Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 3

Arizona Republic

"Maybe we all should have seen it coming. The "Baby Backs" that Valley baseball fans so adored just a couple of seasons ago have reached their awkward years. And a season that began with so much youthful promise has broken out everywhere in blemishes. The team's ace, Brandon Webb, has a balky shoulder. Conor Jackson, among the club's better hitters, came down with valley fever. There's an ineffective bullpen, a change in managers, a lousy record at home and, predictably, disgruntled fans who are booing the home team. And it's not even the All-Star break. So where do the Diamondbacks go from here, besides deeper into the abyss? The non-waiver trading deadline is July 31, and reality has ..."

D-Backs nearing deal on spring home

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July 3

Arizona Republic

"Negotiations with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community over a new spring training home for the Diamondbacks have ratcheted up in the past week and the sides appear to be inching toward an agreement. Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said the sides are nearing the final stages of negotiations, adding that the team remains in contact with one of the other two finalists in case the deal with Salt River doesn't materialize. The facility, which the Diamondbacks would share with the Colorado Rockies, would be paid for by the tribe and built near Loop 101 and Indian Bend Road. The Diamondbacks formally notified Tucson last month that 2010 would be their final Cactus League season in Tucson, ..."

Working the sell phones

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July 1

MLB.com

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"Indians GM Mark Shapiro has seen this movie before and might be directing it again. The struggling Tribe already shipped out useful vet DeRosa and rumors abound that Shapiro might say goodbye to pitchers Carl Pavano and Kerry Wood and possibly even slugging catcher Victor Martinez if the price is right. The Orioles could dangle Aubrey Huff, Ty Wigginton or Luke Scott, the Pirates and Nationals already have shown a willingness to part with a good portion of their players, the Royals could make available a host of position players and pitchers, the Padres might offer a little hitting (Scott Hairston) while the D-backs could deal pitching (Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Chad Qualls) to the right ..."

Type B fever?

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June 30

Foxsports.com

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"In a reversal of conventional wisdom, the Diamondbacks believe that left-hander Doug Davis and their other potential free agents might have enhanced trade values because they project to be Type B players rather than Type As. A Type A player can bring a club two high draft picks if he is offered arbitration and departs as a free agent. The risk, of course, is that the player will accept the offer and command an inflated salary through the process. The Diamondbacks declined to take such a chance with free-agent outfielder Adam Dunn last offseason — and received no compensation when he signed with the Nationals. Type B free agents, on the other hand, feature no such deterrent; teams that sign ..."

Brewers, D-Backs discussing trade

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June 29

Arizona Republic

"The Diamondbacks and Brewers have engaged in trade discussions, according to reports out of Milwaukee on Sunday. Brewers Assistant General Manager Gord Ash wasn't specific on which players the teams have discussed, but Diamondbacks left-hander Doug Davis and Felipe Lopez are two names that would make sense logically. "Because they're one of the few clubs with available pieces, their asking price is way too high," Ash told reporters. "So they don't have to make a deal yet." Short hops A.J. Hinch said he held outfielder Chris Young out of the starting lineup, continuing to handle him cautiously after he injured his groin June 18 in Kansas City. Hinch anticipated having Young in the lineup ..."

Shoulder surgery for Webb looking likely

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June 24

Arizona Republic

"Shoulder surgery appears to be a strong possibility for Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Webb, who on Tuesday underwent his second MRI in the past week and met later in the day with team physician Dr. Michael Lee. "We met and discussed options," General Manager Josh Byrnes said. "Everyone wants to be sure he takes the right course of action." One possibility appears to be surgery to repair his labrum, a procedure that would require a nine-month rehab process. But a decision has not been made as Webb is expected to seek a second opinion this week. Webb flew home to Phoenix from Kansas City on Thursday, where he felt stiffness in his shoulder while playing catch, and on Friday, he ..."

