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Dodgers Pursuing Aaron Rowand

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Buster Olney’s blog today had some good rumors to digest.

  • Olney writes that the Dodgers are making a "heavy play" for Aaron Rowand.  Apparently they love the idea of adding a good character guy to the clubhouse.  They’d be paying $25MM for Rowand and Juan Pierre in their outfield for the next several years.
  • The Phillies are making a "big play" for Mike Lowell.  This certainly doesn’t jive with the speculation that the Phils only have $10MM to spend and it’s going toward pitching.  By the way, Ruben Amaro Jr. ruled out the possibility of signing Torii Hunter.
  • Olney has an exec source who believes Hunter will sign with the Rangers for six years and $90MM.
  • Olney doesn’t see Kenny Rogers apologizing to the Rangers anytime soon.
  • Mike Cameron has a better chance of re-signing with the Padres, now that his 2008 season will be reduced by 15% in playing time.
  • Six teams are in on Matt Clement, but he’s still expected to land in San Diego.  The Royals are probably one of the six.
  • Speculation is growing that the Braves might consider bringing Andruw Jones back.

Latest Braves Rumors: Glavine, DeJesus, Dotel

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Here’s a look at the recent dealings and rumors surrounding the Braves.

  • Frank Wren publicly admitted that the Braves would like to add Tom Glavine to their rotation for 2008.  They’re hoping for a hometown discount, which he may be amenable to based on this report.  At the minimum, the Braves will have competition from the Nationals, Cardinals, Astros, and possibly the Mets.
  • Wren also stated that the Braves will look outside the organization for their center fielder.  David O’Brien (linked above) indicates that the Braves won’t make offers to Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand, or Mike Cameron due to the size of the likely commitments.  Since Cameron would seemingly only take two years, it’s surprising the Braves will pass.  O’Brien says David DeJesus is a reasonable option even though he’s signed for three years, since he’s cheap and trade-able.  A Coco Crisp acquisition would use similar logic.
  • Unless he comes at a discount, it sounds like the Braves will pass on Todd Jones.  Jones had expressed interest in pitching for his hometown team, but Wren stated yesterday that he will not pursue a free agent closer.  There had been speculation yesterday that the Braves were interested in Japanese closer Masahide Kobayashi.  They could still add him as a set-up man.
  • Though the Braves declined his $5.5MM option, Octavio Dotel could still be in the picture.  Most likely, he’ll seek more money and the opportunity to close elsewhere.  It was a mutual option so Dotel would’ve declined it on his end anyway. 

Rosenthal’s Latest: A-Rod, Posada, Cameron

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Ken Rosenthal is back with a column loaded with rumory goodness.  Rosenthal’s column is like a drug.

  • Rosenthal doesn’t think the Red Sox will just ignore the availability of Alex Rodriguez, especially if someone lures Mike Lowell away with a five-year offer.  Rosenthal suggests a shorter term of five-years, $150MM with option years and opt-outs so that A-Rod could have one more payday as he theoretically approaches Hank Aaron’s record.
  • Jorge Posada will receive a "monster offer" from the Mets.  While the Mets can’t move him to DH down the road, they can put him at first base.  I’ve been saying 4/56, but 5/70 isn’t out of the question apparently.  Posada wants a four-year deal, and won’t sign with the Yanks without fielding other offers first.  Apparently the Marlins and Blue Jays are also in on him.
  • The Nationals may be kicking the tires on big names Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, but Jim Bowden is also a big Mike Cameron fan.  The Nats do seem a reasonable fit.
  • The Cubs are also in on Cameron, in addition to Kosuke Fukudome.  Rosenthal suggests the Cubs could put Felix Pie in left if they get Cameron.
  • Scott Boras client Kyle Lohse is looking for 4-5 years, $10-11MM annually.  No surprise there.
  • The Royals are looking to add a starter and a reliever, and maybe a closer if they decide to put Joakim Soria in the rotation.

Padres Rumors: Crisp, Pie, Andruw, Eckstein

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Tom Krasovic continues to set the standard for Padres inside information.  Today’s column is especially delicious for rumor junkies, with tons of new material to chew on.

