Cardinals Checking On Carl Pavano
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the Cardinals are "doing some advance work to check out Carl Pavano‘s physical status." He later notes:
"PLEASE do not say something like, ‘Bernie says the Cardinals are getting Pavano.’ Because I’m NOT saying that."
It sounds like the Cards are at least kicking the tires a little bit. Pavano makes $10MM in 2007 and $11MM in 2008 with a $13MM club option for 2009 with a $1.95MM buyout. Basically, he’s owed $23MM for his age 31-32 seasons.
Yankees Sign Andy Pettitte
The Yankees have signed Andy Pettitte to a one-year deal for $16MM with a player option for 2008. Take that, Thomas Wolfe.
Looks like it’s officially time for the Astros to move on to other options. Will someone pry away Jason Hirsh?
Yanks, Giants Considering Zito
Scott Boras must’ve been pleased – Yankees GM Brian Cashman met with him Wednesday night to discuss Barry Zito, among others. However, speculation is that the Yankees will not go up to the 6/96 range said to be occupied by the Rangers and possibly Mets.
The Yankees remain focused on Andy Pettitte. Other notes from George King’s column:
The Yanks did talk Richie Sexson with the Mariners, but insisted Carl Pavano be involved. Seattle said no. They’ve also got some interest in Eliezer Alfonzo of the Giants as a trade target.
One free agent on the radar is Dustin Hermanson. The White Sox declined Hermanson’s $3.5MM option, but he can probably top that if he shows good health.
Meanwhile, the Contra Costa Times says "The Giants continued to go hardest after left-hander Barry Zito, even though they believe he could command an annual salary of $20 million over five or six years." Yikes.
Pettitte To Pitch In 2007
Well, the fire is still there for Andy Pettitte. He’ll play next season, and will choose between Houston and New York. He’ll also take his sweet time deciding.
Peter Abraham seemed to indicate a while back that Pettitte’s wife was not altogether thrilled with the idea of a return to New York.
This morning, Will Carroll reported that Pettitte was "reportedly close to signing with the Yankees, but close isn’t done."
Pettitte back to New York?
The Yankees may have offered Andy Pettitte $15 million for one year. There’s also a deal on the table from Houston, and he could decide within the week. If Pettitte really is mulling retirement, this may be more appealing then a multi-year deal for less money. Personally, I hope Pettitte signs a multi-year deal somewhere; the guy’s only going to be 35 next year, and he’s already started in on the Roger-esque will-I-or-won’t-I business. C’mon Andy, you want to pitch!
In other news, the Greg Maddux contract with the Padres is still almost done, but 2008 may be a player option (perhaps vesting) instead of the club option that Rosenthal reported earlier.
By Jeff Sackmann, Brew Crew Ball
Peter Abraham With Yankee Rumors
Brian Cashman can’t really comment on other teams’ players, but he can talk about which of his own are drawing interest.
Peter Abrahams reports that the Yanks are receiving inquiries on Humberto Sanchez, Chris Britton, Melky Cabrera, Philip Hughes, and Alex Rodriguez.
Market For Ted Lilly Develops
Ted Lilly is looking for a four-year deal at close to $40MM. It’d be tough to hand that contract to a guy with his injury history, but five teams are said to have serious interest.
There are two mystery teams, one from each league, in addition to the Blue Jays, Yankees, and Cubs. The NL club could be the Giants. But how about the Mets? They have plenty of competition for Barry Zito, and Lilly might be the best remaining southpaw starter.
The AL club could be (pure speculation) the Orioles, Royals, Mariners, or Rangers.
My money is on the Cubs, as the Blue Jays seem to be more into Gil Meche and the Yankees don’t seem thrilled with Lilly.
Yankees Roundup
The New York Daily News reports that Brian Cashman has spoken to the agent for Craig Wilson, as Wilson remains an option to play first base for the Yankees. Talks will continue during the winter meetings. Beyond that, Cashman can go for Phil Nevin or Shea Hillenbrand via free agency. He could also make a trade or get creative by chasing someone like Ray Durham, as Buster Olney suggests. The New York Times suggests Eduardo Perez as a lesser option that is being considered.
According to the New York Times, the Yankees have interest in starters Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, Gil Meche, and Ted Lilly. The first two are long shots, though Cashman has spoken to their agent. One more name: Dan Graziano mentions that the Yanks have had conversations with Vicente Padilla.
Cashman isn’t wining and dining Meche the way the Blue Jays are and the Yanks don’t seem thrilled with the going rate for Tier 2 guys. That’s why Scott Proctor is still projected as a starter for 2007.
Gotham on Zito, Glavine, and More
Check out Mark Healey’s latest Rumor Mill over at Gotham Baseball. Some highlights:
Currently Healey’s sources don’t have any indications that Barry Zito will end up in New York. San Diego remains a possibility.
Healey mentions a Bill Shanks report for Scout.com that indicated Tom Glavine is close to returning to Atlanta for $7-8MM with an option.
Dontrelle Willis Yankees Rumor
Are we really going to resurrect this one again? We already have the Manny and Clemens storylines repeating themselves; it’s only fitting that silly Dontrelle Willis proposals are bandied about.
George King of the New York Post remarks that the Yankees "could put together a package headed by Melky Cabrera and Humberto Sanchez to lure the Marlins into moving Dontrelle Willis out of Miami."
Those are two pretty good young players, but the Marlins could do better. Sanchez is interesting but untested, and Cabrera doesn’t seem like the center fielder the Marlins covet. At least not at that price. An affordable Willis should net a true stud prospect, a guy with star potential. It’s unclear whether George King is speculating or if this info is based on something.