Olney’s Latest: Cano, Burnett, Furcal, Giambi
Good stuff from ESPN’s Buster Olney in today’s blog post.
- Olney says the Yankees would ask for Chad Billingsley or Clayton Kershaw from the Dodgers for Robinson Cano. After the Dodgers turn down that request, the Yanks will ask for Matt Kemp. If the Yankees do move Cano, they could then pursue Orlando Hudson.
- Rival executives believe the Braves’ offer to A.J. Burnett is worth $75MM over five years, if the fifth year vests.
- The A’s will leave their offer to Rafael Furcal on the table for perhaps another two or three days before moving on.
- Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik will reach out to Raul Ibanez to discuss his situation. Ibanez has been devalued in the eyes of potential suitors by the draft pick cost that comes with him. Still, most teams must’ve expected the Ms would offer arbitration.
- Jason Giambi‘s agent is suggesting a three-year deal. Good luck with that.
D’Backs Offer Arb To Cruz, Lyon, Hudson; Not Dunn
Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic has the D’Backs arbitration decisions. They offered arb to Juan Cruz (Type A), Brandon Lyon (Type B), and Orlando Hudson (Type A) while declining to offer it to Adam Dunn (Type A). I’m surprised by all but Hudson. The D’Backs are taking on a risk, as they don’t really have room in the budget for the two relievers. They must be confident they’ll decline or they can make trades.
Dunn at one year is a worthwhile risk with two draft picks at stake, but the D’Backs were apparently scared off by a possible payday north of $13MM. GM Josh Byrnes said of the decision, "The poor economy has affected some things." I’m sure Dunn doesn’t mind; he just became more attractive to other teams. We should know soon whether the Phillies offered arb to his righthanded counterpart, Pat Burrell.
Also, MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert adds that Randy Johnson (Type B) was not offered arbitration. No surprise there.
Indians Shift Focus To Closer
According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians decided last week that multiyear deals for Rafael Furcal or Orlando Hudson would be too risky (health concerns). They’re likely to switch their focus to finding a closer.
Hoynes says the Indians have talked to the agents for Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, Jason Isringhausen, and Francisco Rodriguez. Hoynes believes the Mets have the upper hand on K-Rod. Still, Fuentes has scheduled a trip to New York to visit with the Mets.
Kurkjian Reports: Byrnes, Ibanez, Dunn
Tim Kurkjian at ESPN.com has a Friday morning round up for us, looking at several prominent team needs around the league.
While the article mentions several big names like Mike Mussina, Matt Holliday, Francisco Rodriguez and Trevor Hoffman, perhaps the most interesting part of Kurkjian’s article is that which discusses the offseason plan for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Part of that plan may include trading outfielder Eric Byrnes. Byrnes has two years and $20MM left on his deal with the D’Backs, and will be a challenge to move, says Kurkjian. Byrnes certainly has upside, with great speed and decent pop. But injuries have kept him from really breaking out in the past.
Also, Kurkjian offers Raul Ibanez as an "ideal" solution to Arizona’s everyday player needs. However, he doesn’t expect the D’Backs to be able to keep up in what is expected to be a fierece bidding competition for the right fielder. With the Mets, Phillies, and Cubs apparently involved, Kurkjian would appear to be spot on in that assessment.
The Diamondbacks have a lot of needs to address with just a little bit of money–Adam Dunn, Orlando Hudson, Randy Johnson, Brandon Lyon and Juan Cruz are all likely departing via free agency this offseason.
Giants Interested In Hudson
According to Chris Haft of MLB.com, the Giants are seriously interested in signing Orlando Hudson.
The Giants have already signed Jeremy Affeldt and Haft says their big off-season plans could also include C.C. Sabathia, Edgar Renteria, Rafael Furcal and Juan Cruz.
Kevin Frandsen, who’s played mostly at second base, could play third if the Giants obtain Hudson.
The Indians, Mets, Yankees and Dodgers all seem interested in Hudson too.
Indians Rumors: Valverde, Street, Hudson
Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer posted a few Indians nuggets in last night’s column.
