Mariners Rumors

Tigers, Mariners Discussed Boesch

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 12, 2012 at 4:27pm CDT

The Tigers and Mariners have had preliminary trade talks about a potential deal that would send Brennan Boesch to Seattle, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports. Danny Knobler of CBSSports reported during the Winter Meetings that the Mariners have some interest in Boesch.

The teams aren’t close to a trade, Morosi reports. However, Boesch remains an option for Seattle. The Tigers might seek left-handed relief in a deal for the outfielder, Morosi suggests.

Boesch appeared in 132 games for the Tigers this past season, posting a .240/.286/.372 batting line with 12 home runs in 503 plate appearances. The left-handed hitting 27-year-old will go to arbitration for the first time this offseason. He has a projected salary of $2.1MM for 2013.

Olney On Wilson, Bourn, Indians, Red Sox

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 12, 2012 at 9:35am CDT

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.

Quick Hits: Soriano, Astros, Dickey, Grilli

By Zachary Links | December 11, 2012 at 11:48pm CDT

On the most recent edition of the Rosters & Rumblings podcast, MLBTR’s Ben Nicholson-Smith and Jason Martinez of MLB Depth Charts discussed the Rays–Royals trade, Zack Greinke’s deal with the Dodgers and the most recent rumors from around MLB. Here's more from around baseball to cap off a busy Tuesday evening..

The Cubs previously shopped Alfonso Soriano to the Astros as a possible DH, but Houston doesn't have enough money even with Chicago picking up the bulk of what is owed to him, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. Earlier today we learned that the Phillies have talked with the Cubs about a deal for Soriano.
Dave Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner wonders if the Mariners should now make a play for the Mets' R.A. Dickey. Cameron argues that it's something to think about if Justin Upton stays put in Arizona, Josh Hamilton returns to Texas, and if Nick Swisher passes on Seattle's offer.
Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (via Twitter) notes that Jason Grilli's new contract with the Pirates doesn't include performance incentives for games finished. A bonus for games finished might have given an indication of his role in the bullpen going forward.
Kevin Youkilis now joins Johnny Damon, Mark Bellhorn, Doug Mientkiewicz, Derek Lowe, Mike Myers, and Alan Embree as members of the 2004 Red Sox to later play for the Yankees, tweets Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.
Josh Johnson told Barry Davis of Sportsnet (video link) that he first found out about being traded to the Blue Jays via MLBTradeRumors' mobile app. If you haven't already, you can pick up the iPhone MLBTR app right here.
The Red Sox appointed Gary DiSarcina as manager of Triple-A Pawtucket, according to Maureen Mullen of CSNNE.com (via Twitter). DiSarcina just recently agreed to serve as a special assistant to Angels GM Jerry Dipoto.

Mariners Designate Mauricio Robles For Assignment

By Zachary Links | December 8, 2012 at 4:06pm CDT

The Mariners announced that they have designated left-hander Mauricio Robles for assignment. The move creates room for the newly-acquired Jason Bay on the 40-man roster.

Robles, 23, split time between the M's Double-A and Triple-A affiliates in 2012. In total, Robles posted a 5.78 ERA with 8.7 K/9 and 7.9 BB/9 in 37 relief appearances and six starts. With the addition of Bay, Seattle's 40-man roster is now at capacity.

AL West Links: Rangers, Bourn, Angels

By Mark Polishuk | December 7, 2012 at 10:52pm CDT

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.

White Sox Could Trade Viciedo Or De Aza

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 7, 2012 at 3:35pm CDT

The White Sox have discussed deals involving Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune reports. The White Sox and Mariners discussed a deal that would send Viciedo to Seattle. Meanwhile, the Reds and Mariners discussed a deal that would send De Aza to Cincinnati.

Discussions with Seattle may have slowed down now that the Mariners have agreed to terms with Jason Bay, Gonzales writes. The White Sox, who are seeking a left-handed bat, would have wanted prospects from Seattle in a deal for Viciedo. The Mariners have been linked to numerous free agent hitters, so it's not surprising to see that they're also considering trades for power hitters.

The Reds are considering adding an outfielder capable of leading off and have also been linked to Dexter Fowler of the Rockies.

Rockies, Reds Have Discussed Fowler

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 7, 2012 at 2:19pm CDT

2:19pm: Talks between the Phillies and Rockies never got serious, Renck reports (on Twitter). Talks with the Reds could pick up, but Colorado's demands haven't changed.

