Brewers Trade Rumors

"Ryan Braun's agent, Nez Balelo, is in town for the three-game series and will continue talks with Melvin regarding a multi-year contract extension. Balelo said owner Mark Attanasio might take part as well. The Brewers continue to talk with Balelo and Scott Boras, the agent for Prince Fielder."

"Gee, do you think Ben Sheets knows he's in a contract year? His previous seven Aprils with the Brewers were mediocre (10-17, 4.19 ERA, zero shutouts, three complete games). His current April is dominant (1-0, no runs allowed in two starts, one complete game, one shutout)."

"Team owner Mark Attanasio said the club continued to have "ongoing discussions" with the agents for first baseman Prince Fielder and leftfielder Ryan Braun about multi-year contract extensions."

"Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said Saturday the club has made long-term contract offers to first baseman Prince Fielder and left fielder Ryan Braun, but didn't sound overly optimistic that deals would be reached any time soon."

"When Ben Sheets takes the mound Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field, he will be making his sixth opening day start for the Milwaukee Brewers. And, in all likelihood, his last."

"It's no secret in the Brewers' clubhouse that first baseman Prince Fielder and leftfielder Ryan Braun have been identified as the first players for management to approach to discuss multi-year contract offers."

"With left-hander Chris Capuano likely headed for the disabled list, Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said Friday that he was less inclined to trade a starting pitcher."

"The elbow problem incurred Monday by left-hander Chris Capuano might sidetrack any notion the Brewers had of trading a pitcher to ease their logjam. But general manager Doug Melvin said the telephones had been quiet in any event."

"Some free-agent options are available, such as Kenny Lofton and, of course, Barry Bonds. But the Rays seem more likely to first explore trade possibilities, with names to keep in mind including Dave Dellucci (Indians), Gabe Gross (Brewers), Skip Schumaker (Cardinals), Reggie Willits (Angels) and, less likely, Reed Johnson (Blue Jays)."

"I like Prince Fielder, a born leader and a good guy with well-intentioned personal beliefs, as long as he doesn't get preachy about them. Generally, I'm also for players using reasonable tactics to get an equitable salary from a profession that, on average, lasts between five and seven years."

"General manager Doug Melvin shot down an Internet rumor that had Boston showing interest in left-hander Chris Capuano. "I haven't talked to them," Melvin said."

"So what is it that Prince isn't happy about? Only this. That his salary to play first base this year for the Milwaukee Brewers is six figures instead of seven. That he will make only $670,000."

" Informed that owner Mark Attanasio would like to pursue a long-term contract with him, Fielder remained non-committal. "I don't know. I'll let my agent handle that," said Fielder, who is represented by Scott Boras. "

"Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio said Friday that he did not think Prince Fielder's unhappiness with his current contract would affect the slugging first baseman's relationship with the club in the future."

"Towers and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein were in contact yesterday. Epstein has two center fielders, and one of them, Coco Crisp, could be available... Last year, the Padres asked the Brewers about reserve center fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. The Angels have a glut of outfielders, including two center fielders who are likely cheaply available: Nathan Haynes, who is out of minor league options; and Reggie Willits, who may not crack the 25-man roster."

"For various reasons, the timing might not be right to reach multi-year deals with many of the team's budding stars. First baseman Prince Fielder, second baseman Rickie Weeks and rightfielder Corey Hart are eligible for salary arbitration for the first time after this season, making them prime candidates."

"If Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder is really the team leader everyone says he is, he should have outlined his salary issues with general manager Doug Melvin before taking his anger public."

"Phillies phenom pitcher Cole Hamels feels disrespected. Milwaukee Brewers slugging MVP candidate Prince Fielder is flat-out ticked off. The Phillies' Ryan Howard, a former Rookie of the Year and MVP, is as unhappy as a guy who is making $10 million for a single season is going to be."

"Last spring, when the Milwaukee Brewers renewed Prince Fielder's contract at their terms, he basically said, "No big deal." This spring, it is a big deal."