D-backs unsure if Webb will pitch in '09

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June 24

MLB.com

"The D-backs are still trying to determine if starter Brandon Webb's right shoulder will be healthy enough for him to pitch this season. "The priorities have shifted to making sure we know everything about his health, everything about what is causing his pain," D-backs manager A.J. Hinch said. "Up to this point, we've done everything we can to alleviate that. We thought we cleared a hurdle. His health is priority No. 1. [Webb] pitching in 2009 is a distant second until we know about him physically." Webb had an MRI exam on his shoulder Tuesday and was evaluated by team doctor Michael Lee to determine the next course of action. The 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner has been on the ..."

Byrnes reluctantly mulls player moves

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June 23

MLB.com

"A few weeks ago, D-backs general manager Josh Byrnes was hesitant to talk about being a seller at the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. "We've dug ourselves a little bit of a hole to start," Byrnes said at the time. "We've had a lot go wrong with injuries and guys not performing up to normal standards. Given that, I think we certainly want to give it some time, play better and then determine deeper into the season, to the extent that we make any trades, are they geared towards 2009 or are they geared towards the long term?" Last week in Kansas City, Byrnes certainly sounded like someone who had come face to face with reality. "It's the middle of June and we're 10 games under .500, so I ..."

Lopez does not want to leave desert

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June 22

MLB.com

"Felipe Lopez is well aware that with the D-backs' fading playoff hopes, he could find himself on another team before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. That does not mean he is looking to leave. "I want to stay," Lopez said. "I'm happy here. I like the organization, I like how they work." The D-backs entered play Sunday 11 games below the .500 mark and in last place in the NL West. It's certainly not what Lopez thought he was getting into when he inked a one-year deal in December for $3.5 million. "When I signed here I thought we were going to be a winning team and I still think we have a team that can compete," he said. "It's just going rough for us right now. We've got a lot of ..."

Webb could require surgery on shoulder

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June 20

Arizona Republic

"Brandon Webb's troublesome shoulder will require more tests and maybe even surgery, and the possibility exists that the organization's most accomplished homegrown player has thrown his last pitch for the Diamondbacks. General Manager Josh Byrnes said Webb was sent back to Phoenix and was scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Friday to determine whether there is more structurally wrong with his shoulder than Webb and the club initially believed. The original diagnosis was a strained teres major, a muscle outside the shoulder joint, but with Webb continuing to experience stiffness and soreness, more tests are being done to determine whether there are problems with his rotator cuff or labrum. ..."

Yankees' scouts see Pedro Martinez show stuff in the Dominican Republic

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June 20

New York Daily News

"Pedro Martinez threw 65 pitches off a mound in the Dominican Republic Friday, while scouts from several major league clubs - including the Yankees - watched to determine if the 37-year-old free agent warrants a contract offer this season. "There are a lot of teams that have a lot of interest," Martinez's agent, Fern Cuza, told the Daily News. "They came (Friday) to see Pedro's arm action, how easy the ball was coming out of his hand. But Pedro controls the process - he wants the right situation." According to one scout on hand, the Yankees reps seemed "more aggressive" about talking with Martinez after the throwing session, but it's unlikely the Bombers would sign the righthander since ..."

Davis not concerned with trade speculation

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June 18

Arizona Republic

"Left-hander Doug Davis has heard his name thrown around in trade speculation, but he said he isn't thinking much about it. "It's out of my control what happens," he said. "I go out there either way. I'm pitching for this team right now, and I'm trying to help this team win, bottom line." Davis, in the final year of a three-year, $22 million deal, said he would rather not be traded and would prefer to remain in Arizona. He said he is open to an extension, perhaps even a one-year deal if the Diamondbacks were to approach him before the end of the season. "Yeah, I'm definitely open for that," he said. "For sure, if the price is right.""

