Four Teams Express Interest In Abreu
According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman:
The Cubs, Rays, Dodgers and Angels are among teams that have expressed interest in star free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu.
The Cubs are said to prefer Milton Bradley. The Rays met with Abreu’s agents on Wednesday at the Winter Meetings. The California teams are new, I believe.
Phillies Trying To Sign Moyer
According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Phillies worked late Thursday night trying to see free agent lefty Jamie Moyer. Heyman says:
Moyer, 46, is believed likely to sign a two-year deal for about $15 million, though it’s uncertain whether anything with Moyer is completed.
Felipe Lopez Signs With Diamondbacks
FRIDAY: The deal is official; Lopez passed his physical. First Boras client to sign.
THURSDAY: According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year, $3.5MM deal with infielder Felipe Lopez. It’s a quality move with upside. We knew Arizona had made an offer, but it seemed that Lopez (a Boras client) was seeking multiple yeares.
A’s Sign Rob Bowen
According to the AP, the A’s avoided arbitration with backup catcher Rob Bowen and signed him to a one-year deal. He had been a rumored non-tender candidate.
Blue Jays Sign Matt Clement
FRIDAY: The AP says the deal is official now.
THURSDAY: According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, the Blue Jays signed Matt Clement to a minor league deal. Clement hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2006. He had rotator cuff surgery in September of that year.
Pirates Sign Ramon Vazquez
FRIDAY, 1:51pm: Kovacevic says the Vazquez signing is official at two years and $4MM.
THURSDAY, 11:37pm: Dejan Kovacevic says the Pirates have agreed to the framework of a contract with Vazquez. The contract is not signed yet, and Vazquez needs to take a physical. Another note: the Twins’ signing of Nick Punto reduces the already-weak market for Jack Wilson. Kovacevic says the Dodgers have leverage if they want to go after Wilson as a Rafael Furcal fallback.
12:32am: Vazquez’s agent told Kovacevic they’re "very, very close" but not done. Neal Huntington also said it’s not done.
10:51am: Dejan Kovacevic phrases it as "trying to sign" Vazquez.
10:12am: According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Pirates are on the verge of a two-year, $4MM deal with infielder Ramon Vazquez. Vazquez should be able to step in at either middle infield position if the Bucs manager to trade Freddy Sanchez or Jack Wilson. He needs to sit against lefties though.
White Sox Sign Wise
According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, the White Sox avoided arbitration with outfielder DeWayne Wise, signing him for $550K.
Winter Meetings Commentary
Ah, yes. The obligatory Winter Meetings reaction columns. We’ll update the post as more surface.
Nationals Interested In Fuentes, Cruz
According to Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post, the Nationals are "actively seeking bullpen help." Sheinin confirmed their reported interest in Brian Fuentes and added a new target in Juan Cruz. He says the Nats, like many teams, have an opportunistic approach toward free agent pitching. We haven’t heard much about Cruz yet but it doesn’t sound like any team is willing to go crazy for Fuentes.
Royals Designate Jason Smith
According to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, the Royals designated infielder Jason Smith for assignment today to clear roster space for Horacio Ramirez. Another cut is on the way to make room for Kyle Farnsworth.