"The message from Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder on Sunday was as clear as the day was bright, but the words forecast that stormy days may be brewing. "My time will come," Fielder said, "and it's coming quick, too.""

"Ben Sheets was most economical in his first spring-training start Saturday, throwing 16 pitches in two innings against the Colorado Rockies. How economical he'll be on baseball's more uneven field of play next off-season is another question entirely for the Milwaukee Brewers."

"There is a strong likelihood that the contract for Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder will be renewed for 2008 without an agreement being reached for the second consecutive year, general manager Doug Melvin said Monday."

"General manager Doug Melvin said there was not enough time Saturday for a full discussion with owner Mark Attanasio about making multi-year contract offers to younger players on the team."

"Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio met Saturday with general manager Doug Melvin to begin making plans for offering multi-year contracts to some of the team's talented young players."

"Perhaps, but there's plenty at stake in 2008 for both Sheets and the Brewers, who have designs on their first playoff berth in 26 years. Sheets is on the final year of a four-year, $38.5 million contract, with his future riding on showing he can stay healthy."

"Ted Simmons laughed at the notion that he was hired as the Milwaukee Brewers' bench coach to provide a fall-back position should manager Ned Yost get fired."

"With all of his arbitration cases settled, Melvin said his next order of business would be coming to terms with his remaining unsigned players, such as first baseman Prince Fielder, rightfielder Corey Hart, third baseman Ryan Braun and second baseman Rickie Weeks. Melvin said he was close to agreeing to terms with Weeks on a 2008 contract."

"Pitching depth is unlikely to decide a race between the Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers. Both of the NL Central front-runners will head to spring training with more arms than they will need... Bush, Vargas and perhaps even Sheets could be discussed in trades before Opening Day. "

"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin spent much of the off-season turning down trade offers for the young players around whom he has built a contending club. Now, it's time to decide which of those players the Brewers would like to tie up with long-term contracts in the near future."

"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."

"How many $3 million-a-year pitchers can the Brewers afford to carry in the bullpen, ahead of closer Gagne, who is guaranteed $10 million? Turnbow, Torres and Mota each has a $3.2 million salary and Riske will be paid $4 million."

"Melvin prepares for spring training knowing the possibility exists at the end of March one or two pitchers may not be in the organization. Melvin said if an opportunity presents itself, he'd move one of those extra pitchers for prospects that would fill some organizational holes."

"The Brewers will go into spring training with 15 proven pitchers vying for 12 spots. Melvin said Cactus League competition -- as well as the overall health of the staff -- will dictate who stays and who will be traded."

"Shortstop J.J. Hardy and right-hander Dave Bush, the last remaining arbitration-eligible players on the Brewers' roster, exchanged salary figures with the club Friday, leaving sizable gaps to bridge."

"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin confirmed Thursday that he has interest in free-agent centerfielder Mike Cameron. But Melvin was quick to point out that he wasn't narrowing his focus to Cameron exclusively. "We have two or three options we're thinking about," Melvin said. "We're considering any move we feel can improve the club.""

"Melvin said he had given some consideration to free-agent third baseman Pedro Feliz, who is a solid defender (11 errors in 143 games last year). Feliz has some pop (20 homers in '07) but is also a free swinger who batted .253 last year with a terrible .290 on-base percentage with San Francisco. "We've got some interest in him," said Melvin, who wouldn't say to what degree."

"The Milwaukee Brewers are showing strong interest in signing free-agent centerfielder Mike Cameron. Brewers general manager Doug Melvin did not return messages Wednesday evening seeking comment about his pursuit of Cameron. But a baseball source familiar with the situation said Milwaukee was engaged in "serious" talks with Cameron's agent, Mike Nicotera, including discussion of a multi-year deal."

