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D’Backs Still Searching For A Starter

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The D’Backs’ loss of Livan Hernandez should become official today when he declines their offer of arbitration.  That leaves the team with a rotation of Brandon Webb, Randy Johnson, Doug Davis, and Micah Owings.  The Big Unit is a question mark, so a starter must be acquired.

Back on November 15th, Nick Piecoro noted the team’s interest in Matt Clement and Bartolo Colon.  But the Diamondbacks are sticking to their no bonuses/no escalator clauses mandate.  So that pair will probably look elsewhere.

Hiroki Kuroda received a three-year offer and a pitch video featuring Randy Johnson.  He’ll visit Arizona next week.  If he chooses Seattle, L.A., or Kansas City, the D’Backs will have to move on.  It’s rumored that the Ms added a fourth year to their offer.

The big name is Dan Haren.  Jack Magruder says Arizona’s proposal included two of Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio, and Brett Anderson.  Magruder believes the A’s are also seeking Major Leaguers, which makes sense.  So that huge untouchables list might have to be compromised if the D’Backs are to get Haren.

A’s May Consider Bonds

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It was suggested yesterday that the Cardinals had a little bit of interest in free agent Barry Bonds.  Not so, according to Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  Miklasz was told a while back by team owner Bill DeWitt that it wasn’t happening.

However, Susan Slusser’s article this morning indicates the A’s will consider signing Bonds.  Billy Beane recently indicated he was leaning toward playing to win in ’08, so Bonds makes sense.  Slusser talked to a Major League exec who said he’d be shocked if it didn’t happen.

Slusser’s industry source says two other teams have expressed interest, and Bonds’ agent said he’s talking to teams from both leagues.  Any guesses?  It’s known that the Rangers, Twins, Mariners, and Tigers aren’t interested.

A’s Rumors: Jenkins, Haren, Swisher

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Susan Slusser and Rick Hurd check in with the latest on Billy Beane and the A’s.

  • Hurd indicates that the A’s might have some interest in free agent Geoff Jenkins.  It’s a sign that the A’s might be playing for 2008, after all.  Slusser wonders whether Barry Bonds rumors are next to surface, if that’s the case.
  • The D’Backs put together a five-player offer for Dan Haren, including Carlos Gonzalez and Brett Anderson.  Slusser says there’s a "slim chance" of a deal.  Likewise the Dodgers are not close to anything on Joe Blanton.
  • While the Cubs have liked Nick Swisher for some time, they’ve never impressed the A’s with an offer.
  • Beane had some talks yesterday with Huston Street’s agent about a long-term pact.
  • The best quotes of the day yesterday came from Beane in reference to our debacle of a three-way trade rumor.  Beane labeled it the "all-time most ridiculous" trade rumor and "laughable."  It sounds like it almost knocked Beane off his exercise bike.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Bradley, Haren

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Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz.

  • The Astros might be "on the verge of a major deal."  Rosenthal notes the availability of Chris Burke and Luke Scott plus the team’s interest in Damaso Marte.  He also says some clubs are after Houston’s young pitching.  Ed Wade spoke of two-way, three-way, and even four-way discussions before he hit the hay last night, but nothing seemed imminent.
  • Rosenthal says the Padres might have a better chance of re-signing Milton Bradley than Mike Cameron.  He also implies that the Friars could reach a one-year agreement with Michael Barrett and then shop him.
  • Despite Hank’s proclamations, Rosenthal says the Yanks are "lurking" on Dan Haren. Sounds creepy.

Brewers Rumors: Street, Iguchi, Riske

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UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 7:52pm: Not so fast – Doug Melvin isn’t at the offer stage with Iguchi.

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 2:54pm: Iguchi’s agent expects a two-year offer from the Brewers sometime today.  Iguchi is willing to play third base and is looking for a two-year deal with an option.

FROM 12-4-07 at 10:59pm:

MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy runs down the Brewers’ day.

  • As you know, the Brewers are out of the running for Scott Rolen.  This is due to a number of factors.  McCalvy quotes an ESPN rumor of Chris Capuano and Bill Hall for Rolen, which I somehow missed. I thought it was just Capuano.
  • Earlier today we wrote about many other third base options the Brewers are considering.  Add Tadahito Iguchi to that list, since he’s declared he’s willing to play third base.  The Giants, Rockies, Padres, and Phillies also like Iguchi.
  • David Riske took a physical in Milwaukee today, though his agent says other teams are still in play. 
  • The Brewers apparently called the A’s to discuss Huston Street’s availability.

Santana/Reyes/Haren Rumor Quashed

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UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 5:45pm: Billy Beane, who rarely comments on trade rumors, actually went out of his way to call mine below a "total fabrication."  I guess I should be proud, right?  I was the subject of an elaborate hoax/impersonated sportswriter (thanks, Fake John Delcos!).  I apologize – not sure why someone would go to such lengths, but lesson learned. 

