Giants Rumors: Posey, Molina, Uggla, Johnson
Recently re-signed GM Brian Sabean has his work cut out for him this offseason. Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle brings us the latest on the Giants offseason:
- Giants brass are discussing whether or not they feel Buster Posey will be ready to play in the majors at the start of the 2010. Even if they decide he's not, Bengie Molina isn't likely to be back in San Francisco. As we've heard elsewhere, the Mets are interested in the 35-year-old catcher.
- Sabean said that as of Thursday, the club wasn't close to a deal for Florida's Dan Uggla. However, Schulman notes that Sabean pointed out Freddy Sanchez's ability to play third base, which leaves open the possibility of acquiring someone to play second base.
- Sabean also said that he is looking at "second-tier" free agents who want to play at AT&T Park. One player to keep an eye on is Nick Johnson, who is beloved by manager Bruce Bochy. In 133 games with the Nationals and Marlins last season, the 30-year-old posted .291/.426/.405 with 8 HRs – his lowest total in any 100+ game season.
Odds & Ends: Duke, Hardy, Mets, Angels
Some Saturday evening links…
- Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports write that the Brewers asked the Pirates for Zach Duke or Paul Maholm in exchange for J.J. Hardy. Pittsburgh hoped to land the shortstop in exchange for closer Matt Capps or catcher Ryan Doumit. When the Pirates refused to budge, the Brewers pulled the trigger on the deal with Minnesota for Carlos Gomez.
- Also noted is that the Mets are considering former Indians skipper Eric Wedge as a candidate for their bench coach vacancy. The position could be a stepping stone to the head job as Jerry Manuel is in the final year of his contract. Bob Melvin and former Orioles bench coach Dave Jauss are also in the mix.
- After recently signing GM Tony Reagins to a new contract, the Angels have made a few front office changes, reports Lyle Spencer of MLB.com.
- John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer implores the Reds not to trade Bronson Arroyo or Brandon Phillips to clear payroll.
- Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun suggests that Dan Uggla would make a good fit for the Orioles. Based on conversations that Schmuck has had with beat writer Jeff Zrebiec, it doesn't seem as though the O's front office agrees.
- Marquis Grissom will not return as the Nationals' first base coach, writes MLB.com's Bill Ladson.
Discussion: Fernando Tatis
In 2008, after disappearing from the Major Leagues for some time, Fernando Tatis hooked on with the Mets. Tatis was a pleasant surprise for the orange and blue, posting .297/.369/.484 in 92 games. After the season, the Metropolitans rewarded Tatis with a one-year, $1.7MM deal.
The Dominican utilityman did not perform at quite the same level in '09. In 379 plate appearances, Tatis recorded a less impressive slash line of .282/.339/.438. Defensively, he showed that he is still sharp – whether it be in left field, first base or third base.
Tatis, who turns 35 on New Year's Day, will most likely be taking a pay cut on his next deal. Tatis could be a good fit for the Rangers, who are in need of a right-handed bat. The Mets may also be interested in retaining him for the right price, as he looked strong down the final stretch of the season (.854 OPS in August-October).
How much would you pay for the versatile veteran? Should the Mets make a push for him or look elsewhere? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments section.
Nationals Drawing Interest In Willingham
Washington is drawing strong trade interest in left fielder Josh Willingham, but may not be willing to part with him, according to Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. Willingham turned in a slash line of .260/.367/.496 with 24 HRs in 502 plate appearances in 2009.
The post identifies the Braves as a team that likes the 30-year-old, but says that they have concerns about his back and are less than enamored with his defensive play. Willingham, they suggest, might be a better fit in the American League where he can be a DH. Earlier this month, Tim took a look at Willingham and other left fielders that could be dealt.
Rays Notes: Crawford, Swindle
Let's take a look at some Rays news from around the web:
- A report from earlier today suggesting that Carl Crawford wants out of Tampa Bay after his $10MM team option was exercised doesn't add up, writes Cork Gaines of Rays Index and Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times. Gaines points out that the alleged "handshake agreement" not to pick up Crawford's option would have happened when he signed his current deal before the '05 season, under a completely different regime.
- Reliever R.J. Swindle is back with the club on a minor league deal, reports R.J. Anderson of DRays Bay. The 26-year-old soft-tossing sidearm-hurler will also receive an invite to Spring Training. Tampa Bay claimed Swindle after he was DFA'd by the Brewers on August 7th. Five days later, the Indians snagged him when the Rays were forced to put him on waivers for roster space.
Mets Rumors: Lackey, Figgins, Delgado, Francoeur
The Mets plan to be serious bidders for the services of John Lackey, writes David Lennon of Newsday. GM Omar Minaya reportedly "received a favorable first impression" from a meeting earlier this week with Lackey's agent, Steve Hilliard. Lennon points out that the Mets successfully zeroed in on free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez last offseason and secured his services for $37MM over three years, short of what some expected.
