Stark On White Sox, Bedard, A’s, Penny
A new Rumblings and Grumblings column from ESPN's Jayson Stark…
- Even if they don't acquire Jake Peavy, the White Sox are apparently "open for business." Stark takes that to mean names such as Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Octavio Dotel, and A.J. Pierzynski could hit the market.
- The Mariners are not quite yet at the point of making Erik Bedard available. They figure to price him like an ace if they do so.
- If A's GM Billy Beane decides to fold on 2009, he could make veterans such as Matt Holliday, Orlando Cabrera, Jason Giambi, and Russ Springer available.
- It's very unlikely that the D'Backs shop Brandon Webb this summer, since he'll be coming off a shoulder injury.
- Indians GM Mark Shapiro seems to be leaning toward hanging on to Cliff Lee for now. Shapiro may look to add pitching by trading Mark DeRosa or an outfielder.
- The Red Sox are "actively listening" on Brad Penny. My opinion: the Phillies, Indians, White Sox, or Mets could make sense.
Rosenthal On Atkins, Red Sox, Webb
It's time for a new Ken Rosenthal column. He's cranking these out daily now?
- Add Rosenthal to the list of columnists who don't understand why the Mets don't just use Daniel Murphy at first base.
- The Rockies have kicked around a Garrett Atkins for Mark DeRosa swap, but it doesn't work from the Cleveland side. Rosenthal likes the Brewers and Mets as possible fits for DeRo.
- If the Red Sox are to trade Clay Buchholz or Michael Bowden, they'd want an elite hitter under similar team control (for example, Justin Smoak or Brett Wallace). Players aren't eligible to be traded until a year after signing, anyway.
- Given his injury situation, Rosenthal does not see Brandon Webb as a viable trade candidate this summer. More likely, a Jon Garland deal.
- Rosenthal sees Joe Beimel as a trade chip for Washington if he starts pitching decently.
Injury Concern Caused D’Backs To Pull Webb Offer
FRIDAY: MLB.com's Steve Gilbert learned that Webb met with Dr. James Andrews in December:
For the first time, Webb revealed in an interview with MLB.com that he saw noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews and that Andrews told him as long as he continues his strengthening program he was at no greater risk than any other pitcher of developing a shoulder problem.
Andrews told Webb that he had just normal pitching wear and tear on his shoulder. Over at The Arizona Republic, Nick Piecoro weighs in.
THURSDAY: Why did the Diamondbacks pull their three-year, $54MM offer to Brandon Webb in June? According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:
Webb passed a team physical, sources say, but insurance companies use a higher standard when assessing risk. Multiple companies raised concerns, creating a "red flag" for the Diamondbacks, sources say. The contract was contingent on the club securing an appropriate insurance policy for the pitcher.
Webb is currently fighting through shoulder stiffness. One source told Rosenthal that "Webb, despite the insurance companies' concerns, might pitch 10 more seasons without injury."
Rosenthal's article does not say it, but this situation seems to be shaping up for a future trade. The D'Backs have Webb at $6.5MM this year as well as a cheap $8.5MM option for '10. The contract does not appear to have no-trade restrictions.
Brandon Webb Quiet About Failed Extension
Media-friendly Brandon Webb wisely decided to make his contract situation an off-limits topic for reporters this year, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert. Said Webb:
"People are really hurting, really struggling. The last thing they want to hear about is someone’s contract situation. I have never complained about what I make to play baseball and the reason we didn’t come to an agreement last year had nothing to do with money. It’s as simple as that."
The D’Backs have Webb at $6.5MM for ’09 and an $8.5MM option for ’10. In December Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic summed up the failed extension talks:
During this past season, the sides discussed an extension, actually agreeing to the framework of a three-year, $54MM extension before the club took the proposal off the table in June. The club would not say why the offer was pulled. [Webb’s agent Jonathan] Maurer said last month that Webb’s price has since risen.
Any guesses as to why Arizona pulled the offer? Webb could be looking at $20MM a year if he hits the open market. I would be surprised to see the D’Backs try to trade him anytime soon though. They’re close to contention and not overflowing with pitching.
Snyder, Diamondbacks On Verge Of Extension
Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder is close to finalizing a three-year contract extension with Arizona, MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert reports.
Snyder, 28 in February, hit .237 with 16 homers and 64 RBI in 2008.
A baseball source said late last week that the final details were being worked out, and Snyder would then take a physical before the contract is signed, Gilbert wrote.
Gilbert spoke with Diamondbacks starting pitcher Brandon Webb about Snyder’s new deal.
