Headlines

Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Magglio Ordonez

Boras Expects Ordonez To Stay

By | at

8:04pm: Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press quotes Scott Boras as saying it’s highly unlikely Ordonez will be traded.  Ordonez can block trades to all but ten teams.

1:10pm: Jon Paul Morosi talked to Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski, who says there will not be a significant difference in payroll this year.  I calculated they’d be over $120MM with the current group, leaving roughly $14MM to spend this winter barring other moves.  The needs: catcher, shortstop, bullpen.

Dombrowski will need to be creative, and trading for an affordable closer makes sense.  The Tigers are rumored to be in on Khalil Greene as a possible shortstop solution.  The catcher market is bleak, so don’t expect much there.

As far as trading Magglio Ordonez, Morosi says the Tigers may consider it if they can fill multiple holes with a trade.

Phillies’ Offseason Agenda

By | at

12:47pm: Scott Lauber has the latest from the Amaro press conference. 

  • Manny Ramirez seems unlikely as a left field solution.  Execs surveyed by Jerry Crasnick felt the same.
  • Burrell switched to a Philly-based agent, and talks will begin soon with the Phillies.
  • Pat Gillick will remain with the Phillies as a paid consultant.

11:13am: The Phillies locked up Ruben Amaro Jr. as their GM through 2011.  Items on his to-do list:

  • Left fielder Pat Burrell could be back if he accepts a two-year deal.  Otherwise, the Phils will kick the tires on Manny Ramirez, Matt Holliday, and Magglio Ordonez.  Jim Salisbury also notes that the Phillies have long liked Rocco Baldelli.  They’ve also been linked to Garrett Atkins.
  • Cole Hamels and Ryan Howard are in for large raises through arbitration; Amaro may attempt to sign them long-term.
  • Salisbury sees free agent lefties Jamie Moyer and Scott Eyre re-signing.  Scott Lauber suggests the Phils don’t want to go beyond one year for Moyer, though.
  • The team had a $104MM payroll in ’08, and that is expected to increase.
  • The Phillies (along with the Tigers and Nationals) have interest in free agent utility man Pete Orr.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Ordonez, Yankees, Red Sox

By | at

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere…

  • MetsBlog says Magglio Ordonez may not be the best option but could be a good backup plan should other scenarios not play out (ie. Manny Ramirez).
  • Talking Chop thinks Ordonez is a good fit for the Braves noting that the team has significant money to spend this offseason.
  • River Ave. Blues is not excited about the possibility of Ordonez in the Yankees’ outfield, noting that it makes more sense to re-sign Bobby Abreu for less money.
  • Was Watching wonders if the Yankees would have to sign C.C. Sabathia in order to trade for Matt Holliday.  They feel it would be strange for the Yankees to go after Holliday one year after bowing out of the Johan Santana sweepstakes.
  • Over The Monster takes a look at whether the Red Sox should re-sign Jason Varitek and what other options are available.

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

Tigers May Need To Trade Magglio

By | at

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News looks at the Tigers’ offseason situation this morning.  The Tigers need help in the bullpen and at shortstop and catcher.  They don’t have the payroll room to support this shopping list, so a trade of Magglio Ordonez may be necessary.

Ordonez, 35 in January, hit .317/.376/.494 in 623 plate appearances this year.  Assuming 457 plate appearances in 2009, Ordonez is owed $51MM over the next three seasons ($17MM per year on average).  That’s about market value.  Henning says the Tigers could trade Ordonez mainly for salary relief, or eat money to get better players in return.  My guess at possible suitors: the Rays, Reds, and Phillies.

Henning figures that money, as opposed to lost draft picks, might make it difficult for the Tigers to wade into the free agent market to fill their needs.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Tigers, Teixeira, Burnett

By | at

A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere…

  • MVN Outsider takes a look at some potential offseason moves for the Tigers, including trading Magglio Ordonez and Gary Sheffield and signing Brian Fuentes.
  • Baseball Banter takes a look at the five teams most likely to go after Mark Teixeira this winter.
  • River Ave. Blues wonders if the Yankees should consider signing A.J. Burnett because of his strong career numbers against the Red Sox.
  • Pending Pinstripes takes a look at the Yankees 40-man roster and some potential offseason changes.

