LaRoche For Gonzalez Offer Withdrawn
David O’Brien’s latest for the AJC confirms that the Braves have traded starter Horacio Ramirez to the Mariners for Rafael Soriano. Unless I’m missing something, John Schuerholz pillaged and maybe even plundered Bill Bavasi.
Additionally, the Braves have withdrawn their offer of Adam LaRoche for Mike Gonzalez. That makes sense given the completion of the Soriano deal. O’Brien opines that Atlanta could re-engage the Angels, hoping to acquire some combination of Chone Figgins, Casey Kotchman, and a pitcher.
Gonzalez has been cleverly subtracted from the Pirates’ front page, with Ian Snell replacing him.
Mariners Trade Rafael Soriano for Horacio Ramirez
Bill Shanks of Scout.com is reporting that the Mariners have traded reliever Rafael Soriano to the Braves for Horacio Ramirez. He also mentions that Atlanta is close to an Adam LaRoche for Mike Gonzalez swap.
The first rumor, if true, seems a steal for the Braves. Soriano would automatically become Atlanta’s best reliever, Wickman included.
The second trade has been tossed around for some time but it was said that Dave Littlefield wouldn’t surrender Gonzalez.
UPDATE: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Bucs will make this deal, but the Braves are waiting to verify Gonzalez’s health. Particularly, his left elbow.
Mariners May Not Sign John Thomson
Seemed like it was nearly a done deal four days ago, but the Seattle Times is reporting that John Thomson is just a fallback option for the Mariners. You can never have too much pitching, so the Ms might want to just sign him now if it’s affordable.
So far no other rumors have surfaced regarding Thomson, as much of the starting pitching market has yet to settle.
Mariners Like Zito
It’s not a given that the Mariners get Jason Schmidt. In fact, they are "in the mix" for Barry Zito.
Reportedly, Scott Boras told the Rangers that the Ms were in on Zito. Can such a claim be trusted? Moreso than the yearly salary, it seems that Seattle would be turned off by the idea of a six-year contract. Maybe they could do like the Dodgers did with Furcal, up the salary to decrease the years.
Edes On The Manny Meetings
Gordon Edes of the Boston Globe is all over the Manny Ramirez dealings.
The Angels will meet with the Red Sox tonight, but would have to bite the bullet and part with Scot Shields to get the deal done. Why are they so reluctant to do this? Come on. Its Manny. Boston is also interested in Orlando Cabrera, Ervin Santana, and Jered Weaver. You can count Weaver out. That’s silly.
The Giants might get in on it instead. The buzz is that the Nats could wedge their way into a three-way trade involving the following players: Chad Cordero, Noah Lowry, J.J. Putz, and/or Rafael Soriano, and Jimmie J.J. Walker.
Earlier this afternoon Edes talked to a Dodger official who rated the team’s chances of acquiring Manny at 5% at best. So you’re saying there’s a chance.
Richie Sexson Could Be Dealt
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that the Mariners may consider trading Richie Sexson, a move that would please many Mariner fans. The Ms would presumably acquire a pitcher in the deal and move Raul Ibanez to first base.
John Hickey mentions Noah Lowry, Tim Hudson, and Dontrelle Willis as possible targets.
U.S.S. Mariner has a bunch of winter meeting predictions for Seattle; check it out.
Mariners To Sign Jose Guillen
I consider this to be one of the winter’s better free agent signings: the Mariners are close to getting Jose Guillen for one year and $5MM. The deal includes incentives for 2007 and an option for ’08.
Here’s U.S.S. Mariner’s take. The signing could leave Chris Snelling without full-time work next year, despite decent work in 100 ABs.
Mariners Close To Signing John Thomson?
The Mariners requested medical files on starter John Thomson today and could sign him soon. U.S.S. Mariner says it could be a one-year contract with an option for the second year. In my free agent summary I wrote:
"Thomson turned 33 in October. Elbow soreness and a blister slowed him down in the beginning of the season, followed by shoulder problems from a mild labrum tear. He’s going to take the rehab approach and hopes to start fresh in ’07. Thomson made $4.75MM this year; he spent two years as a solid innings eater from 2003-04. That seems like a long time ago."
Thomson would probably fit into the #4 or #5 slot in the Mariners’ rotation, leaving room for one more acquisition.
Brian Bannister Available?
Word from my Mets source is that the team is in a holding pattern until Tom Glavine makes his decision. He feels that the club will end up with either Glavine or Barry Zito and fill the other spots internally.
There is a chance Brian Bannister is traded for a solid reliever to replace Chad Bradford. Interested parties include the Rockies and Mariners. He mentioned the D’Backs as well, but their interest may have waned now that Doug Davis has been acquired.
Kei Igawa Has Been Posted
Rotoworld lists the potential suitors for Kei Igawa as the "Padres, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Mets, Cubs and Indians." They rule out the Red Sox and Mariners, though this Tacoma News-Tribune article says the M’s are "likely" to bid. That same article predicts that the posting fee will be about "two-thirds less" than Daisuke Matsuzaka‘s $51.1M: $17M.
That seems high for a guy who David Wright isn’t convinced has MLB-quality stuff. Personally, I wouldn’t want my team spending more than $10M for his rights, but with all those teams involved, $17M seems plausible.
UPDATE: An alert e-mailer points out this article on the Braves official site. According to club officials, Atlanta won’t be involved in this one.
By Jeff Sackmann