Schoeneweis returns, Schlereth sent down

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June 10

Arizona Republic

"There was a time, however brief, that Scott Schoeneweis wondered if he should continue his baseball career. His life was in turmoil after the death of his wife May 20, and he had to consider first and foremost his four children. Schoeneweis, 35, who was reinstated from the bereavement list by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, said leaving the game "initially" crossed his mind. "It's just something that I would feel unfinished for me personally," he said. "I think my wife (Gabrielle) would want me to play as well, and my son is (at) the age where he's into it as well, so he understands. He wants daddy to be a baseball player, too. "No matter what day or when, it's not going to be an easy ..."

Scouting efforts intensified for vital draft

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June 7

Arizona Republic

"In preparation for a draft in which they have the most premium picks - seven selections among the top 64 - in franchise history, the Diamondbacks have poured more resources than ever into their preparation. And they turned back the clock to do it. As a way of getting more opinions on players, the Diamondbacks this year implemented a "hybrid" scouting system in which their scouts have been writing reports on players at all levels, from high school talent up to the major leagues, an unusual change given this era of specialization in baseball. "It's what 28 clubs were doing 15 years ago," Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes said. "I think it's always good for any scout in a 12-month ..."

Webb slowly nearing return

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June 2

Arizona Republic

"Slow and steady, right-hander Brandon Webb keeps inching closer to throwing off a mound and, ultimately, to a return to the Diamondbacks rotation. Webb threw a flat-ground session Saturday, firing 30 pitches, and plans to throw another Wednesday. After that, he hopes to throw his first bullpen session during the team's trip to San Diego this weekend. "I feel like I'm progressing, finally," he said. "It took awhile to get there, but I feel like we're moving forward." Webb is out because of a strained teres major muscle in his right shoulder and hasn't pitched since Opening Day. He will need to throw multiple bullpen sessions and almost certainly would need multiple minor-league rehab ..."

Phillies' hitting potent, but rotation needs addressing

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May 30

Chicago Tribune

"As was the case in most of the 1980s, this is proving to be a dynasty-free decade in baseball. There wasn't a lot of talk about the Philadelphia Phillies or Tampa Bay Rays being capable of a run after they went to the World Series in October, and the three-tiered playoff system makes for long odds against any except the most dominant teams. Two months in, though, don't count out the Phillies. They are going to be really dangerous if they ever sort out their starting pitching. Charlie Manuel's defending champs had managed to lead the National League East eight days in a row before slipping a half-game behind the Mets entering the weekend. They did this despite a starting rotation with a ..."

Webb expects to be back before break

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May 29

Arizona Republic

"Rather than growing impatient with the seemingly slow progress of his recovery, Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb says his injury just takes time to recover. "You can't just start going into games right away," he said. "You've got to build your arm up." Webb, out because of a strained teres major muscle in the back of his right shoulder, played catch from 115 feet Tuesday, calling it his best throwing session yet, and said he expects to be back before the All-Star break. "Yeah, I would hope so," he said. Once he stretches back to 150 feet, Webb said he likely will throw a flat-ground session - which is like throwing a bullpen session, only not off a mound - and then move to the bullpen. He ..."

Lopez likely won't start until Friday

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May 28

Arizona Republic

"Second baseman Felipe Lopez was out of the lineup for the fourth consecutive game because of hamstring soreness. Hinch said Lopez remains available to pinch-hit, but that the infielder likely wouldn't start until Friday. "It's probably smarter on our behalf just to make sure all the soreness is out of there before we put him back in there, because once we do, all bets are off," Hinch said."

Webb makes slow, steady progress

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May 22

MLB.com

"Brandon Webb took another small step Thursday toward recovering from a right shoulder injury that has sidelined him since April 7.The D-backs' ace right-hander threw 90 feet on flat ground for 10 minutes before the club's game against the Marlins, then did some running and exercise work. He said he felt fine afterward. "I'm really not letting it go yet," he said. That likely won't come for at least another week and a half to two weeks, when he hopes to begin pitching off a mound.In the meantime, Webb is trying to turn a cliche into a wise lifestyle choice: using patience as a virtue."I rushed it last time, so I don't want to do that again," he said.Webb came into this season having won 40 ..."