FROM 12-5-07 at 3:36pm:

Just got an incredible rumor from a trusted New York sportswriter.  Stay with me, because this one’s crazy.  But rest assured that if the source wasn’t good, I wouldn’t post it.

Minnesota has initiated talks for a three-way blockbuster with the Twins and A’s.  Here’s how it would go down:

Mets send Jose Reyes, Kevin Mulvey to A’s
Mets send Hector Pellot to Twins
A’s send Bobby Crosby and Dan Johnson to Mets
A’s send Dan Haren to Twins
Twins send Johan Santana to Mets

Mets get Johan Santana, Bobby Crosby and Dan Johnson
A’s get Jose Reyes and Kevin Mulvey
Twins get Dan Haren and Hector Pellot

The source says Haren is exactly the type of player the Twins want for Santana, a cheap frontline starter. It’s known the Mets would hate to deal Reyes but they would get some value beyond Santana.  Billy Beane is happy because he gets Reyes for one more year than he had Haren plus longtime favorite Mulvey.  And, he’s out of Crosby’s contract.

Thoughts?

Dan Haren Rumors: Wednesday

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UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 11:20am: Joel Sherman says Stephen Drew, Mark Reynolds, and Tony Pena are also off the table in the Haren talks.

UPDATE, 12-5-07 at 8:09am: Susan Slusser adds that the A’s aren’t being unreasonable with Arizona – they haven’t asked for Justin Upton or Chris Young. Slusser also notes that Billy Beane wouldn’t sit down with the Tigers unless they’d discuss Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin.  That’s when the Tigers turned to the Marlins.  Beane downplayed the chances of trading Haren, but what else is he going to say?

FROM 12-5-07 at 12:09am:

Technically it’s Wednesday now, and some of the more rumor-filled threads were getting really long.  So I’m happy to start a set of new ones.  You can check out Tuesday’s Dan Haren thread here.

According to Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune, the D’Backs are willing to discuss a package of Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio, and Brett Anderson for Haren.  That the D’Backs could spare these three very talented youngsters without skipping a beat speaks to how deep their farm system is.  Magruder’s source says the A’s could ask for a staggering six players. 

Jose Valverde, Dustin Nippert, and/or Alberto Callaspo could be involved to give the A’s some MLB-ready talent.  From previous reports, we know that Conor Jackson and Max Scherzer will not be involved.  Ken Rosenthal had suggested last night that the A’s initial request scared the D’Backs off, but he’s since corrected that information. 

The A’s, however, want to wait for something to happen with Johan Santana before trading Haren.

Additionally, Magruder adds that the D’Backs have a touch of interest in Noah Lowry.

Joe Blanton Rumors: Wednesday

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As you know, Joe Blanton is considered the young hurler Billy Beane really wants to trade now.  I saw him likened to Ted Lilly – a guy you trade because he’s getting more expensive but not better.

Susan Slusser says the Dodgers "have a strong interest in Blanton."  This dates back to last summer.  The Dodgers, of course, are also in the mix for Erik Bedard.  Slusser also says the Mets are a possibility but lack the young talent the Dodgers have.

Wouldn’t be surprising to see the Phillies check in on Blanton; they did so in July.

Dan Haren Will Be Pricey

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UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:09pm: Hank Steinbrenner weighed in on the Haren-Yankees talks, calling Billy Beane’s request "ridiculous."  The Yankees are out on Haren.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:00pm: Nick Piecoro’s source says Conor Jackson is not a part of the Haren talks, actually.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:13pm: The Boston Herald’s Rob Bradford says the A’s and D’Backs have had "constructive talks" about Haren for Carlos Gonzalez, Conor Jackson, and two others.

FROM 12-4-07 at 10:58am:

OK, you already knew that.  But Joel Sherman has details.

  • Billy Beane sees Dan Haren as equal in value to Johan Santana, all things considered.  Over the next three years, that could be true – plus Haren is much more reasonable in terms of salary.
  • Beane’s focus is young pitching.
  • Beane doesn’t want Melky Cabrera from the Yankees.  He wants a package starting with Phil Hughes and one of Ian Kennedy or Alan Horne.
  • Sherman says the Mets don’t have the blue-chippers in Mike Pelfrey, Phil Humber, and Kevin Mulvey. 
  • The Dodgers and D’Backs match up better for Haren than the Yankees and Mets, though Arizona doesn’t really have the young pitching.
  • Joe Blanton won’t be cheap either; Beane equates him with Brad Penny.
  • Athletics Nation believes Blanton is much more likely to be traded than Haren this winter.

