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John Lackey

Odds & Ends: Lackey, Upton, De La Rosa, Wood

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Some more links to check out as you celebrate the end of the work week…

  • MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez confirms that the Red Sox did indeed meet with John Lackey's agent. This morning we learned that Boston expressed preliminary interest in the free agent hurler.
  • ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that the Rangers asked the Rays about outfielder B.J. Upton as part of their offseason routine, but no talks are ongoing.
  • Rockies' GM Dan O'Dowd said that they will only look at a one year deal for the arbitration eligible Jorge De La Rosa, according to Troy Renck of The Denver Post.
  • ESPN's Keith Law writes that Indians' closer Kerry Wood could be a "nice pickup on the cheap for a team unwilling to go multiple years" on some of the free agent closers. Wood is owed $10.5MM in 2010, with an $11MM club option for 2011 that could vest based on games finished.
  • The Pirates intend to be more aggressive in Japan, says MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch. Picking up Akinori Iwamura will help put the team on the radar of Japanese players looking to come to the U.S.
  • ESPN's Peter Gammons writes about the impact of the economy on the free agent market, among other things.
  • Giants' prospect Angel Villalona had his visa revoked by the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, reports Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. Villalona was charged with killing a man in the Dominican back in September.
  • Ben Kabak at River Ave. Blues takes a look at each of the Yankees' five arbitration eligible players.

Red Sox, Mets Express Interest In John Lackey

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The Red Sox expressed preliminary interest in free agent starter John Lackey this week at the GM Meetings, according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald.  Additionally, David Lennon of Newsday says Mets GM Omar Minaya spoke to Lackey's agent on the phone.  There's no cost to express interest, so why not?

The Mariners, Rangers, Brewers, and Yankees have been linked to Lackey in various reports.  Earlier this week, ESPN's Jerry Crasnick polled 20 baseball people, and the Yankees, Mets, and Angels were seen as the most likely to sign him.  Lackey's agent told Brewers GM Doug Melvin that his client is open to any club.

Mariners Rumors: Matsui, Lackey, Harden

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In his latest article, Larry Stone of the Seattle Times examines some names that have been linked to the Mariners, and speculates on how likely each player is to end up in Seattle. Let's take a look at some of his thoughts….

  • If Hideki Matsui were to leave New York, Stone doesn't expect the designated hitter to sign with the Mariners. Seattle would prefer a DH that could play the field occasionally, which Matsui probably can't do.
  • How aggressively the Mariners pursue John Lackey will depend on the market. If Lackey could be had at a reasonable price, Stone anticipates the team making "a big push."
  • Rich Harden heading back west to the AL West "has legs," according to Stone. He views Harden as a worthwhile gamble this winter, and one the Mariners could look into.
  • If the team's pursuit of Lackey, Harden, or other higher-profile pitching targets fell through, Doug Davis could be a cheaper option.
  • Among the free agents Stone doesn't see the Mariners being major players for: Jason Bay, Orlando Hudson, and Jarrod Washburn.
  • Stone also doesn't buy into the Lyle Overbay rumors.

Braves Announce Tim Hudson Extension

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1:41pm: O'Brien says Hudson received a three-year, $28MM deal – $9MM annually plus a $1MM buyout on the option.

8:41am: The Braves announced Tim Hudson's extension today, according to Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  He says it's a three-year deal worth around $9MM per year, with an option for 2013.  Hudson's new deal overwrites the $12MM mutual option he had for 2010.

Yesterday, MLB.com's Mark Bowman wrote, "We've long known that the Braves are going to end up trading either Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez."  O'Brien feels that Kenshin Kawakami is another possibility.  Bowman suggests that the Yankees or Angels could be suitors for Lowe, should they decide not to sign John Lackey.  Vazquez could be extended if Lowe is moved.

Heyman On Damon, Lackey, Crede

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After working the lobby all week at the Chicago GM Meetings, SI's Jon Heyman has the latest hot stove chatter…

  • The Giants "appear to have emerged as one potential competitor" for the services of Johnny Damon.
  • The Rangers met with John Lackey's agent yesterday, though they're not expected to have that kind of money available.  Heyman adds that the Brewers and Mariners haven't ruled out signing the righty.
  • Joe Crede is among the third base candidates the Orioles will consider.  We heard about Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, and Pedro Feliz earlier today.
  • Lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez "appears very popular in the free agent market."  If that's true, then the Braves figure to offer arbitration to Gonzalez, a Type A.
  • Mets GM Omar Minaya said some teams have shown interest in second baseman Luis Castillo, and Heyman says the Dodgers have spoken to the Mets.  Castillo has $12MM coming over the next two years and it might be time to sell relatively high.