D-Backs minor leaguer Murillo suspended

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May 16

Arizona Republic

"Triple-A third baseman Agustin Murillo was suspended 50 games after testing positive for anabolic agent Clenbuterol. Murillo was hitting .317 with 11 doubles, a .388 on-base and a .475 slugging. "We are disappointed in our player after learning of the results of the test," Assistant General Manager Peter Woodfork said in a statement. "We thoroughly support the Major League Baseball drug testing policy and the penalties associated with that process. This organization does not condone the use of stimulants and will use this violation as a strong educational message for all of our players.""

Howell, Stottlemyre Jr. to join Hinch's staff

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May 8

Arizona Republic

"Along with naming A.J. Hinch as the club's new manager, the team on Friday will appoint Jack Howell as the hitting coach and Mel Stottlemyre Jr. as pitching coach, according to team sources. Howell for the past five years has been the organization's minor league field coordinator, a role in which he helped oversee the club's minor league operations. Stottlemyre, the son of longtime pitching coach Mel Sr. and brother of former Diamondbacks pitcher Todd, has been the organization's minor league pitching coordinator the past two-plus years. Rick Schu was fired as hitting coach, along with manager Bob Melvin on Thursday evening. Out of loyalty to Melvin, Bryan Price resigned as pitching ..."

Hinch expected to replace Melvin

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May 8

Arizona Republic

"Off to an uneven start to a season that was brimming with expectations, the Diamondbacks fired manager Bob Melvin on Thursday night. Melvin was given the news Thursday night after the team returned from its road trip in San Diego, and the club announced the move shortly after in a press release. Director of Player Development A.J. Hinch is expected to be named as Melvin's replacement Friday at 3 p.m. news conference. KTAR-AM was the first to report Hinch's promotion. In addition, hitting coach Rick Schu was fired, and pitching coach Bryan Price resigned. "Bob has done great things for this organization," General Manager Josh Byrnes said in the statement. "Having worked with him for nearly ..."

Webb doesn't expect early return

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May 6

Arizona Republic

"Ace Brandon Webb said over the weekend that he hoped to accelerate his timetable to return to the rotation, but he said Tuesday he doesn't expect that to happen. Webb is not expected to begin playing catch for another 10 days or so and even if all goes well he likely will not return to the rotation until at least the first week of June. The right-hander was feeling so good he was hoping to throw sooner. "We're probably going to end up riding it out and making sure that it's totally gone," he said. Webb said he spoke Monday with teammate Tom Gordon, who went through a similar shoulder problem in 2001. "He said he was doing what I am doing," Webb said. "He said that once it was gone and he ..."

D-backs expect Drew back next week

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May 5

MLB.com

"Shortstop Stephen Drew took grounders during batting practice and could return to action in a little over a week. Drew, who strained his left hamstring on April 17 in San Francisco, was placed on the disabled list on April 26 (retroactive to April 25). Arizona manager Bob Melvin said he expected Drew to start an injury rehab stint Thursday in extended spring training, and after that to move to Triple-A Reno for a few games. "If that's the case, we're probably looking latter part of the homestand," Melvin said, referring to when Drew could be activated. The D-backs' upcoming homestand ends next Wednesday, so according to Melvin's timetable, Drew could be activated Tuesday or Wednesday."

With Drew on DL, D-backs shuffle roster

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April 27

MLB.com

"The D-backs made a flurry of roster moves on Sunday prior to their game against the Giants. Shortstop Stephen Drew (left hamstring tear) was officially placed on the disabled list, retroactive to Saturday, and left-handed pitcher Doug Slaten was optioned to Triple-A Reno. To replace Drew on the roster, the team selected the contract of infielder Josh Wilson from Reno and, to take Slaten's place, right-hander Esmerling Vasquez was recalled from Reno. Drew tweaked the hamstring a week ago Friday during a game played in chilly conditions in San Francisco. After taking four days off, he returned to the lineup, but he reinjured himself on Friday night during the first inning. "It's frustrating ..."

