Dodgers Rumors

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.

Nick Swisher Rumors: Wednesday

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 19, 2012 at 8:32pm CDT

Nick Swisher visited the Indians yesterday, as the team attempted to convince the free agent outfielder to sign in Cleveland. Swisher left to visit another interested team without accepting the Indians' offer. Here’s the latest on Swisher, MLBTR's number six free agent…

Mark Feinsand of The New York Daily News reports (on Twitter) that Swisher has two offers on the table with three or four other clubs interested as well. Teams do not appear to be hesitant to surrender the draft pick, he says.
Swisher would like to play for the Dodgers, but he is nowhere near the Dodgers' radar, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. The sides had one conversation weeks ago, according to Heyman. The Indians are believed to be willing to offer the switch-hitter a four-year deal worth $13MM or so per season, Heyman adds.
The Dodgers aren’t expected to trade Andre Ethier to make room for Swisher in their outfield, Heyman writes. One person connected to the Dodgers said it's almost 100% certain that Ethier will open the season as L.A.'s right fielder, barring an injury.
The Rangers are in on Swisher, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports.

Mike Axisa contributed to this post.

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.

Astros Acquire John Ely

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 19, 2012 at 1:35pm CDT

The Astros announced that they acquired right-hander John Ely from the Dodgers for minor league left-hander Rob Rasmussen. The Dodgers now have 39 players on the 40 man roster.

Ely appeared in two games for the Dodgers in 2012, but spent most of the season at Triple-A. The 26-year-old led the Triple-A Pacific Coast League with a 3.20 ERA in 168 2/3 innings. Ely, a former third round selection of the White Sox, started 18 games for the Dodgers in 2010, posting a 5.49 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 100 innings. He has just shy of one year of MLB service (167 days).

Rasmussen, 23, was a second round draft pick of the Marlins in 2010. The Astros acquired him from Miami along with Matt Dominguez for Carlos Lee this past summer. In 142 innings at Class A and Double A, Rasmussen posted a 4.25 ERA with 7.5 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9.

AL East Links: Orioles, Ellsbury, Ross, Iglesias

By Mark Polishuk | December 18, 2012 at 10:52pm CDT

We've already had one batch of AL East Notes on MLBTR today, but here are some more items on a busy day around the division…

The Orioles have had a quiet offseason while their division rivals have been spending, writes Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. While the O's didn't make any major signings en route to a playoff appearance last year and face a payroll increase due to several arbitration-eligible players, Schmuck thinks spending on a big free agent like Adam LaRoche would help the team contend again.
A Dodgers official flatly denied that the Dodgers and Red Sox could make an Andre Ethier/Jacoby Ellsbury swap, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Ethier's name has come up in recent rumors but L.A. isn't shopping the outfielder and doesn't appear eager to move him.
Also from Cafardo, he hears from an AL general manager that the Red Sox may be trying to deal Ellsbury so they can shift Shane Victorino to center field and then sign Cody Ross. Several teams are interested in Ross but none have yet met his desired price of a three-year, $21-$31MM contract.

Earlier updates:

Jose Iglesias has "always been available, but nobody has knocked down [Boston's] door," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe about the Red Sox prospect's trade value. Given that Stephen Drew was signed to just a one-year contract, it's too early to say that the Sox have given up on Iglesias as a long-term solution at shortstop.
Also from Cafardo's piece, he thinks that Rafael Soriano and Matt Garza could both still be targets for the Red Sox.
Right-hander Daniel McCutchen has received multiple offers to play in Japan, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes has learned. McCutchen’s minor league deal with the Orioles permits him to accept an offer from a Japanese team. The 30-year-old appeared in one game for the Pirates this past season, but he spent most of the season at Triple-A, where he posted a 2.98 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 in 63 1/3 innings.
The Blue Jays were picked as the 2013 AL East champions by 13 of 20 scouts and executives polled by FOX Sports' Jon Paul Morosi. In that same poll, the Orioles were picked to finish last by 10 voters, while the Red Sox received six last-place votes and were the only team that didn't get at least one pick as division winners. Morosi himself picks Toronto for first place and Boston for last.
From earlier today, the Rays signed Roberto Hernandez, the Red Sox finalized the signing of Koji Uehara and I compiled some Yankees-related notes.

MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith also contributed to this post

Rosenthal On Rangers, Nakajima, Upton

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 18, 2012 at 11:20am CDT

The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…

Rangers officials aren’t overwhelmed by the remaining free agent position players available, Rosenthal reports. Texas has done background work on A.J. Pierzynski, and could work to sign him. However, Adam LaRoche, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn seem like less likely targets. The Rangers are particularly concerned about makeup, according to Rosenthal. Manager Ron Washington knows Swisher from their days in Oakland and likes the outfielder, Rosenthal reports.
The Rangers still want to add to their bullpen, and Rosenthal suggests they could make a play for Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan. The team is also exploring other bullpen options via trades and free agency. Hanrahan’s projected salary of $6.9MM limits interest from the Dodgers and Tigers, Rosenthal writes.
Hiroyuki Nakajima has range that is average “at best,” one executive told Rosenthal. However, the A’s agreed to sign the 30-year-old free agent to a two-year deal in part because they like his offensive potential.
Now that many free agent third basemen have signed, the Marlins could pursue a top third base prospect who’s close to contributing at the MLB level. However, it would be difficult to put together a package for a player such as Mike Olt.
Some executives believe the Diamondbacks will trade Justin Upton even after GM Kevin Towers said a deal seems unlikely. There’s a perception that the Diamondbacks are down on Upton, Rosenthal notes.
When Mets executive Paul DePodesta watched outfield prospect Wuilmer Becerra in 2011, he liked the prospect’s athleticism and effort. The Mets acquired the 18-year-old Becerra in the R.A. Dickey trade.
The Red Sox are always looking to upgrade their bullpen, Rosenthal adds.

