Red Sox Rumors

News & Reactions Following The Cody Ross Signing

By Mike Axisa | December 22, 2012 at 9:48pm CDT

The Diamondbacks signed Cody Ross to a three-year, $26MM contract earlier today, and GM Kevin Towers told reporters (including MLB.com's Steve Gilbert) the two sides didn't start talking until this past Monday (Twitter link). Arizona is already working to move one of their extra outfielders in the wake of the signing. Here are some notes and reactions to the deal…

Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic has the contract breakdown (on Twitter). Ross will earn $5MM in 2013, $8.5MM in both 2014 and 2015, and a $3MM signing bonus. The $9.5MM club option has a $1MM buyout.
Towers told Gilbert and others that his phone "blew up" with teams calling about his spare outfielders today (all Twitter links). Ownership has given him the okay to open the season with all of their current outfielders, which would mean an Opening Day payroll in the $95MM range.
Ross told reporters (including Gilbert) that he did not take give the Red Sox a chance to match Arizona's offer (Twitter link). He told the D'Backs he would not shop it around.
Jason Kubel is much more likely to be traded than Justin Upton, says Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). ESPN's Buster Olney speculates that the Rangers, Yankees, Mariners, and Rays could be fits for Kubel (all Twitter links).
Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers said he wanted to find more playing time for Gerardo Parra earlier this offseason, and Piecoro points out that the Ross addition complicates that plan even if they make a trade (Twitter link).
Adam Rubin of ESPN New York asked Scott Hairston if he's any closer to signing following the Ross deal, and the free agent outfielder said it's still unclear (Twitter link).

Olney On Saunders, Hairston, Hanrahan, Howell

By Zachary Links | December 21, 2012 at 8:17pm CDT

In today's column, Buster Olney of ESPN.com (Insider sub. req'd) looks at the best second-tier and third-tier free agents remaining. Here's a look at the highlights..

Joe Saunders is receiving interest from four clubs and the Orioles have ramped up their efforts to retain him. It seems Saunders would be in position to get more than the two-year, $15MM deal signed by Joe Blanton.
Scott Hairston is looking for a significant raise over the $1.1MM he earned last season and he might wind up being too rich for the Mets' blood. Jonny Gomes is a similar player and got $10MM over two years from the Red Sox.
Some teams see the significant increase in walks allowed last season by Joel Hanrahan as a red flag. After posting a 2.1 BB/9 rate in 2011, Hanrahan jumped to 5.4 in 2012. There is also some concern among rival evaluators that his diminished control is a sign of an arm issue. Hanrahan would argue that the control problems may have stemmed from the inconsistent save chances that a Bucs closer gets.
Free agent reliever J.P. Howell should sign soon, perhaps with the Nationals. Other interested clubs include the Phillies, Cubs, Mariners, and Rangers.
Travis Hafner would be a classic make-good guy to bring to spring training, but he won't fit all rosters because he can't play a position.
Executives have reservations about Lance Berkman, including his health, overall shape, and motivation to play.
Some have said that the Cubs overpaid for Edwin Jackson ($52MM over four years), but new financial restraints in the draft and international market have forced clubs to pay more. In short, the Cubs basically paid the going rate for a 29-year-old healthy pitcher of his caliber.

Outrighted To Triple-A: Miller, Beato, Nunez, Pearce

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 21, 2012 at 3:10pm CDT

The latest outright assignments from around MLB…

The Astros outrighted infielder Brandon Laird and outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin to Triple-A after the players cleared waivers, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports (on Twitter).
The Yankees announced that they outrighted right-hander Jim Miller to Triple-A. They had designated him for assignment two days ago to create 40-man roster space for Ichiro Suzuki.
The Red Sox outrighted Pedro Beato to Triple-A after he cleared waivers, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports (on Twitter). The Red Sox designated the right-hander for assignment two days ago to create roster space for Ryan Dempster.
The Diamondbacks outrighted shortstop Gustavo Nunez to Detroit's Triple-A affiliate, the Tigers announced. Nunez, a 2011 Rule 5 Draft selection, spent the 2012 season on the Pirates' disabled list recovering from right ankle surgery. The Diamondbacks claimed him off of waivers from Pittsburgh on October 26th before returning him to Detroit today.
The Orioles announced that they outrighted outfielder Steve Pearce to Triple-A. The club now has one open 40-man roster spot.
The Cubs announced that they outrighted Gerardo Concepcion to Class A Kane County after the left-hander cleared waivers. Chicago's 40-man roster now includes 39 players.
The Blue Jays announced that they outrighted right-hander Mickey Storey to Triple-A Buffalo. Toronto had claimed Storey off of waivers earlier in the week.