- GM Mark Shapiro says he hasn’t made any offers to free agents yet. It sounds like payroll might land in the $75-80MM range, leaving the team with roughly $15MM to spend.
- Shapiro admitted that he would explore a trade for Jose Valverde if the Astros closer is truly available. Astros GM Ed Wade said yesterday, "I would love to see Jose here for a long time." The ‘Stros have him under team control for one more year, and there’s been speculation he could be dealt to save money.
- The Indians may attempt to acquire Huston Street if the Rockies’ asking price comes down.
- The Indians are interested in Orlando Hudson, who reportedly seeks a five-year, $50MM deal.
Heyman’s Latest: Burnett, Lowe, Hudson, Tex
SI.com’s Jon Heyman has several new blog posts up. Let’s take a look.
- The Yankees planned offers in the four-year, $60MM range for A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe, but that’s not sufficient for either pitcher. Burnett wants five years, and Lowe presumably at least $16MM per year and perhaps five as well.
- The Indians, Mets, and Yankees are in on Orlando Hudson, who wants a five-year, $50MM deal. The Dodgers are another possibility. The New York teams would have to do some shuffling to make room for Hudson. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Indians’ interest yesterday evening. The Tribe is also in on Orlando Cabrera, according to Yahoo’s Tim Brown.
- Heyman says the Angels will make a "fair proposal with a deadline" for Mark Teixeira, with Miguel Cabera‘s eight-year, $153MM deal as a baseline. This echoes recent columns from Ken Rosenthal and Bill Ladson.
Rockies Rumors: Sullivan, Hudson, Fogg
Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post takes a break from his vacation to bring us a few Rockies rumors.
- About a dozen teams, three of them serious, have expressed interest in Rockies center fielder Cory Sullivan. Sullivan is known for his defense, but the plus/minus system puts him slightly below average. He’s in his arbitration years.
- The Rockies have not been aggressive going after lefthanded relievers, even though they seem to be dropping off the board quickly.
- Renck speaks of "chatter" the Rockies might go after free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Renck is skeptical of the rumor.
- The Rockies haven’t expressed interest in Josh Fogg yet.
Stark’s Latest: Abreu, Arroyo, Hudson
ESPN’s Jayson Stark is back with a look at needs and plans for all 30 teams. I highly recommend you read the article, but here are a few highlights. He’s also got a fresh blog post here.
- The Phillies are eyeing Doug Brocail and Russ Springer.
- The Mets like Bobby Abreu, but not his three year, $45MM asking price.
- The Reds are quietly listening on Bronson Arroyo, and the Rangers may be interested.
- Contrary to previous reports, Stark believes the Mets’ first order of business is getting a starting pitcher.
- Here’s a new one – the Marlins are interested in Orlando Hudson?
- The Astros may be trying to move money, and Stark implies trading Miguel Tejada or Jose Valverde could be one path.
- The Rockies have "actively explored" signing Jeremy Affeldt, who could also wind up back home with the Mariners. A few more interesting names for Seattle: Joe Crede (if Adrian Beltre is traded), Jason Giambi, and Ken Griffey Jr.
Cardinals Rumors: Hudson, Lopez, Kennedy
The Cardinals have moved on from Matt Holliday for the time being; let’s see what else is cooking. Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has the latest. Middle infield seems to be the primary concern now.
One option is to pursue a trade for Kelly Johnson or Yunel Escobar of the Braves, but that will probably require Ryan Ludwick. However, those talks must wait until the Braves resolve their chase of Jake Peavy.
On the free agent front, the Cardinals are interested in Orlando Hudson but not Felipe Lopez. Scott Boras seems to be aiming for a multiyear deal for Lopez.
Adam Kennedy wants out of St. Louis, and the D’Backs may be interested. GM John Mozeliak is said to be reluctant to eat a "significant piece" of Kennedy’s $4MM. The D’Backs barely seem willing to spend that amount on Randy Johnson.
The bullpen is the other concern, but Trevor Hoffman is apparently not on the radar.