Nationals Rumors

Bidding For Yu Darvish Ends Wednesday

By Steve Adams | December 8, 2011 at 6:22pm CDT

6:22pm: The Nationals have interest in Darvish, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. GM Mike Rizzo didn't divulge whether the Nats plan to bid, but his refusal to comment suggests to Kilgore that they will.

4:50pm: Now that Darvish has been posted, teams will have until 4:00pm CST on December 14th (four business days) to submit bids, tweets Buster Olney.

12:40pm: The Yankees are unsure about whether they'll bid on Darvish, tweets Buster Olney. He considers their interest lukewarm. I think everyone's playing coy at this stage; we'll see where the bids were when the dust settles. By the way, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski said this week he will not be bidding on Darvish, according to Jason Beck.

11:07am: The Dodgers won't be bidding on Darvish, tweets Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, but A's assistant GM David Forst wouldn't rule it out in talking to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News hears the Rangers aren't willing to gamble $100MM on Darvish. The Red Sox will discuss Darvish but feel pretty good about the front end of their rotation already, GM Ben Cherington told reporters.

4:56am: Following the announcement last night that the Nippon-Ham Fighters will post ace Yu Darvish, Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports write that the Rangers, Blue Jays, and Yankees are all expected to bid on the Japanese righty. ESPN's Buster Olney also tweets that rival executives are expecting both the Rangers and Blue Jays to bid big Darvish, with the Rangers fueled by the expected loss of C.J. Wilson to the Angels or Marlins.

Rosenthal and Morosi write that the Red Sox could be a wild card for a big Darvish bid, as new manager Bobby Valentine, who saw Darvish first-hand many times as manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines from 2004-2009, is said to "love" the 25-year old. FOX's duo also note that both Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos and Rangers GM Jon Daniels saw Darvish pitch in Japan last season.

The posting period will last four days, and the winning team will have a 30-day exclusive negotation period with Darvish and his representatives Don Nomura and Arn Tellem. If a contract agreement cannot be reached between Darvish and the winning team, that team will be refunded the total of the posting fee.

Tim Dierkes and Luke Adams contributed to this post.

2011 Rule 5 Draft Results

By Tim Dierkes | December 8, 2011 at 8:55am CDT

Rule 5 players must stay with their new big league club all year or be offered back to the old team. MLB.com has a full recap of both the Major League and minor league portions of the draft. The results of the Major League phase are listed below:

Astros take Rhiner Cruz from Mets.
Twins take Terry Doyle from White Sox.
Mariners take Lucas Luetge from Brewers.
Orioles take Ryan Flaherty from Cubs.
Royals take Cesar Cabral from Red Sox; traded to Yankees for cash.
Cubs take Lendy Castillo from Phillies.
Padres
Pirates take Gustavo Nunez from Tigers.
Marlins
Rockies
Athletics
Mets
White Sox
Reds
Indians
Nationals
Blue Jays
Dodgers
Angels
Giants
Braves take Robert Fish from Angels.
Cardinals take Erik Komatsu from Nationals.
Red Sox take Marwin Gonzalez from Cubs, traded to Astros for Marco Duarte
Rays
Diamondbacks take Brett Lorin from Pirates.
Tigers
Brewers
Rangers
Yankees take Brad Meyers from Nationals.
Phillies

Overnight Links: Wise, Gonzalez, Fielder, Rule 5

By Steve Adams | December 8, 2011 at 3:21am CDT

Some links for the bleary-eyed readers still awake at their computers/smartphones/tablets:

The Yankees are discussing a minor league deal with outfielder Dewayne Wise, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). A strong defender, Wise is probably best known for preserving former teammate Mark Buehrle's 2009 perfect game in the ninth inning by robbing a home run off the bat of Gabe Kapler.
Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets that the Rangers met with Scott Boras to discuss Mike Gonzalez today, and they also checked in on Prince Fielder.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin said his team probably won't make a pick in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft, tweets Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
The Pirates have at least thought about picking Nationals lefty Josh Smoker in the Rule 5 Draft, though it's not a lock according to John Perotto of Baseball Prospectus (on Twitter). Smoker was selected 31st overall by the Nats in 2007.
Even with tonight's hiring of Jeff Luhnow as the new Astros GM, it will be interim GM Dave Gottfried and scouting director/assistant GM Bobby Heck calling the shots at the Rule 5 Draft tomorrow, tweets Alyson Footer of the Astros.
Baseball America's John Manuel writes that reports of the Twins focusing on pitching led to speculation on Mets righty Rhiner Cruz, but a club source said the team is looking in another direction.
The Red Sox compensation from the Cubs for Theo Epstein is expected to be sorted out after the Rule 5 Draft, writes MLB.com's Carrie Muskat.

