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Brandon Lyon

Rockies Rumors: Holliday, Taveras, Atkins

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4:54pm: More Rockies chatter from Troy Renck.  The Rockies intend to sort out the Holliday/Atkins trade situations before moving on to other concerns such as the bullpen.  They do like the idea of bringing Jeremy Affeldt back, though.  Renck has the Twins and Indians kicking the tires on Atkins, while Tracy Ringolsby believes Michael Cuddyer could be a fit for Colorado.

11:18am: The latest Rockies buzz…

  • Buster Olney says the Rockies are very motivated to move Matt Holliday.  Olney wonders if the Rox might end up taking a bit less than expected for him.  Troy Renck says various execs see the A’s and Phillies as the most likely matches for Holliday.  The Rays are another possibility.  GM Dan O’Dowd will be open-minded about the return.
  • Renck also says the White Sox have contacted the Rockies about Willy Taveras.
  • Renck talked to the agent for Doug Brocail, Brandon Lyon, and Kyle Farnsworth.  All three are open to pitching in Colorado.
  • Tracy Ringolsby says the Rockies have had "initial talks" with the Twins regarding Garrett Atkins.  He wonders if the Angels could jump in later.
  • Ringolsby suggests Brad Penny would be an interesting candidate for the Rockies.

Lyon Open To Eighth Inning Role

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MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert talked to Brandon Lyon’s agent Barry Meister, who said his client would be open to closing or an eighth inning role.  Lyon would be thrilled to return to the D’Backs, but they don’t figure to match a multiyear offer.  More likely, they offer arbitration but let him leave.

Lyon, 29, posted a 4.70 ERA in 59.1 innings this year.  His command was strong, possibly indicating better times ahead.

D’Backs Rumors: Hudson, Dunn, Johnson, Rauch

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8:19pm: According to the AP, the D’Backs exercised Rauch’s $2.9MM option for 2010.  He’ll earn $2MM in ’09.

9:49am: Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic has the latest D’Backs hot stove chatter, here and here.

  • The D’Backs figure to have nine draft picks in the first 75 or so next year.  They will probably offer arbitration to Orlando Hudson, Adam Dunn, Juan Cruz, and Brandon Lyon, and see all of them decline to sign elsewhere.  They could end up spending $8-12MM on next year’s draft, but at least the farm system will be restocked.
  • Team CEO Jeff Moorad says he inquired on Hudson’s contract demands and received no response.  The D’Backs have $10-15MM to spend and probably cannot afford him.
  • Moorad admitted that they will not look to sign Dunn.
  • The D’Backs want to bring Randy Johnson back, but only at a discount.  If Johnson wants to be paid what he’s worth he’ll hit the open market.
  • Jon Rauch’s 2010 option decision is due by Monday.  The option is for $2.9MM, but the D’Backs could decline it and go to arbitration with him that year.
  • Piecoro does not expect the D’Backs to be in on Japanese free agent starter Kenshin Kawakami.

D’Backs Face Decisions On Lyon, Rauch

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Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic wrote Saturday about the tough decisions the D’Backs face on relievers Brandon Lyon and Jon Rauch.

With Lyon, the D’Backs have to decide whether to risk an arbitration offer.  Would they want him back for ’09 on a $4-5MM contract?  Lyon may make the decision easier for Arizona by falling out of Type B status.  Then, there’d be no draft pick to gain.  Lyon has a 7.52 ERA since June 1st.

Meanwhile Rauch’s contract requires the D’Backs decide on his 2010 option five days after this year’s World Series.  The option is for $2.9MM; an easy call if you ignore Rauch’s last 20 innings or so.

The D’Backs also have Juan Cruz hitting free agency; he’s expected to sign elsewhere.

Perrotto’s Latest: Royals, Ibanez, Rauch, Gregg

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It’s Sunday, which means that John Perrotto has his Every Given Sunday column up over at Baseball Prospectus. Here’s the highlights…

  • Royals GM Dayton Moore will likely make a big splash in the free agent market once again. Two years ago, he signed Gil Meche to a five-year, $55MM deal. Last year, he signed Jose Guillen to a three-year, $36MM contract. This year, his big target appears to be Rafael Furcal, which would allow the Royals to move Mike Aviles to second base. Moore is also believed to be willing to trade anyone on the team with the exceptions of Meche, Zack Greinke, and Joakim Soria.
  • Raul Ibanez isn’t likely to be back with the Mariners as a free agent next season. Perrotto feels that Ibanez is a good bet to become the Rays’ designated hitter for 2009.
  • The Diamondbacks originally wanted to use Jon Rauch as their closer for 2009 and let Brandon Lyon leave through free agency. Rauch’s recent string of rough outings has them reconsidering that train of thought.
  • The Marlins will try to trade Kevin Gregg this offseason, and will likely non-tender him if they don’t find match.
  • The Braves are looking to add two starters for the 2009 campaign. General manager Frank Wren has traveled overseas to scout Japanese pitchers Koji Uehara and Kenshin Kawakami already this year.
  • The Nationals have a crowded situation at first base with both Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young under contract, but they’ll still be looking to improve at the position in the offseason.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Dempster, Mora, Cameron

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Ken Rosenthal has a new column up; let’s take a look.

