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Astros Close To Kaz Matsui Deal?

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UPDATE: Ken Rosenthal notes that the Astros are close to a deal with Geoff Blum, and believes the Astros are behind both the Rockies and Cubs for Matsui.

Tracy Ringolsby of the Rocky Mountain News is reporting that Kaz Matsui "appears headed to the Astros."  Maybe Ed Wade will save the Cubs from themselves.  The Cubs were reportedly going to offer Matsui a three-year pact.

Ringolsby adds an interesting twist: the Astros and Rockies could swap second basemen.  The Rockies like Chris Burke, and he will probably be deemed expendable if Matsui is signed.  Seems to me there’s a decent chance Burke matches Matsui in production next year at a much cheaper price.

Ringoslby also notes that Jason Kendall is "finalizing a deal with Milwaukee."  Tom Haudricourt confirms the deep stages of the talks.  To me this seems to be another case of change for the sake of change.  Maybe the Brewers weren’t pleased with Johnny Estrada, but Kendall has his own glaring deficiences as a starter.

Brewers, Padres, Angels, Rockies, Astros After Iguchi

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In some ways, Tadahito Iguchi might be a better buy at second base than Luis Castillo.  He’s getting half the press, but that doesn’t mean he’s getting half the interest.  Iguchi’s agent said today that the Astros, Brewers, Padres, Angels, and Rockies have expressed interest. Keep in mind that the Phillies asked Iguchi about playing third base several weeks ago and he said he’d rather sign elsewhere at a second baseman.

I wonder if Iguchi may have relaxed that stance.  The Brewers and Angels have third base vacancies.  They have Rickie Weeks and Howie Kendrick at second base, respectively.  Weeks could be an interesting option in center, and Kendrick has been rumored as part of a Miguel Cabrera package.  So Iguchi could theoretically still play second for either club.

The Padres and Rockies just have good old-fashioned vacancies at second base.  Both clubs could still fill the spot internally – the Padres with Matt Antonelli and the Rockies with Ian Stewart.

As for the ’Stros, well, Ed Wade has contacted half the free agent class.   

Giants Rumors: Cabrera, Rolen, Walker

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Finally some Giants rumors!  I know a few fans have been clamoring for the team to join the hot stove rumblings.  Andrew Baggarly has an article here and Henry Schulman has one here.  Let’s discuss.

  • The Giants have no one to play third base.  Kevin Frandsen could technically do it but they prefer him at second.  Thankfully, they will pass on Pedro Feliz.  Feliz – get this – wants a three year deal.  He’s on the Brewers’ radar, by the way.
  • Miguel Cabrera is one option, though Baggarly doesn’t see the Giants offering up Tim Lincecum to jump into the fray.  However Schulman’s source says the Giants have been "one of the most aggressive teams" after Cabrera.  Who to believe? 
  • Baggarly’s team source doesn’t expect to go after the available Scott Rolen, given his health questions and contract.  Free agents Morgan Ensberg and Mike Lamb seem more likely options at third base.
  • Brian Wilson and the newly signed Tyler Walker will mix it up for the closer job.  Brian Sabean doesn’t anticipate dropping big bucks/losing a draft pick for Scott Linebrink.  Nor are the Giants likely to hit up the Japanese market.

Odds and Ends: Kendall, Matsui, Fukumori

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Here are some non A-Rod/Lowell rumors from today…

  • MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy says the Brewers are interested in Jason Kendall.  Kendall is somehow seeking a two-year deal.  The Rockies are in on him as well.  The Brewers still have Johnny Estrada, but they’re not happy with him.  He could be traded or non-tendered.
  • WGN Radio’s Dave Kaplan reported that the Cubs could complete a contract with second baseman Kaz Matsui this week.  It’d be a multiyear deal; not sure if the Cubs would have to go three years on it.  This would be an indefensible signing.  UPDATE: A source of Troy E. Renck’s believes the Cubs may have offered something close to three years, $14.4MM.
  • East Windup Chronicle profiles free agent reliever Kazuo Fukumori.  The Rockies, Royals, Rays, and Red Sox are said to be interested in him.

Brewers Targeting Herges, Hawkins, Mahay

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UPDATE: Melvin signed sidearmer Randy Choate this afternoon to start things off.  This MLB.com article also quotes Cordero’s agent Bean Stringfellow that "numerous" teams have shown serious interest in the closer.  The Astros may be making a strong push. 

Tom Haudricourt checks in with some names among the eight or nine free agent relievers on Brewers GM Doug Melvin’s radar.  And to think, they cut this part out of Haudricourt’s newspaper article.

