Indians May Look At Pavano As Backup Plan
If Jake Westbrook isn't fully recovered from Tommy John surgery in time to start the 2010 season, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer proposes that the Tribe might turn to a familiar face — free-agent starter Carl Pavano.
The Indians want at least one veteran to anchor their young starting rotation, and if Westbrook comes out of his Puerto Rican winter league starts at less than 100 percent, that will leave the combustible Fausto Carmona as Cleveland's default ace. By signing Pavano, the Tribe would be bringing back an experienced arm who had a 3.83::1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 21 starts in Cleveland last season before he was traded to Minnesota on August 7.
Hoynes noted that Pavano made $4.35MM after reaching several incentive clauses in the one-year contract he signed with the Indians last winter, and will be looking for at least that total in guaranteed money for next season. This might make Pavano too expensive for the Tribe, though his agent Tom O'Connell told Hoynes that Pavano would talk to the Twins and Indians first, as Cleveland was the team who gave Pavano a shot after his disastrous, injury-plagued stint in New York.
What do you think, Tribe fans? If Westbrook can't go, do you think it would be a good move to bring Pavano back into the fold?
Twins Rumors: Pavano, Cabrera, Punto
The Twins and Carl Pavano are both interested in making a deal, but it's unlikely we'll see anything finalized before Pavano hits the open market, according to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Twins have exclusive negotiating rights for now, but Pavano's likely to test the open market first.
The righty made $4.35MM this season, mostly by reaching performance incentives. This time, Pavano's agent suggests his client deserves more guaranteed money. Pavano has repeated that he enjoyed playing for the Twins after they acquired him from the Indians in August, so a return seems possible.
Pavano is a Type B free agent; the Twins will get a supplementary round pick if they offer arbitration only to see Pavano sign elsewhere.
Another Twins free agent, Orlando Cabrera, won't be playing shortstop next year, but manager Ron Gardenhire wants him back regardless. Sid Hartman of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that Gardenhire would like Cabrera at second base, J.J. Hardy at short and Nick Punto at third.
Odds & Ends: Dodgers, Phillies, Nationals
As the immortal Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe puts it, "Standing around an airport hotel lobby at night just in case Scott Boras walks by was not covered in journalism school." Meanwhile, you get to keep up with the latest rumors in the comfort of your own home!
- As expected, the Dodgers declined their $2.2MM option on Will Ohman.
- Randy Miller of the Bucks County Courier Times says that the Phillies "are expected to try and sign free agent Mark DeRosa." DeRosa went to University of Pennsylvania, so this would be a homecoming.
- Nationals' interim manager Jim Riggleman believes a decision on who will be the 2010 skipper in Washington could come as early as this week.
- Carl Pavano is unlikely to receive an overwhelming offer from the Twins during their exclusive signing window, says Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Odds & Ends: Gonzalez, Halladay, Pettitte, Snyder
Here's some more links on a busy first day at the GM meetings…
- WEEI.com's Alex Speier writes that when Jed Hoyer took over as GM of the Padres, it only made it tougher for the Red Sox to pull off a deal for Adrian Gonzalez. “He knows all my tricks, and I know his,” said Theo Epstein of Hoyer.
- Meanwhile, WEEI.com's Rob Bradford reports that Roy Halladay has identified the Red Sox as a team he'd be willing to accept a trade to. Doc has a full no-trade clause.
- Andy Pettitte has apparently told his Yankee teammates that he'd like to come back for one more year, though there's been no definitive word according to SI.com's Jon Heyman. GM Brian Cashman said he expects the team to be more "cautious than anxious" this offseason, and that he plans to go slow, even with their own free agents according to Joel Sherman of The NY Post.
- Mets' GM Omar Minaya "has told several of his friends in the industry that he badly wants to add a run-producing bat at either first base and/or left field," according to Sherman.
- MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reports that Chris Snyder confirmed there has not been a setback in his rehab from back surgery. The Blue Jays nixed a potential Snyder for Lyle Overbay swap over the weekend over concerns about the catcher's back.
- The Orioles claimed righthander Armando Gabino off waivers from the Twins, according to Joe Christensen of The Star Tribune. Meanwhile, a team press release says the Rays claimed righty Ramon Ramirez off waivers from the Reds.
- FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi report that Melvin Mora is working out at other positions to increase his versatility and up his value as a free agent.
- Dave Cameron of FanGraphs compared Jason Bay to Mike Cameron, and determines that the latter is a better value.
- Jon Weisman at Dodger Thoughts breaks down some Chad Billingsley rumors.
Twins Looking At Veteran Starters
While speaking with Joe Christensen of The Star Tribune, Twins' GM Bill Smith may have tipped his hand regarding the team's offseason plans.
"We'll see what's out there," he said. "And if there's a veteran starter or two that's a good fit for us, then we'll proceed accordingly."
The team is already returning at least five young starters, and that isn't counting Kevin Slowey's return from wrist surgery. Christensen mentions that they'll try to re-sign Carl Pavano, and says that the Twins also plan to pursue Jarrod Washburn, who has made it known that he'd like to pitch closer to his home in Wisconsin.