NL East Rumors: Soler, Bay, Chavez, Jones, Braves

By Luke Adams 2 | December 8, 2011 at 1:22am CDT

The latest from the NL East:

Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun Sentinel hears that bidding for Jorge Soler could end up over $20MM and doesn't expect the Marlins to be involved at that price (Twitter link).
The Mets have asked around and not received "even minor interest" for Jason Bay, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
A reunion of Endy Chavez and the Mets seems less likely following the club's acquisition of Andres Torres, tweets Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. The Mariners, Rangers, or Orioles could be landing spots for Chavez, says MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.
ESPN's Adam Rubin tweets a similar notion, stating that a reunion between Chavez and the Mets is "not impossible" but that he's also not forecasting it (Twitter link).
GM Mike Rizzo told Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that the Nationals are "definitely" interested in Adam Jones and have done their homework on him (Twitter link). Orioles GM Dan Duquette has said he doesn't plan to deal Jones, however.
The Nationals did add one outfielder today, according to Amanda Comak of the Washington Times, who says the Nats signed Brett Carroll to a minor league deal (Twitter link).
While the Winter Meetings have been quiet for the Braves, GM Frank Wren points out that there will still be plenty of time left in the offseason to make deals after this week. David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution has the quotes.
O'Brien also shares a Q&A with Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez that touches on trade rumors, Jason Heyward, and a few other topics.

Steve Adams contributed to this post.

Boras On Fielder, Rays, Dodgers, Damon

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | December 7, 2011 at 11:26pm CDT

Agent Scott Boras held court in Dallas tonight, providing updates on his many free agent clients and entertaining reporters with quips along the way. Here are the details:

Boras made it clear that Prince Fielder has drawn lots of interest this offseason. The agent explained that Fielder compares favorably to all-time greats such as Jimmie Foxx and suggested teams will look to lock Fielder up for as long as possible if they recognize his potential as someone who can produce at the plate for the better part of a decade while boosting TV ratings and attendance (Boras' arguments, not mine). He played down concerns about Fielder's body, suggested he's just entering his prime and argued that comparable free agent power hitters won't be available any time soon.
Fielder doesn't have any geographical preference as to where he signs, tweets Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star. Boras quipped that the distance from home plate to the outfield fence is the only geography concerning Fielder. For more on Fielder, click here.
Generally speaking, Boras explained that Seattle and Milwaukee are desirable places to play because they have the potential to draw substantial crowds. He also said "the city [of Los Angeles] is waiting for the return of the Dodgers" and praised the Dodgers as a storied franchise in American sports.
Johnny Damon played "very well" in 2011, according to Boras. He joked that 38-year-old is in line for a five-year deal, though a one-year contract is probable in reality. Boras half-jokingly suggested the Rays "have lots of money" despite their perennially low payrolls.
Carlos Pena will likely have multiyear offers, Boras said.
Asked if Kyle Lohse could waive his no-trade clause, Boras replied that he thinks Lohse is happy in St. Louis, tweets B.J. Rains of Fox Sports Midwest.
The market for Ivan Rodriguez is narrowing, tweets Amanda Comak of the Washington Times. The Nationals aren't in on Pudge, tweets Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.
The Nats have some interest in bringing back Rick Ankiel, tweets Comak.
Boras expects Daisuke Matsuzaka to be healthy and return "sometime this summer," tweets Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal.
J.D. Drew is undecided on whether he'll play in 2012. It would have to be the right situation.
Andruw Jones would've liked more playing time in 2011, but understands he won't be a full-time player, tweets MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. A deal with the Yankees is likely in the coming weeks, tweets Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.
The Braves haven't progressed toward an extension for Michael Bourn, tweets Stephen Goff of Examiner.com.

MLBTR's Luke Adams co-wrote this post.

A’s Unlikely To Trade Gio Gonzalez At Meetings

By Steve Adams | December 7, 2011 at 7:48pm CDT

The latest on Athletics lefty Gio Gonzalez, a 26-year-old who is under team control through 2015…

Talks between the Phillies and A's on Gonzalez were brief, tweets Joe Stiglich of the Bay Area News Group. Stiglich says the A's didn't like Domonic Brown enough as a centerpiece.
The Blue Jays are one of 12 teams in on Gonzalez, reports Susan Slusser (Twitter links).
Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News hears from multiple sources that the Rangers inquired on Gonzalez, but moved on after the A's asked for Martin Perez, Mike Olt, and Leury Garcia.
The D'Backs were kicking the tires on Gonzalez but don't expect it to go any further, a source tells Nick Piecoro. Jon Paul Morosi would be shocked if Gonzalez is not traded by Opening Day.
The A's will not trade Gonzalez at the Winter Meetings, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post, as they're using their Dan Haren haul as parameters and no one has come close yet. Four years ago, A's GM Billy Beane acquired Brett Anderson, Carlos Gonzalez, Chris Carter, Aaron Cunningham, Dana Eveland, and Greg Smith from the Diamondbacks for Haren and Connor Robertson.
The Phillies are definitely out on Gonzalez now, tweets Danny Knobler. They would have dealt Kyle Kendrick or Joe Blanton had they acquired him.
The A's seek players with zero or little big league experience for Gonzalez, tweets Danny Knobler.
The Diamondbacks are pushing hard to acquire Gonzalez, tweets Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Danny Knobler tweets that the Tigers inquired but did not like a price tag that included Jacob Turner, while the Phillies don't look like a match. Ken Rosenthal says the Nationals, Tigers, Reds, D'Backs, Phillies, and Marlins are pursuing Gonzalez.
There is some buzz about A's reliever Craig Breslow being of interest to the Phillies as well, tweets Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
The Phillies and Athletics discussed a package deal involving Gonzalez and outfielder Domonic Brown, tweets Jim Bowden of MLB Network and ESPN.com.

