Counsell, Brewers Agree To Deal
Free agent infielder Craig Counsell has reached preliminary agreement with the Milwaukee Brewers for a one-year, $1MM contract, a source told Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.
After spending the past two seasons with the Brewers, Counsell became a free agent when the team declined his $3.4MM club option at the start of the offseason, Rosenthal notes.
Counsell, 38, appeared in 110 games for Milwaukee last season, batting .226 with a .355 on-base percentage, one home run and 14 RBI. He is a .255/.343/.344 career hitter.
The Seattle Mariners and St. Louis Cardinals also had interest in Counsell’s services.
Three Teams Seeking Counsell
FRIDAY, 8:33am: Ken Rosenthal says the Mariners and Cardinals are also in on Counsell. The Cards jumped in as a reaction to Troy Glaus‘ injury.
THURSDAY, 5:51pm: According to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the Brewers are having productive talks with Craig Counsell to bring him back as a utility player for the upcoming season. The Brewers did not exercise Counsell’s $3.75MM option earlier in the winter; he’s likely to sign for considerably less.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin said talks have progressed to the point that he "might know something by tomorrow."
Rosenthal On Roberts, Hudson, Counsell
Let’s take a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal.
- The Orioles have their ears open Brian Roberts, whose trade value has diminished as he nears free agency. The White Sox can’t afford him, the Braves are reluctant to give up talent, and the Cubs didn’t discuss him in the Felix Pie talks. The Roberts market may improve once Orlando Hudson signs.
- Rosenthal’s source says the Michael Young–Jermaine Dye discussions did take place. If you read Dave van Dyck’s article, Ken Williams never specifically denied talks with the Rangers.
- Rosenthal believes that if the Cubs make another big move, it’ll be a Jake Peavy trade. They’re not in on Hudson.
- The Dodgers have roughly $50MM in payroll flexibility right now.
- The Giants may be looking at Manny Ramirez, but they’ve also looked in trades for hitters – "presumably" Prince Fielder or Corey Hart included. Those talks with the Brewers didn’t go far. The Giants may be willing to move Jonathan Sanchez, but the Jorge Cantu talks have stalled.
- So far the Dodgers and Russell Martin have only talked about a one-year deal.
- The Mariners are Brewers are eyeing Craig Counsell.
- The Ms "likely are willing" to trade Aaron Heilman.
Rosenthal On Dunn, Angels, Garland, Roberts
Let’s take a look at the latest from Ken Rosenthal.
- The Dodgers won’t go after Adam Dunn until they exhaust their options with Manny Ramirez. Rosenthal likes the Dunn-L.A. match. Should Dunn opt for a one-year deal so he can try his hand at a weaker free agent market?
- Rosenthal wonders if Tony La Russa and/or Albert Pujols will depart if the Cardinals do not contend in coming seasons.
- The Angels are not in on any hitter currently, but could engage in trade talks this summer if necessary.
- Rosenthal drives home just how difficult it would be for the Mets to move Luis Castillo. He says the team wants to bring in a capable backup infielder such as Alex Cora, David Eckstein, or Craig Counsell.
- The D’Backs made offers for Jon Garland and Brad Penny, but Penny signed with Boston and they’re out on Garland. Rosenthal says the D’Backs still aren’t necessarily in the market for a starter.
- A Brian Roberts trade is said to be a "growing possibility."
Pirates Rumors: Eckstein, Wilson, Turnbow
5:29pm: A handful of teams have expressed interest in Doug Mientkiewicz, reports Jenifer Langosch. He expects to sign within a few weeks, and his agent will meet with the Pirates this week.
4:56pm: Kovacevic confirmed that the Pirates are in negotiations with Eckstein. The Orioles and Padres are also said to be in on him. As for Wilson: the Dodgers are said to be exasperated by the Pirates’ asking price.
12:10am: Let’s check in with Dejan Kovacevic and Rob Biertempfel for the latest on the Pirates.
- Kovacevic on Jack Wilson: the Tigers are out, the Dodgers are quiet lately, and the Twins are in. Biertempfel says the Orioles continue to watch from afar. Wilson’s contract is a sticking point for all suitors.
- Kovacevic believes the Pirates have at least not ruled out the idea of pursuing Pedro Martinez.
- Derrick Turnbow will throw for scouts in mid-January, so he probably won’t sign until then. The Pirates and Giants are among eight teams that have expressed interest.
- The Pirates seem likely to make a Rule 5 pick this year.
- With Pirates target Mark Loretta signing with the Dodgers, Biertempfel wonders if the Bucs may pursue David Eckstein or Craig Counsell.
Royals Considering Farnsworth, Springer, Lyon
10:28pm: Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star adds Russ Springer to the mix for the Royals. They’d have to find room in the payroll before signing a veteran reliever.
5:32pm: According to MLB.com’s Dick Kaegel, the Royals will hear from the agent for Brandon Lyon, Kyle Farnsworth, and Craig Counsell this week. Lyon and Farnsworth make sense, as the Royals are known to be looking for righthanded relief help. They’ve been linked to The Farnz before. And there was recent word they might look at veteran infielders to replace Mark Grudzielanek.
Options Declined: Taguchi, Gordon, Counsell, Embree
Alright, time to lump today’s remaining options together in one post.
- The Pirates declined Jason Michaels‘ $2.6MM option. He could re-sign for less.
- The Phillies declined their options on So Taguchi ($1.25MM with a $150K buyout) and Tom Gordon ($4.5MM with a $1MM buyout). The moves may have been Pat Gillick’s last as GM.
- The Brewers declined Craig Counsell‘s $3.4MM option, paying a $400K buyout.
- The Athletics declined Alan Embree‘s $3MM option. As a Type B free agent, the A’s could offer him arbitration. Susan Slusser spoke to Embree, who didn’t mind having the option declined.
Counsell Signs With Brewers
Baseball Digest Daily reports that the Brewers have inked Craig Counsell to a two-year deal with a club option for 2009.
Did Doug Melvin really put out this kind of commitment to a utility infielder? Counsell could see a lot of playing time if Rickie Weeks or J.J. Hardy fall out of favor or are hurt again. Hardy in particular will see his playing time drop.