Pirates Pushing To Move Joel Hanrahan
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.
Cafardo On Bourn, Yankees, Tigers, Soriano
While the Dodgers and Angels scooped up the two impact free agents of this year's class, the Rangers have had a much more dull offseason, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Texas lost Hamilton to the rival Angels and failed to sign Zack Greinke and Torii Hunter. Beyond that, they also lost Mike Napoli, Ryan Dempster, and Koji Uehara to the Red Sox. Landing Justin Upton would help bring energy back to the Rangers' lineup, but so far they haven't been able to get a deal done as they look to hold on to Elvis Andrus. Here's more from today's column..
- Some believe the Yankees are quietly interested in free agent outfielder Michael Bourn and will pounce if the price comes down. Bourn would give the Bombers the leadoff hitter they have wanted for some time. Meanwhile, the Rangers remain a possibility.
- While the Tigers are keeping their distance from right-hander Rafael Soriano, it's not impossible for him to wind up in Detroit. The Red Sox may also be interested and the Rangers could be a fit given all of the talent that they've lost.
- If the Red Sox can’t finalize their deal with Mike Napoli, they could give Adam LaRoche the three-year, $39MM contract. Otherwise, LaRoche may stay with the Nationals or look to the Orioles, where Dan Duquette has coveted him.
- Edwin Jackson may be the next pitcher to strike a deal. The Padres have serious interest in Jackson, especially after losing Andrew Cashner for a while after his hunting accident.
Quick Hits: Clemens, Tigers, Soriano, Mets, Dodgers
Agent Randy Hendricks dismissed the possibility of Roger Clemens pitching in the Mexican League, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (all Twitter links). "He is not going to Mexico no matter how many articles they run for publicity,'' said Hendricks, who also said Clemens only signed with the Sugarland Skeeters this summer so he could play with his son Koby close to home. Here's the latest from around the league as Saturday turns into Sunday…
- People with the Tigers are still "fairly certain" owner Mike Ilitch won't be talked into signing Rafael Soriano, reports Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). He mentions that Ilitch was the driving force behind the Anibal Sanchez deal.
- The Mets do not figure to get outfield help in a potential R.A. Dickey trade, and Joel Sherman of The New York Post says (on Twitter) the team will just patch things up with cheap free agents or trades.
- Sherman notes that the impending Dickey trade and the James Shields trade show that the cost for high-end pitching is very steep (Twitter links). The Zack Greinke deal shows how steep the price can be in free agency.
- Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times has a breakdown of the $2+ billion Guggenheim Baseball Management paid for the Dodgers. Magic Johnson kicked in $50MM while three others contributed $100MM apiece.
Rosenthal On Dodgers, Angels, Pirates, Indians
Earlier today, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that all signs point to the Mets trading knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Here's more from Rosenthal's column..
- Dodgers starters Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano are even more in play with the Pirates, Mariners, Twins, Blue Jays, and Indians among the teams checking in, major league sources tell Jon Paul Morosi. The club began shopping Harang and Capuano at the winter meetings, anticipating that they would add at least two other starters, which turned out to be Zack Greinke and Ryu Hyun-Jin.
- One rival executive predicts that the Angels will keep Peter Bourjos and Mark Trumbo while moving Vernon Wells. The outfielder holds a no-trade clause and is owed $21MM in each of the next two seasons but probably can't bring the Angels the pitcher they need.
- Joel Hanrahan has been linked to both the Tigers and Dodgers, but both clubs are wary of his salary, according to sources. Hanrahan is projected to make $6.9MM in arbitration next season.
- A source says that the Indians' four-player return for Shin-Soo Choo and Jason Donald won't deter them from moving right-hander Justin Masterson, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, or closer Chris Perez in the right deal, Rival teams say the Tribe insisted upon major leaguers/major league ready pieces for Choo and they would presumably seek the same in return for their other veterans.
Los Angeles Notes: Hamilton, Managers, Niese
The Dodgers have dominated the headlines in Hollywood for most of the winter but the Angels stole the spotlight today by reaching agreement with Josh Hamilton on a five-year, $125MM contract. Here are a few items about both Los Angeles franchises…
- Hamilton's agents approached the Dodgers and the team did background work on the outfielder, but the Dodgers never seriously considered signing him, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The Dodgers simply didn't have room in the outfield with Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford all locked up to major long-term contracts.
- Don Mattingly and Mike Scioscia will both be under tremendous pressure to manage their respective teams to postseason success in 2013, writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Scioscia is under contract through 2018 but the Angels haven't made the postseason in three years and the skipper seemed to be on the hot seat last year during the team's slow start. As for Mattingly, he is entering the final year of his three-year contract. Hernandez also addresses a number of other questions about both teams as part of his Q&A piece, including if the Angels signed Hamilton as a response to the Dodgers' high-profile moves.
- The Angels are interested in Jonathon Niese and share an interest in R.A. Dickey with the Rangers, reports Matthew Cerrone of Metsblog.com. Cerrone believes the Blue Jays also have their eye on both Mets pitchers, with Niese as their first choice.
- There are still some outstanding questions about the Dodgers' financial situation and the status of their rumored multi-billion dollar TV deal with FOX, writes ESPN's Darren Rovell.
- Earlier today we explored the reaction to the Hamilton signing and its impact around the league.
Dodgers Could Move Punto, Uribe
The Dodgers have an abundance of backup infielders on their 40-man roster, and some of them may be moved, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Nick Punto could be a trade candidate, and Juan Uribe and his $7MM salary could be released, according to Rosenthal.
