Mike Axisa | MLB Trade Rumors

Largest Remaining Arbitration Cases

By Mike Axisa | January 28, 2012 at 5:49pm CDT

When the offseason started, there were approximately 196 arbitration-eligible players left unsigned. The vast majority of those players have since agreed to contracts for 2012 (and beyond in some cases), but a number of high profile players remain unsigned. With some help from our Arbitration Tracker, here are the unsigned arbitration-eligible players asking their teams for at least $5MM next season…

David Ortiz filed for $16.5MM, the Red Sox countered with $12.65MM.
Matt Garza filed for $12.5MM, the Cubs countered with $7.95MM.
Mike Napoli filed for $11.5MM, the Rangers countered with $8.3MM.
Jeremy Guthrie filed for $10.25MM, the Orioles countered with $7.25MM.
Clayton Kershaw filed for $10MM, the Dodgers countered with $6.5MM.
Shaun Marcum filed for $8.7MM, the Brewers countered with $6.75MM.
Anibal Sanchez filed for $8MM, the Marlins countered with $6.9MM.
Nelson Cruz filed for $7.5MM, the Rangers countered with $5.5MM.
Adam Jones filed for $7.4MM, the Orioles countered with $5MM.
Miguel Montero filed for $6.8MM, the Diamondbacks countered with $5.4MM.
John Lannan filed for $5.7MM, the Nationals countered with $5MM.
Alex Gordon filed for $5.45MM, the Royals countered with $4.15MM.
Asdrubal Cabrera filed for $5.2MM, the Indians countered with $3.75MM.

Garza, Napoli, Kershaw, Jones, Montero, and Gordon and prime candidates for a multi-year extension that buys out both arbitration and free agent years. Hearings will begin next month, though agreements of any size can be reached at any time.

Edwin Jackson Has Multiple Three-Year Offers

By Mike Axisa | January 28, 2012 at 12:35pm CDT

12:35pm: It doesn't look like the Orioles will offer Jackson a four-year contract, but three years plus an option is possible according to Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). It's all expected to come down to money.

9:33am: Free agent right-hander Edwin Jackson has multiple three-year offers, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter links). Rosenthal says he could also take a one-year pillow contract and re-enter the market next offseason, when he'll still be just 29 years old.

We know the Red Sox have made Jackson an offer, and it's believed that he'll take a one-year deal to pitch in Boston. The Orioles also have interest and the Cardinals checked in on him recently. They're reportedly closing in on a deal for Roy Oswalt, however.

Olney’s Latest: Cabrera, Cardinals, Hamilton

By Mike Axisa | January 28, 2012 at 11:23am CDT

In today's Insider-only blog post, ESPN's Buster Olney says he hasn't spoken to a single talent evaluator who believes Miguel Cabrera will be able to play third base regularly. The Tigers have already announced that Cabrera will move back to his old position to accommodate Prince Fielder. Here are the rest of Olney's rumors…

The Cardinals did speak to teams about Kyle Lohse and Jake Westbrook at the winter meetings. Both players have full no-trade clauses, and Olney says that Lohse has no intention of moving. St. Louis is reportedly close to a deal with Roy Oswalt, which would give them six starters for five spots.
Josh Hamilton and his representatives have "visions" of the huge free agent contracts landed by Fielder and Albert Pujols while the Rangers will aim for a much more conservative deal. Hamilton has said that he'll talk about an extension up until Spring Training. He's scheduled to become a free agent after 2012.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Prince, Zimmerman, Scutaro

By Mike Axisa | January 27, 2012 at 11:58am CDT

On this date in 2006, the Cubs and Mark Prior avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $3.65MM. Prior invoked a clause in the original contract he signed out of the draft that allowed him to void his $2.5MM salary for 2006 and file for arbitration, if eligible. Both David Price and Rick Porcello took advantage of similar clauses this offseason. Here's the latest from around the baseball blogosphere, starting with a heavy dose of reactions to the Prince Fielder signing…

