St. Louis Cardinals Trade Rumors

Source: Roy Oswalt undecided
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"After indicating late Friday night that pitcher Roy Oswalt was signing with the St. Louis Cardinals "soon," the same major league source acknowledged Wednesday that Oswalt had not yet made a decision and that the Red Sox still "had a great chance" of signing him. In the interim, Oswalt also paid a visit to the Texas Rangers, so it appears that it remains a three-team contest among the Cardinals, Rangers and Red Sox. A Red Sox source confirmed Wednesday that the team had not abandoned hopes of signing Oswalt, indicating that the 34-year-old right-hander may have a better chance at a regular turn starting with the Sox than with the other two clubs, both of whom appear to have filled their"
Stalemate continues with Oswalt
February 1
Foxsports.com
 
"The St. Louis Cardinals clearly were not close to signing free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt Friday night, as multiple reports suggested. If a deal at that point actually had been within reach, it would have been done by now. So, what the heck is going on with Roy O? Probably the same thing that has been going on since the beginning – Oswalt wants to pitch either for the Texas Rangers or St. Louis Cardinals, yet is not an easy fit for either team. Talks are fluid and can accelerate quickly, but Oswalt's agent, Bob Garber, appears to be in a bind. If Oswalt does not want to play for the Boston Red Sox or any other interested club, all the agent can do is wait. And the Rangers and Cardinals"
Report: Orioles in trade talks with Cardinals involving RHP Kyle McClellan
January 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles are reportedly involved in trade talks with the St. Louis involving Cardinals right-handed pitcher Kyle McClellan. According to a report from Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals are shopping McClellan in order to alleviate payroll costs so that St. Louis can sign free-agent veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt. McClellan will make $2.5 million this season in his second season of arbitration eligibility. Strauss reports that the Cardinals have reached out to several teams, but the Orioles "have emerged as one of the more promising trade partners for McClellan.""
Cards closing in on Roy Oswalt?
January 29
ESPN.com
 
"Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals "soon," a major league source said late Friday night. Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt, who has a history of back problems. "It's not yet 100 percent," the source said. On Saturday, Cardinals GM John Mozeliak wrote in an email to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, "These are just rumors, and nothing more." Oswalt, one of the last big-name free agents still on the market, had been ardently pursued by the Boston Red Sox, among others. Another team reportedly in the mix for Oswalt was the Texas Rangers, while CBSSports.com reported late Friday"
Cards deny that Oswalt deal is in the works
January 29
MLB.com
 
"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak denied on Saturday that a deal is in the works with Roy Oswalt, as reports swirled that the club is close to a contract with the veteran free-agent right-hander. Multiple reports have suggested that the club is at least seriously in the running for a pitcher who has been a longtime rival. MLB Network Radio reported Friday night that a deal was very close, and ESPNBoston.com reported that night that Oswalt has "elected to stay in the National League" and that he is "likely" to sign with the Cardinals "soon." Still, as of midday Saturday, no deal was completed. Reached by email, Mozeliak wrote that reports were "not true," but did not elaborate."
Cardinals in running for Oswalt
January 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals' search for pitching depth has returned them to free agent righthander Roy Oswalt despite the club's persistent denials that it is actively pursuing its longtime nemesis. The Cardinals are among a handful of teams that have extended a short-term bid to the former Houston Astros ace, who in recent years repeatedly has expressed a desire to play in St. Louis. Oswalt, 34, is believed close to a decision. The Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Astros are also reported to be pursuing the three-time All-Star, who carries a career 153-93 record and 3.21 ERA. Oswalt has been plagued by back problems that have limited him to 43 starts the past two seasons but remained effective enough"
Cards closing in on Roy Oswalt?
January 28
ESPN.com
 