Sources: Arm 'red flag' nixed Webb-'Zona deal

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April 9

Foxsports.com

"Concerns raised by insurance companies over Brandon Webb's arm caused the Diamondbacks to withdraw their offer of a three-year, $54 million contract extension to the right-hander last June, according to major-league sources. Webb passed a team physical, sources say, but insurance companies use a higher standard when assessing risk. Multiple companies raised concerns, creating a "red flag" for the Diamondbacks, sources say. The contract was contingent on the club securing an appropriate insurance policy for the pitcher. The condition of Webb's arm became an issue on Wednesday when the Diamondbacks said that he would miss his next start due to shoulder stiffness. But Webb, who turns 30 on ..."

New deal for Drew unlikely

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March 18

Arizona Republic

"The Diamondbacks probably weren't holding out a whole lot of hope of locking up shortstop Stephen Drew to a new deal soon anyway. But after Scott Boras' comments over the weekend, they can't like their chances. Boras, who represents the Diamondbacks' talented third-year shortstop, railed against pre-free agency deals in comments to the Boston Herald. "All teams are instructed to take their premium players and do their best to remove them from the arbitration market," Boras told the paper. "It's good business for them to receive premium talent for a grossly devalued cost." In the past two years, waves of young players - the Diamondbacks' Chris Young being one - have signed multiyear deals, ..."

Gonzo could join team in off-field role

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March 17

Arizona Republic

"TUCSON - Although outfielder Luis Gonzalez remains a free agent, his former team has shown no interest in signing him. But the club met last week with its former face of the franchise, beginning dialogue in what CEO Derrick Hall hopes is a seamless transition into the organization once Gonzalez's playing days are behind him. "We had some preliminary discussions about his future employment with the team," Hall said. "With all that he has meant to this franchise over the years, (Managing General Partner) Ken (Kendrick) and I thought it was time to reach out." Though still unsigned, Gonzalez isn't ready to retire. After spending the 2007 season with the Dodgers, he signed last year with the ..."

D-Backs trying to gauge Davis' injury

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March 8

Arizona Republic

"TUCSON - Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin said left-hander Doug Davis, who was scratched from Sunday's scheduled start with what is being called a triceps irritation, will try to play catch Monday, at which point the club will be able to better gauge the severity of his injury. "If it's still bothering him on Monday, then it would be a concern," Melvin said. "It's probably a little bit more of a concern than what was going on with Webby (Brandon Webb) early on. But until he plays catch on Monday, we're not really certain." Also unclear is whether the irritation is related to the nerve condition Davis said bothered him before his start Tuesday in Scottsdale. He said last week that he has ..."

Phoenix may host 2011 MLB All-Star Game

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February 22

Arizona Republic

"One All-Star Game just left town. Another could be on its way. Commissioner Bud Selig said Saturday that Phoenix might host the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2011. "Well, I like their chances," Selig said. "That's all I'll say." The Diamondbacks submitted their proposal about six months ago, according to President and CEO Derrick Hall, who added that the presentation looked "beautiful." If it happens, it will mark the end of a long, hard journey. The Diamondbacks and the Florida Marlins are the only two National League teams never to host an All-Star Game. But unlike the Marlins, the Diamondbacks erected a new stadium with a public funding mechanism. The All-Star Game is ..."

Twins eye deal with reliever Cruz

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February 21

MLB.com

"The Twins could be on the verge of landing free-agent reliever Juan Cruz. According to a report on the Web site of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins have made a contract offer to the right-hander as part of a potential sign-and-trade deal with the D-backs, Cruz's most recent team. Any agreement would be invalidated if a trade is not complete within 48 hours. Cruz, earned more than $1.9 million last season while going 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 appearances with Arizona. As a Type A free agent, any team that signs Cruz would have to give the D-backs its 2009 No. 1 Draft pick -- unless that pick falls in the top 16, in which case that team would give up its second-round pick. The D-backs ..."