Latest On Red Sox, Mike Napoli

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 21, 2012 at 9:14am CDT

The Red Sox agreed to sign Mike Napoli to a three-year, $39MM contract more than two weeks ago, but the deal hasn’t yet been announced. As questions surrounding the agreement continue to mount, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Napoli has a problem with one of his hips that led to diminished interest from the Mariners.

However, if Red Sox officials thought the condition was serious, they would probably have backed out by now in Rosenthal’s view. Red Sox GM Ben Cherington has said the sides are “working through some issues.” Rosenthal suggests this means issues arose during Napoli’s physical and the Red Sox are trying to re-work his contract. The Red Sox could look to reduce the term of the deal or they could push for protective language, as they have done in the past with players such as J.D. Drew.

A person connected to the MLBPA told Rosenthal that the union considers the team’s concern justifiable. Paragon Sports International represents Napoli.

AL East Notes: Red Sox, Saltalamacchia, Yankees

By Zachary Links | December 21, 2012 at 12:00am CDT

News out of the American League East..

The Red Sox would possibly give up Franklin Morales or Alfredo Aceves in a deal for Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. The Pirates, however, may be thinking more along the lines of Felix Doubront, which would be a deal-breaker, according to a major league source. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com first reported Boston's interest in Hanrahan.
The Red Sox had some inquiries on Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but it appears that they may go to spring training with three catchers, plus Mike Napoli, if that deal gets done, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets. Boston also has free agent pickup David Ross and Ryan Lavarnway slotted in at the catcher position.
The Rangers' signing of A.J. Pierzynski could shake the catching market loose and spark trade interest in Saltalamacchia for the Red Sox, tweets Brian MacPherson of The Providence Journal. Pierzynski and Texas agreed to a one-year deal earlier this evening.
The Yankees did not make an offer to Pierzynski, according to Heyman (via Twitter). The Bombers' plan at present is to go with a combination of Francisco Cervelli, Chris Stewart, and Austin Romine behind the plate. The Yanks were known to have interest in Pierzynski but were said to be wary of his defense.

Quick Hits: Blue Jays, Marlins, Ethier

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 20, 2012 at 3:35pm CDT

Now that we’re midway through the 2012-13 offseason, Jayson Stark of ESPN.com checks in with executives, statistical analysts and oddsmakers to take a look at the teams that have improved themselves the most this winter. Not surprisingly, the Blue Jays are a popular choice for most improved team. Here are some more links from around MLB…

The Marlins tried to trade for Mike Olt of the Rangers, Nick Castellanos of the Tigers and Jedd Gyorko of the Padres before signing Placido Polanco, Stark reports.
The Mariners recently spoke with the Dodgers about Chris Capuano, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports. However, it doesn't appear that those talks have progressed. Seattle could add a veteran arm after trading Jason Vargas to the Angels for Kendrys Morales, and the Dodgers have a surplus of starting pitchers.
The Red Sox asked the Dodgers about Andre Ethier at the start of the winter and heard he was “not available,” Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). It doesn’t appear that the Dodgers will trade Ethier this winter.
The Mariners also talked to the Dodgers about Ethier, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports report. However, talks failed to progress.

Red Sox Closing In On Deal For Joel Hanrahan

By Mike Axisa | December 20, 2012 at 3:30pm CDT

3:00pm: The deal is not complete, but it is in the final stages, a Pirates source tells Bowden (on Twitter).

2:44pm: Outfielder Jerry Sands is in the trade, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

1:01pm: Jose Iglesias is not currently in the talks, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter).

12:24pm: The Red Sox are moving closer to a trade for Joel Hanrahan, reports ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes. One source cautioned there is "still work to be done," however. It's unclear what the Pirates would receive for their closer, though Edes hears they want a "significant return."

Hanrahan, 31, pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 in 59 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh last season. He earned $4.1MM and projects to earn $6.9MM through arbitration next year. Hanrahan is scheduled to become a free agent after 2013.

