John Lackey Rumors: Monday
We'll kick off today's John Lackey post with a Buster Olney tweet: the ESPN scribe says the Mets will meet with Lackey's agent Steve Hilliard tonight (or later this week, corrects Newsday's David Lennon). Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote earlier today that the Mets are hesitant to exceed four years with Lackey. Lackey, however, might be looking to top A.J. Burnett's five-year, $82.5MM deal.
Mets Step Up Pursuit For Willingham, Rivera
The Mets have intensified their pursuit for left fielders Josh Willingham and Juan Rivera, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Given all their needs, the Mets like the idea of acquiring the more cost-effective Willingham or Rivera rather than signing Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. ESPN's Buster Olney notes that while the Mets have made inquiries on corner outfield trade targets, they are not close to a deal.
Willingham might be tough to pry loose, based on comments from Nationals manager Jim Riggleman. It's rumored that Rivera could be available as a way to clear a spot for the Angels to sign Jason Bay.
Marlon Byrd Planning To Decline Arbitration
Free agent outfielder Marlon Byrd told MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan he's planning to decline the Rangers' arbitration offer. That'll set up the Rangers for a supplemental pick if Byrd signs elsewhere, though the outfielder does hope to re-sign. The Braves, Cubs, and Mariners have been linked to Byrd so far. Coming off a solid year, he figures to seek a multiyear deal.
Rockies Rumors: Betancourt, Barajas, Green
Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post has the latest on the Rockies…
- Decision-time for free agents offered arbitration is about nine hours away. Rafael Betancourt will take that decision right down to the wire, says his agent Alan Nero.
- The Rockies have an eye on Rod Barajas in the event they can't re-sign Yorvit Torrealba. Barajas has been linked to the Mets and Giants recently; he too must decide on an arbitration offer tonight. He's expected to decline.
- The Rockies also like Nick Green for a utility role; he's been linked to the Dodgers already.
Red Sox Sign Scott Atchison
1:21pm: ESPN's Gordon Edes says Atchison will be paid $420K in 2010, with club options for $440K and $600K.
11:12am: The Red Sox signed reliever Scott Atchison, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Atchison gets a one-year deal with two club options after spending two seasons in Japan. Atchison, 34 in March, elected free agency in November of 2007 after posting a 4.11 ERA in 30.6 relief innings for the Giants. NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman had more on Atchison in October.
Rangers Acquire Clay Rapada
The Rangers acquired lefty reliever Clay Rapada from the Tigers for a player to be named later or cash considerations, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Rapada, 29 in March, spent most of the year in the minors. He had a 2.76 ERA, 9.3 K/9, and 3.4 BB/9 in 45.6 Triple A innings.
Pirates Sign Vinnie Chulk
The Pirates signed righty Vinnie Chulk to a minor league deal, according to a team press release. Chulk, 31 later this month, tossed 12 innings with the Indians and another 21.6 in Triple A. The Indians designated him for assignment in May and he cleared waivers. MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch notes that the Pirates also signed Wilfredo Ledezma to a minor league deal recently.
Brewers Claim Luis Cruz Off Waivers
The Brewers claimed infielder Luis Cruz off waivers from the Pirates, tweets MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. Cruz spent most of the season in Triple A, where he hit .253/.274/.358 while playing all around the diamond. He previously spent time in the San Diego and Boston organizations.
Tigers, Pirates Eyeing Adam Everett
Now that the Red Sox filled their shortstop vacancy with Marco Scutaro, the Tigers were the only known remaining suitor for free agent Adam Everett. Today, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports adds the Pirates to the mix, writing that the Bucs and Tigers are among three clubs with serious interest. He says Everett is seeking one year and about $3MM. The defensive whiz earned just $1MM this year with the Tigers.
The Pirates' recent interest in Bobby Crosby and now Everett indicates they'd like someone to challenge Ronny Cedeno as the starting shortstop in 2010.
Heyman On Mariners, Valverde, Damon
A look at the latest column from SI's Jon Heyman…
- Aside from Jason Bay and John Lackey, Heyman names Marlon Byrd, Rich Harden, Randy Wolf, and Joel Pineiro as Mariners targets. That's the first I've heard of Byrd, Wolf, or a Pineiro reunion. Heyman names the Cubs and Braves as other Byrd suitors.
- Heyman says "execs expect" Jose Valverde to remain in Houston, whether through accepting arbitration today or just re-signing later.
- Heyman expects the Yankees to offer about two years and $20MM to Johnny Damon, and otherwise move on to Mike Cameron, Jermaine Dye, Curtis Granderson, or possibly Byrd.