Rangers Rumors

Angels In Contact With Tigers About Rick Porcello

By Mike Axisa | December 15, 2012 at 9:21pm CDT

The Angels have been in contact with the Tigers about Rick Porcello, reports Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com. The Pirates, Padres, Rangers, Phillies, Twins, and Royals also have interest in the right-hander, though Knobler says Detroit doesn't have interest in Pittsburgh closer Joel Hanrahan.

Drafted 23rd overall in 2007, the 23-year-old Porcello zoomed to the big leagues after just one season in the minors. He owns a 4.55 ERA with 5.0 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 120 starts and 691 2/3 innings. His 52.3% ground ball rate helps make up for the lack of strikeouts. Porcello earned $3.1MM in 2012 and projects to earn $4.7MM in his second trip through arbitration this winter. He's a Super Two and will be eligible for free agency after 2015.

The Tigers re-signed Anibal Sanchez a few days ago, rounding out a stellar front-four that includes also Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer. Porcello and Drew Smyly are the front-runners for the fifth starter's spot. The Angels have acquired Tommy Hanson and signed Joe Blanton this winter, but they're still looking for rotation depth behind Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson.

AL Central Notes: Royals, Francoeur, Indians, Perez

By Zachary Links | December 15, 2012 at 3:55pm CDT

News out of the American League Central..

The Royals are already $12MM over their stated breaking point, which means that money will be a factor in what moves they make, tweets Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. Furthermore, they appear committed to starting the season with Jeff Francoeur in right field, limiting interest in possible alternatives (Twitter link).
The adding of bullpen arms doesn't mean that the Indians are necessarily looking to move Chris Perez, General Manager Chris Antonetti told Glenn Moore of Cleveland.com. "We didn't look at it that way. I think we just looked at it as an opportunity to just improve our team. And Chris is our closer. As we sit here today, I have every reason to think he’s going to be our closer on Opening Day," said the GM.
Tony Paul of The Detroit News looks at trade scenarios for the Tigers' Rick Porcello, including the Pirates, Rangers, and Angels. Several National League teams including the Padres have been said to have interest in the right-hander.

NL East Notes: Phillies, Ross, Braves, Fowler

By Zachary Links | December 15, 2012 at 3:18pm CDT

Sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter) that the Phillies are intensifying their pursuit of Cody Ross. Of course there’s other clubs strongly pursuing the outfielder, including the Mariners. Here’s more out on the Phillies and the rest of the NL East..

There were no trade talks brewing this weekend between the Braves or Rangers on Dexter Fowler, a Rockies source told Troy Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter). The Braves have been in trade talks this week with several clubs and are believed to be targeting Fowler.
The Mets may be on the verge of acquiring Travis d’Arnaud from the Blue Jays, which shows how bad they want R.A. Dickey, tweets Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Two other execs that asked for d’Arnaud this offseason were told flat-out no.
After picking up Mike Adams and John Lannan, Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer looks at what is left for the Phillies to spend on an outfield upgrade. By Gelb’s math, the Phillies could sign an outfielder with an average annual salary of approximately $7MM and be right up against the tax threshold.

Angels Notes: Hamilton, Trumbo, Bourjos

By Zachary Links | December 15, 2012 at 2:05pm CDT

A look at the Angels as they introduce Josh Hamilton..

The Angels are telling people that they're not trading Mark Trumbo, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). That could change with the right offer, but it's clear that they would prefer to move Peter Bourjos.
The Rangers didn't woo Hamilton hard enough, according to his wife Katie, tweets Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram. The slugger agreed and said that he would be lying if he said the perceived slight didn't bother him.
The Angels' signing of Hamilton was a shocker but was also premeditated in many ways, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. A source says that the Halos already looked into it during the Winter Meetings despite owner Arte Moreno's preference to have a $145MM payroll next year. However, the club left flexibility for just one player, and that was Hamilton.
Hamilton said that talks didn't get serious with the Angels until the day he signed, tweets Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.

