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Mets Notes: Adrian Gonzalez, Marquis, DeRosa

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The incomparable Marty Noble answers many of the fan inquiries with his usual mixture of information and wit. Among other ideas, he considers:

  • Just what would it take, hypothetically, to bring Adrian Gonzalez to Queens? Noble believes a package of John Maine, Fernando Martinez and Ike Davis "and perhaps more would be one to consider seriously."
  • Noble likes Joel Pineiro more than Jason Marquis, adding that "I know the Mets are interested in [Bengie] Molina."
  • He says that while Mark DeRosa wouldn't be a top priority, "If they can't bring back Alex Cora, DeRosa would an even better fit."
  • He counters a fan's proposal to trade "Jose Reyes, Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez and Omir Santos to the Angels for Erick Aybar, Gary Matthews Jr., Ervin Santana and Jeff Mathis" with one of his own: "How about Perez for the rights to Albie Pearson?" Pearson was the 1958 AL Rookie of the Year, of course.

As usual, Noble is must-reading.

Stark On Rockies, Angels, Pierre

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In his latest article, Jayson Stark also discusses the many Rockies and Angels thought to be available. Here are the latest rumors:

  • The Phillies are "hunting quietly" for right-handed outfielders. Ryan Spilborghs is on their radar.   
  • One official said Dan O'Dowd would consider moving "anyone" on the Rockies.
  • The Rangers are believed to be watching Huston Street closely.  
  • Jason Marquis could become available too, but some think the Rockies should hang on, given his success. 
  • The Angels seem willing to listen on Mike Napoli, Jeff Mathis and their entire infield, which consists of Kendry Morales, Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar and Chone Figgins.
  • They appear to have interest in young, high-upside pitchers, which could mean they're unsure they'll re-sign John Lackey after the season. 
  • The Dodgers are "sending out signals" that Juan Pierre could be available when Manny Ramirez returns. It's unclear whether the Dodgers would pick up any of the $15MM or so remaining on Pierre's contract.  
  • Among top starters, Erik Bedard is "most frequently connected with the Phillies," but many people around baseball doubt he would fit in Philadelphia.
  • Phillies prospects Lou Marson and Michael Taylor are likely available, but J.A. Happ, Antonio Bastardo, Dominic Brown, Kyle Drabek, Jason Knapp, Jason Donald and Carlos Carrasco would be much harder to acquire.
  • One scout thinks the Pirates may have acquired three future stars for Nate McLouth.   

Looking Beyond Varitek

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According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, a slew of catchers are being shopped to the Red Sox.  Among them: Jeff Mathis, Mike Napoli, Brian Schneider, Miguel Montero, John Buck, Ramon Hernandez, Bengie Molina, Carlos Santana, Kelly Shoppach, Victor Martinez, Jesus Flores, Kenji Johjima, Jeff Clement, Yorvit Torrealba, and the Rangers’ guys.  Silverman says the Braves, Cardinals, and Rays also have catchers available.  It seems that teams are asking for players like Justin Masterson, Clay Buchholz, or Lars Anderson in some cases.

On the Jason Varitek front, Scott Boras told the AP yesterday that he’s had no financial discussions with the Red Sox.  He expects the matter to be discussed after Thanksgiving.  Curt Schilling commented last week about Varitek possibly playing fewer games in 2009, but Boras shot down the idea of a reduced role.

Giants Like Kotchman And Mathis

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Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News writes that the Giants recently inquired with the Angels about first baseman Casey Kotchman and catcher Jeff Mathis.  Baggarly speculates that the Halos might like the idea of a reunion with Bengie Molina (owed $12MM over the next two seasons).

Of course, the value of the two Angels players far exceeds that of Molina.  No deal is close; Angels GM Tony Reagins was frank about that.  The Giants don’t have much in the way of valuable trade chips.  They’ve got overpriced, undesirable veterans plus a strong core of young pitching that they need to keep.

The Angels theoretically could part with Kotchman if they think Kendry Morales is ready (or if they wanted to shift Garret Anderson or Juan Rivera over to first, though neither has played there).  Mathis could be traded now; a separate deal with the Giants could make sense.

