Rangers Interested In Michael Bourn
The Rangers are starting to look into free agent outfielder Michael Bourn, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports. Rangers officials are asking around about Bourn, but they’re still early on in the process.
The Mariners like Bourn, the Red Sox appeared to have interest earlier in the winter, and the Cubs have had conversations about Bourn with agent Scott Boras. When I previewed the market for Bourn earlier in the week, I suggested teams such as the Indians, Phillies and Dodgers could also be interested under the right circumstances.
The Rangers recently agreed to sign A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal. They also met with free agent outfielder Cody Ross this week and are staying in touch with him, Heyman reports. They could use an outfielder now that Josh Hamilton has signed with the Angels, and might also be in the market for starting pitching.
Heyman & Knobler On Hanrahan, Rangers, Bourn
The latest from Jon Heyman and Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com…
- Both the Dodgers and Red Sox have interest in Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, reports Heyman. He hears Los Angeles could also make a play for Indians closer Chris Perez or Mets right-hander Bobby Parnell as well.
- The Rangers were interested in Anibal Sanchez and Russell Martin before they signed elsewhere, Knobler reports. Now Texas is pursuing Edwin Jackson, A.J. Pierzynski and Cody Ross. Michael Bourn and Kyle Lohse aren't thought to be "front-burner" items for the Rangers now, Knobler reports. Knobler suggests the Rangers are interested in a relatively short-term deal for Jackson, who's also drawing serious interest from the Cubs.
- The Dodgers have talked about trading Andre Ethier and signing Bourn to replace him, reports Knobler. Los Angeles is looking for a leadoff hitter. Earlier this week we heard they've considered trading Ethier and signing Nick Swisher.
- The Rangers may be the best bet for Pierzynski since the Yankees still can’t get excited about the backstop, Heyman reports (on Twitter). Instead, New York is looking to go with Austin Romine.
- The Braves continue eyeing a left fielder and would prefer to add a leadoff type, Heyman reports (on Twitter).
- Bobby Abreu, who is now playing winter ball, hopes to play for two or three more years, Heyman reports (on Twitter).
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
Mariners Notes: Swisher, Bourn, Prospects
Here's the latest from the Pacific Northwest…
- The Mariners should try something "bold and imaginative" to bring a major hitter to Seattle, such as trading top prospects for a big bat like Curtis Granderson, Andre Ethier, Carlos Gonzalez or Giancarlo Stanton, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal writes.
- Nick Swisher visited Cleveland earlier today to meet with Indians executives and is headed to visit another city, but CBS Sports' Jon Heyman (via Twitter) reports that "the Swisher tour" will not stop in Seattle. The M's would have to give up their first-round pick in next year's draft (No. 12 overall) as compensation for signing a free agent who has declined a qualifying offer from their former team. Heyman tweets that the Mariners aren't willing to sacrifice their pick for Swisher but could do it for "a bigger free agent than Swisher." Michael Bourn seems to be the only free agent left on the market who fits that criteria.
- If the Mariners had $25MM earmarked for Josh Hamilton, Larry Stone of the Seattle Times points out that the club could use that money to sign Bourn and still have enough payroll left to acquire Michael Morse from the Nationals.
- The trade value of elite prospects seems to be dropping, writes Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times, thus hurting the Mariners' chances of using their top minor leaguers as trade chips to acquire proven big league talent.
- Speaking of those Seattle minor leaguers, Fangraphs' Marc Hulet runs down his list of the top 15 prospects in the Mariners' system. "Unlike a lot of the top systems in the game, the bulk of Seattle’s talent is at the Double-A and Triple-A level suggesting better days are ahead for the Mariners and their fans," Hulet writes.
Yankees Links: Bourn, Hairston, Youkilis, Granderson
It was on this day in 1956 that Phil Rizzuto traded his glove for a microphone as the longtime Yankee shortstop agreed to become a radio and TV broadcaster. Rizzuto called Yankees games for the next 39 years, becoming arguably even more famous as an announcer than he was for his Hall-of-Fame playing career.