Blue Jays, Mets Close To R.A. Dickey Trade

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 14, 2012 at 11:05pm CDT

All signs point to the Mets trading R.A. Dickey, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The sides aren't progressing toward an extension, and Dickey's one-year, $5MM salary seems quite appealing to teams seeking pitching. Here are today's Dickey rumors, with the most recent items up top…

The Blue Jays and Mets are close to agreeing on a trade that would send Dickey to Toronto, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The names in the trade aren't finalized, but outfielder Anthony Gose is likely to be included in the deal. The Mets also are expected to acquire either J.P. Arencibia or Travis d’Arnaud. However, the Blue Jays are looking to get more out of the deal if they surrender d'Arnaud.
D'Arnaud is very much in play in the talks, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The deal would be bigger, however, with multiple pieces going both ways.

Earlier updates:

The Mets may be landing d'Arnaud in the deal, Heyman tweets.
Travis d'Arnaud was a "must have" during the winter meetings for a deal with the Blue Jays to happen, sources tell Andy Martino of the Daily News (via Twitter).
Two sources involved in the talks say not to expect any resolution with Dickey tonight, tweets Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
The Mets and Blue Jays have made progress on a potential deal, Morosi reports (on Twitter). They aren't in agreement at this point.
It looks like the Mets have a good offer from the Blue Jays, Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog reports (on Twitter). The Mets still appear to be talking to the Angels and Orioles.
A high-ranking executive of a team that pursued Dickey believes the knuckleballer is being traded to Toronto, Morosi reports (on Twitter).
Rangers GM Jon Daniels said on MLB Network Radio that if Dickey is being traded it's not to Texas, Casey Stern of MLB Network Radio reports (Twitter link, audio here). Daniels acknowledged that he had some dialogue about Dickey.
The Blue Jays are growing confident they will acquire Dickey, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). Mike Wilner of Sportsnet 590 the FAN would characterize the Blue Jays as "hopeful" (Twitter link).
The Mets were interested in Buckel, though he wasn't necessarily being offered, Martino clarifies (on Twitter).

The Rangers believe they are out on Dickey, Martino reports (on Twitter). Reports suggesting Dickey wouldn't sign an extension with Toronto are false, according to Martino.
The Rangers aren't involved anymore, Rosenthal reports (on Twitter). Texas didn't offer Olt and Buckel for Dickey, according to Rosenthal.
The Blue Jays began the day with the belief that they could obtain Dickey within 24-48 hours, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports (on Twitter).

The Rangers have indicated they would trade Mike Olt and Cody Buckel for Dickey, Andy Martino reports (on Twitter). That said, the Blue Jays still appear to be in the lead for the NL Cy Young winner.
The Mets are close to trading Dickey, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. The Blue Jays, Angels, Orioles and Rangers appear to be the four teams involved.
Bo McKinnis, the agent for Dickey, told Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and MLB Network Radio that he hasn't been asked to consider an extension with any team (Twitter links).
Arencibia and Anthony Gose have been mentioned in trade talks between the Mets and Blue Jays, Heyman reports (on Twitter). The Mets could use catching and outfielders and those are areas of depth for Toronto.
The Mets are believed to have a trade they like for Dickey, Heyman reports (on Twitter). Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported earlier today that the Mets are telling teams they have an acceptable trade offer in hand. They were trying to get an ever better return at that point, Rosenthal added.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post hears that Dickey will not agree to an extension with the Blue Jays and suggests that could be slowing talks with Toronto (Twitter links). The Blue Jays appear to be the destination for Dickey if the contract hurdle disappears, Sherman writes.
The Orioles and Rangers don't seem to be in the middle of the Dickey talks, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
Signs point to the Blue Jays leading in pursuit of Dickey, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter links). The Blue Jays want to keep Travis d'Arnaud, but have J.P. Arencibia and others to offer, Heyman notes. A trade now seems like a "strong possibility."
A source familiar with Dickey's situation told Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com that he expects Dickey to be traded and that a deal could occur today. A baseball executive told Rubin “we’re at that sensitive spot.” The Angels remain a potential destination for Dickey along with the Blue Jays and Rangers, an MLB executive tells Rubin.
The sides haven't had extension talks since Wednesday, Martino reports (on Twitter). Thursday and Friday have been devoted to trade talks.
Some people indicate to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Blue Jays are more likely to acquire Dickey than the Orioles or Rangers (Twitter link).
Intense trade talks took place yesterday, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (on Twitter). The Rangers, Blue Jays and Orioles are serious players.
Executives around MLB expect the Mets will trade Dickey, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports (on Twitter). Many speculated that Toronto is a team to watch
Teams seem to have ramped up their efforts on Dickey, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter links). Though the Mets are keeping their options open, a trade seems more likely than an extension. The Blue Jays and Angels are thought to be among the teams interested in Dickey, Heyman adds.
It's now "getting to crunch time," Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports (on Twitter). It's very active today on multiple fronts.
One general manager told ESPN.com's Buster Olney the Mets could increase Dickey's trade value by giving the knuckleballer the two-year, $26MM extension he apparently seeks. Dickey will earn $5MM in 2013, so adding two years and $26MM would essentially make it a three-year, $31MM deal.
However, the Mets aren’t going to sign Dickey to an extension and then trade him, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).

