Wolf Rejects D’Backs Offer
According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, free agent lefty Randy Wolf rejected an offer from the Diamondbacks. Jon Garland did the same last week; Garland’s offer apparently had two option years. Piecoro says the D’Backs have about $4-5MM left to spend this winter. Braden Looper is said to be next on the list.
Piecoro adds that the D’Backs have two arbitration-eligible players, Chad Qualls and Conor Jackson. They’re closer to an agreement with Qualls than Jackson.
Tadahito Iguchi Set To Join Chiba Lotte Marines
11:09pm: Patrick Newman tells us Japanese reports indicate this is a done deal at about $6MM over three years. Iguchi had solid years in three of his four MLB seasons, banking $11.8MM and snagging a World Series ring (two if his month with the Phillies this year counts).
7:47am: According to Kyodo News, second baseman Tadahito Iguchi is set to join the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan. A few weeks ago they reportedly offered three years and over $6MM.
In other Japanese baseball news, Kyodo reports that lefty Koji Mitsui will stay with the Seibu Lions after he was posted twice and no MLB team made a bid.
Arb Hearings For Aybar, Bartlett, Navarro?
According to Marc Topkin, three Rays players appear headed for February arbitration hearings: Willy Aybar, Jason Bartlett, and Dioner Navarro. The Rays have a policy of ending talks when figures are exchanged, and that happens Tuesday.
Manny Update
Not much new on the Manny Ramirez front, but Dylan Hernandez checks in anyway. Ned Colletti and Scott Boras spoke for about 15 minutes. Both sides are holding strong – the Dodgers haven’t moved much from their initial two-year, $45MM offer, and Boras is still talking the four-year talk. Hernandez says the Dodgers do not have an offer on the table currently.
Reds Unlikely For Abreu, Sheets, Oliver Perez
John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer talked to Reds GM Walt Jocketty, who is currently focused on hammering out one-year deals for arbitration-eligible players David Weathers and Edwin Encarnacion.
Fay inquired about free agents such as Bobby Abreu, Ben Sheets, and Oliver Perez. Jocketty indicated that all three are out of the Reds’ price range.
Rockies Avoid Arb With De La Rosa
According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Rockies avoided arbitration with pitcher Jorge De La Rosa by signing him for $2MM for ’09. He can make another $100K based on innings pitched. This is De La Rosa’s second arb year.
Angels Avoid Arb With Mike Napoli
According to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. Times, the Angels avoided arbitration with catcher Mike Napoli by signing him at $2MM for ’09. Napoli seems primed for another big year if he stays healthy.
White Sox Avoid Arb With Bobby Jenks
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the White Sox have avoided arbitration with closer Bobby Jenks by signing him for $5.6MM. It’s a record for a first-year arb closer, but Jonathan Papelbon figures to top it.
Rosenthal On Roberts, Hudson, Counsell
Let’s take a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal.
- The Orioles have their ears open Brian Roberts, whose trade value has diminished as he nears free agency. The White Sox can’t afford him, the Braves are reluctant to give up talent, and the Cubs didn’t discuss him in the Felix Pie talks. The Roberts market may improve once Orlando Hudson signs.
- Rosenthal’s source says the Michael Young–Jermaine Dye discussions did take place. If you read Dave van Dyck’s article, Ken Williams never specifically denied talks with the Rangers.
- Rosenthal believes that if the Cubs make another big move, it’ll be a Jake Peavy trade. They’re not in on Hudson.
- The Dodgers have roughly $50MM in payroll flexibility right now.
- The Giants may be looking at Manny Ramirez, but they’ve also looked in trades for hitters – "presumably" Prince Fielder or Corey Hart included. Those talks with the Brewers didn’t go far. The Giants may be willing to move Jonathan Sanchez, but the Jorge Cantu talks have stalled.
- So far the Dodgers and Russell Martin have only talked about a one-year deal.
- The Mariners are Brewers are eyeing Craig Counsell.
- The Ms "likely are willing" to trade Aaron Heilman.
Odds and Ends: Cordero, Varitek, Hudson
Links for Monday…
- The Twins watched Chad Cordero‘s recent long-toss session. As you know, they’re also eyeing Brandon Lyon and Eric Gagne.
- Baseball America has the minor league transactions. Charlie Zink stays with Boston and the Cubs signed Ken Kadokura, among other deals.
- Sean McAdam breaks down the Jason Varitek situation, saying his value isn’t much higher than Gregg Zaun. Zaun signed for $2MM.
- Athletics Nation asks: how about Orlando Hudson at shortstop?
- RotoAuthority finds some upside starters for fantasy drafts.
- Rob Bradford of WEEI explains why signing Jonathan Papelbon long-term will be more difficult than Dustin Pedroia or Kevin Youkilis.