Astros, Orioles, Were Never Close To Tejada Deal
The Houston Chronicle’s Richard Justice says that while the Astros and Orioles had intense discussions about Miguel Tejada, the two sides were "never, never, never" close to a deal. It’s clear that Chris Burke, Adam Everett, and a prospect wouldn’t get it done.
Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun said today that the Orioles believe the Astros have the young talent needed to make a Tejada deal. Zrebiec notes that a package based on Everett and Luke Scott wouldn’t cut it, either. Andy MacPhail also discussed Tejada with the Cardinals, Giants, and Angels this week. The Angels haven’t aggressively pursued him, and Andrew Baggarly said today the Giants are no longer interested.
Rays Rumors: Pena, Floyd, Scott
UPDATE, 12-6-07 at 2:17pm: Molony confirms that the Rays have talked to the Astros about Scott, though the Padres are still the frontrunner.
FROM 12-6-07 at 8:29am:
A few minor Rays nuggets (hat tip Drays Bay)…
- Marc Lancaster talked to Scott Boras about the possibility of Carlos Pena signing a long-term deal with the Rays. Pena is eligible for free agency after the 2009 season. Boras indicated that Pena would go year to year. If 2008 and 2009 are in the stratosphere of what Pena did in ’08, he’s looking at four years, $60MM easily in my opinion.
- Adam Rubin reports that the Rays are eyeing Cliff Floyd, a name we’ve seen linked to them before.
- Marc Topkin considers Luke Scott a realistic possibility for the Rays, Luis Gonzalez and Josh Hamilton not so much. Topkin suggests Andre Ethier could be a good match, in a separate post.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Bradley, Haren
Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz.
- The Astros might be "on the verge of a major deal." Rosenthal notes the availability of Chris Burke and Luke Scott plus the team’s interest in Damaso Marte. He also says some clubs are after Houston’s young pitching. Ed Wade spoke of two-way, three-way, and even four-way discussions before he hit the hay last night, but nothing seemed imminent.
- Rosenthal says the Padres might have a better chance of re-signing Milton Bradley than Mike Cameron. He also implies that the Friars could reach a one-year agreement with Michael Barrett and then shop him.
- Despite Hank’s proclamations, Rosenthal says the Yanks are "lurking" on Dan Haren. Sounds creepy.
Padres Rumors: Bay, Scott, Barrett
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune has a late-night update for us.
- Several outfielders are on the radar that we haven’t previously linked to San Diego: Milton Bradley, Xavier Nady, and Jason Bay. Of course all three have played for the Padres in the past. It would certainly be an interesting storyline if they reacquired Bay.
- Ken Rosenthal told us earlier that the Padres talks for Luke Scott broke off. Krasovic doesn’t say that, but notes that the Astros want catcher Nick Hundley for him. The 24 year-old backstop hit .247/.324/.475 in Double A last year. According to Baseball America, Hundley profiles as a big league regular and could be respectable botg offensively and defensively.
- Michael Barrett still hasn’t decided whether to accept arby.
Padres Fail To Acquire Luke Scott
UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 10:07pm: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres and Astros were unable to reach an agreement on Scott.
UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 9:15pm: Talks are ongoing. Chase Headley and Matt Antonelli won’t be involved, but names like Nick Hundley, Will Venable, Josh Geer, and Wade LeBlanc have been mentioned.
FROM 12-4-07 at 2:39pm:
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Padres are nearing a deal to acquire Luke Scott from the Astros. No word on the return yet. I’m curious – Scott seemed like a solid bargain acquisition and it’s no surprise Kevin Towers got him.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Mahay, Cordero
Ken Rosenthal busts out a few new ones.
- The Royals have been in touch with Ron Mahay‘s agent. Rosenthal names the Yankees, Giants, and Astros as other interested parties. Why the Giants? The Royals would trade Jimmy Gobble and then sign Mahay. Regarding the Yankees, Rosenthal says that the Santana situation somehow affects their willingness to sign Mahay. Meanwhile, Jayson Stark says the Rays are also in on Mahay.
- The Nationals asked for Chad Qualls and Luke Scott for Chad Cordero and were rebuffed by Ed Wade and the Astros. It’s not the craziest offer but how many outfielders do the Nationals need? 12? We heard two hours ago that Scott was almost a Padre, but haven’t had any follow-up. Buster?
Astros Interested In Hunter, Rowand
UPDATE, 10-31-07: A few more notes on the Astros’ interest in Hunter and Rowand. According to Wade, the Astros are looking to add either a center fielder or a right fielder – keeping Hunter Pence in center is an option. Also, he calls the contact with Hunter and Rowand "procedural," noting that the Astros will talk to roughly a third of all free agents.
FROM 10-30-07:
Looks like Ed Wade and the Astros will make a play for a free agent center fielder this winter. They’ve already made initial contact with the agents for Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand.
That didn’t strike me as a major need given the current outfield of Carlos Lee, Hunter Pence, and Luke Scott. I agree with RotoWorld on this – Scott could be a great acquisition if the Astros push him out of the picture. An awful April obscured Scott’s stats – he hit .267/.360/.534 from May forward. Same thing happened with Kevin Kouzmanoff.
On the other hand, Pence is better suited for right field than center. So as long as Wade gets full value in the form of a starting pitcher for Scott. Unfortunately they are not on Curt Schilling‘s list but three other NL Central teams are.