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Orioles, Reds, Tigers, Jays Interested In Greene

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THURSDAY: Reds GM Walt Jocketty shot down the rumor that he was interested in Greene.  If he adds a shortstop, it’ll be a 0-3 guy.

TUESDAY, 11:21pm: Tom Krasovic adds the Blue Jays to the mix for Greene.  Padres GM Kevin Towers says Greene would likely be traded in a separate deal rather than packaged with Jake Peavy.

7:42pm: The Red Sox and Padres made a point to officially dismiss the idea of Crisp for Greene.

2:59pm: It seems that LaRue was saying both Crisp and Greene are available, not that one was offered for the other.  So, scratch the Crisp for Greene rumor.

11:13am: The Red Sox are offering Coco Crisp for Greene, according to Larry LaRue of The News Tribune.  That’d be surprising, as the Sox don’t figure to be in the market for a shortstop.

8:46am: According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Orioles, Reds, and Tigers are among the teams interested in Padres shortstop Khalil Greene.  GM Kevin Towers admits to having "nibbles" on Greene.

Prior to his self-inflicted broken hand, Greene hit a woeful .213/.260/.339 in 423 plate appearances.  The Padres filed a grievance to recover salary due to the injury, so they’re probably not on the best of terms right now.  Greene did not impress defensively either – he made four fewer plays than the average shortstop.  Greene is owed $6.5MM in 2009, and Krasovic says he turned down a four-year, $29MM offer a year ago.

Seemingly, the Padres would attempt to acquire a shortstop in a Jake Peavy trade if they move Greene.  Yunel Escobar and Ronny Cedeno have been mentioned in rumors. The Reds’ interest in Greene seems to indicate a lack of faith in Alex Gonzalez, presumably next year’s starting shortstop.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Furcal, Bradley, Greinke

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Another day, another Ken Rosenthal column.

  • The A’s have payroll flexibility, and are expressing "strong interest" in free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal.  Bobby Crosby is set to earn $5.25MM in ’09, but it makes sense to upgrade.
  • Contrary to previous reports, Rosenthal says the Tigers are not in on Furcal.  They’ll also pass on Francisco Rodriguez, which was expected.
  • Rosenthal discusses possible fits for Milton Bradley, including the Rays, Rangers, Blue Jays, Mets, Cardinals, and Phillies.  It will be hard to overlook the health risk and give Bradley a three-year deal, especially for an NL club.
  • Rosenthal confirms interest in Khalil Greene from the Orioles and Reds.  The Blue Jays and Tigers have also been mentioned.
  • There’s no way the Phillies can afford Manny Ramirez; a look at their ’09 commitments makes that clear.
  • The Royals hope to sign Zack Greinke and Alex Gordon to long-term extensions.  Rosenthal feels trade discussions could pick up for Greinke if the Royals can’t sign him.  Keith Law said the same yesterday.
  • The Padres will exercise Brian Giles’ $9MM option in the next day or two.

Cubs Rumors: Dempster, Peavy, Sabathia, Hill

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6:05pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are willing to offer Dempster a four-year contract.  This helps their chances, though Dempster’s agent said today "there’s very little possibility he’s going to sign soon with the Cubs."

9:36am: Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times has fresh Cubs rumors this morning.

  • De Luca’s sources describe the Cubs’ interest in Jake Peavy as "limited."  Instead, the Cubs have "deep interest" in C.C. Sabathia.  De Luca also wonders if the Cubs will entertain A.J. Burnett.  Dave van Dyck suggested Derek Lowe could fit.  The Cubs’ payroll room will depend on free agents Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, plus their ability to move Jason Marquis.
  • Rich Hill’s lost 2008 season killed his trade value.  He’ll be out of options next spring.
  • De Luca’s sources say the Cubs continue to pursue Brian Roberts and Raul Ibanez.  Ibanez would play right field for the Cubs, even though he allowed 18 more bases than the average left fielder this year.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Tex, Furcal, Johnson, Lofton

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Here’s a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

  • If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly.  However, it’s Scott Boras’ custom to let the market develop until late December or so.  It’s possible the Angels change gears on November 14th.  There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex.
  • Rosenthal’s worst case scenario for the Yankees: C.C. Sabathia goes to a West Coast team while A.J. Burnett re-signs with Toronto.  The Jays truly are in the mix for Burnett.  ESPN’s Keith Law says Burnett expects to receive multiple five-year offers.
  • The Orioles plan to make serious offers to Teixeira and Burnett.  Still, both are considered long shots for Baltimore.  Another note: the Orioles were one of the teams the Yankees outbid for Sergio Mitre.
  • The Dodgers are considered "a good bet" to re-sign Rafael Furcal.  The Giants have their eye on him if he hits the open market.
  • About ten teams have inquired on Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson.  We had a Cardinals rumor yesterday.
  • The Rangers figure to trade one or two of their catchers, with Gerald Laird a strong candidate to be traded.  The Red Sox and Marlins are looking for catching, though the Rangers are wary of Florida’s Scott Olsen.
  • Rosenthal wonders if Brandon Webb could leave the D’Backs after the 2010 season.
  • Kenny Lofton wants to play in 2009.

