Livan Hernandez Did Not Sign
4:20pm: Erroneous report, Hernandez has not signed.
4:03pm: According to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, the Reds signed Livan Hernandez.
Baldelli A Fit For Red Sox?
We’ve all heard the Rocco Baldelli-Red Sox rumors. Today Ed Price says the Sox are wary of Baldelli in that they’ll need their fourth outfielder to be able to play the outfield for significant stretches.
Price adds that the Red Sox still hope to trade Julio Lugo and replace him with a utility infielder.
Francoeur-Greinke Rumor Shot Down
3:05pm: As expected, Dayton Moore shot this down.
1:38pm: ESPN’s Steve Phillips says there’s nothing to this rumor.
9:01am: From: Tony Massarotti of the Boston Globe:
According to one National League executive, the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves have had serious discussions about a trade that would send outfielder Jeff Francouer to the Royals for pitcher Zack Greinke. The same source said he believed the teams were close to executing the deal, but that Atlanta was holding up any and all trade discussions until the Braves had a resolution of their pursuit of right-hander A.J. Burnett.
I’d be surprised to see this happen without the Braves adding significant pitching to their offer for Greinke. But in general I am skeptical that anything like this is close, even given the Burnett contingency. We probably would’ve heard some rumbling from Dave O’Brien, Mark Bowman, Bob Dutton, or Dick Kaegel.
Perrotto’s Latest: Zambrano, Wolf, Anderson
Gathering some rumors from John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus…
- We know you like "crazy rumors," so here’s one Perrotto heard. The Cubs would possibly entertain trading Carlos Zambrano if they acquire Jake Peavy.
- The Cards have Randy Wolf on the radar.
- The Rays have "at least some interest" in Garrett Anderson.
Orioles, Others Eyeing Runelvys Hernandez
This afternoon we have word from a source out in the Dominican Republic, where free agent pitcher Runelvys Hernandez is pitching. The Orioles are one of several teams to inquire on Hernandez, who is apparently reaching the mid-90s with his heater. Contrary to previous reports, Hernandez was not suspended.
Scott Erickson Talking Comeback
According to Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, Scott Erickson wants to attempt a comeback. The Twins told him to prove himself in winter ball first. Erickson, 40, has been out of baseball since ’06.
Indians Closer Rumors
The Indians may not be a player for J.J. Putz, as they can choose between strong free agent closer options in Kerry Wood and Brian Fuentes. MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince says the Indians met with Wood’s agent yesterday. Trevor Hoffman remains on the radar as well.
Dodgers Sign Hector Luna
According to Diamond Leung, the Dodgers signed Hector Luna to a minor league deal (hat tip to Drunk Jays Fans).
Four Teams Inquire On Michael Young
12:51pm: Joel Sherman agrees that the Mets inquired on Young. He says the Rangers are under no pressure to move big contracts though.
12:38pm: Young is not as pricey as we thought – Ken Rosenthal says he’s already been paid $20MM in bonus money from his new deal, leaving $60MM or so over five years (Heyman said something similar). But, Rosenthal says the Rangers are unlikely to seriously consider trading him.
11:16am: SI.com’s Jon Heyman says the Mets, Angels, Dodgers, and Royals inquired on Young. He says the Rangers are not shopping Young but will listen. The Mets might have to move Luis Castillo before they could slot Young in at second base.
12:00am: Yahoo’s Tim Brown talked to an AL exec whose team is in the market for a shortstop, and learned that the Rangers are quietly shopping Michael Young. Young’s five-year, $80MM extension will begin next year. He’s got no-trade protection to deal with. The Rangers would want young pitching back for Young. It will be hard to find a team willing to take on that contract.
Cardinals Rumors: Downs, Gonzalez, Boyer
12:41pm: Marc Topkin heard chatter that the Rays and Cardinals are talking. Perhaps Ankiel or Ludwick could interest Tampa Bay.
Meanwhile Scott Lauber says the Cards may be interested in Madson as a potential closer.
8:36am: Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Cardinals remain focused on short-term deals for starters. Possible names include Oliver Perez, Andy Pettitte, Brad Penny, and Randy Wolf. They’ll meet with Wolf’s agent by tomorrow afternoon.
John Mozeliak now seems open to a two or three-year deal for a reliever. He could trade an outfielder like Ryan Ludwick for a top guy, but shot down the idea of Ryan Madson. Makes no sense, Madson is only under team control for one more year. Schumaker and Chris Duncan are trade bait for Mozeliak.
8:28am: Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun says the Cards have interest in Blue Jays lefty Scott Downs. Downs is owed $7.75MM over the next two seasons.
8:01am: We know the Cardinals chatted with the Braves about Mike Gonzalez and Blaine Boyer. Gerry Fraley says they also had trade talks with the Phillies, hoping to trade an outfielder for a reliever. Rick Ankiel and Skip Schumaker are apparently popular with other teams.