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Odds and Ends: Burrell, Atkins, Ohmura

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Links for Monday…

Odds And Ends: Saltalamacchia, White Sox, Ludwick

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Links for Sunday…

Latest On Rafael Furcal

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According to Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, the Dodgers have a two-year deal in mind for free agent shortstop Rafael Furcal.  SI.com’s Jon Heyman recently said their offer was in the two-year, $25-30MM range.  His agent is looking for four years, and says ten other teams have expressed interest.

Heyman believes the Orioles and Royals may be suitors, though Furcal may be out of the Royals’ price range.  The Tigers are out, but the Cubs, Giants, Blue Jays, and A’s are in.

Odds And Ends: White Sox, Royals, Jays, Crede, Hosmer

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A few notes from the MLBiverse…

  • Ken Williams says the White Sox are in a position where they could either add more young players to develop or add some veteran pieces to the group. Williams says whichever road they choose, the team is "in a pretty good position."
  • Joe Posnanski, on his blog, takes a look at some recent rumors surrounding the Royals. He feels that is the rumors have any truth to them, they are scary, noting that it would lead to an OBP-deprived lineup. Posnanski feels Dayton Moore is a "smart baseball man" and won’t make the moves being rumored.
  • Cathal Kelly of the Toronto Star looks at the Jays roster and dreams about the free agents that could fill in the holes.
  • Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says Joe Crede will not return to the White Sox.
  • DraftInfo talked to Eric Hosmer about his first year as a pro. Hosmer discussed the Pedro Alvarez situation, noting that he was never worried with Scott Boras as his agent.

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

Royals May Be Done

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Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star talked to Royals GM Dayton Moore, who suggested he might not be able to do much more this winter due to payroll limitations.  After arbitration raises, the Royals should be close to their $60MM budget.  So don’t look for any big free agent signings unless a player is moved to create payroll room.

Dutton says rumors continue to link the Royals to outmakers Jeff Francoeur and Yuniesky Betancourt.  Dutton asked Moore why he seemingly ignored his OBP plan for Mike Jacobs, and Moore said he can only take advantage of the players who are available. Joe Posnanski comments on the recent rumors.

Elsewhere, Ken Rosenthal and Keith Law are saying the Royals hope to sign Greinke to a long-term deal.  If that fails, the 25 year-old hurler could be available.

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.

Royals Rumors: Francoeur, Butler, Ibanez, Greinke

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Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star has several Royals rumors this morning…

  • Dutton says the Braves appear willing to trade Jeff Francoeur.  While no trade talks have taken place, it’s known that Royals GM Dayton Moore is a fan.  Dutton speculates that the Royals would not give up Zack Greinke for Francoeur, but may consider offering Luke Hochevar, Danny Cortes, or Mark Teahen.
  • The Royals and Mariners discussed a Billy Butler for Yuniesky Betancourt trade before the ’07 season, and Dutton wonders if Seattle’s new GM could reignite those talks.
  • Dutton says the Mark Teahen to Cleveland rumor "just won’t die," despite Moore labeling it an "absolute lie" on October 27th.  It may be that Teahen is on the Indians’ list but no talks have occurred.
  • Will the Royals offer arbitration to second baseman Mark Grudzielanek?  He’s a Type B free agent, so it’s under consideration.  The risk is that he accepts.
  • Another Royals rumor from Ken Davidoff of Newsday: they’ve expressed an interest in bringing Raul Ibanez back to Kansas City.  The Mets and Cubs are other known suitors.
  • ESPN’s Keith Law says the Royals would like to sign Zack Greinke to a long-term deal, but if that fails they would make him available. Greinke, 25, is under team control for two more seasons.

Braves Rumors: Ludwick, Dempster, Francoeur

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David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has been churning out rumors in the comments section of his blog.

  • He believes the Braves are interested in Ryan Ludwick, but is not sure if they’d give up Kelly Johnson.  O’Brien also suggests Rick Ankiel could be available, and that either player would interest Atlanta.
  • O’Brien says the Cubs offered three years, $36MM to Ryan Dempster.  Most folks think he’ll re-sign, but the Braves have spoken to Dempster’s agent.
  • He adds that the Braves will make an offer to Mike Hampton, though Hampton will shop around and may prefer the West Coast.  He’s looking for a one-year deal.
  • The Royals still love Jeff Francoeur.

Payroll Restrictions May Limit Royals

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Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star did the math and came to the conclusion that the Royals don’t have much money to spend this winter.  I found the same during my Offseason Outlook.  If payroll stays around $60MM, there’s probably only room for one second-tier free agent.  With that in mind, players like Adam Dunn and Rafael Furcal seem unlikely. 

The Royals have all kinds of needs – middle infielder, slugging outfielder, and pitching help.  Dayton Moore may have to pursue trades, with David DeJesus one of his better chips.  He could also move a first base type, one of Kila Ka’aihue, Billy Butler, and Ryan Shealy.

For a bit more on the Royals, check out a Q&A I did with the Royals on Radio blog.

Olivo Staying With Royals

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TUESDAY: The 2010 mutual option is for $3.25MM, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.  Olivo decided to stay because he was promised the starting catcher job.  John Buck is still expected to receive plenty of playing time, and catcher Brayan Pena was added to the 40-man roster.

MONDAY: According to Jesse Spector of the New York Daily News, the catcher Miguel Olivo will remain with the Royals for the 2009 season.  Hell yes!  The Royals exercised his $2.7MM option, and Olivo chose not to void it.  Another mutual option for 2010 was added.

Olivo, 30, hit .255/.278/.444 in 306 plate appearances.  He continued to show good power against lefties.  He threw out 42.4% of baserunners, up from 32.9% in ’07.

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