Johan Santana Rumors: Tuesday

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UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 11:00pm: LENIII says that despite their public proclamations, the Yanks haven’t told the Twins they’re out on Johan.  Neal recommends you go to bed anyway.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:28: A new team is in the mix for Johan, but barely.  The Rangers talked to the Twins today about what it would take, but they’re not expected to pursue it much further.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:05pm: Talks are expected to re-open in about an hour, after the execs have dinner.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 8:21pm: Theo Epstein expects negotiations with the Twins to carry "well into the night."  He says the Red Sox are being flexible, so it sounds like they’ll hammer something out.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 7:50pm: Not much to report here.  Twins and Sox still haggling, per LENIII.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 7:09pm: Hank is sticking to his story, that the Yanks’ deadline for a Santana deal has passed.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 5:02pm: All the Santana-Angels stuff is bogus, according to GM Tony Reagins.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 4:28pm: Per Will Carroll at Baseball Prospectus: Santana to Boston is "all but done" with Lester, Masterson, and Kalish in the package.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 4:25pm: Stark says the Angels and Twins continue to talk Santana, with many of the youngsters earmarked for Cabrera being mentioned.  Seems the Halos have shifted gears from Cabrera to Johan even though they have no need for starters.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 4:14pm: Hey, it’s been a few minutes without a Johan update.  A Red Sox source told Gordon Edes he’s not buying that the Yankees are out on Santana.  I heard the exact same thing from my own Winter Meetings source – my guy says the Yanks fully expect to hear back from the Twins about a final offer later tonight.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 3:26pm: The Yankees, who rarely have kept their word lately, have closed the door on Johan talks.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 3:08pm: The Twins want to get this thing done by day’s end.  700 reporters just sighed in relief. 

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:51pm: Per Peter Gammons, this baby is getting closer and is now a 5-for-1 deal.  The addition is outfielder Ryan Kalish.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:12pm: Phil Miller heard some speculation that the Twins could throw in another player on their side to make this thing work.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:04pm: According to Sean McAdam, the Twins will also meet with the Angels this afternoon to discuss Santana.  The Twins would want Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood for starters.  McAdam says the Red Sox and Twins haven’t spoken since this morning.  Meanwhile Joe Christensen says there’s lobby buzz about the Red Sox/Twins deal becoming a 5-for-1. 

Peter Abraham chimes in, saying the Yankees have made their final offer and the Twins would have to approach them now.  That’s one way to frame it; Joel Sherman says it’s more that the Yankees just won’t get a chance to top Boston’s best offer.  The Yankees left off pushing Hughes/Cabrera/Marquez/Alberto Gonzalez.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 1:15pm: ESPN Peter Gammons says the Twins are trying to decide between a 3-for-1 (Ellsbury/Lowrie/Masterson) or a 4-for-1 (Lester/Crisp/Lowrie/Masterson).  No contract negotiations with the Red Sox and Santana’s agent have taken place yet.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 1:08pm: The Boston Globe has an update, basically saying negotiations are to resume this afternoon between the Red Sox and Twins.  It’s still not known whether the Twins will take an Ellsbury package or the Lester one.  Meanwhile WFAN’s Sweeny Murti expects the Red Sox to send Lester, Crisp, and two others for Johan.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:02pm: Jon Heyman says the Red Sox will enhance their offer one more time to get this thing done.  It still won’t include both Lester and Ellsbury.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:13am: Not sure when this morning he wrote it, but George King still thinks the Yankees are the favorite for Johan.  Peter Abraham quotes Hank as saying the Yanks are done talking to the Twins about Santana, for now.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 9:59am: Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald has an update.  The Red Sox looked at Lester’s medical records and saw no issues.  There are two different possible scenarios/packages of players still in play.  None include Ellsbury and Lester/Buchholz.  Masterson and/or Lowrie are expected to be in there one way or another.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 8:34am: LENIII is hearing the four players are Lester, Crisp, Lowrie, and Masterson – same as Gordon Edes said.

FROM 12-4-07 at 7:31am:

It was a long Monday with all the twists and turns you’d expect in the Johan Santana talks.  Here’s the latest, which will surely be updated throughout the day.

The Red Sox and Twins called it a night around 2am CST, but Gordon Edes thinks the Red Sox are close and a deal could be announced this morning.  The Twins looked at Jon Lester’s medical records; the Red Sox reviewed Santana’s.  The supposed deal right now is Coco Crisp, Justin Masterson, Jed Lowrie, and Lester.  Not bad but it would represent a concession by the Twins.  If an agreement is reached, the Red Sox still need to pull off a contract extension.

Ed Price has a different take on Boston’s offer – his source says it’s Lester, Crisp, Ellsbury, and Lowrie.  It would be odd to see two center fielders included, but there you go.

Meanwhile Mark Feinsand says the Yankees are moving on to Dan Haren.  Brian Cashman will probably find equal if not bigger demands coming from Billy Beane.

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