Melvin is currently interested in righties Matt Herges and LaTroy Hawkins, as well as southpaw Ron Mahay.  The Rockies have one-year offers on the table for Herges and Hawkins in the $1.5-2MM range.  Any team guaranteeing two years can probably have Herges or Hawkins.  Mahay’s in the three-year, $12MM class.  Haudricourt suggests David Riske, another 3/12 type, might also be a consideration.

The Brewers have an offer out to Francisco Cordero, and haven’t decided whether to make a proposal to Scott Linebrink.  Both are Type A free agents, so at least the Brewers should offer them arbitration.  I say let ’em both walk and reap the draft picks.  (The Mets, by the way, seemingly won’t be in on Linebrink).

Random Rumors: Glavine, Cordero, Percival

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Let’s kick things off today with one of those posts packed with random rumors.

  • Tom Glavine’s agent Gregg Clifton meets with Braves’ GM Frank Wren this afternoon.  They’ll talk money.  Wren is expected to offer $8-10MM for ’08 plus a mutual option for ’09.  Glavine isn’t a lock for the Braves – three other teams are interested.  The pool includes the Mets, Phillies, Nationals, Cardinals and Astros.
  • Reds beat writer John Fay recently suggested the Reds might have a payroll around $75MM, giving them only $6MM to spend.  But now Fay is saying he thinks the Reds might go past $75MM.  He believes the Reds will strike quickly with a focus on relief help – maybe even Francisco Cordero.  The Brewers made an offer to Cordero Monday, and the Astros and Royals ar expected to be in the mix as well.
  • Previously it was noted that eight teams were in on Troy Percival, four of which were considering him at closer.  Now we’re up to ten clubs, and the Rays are having serious talks with his agent.  The Astros may also be in the mix.

Odds and Ends: Clark, Izturis, Clemens

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First day for teams to negotiate with free agents, always a good time.  Here are today’s odds and ends.

  • Jeff Blair notes that one athlete may still be better paid than Alex Rodriguez: Kimi Raikkonen, a Formula One driver, earns $51MM per year.  No need to debate on whether race car drivers should be considered athletes, I just thought it was interesting.
  • The D’Backs don’t figure to spend much on free agents, because they’re a smart team. Tony Clark wants two years, $4MM, and the team is thinking it over.
  • The Bucs will probably hold onto Jack Wilson this winter, as they’re cutting Cesar Izturis loose rather than pay him $5.45MM.  The Cardinals have interest in Izturis, by the way.
  • Confirming what we already knew: the Yankees will pursue Mike Lowell and Johan Santana.
  • Marty York has a source saying the Blue Jays might pursue Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte.  Say what?
  • Doug Melvin isn’t planning on moving Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun from third base unless the Brewers acquire another "legitimate, bona fide third baseman."
  • Mark Gonzales notes that the White Sox tried to acquire Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel in 2006, implying that Kenny Williams might go after one of them now.  Linebrink is going to be a costly sign, as he’s a Type A and I imagine the Brewers will offer him arbitration.
  • Scott Gregor places odds on various center field possibilities for the White Sox.  He thinks they have a decent chance of trading for Coco Crisp.

Mets Targeting Livan Hernandez?

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Ben Shpigel of the New York Times has some new Mets info for us today.

  • Surprisingly, Shpigel believes the one free agent starter the Mets will seriously consider is Livan Hernandez.  That is odd because I had read Livan wasn’t high on Omar Minaya’s list.  We’ve seen the Mets connected to free agents Byung-Hyun Kim, Carlos Silva, Hiroki Kuroda, Kyle Lohse, and Jason Jennings so far this offseason.
  • As far as some unsung trade opportunities, my Mets guy says Ervin Santana, Chris Capuano, Claudio Vargas, and Noah Lowry are being considered.
  • According to Shpigel, the Mets hope to re-sign Ramon Castro as their backup catcher.  I don’t see that happening, as he’ll probably be able to snag a starting job elsewhere.  Options the Mets are considering to start at catcher include Yorvit Torrealba, Ramon Hernandez, Ronny Paulino, Gerald Laird, and Paul Lo Duca.  A source tells me the D’Backs’ Miguel Montero may also be on the radar.
  • Shpigel says Luis Castillo might command a four-year deal.  Say what?  The Mets may yet re-sign Castillo but want to see what the trade market offers first.  Shpigel names Orlando Hudson, while I’ve also heard Alberto Callaspo.

Odds and Ends: Hot Stove Hysteria

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Anyone else ready for the Winter Meetings?  It’s going to be a crazy four days.  I’ll be blogging all of it nonstop.  Here are some links to consider in the meantime.

Odds and Ends: Rolen, Silva, Capps

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Here are some hot stove links to digest this evening.

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