Olney On Wilson, Bourn, Indians, Red Sox
One AL GM said the Indians got “incredible value” for Shin-Soo Choo by obtaining Trevor Bauer in last night’s three-team trade, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports. While evaluators love Didi Gregorius’ glove, they wonder if the Diamondbacks’ new infielder will hit enough to merit an everyday job. Here's the latest from Olney (some Twitter links)…
- Free agent right-hander Brian Wilson is expected to have opportunities to close, Olney writes. The Giants non-tendered their longtime closer last month, making him a free agent.
- Agents and executives wonder what will happen with free agent center fielder Michael Bourn, Olney reports(on Twitter). In my view the Rangers and Mariners appear to be two possible destinations for the Scott Boras client.
- The Indians could still trade Asdrubal Cabrera, Justin Masterson and Vinnie Pestano, as Olney points out (on Twitter). There’s “not much action” on Chris Perez, however.
- Some evaluators say the Red Sox are poised to move on the pitching market as prices drop, according to Olney(on Twitter). GM Ben Cherington figures to add starting pitching depth at some point, as his projected rotation consists of Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Felix Doubront, John Lackey and Franklin Morales.
- It’s apparent that the Mariners aren’t the top choice of the best free agent hitters. Olney suggests Seattle will end up signing a leftover player, though they’re pressing to land someone of note.
- Phillies officials have privately maintained that they’d be prepared to offer Josh Hamilton a three-year deal.
Rangers Still Interested In Acquiring Justin Upton
Even though they've lost out on Zack Greinke, the Rangers still have interest in acquiring Justin Upton according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com says (on Twitter) Texas might also look into free agents Anibal Sanchez, Michael Bourn, and Kyle Lohse.
The Rangers have been discussing three- and four-team trade scenarios with the Diamondbacks about Upton in recent days. The Rays, Indians, Mariners, and Royals have all been connected to the blockbuster at some point. Texas reportedly hoped to both acquire Upton and sign Greinke, so they could now pursue a trade for R.A. Dickey or James Shields to satisfy their pitching needs.
AL West Links: Rangers, Bourn, Angels
It was on this day in 1988 that Nolan Ryan became a Texas Ranger, signing a one-year free agent contract with the team after spending the previous nine seasons with the Astros. Though Ryan turned 42 years old in January 1989, he pitched five more seasons that included the final two of his record seven no-hitters. Ryan, of course, is now the Rangers' president, CEO and principal owner.
Here are some items from Texas and elsewhere in the AL West…
- The Rangers will hold off on looking for relief pitching until their more pressing roster issues have been solved, GM Jon Daniels told MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Texas has added a number of relievers already this offseason (Joakim Soria being the most notable name) though they weren't able to re-sign Koji Uehara, who agreed to a contract with the Red Sox.
- With the Rangers and Phillies reportedly working on a deal that would send Michael Young to Philadelphia in exchange for salary relief, a prospect and a Major League reliever, Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer looks at some of the Phils' bullpen options who could be headed to Arlington.
- Though the Mariners need offense, Michael Bourn might not be a good fit, opines Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Given how poorly Chone Figgins played in Seattle, the M's might not want to spend big on another "speed player" like Bourn.
- "The Angels are not selling sizzle this winter. They are selling faith and hope," writes Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times about the Halos' thus-far underwhelming offseason, at least in comparison to their big moves last winter.
Ohio Notes: Hernandez, Bourn, Mesoraco, Hannahan
The Indians are still pursuing free agent Kevin Youkilis and still trying to work out a multi-team trade involving Asdrubal Cabrera and the Diamondbacks, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal (Twitter link). The Tribe is also looking at alternative moves in case Youkilis signs elsewhere or the complicated trade fails to materialize. We collected the latest items about the Tribe's pursuit of Youkilis and Nick Swisher earlier today on MLBTR and yesterday looked at the latest mountain of speculation surrounding this rumored multi-team deal that also reportedly involves the Rangers, Rays, Mariners, Justin Upton, Derek Holland and a number of young players.