"Free-agent pitcher Roy Oswalt has elected to remain in the National League and is likely to sign with theSt. Louis Cardinals "soon," a major league source said late Friday night. Presumably, any agreement would be pending a physical for Oswalt, who has a history of back problems. "It's not yet 100 percent," the source said. Oswalt, one of the last of the big-name free agents still on the market, had been ardently pursued by the Boston Red Sox, among others. Another team reportedly in the mix for Oswalt was the Texas Rangers, while CBSSports.com reported late Friday night that Oswalt had rejected an offer from the Detroit Tigers."
Report: Free agent Roy Oswalt wants to pitch for either Rangers or Cardinals
January 26
Dallas Morning News
 
"Just a day after the Rangers officially missed out on Prince Fielder, the club found its name linked to another high-profile free agent. Three-time All-Star Roy Oswalt wants to play for either the Rangers or the St. Louis Cardinals next year, according to a report for Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "The Rangers, in the view of some executives, are the favorites to land Oswalt, even though they already have six starting pitchers, including right-hander Alexi Ogando, who could move to the bullpen," Rosenthal wrote."
DeWitt: Cardinals wanted Pujols
January 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. insisted Sunday that his inability to retain free agent first baseman Albert Pujols had nothing to do with a lack of organizational commitment but much to do with recognizing fiscal limitations. A day after a downtown Hyatt ballroom crowd applauded general manager John Mozeliak for suggesting the process worked to the benefit of both sides, DeWitt underscored his desire to bring back Pujols, who last month agreed to a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. "This is a very knowledgeable baseball market. I think they realize you can only do so much for a given player and compete year in and year out," DeWitt said during an afternoon"
Yanks may make pitch for Jackson
January 12
New York Post
 
"The Yankees may open their wallet again this offseason, after all. A source confirmed that team owner Hal Steinbrenner met with Scott Boras, the agent for Edwin Jackson, about potentially working out a deal for the right-hander. If that sounds familiar, the two also talked last year around this time and the result was the acquisition of Rafael Soriano, who had an ugly first season in The Bronx. Both Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman have said they would like to upgrade the starting rotation, which still has considerable question marks after CC Sabathia, whom the Yankees signed to an extension after the season."
Rays, Red Sox, Cardinals may be fallbacks for Ryan Madson
January 8
Boston Globe
 
"Ryan Madson, RP, free agent - Doubtful that any team will give him the four years and $44 million he originally wanted from the Phillies, but he becomes a pretty good bargain if he is still looking for something later this month or into February. The Angels say they're not interested, but I just don't see how they can entrust their superb rotation to Jordan Walden, who blew 10 saves last season. When and if the price goes down, a lot of teams - including the Red Sox, Rays, and Cardinals - will be interested."
Cardinals sign All-Star Beltran
December 23
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"All-Star outfielder Carlos Beltran finalized a two-year deal with the Cardinals on Thursday evening, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed to the Post-Dispatch. The switch-hitting outfielder brings some desired depth to the Cardinals outfield while also restoring some sock to the middle of the lineup that will be without three-time MVP Albert Pujols. The total deal, which does not include an option, is worth $26 million. The contract includes a no-trade clause."
Cardinals' talks with Beltran intensify
December 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals intensified their talks with the agent for switch-hitting outfielder Carlos Beltran late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning. Beltran has been a target of the team since Albert Pujols signed with the Los Angeles Angels. The Cleveland Indians joined the handful of teams that are making bids for the free agent and former All-Star, according to two reports late Wednesday night and later confirmed by the Post-Dispatch."
Beltran expected to chose team soon
December 21
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals remain in the mix for one of the top free agents still on the market even as they explore alternate ways to address an opening in the outfield. All-Star Carlos Beltran is expected to select his next team this week, a source familiar with his plans said. The Cardinals have been one of the teams pursuing the switch-hitting outfielder, who has varied offers from five different teams, a source described. While Beltran deliberates, the Cardinals have explored other options — including free agent outfielder Coco Crisp — that could add a new dimension to their lineup or increased depth to the bench. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, who does not comment on individual free"
Cardinals, Coco Crisp Discussing Deal
December 19
MLB Trade Rumors
 
