Odds and Ends: Thames, Sosa, Inge, Crisp
Here’s today’s link roundup.
- MetsBlog passes along a Jon Heyman WFAN appearance tidbit. The SI.com writer said the Mets and Tigers are discussing a Marcus Thames for Jorge Sosa swap. Thames definitely fits the Mets’ needs, though Sosa seems a little light for him.
- I did a fantasy baseball mailbag for Hardball Times.
- Brandon Inge tries to explain his comments about catching.
- John Smoltz has advice for Cole Hamels.
- Nice to see a popular player legitimately spending time to sign fan mail.
- Buster Olney says the Red Sox and A’s are still discussing Coco Crisp.
- Olney also notes that "talent evaluators say the Reds have demonstrated a clear willingness to deal Homer Bailey."
Mets Talking Long-Term With Maine
According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post, preliminary extension talks have begun with Mets starter John Maine. Maine (along with B.J. Upton and Hanley Ramirez) was gracious about his recent renewal. Maine is eligible for arbitration after this season.
As we’ve been saying, the going rate for a good young pitcher’s three arb years is $13-14MM, not necessarily all guaranteed. A club option worth around $9MM for the 2012 season (Maine’s first year of free agent eligibility) would be about standard.
Mets Looking For Outfield Help?
A small note from SI.com’s Jon Heyman:
The Mets appear to be looking for a right-handed-hitting outfielder to platoon with Ryan Church.
Presumably the need would be for a lefty-mashing, right-handed hitter. Drunk Jays Fans would like a Reed Johnson rumor started. Pretty good fit. Kevin Millar, Jason Michaels, Matt Murton, and Jay Payton seem to make sense as well.
Odds and Ends: Ponson, Inge, Papelbon
Let’s round up some Monday morning links.
- The Cardinals are taking another look at Sidney Ponson. Insert your own punchline in the comments.
- Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun could see the O’s making a minor trade for a veteran second baseman if they acquire Ronny Cedeno but not Eric Patterson in a Brian Roberts deal with the Cubs.
- Brandon Inge is trying his best to talk his way out of town. The Dodgers’ recently reported nibble hasn’t been publicly shot down, so that’s a plus.
- South Side Sox thinks speedy infielder Eugenio Velez is the type of player the White Sox could desire for Joe Crede.
- Jonathan Papelbon wants $900K in his last year before arbitration eligibility. Ryan Howard set a scary precedent last year. If Papelbon doesn’t get offered something close, he’d rather make a statement and be renewed near the minimum.
- Buster Olney suggests Dan Johnson and Doug Mientkiewicz could be possibilities for the Mets in their quest for a backup first baseman. Olney speculated on Nick Johnson, Scott Hatteberg, Richie Sexson, Tony Clark, and Kevin Millar the day before.
Kyle Lohse Ready To Settle?
ESPN’s Buster Olney says Kyle Lohse is currently looking for a one-year deal between $4-10MM. According to Olney, multiple teams have expressed their disinterest in the Boras-represented Lohse. Lohse at $5MM seems really solid – how is this guy out of work on March 3rd? He’s even young enough to have upside, which can’t be said for Livan Hernandez.
On Sunday, Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger said the Mets hadn’t ruled out Lohse. The Mets would probably need to unload an arm or two first though. Shouldn’t the Phillies, Astros, and Cardinals be in on Lohse too?
Schoeneweis, Jorge Sosa Available
In many years, no significant March trades are made. In March ’05, the most noteworthy deal may have been the Rays sending Jorge Sosa to Atlanta for infielder Nick Green. It was a fluke, but Sosa did win 13 games for the ’05 Braves with a miraculous 2.55 ERA. Sosa, now with the Mets, is available again according to Adam Rubin. He’ll make $2MM in ’08, and is a mildly useful swingman.
Rubin says southpaw reliever Scott Schoeneweis is also being shopped. His was an odd contract when it was signed a year ago; he’ll make $3.6MM in each of the ’08 and ’09 seasons. Maybe Scott Boras deserves credit for that one. If the Mets are to unload the 34 year-old they’ll probably have to eat some salary or accept a bad contract in return.
Delgado MRI May Reveal Mets’ Hole At First
With Carlos Delgado being sent to New York for an MRI on his sore right hip, the Mets may be in need of first base help.
