Headlines

Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Blue Jays Rumors

Blue Jays To Retain Barajas, Not Zaun

By | at

According to Robert MacLeod of The Globe and Mail, the Blue Jays plan to exercise Rod Barajas’ option while allowing Gregg Zaun to leave as a free agent.

Barajas has a $2.4MM option with a $500K buyout, so it’s a net cost of $2.1MM.  He’s hitting .249/.294/.410 in 377 plate appearances, fluctuating quite a bit month-to-month.  Meanwhile Zaun is hitting .222/.332/.344 in 262 PAs while earning $3.75MM.  At this point he does not qualify as a Type B free agent, so there’s no point in offering arbitration.

Odds and Ends: LaRoche, Bradley, Burnett

By | at

Digging into today’s random links…

Arnsberg Comments On Burnett

By | at

Blue Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg was a crucial factor in A.J. Burnett signing with the Blue Jays back in 2005 (that, and the money).  Arnsberg had been Burnett’s pitching coach in Florida.

Burnett has two years and $24MM left on his contract, but he has the right to opt out after the season and become a free agent.  The FAN 590’s Jerry Howarth recently spoke to Arnsberg about Burnett.  Arnsberg’s heart says Burnett will stay in Toronto.  Burnett’s wife loves it there.  Arnsberg had multiple heart-to-heart conversations with Burnett discussing the pitcher’s future, and leans toward Burnett returning.  Arnsberg speculates that it could take another year on the contract to bring him back.

Burnett’s had a fine season, tying his career high with 32 starts.  He’s also established a career best with 214 strikeouts.  He leads all of MLB with 3388 pitches thrown, but has not reached 120 pitches in any start.  He could be looking at four years and $60MM on the free agent market, possibly more.

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Rasmus, Tazawa, Manny

By | at

Let’s take a look at what is being written in the Blogosphere…

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

Odds and Ends: Sabathia, Pavano, Penny, Burnett

By | at

Random links to start the morning…

  • Ben Shpigel says Billy Wagner’s $10.5MM for ’09 is not covered by insurance, making the Mets unlikely suitors for K-Rod (hat tip to MetsBlog).
  • The Padres claimed knuckleballer Charlie Haeger.  You have to like the move; he’s only 24.
  • Ken Davidoff writes about Nationals pitcher Tim Redding, who dreams about returning to the Yankees one day.
  • Davidoff also says that contrary to popular belief, C.C. Sabathia did not buy a home in Southern California.
  • In another post, Davidoff lists the worst trades of ’08.
  • Nats GM Jim Bowden will probably bring in a veteran first baseman next year due to health concerns with Nick Johnson and Dmitri Young.
  • Not much cooking on the Pedro Alvarez front…Bud Selig testified yesterday, and the next part of the hearing isn’t until September 23rd.
  • Andrew Baggarly explains Bengie Molina’s contentious relationship with the Giants.
  • From Saturday: Carl Pavano’s side of the story.  Can Pavano be a useful pitcher next year?
  • Larry Borowsky would like to see the Cardinals enterain an extension for Todd Wellemeyer.  He’s eligible for free agency after the ’09 season.
  • Joel Sherman isn’t sure the Yankees will invite Andy Pettitte back next year.
  • Brad Penny says he pitched through a shoulder injury because of uncertainty around his ’09 option.
  • Interesting fact…A.J. Burnett is second in MLB with 3286 pitches thrown (Sabathia jumped into the lead last night).  Many of the ’07 leaders in pitches thrown came down with injuries this year.
  • Michael O’Keefe sits down with agent Scott Boras.
  • ESPN’s Buster Olney notes that the Blue Jays will pursue a shortstop this winter.
  • All you ever wanted to know about Dr. James Andrews.
  • Jed Hoyer explains where Curt Schilling learned his negotiating tactics.

Heyman’s Latest: Hawpe, Pavano, Fuentes, Lowe

By | at

Let’s dig into the latest columns from SI.com’s Jon Heyman, found here and here.

