Braves Trade Rumors

"General manager Brian Sabean acknowledged on his weekly radio show that he is looking for a first baseman, preferably a left-handed hitter. The Giants have had internal discussions about Washington's Nick Johnson, but he might be off the market after winning the everyday first-base job and starting the season strongly. A source said the Giants scouted 26-year-old Braves first baseman Scott Thorman, who hit 11 home runs in 287 at-bats last season. In spring training, the A's tried in vain to get the Giants to bite on Dan Johnson. "

"Nevertheless, the Braves season that begins Sunday night in Washington may be his last. Cox turns 67 in May. He is a hands-down Hall of Famer, a four-time manager of the year — in three different decades — with nothing left to prove. His contract is in its final year and he suggested last spring — and quickly withdrew — the notion that this would be his last season."

"Tyler Yates, the Atlanta right-hander whom the Tigers have scouted this spring, pitched a scoreless inning for the Braves on Tuesday."

"For those holding out hope that Jeff Francoeur and the Braves might reach a long-term deal like Brian McCann did last spring, the chances appear to be getting dimmer."

"The Rays think they have a chance to be taken seriously this year, with or without Bonds, but it would be fun to see him battle the Yankees in New York and the Red Sox in Boston. Where else could Bonds fit? Cleveland, but only if the Indians were willing to play him in left field. The Los Angeles Angels, although he would have to rotate in and out of the lineup if Vlad Guerrero, Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews Jr. are all healthy. Minnesota, but there's no way owner Carl Pohlad would pay him. The best fit of all for Bonds could be in Atlanta, however, with a hole in left field and Bobby Cox to keep him in line."

"As warm and fuzzy and hopeful as Mark Teixeira's return to Atlanta was last summer, a cold, hard truth remains: His agent is Scott Boras. A man at least as relentless and successful at the negotiating table as Teixeira has been in the batter's box."

"Baltimore possesses that hometown allure, but Atlanta is a close second. Teixeira attended Georgia Tech and married a Georgian. The question is whether the Braves would shell out so much for one player - perhaps $20 million-plus per season for six or more years."

"Thorman is out of minor-league options and will either make the team, be traded, or be exposed to the waiver wire before he can be sent to the minors. If he's not on the team, the Braves could use Diaz, backup catcher Javy Lopez or utility infielder Omar Infante as a backup first baseman."

"He has hinted this will be his last season. He has also hinted it won’t. Even if the exact date is uncertain, it’s clear this astonishing run is nearing its end. Cox is 66. He has managed the Braves since June 22, 1990."

"Will he be a Brave beyond this season? That's all anyone wants to know about slugging first baseman Mark Teixeira. But it looks as if he's going to keep us guessing."

"Today might be the last time Bobby Cox welcomes pitchers and catchers to spring training as a major league manager. Then again, it might not be...This will be his 27th season as a big-league manager, all but four with the Braves. He'll be 67 in May, and he said a year ago during spring training that he was leaning toward retiring after the 2008 season."

"Since the incomparable Bobby Cox is entering his 27th year as a manager in the major leagues, including more than two decades with the Braves, it’s logical to wonder if his bosses are tempted to lose their minds. They’d do so by contributing to this epidemic of naming a successor-in-waiting for an incumbent, mostly because everybody else is doing it."

"Chipper Jones went from third base to cyberspace Wednesday night. The veteran Braves player logged on to David O'Brien's blog on ajc.com as "U Kno Who". His original intent was to shoot down rumors that he was going to retire after next season. Well, that and to chide the AJC's O'Brien and bloggers for giving him the nickname "Hoss.""

"According to Towers, the Braves expressed interest in trading for Single-A pitcher Matt Bush, even after Bush had reconstructive elbow surgery that likely will sideline him for the 2008 season."

"The Post has learned the Mets have interest in Craig Wilson, someone who could serve as a righty bat and offer defensive versatility. Wilson primarily has played first base and right field in his career, but he's also experienced in left and behind the plate."

