Heyman On Young, Pettitte, Dye, Cordero
The latest from SI.com’s Jon Heyman…
- It’s more likely that Michael Young will give in and move to third base than be traded. Heyman runs through six (long shot) "potential contenders." Most were addressed here, but Heyman adds the Yankees.
- Yankees people believe there is less than a 50% chance of the team re-signing Andy Pettitte. He could instead retire or sign with the Dodgers or Astros.
- Heyman suggests Bobby Abreu or Garret Anderson for the Reds, noting that Abreu is probably too expensive.
- The White Sox want "top pitching prospects" for Jermaine Dye, not necessarily big league-ready ones.
- The Dodgers were among 12 teams who watched Chad Cordero throw on Friday. The Mets, Twins, Brewers, Rangers, Tigers, Diamondbacks, and Nationals are among the other known attendees.
Braves Interested In Nady, Swisher
Jerry Crasnick and Ken Rosenthal are both reporting today that the Braves have interest in Yankees outfielders Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady. It’s not the first time we’ve heard the Braves connected to the two. The general feeling is that the Yankees are more willing to trade Nady, and the Braves may have to compete with the Mets for him.
Dunn Looking For Four Years, $56 Million
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick talked to an official of a team interested in Adam Dunn. That official said Dunn’s current asking price is four years, $56MM ($14MM per). Crasnick says the Braves and Nationals are more focused on trades.
Even in the depressed market Dunn has a case for more than the $30MM Milton Bradley received. But not significantly more, and Bradley’s deal protects against a first-year injury. Plus, Dunn’s list of suitors is small.
Pirates Sign Craig Monroe
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates signed outfielder Craig Monroe to a minor league deal. Monroe, 32 in February, hit .202/.274/.405 for the Twins in 179 plate appearances before he was designated for assignment. He earned $3.82MM for his efforts.
Astros Notes: Valverde, Lo Duca
A few Astros notes from Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle.
- The Astros discussed an extension with closer Jose Valverde, but ultimately signed him for one year and $8MM. Valverde is eligible for free agency after the ’09 season.
- The Astros are in negotiations with Paul Lo Duca. He could join the mix on a minor league deal.
Braves Offer Four Years, Close To $60MM To Lowe
9:12am: ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick has a source saying Lowe is "leaning strongly toward signing with Atlanta."
7:34am: According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Braves’ offer to Derek Lowe is close to $60MM over four years. The two sides are in serious discussions. Heyman says Lowe prefers the National League. The reported offer seems fair; it’s difficult to see the Mets matching it.
The Mets could end up with another Boras client, Oliver Perez. They’re at three years and $30MM for him. Jerry Crasnick and Matthew Cerrone both wondered today if the Mets will get in on Ben Sheets.
Red Sox Still Eyeing Miguel Montero
9:10am: WEEI’s Alex Speier talked to a source who said little has changed in the Montero trade talks. Speier says the D’Backs hope to receive a starter for Montero, meaning Daniel Bard might not cut it. The D’Backs aren’t in any rush to trade Montero.
TUESDAY, 8:40am: Massarotti says the D’Backs and Red Sox "clearly feel there is a fit." They’re still trying to determine which young Boston player is comparable to Montero. Massarotti reiterates that the Red Sox maintain interest in Jason Varitek and Jarrod Saltalamacchia as well.
MONDAY, 2:44pm: Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic weighs in:
We’re hearing the Diamondbacks aren’t getting the impression that the Red Sox are zeroing in on Montero. The clubs are still talking — or maybe we should say they are again talking — and the Sox have tweaked their offer, but it apparently is not to the point where it satisfies the Diamondbacks.
8:59am: According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, the Red Sox have been "intensifying talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks concerning 25-year-old catcher Miguel Montero." Silverman says the D’Backs have not been requesting Clay Buchholz, and the teams may be able to find a match. Last week Peter Gammons said the Red Sox would not give up Michael Bowden for Montero. Alex Speier wrote on December 9th that the Red Sox rejected that offer.
Silverman adds that the Red Sox are expected to continue to sign new players this week. They’ve already added John Smoltz, Brad Penny, Mark Kotsay, Rocco Baldelli, and Takashi Saito on one-year deals. Former Dodgers GM Fred Claire weighs in on Boston’s bargains at MLB.com.
Twins Aim To Sign Kubel For Two Years
According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins hope to sign outfielder-DH Jason Kubel to a two-year deal. Such a contract would cover his last two arbitration years. Kubel, 27 in May, hit .272/.335/.471 in 517 plate appearances in ’08.
Neal says the Twins are just looking to do one year with their other arbitration-eligible player, reliever Matt Guerrier.
Dodgers Sign Guillermo Mota
TUESDAY: Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times says the Dodgers agreed to terms with Mota on a one-year deal.
MONDAY: According to MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick, the Dodgers are very close to a deal that would bring free agent reliever Guillermo Mota back to Los Angeles. Mota, 35, posted a 4.11 ERA in 57 innings for the Brewers in ’08 after coming over from the Mets in a deal for Johnny Estrada. Mota still throws hard, but control and home runs allowed remain a problem.
Minor League Signings
Three new minor league signings from Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. The Orioles signed Jolbert Cabrera and Robby Hammock, while the Marlins inked Jay Gibbons.