"The Cardinals are discussing a deal with free agent outfielder Coco Crisp, according to Yahoo's Steve Henson. If the sides complete the deal, Crisp would play center field and bat atop the Cardinals' order with Jon Jay moving over to right field. The switch-hitting Crisp led the American League with 49 stolen bases in 2011, hitting .264/.314/.379 with 27 doubles as Oakland's center fielder. The California native seems to prefer West Coast teams, but explained in September that he's also looking to play on a winner and find a good "financial situation" for himself."
Sources: Cards still interested in Beltran
December 18
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cardinals did extensive background work on free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran last week and maintain strong interest in him, according to major league sources. Other teams remain in the mix, however, and Beltran is weighing a variety of two- and even three-year options, sources say. A three-year deal might seem like a stretch for Beltran, who is 34 and had injury-marred seasons in 2009 and '10 before appearing in 142 games for the Mets and Giants in '11."
Cardinals sign lefty Romero
December 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals on Thursday formally announced the signing of lefthanded reliever J.C. Romero to a one-year contract. Terms were not announced. The move could complete a bullpen that already offers lefthander Marc Rzepczynski and an abundance of righthanders, including Jason Motte, Lance Lynn, Kyle McClellan, Fernando Salas, Mitchell Boggs and Eduardo Sanchez. Romero, 35, worked 36 games last season for the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He compiled a combined 1-0 record and 4.32 ERA in 24 2/3 innings. He profiles as a lefthanded specialist as lefthanded bats reached him for a relatively modest .231 average and no extra-base hits in 46 plate appearances while righthanded hitters"
Rockies, Cards, Jays among those in on Beltran
December 14
CBSSports.com
 
"The market for Carlos Beltran is heating up, with at least five clubs and possibly more seriously talking with the free agent outfielder. Among them, according to sources: The Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals and, as CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman reported earlier Tuesday, the Colorado Rockies. At least two other unidentified clubs are said to be engaged in talks with Beltran, with most of the clubs talking multi-year deals. The Blue Jays' emergence as one of the clubs is noteworthy in that Toronto is in rebuilding mode and general manager Alex Anthopoulos has made several moves this offseason already, notably acquiring outfielder Ben Francisco from the Phillies, closer Sergio Santos"
Cards close to completing two-year deal with Schumaker
December 13
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"With the deadline approaching to offer him a contract for 2012, the St. Louis Cardinals and utility fielder Skip Schumaker are close to completing a two-year deal, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. The deal would give Schumaker security for two years in exchange for one year of his free agency. Schumaker, the Cardinals' regular second baseman who started World Series Game 7 in center field, will return to the only team he's known instead of facing arbitration or being set loose into free agency."
Cards agree to terms with shortstop Furcal
December 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"On the day first baseman Albert Pujols makes his departure from the Cardinals official, the team he left behind has already moved on to address other needs. The Cardinals will finalize a two-year, $14-million deal with shortstop Rafael Furcal early next week. The deal has been agreed upon pending a physical, the shortstop's agent Paul Kinze confirmed to The Post-Dispatch on Saturday afternoon."
Pujols departure gives Cards flexibility to seek help
December 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"On his morning flight home from the winter meetings on Thursday, Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak surveyed the new landscape of his team and saw an opportunity where most will only see a vacancy. Life without Albert Pujols is not up in the air. It is, however, a chance to chart a new direction. "It really is," Mozeliak said hours after the three-time MVP had informed the Cardinals he would be accepting a 10-year, $254 million deal from the Los Angeles Angels. "I was like, 'Wow, it does create some flexibility for the organization.' We knew that was a possibility, and that's what we'll try to do." In the wake of Pujols' departure, the Cardinals have immediate needs but also"
Pujols agrees to terms with Angels on landmark deal
December 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Albert Pujols(notes), the heart and hammer of the St. Louis Cardinals for more than a decade, will leave St. Louis and sign with the Los Angeles Angels, sources said Thursday morning. Latecomers to the Pujols derby, the Angels will pay Pujols $250 million to $260 million over 10 years, a devastating turn for the Cardinals and a departure from past organizational philosophies for Arte Moreno's Angels. After a month-long search for wealth and happiness, most notably in Miami, Pujols will not return to the only organization he's known."
Miami Marlins out of running for Albert Pujols, turn attention to Prince Fielder
December 7
New York Daily News
 
