Andrew Friedman

Let’s round up today’s random links.

• The Pirates received catcher Robinzon Diaz from the Blue Jays in the Jose Bautista deal.  Not too shabby, he should develop into a credible cheap backup.
• Yahoo’s Gordon Edes sees Manny Ramirez playing for the Mets in ’09.
• The point continues to be hammered home – the Indians intend to acquire a proven closer this winter.  Brian Fuentes seems a reasonable target.
• RotoAuthority takes a closer look at Cliff Lee.
• Rockies manager Clint Hurdle wants to see if Livan Hernandez fits into their plans for 2009.  Hernandez has allowed a remarkable 224 hits in 152 innings – a rate that will rank second in baseball history if he can reach the 162 innings needed to qualify.  Even Jose Lima can’t make that claim.
• J.C. Bradbury notes that the Braves’ attempts to extend star players acquired via trade have been largely unsuccessful.
• Outs Per Swing chats with Rays exec Andrew Friedman.
• Danny Knobler surveyed scouts about Francisco Rodriguez’s stuff.