  • Brad Hawpe had choice words in response to team criticism from Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd.
  • Heyman says Carl Pavano tried to "weasel out of" paying his former agent $2MM in commission from his current contract, signed in December of ’04.  You get the impression Pavano is not well-liked among members of the media.
  • Heyman wonders if Rickie Weeks could be the odd man out in the Milwaukee infield next year.
  • The Mets are more likely to pursue Brian Fuentes than Francisco Rodriguez this winter.  K-Rod’s agent hinted that his client would be a good fit in L.A. or New York, but the Mets will have to make the rotation their priority.
  • Heyman says Derek Lowe prefers the East Coast.
  • Heyman figures A.J. Burnett will consider the $24MM remaining on his contract "pocket change," and will surely opt out.

Odds And Ends: Millar, Lowe, Jays, Ibanez, Garciaparra, Posey

By | at

A few notes from the MLBiverse…

  • Kevin Millar wants to return to the Orioles in ’09. Of course, many feel the O’s will make a run at Mark Teixeira this off-season which would decrease Millar’s chances of re-signing, unless both sides feel he can be a full-time DH. Millar made $2.75MM this season.
  • Detroit Tiger Thoughts has made an adjustment to the projected Elias ranking for Derek Lowe. He will indeed be a Type A free agent this off-season.
  • The original article is missing from the Toronto Sun, but Sportsnet has the piece in which Paul Godfrey says the Jays are unlikely to include opt-out clauses in any future contracts based on the current situation with AJ Burnett. Some believe Burnett will exercise his opt-out clause and declare himself a free agent this winter.
  • Jim Street says the value of Raul Ibanez goes beyond stats…However, it remains to be seen if his value to Seattle will go beyond the two draft picks they would receive for letting him walk this off-season.
  • Michael Schwartz says another free agent-to-be, Nomar Garciaparra, has proven his worth to the Dodgers in his new role coming off the bench.
  • Even though Brian Sabean went to see Buster Posey play in person, he ruled out any chance of Posey making his major league debut this season.

Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.

Odds and Ends: Downs, Furcal, Saltalamacchia

By | at

Today’s link collection…

  • Perhaps sparked by successful conversions by Ryan Dempster and Justin Duchscherer, the Blue Jays are considering putting Scott Downs in the rotation next year.  Downs has 50 big league starts under his belt, most recently in 2006.  The Jays might be more inclined to make the switch if A.J. Burnett opts out of his contract.  They also may be less willing to shop B.J. Ryan this winter.
  • Rany Jazayerli takes a look at the ’09 Royals, noting whispers regarding their interest in Rafael Furcal.
  • Jamey Newberg notes that Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia will attempt to prove his health in winter ball, which could make him trade bait.
  • The Mark DeRosa signing has worked out well for the Cubs, says Dave Cameron.  Other good ones from that free agent class: Gil Meche, Ted Lilly, and Jose Guillen.  Take a look – the majority of signings that winter became busts.
  • RotoAuthority offers simple advice for winning your fantasy league next year.

Heyman’s Latest: Colletti, Maddux, Burnett

By | at

The latest from SI.com’s Jon Heyman…

  • Dodgers owner Frank McCourt is "fixated" on the team’s recent unsuccessful free agent signings.  You have to wonder if he’ll direct Ned Colletti to exercise caution this winter.  Heyman’s sources say McCourt intends to stick with Colletti for ’09.
  • Greg Maddux is "said by friends to want to return next year."  Tim Keown wrote in April that Maddux told teammates this is his last season.
  • Heyman is now saying Larry Lucchino is likely to remain Red Sox president.
  • Heyman considers Hank Steinbrenner’s suggestion of interest in A.J. Burnett "the clearest example of tampering in recent history."
  • Miguel Olivo has a reputation as a player who does not get along with his manager.
Show all

MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information

hide arrows scroll to top