Rosenthal On Roberts, Hudson, Counsell
Let’s take a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal.
- The Orioles have their ears open Brian Roberts, whose trade value has diminished as he nears free agency. The White Sox can’t afford him, the Braves are reluctant to give up talent, and the Cubs didn’t discuss him in the Felix Pie talks. The Roberts market may improve once Orlando Hudson signs.
- Rosenthal’s source says the Michael Young–Jermaine Dye discussions did take place. If you read Dave van Dyck’s article, Ken Williams never specifically denied talks with the Rangers.
- Rosenthal believes that if the Cubs make another big move, it’ll be a Jake Peavy trade. They’re not in on Hudson.
- The Dodgers have roughly $50MM in payroll flexibility right now.
- The Giants may be looking at Manny Ramirez, but they’ve also looked in trades for hitters – "presumably" Prince Fielder or Corey Hart included. Those talks with the Brewers didn’t go far. The Giants may be willing to move Jonathan Sanchez, but the Jorge Cantu talks have stalled.
- So far the Dodgers and Russell Martin have only talked about a one-year deal.
- The Mariners are Brewers are eyeing Craig Counsell.
- The Ms "likely are willing" to trade Aaron Heilman.
Marlins Prefer To Add A Catcher
MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro says that moreso than signing Andruw Jones, the Marlins would like to add a veteran catcher to pair with John Baker. Ivan Rodriguez makes sense, but Frisaro says the Fish would probably only offer him the league minimum. Pudge wants $3MM, says Ken Rosenthal.
The Marlins had late-December interest in Gregg Zaun, but $2MM was out of their price range. Frisaro says they’ve been exploring trading for Rangers backstop Max Ramirez (the price would certainly be young pitching).
Marlins Discussing Andruw Jones
Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel is reporting that the Marlins have conducted internal discussions concerning free agent outfielder Andruw Jones.
According to the Sun-Sentinel’s report, Jones has a strong relationship with Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez that dates back to 2003, when Gonzalez was the third base coach in Atlanta. The Fish are likely to go with 21-year-old Cameron Maybin in center field this season, but Jones might be willing to play right or left if the price is right. As it stands, most teams probably wouldn’t be willing to hand him more than a minor league contract.
Marlins Avoid Arb With Dallas McPherson
According to Dylan Hernandez, the Marlins avoided arbitration with third baseman Dallas McPherson, signing him at $500K for ’09. McPherson mashed 42 homers at Triple A this year. He could get a shot at the hot corner if the Marlins move Jorge Cantu to first base.
Marlins Showing Interest In Orlando Cabrera
According to Scot Gregor of the Arlington Daily Herald, the Marlins have shown interest in free agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
Cabrera definitely wouldn’t bump Hanley Ramirez from his spot, but the long shot acquisition could result in Dan Uggla sliding to third. Cabrera would obviously then man second base. He actually told reporters one week ago that he’d be open to that move if it helps him land a bigger contract. The A’s have also shown strong interest in him this offseason. Problem is, Cabrera costs a draft pick.
Marlins Interested In Chad Cordero
According to MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez, Chad Cordero‘s agent Larry Reynolds said the Marlins are one of about a dozen teams interested in his client. Cordero will begin throwing from a mound in a month.
Click here to see eight other teams known to have interest in Cordero, who had labrum and biceps surgery last summer.
Paul Byrd To Sit Out First Half
According to Ken Rosenthal, free agent starter Paul Byrd will sit out the first half of the season and then possibly join a contender. Byrd said he had "nice, competitive" offers to play all year but wants to spend more time with his family.
It’s uncertain whether Byrd will draw interest midseason, but I imagine he will. Remember how many teams were eyeing Freddy Garcia last year? The Braves, Rays, or Marlins woud be Byrd’s preference.
Odds and Ends: Smoltz, Young, Cameron
Links for Tuesday…
- Lyle Spencer doesn’t think Michael Young and Jermaine Dye make sense for the Angels.
- Joel Sherman speculates on some possible matches Young trades.
- The Marlins’ recent minor league signings, including John Koronka and Jay Gibbons.
- The Red Sox officially announced the John Smoltz signing today. Here’s the transcript, and here are the contract terms.
- Buster Olney debunks the Mike Cameron for Nick Swisher rumor, saying the teams haven’t talked trade since the Winter Meetings.
- With the ninth pick in a fantasy draft, this is the team I’d put together.
Minor League Signings
Three new minor league signings from Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun. The Orioles signed Jolbert Cabrera and Robby Hammock, while the Marlins inked Jay Gibbons.
Pedro Not A Fit For Marlins
2:35pm: Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun Sentinel also shoots down the rumor, stating that it looks like given their lack of interest in Carl Pavano, the Marlins don’t want to give a rotation spot to a pitcher attempting to rebound.
Rodriguez says that Ricky Nolasco, Josh Johnson, and Chris Volstad are locks for the rotation, with Andrew Miller and Anibal Sanchez as the favorites for the other two spots. Ryan Tucker, Sean West, Frankie De La Cruz and Aaron Thompson are in the mix as well.
11:21am: Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald shoots down the rumor that Pedro Martinez is a possible fit for the Marlins. Spencer heard from multiple sources that "nothing is afoot on that front." The Marlins either have a lack of interest or a lack of money.
Spencer did hear that Pedro’s interested in playing for the Marlins. One source even said they were his "first choice." However, no discussions have taken place between the Marlins and Martinez recently and none are planned.