these particular players that we’re after for them to join the Yankees.”
Steinbrenner also confirmed that the Yankees offered C.C. Sabathia a contract.
Giants Considering Top Players
According to Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants have spoken with Scott Boras about Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira, but it’s unknown if they’ve made them any offers.
Giants director of player personnel Bobby Evans told Schulman “we’re willing to go after the best talent we can.”
The Giants haven’t offered Rafael Furcal a contract, but Paul Kinzer, Furcal’s agent, said that the Giants and Furcal have “serious interest” in each other. Schulman mentions Oakland as possible competition for the Giants, and the Royals could be among the many teams interested in the shortstop.
Schulman believes Furcal is looking for at least a four-year deal worth $10MM a year.
The Giants have also spoken with C.C. Sabathia‘s representatives.
Cubs Interested in Randy Johnson
Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune heard from Randy Johnson‘s agent that the Cubs would be on the “short list” of teams Johnson would consider. Alan Nero, who represents Johnson, said that his client “would seem to be a perfect fit” for the Cubs.
Sullivan also spoke with Cubs sources who confirmed that they would be interested in Johnson if they can’t add Jake Peavy and keep Ryan Dempster.
The Dodgers are also interested in Johnson, who is unlikely to return to Arizona.
Johnson, 45, had a 3.91 ERA in 184 innings last year. He’s just five career wins away from 300.
Mets Won’t Bid On Sabathia
Marrty Noble of MLB.com talked to a source who says the Mets won’t offer C.C. Sabathia a contract.
David Lennon of Newsday agrees, writing that the Mets “will not be involved in the bidding war for Sabathia.”
Yesterday, it looked like the Mets might also bid on C.C..
The Yankees offered Sabathia a record-setting deal, but Brewers GM Doug Melvin thinks they’re overbidding.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Peavy, Teixeira, Burnett
Ken Rosenthal’s got an interesting new column up.
- Now that talks with the Braves have ended for the time being, Padres GM Kevin Towers is talking with the Yankees about Jake Peavy. The Yankees have had “numerous discussions” with the Padres, even though they just offered C.C. Sabathia a contract and are still considering A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.
- Peavy’s agent Barry Axelrod said that “the Angels probably would be more appealing” geographically, but “from other perspectives, they might be less appealing” than other teams
- Rosenthal talked with an agent who said that the Angels could wait a week or 10 days before making Mark Teixeira a “knockout offer” with a deadline.
- Even though the Yankees traded for Nick Swisher, they could still have interest in Teixeira if he’s willing to consider a shorter contract of four or five years for top dollar.
- Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi knows that Toronto “won’t be the highest bidder” for A.J. Burnett. Ricciardi hopes that Burnett likes Toronto enough to re-sign.
- The Indians are considering going after both Juan Cruz and Jeremy Affeldt instead of an experienced closer.
- The Phillies and Giants could also bid on Cruz.
- The Cardinals will have interest in Affeldt and Joe Beimel as they try to strengthen their bullpen.
Twins Working Towards Blake Offer
According to MLB.com’s Kelly Thesier, the Twins are in contract discussions with Casey Blake and his agent.
Blake’s agent, Jim McDowell, said he received the “framework of an offer from the Twins” that they’ll work on in more detail.
Blake, who hit .274/.345/.463 last year with the Indians and Dodgers, has had seven teams express interest in him, according to Thesier.
La Velle Neal heard rumblings that the Twins could make a formal offer as early as next week.
Angels Rumors: K-Rod, Teixeira, Figgins
Randy Youngman of the Orange County Register has some Angels rumors.
Youngman heard that Angels owner Arte Moreno has already decided against bringing back Francisco Rodriguez. If the Angels don’t re-sign K-Rod, they could give the closer’s job to Jose Arredondo, the 24-year-old reliever who had a 1.62 ERA in 61 innings as a rookie this year. The Angels were one of four teams who asked to see reliever Chad Cordero‘s medical records this week.
Youngman expects the Angels to make Mark Teixeira an offer before their exclusive rights to him expire Thursday. He predicts a six or seven year offer for about $20MM per season. Earlier in the week, Buster Olney expected a similar offer.
If the Angels trade for Garrett Atkins, Youngman suggests that Chone Figgins could move to left field and replace Garret Anderson.
Odds And Ends: Saltalamacchia, White Sox, Ludwick
Links for Sunday…
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia says playing with Jason Varitek for the Red Sox would be a "dream come true."
- Ken Davidoff writes that the White Sox would like to trade Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko or Jim Thome.
- Bernie Miklasz asks whether the Cardinals believe in Ryan Ludwick.
- According to the Chicago Tribune, 19-year-old Cuban prospect Dayan Viciedo has raw tools and questionable commitment. Yesterday, the Chicago Sun-Times suggested the Sox were interested.
- Mike Jacobs doesn’t expect to walk more than he did last year.
- Tim Cowlishaw thinks the Rangers should try to sign Manny Ramirez.
- Phil Rogers says that the Cubs could sign Ryan Dempster by Thursday. Rogers doesn’t expect Manny Ramirez or C.C. Sabathia to sign soon.