Here's the latest from the Bronx…
- There is "no chance" the Yankees will pursue Michael Bourn, a source tells ESPN New York's Wallace Matthews. We heard over the weekend from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that the Yankees would be interested in Bourn if his price dropped, though it's hard to imagine Bourn's price dropping enough to suit a team who is trying to keep payroll under the luxury tax threshold for 2014.
- Scott Hairston is apparently "the front-runner" amongst the right-handed hitting outfielders the Yankees are targeting, Matthews reports, though Hairston would prefer to return to the Mets in 2013.
- In a radio interview on WAAF's Hill-Man Morning Show, Kevin Youkilis said that his ideal choice would've been to play on the west coast near his Bay Area home, but his suitors were all eastern and midwest teams. Youkilis said his choice hinged on the Yankees having the best chance to win a World Series, not out of spite towards the Red Sox. (Hat tip to WEEI.com's Alex Speier for the partial transcript of Youkilis' interview.)
- Curtis Granderson's trade value is examined by Chad Jennings of the LoHud Yankees blog, who concludes that the Yankees will have a difficult time finding a trade partner who both needs and can afford Granderson, while also being able to send a good return back to the Bronx.
- The Yankees will pay an extra $400K after Major League Baseball recalculated the team's luxury tax payments for 2012, according to The Associated Press. New York will now pay just under $19.312MM in luxury tax for the previous season.
Potential Suitors For Michael Bourn
Now that Josh Hamilton has signed, Michael Bourn is the top free agent position player available. But the market for Bourn still doesn’t seem clear. The Braves, Nationals, Phillies, Giants, Reds and Athletics have all added center fielders this offseason, which will limit Bourn’s list of potential suitors. That said, Bourn should still generate interest, as many teams continue looking for outfield help.
Here’s speculative look at some potential suitors for the 29-year-old Scott Boras client. I’m focusing on teams with openings or potential openings in center field, since Bourn generates much of his value on defense.
- Rangers – The Rangers watched as potential targets such as Hamilton, Zack Greinke, Anibal Sanchez, James Shields and R.A. Dickey joined other teams. Signing Bourn would give them an elite defender to place between Nelson Cruz and David Murphy. If I’m Boras, I’m working to sell the Rangers on Bourn.
- Mariners – The Mariners seem to be in on just about every available bat as their search for offense continues. They appear to like Bourn, though he might have been a better fit before they decided to move the fences in at Safeco Field.
- Indians – For now the Indians appear to be targeting Nick Swisher, but if that pursuit falls through, I wonder if Bourn could be a fit. While Cleveland hasn't traditionally spent aggressively on free agents, the team's willingness to bid on Swisher and Shane Victorino suggests ownership has approved one major signing. The Indians will presumably add an outfielder now that they have traded Shin-Soo Choo.
- Cubs – The Cubs have had conversations with Boras about Bourn, and based on the team’s pursuit of Sanchez, it appears that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are prepared to spend on free agents under the right circumstances. It’s not clear if Chicago’s interest amounts to more than due diligence, however.
- Braves – The Braves could use another outfielder, but they have a center fielder in B.J. Upton and they figure to prioritize right-handed hitters. This doesn't seem like a fit.
- Phillies – Like the Braves, the Phillies could use another outfielder. However, after adding Ben Revere in a trade with the Twins, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. doesn't need to act out of desperation. If Bourn's price drops enough, the Phillies could sign him and move Revere back to a corner outfield spot.
- Yankees – Some believe the Yankees are quietly interested in Bourn, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported this past weekend. He’s not an ideal financial fit since the Yankees are trying to avoid the luxury tax by 2014. Plus, like outfielders Curtis Granderson, Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki, Bourn bats from the left side.
- Red Sox – The Red Sox appeared to have interest in Bourn earlier in the offseason. Now that they’ve added Victorino and Jonny Gomes, Bourn no longer seems like an obvious fit. If the Red Sox change plans and decide to trade Jacoby Ellsbury, they could have renewed interest.
- Dodgers – The Dodgers could pursue Bourn if they trade Andre Ethier, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suggested this morning. However, the team doesn’t seem overly eager to deal Ethier.