Latest Miguel Cabrera Trade Rumors

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You can check out the old thread here, based on Rosenthal’s Cabrera/Willis to Detroit rumor.  ESPN’s Peter Gammons has an update on the Cabrera situation involving the Angels.

Gammons says the Marlins and Angels are "serious about moving Cabrera to the Angels."  The current rumor: Howie Kendrick, Nick Adenhart, Jeff Mathis, and one other prospect.

Marlins/Tigers Cabrera/Willis Blockbuster

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UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 2:41pm: Joe Capozzi agrees – separate deals if anything.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 1:29pm: MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro has a source indicating that the Tigers are interested in Willis or Cabrera and not necessarily both.

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 12:23pm: According to Danny Knobler, the Tigers feel they’re being used by the Marlins to jack up the price for other teams like the Angels.  The trade talks between Detroit and Florida are characterized as discussions rather than trade negotiations.  Knobler says Dombrowski doesn’t want to trade Maybin, but I can’t see this happening otherwise.

FROM 12-4-07 at 11:02am:

Ken Rosenthal has an update with a whopper of a trade rumor.

  • The Marlins and Tigers are talking about a monster deal that would send Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis over to the Tigers for Andrew Miller, Cameron Maybin, and others.  Dave Dombrowski has always worked well with the Marlins, his former team.
  • Rosenthal confirms Bob Dutton’s assertion – the Royals signing Jose Guillen may not stop them from getting Andruw Jones too.
  • The O’s are trying to move Ramon Hernandez. They could sign Michael Barrett if they move him, or else get Jeff Mathis or Mike Napoli from L.A. in a Tejada deal.
  • The Tribe hasn’t decided whether to trade Cliff Lee, though there’s been plenty of buzz so far.

Details On Angels’ Cabrera Offer

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UPDATE, 12-3-07 at 10am: Peter Gammons says the Marlins are no longer insisting on both Adenhart and Santana.  He thinks the deal can work.

FROM 12-2-07 at 2pm:

Jon Heyman has the latest on the Miguel Cabrera situation.  As you know, the Angels are frustrated but have left the door open for the Marlins to approach them regarding their offer.

We also knew that the offer had both Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis in it.  The other players: one of Nick Adenhart or Ervin Santana, plus a "mid-level" pitching prospect.  The Marlins wanted both Adenhart and Santana, prompting the Angels to throw up their hands. Marlins ownership (Loria and Samson) are the ones pushing for both pitchers.

The Angels’ original offer stands, and they’ll wait to see if the Marlins decide to take it.  Heyman lists the Angels, Dodgers, Giants, and White Sox as those most serious in Cabrera, with the Rangers, Indians, and Mets also placing calls.  The Mets, eh?  That’s a new one.

Angels, Marlins At Cabrera Impasse

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The Angels are a bit frustrated in the Miguel Cabrera dealings.  According to Jayson Stark, they’ve told the Marlins to come swing by their suite whenever they’re ready to give a little on their demands.

In the deal for sure: Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis.  One of Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, and Nick Adenhart would be included as well.  However, the Fish want two of those starters.  The Halos won’t do it, but might be able to give one starter plus Reggie Willits.  Either way it’s going to be a major haul.

It wouldn’t be impossible to get Cabrera for three players, but they’d have to be damn good ones.  It’s always fascinating to watch the Marlins replenish their system.

Marlins Toy With Angels, Dodgers

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Angels owner Arte Moreno isn’t happy with the way the Marlins dealt with his club on the Miguel Cabrera negotiations.  Twice already the Angels thought they had deals only to have the Marlins come back at the last minute asking for more.  Moreno also believed this happened to the Dodgers and the Fish are playing the two teams off each other. 

None of this seems outside the realm of negotiation; it’s just curious that Moreno went public with it.  Perhaps that’s strategy, his way of telling the Marlins he won’t take any more BS.

Moreno said the Marlins’ demand is four players.  Three of them must be Major Leaguers and two pitchers.  If the Angels are to give up two good young pitchers, they won’t also include both Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis.

It hasn’t really been said but it seems like the Cabrera negotiations may stall now unless the Marlins come down a bit.  Or maybe some other dominoes will fall at the Winter Meetings and a team will get desperate.

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