"The Phillies are apparently a lot more serious about free-agent pitcher Kris Benson than they've let on. Benson has thrown privately for Phillies scout Chuck LaMar twice in the last week, a baseball source said after Benson's most recent audition yesterday in Atlanta... Several other teams, including Washington, Houston and St. Louis, have had interest, and there were indications yesterday that Atlanta might get involved."

"The Phillies and Mets could wind up in a bidding war for Kyle Lohse. He has remained unsigned because he insists on a five-year deal when three appears generous. The Braves aren't encouraged about signing Mark Teixeira to a contract that will keep him off the free-agent market. He would be awfully attractive to several teams, including the Yankees and Orioles, who view him as a hometown hero."

"Here's another reason the Brewers are likely to win the NL Central: They have a surplus of starting pitching. So much so, GM Doug Melvin is likely to entertain trade offers during spring training, barring injuries, of course... When the Braves signed first baseman Mark Teixeira to a one-year, $12.5 million deal, it may have just put off the inevitable loss of him in free agency."

"The Braves are penciling in Kotsay for only one year, as they have Jordan Schaefer and Gorkys Hernandez in the wings... Will the Red Sox trade Coco Crisp?They have been holding on to him in hope of trading for Johan Santana but now must decide if they want to open next year with both Crisp and his certain replacement, Jacoby Ellsbury. "

"Tampa Bay has had talks with the Atlanta Braves about a trade involving 24-year-old infielder Willy Aybar, a switch-hitter with a checkered past. Aybar's off-the-field issues, most notably a stint in a substance-abuse rehabilitation program that wiped out most of his 2007 season, could be an impediment."

"The Braves might soon have the short-term veteran center fielder they've been looking for, and Mark Kotsay sounds excited about the possibility of coming from Oakland to fill the role."

" The A's signed free agent Emil Brown to a one-year deal, adding a much-needed right-handed bat to their lineup. Center fielder Mark Kotsay, however, might be departing within the next few days. A's assistant general manager David Forst confirmed that the club has had discussions with Atlanta about Kotsay."

" On Friday, he added a part, signing outfielder Emil Brown, 33, to a one-year contract. Brown spent the past three seasons with the Kansas City Royals, and last year hit .317 against left-handed pitching and .316 with runners in scoring position... How long Kotsay will remain in the fold is in question. Forst confirmed several reports that the A's have had trade discussions with the Atlanta Braves about Kotsay."

"But as I’ve said, I still think the Braves might make a move or two before opening day, including the addition of another stopgap center fielder. And there is reason to believe that Oakland’s Mark Kotsay could be the guy...Another possibility is Georgia native Corey Patterson, but only if the Baltimore free agent’s price tag keeps plummeting "

"If the Orioles don't trade for a young center fielder in the coming weeks, they will likely turn their attention to last year's Opening Day starter, Corey Patterson... The only teams with money to spend and a distinct need in center are the St. Louis Cardinals and Patterson's hometown Atlanta Braves."

"The Royals are close to finalizing a two-year deal with left-handed relief pitcher Ron Mahay worth a reported $8 million. Mahay, 36, was 3-0 with a 2.55 ERA in 58 appearances for Texas and Atlanta last year. If the deal with Kansas City is completed, he’d join Jimmy Gobble, Neal Musser and John Bale as lefties in the Royals’ bullpen — though Bale will get a shot at the rotation."

"With the addition of reliever Luis Vizcaino, pending a physical, the Rockies have protection if they want to listen to offers for setup man Brian Fuentes. The Rockies made him available during the winter meetings but wanted a major-league starting pitcher and reliever in return. The Houston Astros, New York Mets and Atlanta Braves expressed interest. The Mets were the most serious, offering Aaron Heilman."

"Braves free agent reliever Ron Mahay declined the team's arbitration offer, as expected. By offering arbitration to the left-hander, the Braves assured themselves of a compensatory 'sandwich' draft pick between the first and second rounds of the June draft after he signs with another team."