Dodgers showing interest in Cabrera

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February 20

MLB.com

"The Dodgers, apparently uncertain they can work a deal for second baseman Orlando Hudson, have also begun talks with free-agent infielder Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera, a two-time Gold Glove shortstop, told the club he would be willing to move to second base, where Blake DeWitt came to camp as the heir apparent to the retired Jeff Kent. Shortstop is locked up by Rafael Furcal, who signed a three-year deal, although Cabrera would provide insurance if Furcal was injured again. The 34-year-old Cabrera hit .281 with eight home runs and 57 RBIs for the White Sox, who acquired him from the Angels after Cabrera had signed a three-year, $26 million deal. He has 184 stolen bases in his 12-year career."

Compensation for Cruz complicated

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February 17

Arizona Republic

"The market for reliever Juan Cruz has been slow, due largely to his status as a Type A free agent, but baseball officials have been involved in discussions about a sign-and-trade scenario that could prove beneficial to both Cruz and the Diamondbacks. Officials from the commissioner's office, the players union and the Diamondbacks, along with Cruz's agents, have been discussing a creative solution to a complicated issue that could end with Cruz getting what he wants (a job) and the club getting what it wants (compensation). It's complex, but here's the situation: Because Cruz, who had a 2.61 ERA in 57 games last year with the Diamondbacks, is a Type A - and because he turned down ..."

Reliever Gordon may be going to Diamondbacks

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January 30

Philadelphia Daily News

"Former Phillies reliever Tom Gordon appears to be close to a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks that would officially seal his departure from the world champs.Gordon's tenure in Philadelphia came to an end in October, when the Phillies declined to exercise their option on him after three injury-plagued seasons. The righthander missed the final 3 months of the regular season and the entire postseason with elbow problems, but opted against surgery that would have required rehabilitation akin to the Tommy John procedure.Gordon, 41, appeared in 137 games for the Phillies from 2006 to '08, earning 42 saves, and expects to be ready to pitch by the first or second week of spring training. He ..."

Hoping for a Dunn deal

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January 29

Boston Globe

"I don't put Mike Lowell atop my rather short list of concerns regarding the 2009 Boston Red Sox -- slots 1 and 1A are reserved for the health (and girth) of David Ortiz and Josh Beckett. The Sox' fate in the new season will in large part be determined by how much production they receive from Beckett, a should-be ace coming off an underwhelming and injury-plagued season, and Papi, the once-transcendent slugger who lost an alarming amount of lightning from his bat as he battled various ailments and the cruel passage of time. Lowell? He turns 35 in a month and reportedly is just now starting to swing the bat after a torn labrum in his hip abruptly ended his season last October. While Lowell ..."

D-backs may be closing in on Garland

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January 28

MLB.com

"The D-backs and free-agent pitcher Jon Garland are closing in on a deal, according to an industry source. Garland, 29, turned down a contract offer from the club two weeks ago, but it's not clear whether negotiations ended and were restarted or if there was continuing dialogue between the two sides. Following Garland's rejection, the D-backs offered a contract to free-agent lefty Randy Wolf and did not come to an agreement. Arizona general manager Josh Byrnes on Tuesday declined to say whether the club had any current offers out to any players, and the D-backs have not announced a deal. Garland, who has been looking for a multiyear deal in discussions with several teams, made $12 million ..."