"Unless a trade comes together, Melvin will allow Gabe Gross, Tony Gwynn Jr., Joe Dillon and Gabe Kapler - back from a one-year retirement - to battle for playing time in left field. As Melvin noted, not every contending club is set at every position. 'We have seven of the eight spots set,' said Melvin, who might eventually opt to toss 40-year-old free agent Kenny Lofton into the outfield mix as well. "

"Outfielder Geoff Jenkins has decided to come to the Phillies, accepting a two-year, $13 million contract with a vesting option third season that could bring the deal to $20 million. The deal is pending a physical. Jenkins is in Philadelphia completing that process...In other news, the Phillies signed Chad Durbin. The right-hander went 8-7 with a 4.72 ERA in 19 games for Detroit last season."

"Melvin has shown interest in St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen and Texas' Hank Blalock, as well as Los Angeles outfielder Andre Ethier. At this point, he said he is not optimistic a deal can be struck."

"Earlier in the day, the Brewers designated outfielder Kevin Mench for assignment to clear a roster spot for Torres. The Brewers have 10 days to trade Mench or release him outright... 'With the possibility of moving Braun out there, you can't take that risk (of keeping Mench at that salary),' said Melvin, who has shown interest in two third basemen, Texas' Hank Blalock and St. Louis' Scott Rolen, as well as Los Angeles outfielder Andre Ethier."

"Early Saturday, Melvin reached an agreement on a one-year deal with Gagne, pending a physical examination. A source familiar with the talks indicated the Brewers were willing to commit $10 million, so rest assured the physical will be a thorough one."

"When those pitchers land some where, or teams give up trying, interested parties are expected to get back to the Brewers' available arms, such as Chris Capuano, Dave Bush and Claudio Vargas."

"Just because Salomon Torres was traded to Milwaukee does not mean he has to go. Torres, dealt by the Pirates yesterday for relief prospects Marino Salas and Kevin Roberts, said afterward he is considering retirement as much as he is considering reporting to the Brewers, even though he is guaranteed $3.2 million next year."

"Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said Friday evening that he hoped newly acquired reliever Salomon Torres was not serious when he told a Pittsburgh newspaper that he might retire instead of reporting to the Brewers."

"Among the possibilities at third base, the Brewers talked about St. Louis' Scott Rolen, Texas' Hank Blalock and free agent Tadahito Iguchi, a second baseman willing to switch to third. Talks with the Cardinals about Rolen broke off but could be revived because of his deteriorating relationship with manager Tony La Russa... With the Los Angeles Dodgers signing free-agent centerfielder Andruw Jones, the Brewers might try to pry away one of their extra outfielders, Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier."

"After two days in which they swung a trade and watched rumors surface about their interest in Oakland ace Dan Haren, there seemed to be little of substance going on for Arizona. There were rumors of the Diamondbacks "shopping" closer Jose Valverde, a word choice that General Manager Josh Byrnes disputed."

"One realistic possibility talked about in the Opryland hotel was OF Luke Scott, who could be acquired from Houston. Others that came up and are unlikely include free agent Luis Gonzalez, a Tampa native; ex-Ray Josh Hamilton, who is being shopped by the Reds; and Laynce Nix, who was designated for assignment by Milwaukee."

"When it came down to making a decision on trading for St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen, it just didn't feel right to Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin."

"Several obstacles stand in the way of the Milwaukee Brewers acquiring veteran third baseman Scott Rolen in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals."

"Talking up their leverage while trying to accommodate a disenchanted third baseman’s desire to land elsewhere, the Cardinals on Monday intensified efforts to deal away Scott Rolen, possibly to a rival poised to displace them as the NL Central’s dominant franchise. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has met twice with the Milwaukee Brewers since arriving Sunday night at baseball’s winter meetings and plans to extend discussions today."

"Among the free agents, the most likely candidates appear to include Geoff Jenkins, Darin Erstad and Brad Wilkerson. ESPN.com reported the Rays met with Jenkins' agent Monday and there has been considerable buzz around the other two names. As for trade possibilities, the Astros' Luke Scott reportedly is likely to be moved and might be a good fit."

