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Kurkjian Reports: Byrnes, Ibanez, Dunn

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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.

Crasnick’s Free Agent Bargains

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ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick lists nine possible free agent bargains in his column today.  A few notes:

  • Randy Johnson is looking for a one-year deal, and his agent says the list of interested clubs is approaching double figures.  The Dodgers may make sense, though Johnson is on the backburner for them.
  • Crasnick speculates that Philadelphia could be a nice fit for Felipe Lopez.
  • Scott Boras seemingly wants a multiyear deal for Joe Crede, as he’s using the Magglio Ordonez contract as a model.  Maybe his new team would have the ability to opt out after the season if Crede hits the DL for back problems again.  Crasnick mentions the Rangers as an interesting fit for Crede.
  • Crasnick talked to execs who see Juan Rivera signing a two-year deal in the $6-8MM range.
  • Also weighing in on free agent bargains: Dave Cameron at FanGraphs and ESPN’s Keith Law.

Cubs Rumors: Marquis, Furcal, Peavy

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The Cubs re-signed Ryan Dempster yesterday; what’s next?  They’ve got one of the game’s most expensive rotations, yet could add another starter.  They’re also projecting to exceed a $130MM payroll, so GM Jim Hendry will need to be creative.

Cubs Re-Sign Dempster

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3:45pm: ESPN is reporting details of the contract. Dempster gets a $4 million signing bonus, $8MM in 2009, $12.5MM in 2010, $13.5MM in 2011, and a $14MM player option for 2012.  He can make additional money based on awards.  Looks like the Cubs backloaded the deal to leave payroll room.

11:51am: Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times also says there’s a four-year, $52MM agreement and Dempster will sign the deal today.  I consider this an acceptable price.  There’s a health risk, but Dempster already had Tommy John surgery.  He can probably maintain an ERA below 4.00.

11:47am: Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger has a source saying the Cubs and Dempster have agreed on a four-year, $52MM deal.

11:24am: SI.com’s Jon Heyman says the Cubs are "making progress" on a deal with Dempster.

10:50am: Rosenthal says the deal would be worth "slightly more than $50 million."

9:53am: According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are close to re-signing Ryan Dempster to a four-year contract.  Depending on their ownership situation, the Cubs may still pursue Jake Peavy or Randy Johnson.  They could also be in the mix for Rafael Furcal.

Odds & Ends: Kawakami, Renteria, Johnson, Ohman

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A number of Odds & Ends for your weekend update:

Cubs Interested in Randy Johnson

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Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune heard from Randy Johnson’s agent that the Cubs would be on the “short list” of teams Johnson would consider. Alan Nero, who represents Johnson, said that his client “would seem to be a perfect fit” for the Cubs.

Sullivan also spoke with Cubs sources who confirmed that they would be interested in Johnson if they can’t add Jake Peavy and keep Ryan Dempster.

The Dodgers are also interested in Johnson, who is unlikely to return to Arizona.

Johnson, 45, had a 3.91 ERA in 184 innings last year. He’s just five career wins away from 300.

Braves Moving On From Peavy

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4:26pm: Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs remain interested in Peavy; they intend to add one starting pitcher.  Ryan Dempster is another possibility, and Randy Johnson is also on the radar.

4:14pm: Much ink has been spilled on the possibility of the Braves acquiring Jake Peavy, but GM Frank Wren tabled that idea today.  Wren has notified the Padres he’s moving on to other pitchers to fill his rotation.  A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Ryan Dempster are known to be targets.

Dodgers Interested In Randy Johnson

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We learned yesterday that the Diamondbacks offered Randy Johnson around $2-3MM, while he would’ve settled for $8MM.  Now he’s on the open market, and could be a bargain on a one-year deal.  The Angels are not interested, but MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick says Johnson is high on the Dodgers’ list.  This would be a fine way for Ned Colletti to kick off his offseason.

Randy Johnson Unlikely To Re-Sign With D’Backs

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THURSDAY: Cafardo has an update – Johnson offered to take a 50% pay cut, but the two sides still could not reach an agreement.  Based on a statement from his agency, he seems ready to move on.  The D’Backs apparently made a lame offer in the $2-3MM range, while Johnson would’ve taken $8MM.

WEDNESDAY: The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo says there’s a big meeting in Arizona tonight, and the D’Backs may determine whether they can re-sign Randy Johnson.  A week ago, Jack Magruder of the East Valley Tribune said the D’Backs have about $3-5MM budgeted for Johnson but he may seek about $10MM.

Debunking Angels Rumors

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MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer shoots down three recent Angels rumors, based on his talks with "an informed baseball source."  Spencer says the Halos are not interested in free agents Randy Johnson or Trevor Hoffman, nor are they talking to the Rockies about Garrett Atkins.

The Angels were never linked too seriously to the Big Unit, though I thought it was a good match.  Hoffman’s agent mentioned the Angels as a "potential interested party."  Both Rockies beat writers, Tracy Ringolsby and Troy Renck, have linked the Angels to Atkins recently.

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