Headlines

Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Athletics Rumors

Surprise Players For Haren

By | at

During the Winter Meetings, there wasn’t much talk of the Indians or Reds pursuing Oakland starter Dan Haren.  However, there’s buzz that both Ohio teams have interest. 

The Tribe definitely inquired on Haren.  See Susan Slusser’s article today, where she notes that Asdrubal Cabrera was "believed to be an A’s target."  The Indians don’t want to part with the young infielder, a player they stole from the Mariners in June of 2006 for Eduardo Perez.  Paul Hoynes further solidifies it, saying Mark Shapiro has spoken to Billy Beane about Haren. 

Slusser believes the Reds "might turn their focus toward Haren with an offer that could include starter Homer Bailey" if they can’t get Erik Bedard.  Slusser’s report is unclear whether Wayne Krivsky has had conversations with Billy Beane about Haren.  Ken Rosenthal says the Reds are "pushing for Haren," which does indicate talks. 

Rosenthal’s Latest: Santana, Cabrera, Kuroda, Edmonds, Rolen

By | at

Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest hot stove buzz around baseball.

  • Johan Santana is Boston’s only target – they’re not after Dan Haren or any other starter.  The talks keep slugging along.  For what it’s worth, Curt Schilling expects the Red Sox to get him.
  • 36 year-old first baseman Alex Cabrera is a sleeper power threat among free agents.  The former Rockie, Cub, and Diamondback has been mashing in Japan since 2001.  The Nationals don’t have any room for him but want him anyway.  Rosenthal says A.L. clubs are looking at him as a DH candidate, also.  Cabrera hit .295/.377/.512 with 27 HR in 441 ABs in Japan in 2007.
  • Hiroki Kuroda has not reached an agreement with any team, according to Rosenthal.
  • The Padres are still considering Jim Edmonds as a center field candidate.
  • Here’s a new one: the Indians expressed interest in Scott Rolen.  The talks have cooled however.
  • Rosenthal says the Astros don’t think they will get Miguel Tejada.  Instead they’ve moved on to…Ron Mahay and Jeremy Affeldt.

D’Backs Put Offer On Table For Haren

By | at

According to John Mahnke of the East Valley Tribune, the Diamondbacks have a trade offer out to the A’s for Dan Haren.  The package includes Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio, and Brett Anderson – but not Max Scherzer. 

Gonzalez is apparently the headliner – the A’s would try him in center field even though he’s mostly played right.  Mahnke says Gonzalez hasn’t appeared in a winter league game in over a week, and that’s a sign that he’s part of a possible trade.

It’d be surprising to see Josh Byrnes pull this off without giving up any young Major Leaguers.  However, none have been named as part of Arizona’s offer as of yet.  The D’Backs are one of few teams that could pull this off without disrupting their big league club much.  Pairing Brandon Webb with Haren could really help the team plow through playoff series. 

Odds And Ends: Inge, Gagne, Pavano

By | at

Couple of findings around the Internets:

  • Drew Sharp argues that Brandon Inge should stay with the Tigers. His argument is that Inge would still get 300 or so at bats and would be playing for a surefire contender. If he was to be traded, he likely wouldn’t land with a team nearly as good. Plus, with some of the injury histories of current Tigers, it might be best for Inge to wait around for playing time.
  • Though the Rangers were interested in Eric Gagne, they were only $6 million interested. For a one-year deal with an option, there was little chance of that happening. Gagne likely would have sooner accepted the Red Sox arbitration offer.
  • Carl Pavano will accept a minor league assignment after the Yankees release him this week. They need 40-man roster spots for Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera. They’ve already released Bronson Sardinha to make room for Andy Pettitte.
  • Monte Pool dislikes the idea of the A’s signing Barry Bonds. He mentions what you’d expect: The trial, his health, and the money.

–Joe

Coco Crisp’s Agent Speaks

By | at

Coco Crisp’s agent, Steve Comte, supplied all sorts of quotes to the Boston Herald’s Rob Bradford.  Covelli’s not a fourth outfielder, he’s better than Jacoby Ellsbury, he’s a proven commodity, stuff like that.  It was interesting to read, and you can see where Crisp and Comte are coming from.  But it doesn’t really change anything, because if the Red Sox don’t trade Crisp and he wants his $4.75MM next year, he’s going to have to live with a reduced role.

Bradford mentions that the White Sox, A’s, Rangers, and Braves have inquired on Crisp.  The Padres, Twins, and Orioles have also been connected to him.

D’Backs Still Searching For A Starter

By | at

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

By | at

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

By | at

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

By | at

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

By | at

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.

Show all

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top