" The Giants need a third baseman because it appears Pedro Feliz will get a multiyear contract elsewhere. Feliz's agents also represent Scott Rolen and were pushing for the St. Louis Cardinals to trade the Gold Glove third baseman - probably to Milwaukee or Texas - and then sign Feliz. The Philadelphia Phillies also consider Feliz an option."

"Seattle plans to take a run at Orioles starter Erik Bedard, and also is scheduled to meet with 11 teams today as it seeks to upgrade two starting-rotation spots. The Mariners did speak to the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday about starter Ben Sheets, but the Santana talks appear to have stalled any movement on the pitching front as teams and agents wait for the fallout."

"One trade rumor that won't die has the Brewers interested in acquiring St. Louis third baseman Scott Rolen. Should the Brewers acquire Rolen, they would move National League rookie of the year Ryan Braun from third base to left, filling that vacancy."

"Reportedly, the Brewers are shopping left-hander Chris Capuano to the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal that would bring third baseman Scott Rolen and his $36 million salary over the next three years to Milwaukee."

"Given that Rolen is rehabilitating from his third shoulder surgery in two years, potential buyers, such as the Milwaukee Brewers, are insistent that the Cardinals assume a portion of the $36 million owed Rolen the next three seasons. The Brewers' desire to move defensively challenged third baseman Ryan Braun to left field squares with Rolen's availability and the Cardinals' interest in starting pitcher Chris Capuano."

"The market for closers went up significantly when former Milwaukee Brewer Francisco Cordero signed a four-year, $46million deal with Cincinnati. That leaves the Brewers as one of several teams that might be willing to pay a price for an established closer, such as Washington's Cordero (no relation), given that the free agent options are slim."

"Add a left-handed bat, probably a rightfielder/DH type, and a bonus if he could play first (kind of like Greg Norton used to, but better). Darin Erstad looks like a perfect fit, but Rays are also considering free agents Geoff Jenkins, Brad Wilkerson, Cliff Floyd, Tony Clark, Mike Lamb, Mark Sweeney, Corey Koskie and, yes, Norton. Plus there are trade options."

"The Milwaukee Brewers will have to wait until Monday to complete their three-year deal with free-agent reliever David Riske."

"Making a move to compensate for the free-agent losses of closer Francisco Cordero and set-up man Scott Linebrink, the Milwaukee Brewers closed in Thursday on a three-year deal with reliever David Riske, a free agent coming off a strong year with Kansas City."

"It will be surprising if the Twins, after losing center fielder Torii Hunter to the Los Angeles Angels, don't trade closer Joe Nathan, perhaps to the Milwaukee Brewers, in the coming weeks. The Twins also are expected to trade two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana before long, as well as lose starting pitcher Carlos Silva to free agency. "

"After losing closer Francisco Cordero and set-up man Scott Linebrink to free agency, Melvin is looking for reinforcements for late-inning duty. The three top names remaining on the free-agent market with closing on their resumés are Eric Gagne, Troy Percival and Octavio Dotel."

"That won't stop Melvin from exploring the trade market, perhaps inquiring into the availability of the likes of Minnesota's Joe Nathan or Washington's Chad Cordero. Otherwise, he has found closers before, including Dan Kolb and Turnbow, and thinks he can do so again."

"Melvin indicated it is unlikely the Brewers will be able to land another closer on the free agent market, which is thin in quality closers. The most prominent names available all have a history of injuries — Octavio Dotel, Eric Gagne, Eddie Guardado and Troy Percival."

"The Reds appear poised to make the biggest free-agent signing in their history. The team and closer Francisco Cordero have agreed to a four-year, $46 million deal. The Reds wouldn't confirm that but for the first time admitted they are pursuing Cordero, the top closer on the free-agent market."