"The Royals are also now better positioned to field trade offers, if they choose, for David DeJesus and Joey Gathright. DeJesus had drawn heavy interest from several clubs, including Texas and Atlanta."

"The Cubs traded relief pitcher Will Ohman and recently acquired infielder Omar Infante to the Atlanta Braves for right-handed reliever Jose Ascanio, according to a source. Ascanio, 22, pitched in 16 innings for the Braves, striking out 13 while walking six and registering a 5.06 ERA."

"Wren reiterated the Braves' remaining needs: a left-handed reliever, a center fielder, a utility man with primary shortstop experience, and a backup catcher, though rookie Clint Sammons could fill the latter need. Wren said if he was to prioritize those needs, lefty relief would be No. 1."

"With Andruw Jones and Aaron Rowand asking for substantially larger contracts than the Dodgers are willing to offer them, General Manager Ned Colletti said Monday night that the representatives of the two free-agent center fielders would have to contact him to resume negotiations... Among the potential trades the Dodgers are expected to explore this week are those with the Oakland Athletics for pitchers Joe Blanton or Dan Haren. The Dodgers have asked about Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, Minnesota Twins left-hander Johan Santana and Baltimore Orioles left-hander Erik Bedard, but consider the asking prices to be excessive."

"The Dodgers still would like either Andruw Jones or Aaron Rowand to be their opening day center fielder, but have yet to make offers to the free agents upon learning that both are seeking more money and longer term contracts than the team is currently willing to give. That makes adding a power hitter in the form of Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera by trade less likely given that the Dodgers are seeking to create enough outfield depth to make such a deal feasible."

"Maybe all it took was a bit of negotiating leverage Monday for the Royals to heat up their stalled talks with free-agent outfielder Jose Guillen. A growing willingness by the club to view Andruw Jones as a possible alternative seemed to serve as a catalyst. Sources now say the Royals and Guillen are closing in on a three-year contract believed to be valued at $33-36 million."

"The asking price might be beyond the Braves' comfort level for Boston's trade-bait center fielder Coco Crisp. Kansas City GM Dayton Moore (another longtime John Schuerholz assistant) would also want plenty in a trade for David DeJesus or singles-hitting Joey Gathright."

"If Jones and Rowand don't scale back their demands, the Dodgers could turn their attention to Mike Cameron, who will sit out the first 25 games of next season for testing positive for a banned stimulant... The Dodgers are among the teams interested in Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera, but the Marlins asked them for a package that included Kemp, first baseman James Loney and top pitching prospect Clayton Kershaw."

"It seems a long shot that the Pirates will trade Jason Bay at Major League Baseball's four-day Winter Meetings, which begin today at the majestic Opryland Hotel... The Atlanta Braves had pressed hard for Duffy to be included in the Adam LaRoche trade last spring, only to settle for an exchange of prospects."

"If the Twins deal Santana someplace else or not at all, expect the Yankees to try and pry Dan Haren or Joe Blanton away from Oakland... The Braves, who aren't bringing Jones back, might be a taker, but they would want the Yankees to absorb a lot of the money. A long shot is Damon returning to play center field if Cabrera is moved... If Cabrera is traded and the Yankees don't feel comfortable returning Damon to center, they could go after Rowand, Jones or Mike Cameron, or trade for Jim Edmonds."

"Those fans holding out hope of the Braves retaining Andruw Jones got a reality check Friday, when the team declined to offer arbitration to the free-agent center fielder. The Braves offered arbitration to left-handed reliever Ron Mahay, assuring them of a 'sandwich' draft pick as compensation if they lose Mahay to another team, as the Braves expect."

