Cantu-Sanchez Talks Continue
According to MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, "the Marlins and Giants are continuing discussions on a possible Jorge Cantu-for-Jonathan Sanchez deal." That’s the only piece of info though.
Rays Rumors: Bradley, Rivera, Griffey
4:44pm: Mike DiGiovanna says the Rays are also believed to be interested in Juan Rivera.
3:14pm: Rosenthal adds that Bradley went to lunch today with Rays officials.
3:12pm: According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Rays are "thought to be considering" Milton Bradley, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, and Raul Ibanez. Heyman adds that Ken Griffey Jr. would be thrilled to play for the Rays.
I imagine the Rays will wait back until January in hopes of signing somebody to a one-year deal.
Rangers Could Still Trade Another Catcher
3:58pm: Both Peter Gammons and Ken Rosenthal are saying the Rangers could still trade another catcher (for a young starter). Gammons cites Salty specifically.
10:48am: WEEI’s Alex Speier takes a look at the market for catching.
- Dodgers GM Ned Colletti is on record saying he’s "probably not" interested in Jason Varitek.
- The Red Sox, Reds, Marlins, and Astros continue to hunt for catching.
- Speier talked to an official who believes the Rangers would have to be overwhelmed to trade a second catcher. Keeping in mind that Max Ramirez may have to move out from behind the plate, it may make sense to just let Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden compete for the job.
- The Red Sox have talked to the Indians about Kelly Shoppach; the Reds like him as well. The Indians would want a big league second baseman, third baseman, or closer back for Shoppach. The Indians have not entertained offers for Victor Martinez.
- The D’Backs would like a second baseman or pitching for Miguel Montero or Chris Snyder.
Five Teams Interested In Eckstein
According to Ken Rosenthal, David Eckstein is drawing interest from five teams as both a second baseman and shortstop. Rosenthal speculates on the Padres, Pirates, and Orioles.
Giants Will Wait On Winn Extension
MLB.com’s Chris Haft talked to Randy Winn‘s agent Craig Landis, who said the Giants want to wait before seriously talking about an extension for his client. Winn is set to earn $8.25MM in ’09, the last year of his deal. Brian Sabean wants to construct his team before looking seriously at the Winn situation.
Teams Interested In Daniel Cabrera
According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Online, a few teams have expressed interest in Orioles pitcher Daniel Cabrera. Since Cabrera is a non-tender candidate, the price probably would not be high. But if a team likes Cabrera but doesn’t want him to hit the open market, it would make sense to offer a low-level prospect.
No Major League Deals For Free Agent Pitchers For Nats
According to Dave Sheinin of the Washington Post, the Nationals will not sign any free agent pitchers to big league deals. So you can dismiss the mild rumors of them pursuing A.J. Burnett.
Marlins Interested In Ronny Paulino
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "the Marlins are looking for a catcher, and they still like Ronny Paulino." To date, the offers for Paulino have been weak since he spent much of ’08 in the minors.
Kovacevic adds that the Pirates signed pitcher Brian Slocum to a minor league deal.
Bartlett Only Available In Major Deal
According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, the Rays are telling inquiring teams that shortstop Jason Bartlett would only be available in a "major deal." Stark wonders if Jeremy Hermida would qualify. A bit of a tough match in that Hanley Ramirez is entrenched at short in Florida.
Stark is also hearing that the Rays would never take Delmon Young back.
Odds and Ends: Shelton, Laird, Baldelli
Links for Monday – Winter Meetings, Day 1.
- Check out the minor league signings for the week at Baseball America. Hey, Jerome Williams to the A’s! Also, Chris Shelton signed with the Mariners.
- Funny quote from Scott Boras: "There can be a lot of late-night meetings where you’re in a room and people are falling asleep. And you’ll have some late-night GMs who want you to drink. I’ll allow them to do it, but I won’t do it. I do have some interesting things written on napkins over the years."
- Dave Cameron likes the Tigers’ acquisition of Gerald Laird.
- Buster Olney talked to some agents who believe "the stated concern about the economy is providing a nice cover for Major League Baseball to roll back salaries." Another note from Olney, he’d be "shocked" if Rocco Baldelli doesn’t sign with Boston.
- Tony Massarotti makes five recommendations for the Red Sox.
- David Murphy asks ten questions about the Phillies.