Los Angeles Notes: Hamilton, Trumbo, Dodgers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 18, 2012 at 10:29am CDT

The latest on the MLB’s two Los Angeles area teams…

There's a clause in Josh Hamilton's new contract that calls for the Angels to donate $400K per season to the outfielder's charity, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). That will amount to a $2MM total over the course of Hamilton's five-year deal.
The Angels and Marlins have talked about the Angels’ spare bats, ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports (on Twitter). The Marlins appear to prefer Mark Trumbo, though he’s the least likely to be traded. The Angels could also deal Peter Bourjos, Kendrys Morales or Vernon Wells.
The Dodgers now aim to find a reliever, preferably a lefty, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
The Dodgers could pursue free agent center fielder Michael Bourn if they trade Andre Ethier, Rosenthal writes.

Dodgers Will Listen On Andre Ethier

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 18, 2012 at 10:04am CDT

10:04am: A source close to the Dodgers told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that the team's one conversation with Swisher came weeks ago (Twitter links). The Dodgers aren't shopping Ethier and haven't received offers for him so far, Heyman adds.

9:30am: Two American League teams asked about Ethier, but the Dodgers have "zero intention" of trading him, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The Dodgers will listen to offers.

8:34am: Six months after extending Andre Ethier, the Dodgers are considering trading him. The Dodgers are shopping Ethier, and could be a suitor for Nick Swisher if they complete a trade, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports (on Twitter).

Ethier will earn $85MM from 2013-17 after signing a five-year deal with the Dodgers this past June. Ethier’s deal took place soon after Guggenheim Baseball Management gained control of the team, and foreshadowed the aggressive spending that would take place in the months that followed. The Dodgers acquired Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett from the Red Sox in a midseason trade, taking on approximately $260MM in the process. Then, once the offseason began, they spent aggressively on international free agents and landed the top pitcher available, signing Zack Greinke for $147MM.

While recent history suggests the team can afford to spend big on Swisher, GM Ned Colletti would need to create roster space for him. Swisher, a client of MVP Sports Group, is two years older than the 30-year-old Ethier. A switch-hitter, Swisher doesn't have the same pronounced platoon splits Ethier does. While Ethier thrives against right-handers and struggles against left-handers, Swisher has a career OPS of .820 against right-handers and a career OPS of .842 against left-handers.

The Indians met with Swisher last night and the Red Sox, Phillies, Mariners, Rangers, and Orioles have also been linked to him. Some of these teams could have interest in trading for Ethier, particularly if the Dodgers are willing to cover some salary to facilitate a deal.

Swisher ranked sixth on MLBTR's top 50 free agent list. He obtained a qualifying offer from the Yankees, which means he's linked to draft pick compensation.

Quick Hits: Mets, Anibal, Brewers, Bourjos

By Steve Adams | December 17, 2012 at 10:46pm CDT

MLBTR’s Ben Nicholson-Smith and Jason Martinez of MLB Depth Charts discussed the R.A. Dickey trade, the Josh Hamilton signing, the Anibal Sanchez deal and the latest rumors on todays’ edition of the Rosters & Rumblings podcast. Click here to listen in, and continue reading for the latest from around the league…

The Mets are closing in on adding an outfielder, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Puma's source tells him that the player hasn't previously been linked to the Mets (Twitter links). Puma doesn't specify if the acquisition would come via free agency or trade. New York has previously been linked to Cody Ross, which seems to rule him out.
Sanchez's agent, Gene Mato, told Anthony Fetch of the Detroit Free Press that Sanchez left a larger offer from an unnamed team on the table at the Winter Meetings. The right-hander didn't want to make his decision based solely on money but also on where he felt comfortable.
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM that his team is interested in Jon Rauch, Jason Frasor, Kyle Farnsworth and Mike Gonzalez (Twitter link).
Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald tweets that the Marlins aren't particularly interested in Peter Bourjos because they'd prefer a better hitting outfielder. Earlier today it was reported that the Fish may be interested in Bourjos.
Some teams aren't convinced that Hiroyuki Nakajima's glove is good enough to play shortstop at the Major League level, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN. The Japanese slugger signed with the Athletics earlier today.
Former Cubs coach Pat Listach has been hired by the Dodgers as the team's new minor league infield coordinator, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter).

Pirates Pushing To Move Joel Hanrahan

By Steve Adams | December 17, 2012 at 6:10pm CDT

Joel Hanrahan has saved 76 games with a 2.24 ERA for the Pirates over the past two seasons, but his name has surfaced in numerous trade rumors this offseason and now Danny Knobler of CBS Sports tweets that the Buccos are pushing to trade him (Twitter link). The Dodgers are one possibility, according to Knobler.

Hanrahan projects to earn $6.9MM through arbitration, according to MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz. The 31-year-old is arbitration-eligible for the final time and will be a free agent following the 2013 campaign.

Hanrahan's production slipped in 2012, mainly due to a sharp increase in walks. He issued 36 free passes in 59 2/3 innings after allowing just 16 in 68 2/3 innings during the 2011 season. Hanrahan's fastball velocity also dipped from 2011, though he still averaged a very strong 95.9 mph. Teams have expressed concerns about his conditioning.

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