1:18pm: The Phillies had some serious talks with the Rockies about Fowler before acquiring Ben Revere, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter links). The Mariners have also checked in on Fowler, who seems to be a backup plan for Seattle.

11:21pm: The Rockies and Reds have engaged in preliminary trade talks about Dexter Fowler, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. Cincinnati could trade players from its MLB roster, but right-hander Homer Bailey will likely remain with the Reds, according to Rosenthal.

Any Reds package would start with Mike Leake and involve at least two more prospects, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reported last night. The Reds maintain interest in Fowler and the Braves can't be ruled out, Renck adds.

Reds general manager Walt Jocketty recently downplayed the chances of trading for Fowler, saying he hasn’t really talked to the Rockies. “I’m not sure Colorado is moving Fowler,” Jocketty said, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer suggested this week that the Reds could make a run at acquiring Fowler.

From a financial standpoint trading for Fowler would be more affordable than signing Michael Bourn. Fowler, a 26-year-old switch hitter, posted a .300/.389/.474 batting line in 530 plate appearances this past season. He's second time arbitration eligible with a projected salary of $4MM and will remain under team control through 2015.

Rosenthal suggests the Reds could trade MLB players such as Leake and outfielder Drew Stubbs.

Four Teams Interested In Dee Gordon

By Tim Dierkes | December 7, 2012 at 1:38pm CDT

FRIDAY: The Braves and Phillies also asked about Gordon, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports (Twitter links). It appears that every team except the Dodgers would try Gordon as an outfielder. However, the Dodgers told clubs that they aren't open to moving him now.

WEDNESDAY: The Indians are discussing Gordon with the Dodgers, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, eyeing him as a potential replacement if they trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

TUESDAY: The Dodgers are fielding tons of inquiries on shortstop Dee Gordon, tweets Scott Miller of CBS Sports, though they're not looking to deal him. The Mariners are among the teams hitting the Dodgers hard on Gordon, tweets Miller.

Gordon, 25 in April, hit .228/.280/.281 in 330 plate appearances this year. He missed significant time due to thumb surgery. Prior to the 2011 season, Baseball America ranked Gordon the 26th best prospect in baseball, citing the potential for four plus tools.

Latest On Multi-Team James Shields Talks

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 7, 2012 at 11:33am CDT

The Rangers, Diamondbacks, Rays and Indians discussed three and four-team deals in Nashville this past week without agreeing to any trades. However, talks involving Justin Upton and others aren't dead, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported yesterday. Here's the latest with the most recent updates up top…

Here's how close the Rangers have been to acquiring Upton. Wednesday night a Rangers official phoned an Astros official and said "we got Upton," according to Peter Gammons of MLB Network (on Twitter).

Earlier updates:

There has been some frustration with the Mariners this week, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). Some consider Seattle a "speed bump" in the process of working out a multi-team deal, Olney writes.
The Diamondbacks have been working to acquire James Shields from the Rays as part of the three and four-team trades being discussed, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). The Rays might be increasingly willing to move Shields, who has also drawn interest from the Royals. Olney suggests the Diamondbacks could move a young pitcher if they obtain Shields in a multi-team trade. Tyler Skaggs and Trevor Bauer are among the potential trade candidates on Arizona’s roster.

AL West Notes: Rangers, Ross, DeJesus

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 7, 2012 at 9:55am CDT

Could Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton end up re-signing in the AL West? The answer to that question will have ramifications within the division and throughout the sport. Here are today’s AL West links…

Texas GM Jon Daniels said the Rangers are looking at various options in free agency and on the trade market, Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com reports. While Daniels isn't going to rush a move, the Rangers could strike soon.
The Mariners are among the teams interested in free agent outfielder Cody Ross, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). Seattle has been linked to just about every free agent bat as they attempt to add offense. So far the Mariners have agreed to a one-year, $1MM deal with Jason Bay.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports suggests signing Hamilton wouldn’t solve all of the Mariners’ problems. If they aren’t prepared to increase spending up and down the roster, adding a player like Hamilton would not be the answer. Morosi suggests the Mariners might want to pursue a trade for David DeJesus of the Cubs.

« Previous Page

Load More Posts

Show all

Headlines

Mariners Rumors

Navigation

MLBTR INFO

Connect