Orioles Considering Cabrera, Furcal, Renteria

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According to Roch Kubatko of MASN Online, the Orioles have internally discussed free agent shortstops Orlando Cabrera, Rafael Furcal, and Edgar Renteria.  They’re also considering trade possibilities.  The Orioles’ #5 overall draft pick next year is protected, but they’d have to surrender their second rounder if they sign Cabrera or Renteria.  The market for Furcal will be robust if he doesn’t re-sign with the Dodgers.

Possible names on the trade market: J.J. Hardy, Julio Lugo, Jack Wilson, Khalil Greene, Ronny Cedeno, and Chin-lung Hu.

White Sox Looking To Trade Vazquez?

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The latest on the White Sox…

  • GM Ken Williams wants a younger, more athletic club, but still expects to compete in 2009.  Players such as Chris Getz, Josh Fields, Jayson Nix, Jerry Owens, Brian Anderson, and Clayton Richard could play prominent roles on next year’s team.  Sox Machine offers their take on Williams’ comments.
  • Chris De Luca of the Chicago Sun-Times lists Brian Roberts, Coco Crisp, Chone Figgins, and Orlando Hudson as potential Sox targets.  Williams didn’t talk much about his wish list yesterday, suggesting that last year’s openness hindered his progress.  If the Sox sign Hudson, they’ll give their #24 pick in next year’s draft to the D’Backs.
  • Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times says trading starter Javier Vazquez is Williams’ top offseason priority.  Cowley believes Williams could look for an infielder in return.  Vazquez will earn $23MM over the next two seasons, and has a limited no-trade clause to block trades to NL and AL West teams.
  • Also in Cowley’s article – free agent catcher Toby Hall seems likely to re-sign.

Burnett Decision Due Monday Before GM Meetings

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ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick talked to A.J. Burnett’s agent Darek Braunecker, who says his client will make his opt-out decision prior to the start of Monday’s GM meetings.  We all know Burnett is opting out, of course.

Crasnick believes Burnett and Derek Lowe will seek salaries of at least $16MM per year.  He names the Yankees, Mets, Rangers, Red Sox, Orioles and Nationals as potential suitors for Burnett.  The Blue Jays will remain in the mix as well.

Orioles Focused On Markakis, Roberts

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According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are focused on signing Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts to contract extensions.  Markakis is under team control for three more years, while Roberts is under contract for 2009 at $8MM.

Zrebiec talked to Orioles president Andy MacPhail, who says the team has talked generalities with both players’ agents.  Roberts does not want to talk about a contract once spring training begins.  It makes sense for MacPhail to figure out his situation soon, to allow time for trade talks if Roberts cannot be extended.

My guess at possible Roberts suitors if he hits the market: the White Sox, Indians, Cardinals, Cubs, Diamondbacks, and Brewers.

Orioles May Explore Free Agent Market

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Steve Melewski of MASN Online recently spoke to Orioles president Andy MacPhail about the possibility of spending money in free agency.  MacPhail is open to a possible big dollar contract, but he leans toward youth:

Whatever the player and the investment, they have to fit into the strategy of what it is we are trying to achieve as an organization. The likelihood of us signing someone who is 35 is not great. If they are younger and can be helpful to us and their career will be longer with us that just a short-term fix, that’s a whole different story.

MacPhail said he wouldn’t rule out any player, but it’s fair to dismiss the recent Manny Ramirez rumor.  The Orioles may look to sign Mark Teixeira or A.J. Burnett, who both have local ties.  Tex will be 29 in April, and Burnett will be 32 in January.

Cubs Offseason Targets

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Recently I wrote a Cubs Offseason Outlook, where many reasonable acquisition targets were discussed.  If the Cubs re-sign Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, they’ll be limited by payroll unless the salaries of Jason Marquis ($9.875MM) or Derrek Lee ($13MM) are moved.

Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune names his possible Cubs targets: Brian Roberts, Adam Dunn, Jeremy Hermida, Mike Jacobs, Rafael Furcal, Jake Peavy, and Brian Fuentes.  Some fun names in there, many of which could only be added if payroll space is created.  Dunn would be an interesting choice for a regular right fielder, while Jacobs would represent a downgrade at first base.

The Cubs aren’t likely to add Peavy, especially if they re-sign Dempster.  If you’d like to take the speculation to the next level nonetheless, Barry Rozner has ideas at the Daily Herald.  With any trade scenario, it is always important to put yourself in the shoes of the other team and ask if it is truly the best deal for them.

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