The Reds have generated a lot of buzz this offseason as well, so let's check in on the latest from both of Ohio's clubs…
- Roberto Hernandez isn't expected to sign soon despite "a good market" for his services, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter). The Indians remain interested in re-signing Hernandez, who also has at least four other suitors.
- Reds GM Walt Jocketty didn't have any discussions about Michael Bourn with agent Scott Boras during the Winter Meetings, reports MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. Jocketty doesn't see Bourn as a fit in Cincinnati as the center fielder's asking price “would have to really fall."
- The Reds aren't going to trade Devin Mesoraco, a team insider tells John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link). The young catcher was rumored to be a target of the Rays, who were trying to involve another club in a three-team trade that would bring Mesoraco to Tampa Bay.
- There is a "good chance" the Reds sign free agent infielder Jack Hannahan, a baseball source tells Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities radio (via Twitter). The Twins have dropped out of the running, though such teams as the White Sox, Marlins and Yankees are among the teams known to share the Reds' interest in Hannahan.
- As reported earlier today, the Reds agreed to terms with Ryan Ludwick and have talked to the Rockies about a trade for Dexter Fowler.
Free Agent Rumors: Rolen, Bourn, McCarthy, Drew
A number of free agents have found deals in Nashville this week, but there are still a ton available, including 29 of our top 50. Here's the latest on a few of the remaining options:
- Scott Rolen remains undecided on whether he'll retire or continue his playing career, his agent tells John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. If Rolen decides he wants to play, Fay believes the Reds could be interested in bringing him back in some role.
- Former Rockie Ryan Spilborghs is drawing serious interest in Japan, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post (Twitter link).
Earlier updates:
- The Mariners like Michael Bourn "very much," though the Phillies and Rangers remain in on the speedy outfielder, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
- A couple reasons the Angels' interest in Brandon McCarthy has picked up in Nashville are his age (29) and the fact that he likely won't command more than a two-year deal, tweets Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
- Stephen Drew figures to land at least a two-year deal, which would probably take the Tigers out of the running, says MLB.com's Jason Beck. The Red Sox continue to be in on Drew, however, according to WEEI.com's Rob Bradford.
- In their hunt for left-handed relief help, the Cardinals have inquired on Manny Parra and explored what it would take to sign Sean Burnett, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Cards are expected to find their man fairly soon, says Goold.
- Dan Johnson, who was non-tendered by the White Sox last week, is interested in returning to the Rays, but may end up in Japan, tweets Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Mariners Meet With Boras, Inquired On Kubel
The Mariners are meeting with agent Scott Boras today in Nashville, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports (via Twitter). While it's not clear exactly which player or players the two sides are discussing, Knobler notes, as we heard earlier today, that the M's have some interest in Michael Bourn.
Although Seattle seems to be considering Bourn, the team's focus this offseason has primarily been on corner outfielders. As such, it's not a huge surprise that Knobler also reports (via Twitter) that the Mariners have spoken to the Diamondbacks about Jason Kubel. The D-Backs are said to be listening to offers on Kubel, though it's not known how strong the Mariners' interest is.
Mariners Interested In Michael Bourn
A new suitor has emerged for one of the top hitters remaining on the market, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, who says the Mariners are considering Michael Bourn. The Phillies continue to be in on Bourn as well, says Heyman.
The Mariners have been viewed as a player for power bats and corner outfielders, with reports connecting them to Josh Hamilton and Justin Upton, among others. However, according to Heyman, the team could decide to add a center fielder like Bourn and move Franklin Gutierrez to a corner spot. Gutierrez has been an above-average defender in center throughout his career, and I'm not sure his bat would play at a corner, but it appears the M's are exploring all their options.
Bourn is expected to sign for a little more than the five years and $75.25MM that B.J. Upton received from the Braves.
West Notes: Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Padres
Here's a look at some news out of the AL and NL West..