"Albert Pujols appears headed back to the St. Louis Cardinals, prompting the Miami Marlins to switch their attention for a bigtime slugging first baseman to Prince Fielder, the Daily News has learned. Sources told the News Wednesday that Pujols and the Cardinals are believed to be "a few million dollars apart" on a 10-year contract, and that the Marlins, after pursuing the 31-year-old three-time NL Most Valuable Player vigorously the past two days, have concluded his preference is to stay in St. Louis. They have now begun pressing heavily to sign Fielder, who hit .299 with 38 homers and 120 RBI for the Milwaukee Brewers last season."
Craig has surgery, unlikely for opener
December 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals outfielder Allen Craig had surgery on his right knee a week before Thanksgiving and the club is braced for the possibility that he won't be available for opening day, an official confirmed. Craig, who caught the final out of the World Series, had a couple screws placed in his right kneecap to repair the damage done in the middle of last season when he crashed into a rigid fence at Houston's Minute Maid Park. Craig returned from the injury to finish out the season as a key part of the Cardinals' rally. Craig hit .327 with five homers and 12 RBIs in September, and he added four homers in the postseason. Craig had two key pinch-hit appearances in the World Series before taking over"
Cardinals boost offer to Pujols
December 7
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals rejoined the fray for free agent first baseman Albert Pujols on Tuesday by offering the three-time National League MVP a deal believed to potentially approach $220 million for up to 10 years. Now they wait to see if it's enough. A flurry of activity among the Cardinals, the Miami Marlins and a third team that emerged from what one source familiar with the process described as "the tall weeds" apparently leaves Pujols with his choice of proposals that would carry through his 41st birthday. Though the Cardinals declined to place a deadline on their offer, the Marlins are believed to be pushing for a resolution before the meetings adjourn Thursday. Cardinals general manager John"
Pujols sleeps on Cardinals', Marlins' offers; decision could come Wednesday
December 7
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"'Twas a cold night in Dallas, when up to their suite/ The Marlins retired having not heard a peep. An offer was made to the agent presiding/ In the hopes King Albert soon would be signing. Marlins fans will have to wait a little longer to see if they'll be getting the ultimate Christmas present. The club was hopeful of learning one way or the other whether Albert Pujols would accept their new 10-year, $200 million-plus offer. By midnight, the Marlins had a good sense Pujols would not be making his decision until after daybreak."
Marlins make monster offer to Pujols
December 6
Foxsports.com
 
"After landing shortstop Jose Reyes, the Miami Marlins moved toward an even bigger free-agent splash by offering a 10-year contract to slugger Albert Pujols. The offer to Pujols is valued at over $200 million, a source confirmed. The money apparently is acceptable to Pujols, as a source said the two sides are trying to work through no-trade issues. Late Tuesday Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, team president David Samson and GM Michael Hill met with Dan Halem of the commissioner's office and were later joined by the team's president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest. They could have been discussing any number of contractual issues; they may have been checking to make sure a possible Pujols"
Albert Pujols mulls 3 offers: Cardinals, Marlins, and 1 more
December 6
USA Today
 
"Marquee free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols, fueling the most lucrative bidding war in baseball history, obtained three 10-year contract proposals Tuesday that would pay him in excess of $200 million, an official close to the negotiations told USA TODAY. The official requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations. Pujols, who could announce his decision as early as Wednesday, has offers from the St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins and a third team that has publicly declined to be identified. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak confirmed his club increased its offer to Pujols late Tuesday, his first offer in nine months."
Sources: Marlins expect decision
December 6
ESPN.com
 