Here's a look at some of the other tidbits Lennon brings us in this piece:
- If the Mets sign the versatile Chone Figgins, he would be placed in left field. Under that plan, Lennon says the Mets could be stuck with Luis Castillo. As one might expect, the expensive addition of Figgins would rule out outfielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday.
- The Mets could be keeping tabs on Carlos Delgado as part of their plan to ink Figgins. The 37-year-old, if deemed healthy, would be a reasonably priced solution at first base.
- Although Minaya wouldn't rule out an extension for Jeff Francoeur, Lennon says it is not likely to happen.
Discussion: Jon Garland
Earlier this week, the Dodgers, as expected, declined to pick up their side of a $10MM mutual option for Jon Garland. However, one has to think that Ned Colletti & Co. would like to hang on to the 6'6 righty after surrendering Tony Abreu for him.
In 2009, Garland turned in an ERA of 4.01 in 200+ IP. The 30-year-old shined in his limited time in Dodger Blue, recording a 2.72 ERA with a 2.89 SO/BB ratio in six regular season games. While he would be a fairly attractive option in any free agent class, this winter's weak crop of starting pitchers may make Garland an even hotter commodity.
With Randy Wolf and Vicente Padilla also entering free agency, should the Dodgers look to hang on to Garland? What kind of an offer would you extend to him?
Odds & Ends: Cubs, Podsednik, Giants
Let's close out this Sunday evening with a few links…
- Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune runs down the Cubs' offseason wish list. Unsurprisingly, getting rid of Milton Bradley is the top priority.
- The agent for Scott Podsednik claims that the lines of communication with the White Sox are still open, despite GM Ken Williams' reluctance to re-sign the 33-year-old, writes the Tribune's Mark Gonzales. Scotty Pods' chances of returning decreased after the club took on salary in the trade for Mark Teahen.
- Giants prospect Angel Villalona is out on bail, says ESPN's Enrique Rojas (via Twitter). Villalona was charged with murder back in September.
Week In Review: 11/1/09 – 11/7/09
The first week of November brought us the early stages of the Hot Stove season. Let's take a look at the week that was…
- Minnesota acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy from the Brewers for center fielder Carlos Gomez. There were other suitors for Hardy, including the Cincinnati Reds.
- The Rays traded second baseman Akinori Iwamura to the Pirates for reliever Jesse Chavez. The 26-year-old Chavez is coming off of his rookie season in which his fastball had an average velocity of 94.5 MPH. With this deal, Tampa Bay saved themselves some money and added a promising young arm.
- The Red Sox acquired Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins for two minor league left-handed pitchers. To date, the production of the 25-year-old has been disappointing, considering that he was once Baseball America's fourth best prospect in baseball. Theo Epstein says that he bought low on the young slugger.
- The Angels re-signed Bobby Abreu to a two-year deal worth a guaranteed $19MM. There is a option in place for a third year that could vest depending on his number of plate appearances. The man responsible for the move, GM Tony Reagins, received a new contract of his own.
- Talk of an American League team being interested in Manny Ramirez was shot down rather quickly. Later on in the week, Ramirez exercised his $20MM option for 2010.
- The Royals shipped Mark Teahen and $1MM to the White Sox for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. White Sox GM Ken Williams says that Teahen will play third base and Scott Podsednik is unlikely to return.
- Tim Hudson has yet to ink a highly discussed extension with the Braves. Meanwhile, they signed Joe Torre's favorite reliever, Scott Proctor. The soon-to-be 33-year-old is an insurance policy in the event that the club loses both Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano in free agency.
- Tim's Offseason Outlook series rolled on with glances at the Minnesota Twins and Florida Marlins.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith highlighted the A.J. Pierzynski deal as one of his Trades of the Decade.
- There are plenty more trades to come this winter and Ben will be keeping track of all of them in one handy post.
Nationals Notes: MacDougal, Dukes, Flores
Let's take a look at some Nationals tidbits courtesy of the latest mailbag from MLB.com's Bill Ladson and Phil Wood of MASNsports.com:
- Mike MacDougal is currently the favorite to be the Nats' closer in 2010. In 52 appearances last season, the 32-year-old posted an ERA of 3.60 but had as many walks as he did strikeouts. However, the club could be looking to upgrade as Ladson hears that they are interested in acquiring free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez. If they ink Gonzalez, Ladson sees the two men sharing the closer role.
- Don't expect Washington to make a move for free agent right fielder Jermaine Dye, as Elijah Dukes will be allowed to showcase his potential as the starter.
- The Nationals are not content with Wil Nieves as their starting catcher as they await a clean bill of health for Jesus Flores. Instead, they would like to get a catcher who can play every day in the event that Flores is not ready for Spring Training or Opening Day.
- Wood writes that while it is something of a long shot, the Nationals have the cash available this offseason to sign Rich Harden. While the 27-year-old wouldn't come cheap, he will not require the forfeiture of a draft pick as he is a Type B free agent.