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Adrian Beltre

Beltre Adds Twins To No-Trade Clause

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Yesterday, La Velle E. Neal of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune heard about no-trade problems for the Twins with Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre.  Today, Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times has further detail:

When [the Twins] attempted to investigate a possible deal, they discovered that — since the last time they’d looked into Beltre during the season — he’d added the Twins to a list of teams on his limited no-trade clause. Twins officials were somewhat surprised, though it’s not unusual. When a player sees a team showing public interest in trading for him, they will sometimes amend their no-trade to include that club and then use it as a bargaining chip down the road. Usually, some kind of cash settlement is needed.

If players can freely swap out or add teams to their partial no-trade clause, why do such clauses exist?  Did Scott Boras negotiate some type of flexible no-trade clause, or are all partials like this?  I don’t have the answers, but Baker says this is a "workable" scenario in regard to the Twins and Beltre.  He seems to be the best available third baseman.  Any team acquiring him gets him for one year plus probable Type A draft pick compensation if he’s offered arb and leaves.

Odds and Ends: Rule 5, Beltre, Schmidt, Bako

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Stray links I’ve collected over the past few days…

J.J. Putz Rumors: Wednesday

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2:04pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Cardinals offered Rick Ankiel and a prospect for Putz.  The Tigers remain interested as well.

9:23am: According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, "the Tigers’ interest in acquiring closer J.J. Putz from Seattle appears stronger than ever."  Morosi says the Mariners insist the Tigers include Jeff Larish and Matt Joyce in a deal.  If the Ms acquire Larish and are convinced he can play third base, they may be motivated to shop Adrian Beltre.  Morosi adds that Brewers and Cardinals have also inquired on Putz.

Brian Fuentes still seems too pricey for Detroit, and Kerry Wood is apparently off the board.  Morosi says the Tigers have "mild interest" in Baltimore’s George Sherrill.  Joe Beimel remains their top choice among lefty relievers, but the Tigers have yet to offer a contract.

Mariners Rumors: Putz, Washburn, Beltre

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Ryan Divish sums up the learnings from Jack Zduriencik’s media session:

  • Several teams contacted the Ms about J.J. Putz.  A Putz trade could affect the team’s plans for Brandon Morrow.
  • No formal talks for Jarrod Washburn or Adrian Beltre.
  • The Mariners aren’t looking to trade any of their catchers.

Twins No Longer Talking With Blake

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According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins have broken off talks with free agent Casey Blake. Neal heard from a source that discussions ended when the Twins, who preferred a two-year deal with an option, wouldn’t offer a guaranteed three-year contract.

The Twins have varying levels of interest in Adrian Beltre, Garrett Atkins, Jason Donald and Jack Wilson. Neal writes that Minnesota balked earlier this year when the Rockies requested Kevin Slowey and Denard Span in exchange for Atkins.

Since shortstops are disappearing fast, Neal’s source says the Twins felt pressure to improve their infield and didn’t want to negotiate for too long with Blake.

Neal heard that the Twins have received calls about Delmon Young, but aren’t in a hurry to trade him for infield help, regardless of how well he fits into their outfield.

There’s a chance the Twins could restart talks with Blake, but for now the Dodgers are the frontrunner for his services, according to Neal.

Stark’s Latest: Burnett, Cantu, Lowe, Furcal

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Jayson Stark’s got a heaping helping of hot stove updates in his most recent blog post at ESPN.com.

  • The Braves’ most recent offer makes them the frontrunners for A.J. Burnett, says Stark.
  • We’re still waiting for another team to come close to the Yankees’ offer for C.C. Sabathia. Stark suggests Sabathia may make up his mind by next week.  He also says there’s "increasing buzz about the Yankees’ interest in Ben Sheets."
  • The White Sox appear to have expressed some interest in Jorge Cantu.
  • Stark doesn’t think the Phillies stand a very good chance of signing Derek Lowe.
  • Only the Dodgers and A’s, and perhaps the Orioles, remain interested in Rafael Furcal.
  • If the Dodgers end up missing on Furcal and Casey Blake, their focus might shift to names like Ty Wigginton and Adrian Beltre.