Outrighted To Triple-A: Konrad Schmidt

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 14, 2012 at 3:32pm CDT

The latest outright assignments from around MLB…

The Rangers announced that they outrighted catcher Konrad Schmidt to Triple-A after he cleared waivers, according to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com. Schmidt, who was claimed off of waivers from Arizona in October, will still get an invitation to MLB Spring Training. The 28-year-old appeared in four games for the Diamondbacks in 2012, spending most of the season at Triple-A Reno, where he posted a .277/.338/.413 in 374 plate appearances.

Heyman On Hamilton, Sanchez, Tigers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 14, 2012 at 12:50pm CDT

The latest from Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (Twitter links)…

While the Rangers didn’t offer Josh Hamilton a guaranteed five-year deal, they offered him a contract that could have gotten him to five years (presumably via contract options). There’s no language in Hamilton’s five-year, $125MM contract with the Angels about his past issues, Heyman reports.
A couple of rival executives are “aghast” over Anibal Sanchez’s five-year, $80MM contract with the Tigers. Heyman suggests Sanchez is a better bet than C.J. Wilson, who signed for $77.5MM over five years last December.
Heyman’s colleague Danny Knobler heard the Rangers are a possibility for Rick Porcello, who has also drawn interest from a number of National League teams, including the Pirates and Padres.

Quick Hits: Bourn, Swisher, Red Sox, Alvarez, Diaz

By Mark Polishuk | December 14, 2012 at 12:46am CDT

It's been another major day of hot stove news, headlined by Josh Hamilton's deal with the Angels and Anibal Sanchez's forthcoming choice between the Cubs and Tigers. Here are some final items as we hit Friday…

Michael Bourn's market has become hard to determine, though MLB.com's Richard Justice notes that the Hamilton, Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols signings have taught us that top free agents tend to get their paydays, sometimes with surprising teams.
Nick Swisher has never seen the Red Sox "as a likely landing spot," reports Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link). Boston is one of several teams — including the Phillies, Orioles, Indians, Rangers and Mariners — linked to the free agent slugger this winter.
Cuban players Dariel Alvarez and shortstop Aledmys Diaz are both officially free agents, tweets Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald. Alvarez, a 24-year-old outfielder, and 22-year-old shortstop Diaz were profiled by MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez last month.
MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli breaks down the contract details of the arbitration-avoiding deals signed by Taylor Teagarden, Alexi Casilla and Steve Pearce with the Orioles, plus the details of Mark Reynolds' one-year contract with the Indians.
The Diamondbacks are more likely to trade Jason Kubel than Justin Upton at this point, opines MLB.com's Steve Gilbert (Twitter link).
The Rangers may have lost Hamilton today but a rival executive tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link) that the Rangers could potentially sign Swisher, A.J. Pierzynski and Adam LaRoche to upgrade their lineup.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports looks at how the Phillies and Red Sox are planning to rebound in 2013.