  • Rosenthal agrees with those who considered C.C. Sabathia pitching the ninth inning Monday a needless risk.  Sabathia already had thrown 112 pitches and the Brewers had a seven run lead, but he pitched the ninth to bring the total to 130.  The innings shouldn’t affect Sabathia’s payday, but hopefully he remains healthy.
  • Rosenthal sees a minimal chance of Ryan Dempster signing elsewhere, given his strong relationship with Cubs GM Jim Hendry.  Dempster will be the Cubs’ top offseason priority.  I also consider Kerry Wood unlikely to leave.
  • Add Melvin Mora to the list of players who have cleared waivers.  He, Aubrey Huff, and Ramon Hernandez will be shopped this winter.  Mora has raised his numbers and stock significantly by hitting .378/.421/.652 since the beginning of July.  He has a full no-trade clause and is owed $9MM next year.
  • The Indians are almost certain to sign a closer this winter, with Brandon Lyon and Brian Fuentes perhaps the best available aside from Francisco Rodriguez and Wood.
  • The Rockies will place Fuentes on waivers soon and may also shop Willy Taveras.  Manny Corpas has already hit the wire.
  • Rosenthal figures Mike Cameron’s $10MM option for ’09 will be exercised.  Cameron is hitting .245/.333/.509 in 372 plate appearances while playing strong defense.
  • Gary Matthews Jr.’s knee injury may prevent the Angels from trading him this winter.  That, and the $33MM owed to him through 2011.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Angels, D’Backs, Giambi, Ellis

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Here is the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

  • Many important Angels will reach free agency this winter: Mark Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Garland, and Juan Rivera.  Rosenthal doesn’t expect any of these four back.  Garret Anderson’s $14MM option will not be exercised, but he could be re-signed.  John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero both have reasonable club options for ’09, but the Halos need to plan beyond that.
  • Several journalists have noted the D’Backs may restock the farm system if they let Adam Dunn, Orlando Hudson, Brandon Lyon, and Juan Cruz depart as free agents after the season.  They’re not worried about Dunn accepting an offer of arbitration. Why would he want a one-year deal?
  • Rosenthal guesses the Indians, Mariners, Blue Jays, and A’s might have interest in Jason Giambi this winter.  Giambi’s .398 OBP ranks 7th in the AL.  The leader: fellow free agent Milton Bradley at a staggering .446.
  • Mark Ellis surprisingly postponed negotiations with the A’s on an extension.  It had been said Ellis wanted to figure out a contract before season’s end.  He’s the affordable free agent alternative to Hudson.
  • The Twins are trying to get creative to find bullpen help.  GM Bill Smith says he’s made many waiver claims and won some.
  • Rosenthal says "speculation persists" that J.P. Ricciardi will be canned after the season.
  • The Tigers aren’t considering trading Magglio Ordonez, but Nate Robertson could be moved this winter.  Robertson seems due for a move back to the NL.  He earns $7MM in ’09 and $10MM in ’10.
  • The Reds are being questioned for holding on to relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt.

Rauch Ramifications

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Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic has an article today about the implications of the Diamondbacks’ acquisition of reliever Jon Rauch.

  • The loss of second baseman Emilio Bonifacio doesn’t exactly change the D’Back’s plans, as they were skeptical on his ability to become a regular anyway.  Still, people are asking whether they’ll try to re-sign Orlando Hudson.  Piecoro says Hudson is expected to test the free agent market, and doesn’t seem likely to offer a discount.  His salary should exceed $10MM.
  • If Hudson leaves, the D’Backs could either look for a new second baseman or shift Mark Reynolds over there and consider a third baseman.  Take a look at the free agent market – options are limited at both positions.  Perhaps a trade could be explored.
  • Closer Brandon Lyon is a free agent after the season as well, and seems likely to leave.  The D’Backs have plenty of in-house replacement options, starting with Rauch.  Lyon will join free agent closers such as Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, Francisco Rodriguez, and Kerry Wood.  It’s easy to see Hoffman and Wood staying put, leaving three solid options.
  • Piecoro talked to team officials who downplayed the recent Mark Teixeira rumblings.

D’Backs Talk Extension With Lyon

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According to Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks have had "brief discussions" with reliever Brandon Lyon about a multiyear deal.

Lyon is one of a handful of players who will be free agents after the 2008 season and under 30 years old for the ’09 season.  Here’s the wrinkle in Lyon signing a long-term deal now – he probably wouldn’t get closer money, but could spend 2008 in the role.  So, his agent feels that he might miss out if he signs for, say, two years and $8MM right now and then racks up 35 saves during the season.  You can’t have your cake and eat it too, I guess.  Lyon could regret not signing now, if he gets hurt this season or Tony Pena ends up snagging most of the save opportunities.

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