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

Week in Review: 9/14 – 9/20

By | at

Another week down here at MLBTR, here’s your review!

  • The Brewers fired manager Ned Yost on Monday. Yost has taken a lot of criticism, and while I personally don’t feel like it’s a bad move, it seems like an odd time to disrupt the clubhouse, given that the Brewers are right in the wild card race. Perhaps this was intended to spark the Brewers and act as a wakeup call, but they have just two wins since the move.
  • In an attempt to cut payroll, the Tigers may have to move Magglio Ordonez this offseason. Ordonez will make $18MM next year and has options for 2010 and 2011. Anyone else think the Reds should make a serious run at Maggs? A lineup filled with Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, Edwin Encarnacion, and Ordonez could be extremely potent, to go along with a rotation anchored by Edinson Volquez, Aaron Harang, and Johnny Cueto.
  • Despite their bullpen woes, the Mets are not likely to make a run at either Francisco Rodriguez, or Brian Fuentes either. The Mets’ internal options have been bad, but K-Rod is in for a record-setting deal, and aside from the sheer number of saves, I don’t feel that his numbers stand out to the point where the team that lands him is going to get the full value of that contract. Personally, I think passing is a good decision.
  • Are the Royals currently interested in making a move for Braves’ right fielder Jeff Francoeur? The Royals have very few guys with solid OBPs, and adding Francoeur to the everyday lineup doesn’t seem like the route to go. Still, he has a long-standing relationship with Royals GM Dayton Moore, so it could be a valid possibility. The Royals have said they are willing to part with anyone aside from Zack Greinke, Gil Meche, and Joakim Soria.
  • The Red Sox and Theo Epstein have agreed to a contract extension.
  • Things to think about for in the offseason: Kevin Gregg expects to be traded, Matt Cain wants to stay in San Francisco, Milton Bradley wants a long-term deal and feels he has a 50-50 chance at returning to the Rangers. In the meantime, likely non-tender candidates include both Josh Bard and Erik Bedard.
  • Tim updated the Offseason Outlook series with entries for the Athletics, Braves, and Tigers. He also took a look at the Third Base Market, led by Casey Blake.
  • And for anyone curious about Manny Ramirez’s end in Boston, here’s Curt Schilling’s take on the situation.

Tigers Could Deal Ordonez?

By | at

Last week, John Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press contemplated the Tigers’ offseason plans. Their payroll projects at $130MM assuming no free agent signings or extensions; however, according to Morosi the Tigers’ revenue can only sustain $110MM. Owner Mike Ilitch wants a World Series but spending more doesn’t seem likely without shaking things up.

Morosi thinks the Tigers might have to trade Magglio Ordonez:

"They need a shortstop who covers more ground than Edgar Renteria. They need a closer, unless they are comfortable with Fernando Rodney (36 innings, 25 walks) protecting leads in the ninth inning. They need one more setup man, because of the uncertainty surrounding Joel Zumaya’s health. They also need to improve their rotation."

Have fun with that one. Magglio is set to make $18MM in ’09, followed by team options of $18MM and $15MM in ’10 and ’11, so any realistic trades need to be with teams that can shoulder that contract.

Despite a disappointing campaign, offense is still the one area of depth for the Tigers so this move would make sense.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Hudson, Ordonez, Fielder, Howard

By | at

Let’s swing through Ken Rosenthal’s latest column.