Stark’s Latest: Abreu, Arroyo, Hudson

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ESPN’s Jayson Stark is back with a look at needs and plans for all 30 teams.  I highly recommend you read the article, but here are a few highlights.  He’s also got a fresh blog post here.

  • The Phillies are eyeing Doug Brocail and Russ Springer.
  • The Mets like Bobby Abreu, but not his three year, $45MM asking price.
  • The Reds are quietly listening on Bronson Arroyo, and the Rangers may be interested.
  • Contrary to previous reports, Stark believes the Mets’ first order of business is getting a starting pitcher.
  • Here’s a new one – the Marlins are interested in Orlando Hudson?
  • The Astros may be trying to move money, and Stark implies trading Miguel Tejada or Jose Valverde could be one path.
  • The Rockies have "actively explored" signing Jeremy Affeldt, who could also wind up back home with the Mariners.  A few more interesting names for Seattle: Joe Crede (if Adrian Beltre is traded), Jason Giambi, and Ken Griffey Jr.

Mariners Rumors: Ibanez, Beltre, Ichiro

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More fine work from Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times as he takes a look at the future of the Mariners.  A few notes:

  • Raul Ibanez names winning as his top priority, like most players.  He’ll still entertain a possible return to Seattle, but it seems likely a more competitive team will make a solid offer.
  • Adrian Beltre doesn’t like the idea of playing for a rebuilding club in ’09, but he’s under contract with the Ms at a reasonable $12MM.  Does it make sense to trade him and let Ibanez walk, opting for a full-out rebuild?  Or do the Mariners need to keep Beltre around to avoid further embarrassment?
  • Ichiro Suzuki is not well-liked in the clubhouse.  Is he a selfish player, or is he being treated unfairly because of the language barrier?
  • The Mariners have questions about their middle-infield tandem of Jose Lopez and Yuniesky Betancourt.  Lopez has defensive issues; Betancourt isn’t much with the bat.  Actually Betancourt may have defensive problems as well, in particular going to his left.

Odds and Ends: Lee, Rogers, Beltre, Darvish

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Today’s random linkage…

  • The Indians signed 21 year-old pitcher Chen-Chang Lee out of Taiwan.  Anthony Castrovince has the scouting report.  East Windup Chronicle says the bonus is in the $350-400K range.
  • Kenny Rogers suggested Jim Leyland remove him from the rotation.  Rogers still thinks he can pitch effectively next year at 44, however.
  • Geoff Baker notes an extra benefit to delaying Adrian Beltre’s surgery – the playing time could nudge him toward Type A status when he reaches free agency after the ’09 season.
  • Ken Davidoff of Newsday says Yu Darvish will probably not be posted this winter but could be after the ’09 season.  Davidoff says the Giants, Orioles, and D’Backs have been heavily scouting Japan this year.
  • The Cubs are looking at contract extensions for Lou Piniella and Jim Hendry, according to Gordon Wittenmeyer.

Would Dodgers Trade For Beltre?

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If Casey Blake returns to Cleveland, would the Dodgers be interested in Adrian Beltre? Bill Shaikin of the LA Times points out Beltre still calls Pasadena home.

The 29 year old third basemen is in the midst of this third consecutive 25 homerun season despite a torn ligament in his left thumb. Writes Shaikin:

"Beltre wouldn’t mind staying in Seattle, but the Mariners need to hire a general manager and get on with rebuilding. Assuming they do, Beltre would love to come back to the Dodgers. ’If I’m available, I’d be happy to,’ he said. ’I don’t know what is going to happen. I’d be more than happy to come back to L.A. It’s not under my control.’"

Still, the Mariners don’t have many trade pieces, need to rebuild, and third base will be in high demand this offseason so Beltre won’t come cheap. The Dodgers have given up a lot recently to acquire Manny Ramirez and Greg Maddux and may rather work hard to sign Casey Blake before other teams have a chance. Other options for the Dodgers might be to move Blake Dewitt to third, or pursuing Joe Crede or other less desirable free agents this offseason.

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