"If Andruw Jones is pie in the sky, Mike Cameron is a pie with one slice missing. The Padres' search for a center fielder promises only to be problematical. Jones is probably going to be too pricey for the Padres to enter a competitive bid, even after his worst season. Cameron might prove more affordable, but he will open the 2008 season by serving a 25-game stimulant suspension. "

"Citing the high asking prices for top players on the trade market and the lack of quality among free agents, Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti hinted Monday that Manager Joe Torre could be the team's only high-profile acquisition of the off-season... When the Dodgers approached the Florida Marlins about All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera, they were asked for four players in return. The top pitcher on the trading block, Johan Santana of the Minnesota Twins, is a free agent at the end of the 2008 season and has a no-trade clause in his contract... The Dodgers have approached the Baltimore Orioles about left-hander Erik Bedard, but those talks have stalled, according to a baseball source."

"The Dodgers haven't given up their desire to add a big bat to the middle of their lineup, or to increase their pitching depth. But as each day passes, they are beginning to realize that some of that help might have to come from within the organization. Colletti recently expressed interest in free agent center fielders Aaron Rowand, Andruw Jones and Torii Hunter."

"The Mets won't make a trade with the Twins simply to rent ace left-hander Johan Santana. For the Mets to trade for Santana, they would require a window to discuss a new contract, a person with knowledge of the club's thinking said yesterday... The Mets also are showing interest in two free-agent pitchers, Octavio Dotel and Shawn Chacon."

"While the Red Sox have been in contact with Kielty and his agent, Dan Lozano, since the switch hitter filed for free agency, both sides understand that Kielty would only return to the Sox as a fourth outfielder. And the only scenario which would allow for such a role is if Coco Crisp, who is perceived to have lost his starting center field job to Jacoby Ellsbury, is dealt... Crisp’s situation figures to move toward a resolution during next week’s winter meetings, where teams such as Minnesota, Atlanta, Texas, and the Chicago White Sox are likely to be interested."

"The Tigers pursued right-hander Octavio Dotel at the trade deadline, and he remains one of the club's favorite relievers on the free agent market."

"Presumably that would be ex-Sox fan favorite Aaron Rowand, who won't cost as much as Hunter but for good reason. He isn't nearly as dominating as Hunter could be. Also available as free agents are Mike Cameron, who will start the 2008 season as a 35-year-old serving a suspension after a positive drug test, and Andruw Jones, who has Scott Boras as an agent and is coming off a miserable season."

"The Rangers must now shift gears if they still want to go the free-agent route. Philadelphia's Aaron Rowand and Atlanta's Andruw Jones are the top free agents available, along with San Diego's Mike Cameron."

" The next rung of center fielders includes Andruw Jones, in whom the Rangers are only interested if he's willing to take a one-year deal. Agent Scott Boras has already said that won't happen. The club's interest in Aaron Rowand is lukewarm. The most attractive free agent now might be Mike Cameron, who could probably be had for a two- or three-year commitment at less than $10 million per year."

"So instead of throwing all their resources at Hunter, the guy who would help sell season tickets, the Sox are probably better off using the resources they have to add two outfielders, either through free agency (a thin crop after Rowand, Andruw Jones and maybe Mike Cameron) or a trade."

"As a bridge to Rivera, the Yankees are negotiating to re-sign Luis Vizcaino, and they've been reportedly linked to Ron Mahay, a lefty they inquired about at last season's trade deadline."

"The Mets Sunday night reached a preliminary agreement on a four-year, $25 million contract with incumbent second baseman Luis Castillo, according to The Associated Press. Castillo still must pass a physical for the deal to be completed, a person with knowledge of the talks said."

"Tom Glavine's anticipated reunion with the Braves could be finalized Sunday, the veteran pitcher's representative said Saturday after negotiations brought the sides close to an agreement on what's likely to be a one-year contract worth about $8 million."

" As the Mets plan for life without Tom Glavine, who has all but slid an Atlanta Braves jersey over his suit for the obligatory photo op, they may be very thankful they still have Paul Lo Duca's telephone number. After saying all week that the reported 3-year, $14.4 million deal for Yorvit Torrealba was not done, the Mets proved themselves prophetic yesterday when talks with the free-agent catcher broke off. "