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Olney’s Latest: Mark Ellis

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Last month, Orlando Hudson signed for a third of what Mark Ellis got back in October. That Ellis signed for more than Hudson shows the unpredictability of the current free agent market. With Hudson expected to be the bellwether, Ellis was considered an affordable alternative. His extension was expected to increase demand for Hudson's glove.

Buster Olney points out just how smart Mark Ellis and his agents look by agreeing to a 2-year $11MM extension with the A's that at the time was considered a mistake by many. Olney notes it wasn't about economic forecasting:

"Ellis said he has been complimented by others for making his deal at just the right time, but he chuckled at that, over the phone. 'We're not going to say we're geniuses or anything like that,' he said. 'I wanted to be here, and they offered me a good deal.'"

This begs the question: Would Billy Beane have been better off waiting? With Oakland's young rotation, Ellis' defense is probably not something they wanted to risk losing.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Rangers, Rays, Mulder

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Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a new column up with plenty of rumors:

  • The Rangers think they can trade Frank Catalanotto if they pick up a considerable portion of the $6MM he's owed or if they accept a similar sized contract in return. They just aren't sure it's worth making room for Andruw Jones, who's making progress with his swing.
  • Ian Stewart's emergence means Jeff Baker's become expendable for the Rockies.  
  • Rosenthal doesn't expect the A's to sign a free agent starter even though Justin Duchscherer needs surgery and will likely miss six weeks. Instead Rosenthal suggests the A's could trade for Jason Hammel or Jeff Niemann, both of whom are out of options. 
  • The A's can't afford Mark Mulder. 
  • Kris Benson could claim a spot in the Texas rotation and Rosenthal wouldn't be surprised to see Neftali Feliz or Derek Holland there before the All-Star break. 
  • They signed Cesar Izturis for now, but the Orioles hope to find a long-term solution at short.

A’s Acquire Curtis Thigpen

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According to a press release, the A's acquired catcher Curtis Thigpen from the Blue Jays today for a player to be named later or cash considerations.  They also signed catcher Eric Munson to a minor league deal.

Thigpen, 26 in April, hit .222/.267/.310 at Triple A last year.  Baseball America describes him as adequate defensively.  The Jays designated Thigpen for assignment on February 4th to make room for Brian Burres.   Thigpen was the Jays' heir apparent at catcher three years ago, according to John Lott of the National Post.  Thigpen took the place of Guillermo Quiroz, the previous "catcher of the future."

Munson, 31, spent time with the Brewers' Triple A club last year but dealt with hip and shoulder injuries.  He's shown good pop in the past and was a can't-miss prospect himself a decade ago, when the Tigers picked him third overall and gave him a four-year, $6.75MM deal.  Munson can also play a little bit at the infield corners.

Odds & Ends: Strasburg, Cabrera, Waivers

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Links for Friday…

Rosenthal On Melky, Matthews, Pedro, Ohman

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As usual, good stuff from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…

  • Rosenthal says the Yankees are open to moving Melky Cabrera, and opines that the White Sox would be a perfect fit.  Trading Cabrera would open up the Yankees' outfield picture for sure, but leave them shakier in center with Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher.  Rosenthal also says the White Sox have expressed some interest in a deal to acquire Gary Matthews Jr., assuming the Angels pay "the vast majority of the $33MM remaining on the final three years of his contract."
  • Pedro Martinez reached out to the Royals before they signed Sidney Ponson, but KC couldn't afford him.  Would Pedro have been a better signing than Horacio Ramirez and Willie Bloomquist?  Martinez's friends are telling him his $5MM asking price is unrealistic.  Rosenthal says that if Pedro drops it down to $1-2MM, he can probably get the Dodgers and other teams involved.
  • The Marlins are looking for relief help.  They like Will Ohman but not his $2MM asking price.
  • The A's thought they were close to a $1.7MM deal for Joe Beimel before he went to the Nats for $300K more.
  • Catcher Ronny Paulino, acquired by the Phillies from the Pirates in December, is available.  Rosenthal considers the Marlins a possible fit.

Odds & Ends: Clement, Schilling, Strasburg

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Links for Tuesday…

A’s Not In On Mark Mulder

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Tyler Bleszinski of Athletics Nation talked to A's GM Billy Beane on March 10th, and asked if the A's were tempted to sign someone like Mark Mulder or Pedro Martinez.  An excerpt of Beane's response:

On Mark, my understanding is that he isn't ready to go out.  That's sort of moot.  But we've stayed away from signing the veteran starters because we have young guys that we want to be here at some point and I've never thought in our marketplace that that was an efficient use of your money.  Short answer is no.  It isn't really even something we pursued during the winter.  We've got great young pitchers here and we want to give them a chance to get up here.

It's been quiet on the Mulder front lately.  He was supposed to audition in mid-March.  He told Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle in February he wanted to be 100% before holding an open bullpen session.

Geren, A’s Near Extension

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The San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the Oakland Athletics and manager Bob Geren are nearing a one-year extension with an option for a second year. Assistant General Manager David Forst confirmed, stating that the two sides are "in discussion, close to finalizing something."

Geren, 47, is entering the final year of a three-year contract signed in November 2006. He has a record of 151-172 as the A's skipper.

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