D-Backs Looking For A Fourth Starter?
In this chat with fans, Diamondbacks CEO Jeff Moorad mentions that Max Scherzer will be the No. 5 starter for Arizona in 2009, and that the No. 4 starter will be "a player to be named." Could indicate they’re looking to acquire someone.
For D-Backs fans still hoping that someone will be Randy Johnson…don’t count on it:
We told Randy’s agents that we wanted to meet with him in-person. They told us that they would get back to us after he filed for free agency. We haven’t heard another word on the subject. We offered to pay Randy what we felt was fair and respect the fact that he chose to explore the market – he will always have a place here in Arizona.
Sarah Green writes for the Boston Metro and UmpBump.
Odds and Ends: Astros, Saito, Yankees
Links for Monday night…
- Astros GM Ed Wade is "kicking the tires" on players to share time with Geoff Blum at third next year. It seems unlikely that they can afford Ty Wigginton.
- The Marlins haven’t yet inquired on Takashi Saito, a recent non-tender.
- It’s "very unlikely" though "not impossible" that Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez becomes a Yankee according to Tyler Kepner. He also thinks that the longer Andy Pettitte waits, the lower the chances are of a return to the Yankees.
- Adam Everett thinks the Tigers are a great fit for him. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said Everett’s in line to get most of the starts at shortstop.
- Felipe Lopez could be a positive for the D’Backs in spite of his questionable effort and unspectacular defense, writes Keith Law.
- Rob Neyer thinks that the Yankees "pretty obviously overpaid" for A.J. Burnett.
- Here’s a video clip of Bronx Banter authors and Anthony McCarron debating the pros and cons of the Burnett signing.
- Sarah D. Morris weighs in on the Dodgers’ offseason moves.
- Tony Massarotti ranks the five worst current pitching contracts.
Phillies Sign Chan Ho Park
MONDAY: David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News says Park held a press conference in Korea today to announce his signing with the Phillies. It’s a one-year, $2.5MM deal with up to $5MM in incentives, according to the Korea Times. Park relishes the chance to start for the Phils. He said the Giants, Diamondbacks, Royals, and Blue Jays also expressed interest.
With Park signing as a starter, where does that leave Jamie Moyer? The Phillies still have one unsettled rotation spot, though this may reduce their urgency.
THURSDAY: Todd Zolecki says the Phillies "are working on hammering out a deal with pitcher Park, who would work in relief."
WEDNESDAY: According to Yahoo’s Tim Brown, the Phillies are close to signing Chan Ho Park. He says the Phils may view him as a starter. Park’s average fastball velocity jumped from 88.4mph in ’07 to 92.6mph in ’08, leading some to label him a sleeper.
Shoeneweis Traded For Connor Robertson
The Mets acquired 27-year-old righty Connor Robertson from the Diamobdbacks for Scott Schoeneweis and cash considerations. The Mets will pay $1.6MM of the $3.6MM Schoeneweis is owed in 2009, according to ESPN.com.
Robertson has made nine big league appearance with the A’s and D-Backs, including six this year with Arizona. He has an ERA of 2.82 and 24 saves in 305 minor league innings.
Schoeneweis had a 3.34 ERA in 56.2 innings for the Mets in 2008.
Felipe Lopez Signs With Diamondbacks
FRIDAY: The deal is official; Lopez passed his physical. First Boras client to sign.
THURSDAY: According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year, $3.5MM deal with infielder Felipe Lopez. It’s a quality move with upside. We knew Arizona had made an offer, but it seemed that Lopez (a Boras client) was seeking multiple yeares.
Lugo For Byrnes Talks Dead?
FRIDAY: ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick notes that this deal looks dead now that the D’Backs have signed Felipe Lopez (MLBTR commenters were all over the idea as well).
THURSDAY: According to ESPN’s Steve Phillips, the Red Sox and Diamondbacks are having discussions about swapping Julio Lugo for Eric Byrnes. Lugo would play second base for Arizona, while Byrnes would be Boston’s fourth outfielder. Lugo has $18MM left on his deal, Byrnes $22MM with no-trade protection.
D’Backs Make Offer To Felipe Lopez
According to Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks made a one-year offer to free agent infielder Felipe Lopez. That probably won’t get it done for the Scott Boras client, but it’s a starting point.
Astros Shopping Wigginton
9:36pm: Nick Piecoro says there’s nothing to the D’Backs-Wigginton rumor.
4:19pm: According to Ed Price, the Astros are shopping Ty Wigginton. He’s arbitration-eligible and under team control for one more year. Price says the D’Backs are showing the most interest, while the Dodger and Indians are out. We’ve also seen the Blue Jays and Twins linked to Wiggy.
D’Backs Sign Augie Ojeda
According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the Diamondbacks signed infielder Augie Ojeda to a one-year deal for $712,500. Gilbert says they’ll probably require additional help at second base.
Cardinals Reliever Rumors
5:57pm: K-Rod’s agent Paul Kinzer said the Cardinals did not offer his client a similar contract.
9:08am: According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals made a bid for Francisco Rodriguez in the neighborhood of the Mets’ successful three-year, $37MM bid. The search continues. Strauss says the Cards plan to explore trades before escalating talks with Brian Fuentes. Potential trade targets: J.J. Putz, Matt Capps, and Jon Rauch. Talks for Jose Valverde "stalled abruptly earlier in the week." The trade bait will probably be on of the Cardinals’ outfielders.
Strauss adds that GM John Mozeliak met with Scott Boras yesterday, possibly to discuss Oliver Perez.