"Albert Pujols may not be a Miami Marlin by the time he wakes up Wednesday morning. But the team expects a resolution to its bid to sign Pujols, one way or the other, in the next few hours, sources told ESPN.com Tuesday night. The Marlins have pressed Pujols and his agent, Dan Lozano, for an answer on their latest 10-year offer, sources said. Meanwhile, Lozano was continuing to talk with the Cardinals, who have an offer of their own on the table. Baseball sources told ESPN the Magazine's Buster Olney earlier Tuesday the Marlins made a 10-year offer to Pujols, though it is unclear what the monetary figure of the offer is. Another key question is whether the Marlins would agree to include a"
Cardinals present formal offer to Pujols
December 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The St. Louis Cardinals presented three-time MVP Albert Pujols a contract offer this afternoon at the winter meetings, and when asked whose court the ball is now in general manager John Mozeliak replied succinctly: "Theirs." The details of the Cardinals offer are not yet known, and Mozeliak declined to disclose any specific. He did acknowledge that the Cardinals position had changed in regards to negotiating with Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano. Mozeliak also said it represented a new offer and not one that had its origins in the nine-year, $198-million deal offered Pujols in January. Mozeliak said that he imagines the resolution will come "sooner rather than later.""
Report: Miami Marlins offer Albert Pujols 10-year deal
December 6
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Albert Pujols is one of those guys that's tough to envision in a uniform other than the one he's worn his whole career. Apparently, the Miami Marlins clearly can see him in colors other than the St Louis Cardinals red and white. According to ESPN, the Marlins have increased their offer to Pujols to 10 years. This after introducing Heath Bell at the Winter Meetings Monday subsequent his three-year, $27 million deal and agreeing with Jose Reyes on a six-year, $106 million contract. Loria after Monday's Bell conference was asked if the Marlins were seriously considering other big-name players. His response: "I'm a serious guy.""
Aggressive Marlins meet with Pujols' agent
December 6
MLB.com
 
"Heath Bell was introduced as the newest Marlin on Monday. The organization is expected to officially sign Jose Reyes on Wednesday. Could Albert Pujols be far behind? Clearly, the Marlins are not done shopping. And all options are being considered at the Winter Meetings. On Monday, they expressed interest in the top player in the game. A couple hours before the Marlins announced Bell as their new closer, team officials met with Dan Lozano, Pujols' agent. They met with Lozano again later on Monday and were expected to follow up on Tuesday. The Marlins aren't commenting on the details from the discussions, but their interest in the longtime Cardinals slugger remains strong. A few weeks ago,"
DeWitt: "Making every effort" to re-sign Pujols
December 6
CBSSports.com
 
"With the agent for Albert Pujols in town and expected to meet with both the Cardinals and Marlins today, St. Louis owner Bill DeWitt says he remains "hopeful" of re-signing Pujols and expects the situation will become far more clear by the time these meetings end Thursday. "We're making every effort," to sign the slugger, DeWitt said Monday morning. "Obviously, we're having continuing discussions. We have a good dialog going. "We're hopeful." DeWitt said the Cardinals have not set a deadline and indicated that they wouldn't. However, he also acknowledged the need to build their 2012 roster and move forward without waiting so long it hampers them. "Obviously, the sooner the better for us,""
Pujols talks gaining momentum
December 6
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Talks for free agent first baseman Albert Pujols may finally have found their missing element: momentum. The Cardinals and Miami Marlins further defined themselves Monday as the leading contenders to secure the three-time National League most valuable player during alternating talks with Pujols' representation at the headquarters hotel for Major League Baseball's winter meetings. Having recently spoken directly to Pujols, Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and general manager John Mozeliak met for roughly an hour earlier in the day with agent Dan Lozano before scheduling a late-night session that was expected to produce a modified proposal. That meeting, however, was postponed until this"
Sources: Marlins targeting Albert Pujols
December 5
ESPN.com
 