- White Sox – The White Sox have discussed deals involving center fielder Alejandro De Aza and would like to add a left-handed bat. Know of any left-handed hitting outfielders who could replace De Aza in Chicago's outfield? Sounds like Bourn to me, so it'd make sense for Boras to be sure GM Rick Hahn has access to lots of Bourn-related viewing and reading material. Still, this is just speculation on my part. This idea seems like a longshot at best.
- Mystery team – Never rule out a mystery team when it comes to a player of Bourn’s caliber.
For Bourn to maximize his value in this market, it’d be helpful if the Yankees or Dodgers got seriously involved in the bidding. Add in teams such as the Mariners, Phillies and Rangers and it’s clear that there are enough potential suitors remaining for Bourn to obtain a lucrative multiyear deal. However, if enough of these teams determine that they’d prefer to rely on internal options or explore trades for players such as Dexter Fowler, the market for Bourn would look less promising.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Rosenthal On Rangers, Nakajima, Upton
The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
- Rangers officials aren’t overwhelmed by the remaining free agent position players available, Rosenthal reports. Texas has done background work on A.J. Pierzynski, and could work to sign him. However, Adam LaRoche, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn seem like less likely targets. The Rangers are particularly concerned about makeup, according to Rosenthal. Manager Ron Washington knows Swisher from their days in Oakland and likes the outfielder, Rosenthal reports.
- The Rangers still want to add to their bullpen, and Rosenthal suggests they could make a play for Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan. The team is also exploring other bullpen options via trades and free agency. Hanrahan’s projected salary of $6.9MM limits interest from the Dodgers and Tigers, Rosenthal writes.
- Hiroyuki Nakajima has range that is average “at best,” one executive told Rosenthal. However, the A’s agreed to sign the 30-year-old free agent to a two-year deal in part because they like his offensive potential.
- Now that many free agent third basemen have signed, the Marlins could pursue a top third base prospect who’s close to contributing at the MLB level. However, it would be difficult to put together a package for a player such as Mike Olt.
- Some executives believe the Diamondbacks will trade Justin Upton even after GM Kevin Towers said a deal seems unlikely. There’s a perception that the Diamondbacks are down on Upton, Rosenthal notes.
- When Mets executive Paul DePodesta watched outfield prospect Wuilmer Becerra in 2011, he liked the prospect’s athleticism and effort. The Mets acquired the 18-year-old Becerra in the R.A. Dickey trade.
- The Red Sox are always looking to upgrade their bullpen, Rosenthal adds.
Los Angeles Notes: Hamilton, Trumbo, Dodgers
The latest on the MLB’s two Los Angeles area teams…
- There's a clause in Josh Hamilton's new contract that calls for the Angels to donate $400K per season to the outfielder's charity, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). That will amount to a $2MM total over the course of Hamilton's five-year deal.
- The Angels and Marlins have talked about the Angels’ spare bats, ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports (on Twitter). The Marlins appear to prefer Mark Trumbo, though he’s the least likely to be traded. The Angels could also deal Peter Bourjos, Kendrys Morales or Vernon Wells.
- The Dodgers now aim to find a reliever, preferably a lefty, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
- The Dodgers could pursue free agent center fielder Michael Bourn if they trade Andre Ethier, Rosenthal writes.
Cafardo On Bourn, Yankees, Tigers, Soriano
While the Dodgers and Angels scooped up the two impact free agents of this year's class, the Rangers have had a much more dull offseason, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Texas lost Hamilton to the rival Angels and failed to sign Zack Greinke and Torii Hunter. Beyond that, they also lost Mike Napoli, Ryan Dempster, and Koji Uehara to the Red Sox. Landing Justin Upton would help bring energy back to the Rangers' lineup, but so far they haven't been able to get a deal done as they look to hold on to Elvis Andrus. Here's more from today's column..
- Some believe the Yankees are quietly interested in free agent outfielder Michael Bourn and will pounce if the price comes down. Bourn would give the Bombers the leadoff hitter they have wanted for some time. Meanwhile, the Rangers remain a possibility.
- While the Tigers are keeping their distance from right-hander Rafael Soriano, it's not impossible for him to wind up in Detroit. The Red Sox may also be interested and the Rangers could be a fit given all of the talent that they've lost.