All Things Fielder

Disciples of Uecker said goodbye to Fielder.
Meanwhile, Lookout Landing said goodbye to the Fielder saga.
Bless You Boys provided a timeline for the Prince signing.
Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness says the Fielder deal makes Matt Kemp's contract look even better.
Motor City Bengals wrote about Detroit's new infield defense.
Earning My Stripes wonders what the message is behind the Fielder signing.
The Nats Blog wonders what the Nationals will do after missing out on Prince.
More Mariners is happy the Mariners didn't sign Fielder.
The Hottest Stove doesn't think the Fielder signing makes sense for anyone.
I-70 Baseball wrote about Prince's impact on the rest of the AL Central.
Wahoo's On First thinks Fielder's contract will help the Indians down the road.
BoSox Injection says the Tigers helped the Red Sox by signing Fielder.
The Platoon Advantage looked at the DH logjam in Detroit.
Baseball Time In Arlington discussed a Josh Hamilton extension after Fielder signed.
Crashburn Alley wrote about first basemen and outrageous contracts.

Everything Else

Phoul Ballz interviewed Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
Rum Bunter interviewed Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.
Padres Prospects interviewed Cory Spangenberg, the 9th overall pick in the '11 draft.
Through The Fence Baseball interviewed Ryan Bick, vice president of Pro Star Management.
Rising Apple spoke to Mets prospect Greg Peavey.
Chad Moriyama provided a rundown of the Dodgers ownership bidding war.
Brotherly Glove presents three scenarios for the Phillies and Cole Hamels.
District On Deck mused about a potential Ryan Zimmerman extension.
Rox Pile says the Marco Scutaro trade makes perfect sense for the Rockies.
Red Sox Beacon tried to explain Boston's rationale for the Scutaro trade.
Sports of Boston compared the Red Sox's low cost starters to the Yankees'.
Talkin' Sox With Dan looked at the state of the Sox following the Cody Ross deal.
Yankees Fans Unite lists seven hitters the Yankees should inquire about.
Yanks Go Yard says the Yankees need a DH who can hit righties.
Camden Crazies isn't sure why the Orioles gave Wilson Betemit two years.
Warehouse Worthy looked back at the Jerry Hairston Jr.–Brian Roberts debate.
DRays Bay looked at why the Rays signed Jeff Keppinger.
MLB Reports explains why Jesus Montero will save the Mariners.
Lasorda's Lair wonders how much Clayton Kershaw should make in 2012.
Bleacher Nation analyzed Matt Garza's arbitration case.
Call to the Pen says the Tim Lincecum contract is smart for the Giants.
Giants Nirvana has some final thoughts on the Giants offseason.
Bay City Ball examined the Giants' pitching depth.
Righteous Shift wrote about Fausto Carmona/Roberto Hernandez Heredia.
Cleveland Indians Perspective reviewed the Indians' offseason.
More Hardball asked which minor league signing was the best.
And finally, although we bring you the latest rumors here at MLBTR, accuracy is more important than speed. We only pass along legitimate rumors, but some other outlets aren't as vigilant with their reporting. This must read Kings of Kauffman post exposes the shady side of rumormongering, so please check it out. Then come back to MLBTR to for best baseball rumor coverage.

If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.

Indians Place Roberto Hernandez On Restricted List

By Mike Axisa | January 26, 2012 at 11:55am CDT

The Indians have placed Roberto Hernandez (better known as Fausto Carmona) on the restricted list according to Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain-Dealer (on Twitter). The move clears a spot on the team's 40-man roster, and Hernandez will not accrue service time or get paid until he reports.

Hernandez's true age and identity was revealed last week, and although he's since been released by the Dominican court, it's unclear if he'll be able to secure a visa and make it to the United States in time for Spring Training or the regular season. The team is reportedly doing all it can to help expedite the process, though they recently acquired Kevin Slowey to provide some rotation depth.

Angels, Other Teams Have Made Offer To Luis Ayala

By Mike Axisa | January 26, 2012 at 11:49am CDT

The Angels are one of a "handful of teams" that have formally tendered a contract offer to Luis Ayala, reports MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez. It's unclear if it's a minor league contract offer, and the right-handed reliever is still weighing his options and no decision is imminent.

Ayala, 34, was an excellent value signing for the Yankees in 2011 after inking a minor league contract in February. He did not appear in the Majors in 2010, but posted a 2.09 ERA in 56 innings last season. Late last week we heard that the Paragon Sports International client was choosing between the Angels and Orioles, though the Yankees, Rays, Mets, Red Sox, and Blue Jays had interest in him earlier this offseason.