Olney On Ausmus, Carroll, Prior, Penny

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A few notes from ESPN's Buster Olney…

  • Via Twitter, Olney's heard from other teams that the Reds would love to move closer Francisco Cordero.  Of course, closers are plentiful and Cordero is set to earn $25MM over the next two years.  I mentioned in our Reds Offseason Outlook that the team would have to eat half of that to make him mildly appealing.  Similarly, the Indians would definitely listen on Kerry Wood, who is set to earn $20MM over the next two years.
  • Olney believes other teams could join the Reds and Tigers in cost-cutting mode.  He says the teams with payroll space "will be in position to make some excellent deals."
  • Olney finds it unlikely that Matt Holliday, Jason Bay, or John Lackey will receive a $100MM contract.
  • Catcher Brad Ausmus on 2010: "I could end up playing if somebody wants me."
  • The A's are interested in free agent infielder Jamey Carroll. Ed Price of AOL FanHouse tweets that the Dodgers and at least seven other teams are also interested in Carroll.
  • Mark Prior is throwing on flat ground and plans to audition for scouts.  Prior, 29, most recently had shoulder surgery in June.
  • The Giants are attempting to re-sign Brad Penny, who lost 12 pounds since the end of the season.
  • Olney wonders if the Royals will dump more players before the December 12th non-tender deadline.  I think Mike Jacobs, John Buck, and John Bale fit the bill.
  • Olney's heard that the Phillies "will be aggressive in signing a set-up man/closer safety net," with Brad Lidge having flexor tendon surgery.

Roy Halladay Rumors: Thursday

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The Blue Jays are not resigned to trading ace pitcher Roy Halladay, according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.  However, Feinsand believes Halladay "wants out of Toronto," and would require an extension as part of waiving his no-trade clause.  As you know, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos won't rule out trading within the division, opening up Yankees and Red Sox speculation.

SI's Jon Heyman says the Yankees will inquire on Halladay; why wouldn't they?  Heyman believes Halladay favors a deal to an East Coast team and was willing to go to the Yankees or Red Sox last summer.  Since then, the asking price has presumably come down.  Heyman also expects the Mets to check in on Doc, but sees them as a long shot.

Feinsand and Heyman also get into the Yankees' other options to add top-level pitching.  Feinsand says the Yankees "already have their sights set on signing either Halladay or Cliff Lee if both become free agents after next season," but fear Lee might sign an extension with the Phillies.  He says Yankees officials have mixed opinions on whether to pursue John Lackey this winter.

Odds & Ends: Uggla, Granderson, Lackey

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Links for Thursday…

Cardinals Talk: Holliday and Plan B

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Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has his finger on the pulse of the Cardinals…

  • GM John Mozeliak explained that his offer for Matt Holliday will be firm: "I think it's fair to say when we present an offer, that's pretty much going to be our position.  We're not really interested in becoming involved in a long, drawn-out back-and-forth."  As is typical of these situations, Mozeliak would like the situation to be resolved more quickly than Scott Boras typically works.
  • Where would the Holliday money go if the slugger signs elsewhere?  A veteran third baseman is one possibility, though the Cards haven't expressed interest in Chone Figgins.  Mark DeRosa could still fit at third base or even left field if Holliday leaves.
  • Strauss has Mozeliak saying earlier this week that the Holliday money could be allocated toward the rotation (but probably not for a John Lackey signing).

Odds & Ends: Griffey, Tigers, Torrealba

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Let's have a look at another handful of evening links….

  • MLB.com's Corey Brock reports that new Padres GM Jed Hoyer will sit down with Adrian Gonzalez next week to discuss the first baseman's future.
  • Keith Law of ESPN.com shares his thoughts on the trades that have transpired so far during the hot stove season.
  • Scott Miller of CBS Sports wraps up his observations from the GM meetings, and includes a quote from Angels GM Tony Reagins, saying the team will try their best to retain both John Lackey and Chone Figgins. I think they'd be doing very well if they were able to bring back even one of the two.
  • What do the Cleveland Indians need to do to improve in 2010? The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Paul Hoynes suggests that, considering the team's lack of payroll flexibility, the Indians just have to hope for better performances from many of their players.
  • In comments relayed by Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik was vague when asked about Ken Griffey Jr.'s playing time in 2010. Griffey and the Mariners reached an agreement earlier today, but it sounds like Junior could have a lesser role next season — particularly if the team is able to retain Russell Branyan and add another bat or two.
  • Despite recent rumors about the availability of Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson, the Detroit Tigers don't intend to have a fire sale, according to MLB.com's Jason Beck (via Twitter).
  • Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune says that if Granderson is available, the Cubs need to pursue him.
  • Troy Renck of the Denver Post has additional details on Yorvit Torrealba's possible future with the Colorado Rockies.
  • After hearing Scott Boras compare Matt Holliday to last winter's big free agent prize, Mark Teixeira, Dave Cameron of FanGraphs takes a detailed look at how the two players' values compare.
  • ESPN.com's Buster Olney tweets that a few GMs came away from this week's meetings thinking that the market for the elite free agents this year will be "very, very limited."
  • Ever the optimist, Scott Boras disagrees with this assessment of the market, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Boras argues that "we hear this every year" and predicts that the top free agents will still receive "mega-contracts."
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