  • Rosenthal names the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, White Sox, Indians, Rockies, and Cardinals as speculative fits for free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson.  Obviously several of those scenarios would involve shuffling players to other positions or trades.  The Yankees’ infield defense could certainly use the boost.
  • Rosenthal considers Frank Wren’s midseason trip to Japan a sign that he might be active in that market.
  • The Tigers may shop Magglio Ordonez for pitching this winter.  Maggs will need fewer than 500 plate appearances next year to cause his 2010 and 2011 options to vest.  So he’s essentially owed $48MM over three years.
  • Don’t forget two other sluggers who may be available this winter: Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard.  It works well for the Brewers and Phillies, as the free agent market is weak at first base.

Rosenthal’s Latest: Angels, D’Backs, Giambi, Ellis

By | at

Here is the latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

  • Many important Angels will reach free agency this winter: Mark Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Garland, and Juan Rivera.  Rosenthal doesn’t expect any of these four back.  Garret Anderson’s $14MM option will not be exercised, but he could be re-signed.  John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero both have reasonable club options for ’09, but the Halos need to plan beyond that.
  • Several journalists have noted the D’Backs may restock the farm system if they let Adam Dunn, Orlando Hudson, Brandon Lyon, and Juan Cruz depart as free agents after the season.  They’re not worried about Dunn accepting an offer of arbitration. Why would he want a one-year deal?
  • Rosenthal guesses the Indians, Mariners, Blue Jays, and A’s might have interest in Jason Giambi this winter.  Giambi’s .398 OBP ranks 7th in the AL.  The leader: fellow free agent Milton Bradley at a staggering .446.
  • Mark Ellis surprisingly postponed negotiations with the A’s on an extension.  It had been said Ellis wanted to figure out a contract before season’s end.  He’s the affordable free agent alternative to Hudson.
  • The Twins are trying to get creative to find bullpen help.  GM Bill Smith says he’s made many waiver claims and won some.
  • Rosenthal says "speculation persists" that J.P. Ricciardi will be canned after the season.
  • The Tigers aren’t considering trading Magglio Ordonez, but Nate Robertson could be moved this winter.  Robertson seems due for a move back to the NL.  He earns $7MM in ’09 and $10MM in ’10.
  • The Reds are being questioned for holding on to relievers David Weathers and Jeremy Affeldt.

Considering A Tigers Fire Sale

By | at

The Tigers are ten games out in the AL Central, 10.5 out of the Wild Card.  Jon Heyman talks of fire sale speculation, but he doesn’t know where they’d start.  Lynn Henning has ideas, though.  Let’s discuss the trade candidates.

  • Magglio Ordonez, RF.  Henning thinks dealing him makes sense, since the Tigers have replacement options.  He earns $15MM this year and $18MM in ’09 with possible expensive vesting options for ’10 and ’11.  He also has limited no-trade protection.  Brian Giles or Xavier Nady might be more sensible targets teams in need of right field help.
  • Ivan Rodriguez, C.  It appears that Rodriguez also has no-trade protection.  He’s been reduced to a platoon and earns $13MM.
  • Edgar Renteria, SS.  Renteria has an $11MM club option for ’09 with a $3MM buyout.  It appears that the Red Sox may be on the hook for the buyout though.  Renteria isn’t hitting much and his defense is not rated highly.
  • Todd Jones, RP.  Teams will be wary of his 0.82 K/BB ratio.  He wouldn’t bring much of a return.
  • Brandon Inge, 3B/C.  Unless the Tigers acquire a catcher have a free agent target in mind, they may want Inge around for ’09.
  • Placido Polanco, 2B.  He’s having a decent year and is signed through ’09 at $4.6MM per year.  He may actually have some trade value.
  • Nate Robertson, SP.  Robertson earns $4.25MM in ’08, $7MM in ’09, and $10-11MM in ’10.  He has a fairly respectable 2.2 K/BB despite his 5.88 ERA.  He has value, but a trade would mostly be a salary dump.
  • Kenny Rogers, SP.  He makes $8-10MM this year.  He’s made all his starts but has not impressed.
  • After this exercise I can see what Heyman meant.  The Tigers’ veterans don’t have much trade value.
Show all

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top