- The Dodgers are letting teams know that shortstop Dee Gordon is available, tweets Bob Nightengale of the USA Today. Gordon could represent a fallback option for teams who lose out on Stephen Drew. Earlier today, we learned five teams are in on Drew.
- The Giants are looking for a center fielder and are talking to Michael Bourn, Angel Pagan, and Shane Victorino, tweets CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman.
- The Angels are aren't acting like they're confident of landing Zack Greinke, writes Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. The Angels seem to be trolling for much cheaper starting pitching options like Ryan Dempster and Shaun Marcum, as opposed to Anibal Sanchez and Kyle Lohse.
- The Dodgers' shopping list includes Greinke, a fourth outfielder that can play center, and a backup corner infielder, according to MLB.com's Ken Gurnick. Gurnick also says negotiations continue with lefty reliever Randy Choate.
- Padres GM Josh Byrnes doesn't expect to be very busy during the Winter Meetings, reports Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune. "I expect to do one thing, maybe two," said Byrnes. "I’m not expecting to do a lot. We’re filling the holes, not roster reshaping." The Padres are looking for starting pitching and have depth at the corner outfield slots, in the bullpen, and at middle infield. The names most often mentioned as possible trade chips, according to Center, are Luke Gregerson, Joe Thatcher, and Jesus Guzman.
- The Rangers are interested in talking with the Mets about R.A. Dickey at the Winter Meetings this week, a source tells T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. The Rangers aren't alone in having interest in the knuckleballer as the Mets have taken calls from six or seven teams looking to swing a trade. The Mets are expected to look for outfield help and catching in a deal.
- The Rockies are considering a run at left-hander Daniel Schlereth as they look to improve their bullpen, according to Thomas Harding of MLB.com. The 26-year-old became a free agent this week when he was non-tendered by the Tigers.
- The Rockies are looking to restore their rotation, but not rebuild it entirely, writes Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. The club will look to bolster their starting five with a veteran presence and they are known to have interest in free agent right-hander Kevin Correia.
Edward Creech contributed to this post.
Cubs Have Interest In Michael Bourn
The Cubs have had conversations with Scott Boras about Michael Bourn, reports ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine. Boras is expected to seek nine figures for the speedy center fielder.
“We do have to address our outfield and we will look to do that,” said GM Jed Hoyer. “We like our prospects, but when they are as far away as some of those guys are you can’t think about those guys. You have to think about your team now … There are a number of players we will be talking to over the next few weeks."
Bourn, 29, is the best remaining center fielder on the market now that B.J. Upton has signed with the Braves and Denard Span has been traded to the Nationals. Top Cubs prospect Brett Jackson reached the big leagues late last season, but the center fielder is expected to open next year in Triple-A after striking out 59 times in 120 at-bats.
Nationals Notes: LaRoche, Bourn, Harper
Here's a look at the latest on the Nationals..
- The Nats and first baseman Adam LaRoche are still far apart on hammering out a new deal, tweets Bill Ladson of MLB.com. The 33-year-old would like to return to the Nationals but is also looking to land a three-year deal. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter) also hears that there hasn't been much movement on a new contract for LaRoche, which would indicate that they are more outfield-focused at the moment.
- With the LaRoche negotiations stalling, the Nats are seriously considering changing course and going after Michael Bourn, tweets Jim Bowden of ESPN.com. The speedster is No. 3 on Tim Dierkes' list of the Top 50 free agents.
- In an interview on 106.7 The Fan, General Manager Mike Rizzo seemed keen on finding a leadoff hitter/centerfielder to allow Bryce Harper to move to one of the corner positions, tweets Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. When asked about what he wants to upgrade, Rizzo said that he will be targeting a "dynamic" player in centerfield (Twitter link).
- The Nationals, along with the Tigers, have benefited from learning how to do business with super-agent Scott Boras, writes Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Boras advised Nats owner Mark Lerner back in 2007 to "lose for a couple more years" and focus on building through the draft rather than spending big on free agents.