Punto, 35, appeared in 87 total games for the Red Sox and Dodgers in 2012. He posted a .219/.321/.281 batting line in 191 plate appearances while earning a $1.5MM salary. He'll earn the same amount in 2013 before hitting free agency. Like Punto, Uribe has one year remaining on his contract. He'll earn a $7MM salary in 2013 after missing much of the 2012 season with a wrist injury.
After acquiring Skip Schumaker from St. Louis, the Dodgers have seven backup infielders, including Punto, Uribe, Jerry Hairston, Elian Herrera, Dee Gordon and Justin Sellers. Gordon has drawn interest from many teams and could also be traded. The Dodgers designated Scott Van Slyke for assignment yesterday.
Quick Hits: Wright, Red Sox, Dodgers, DeRosa
On today’s edition of the Rosters & Rumblings podcast, Jason Martinez of MLB Depth Charts and I discussed the Indians–Reds–Diamondbacks trade, the Yankees’ recent signings and the latest rumors. Click here to listen in and continue reading for some notes from around MLB…
- The Mets will pay David Wright $3.1MM annually from 2021-2025 as part of the deferred payments from his new contract extension, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York. The money is deferred without interest.
- The Red Sox will pay the Dodgers a total of $11.7MM over the next three years as the cash component of their August blockbuster trade according to the AP (via ESPN). Boston will make identical payments of $3.9MM in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
- Utility man Mark DeRosa told ESPN's Jim Bowden that his first choice is to re-sign with the Nationals (Twitter link). The 37-year-old free agent has hit .220/.309/.269 in 302 plate appearances while battling injuries over the last three seasons.
Earlier Updates:
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports argues that the Yankees' strategy of slightly overpaying for free agents on one-year deals hasn't resulted in an improved team this offseason. Morosi wonders why GM Brian Cashman hasn't obtained a power bat for the outfield such as Justin Upton, Jason Kubel or Michael Morse.
- We're seeing more teams prey on the desperation of others in trades now that Wild Card berths seem so attainable, Yahoo's Jeff Passan writes.
- A rival executive expects the Rangers could obtain Upton from Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers if they are willing to part with Elvis Andrus, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). “I don't think KT will do it for less," the person said. Towers has said it’s “highly unlikely" that he moves Upton.
- Shaun Marcum said on MLB Network Radio that he's open to re-signing with the Brewers, Jim Bowden reports (on Twitter). The Twins, Royals, Padres and Cubs have been linked to the right-hander in the past month or so.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
Dodgers Designate Scott Van Slyke For Assignment
The Dodgers have designated Scott Van Slyke for assignment, the team announced (on Twitter). The move creates room on the 40-man roster for the recently-acquired Skip Schumaker.
Van Slyke, 26, hit .167/.196/.315 in 57 plate appearances for Los Angeles this season, his big league debut. He also hit .327/.404/.578 with 18 homers in 411 Triple-A plate appearances this summer. The right-handed batter has plenty of experience at first base and the two outfield corners. Scott is the son of long-time big leaguer Andy Van Slyke.
Dodgers Acquire Skip Schumaker From Cardinals
WEDNESDAY: The Dodgers announced the deal: Schumaker for Lemmerman.
TUESDAY: The Dodgers have acquired Skip Schumaker from the Cardinals, a source tells Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter). Mike Petriello of Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness first reported that the Dodgers would acquire Schumaker for minor league shortstop Jake Lemmerman.
Cards General Manager John Mozeliak recently acknowledged that Schumaker was a trade candidate. The 32-year-old will earn $1.5MM in 2013, the last year on his contract. The Twins were also reportedly interested in the left-handed hitter who owns a .345 career on-base percentage, but has struggled to hit lefties. The emergence of young talent in St. Louis ultimately led to Schumaker's exit after eight big league seasons.
Schumaker posted a .276/.339/.368 slash line last season in 304 plate appearances. The veteran has experience playing second base as well as all three outfield positions.
Lemmerman, 23, spent the 2012 season with the Dodgers' Double-A affiliate. The 2010 fifth round selection posted a .233/.347/.378 batting line in 449 plate appearances while playing shortstop and second base.
R.A. Dickey Rumors: Wednesday
The extension and trade talks continue for the Mets and R.A. Dickey. The Mets recently increased their offer to the two-year, $20MM range on top of Dickey's 2013 salary of $5MM. Previously the team had been offering a total of approximately $16MM for the 2014-15 seasons, but Dickey still seeks $26MM for that two-year period. Meanwhile, at least a couple of teams have offered an elite prospect for the 38-year-old. Here’s the latest…
- The Red Sox aren't pursuing Dickey for now, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports (on Twitter). They won't pursue Dickey until they know if they can sign Ryan Dempster, a serious target for Boston.
Earlier updates:
- The Mets aren't expecting anything to happen with the Dodgers and Dickey, Martino reports (on Twitter). There doesn't appear to be a fit, as the Mets didn't like Zach Lee and Dee Gordon as a potential return.
- Mets GM Sandy Alderson won't allow drama or emotion to determine the outcome of the Dickey situation, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News writes (Twitter links). The Mets say there's been more trade interest in Dickey since Zack Greinke signed and James Shields was traded.
- Dickey spoke up about his extension talks at a Mets holiday function and the organization was "not happy" about it, Joel Sherman and Mike Puma of the New York Post report. There's an "underlying tension between team and player," the Post writers explain. Dickey, the 2012 NL Cy Young winner, continues to draw trade interest. The Rangers have inquired, and so has every AL East team. The Mets want a high-end prospect and at least one other very good prospect, but they'd consider providing the acquiring team with a window for negotiating an extension.
- Though the Mets are low-balling Dickey, they should use the leverage they have, Sherman writes. They know Dickey wants security and they know other teams seek top-of-the-rotation starters, so they're not about to compromise. The Mets have some concerns about the knuckleballer both on and off of the field.