Rehabbing closer Chad Cordero will arrive at the Bellagio tonight, according to MLB.com’s Bill Ladson. He and his agent plan to meet with the Mets, Cardinals, Rangers, Tigers, and D’Backs, but not the Nationals.
Mariners Rumors: Putz, Washburn, Beltre
Ryan Divish sums up the learnings from Jack Zduriencik’s media session:
- Several teams contacted the Ms about J.J. Putz. A Putz trade could affect the team’s plans for Brandon Morrow.
- No formal talks for Jarrod Washburn or Adrian Beltre.
- The Mariners aren’t looking to trade any of their catchers.
Dodgers, Yanks Did Not Resume Cano Discussions
7:35pm: Brian Cashman spoke about Cano, Ian Kennedy, and Phil Hughes. He doesn’t seem likely to trade any of them.
3:05pm: Peter Abraham learned from Colletti that he hasn’t talked to the Yankees since July.
2:04pm: MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick talked to Ned Colletti, who said he hasn’t talked to the Yankees yet.
12:02pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Dodgers and Yankees have resumed their discussions about second baseman Robinson Cano at the Meetings. The Dodgers also like Melky Cabrera, while the Yankees hope to get Matt Kemp and pitching from L.A.
Punto Visits With Phillies, Draws Yankee Interest
7:31pm: The Yankees are looking for a utility infielder, and Brian Cashman said today Punto is on their radar.
6:51pm: John R. Finger of Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia says Nick Punto visited with Phillies brass this afternoon. They’ll meet again later today. Punto may return to the Twins, and he’s also been linked to the D’Backs and Mets.
Astros Will Not Trade Valverde
7:30pm: Ed Wade assured reporters today that Valverde will not be traded.
11:04am: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Astros are willing to trade Miguel Tejada. Teams are interested in him as a shortstop and third baseman. Rosenthal figures the Twins, Dodgers, Giants, and Angels could be matches. He adds that the Astros realize they’d have to eat some of Tejada’s $13MM for ’09. Richard Justice figures it’d require eating at least half.
Rosenthal says the Astros are not inclined to trade closer Jose Valverde. And Justice figures Ty Wigginton could be tough to move as his salary climbs toward $10MM.
Cubs Rumors: Hermida, Bradley, Roberts
7:24pm: The Cubs met with Bradley last night, according to ESPN Deportes.
5:06pm: Cubs manager Lou Piniella asked Seattle reporters today whether Ibanez can play right field.
2:16pm: The Tribune Company filed for bankruptcy today, but the Cubs were not part of the filing.
1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Ibanez and Abreu rank much higher than Adam Dunn and Bradley on the Cubs’ list. They’ve checked in on all four free agents. As for Hermida, the Marlins want more than just prospects and the Cubs may not be able to do that. Stark adds that the Cubs’ payroll is not frozen – they can temporarily go over budget assuming they can subtract payroll later.
On a related note, Stark talked to a source who described interest in Jason Marquis as not even in nibble form yet.
11:57am: Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald adds more Cubs nuggets. The Cubs are not looking to trade Mike Fontenot. However Ronny Cedeno is available and could even be a non-tender candidate if the Cubs can’t find a match.
1:33am: Before trying to complete a Jake Peavy deal, the Cubs want to find a left-handed hitter. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times outlines a few targets.
Wittenmyer says Jeremy Hermida is high on the Cubs’ list (they’re not alone). They’re also eyeing free agent Milton Bradley, who declined the Rangers’ offer of arbitration last night. Manager Lou Piniella likes Raul Ibanez, and Wittenmyer likes Bobby Abreu. The Cubs are still fond of Brian Roberts. They also might consider acquiring a shortstop, which would create a surplus at second base.
The Cubs discussed Khalil Greene with the Padres before he was sent to St. Louis, even though Greene bats from the right side.
Phillies Interested In Delmon Young?
7:05pm: LEN3 says the Twins would want more than Donald for Young, but it’s a moot point because the Phillies don’t want to trade Donald. The teams haven’t spoken lately and don’t have plans to meet in the near future.
Neal also says there’s nothing going on between the Twins and Giants.
4:20pm: LEN3 says the Twins do like Donald. Neal also believes the rumor about the Giants being interested in Young.
One other fresh note from Neal’s blog post – Dennys Reyes "might be on the Reds’ radar."
1:26pm: According to Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Phillies have inquired on Twins outfielder Delmon Young. Hagen believes the Twins would want shortstop prospect Jason Donald in return.
Marquis Unlikely For Rockies
6:47pm: Troy Renck says the Rockies told the Cubs they didn’t have room in the budget for Marquis. The Rox may attempt to acquire a starter via trade, using Huston Street and Luis Vizcaino as chips.
Other notes from Renck: the Padres and Rangers have interest in free agent outfielder Cory Sullivan. And interest in Willy Taveras is minimal given Friday’s non-tender deadline.
5:13pm: According to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding, the Rockies have internally discussed the possibility of acquiring Cubs’ starter Jason Marquis. However, Marquis isn’t exactly the front-rotation type they seek. Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald heard from Cubs people that "nothing of substance is getting done" on the Marquis-Rockies front.
Tigers Targeting Wood, Putz
6:13pm: Yahoo’s Gordon Edes says the Tigers made overtures to Wood, while the Red Sox like the idea of signing him as a setup man.
4:36pm: Geoff Baker says Tigers prospect Jeff Larish has attracted interest from the Mariners in the past.
On the Kerry Wood topic, a thought – now that the Tigers spent only a million bucks on their shortstop, maybe they have more cash to work with for their closer.
1:29pm: According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are targeting Kerry Wood and J.J. Putz for their closer vacancy. The Mets are also competing for both relievers.
Also, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick notes that the Tigers considered trading for Angels catcher Mike Napoli before they acquired Laird. The price for Napoli was too high. WEEI reports that the Tigers also inquired on Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden. The Tigers decided against Jason Varitek after he was offered arbitration, plus they liked Laird more anyway. According to WEEI’s Lou Merloni, Varitek continues to seek a multiyear deal and a starting gig.
Three Teams Interested In Garland
Mike DiGiovanna spoke to Jon Garland’s agent Craig Landis, who said three teams have expressed serious interest in his client. The Orioles are in; the Angels are out. Garland seeks a two or three-year deal, and the Angels had no interest in that. They were obviously OK with one year since they offered arbitration.
Landis indicated that Garland could still wind up back with the Angels if he can’t find a satisfactory offer elsewhere and decides to settle for one year.