Andrew Bailey, Boston's incumbent closer, pitched to a 7.04 ERA in 15 1/3 innings in 2012 while missing most of the year with injuries. WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports they have not discussed free agent Rafael Soriano despite having a protected first round pick. The Dodgers were among the teams with interest in Hanrahan in recent weeks.

Free Agent Rumors: Saunders, Red Sox, Twins, Lohse

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 20, 2012 at 1:00pm CDT

Some free agent notes from around MLB…

The Orioles are still in talks with free agent left-hander Joe Saunders, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The Orioles have had a quiet offseason so far, but they do want to add a starter.
Though the Red Sox won't rule out the possibility of adding another outfielder, they feel "comfortable" with Ryan Kalish or Daniel Nava as a left-handed hitting platoon partner for Jonny Gomes, Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports (on Twitter).
It sounds like the Twins are still interested in adding a starting pitcher, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports (on Twitter). “I think we have to continue to look," GM Terry Ryan said. The Twins have added Vance Worley, Kevin Correia, Alex Meyer and Mike Pelfrey so far this offseason.
Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com examines the market for Kyle Lohse, explaining the free agent right-hander's strengths, shortcomings and potential destinations. Once Edwin Jackson agrees to a deal, Lohse will clearly be the top free agent starter available.
Bobby Crosby, who last played at the MLB level in 2010, plans to make a comeback, agent Paul Cohen told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). The free agent infielder will work out for for teams in mid-January. Crosby, who turns 33 next month, was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2004.
Be sure to check out MLBTR’s Free Agent Tracker.

Heyman & Knobler On Hanrahan, Rangers, Bourn

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 19, 2012 at 6:45pm CDT

The latest from Jon Heyman and Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com…

Both the Dodgers and Red Sox have interest in Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, reports Heyman. He hears Los Angeles could also make a play for Indians closer Chris Perez or Mets right-hander Bobby Parnell as well.
The Rangers were interested in Anibal Sanchez and Russell Martin before they signed elsewhere, Knobler reports. Now Texas is pursuing Edwin Jackson, A.J. Pierzynski and Cody Ross. Michael Bourn and Kyle Lohse aren't thought to be "front-burner" items for the Rangers now, Knobler reports. Knobler suggests the Rangers are interested in a relatively short-term deal for Jackson, who's also drawing serious interest from the Cubs.
The Dodgers have talked about trading Andre Ethier and signing Bourn to replace him, reports Knobler. Los Angeles is looking for a leadoff hitter. Earlier this week we heard they've considered trading Ethier and signing Nick Swisher.
The Rangers may be the best bet for Pierzynski since the Yankees still can’t get excited about the backstop, Heyman reports (on Twitter). Instead, New York is looking to go with Austin Romine.
The Braves continue eyeing a left fielder and would prefer to add a leadoff type, Heyman reports (on Twitter).
Bobby Abreu, who is now playing winter ball, hopes to play for two or three more years, Heyman reports (on Twitter).

Mike Axisa contributed to this post.

Olney On Soriano, LaRoche, Braves

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 19, 2012 at 4:45pm CDT

Baseball’s most recent collective bargaining agreement introduced new rules regarding draft pick compensation, and the changes were expected to help free agents. However, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports that some agents and general managers say certain free agents who obtained qualifying offers are now seeing reduced interest from teams. These players are talented, but general managers are hesitant to give up draft picks. Here are more notes from Olney’s column…

One GM pointed out that teams aren’t “wild about giving up a draft pick for a reliever," even though Rafael Soriano is a good pitcher. The Yankees almost certainly won’t consider taking him back, according to Olney.
The Red Sox have targeted players who aren’t linked to draft pick compensation, as Olney points out.
Adam LaRoche is tied to draft pick compensation and it’s “really hurting him,” Olney writes. The first baseman has been sitting on a two-year offer from the Nationals.
It appears that the Braves would be fairly comfortable going into the season with Martin Prado playing both left field and third base. They’d use Reed Johnson in left field against left-handers and Juan Francisco at third base against right-handers in that scenario.

« Previous Page

Load More Posts

Show all

Headlines

Red Sox Rumors

Navigation

MLBTR INFO

Connect