"Both FoxSports.com and ESPN.com reported Friday that the Reds had agreed to a four-year, $46 million deal with former Brewers closer Francisco Cordero, however, Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky denied the reports when reached."

"Milwaukee Brewers free-agent closer Francisco Cordero is coming to the Cincinnati Reds. While the Reds are not confirming it, pending a physical examination, sources in Milwaukee told the Dayton Daily News that the 32-year-old Dominican right-hander agreed to a four-year, $46 million deal with a club option for a fifth year that would take the salary to $57 million."

"Radio station ESPN 1000 in Chicago reported late Wednesday night that the White Sox had agreed with Linebrink on a free-agent deal for four years and $19 million. That report said the deal was contingent on Linebrink passing a physical examination next week."

"While stunned over Torii Hunter's sudden signing with the Angels, the White Sox plotted a different strategy Thursday, moving to improve their battered bullpen by making an offer to free agent Scott Linebrink."

"General manager Doug Melvin continued negotiations Monday with Arn Tellem, agent for catcher Jason Kendall, in hopes of striking a deal before Thanksgiving."

"On the catching front, the Mets would like to trade for either Baltimore's Ramon Hernandez or Texas' Gerald Laird... The Mets have some interest in free-agent starting pitchers Livan Hernandez, Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva but view that trio as innings-eaters more than staff leaders. So they will be in the mix for the likes of Minnesota's Johan Santana, Baltimore's Erik Bedard, Oakland's Joe Blanton and Dan Haren and Milwaukee's Ben Sheets should those clubs make those pitchers available."

"While the Yankees wait on closer Mariano Rivera to formally accept their offer, they have taken steps toward addressing the rest of their bullpen, working toward bringing Luis Vizcaino back while identifying Francisco Cordero as their backup plan if talks with Rivera collapse."

"Melvin said he had talked to the agent for free-agent catcher Jason Kendall, who split the 2007 season between the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs... Melvin said he was not pursuing free-agent catcher Paul LoDuca, who played for the New York Mets last season and probably is seeking more money than the Brewers want to spend. Melvin said he was not interested in Michael Barrett 'as a Class A free agent.'"

"Presumably, Braun would do less defensive damage in an outfield corner if he doesn't report to Maryvale in three months with a better grip on the infield corner. But that's a spring-training decision for Yost to make. In the meantime, it gives Melvin more options in the free-agent market. He could, for example, sign a third baseman. That doesn't mean the Brewers will go after Miguel Cabrera. They won't be able to afford the Marlins' slugging third baseman, especially if they re-sign closer Coco Cordero."

"Let the bidding begin. The White Sox are looking for a new center fielder, and free agent Torii Hunter can be signed as early as today. A source with the White Sox confirmed that Hunter met with general manager Kenny Williams on Sunday night."

"Baseball's free-agent supermarket opens for business today, and Astros general manager Ed Wade apparently will be making offers to closer Francisco Cordero, second baseman Luis Castillo, pitcher Randy Wolf and several others."

"Rowand, who batted .309 and posted 89 RBI on his way to his first All-Star Game appearance and Gold Glove award, reportedly is seeking a deal worth $14 million a year. The Washington Nationals, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers are said to be interested... Some lefthanded outfielders the Phillies could be interested in are Geoff Jenkins (Brewers), Shawn Green (Mets), Trot Nixon (Indians) and Brad Wilkerson (Rangers)."

"The Mets have talented young outfielders and need to deal one to beef up the pitching. There is an American League pitcher out there who actually topped Santana in a number of categories and could be had for the right price. That pitcher is Dan Haren... Other names have been mentioned as possibly being available, including Milwaukee's Ben Sheets, who has had his share of injury problems and San Diego's Jake Peavy, who will win the NL Cy Young award. It's hard to imagine the Padres trading Peavy to the Mets."

"When free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins signs with another team this winter, the Milwaukee Brewers will get no draft-pick compensation in return... San Diego and Detroit are reported to be among the interested clubs."