Delgado hurt the same hip toward the end of last season, missing 2 1/2 weeks during the stretch run. The Mets say it’s not serious this time but Delgado is starting to show signs that he’s becoming old before his time. He may not be able to bounce back as quickly as he once did.
Now the Mets might be another potential destination for Scott Hatteberg if Joey Votto shoves him out of Cincinnati.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Garcia, Lohse, Colon
With a full slate of Spring Training games underway today, there are still some big names hanging out in the free agent market. After the Red Sox signed signed former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon to a minor league deal, there are still two big-name starting pitchers that have yet to find new homes. Former all-star Freddy Garcia is not expected to be ready until mid-season after having rotator cuff surgery last fall, but may have interest from several clubs. On the other hand Kyle Lohse is still looking for work despite being perfectly healthy. His biggest ailment maybe that his agent’s name is Scott Boras. With just over four weeks until opening day, let’s take a look at coverage of these pitchers in the blogosphere.
If there is a topic you would like to see covered in "Baseball Blogs Weigh In" please let me know HERE.
- Mets Fever notes that the names Garcia and Lohse keep popping up on the radar and they are not surprised considering that the Mets rotation is a crapshoot once you get past Johan Santana.
- Sox and Pinstripes says that signing Garcia would be a smart move for the Red Sox. With Colon and Curt Schilling, Garcia would provide the Sox with plenty of second half pitching insurance.
- Fire Brand of the American League is hoping the Red Sox will sign Garcia as they believe he will be more dependable than Colon.
- MetsBlog can’t see the Mets signing Lohse unless they can find a way to unload Orlando Hernandez. And then they would only go for a one year deal.
- Sox & Dawgs notes the age-old baseball cliche that a team can never have too much pitching and likes the addition of Colon.
- Bugs & Cranks says that the signing of Colon has them seeing El Guapo Deja Vu and wonder if he will be as important and beloved as another former Cy Young winner, Eric Gagne.
- Surviving Grady notes that every good sitcom needs a fat guy and now the Red Sox have theirs in the form of Colon.
Stark’s Latest: Patterson, Lohse, Lofton, Clemens
Finally, new info regarding some of the remaining free agents. Jayson Stark has the scoop.
- Seems there’s a chance Corey Patterson takes a cheap deal to return to Baltimore. He could be relegated to fourth outfielder duty in that case. Stark says the Marlins have discussed Patterson internally, but aren’t sure if they could afford the Boras client. Patterson would be a nice stopgap for Cameron Maybin, who’d be well-served with some time in Triple A. Ken Rosenthal also mentioned the Florida possibility.
- One of the most surprising free agents at this point is Kyle Lohse. Stark shoots down the notion of Lohse signing with the Met or Phillies on a one-year deal. Rosenthal tossed out the Cards and O’s as slight possibilities. It’s tough to be impressed with Boras’ work with Patterson and Lohse this year. Stark’s colleague Buster Olney even speaks of rumors that Lohse could ditch Boras.
- Kenny Lofton wants a Major League deal, and the offers so far have been minor league (including one from the Reds). I don’t find this an unreasonable demand on Lofton’s part; he’s still a useful player. He’s OK with starting the season late and coming in as a mercenary when a spot opens up.
- Stark talked to a friend of Drayton McLane who believes the Astros’ owner could roll the dice on Roger Clemens at the right price.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton
FOX’s Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training.
- The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards’ interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price.
- Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal‘s agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the ’08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in defensive whiz Chin-Lung Hu.
- Rosenthal notes that the Yankees, in search of a right-handed outfielder, considered Shannon Stewart and Mike Cameron this winter.
- Kenny Lofton‘s chances of a getting the big league deal he wants with the Reds or Twins look slim.
- The rumor going around for Corey Patterson is the Marlins, if the price is right.
- Rosenthal confirms two additions for our 2008 Out Of Options list – Gabe Gross and Clint Barmes.
- Rosenthal says the Mets need a right-handed hitter who can play left field and first base. Here are some names I came up with: Ryan Ludwick, Xavier Nady, Matt Murton, Franklin Gutierrez, and Kevin Millar. Granted, not all those guys know their way around first base.