“Having ‘Snydes’ behind the plate for the next two years will be great,” said Webb, who is under contract through next season with an option for 2010.
MLBTR posted reports about the possible extension on Dec. 23.
Odds & Ends: Webb, Mitsui, Burnett
Some links for the afternoon…
- Nick Piecoro looks at the Brandon Webb situation. The D’Backs ace is eligible for free agency after the 2010 season.
- NPB Tracker says Koji Mitsui may require a Major League deal to come to the States.
- Ted Berg interviewed Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker. Newman takes a look at Koji Uehara, Kenshin Kawakami, Ken Takahashi, and Mitsui. They’ve all been linked to the Mets.
- George A. King III from the NY Post looks at whether or not A.J. Burnett will be able to handle the Yankee spotlight.
- Tim did an interview with Kevin Seefried from 6 Pound 8 Ounce Baby Joba, covering many topics related to the AL East.
- RotoAuthority analyzes some of the most undervalued players in Fantasy Baseball coming into the 2008 season.
D’Backs Rumors: Webb, Lopez, Jackson
10:25pm: The D’Backs met with Brandon Webb‘s agent for more than an hour last night. They discussed Webb’s desire to stay in Arizona but there is no extension offer at this time.
Also, the D’Backs could sign pitcher Mike Bascik to a minor league deal for depth.
7:55pm: D’Backs rumors for Tuesday…
- According to Nick Piecoro, the D’Backs met with Scott Boras on Monday to discuss Felipe Lopez. The D’Backs did not make an offer at that meeting. Lopez wants a multiyear deal, and figures to be out of their price range.
- Piecoro heard a Conor Jackson for Kelly Johnson trade was discussed, but it doesn’t have momentum.
- Joe Beimel does not seem to be a priority for Arizona.
- At least one team is looking at Brandon Lyon as a starter.
Extension Talks For Webb Soon?
According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks haven’t talked contract with Brandon Webb‘s agent, Jonathan Maurer, since the team pulled out of a June near-agreement for three years and $54MM. Maurer expects to hear from the D’Backs this winter, but the price has gone up. Webb isn’t looking to set any records, but he’s well under-compensated on his current deal (which runs through 2010).
ESPN’s Buster Olney heard a four-year, $80MM extension would probably suffice, but it’s not known whether the D’Backs will do that. Maurer wonders if they’ll look to trade Webb if contract talks break down.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Tex, Furcal, Johnson, Lofton
Here’s a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
- If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly. However, it’s Scott Boras’ custom to let the market develop until late December or so. It’s possible the Angels change gears on November 14th. There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex.
- Rosenthal’s worst case scenario for the Yankees: C.C. Sabathia goes to a West Coast team while A.J. Burnett re-signs with Toronto. The Jays truly are in the mix for Burnett. ESPN’s Keith Law says Burnett expects to receive multiple five-year offers.
- The Orioles plan to make serious offers to Teixeira and Burnett. Still, both are considered long shots for Baltimore. Another note: the Orioles were one of the teams the Yankees outbid for Sergio Mitre.
- The Dodgers are considered "a good bet" to re-sign Rafael Furcal. The Giants have their eye on him if he hits the open market.
- About ten teams have inquired on Braves second baseman Kelly Johnson. We had a Cardinals rumor yesterday.
- The Rangers figure to trade one or two of their catchers, with Gerald Laird a strong candidate to be traded. The Red Sox and Marlins are looking for catching, though the Rangers are wary of Florida’s Scott Olsen.
- Rosenthal wonders if Brandon Webb could leave the D’Backs after the 2010 season.
- Kenny Lofton wants to play in 2009.
D’Backs Rumors: Johnson, Webb, Byrnes
Diamondbacks GM Josh Byrnes talked to the media Monday afternoon; the transcript can be found here along with comments from beat writer Nick Piecoro. Let’s discuss.
- The D’Backs want to improve the offense and have good positional flexibility. However, Piecoro thinks it’s possible the team relies on improvement from young players rather than acquisitions.
- The team will wait a few more weeks before really engaging with free agent Randy Johnson. You get the impression the D’Backs have their limit for him, maybe in the $10MM range.
- Byrnes intends to be more active in free agency than he has in the past.
- The D’Backs will continue to talk with Brandon Webb about a contract extension (they can control him through 2010 already). Byrnes said Webb may want to see what C.C. Sabathia gets.
- In another post, Piecoro talks about Eric Byrnes‘ no-trade clause. Byrnes gives the impression he might waive it if he feels he’s not wanted. If Conor Jackson stays in left Byrnes could be the fourth outfielder heading into ’09.