No Extension Talks For Jenks
MLB.com’s Scott Merkin talked to White Sox closer Bobby Jenks, who is arbitration-eligible for the first time. Jenks told Merkin there’s been no talk of an extension to date. He sounds willing though:
"For me, if the White Sox offer a fair, long-term deal, we would take it [over] arbitration. If it’s not considered fair, then even as a worst-case scenario, I’m excited to go into arbitration with what I’ve been told is a strong case."
Jenks figures to top the first-year arb figure Huston Street received a few years ago, $3.3MM. Jonathan Papelbon is also eligible for arbitration for the first time.
Reds Rumors: Baldelli, Hairston, Bradley, Rivera
The Reds’ search for a right-handed hitting bat continues. The latest from John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer:
- GM Walt Jocketty suggested that the positive news regarding Rocco Baldelli‘s condition could change the way the Reds see him.
- The Reds are waiting to hear back regarding a counterproposal made to Jerry Hairston Jr.
- The Reds discussed Milton Bradley internally, but haven’t contacted his agent. In a recent article, Ken Rosenthal named the Cubs, Rays, Reds, Angels, and Nationals as suitors for Bradley.
- Talks with Juan Rivera are ongoing.
19 Teams Interested In Joe Nelson
There’s a good chance your favorite team has inquired on free agent reliever Joe Nelson. MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro learned that Nelson’s agent has received inquiries from 19 teams. A few teams have topped a $1MM in their offer. The known suitors: the Royals, Cardinals, Red Sox, Braves, Rays, and Mets. Nelson is hoping to sign before Christmas.
On Friday, the Marlins made the thrifty decision to non-tender Nelson, a positive development for the 34 year-old reliever. He hasn’t ruled out the Marlins, but a return doesn’t seem likely.
Marlins Sign Josh Johnson
The Marlins have reached an agreement with Josh Johnson on his 2009 salary – $1.4MM. ’09 is Johnson’s first arb year, so he’s under team control through 2011.
Mike Cameron-to-Yankees Dead?
6:07pm: Kat O’Brien just got off the phone with Brewers GM Doug Melvin:
He said: "Nothing new. At this point, I don’t anticipate it’s something that we would (do). … I haven’t talked to Brian (Cashman) since last week." Melvin said they had originally looked at moving Cameron to gain some flexibility on the pitching front but that is no longer such a need.
Melvin added that trading Cameron was "not something that we’re pushing at this time." Sounds like it’s dead. (For now, anyway.)
TUESDAY 3:09pm: Ed Price says the Yankees are discussing this deal internally and don’t feel like they have to rush. Price’s source says a tentative deal has been reached and it’s up to the Yankees now. Tom Haudricourt says the Brewers haven’t heard from the Yanks this week and assistant GM Gord Ash is starting to wonder whether they’re still interested. Yahoo’s Tim Brown says the Brewers will get in on Brian Fuentes if they’re able to move Cameron.
12:10pm: SI.com’s Jon Heyman says the Mike Cameron for Melky Cabrera deal is on the backburner for now. Still, he says the Brewers agreed to take Kei Igawa and pay a small amount of the $12MM he’s owed. That amount is not enough for the Yankees, currently.
Sarah Green also contributed to this post.
Koji Mitsui To Be Posted
According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, teams were informed today that Japanese lefty Koji Mitsui will be posted on Thursday. Teams have three business days to place their bids. The news of his posting first broke on December 8th. Mitsui, 35, posted a 7.50 ERA in 24 innings this year. He was solid in ’07 though.
Daniel Cabrera Suitors
According to John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus, the Pirates top the list of suitors for Daniel Cabrera. He says the Brewers, Padres, Rangers, Blue Jays, and Nationals are also interested.
We learned yesterday that the Blue Jays are interested but haven’t made an offer yet. Cabrera’s agent has heard from about half the teams in baseball, and one even offered a multiyear deal.
Mark Teixeira Rumors: Wednesday
2:15pm: Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun talked to Orioles president Andy MacPhail, who reminded that the Orioles have flexibility with their offer.
10:46am: Nick Cafardo talked to a GM for one of the five teams in the Teixeira bidding who believes the Red Sox are in the lead. So…was it Andy MacPhail, Jim Bowden, Brian Cashman, or Tony Reagins?
9:54am: According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Orioles have not improved their initial offer to Mark Teixeira. The Red Sox, Angels, and Nationals have higher bids on the table. Olney’s source believes Teixeira would have to "really, really want to play there" to take Baltimore’s offer.
Based on the most recent reports, the Red Sox appear to be at eight years, the Nationals at eight years, $160MM, and Angels at eight years and at least $160MM, and the Orioles at seven years in the $140-150MM range. I’m guessing a ninth year and an opt-out clause will be two of the biggest factors when it’s all said and done.
Odds and Ends: Ponson, Pie, Dohmann
Links for Wednesday…
- Check out the recent minor league transactions, always some familiar names.
- Scott Erickson‘s wife talks about his comeback bid.
- The Red Sox have had "early-stage conversations" about an extension for Kevin Youkilis.
- The Phillies invited ten players to Spring Training and signed a bunch of minor league free agents. The Royals invited four, including Lenny DiNardo and Oscar Villarreal.
- Roch Kubatko suggests the Orioles should try to acquire Ryan Garko.
- Curt Schilling weighs in on Mark Teixeira‘s options.
- Dayton Moore still doesn’t sound willing to trade Zack Greinke.
- Peter Schmuck and Craig Calcaterra discuss the Sidney Ponson case, which could have a significant impact on the game.
- RotoAuthority looks at the current top fantasy draft picks at each position.
- Gordon Wittenmyer expects Felix Pie to be traded.
- Cesar Izturis‘ contract is actually for two years and $5MM guaranteed, plus incentives.
- John Fay looks at options for a right-handed bat for the Reds.
- Reliever Scott Dohmann is headed to Japan on a $650K deal plus incentives.
- Chris Capuano can earn over $3MM this year based on incentives.
- Willie Bloomquist hasn’t received an offer yet, and he doesn’t expect to return to Seattle.
Will Ohman Draws Interest From Mets, Indians
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the market for free agent lefty Will Ohman is picking up. The Mets and Indians are among the inquiring clubs. Ohman wants a two-year deal.