Tim Dierkes and Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Roy Oswalt Among Nationals’ Pitching Targets

By Luke Adams 2 | December 7, 2011 at 6:36pm CDT

6:36pm: Rizzo told reporters, including Zuckerman, that the Nationals' "Plan B" after missing out on Buehrle could involve Oswalt or other free agents and trade candidates. He has talked to the Athletics about Gio Gonzalez.

5:20pm: The Nationals had hoped to sign Mark Buehrle, but their offer to the left-hander fell short in both years and average annual value, tweets Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. With Buehrle off the board, the Nats will switch their focus to Roy Oswalt, says Kilgore.

Kilgore reported in November that Oswalt was Washington's "Plan B" if the club couldn't land Buehrle. GM Mike Rizzo told reporters (including Mark Zuckerman) today that the Nationals aren't interested in other free agent pitchers, though Zuckerman clarifies that was before news of Buehrle's agreement broke (Twitter link). Oswalt is said to be seeking a three-year commitment.

Nationals, Marlins Finalists For Buehrle

By Steve Adams | December 7, 2011 at 3:28pm CDT

The latest on free agent southpaw Mark Buehrle…

Nationals GM Mike Rizzo made it pretty clear Buehrle is his only free agent pitching target, reports Mark Zuckerman of CSNWashington.com. The Nationals are waiting for Buehrle to make a decision, tweets MLB.com's Bill Ladson. The Nationals offered three years and $42-45MM, tweets Pete Kerzel of MASNSports.com.
The Nationals and Marlins are finalists for Buehrle, tweets Ken Rosenthal. Rangers president Nolan Ryan does not expect to land Buehrle, tweets Jon Paul Morosi.
The Nationals are still in play and talks have intensified, tweets MLB.com's Bill Ladson.
The Marlins are definitely still in on Buehrle, tweets Danny Knobler.
Buehrle has narrowed the field to three teams and is expected to decide within 24 hours, tweets Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio and ESPN.com.
Look for the Marlins to go hard after Buehrle as soon as possible if they don't land Albert Pujols, tweets Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.

Tim Dierkes contributed to this post.

Quick Hits: Nats, White, Montero, Cespedes, Mets

By Luke Adams 2 | December 6, 2011 at 7:38pm CDT

Let's catch up on some links that have taken a backseat while we wait with bated breath to find out where Albert Pujols will sign…

The Nationals prefer to trade minor leaguers over big leaguers, as Mark Zuckerman writes at Nats Insider.
Dodgers assistant GM Logan White interviewed today for the Astros' GM opening, as MLB.com Brian McTaggart writes.
The Diamondbacks are at the "very early stages" of negotiations on a Miguel Montero contract extension, said GM Kevin Towers. He doesn't expect anything to be resolved this week, tweets Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic.
Yoenis Cespedes is still awaiting residency in the Dominican Republic, but when he gets it, bidding should be fast and strong, tweets Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com.
J.D. Martin has agreed to a minor league contract with the Marlins, tweets ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.
Brandon Warne of Fangraphs breaks down the trade that sent Kevin Slowey to the Rockies.
The Mets will fill their backup catcher opening with an in-house option rather than a free agent, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN New York.

Buehrle Narrows Field To Five Teams

By Steve Adams | December 6, 2011 at 7:10pm CDT

Yesterday we learned that four teams — the Marlins, Nationals, Rangers, and Twins – have made offers to long-time White Sox southpaw Mark Buehrle. We'll run down all of the rumors surrounding the man with 11 straight seasons of 201+ innings here…

Buehrle doesn't seem to be a real option for the Cardinals, tweets B.J. Rains of FOX Sports Midwest.
Buehrle is seeking a four-year deal, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan and Bill Ladson.
The Rangers and Nationals are the most serious and realistic destinations for Buehrle, hears Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio and ESPN. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo feels there was a connection when he met with Buehrle.
MLB.com's Anthony DiComo suggests the Mets are a surprising finalist for Buehrle, but GM Sandy Alderson seemed to shoot down the notion of spending big bucks on a free agent starter. Alderson flat-out said it's not happening, according to Adam Rubin.
Buehrle has narrowed the field to five teams, tweets MLB Network's Jon Heyman. The Rangers and Marlins are believed among them, writes MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. The Nationals are another, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post.

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