  • Kevin Towers expects to fill his center field vacancy via trade.  He may first want to wait to see if Mike Cameron accepts the team’s upcoming offer of arbitration.  Cameron is a Type B free agent.  Remember that he will be limited to 137 games in ’07. 
  • As for trade candidates, Coco Crisp is on the radar but the Padres smartly won’t part with Chase Headley. 
  • Krasovic notes that Bud Black’s connection with Angels manager Mike Scioscia could play a role now that Trader Bill Stoneman isn’t the GM.  Reggie Willits or Nathan Haynes might be in play for the Padres.
  • The Padres really seem to like Felix Pie, and could re-open talks that would include Khalil Greene.  They’ve asked about Tony Gwynn Jr. of the Brewers in the past.  And it does sound like the Royals are willing to talk about David DeJesus.
  • Sounds like the Padres will offer Andruw Jones $14-16MM on a one-year contract.  Scott Boras hasn’t seemed open to this with Jones, but time will tell.
  • The Tigers will have competition from the Padres for Geoff Jenkins.  Krasovic envisions a Jenkins/Scott Hairston platoon in left and expects the Friars to make an offer.
  • Two starters will be acquired even after Greg Maddux is retained.  Rehabbing former Mark Prior and Matt Clement would both like to play in San Diego.  There has to be some sort of cosmic rule about having three ex-Cubs in the rotation.  That is not recommended.  Plus the Padres were on Curt Schilling’s list.  And don’t forget the team’s previous trade interest in Josh Towers, who seems likely to be non-tendered and could be solid in PETCO.
  • The Padres could pursue David Eckstein as a second baseman and leadoff man.  But that would seemingly block Matt Antonelli for longer than necessary.  Plus such a switch wouldn’t be in Eckstein’s best interests financially.
  • Towers likes Jason Kendall, perhaps as a backup, but faces opposition in the organization.
  • In another article, Towers lends credence to the theory that the Marlins could sign Alex Rodriguez. 

Rangers Rumors: DeJesus, Lamb, Millar

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Evan Grant writes for the Dallas Morning News, but he posted this column at night.  Go figure.  He’s got some new info regarding the Rangers.

  • As you know, the Rangers have had difficulty finding a long-term center fielder.  That’s the main focus of this offseason.  The team has already shown interest in Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, the top center fielders available.  Other free agents such as Andruw Jones and Mike Cameron appear to be in play as well.  Grant’s trade candidates: Coco Crisp, David DeJesus, Mark Kotsay, and Carlos Beltran.  We’ve speculated on DeJesus to Atlanta in the past.  With DeJesus signed cheaply through 2011 and the market at the position robust this winter, it might make sense for Dayton Moore to wait a year to shop him aggressively.
  • Grant adds that Jon Daniels is considering some affordable options for first base.  They’ve already talked to Mike Lamb’s agent and like Kevin Millar as well.  Lamb came up through the Rangers’ system but was traded to the Yankees in ’04.  Millar is under contract for ’08 but it’s in the $3-4MM range and the Orioles should be open to a trade.  Grant says Ben Broussard could pique the Rangers’ interest if he’s non-tendered.
  • Grant concludes with five Rangers whose names will be bandied about in trade talks: Gerald Laird, Vicente Padilla, Joaquin Arias, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Nelson Cruz.  Salty’s not being shopped but Grant expects teams to ask.  He proposes some kind of bad contract swap for Padilla – Jason Giambi, Richie Sexson, or Adam Eaton are named.  I still think it’s funny the way Padilla crawled away from the brawl he started this year. 

Padres Rumors: Maddux, Cabrera, Barrett, Bradley

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As usual, Tom Krasovic has the scoop with the Padres.

  • The Padres expect Greg Maddux back, at a salary near the $10MM he earned in ’07.  One way it could happen – Mad Dog declines his $8.75MM player option and the Padres exercise their $11MM club option.  Otherwise they’ll just tear it up and figure something out.
  • The Padres will pass on available third basemen Alex Rodriguez and Miguel Cabrera.  It sounds like a Padres team source is indicating the Marlins plan to shop Cabrera aggressively.  As if this offseason wasn’t going to be crazy enough, here’s another marquee player on the market.  The Padres have some depth at third base, so they’ll sit out.
  • Apparently the Elias rankings have leaked out somewhere, though I haven’t seen the list yet.  Michael Barrett and Milton Bradley both earned Type A designation, though it won’t matter if the Padres don’t offer arbitration to either.  With either player there’s a decent chance he would accept the offer.  Barrett maybe not, as he might be able to find a two-year deal elsewhere.  Still, it’d be risky.  Unfortunately Mike Cameron and Doug Brocail got the Type B designation (not that that makes sense).  Cameron will probably get offered arbitration; it would’ve been nice to get the Braves’ 18th overall pick.