It's unlikely the Twins could afford John Lackey as a free agent, but Christensen says the team should find out if they have what it takes to acquire Roy Halladay or Josh Johnson via trade.
Rogers On Yankees, Cubs, Mauer, Padilla
Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune has written a pair of new articles. One focuses on the New York Yankees, while the other explores news from around the majors. Here are some of his points:
- Pitching depth is the Yankees' main priority this offseason. Having Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, and Phil Hughes all healthy and effective would be ideal, but Rogers doesn't think GM Brian Cashman will be able to resist looking hard at free agent veteran starting pitching.
- Rogers thinks the Cubs will attempt to bolster their bullpen through trades.
- He also mentions that the Cubs could be looking to fill a couple vacancies in their Opening Day rotation, with Rich Harden expected to leave and Ted Lilly's health in question.
- Rogers expects the Minnesota Twins to "get busy" working on an extension for Joe Mauer, and wonders what the starting point will be (his guess: five years and $95MM).
- The Los Angeles Dodgers would like to re-sign Vicente Padilla based on his on-field performance. However, his off-field actions, including last week's shooting in Nicaragua, make the decision more problematic.
Odds & Ends: Cubs, Cuddyer, Eyre, Marlins
Let's check out a few Saturday evening links….
- Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes that the Chicago Cubs seem prepared to part ways with Rich Harden and Reed Johnson.
- ESPN.com's Rob Neyer isn't a big fan of the Minnesota Twins' decision to exercise Michael Cuddyer's 2011 option.
- Potential free agent Scott Eyre will have surgery on his left elbow, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Zolecki mentions that Raul Ibanez and Brad Lidge will also go under the knife. Eyre and Ibanez should be ready for the start of spring training, but Lidge may need a little more time.
- John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle doesn't think the New York Yankees will be able to hold back on their spending this offseason, and expects them to make a big free agent splash or two.
- MLB.com's Joe Frisaro projects the Florida Marlins' payroll for 2010.
- We heard earlier today from Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos, regarding his club's offseason plans. Dave Rutt at Batter's Box provides an interesting article on the same subject, sharing his own thoughts on how to improve the Jays.
Twins Exercise 2011 Option For Michael Cuddyer
According to a team press release, the Twins have exercised their 2011 option for Michael Cuddyer. They had until five days after the 2009 World Series to either pick up or decline the option. Cuddyer will earn $10.5MM in 2011 instead of a $1MM buyout.
The 30-year-old Cuddyer hit .276/.342/.520 with 34 doubles and 32 homers last year. He spent most of the season in his customary right field, though he took over first base after Justin Morneau went down with a season ending injury.
Odds & Ends: Matsui, Belcher, Cuddyer, Griffey
Links for Friday…
- Lefty reliever Darren Oliver "will play in 2010 and perhaps beyond," according to his agent Mike McCann (MLB.com's Lyle Spencer reporting).
- Free agent Hideki Matsui ruled out the possibility of returning to Japan, says NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman (via Twitter).
- The Indians have hired their new pitching coach: Tim Belcher.
- The decision on Michael Cuddyer's $10.5MM option for 2011 is due by Monday, according to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Cuddyer would like to finish his career in Minnesota.
- Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel considers Jeremy Hermida among the all-time exasperating Marlins.
- Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News has comments from Andy Pettitte about the future.
- Ken Griffey Jr.'s agent Brian Goldberg told C. Trent Rosecrans of CNATI.com that Junior's future will be decided soon.
Twins Acquire J.J. Hardy For Carlos Gomez
12:55pm: A bunch of Tweets from the Brewers' side: Brewers GM Doug Melvin said he won't pursue re-signing Cameron, and will look to the free agent market for starting pitching. Melvin contacted Mark Mulder's agent but hasn't heard back. Melvin even mentioned John Lackey's name. (Reporting: Haudricourt and MLB.com's Adam McCalvy).
12:04pm: I asked Hardy if he's closed the book on the service time issue, and he said yes. A grievance does not seem likely; Hardy admitted it'd be hard to prove.
Twins GM Bill Smith said on today's conference call that he talked to free agent Orlando Cabrera this morning and told him Hardy will be the team's shortstop. Smith implied that re-signing Joe Crede is a possibility, as he has talked to Scott Boras. Smith added that Delmon Young is a lock to be tendered a contract.
10:57am: The Twins acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy for center fielder Carlos Gomez, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
While I expected the Brewers to snag a young pitcher for Hardy, I like the move for both sides. Center field was certainly a need for the Brewers with Mike Cameron eligible for free agency. Haudricourt notes that the money the Brewers saved on Cameron will probably go toward starting pitching. While Gomez hasn't had offensive success in his career, his stellar defense is unquestionable. He'll be eligible for arbitration this winter as a Super Two player, and is under team control through 2013.
Hardy is a huge addition for the Twins, who entered the offseason needing upgrades at shorstop, third base, and second base. Due to an August demotion by the Brewers, Hardy is under team control for 2010 and 2011 (Hardy says there are "no hard feelings.") He slumped offensively this year, but maintained his strong defense.