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Potential Braves Targets

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David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution sums up players on the Braves' radar as they attempt to augment their offense.  Most of these names have already leaked out in stray rumors: Mark DeRosa, Josh Willingham, Mike Cameron, and Jermaine Dye.  Carl Crawford is also on the Braves' wish list, as we learned yesterday from Joe Smith of the St. Petersburg Times.  In a more speculative sense, O'Brien adds that Xavier Nady and Marlon Byrd "could be possibilities." 

For the sake of argument, if it came down to these seven hitters, which would you prefer?  Using Bill James projections and the wOBA stat, Willingham comes out on top offensively for 2010.  We learned recently that the Braves face competition from the Cardinals for Willingham, though Atlanta may have concerns about the player's defense.

Elsewhere in the O'Brien article, Scott Boras extols the virtues of free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez.  To hear Boras tell it, about half the teams in baseball are eyeing his new client.  Gonzalez figures to come with a draft pick cost attached, as O'Brien expects the Braves to offer arbitration a week from now when that deadline arrives.

Orioles Notes: Beltre, Delgado, Wolf, Blalock

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The Orioles are positioned to be buyers in free agency, according to Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun.  GM Andy MacPhail says that the club is looking to spend this offseason, but there remains some skepticism in Baltimore as to whether owner Peter Angelos will be willing to open up his checkbook.  If the O's decide to dole out dollars this winter, here are some of the players they will and won't be targeting:

  • Barring a change in organizational plans, you can cross the Orioles off the list of suitors for outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay.
  • The Orioles have contacted the agents of Chone Figgins and John Lackey, but are hardly alone in that regard.
  • Adrian Beltre and Pedro Feliz top the O's wish list to replace Melvin Mora at third base. 
  • At first base, Nick Johnson, Hank Blalock, and Carlos Delgado are options.  We know that Baltimore is not the only club keeping tabs on Delgado, as his last employer is said to be keeping an eye on him as well.  The 37-year-old slugger ranked #43 on Tim's Top 50 Free Agents list, where it is predicted that he will sign with the Orioles.
  • Andy MacPhail & Co. are considering Dodgers pitchers Randy Wolf and Jon Garland, as well as Braden Looper.  MacPhail noted that the club is not afraid to take a chance on a hurler with a history of injuries and high upside.  Former Oriole Erik Bedard, Ben Sheets, and Rich Harden all fit the bill.
  • The O's would gladly add an established closer at the right price.  Billy Wagner, Fernando Rodney, and Mike Gonzalez are mentioned as members of a deep crop of available relievers.
  • It shouldn't be long before the Orioles agree to terms with pitcher Mark Hendrickson as both sides want to get a deal done.  The 6'9 lefty spent time with four different organizations before coming to Baltimore – eight if you count NBA teams.

Red Sox Express Interest In Four Boras Clients

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The Red Sox have expressed interest in four players – all Scott Boras clients – early in the hot stove season, according to Mike Silverman of The Boston Herald. Those four players would be Matt Holliday, Adrian Beltre, Mike Gonzalez, and Rick Ankiel.

Silverman notes that the Sox consider Holliday and alternative to Jason Bay, should they fail to re-sign him. Gonzalez could replace Billy Wagner, although Ankiel is somewhat redundant after the team acquired Jeremy Hermida earlier this month. Beltre could replace Mike Lowell at third, who Silverman says may "wind up being traded if the Red Sox go out and find a big-slugging first baseman," mentioning Adrian Gonzalez.

Odds & Ends: Atkins, Twins, Carlyle

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Links for Friday, as the free agent market officially opens…

Heyman On Gonzalez, Wellemeyer, Rivera

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SI's Jon Heyman kicks off his newest column with thoughts on his top 50 free agents.  A few highlights from the list and elsewhere in the column…

  • Via Twitter Heyman says Mets GM Omar Minaya likes Luis Castillo more than any of the 29 other teams do.
  • Heyman groups the Cubs in as a possible Matt Holliday suitor, which does not seem feasible given the team's payroll situation. 
  • Lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez has "drawn interest from as many as 15 teams."
  • A new name on the Brewers' radar as a "No. 5-type guy": Todd Wellemeyer.
  • Heyman speaks of "indications the Angels might be willing to trade outfielder Juan Rivera."  One such indication popped up earlier this month when Ken Davidoff said the Angels and Tigers discussed a Curtis Granderson deal.  Rivera had a solid year – .287/.332/.478 – and has $9.5MM remaining over two years.

Yankees Interested In Gonzalez, Soriano?

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An MLB executive tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that the Yankees plan to pursue free agent relievers Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez. However, another source tells Rosenthal that the Yanks intend to develop relievers from within the organization.

Both relievers are Type A free agents, so they would cost draft picks if the Braves offer arbitration. The Yankees might to prefer to wait until December 1st. By then, we'll know whether the Braves offered arbitration and if any other ranked relievers can be signed without surrendering a high pick.

We heard yesterday that the Red Sox asked the Braves for the relievers' medical records. If the Red Sox and Yankees decide to pursue Gonzalez, they'll be negotiating with his new agent: Scott Boras.

Morning Links: Red Sox, Phillies, Rays

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Plenty to absorb this morning, baseball fans:

Mike Gonzalez Now Represented By Scott Boras

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Two sources have confirmed that free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez is now represented by Scott Boras, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. Gonzalez had previously been represented by Dan Lozano of The Beverly Hills Sports Council. Bowman says that the switch shouldn't have much of an effect on whether the Braves try to retain the southpaw.

The 31-year-old Gonzalez is now over two years removed from Tommy John surgery, and posted a 2.42 ERA in 80 relief appearances this season.

Nationals Interested In DeRosa, Gonzalez

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The Nationals have expressed interest in free agents Mark DeRosa and Mike Gonzalez, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson.

Washington had the worst bullpen in baseball last year, posting a league worst 5.09 ERA in well over 500 IP. Gonzalez and his 2.42 ERA and 10.9 K/9 would be a welcome addition to the Nats' end-game picture. DeRosa, meanwhile, could be a fit for all 30 clubs given his versatility, though Ladson says the team most likely sees him as a second baseman or leftfielder.

Heyman On Damon, Lackey, Crede

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After working the lobby all week at the Chicago GM Meetings, SI's Jon Heyman has the latest hot stove chatter…

  • The Giants "appear to have emerged as one potential competitor" for the services of Johnny Damon.
  • The Rangers met with John Lackey's agent yesterday, though they're not expected to have that kind of money available.  Heyman adds that the Brewers and Mariners haven't ruled out signing the righty.
  • Joe Crede is among the third base candidates the Orioles will consider.  We heard about Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, and Pedro Feliz earlier today.
  • Lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez "appears very popular in the free agent market."  If that's true, then the Braves figure to offer arbitration to Gonzalez, a Type A.
  • Mets GM Omar Minaya said some teams have shown interest in second baseman Luis Castillo, and Heyman says the Dodgers have spoken to the Mets.  Castillo has $12MM coming over the next two years and it might be time to sell relatively high.
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