Rockies Agree To Extend Rafael Betancourt

By Mike Axisa | January 25, 2012 at 4:32pm CDT

The Rockies and Rafael Betancourt have agreed to a contract extension, the team announced (on Twitter). Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports that the deal guarantees Betancourt's $4.25MM mutual option for 2013, and adds an option at the same salary for 2014. The Octagon client will earn $4MM in 2012 as part of his current contract.

"Basically, the Rockies executed the mutual option I had in my contract for 2013 and added another in 2014, which guarantees me work for the next two years and the possibility of a third followed in Colorado," said Betancourt. "I prefer [security] first, I am happy the deal."

Betancourt, 37 in April, remains one of baseball's best late-game relievers. He pitched to a 2.89 ERA in 2011 with 10.5 K/9 and 1.2 BB/9 in 62 1/3 innings, saving eight games while Huston Street was on the disabled list. During his two and a half years in Colorado, Betancourt has pitched to a 3.00 ERA with 11.5 K/9 and 1.3 BB/9 in 150 innings.

Betancourt is expected to close for the Rockies in 2013 following the trade of Street to the Padres. Check out RotoAuthority's Closer Depth Chart for your fantasy bullpen needs.

Marlins Notes: Hanley, Fielder, Cespedes

By Mike Axisa | January 25, 2012 at 2:48pm CDT

It's been busy offseason for the Marlins, who signed Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Heath Bell before trading for Carlos Zambrano. Here's the latest from MLB's first Florida team…

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com's reports (on Twitter) that the Marlins briefly considered trading Hanley Ramirez to free up money so they could sign Prince Fielder, but they decided against it. Prince is in Detroit now, and Hanley will come to camp as the third baseman.
The Marlins are prepared to make a significant offer to Yoenis Cespedes according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. He says it'll be four-to-six years in length. Cespedes recently gained residency in the Dominican Republic, and is waiting to be declared a free agent by MLB.
Meanwhile, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter) that Cespedes has told teams he would prefer not to play in Miami. However, Friasro tweets that Cespedes has no issues playing for the Marlins.

Red Sox Have Made Offer To Edwin Jackson

By Mike Axisa | January 25, 2012 at 2:13pm CDT

The Red Sox have made an offer to free agent right-hander Edwin Jackson reports ESPN's Jim Bowden (on Twitter), and the two sides are currently in talks. A source told Bowden that they prefer Jackson to Roy Oswalt, to whom they also made an offer.

Jackson, 28, might be willing to accept a one-year contract according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The Scott Boras client has thrown at least 199 innings in each of the last three years, with a 3.96 ERA, 7.1 K/9, 3.00 BB/9, and a 44.0% ground ball rate during that time. With Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz carrying injury concerns, Jackson would add a much needed innings eater to Boston's staff.

Quick Hits: Zimmerman, McCutchen, Cespedes, Sano

By Mike Axisa | January 24, 2012 at 11:42pm CDT

MLB has announced that Tony La Russa will manage the NL team during the All-Star Game in 2012, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). La Russa retired from managing earlier this offseason, but he'll continue the tradition of the pennant winning managers from the prior year managing the two All-Star clubs. Here's the latest from around the league…

Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post reports that Ryan Zimmerman is open to a creative contract extension that would allow the Nationals to build a strong team around him. "We want to do a deal so it helps me and the team at the same time, so they can go out and sign guys like Prince Fielder or other free agents," said Zimmerman. Fielder is off the table now, and the Nats know what it'll take to sign their star third baseman long-term.
"Never say never," said Pirates GM Neal Huntington to Jeff Nelson and Jim Memolo of MLB Network Radio when asked about a potential Andrew McCutchen trade. "If someone wants to back up the truck and give us one of those organization-altering deals, it's something that we'd have to listen to…It would have to be a dramatic overpay on the part of the other club."
The Nationals consider Yoenis Cespedes a corner outfielder or even a first baseman, reports MLB.com's Bill Ladson (on Twitter). Earlier today we learned that Cespedes has gained residency in the Dominican Republic, and now awaits MLB's approval to become a free agent.
The Indians are "making the necessary moves to get [Robert Hernandez Heredia] to the United States," reports the AP (via ESPN). Heredia, better known as Fausto Carmona, faces a judicial process in the Dominican Republic after lying about his identity.
Twins top prospect Miguel Sano has changed representation according to SI.com's Melissa Segura (on Twitter). He is now with SFX agent Troy Caradonna.

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