- If the Red Sox can’t finalize their deal with Mike Napoli, they could give Adam LaRoche the three-year, $39MM contract. Otherwise, LaRoche may stay with the Nationals or look to the Orioles, where Dan Duquette has coveted him.
- Edwin Jackson may be the next pitcher to strike a deal. The Padres have serious interest in Jackson, especially after losing Andrew Cashner for a while after his hunting accident.
Quick Hits: Bourn, Swisher, Red Sox, Alvarez, Diaz
It's been another major day of hot stove news, headlined by Josh Hamilton's deal with the Angels and Anibal Sanchez's forthcoming choice between the Cubs and Tigers. Here are some final items as we hit Friday…
- Michael Bourn's market has become hard to determine, though MLB.com's Richard Justice notes that the Hamilton, Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols signings have taught us that top free agents tend to get their paydays, sometimes with surprising teams.
- Nick Swisher has never seen the Red Sox "as a likely landing spot," reports Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link). Boston is one of several teams — including the Phillies, Orioles, Indians, Rangers and Mariners — linked to the free agent slugger this winter.
- Cuban players Dariel Alvarez and shortstop Aledmys Diaz are both officially free agents, tweets Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald. Alvarez, a 24-year-old outfielder, and 22-year-old shortstop Diaz were profiled by MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez last month.
- MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli breaks down the contract details of the arbitration-avoiding deals signed by Taylor Teagarden, Alexi Casilla and Steve Pearce with the Orioles, plus the details of Mark Reynolds' one-year contract with the Indians.
- The Diamondbacks are more likely to trade Jason Kubel than Justin Upton at this point, opines MLB.com's Steve Gilbert (Twitter link).
- The Rangers may have lost Hamilton today but a rival executive tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link) that the Rangers could potentially sign Swisher, A.J. Pierzynski and Adam LaRoche to upgrade their lineup.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports looks at how the Phillies and Red Sox are planning to rebound in 2013.
Fallout And Impact Of The Josh Hamilton Signing
Here's the latest on how Josh Hamilton's agreement with the Angels will affect several other players and teams all around the league, including how close some other teams came to signing the free agent slugger themselves…
- The Rangers have told Geovany Soto he'll be their everyday catcher in 2013, but ESPN's Buster Olney wonders if the Rangers could now pursue free agent backstop A.J. Pierzynski. Also from Olney, rival evaluators are speculating that the Rangers might now be the best fit for Nick Swisher (both links are to Olney's Twitter account).
- The Mariners "badly wanted" Hamilton, which means the Angels disappointed two of their AL West rivals today, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). MLB.com's Greg Johns hears that the M's were heavily courting Hamilton and "had strong hopes" he would sign with them.
- The Red Sox had interest in Hamilton but weren't willing to offer a contract longer than three years, reports WEEI.com's Rob Bradford.
- The Phillies were similarly not interested in Hamilton at such a high price, writes Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Hamilton's signing could increase interest in other free agent outfielders like Swisher and Cody Ross, thus possibly pricing the Phillies out of the market and forcing them to turn their attention to acquiring pitching instead.
- The Marlins could reverse their stance on trading Giancarlo Stanton, opines MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, if the Rangers are desperate to add another big bat and were willing to offer Jurickson Profar or Mike Olt in a deal. Frisaro also thinks Miami could be a trade match with the Angels as Peter Bourjos "has been on the Marlins' radar for a while."
- Fangraphs' Dave Cameron breaks down the value of Mark Trumbo, Kendrys Morales and Bourjos both to the Angels and on the trade market.
- Bourjos, for his part, tells MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez that he wants to remain in Anaheim and enjoys being an Angel, though he also wants to be an everyday player.
- ESPN's Keith Law doesn't see Hamilton providing much value in the last two years of his contract, though his signing "makes more sense" if the Angels trade some roster depth to fill the holes in their rotation. Law also notes that Michael Bourn appears to be running out of suitors, and speculates that Bourn could look for a one-year deal now and then look for a big multiyear contract next winter.
- Early today, we looked at rumors concerning the possibility of the Angels and Mets working out a trade involving R.A. Dickey.
MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith also contributed to this post