Los Angeles Notes: Hamilton, Managers, Niese

By Mark Polishuk | December 13, 2012 at 11:32pm CDT

The Dodgers have dominated the headlines in Hollywood for most of the winter but the Angels stole the spotlight today by reaching agreement with Josh Hamilton on a five-year, $125MM contract. Here are a few items about both Los Angeles franchises…

Hamilton's agents approached the Dodgers and the team did background work on the outfielder, but the Dodgers never seriously considered signing him, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The Dodgers simply didn't have room in the outfield with Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford all locked up to major long-term contracts.
Don Mattingly and Mike Scioscia will both be under tremendous pressure to manage their respective teams to postseason success in 2013, writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. Scioscia is under contract through 2018 but the Angels haven't made the postseason in three years and the skipper seemed to be on the hot seat last year during the team's slow start. As for Mattingly, he is entering the final year of his three-year contract. Hernandez also addresses a number of other questions about both teams as part of his Q&A piece, including if the Angels signed Hamilton as a response to the Dodgers' high-profile moves.
The Angels are interested in Jonathon Niese and share an interest in R.A. Dickey with the Rangers, reports Matthew Cerrone of Metsblog.com. Cerrone believes the Blue Jays also have their eye on both Mets pitchers, with Niese as their first choice.
There are still some outstanding questions about the Dodgers' financial situation and the status of their rumored multi-billion dollar TV deal with FOX, writes ESPN's Darren Rovell.
Earlier today we explored the reaction to the Hamilton signing and its impact around the league.

Reactions To The Josh Hamilton Signing

By Mark Polishuk | December 13, 2012 at 7:59pm CDT

We've already looked at how the Angels' five-year, $125MM agreement with Josh Hamilton has impacted players and teams around baseball, but now let's look at some analysis of the signing itself, including items about how the deal came together for the Angels and how the Rangers missed out on re-signing their slugger…

An American League executive called the move "last-second knee-jerk stupidity" on the part of the Angels, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports (Twitter links). However, an NL executive called it a "brilliant move" since the Angels obtained the best player available and added balance to a largely right-handed lineup.
Former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter had some sharp words regarding his free agent talks with the Angels and owner Arte Moreno (Twitter links). “I was told money was tight but I guess the Arte had money hidden under a Mattress,” Hunter wrote. “Business is business but don't lie.” Hunter clarified in a follow-up tweet that he’s “not upset.”
One American League executive told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark that the Rangers made the "fatal mistake" of believing no team would go beyond four years for Hamilton. Also from Stark, Moreno's tactic of making take it-or-leave it offers prevented Hamilton from going back to the Rangers to give them a chance to top Anaheim's offer (Twitter links)
Though Rangers GM Jon Daniels will face public criticism for letting Hamilton get away to a division rival, Daniels is being "privately lauded" by other general managers for parting ways with Hamilton, tweets ESPN's Buster Olney.
Also from Olney (Twitter link), "Hamilton's medical records have been a concern for other teams."
Yahoo Sports' Kevin Kaduk runs down the winners and losers of the Hamilton signing.
The signing looks like "an impulse buy" for Moreno and the Halos, as the team reportedly didn't even discuss signing Hamilton during the Winter Meetings, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal's colleague Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Angels did meet with Hamilton during the Winter Meetings, though it was kept quiet enough that some within the organization didn't even know the meeting took place (Twitter links).
The Angels know they'll have to trade from their position player depth, but aren't close to any deals yet, Yahoo's Tim Brown reports (on Twitter).
The Rangers are "really shaken" by losing Hamilton, especially after being unable to sign Zack Greinke or work out trades for Justin Upton or James Shields, writes CBS Sports' Danny Knobler (via Twitter). "Fair to say they don't love any [other] options out there," Knobler adds.
The Hamilton signing elevates the Angels/Rangers rivalry to an even higher level, writes Yahoo's Jeff Passan.
My take: I'm not crazy about the signing since the Angels' lineup (and particularly their outfield) wasn't an area of concern, and $125MM is a lot of money to commit to a player with as many red flags as Hamilton. That said, I can understand why they made the move. Money seems to be no object to the Angels, so if they can win a World Series over the next few seasons, the team won't care if Hamilton (or Albert Pujols, for that matter) is a payroll albatross by 2016-17. It also doesn't hurt that the Angels dealt a serious blow to a division rival by keeping Hamilton away from the Rangers. I'd suggest that the Angels hang onto their outfield depth until at least the trade deadline — given Hamilton and Kendrys Morales' injury histories, it makes sense to have a capable outfielder like Peter Bourjos, who brings much more off the bench than Vernon Wells.

MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith contributed to this post

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