Mike Cameron Suspended For Stimulant

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Mike Cameron recently appeared on XX Sports Radio in San Diego today and stated that he will receive a 25-game suspension for a banned substance, but not a steroid.  That implies a stimulant, for which the penalty is 25 games for a second positive test (example: Neifi Perez).  Actually Neifi tested positive a third time and snagged an 80 game ban.  Here’s the press release for Cameron.

This should knock his price down a bit, knowing that Cameron can only play 137 games next season.  The Braves are considered a strong contender for him.

Mailbag: Braves CF

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Nick from Salt Lake City, Utah writes:

If the Braves lose Andruw Jones this offseason, what is the likelihood that Atlanta picks up a quality major league center fielder? Who could it be and what would be the price?

The chances are very good that the Braves pick up a solid center fielder to fill Andruw’s void.  And I’d say it’s about 80% that Jones leaves the Braves after this season.

The Braves could try an internal option for center field in 2008, Brandon Jones.  Jones will be 24 at that point.  He’s a fine athlete with speed, range, and a good arm.  However, the Braves have been using Jones in left field at Double A this year and probably envision him playing that position in the bigs.

Turning to the crop of free agent center fielders, Ken Rosenthal has repeatedly mentioned Mike Cameron as a possibility for 2008.  Cameron lives outside of Atlanta apparently.  Though he will turn 35 in January, the Braves might need to give three years and $30MM to secure Cameron.  That’s not a lot less than Andruw Jones was making annually, but his contract was a huge bargain.

If things get out of hand with the Cameron bidding – and that’s a legitimate possibility – the Braves could turn to Eric Byrnes, Aaron Rowand, Milton Bradley, or even Corey Patterson or Kenny Lofton.  They’ve got options.

It should be noted that Tim Hudson’s salary jumps from $6MM in 2007 to $13MM in 2008.  John Smoltz goes from $8MM to $14MM.  Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano will get decent arbitration raises. 

Swapping Jones for Cameron and holding all else equal could still take the Braves’ payroll from $87MM this year to $100MM in ’08.  Or they could let Bob Wickman go and keep it in the low 90s.   

Cameron To Reach Free Agency

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For a while, it had seemed that the Padres would be able to reach a three-year agreement with 34 year-old center fielder Mike Cameron.  I had expected the years to be the sticking point, and the Padres seemed open to three.  However, Ken Rosenthal tells us that contract talks have broken off between the two parties and Cameron is very likely to explore the open market.

Rosenthal likes the Braves as a possibility in 2008, as Cameron lives outside of Atlanta.  The star class of free agent center fielders includes Andruw Jones, Ichiro Suzuki, and Torii Hunter.  None of the three are expected to stay with their respective teams, meaning the Braves, Mariners, and Twins could explore the second tier.  That seems to include Cameron, Eric Byrnes, Corey Patterson, Milton Bradley, and Aaron Rowand.

Cameron is hitting just .164/.257/.197 in 61 ABs on the young season.  He could be distracted by the contract situation, or it could just be a coincidental rough patch.

Ken Rosenthal’s Latest

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Ken Rosenthal has a new update up over at FOX Sports.  The trade rumor highlights:

  • Plenty of teams are interested in Brewers reliever Jose Capellan: the Giants, Rockies, Devil Rays, and Nationals.  I’m surprised that Capellan was deemed unworthy of the Brewers’ pen; he gave them 70 decent innings last year.  Rosenthal mentions that the Nats might convert Capellan back to a starter.  A fine idea, as that’s how Capellan came up with the Braves.  He just needs to get his curve and changeup tuned up.
  • The story on Mike Cameron remains the same: the Padres don’t want to go past two years.  A few days from now the team should know whether a compromise can be reached.  Maybe a middle-ground vesting option for 2010.  He’s a good athlete; he’s not going to age as poorly as some guys.  If he leaves, maybe the Pads would sign Aaron Rowand.  UPDATE: Just saw Mr. Rosenthal on television, and he mentioned the Braves as a mighty fine fit for Cameron if he hits the market.
  • Rosenthal seems to hint that the Cubs should still get a five-year, $80MMish deal done with Carlos Zambrano, perhaps within a few months.  At least, he’s urging them to close the deal despite the team being up for sale this summer.
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