"Now that they've checked Jose Reyes off their to-do list, the Miami Marlins have an even bigger name on their radar screen -- Albert Pujols. Sources told ESPN.com on Sunday night that the Marlins still plan to make an aggressive run at Pujols, even after committing $106 million to Reyes over the next six years, and plan to meet with Pujols' agent, Dan Lozano, Monday or Tuesday at the winter meetings. Throughout much of this offseason, Marlins officials have downplayed the possibility that they could afford both Reyes and Pujols. However, one source who spoke with the Marlins' brass said Sunday that Reyes' contract was structured in a way that would enable them to sign one more prominent"
Market for Pujols is a question
December 5
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Albert Pujols possesses more than 400 home runs in 11 seasons, three NL Most Valuable Player awards, two Gold Gloves and widespread recognition as the game's best player. Unclear is whether the superstar free-agent first baseman and longtime face of the Cardinals enjoys a healthy market. As Major League Baseball's winter meetings convene today at the Hilton Anatole, the Cardinals appear to face uncertain competition for a signature player who last February rejected a nine-year contract extension worth about $22 million per year. The defending World Series champions have yet to modify last January's proposal, which came as Pujols entered the final installment of an eight-year, $111"
All eyes on Pujols, Fielder, Reyes at winter meetings
December 3
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The first of several times Major League Baseball held its winter meetings at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas came in December 1980. Whitey Herzog was attending this conclave as Cardinals general manager/manager. Bustling through the doors to the lobby on the Sunday evening before the start of the meetings, Herzog spied a St. Louis reporter who just had arrived and blurted, "Where the hell ya been? I've got trades to make." And, before the dawn, Herzog and San Diego counterpart Jack McKeon had completed an 11-player swap. Before the week was over, Herzog had enacted deals that caused 23 players to change uniforms. That was how the winter meetings worked in those days. All the talk was about"
Astros interview Cardinals' Luhnow, Rockies' Geivett for GM job
December 3
Houston Chronicle
 
"The Astros are two candidates into their search for a new general manager with their emphasis on building from the ground floor at the forefront. St. Louis Cardinals vice president of player procurement Jeff Luhnow and Colorado Rockies assistant GM Bill Geivett interviewed for the job, according to a person with knowledge of that process. Luhnow's position is an amateur scouting role and his previous experience with the club has included a reign over the farm system. Geivett's job description includes oversight of scouting and player development. The Astros have made no public comments, but that type of candidate fits with their stated mission in launching their search to replace fired"
Source: Cubs call Albert Pujols' reps
November 29
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago Cubs have reached out to the agent for Albert Pujols to express their interest in the three-time Most Valuable Player, a baseball source told ESPN.com on Tuesday. Although discussions between team officials and agent Dan Lozano are in the early stages, the Cubs appear poised to join the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins in an active pursuit of Pujols, a nine-time All-Star who hit the free-agent market in October. The Cubs' overtures to Pujols come amid speculation that they also have interest in former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder. The speculation was ratcheted up a notch last week when the team hired former Brewers coach Dale Sveum as its new manager."
Cubs have 'serious interest' in Pujols
November 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"After playing coy about their plans to pursue the biggest bats available in this year's free agent market, Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs' new leadership group do plan to pursue Albert Pujols. A baseball source told the Post-Dispatch today that the Cubs have "serious interest" in Pujols. The Cubs contacted Pujols' agent on Friday to express interest, according to a source with knowledge of the conversation. They are the third team to enter the Pujols' sweepstakes. The Cardinals and the Miami Marlins have already submitted offers to the three-time MVP. Both offers have been for nine years, sources have confirmed to the Post-Dispatch. The Cardinals' offer, made in January when the two"
Cardinals, Reds and Tigers interested in Dotel
November 29
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent reliever Octavio Dotel has garnered interest from a number of teams, and the Cardinals, Reds and Tigers are among those that have inquired about him, according to a major-league source. Dotel, who turned 38 last week, was a valuable member of the Cardinals' bullpen during the second half and World Series run, compiling a 2.61 ERA in 12 postseason appearances."
Sources: Cubs pursuing Pujols, Fielder
November 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Cubs are pursuing both Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, and not simply because the free-agent first basemen are difference-makers. No, the Cubs also are acknowledging two emerging realities – a dwindling number of sluggers available in future free-agent markets, and the restrictions on spending in the amateur draft under baseball's new collective-bargaining agreement. New Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer have made it clear that they intend to rebuild the team. However, the Cubs are indeed showing interest in both Pujols and Fielder, major league sources say."
Market slow for Pujols and Fielder — for now
November 27
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"Executives and agents arrive in Dallas for the winter meetings in a week, which means Hot Stove rumors of all kinds will abound. Among them should include some expanding of the known markets for Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, which have been slow to build. … The Pujols negotiations will be held against the backdrop of a highly negative profile of his agent, Dan Lozano, on Deadspin.com. Lozano disputes the facts put forth in the piece — including an allegation that he would mislead clients about their team's offers, sometimes taking the original offer while telling clients that he had negotiated significant raises — and Pujols is standing by Lozano. … Can Yonder Alonso become a solid"
Pujols sticking with Lozano as his agent
November 25
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Free agent first baseman Albert Pujols told The Post-Dispatch late Wednesday night that Dan Lozano will remain his agent and that he will not change representation in response to an online report that used unnamed sources to allege his agent was involved in sordid activities. "I am absolutely staying with Danny as my agent," Pujols said when reached in Hawaii while on a family vacation. "And he will continue to negotiate my free agent contract. I am embarrassed for the people who are behind this. I want to make sure that people hear that." Late Tuesday, Deadspin.com published an article that was based on information mailed to the site in a "plain manila envelope." The Web site asserted the"
Cardinals offer arbitration to Pujols, Jackson
November 24
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals elected to offer arbitration to first baseman Albert Pujols and starting pitcher Edwin Jackson before tonight's deadline. The offers of arbitration assure that the Cardinals will receive draft picks as compensation if either player signs with another team. Players can accept arbitration and that binds them to the 2012 roster with a salary to be determined through an arbitration hearing. It is unlikely that Pujols or Jackson will accept the arbitration offer because both are expected to land multi-year deals through free agency."
Pujols talks are on again
November 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and general manager John Mozeliak leave the Pfister Hotel today having re-established dialogue with the representative for free agent first baseman Albert Pujols. Whether the process was advanced is open to interpretation. DeWitt and Mozeliak met for more than an hour late Tuesday night with Pujols' longtime agent, Dan Lozano, but will apparently wait before modifying the club's 10-month-old offer that was rejected before spring training. Both parties confirmed the meeting but abstained from providing additional details. "The contents of any meeting or plans for any future meetings are considered confidential. But as far as acknowledging there being a"
Pujols continues shopping after Marlins' offer
November 17
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The contract offer made to Albert Pujols(notes) by the Miami Marlins seems to be about where the St. Louis Cardinals have lingered since spring training, or much closer to Joe Mauer's(notes) numbers than Alex Rodriguez's.(notes) On Tuesday, Yahoo! Sports reported that the offer from the suddenly – and suspiciously – flush Marlins was for nine years. We couldn't secure the dollar amount, but guessed – given the Marlins' need to at least get Pujols' attention – that it could have been in the $225 million range. On Wednesday, the Palm Beach Post reported the offer was for less than $200 million, so the average annual value – at most – would be $22 million."
Cardinals, Pujols' agent talking at GM meetings
November 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. and general manager John Mozeliak met with the agent for free agent first baseman Albert Pujols late Tuesday night, according to sources familiar with the process. At this point,the Cardinals have not have modified last January's nine-year, offer of $198 million-$205 million. The meeting between the Cardinals and agent Dan Lozano was the first of any substance between the two sides since Pujols ordered a halt to talks upon arriving at spring training last February. Tuesday's meeting occurred less than a week after Pujols and Lozano met with Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria."
Marlins offers to Pujols, Reyes not as high as reported
November 16
Miami Herald
 
"Anytime agents are involved, salary figures have a tendency to get inflated, and such appears to be a case with a couple of reported offers involving the Marlins. I am hearing now that the six-year,$90 million deal the Marlins reportedly offered to shortstop Jose Reyes is slightly inflated and that the nine-year, $225 million deal the team supposedly offered to Albert Pujols is greatly inflated. Don't know the exact figures yet, but I do know that the offer to Pujols was for less than $200 million -- which means it could be anywhere from zero to $199 million. Stay tuned."