Fans want Nationals to get a contract Dunn

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January 26

Washington Times

columnist Thom Loverro

"When I walked through the center-field gates and was handed a schedule of events and player appearances, I asked the attendant, "Where's Adam Dunn signing?" "I think up on the fourth floor," he said. Wishful thinking, confusion, call it what you will. The fans have awakened - perhaps by the team's surprising pursuit of Teixeira - clamoring for something, anything in the way of a pulse for a franchise that was on life support when last season ended. Make no mistake about it: Dunn, the free agent slugger who split last year between the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks, is the No. 1 topic of debate and lobbying within the Nationals' organization right now - even among the players. ..."

For Nats, it should be a Dunn deal

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January 25

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"Adam Dunn is getting an economics lesson. Baseball fears a repeat of 1930-33 when attendance fell 40 percent at the Great Depression's start. Thing were so bad even Babe Ruth's salary was cut. Three generations later in perhaps the toughest economy since, the Washington Nationals have reduced ticket prices in their coming second season at a new stadium. They're not alone in money worries as the crosstown Redskins recently laid off nearly 30 staffers while the NFL and other teams shed salaries. But, if there's a bright side to the financial downturn, the Nationals are staring at a bargain. Dunn is still out there, his reported four-year, $56 million price tag is finding no market. Some say ..."

There’s a catch for Red Sox

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January 23

Boston Herald

"Most reasonable minds would conclude that getting the Red Sox and Jason Varitek to agree on a new contract would create the most seamless outcome to the club’s catching vacancy. After all, the Red Sox’ hopes of making it to the postseason rest mostly upon the shoulders of the pitching staff, and nobody understands the staff’s stuff better than the 37-year-old Varitek. There is no guarantee, of course, that Varitek will sign. A club source said yesterday that the “status quo” remained in effect, meaning one week after owner John Henry flew to Atlanta to meet with him, there is no deal. The possibility remains that the Red Sox will have to turn to their two other options between today and ..."

Tigers close to signing Brandon Lyon

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January 22

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers are nearing an agreement on a multiyear contract with free-agent reliever Brandon Lyon, multiple industry officials said today.

The deal is not yet complete, because Lyon has not passed a physical examination. "We continue to work through it," agent Barry Meister said. "Everything is moving forward." Meister would not discuss financial terms but did say that Lyon has received at least one multiyear offer. That would suggest that his tentative contract with Detroit will be for at least two years."

Rockies joining Benson viewing party

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January 22

MLB.com

"The Rockies are one of at least seven teams who will spend Saturday in Phoenix looking at veteran pitcher Kris Benson, who finished last season in the Minors healthy after having missed 2007 with a shoulder injury that required surgery. In addition to the Rockies, Benson, 34, will be watched by the Dodgers, D-Backs, Rangers, Indians, Padres and Cardinals, and a few other teams are considering attending, his agent, Gregg Clifton, said Thursday morning. The Rockies have spent the offseason building rotation depth, and could be looking for one more pitcher to add to the mix. The Rockies have also expressed interest in another experienced right-hander, Josh Fogg, a member of the rotation that ..."

Tigers, Lyon near deal?

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January 22

Detroit News

"There were indications Thursday that the Tigers are near an agreement with free-agent right-hand reliever Brandon Lyon, who last season pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Barry Meister, the Northbrook, Ill., attorney who represents Lyon, would not confirm that the Tigers have completed a multi-year deal for Lyon. But it is believed a contract could be finalized as early as today or Friday. "We're continuing discussions," Meister said. Lyon, 29, is perhaps the highest-profile reliever remaining on the 2009 free-agent market. The Tigers have indicated repeatedly this week that they expect to add at least one more relief pitcher to a bullpen that is unmistakably the team's biggest soft ..."

Don't be foolish, the Yankees aren't done yet

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January 21

Foxsports.com

"The Yankees aren't done. And if the prices are right, they should give strong consideration to signing free-agent right-hander Ben Sheets as their fifth starter and righty Juan Cruz as a setup reliever. The extent of the Yankees' interest in Sheets and Cruz is not known, but even after adding CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Damaso Marte, the team continues to explore the markets for both starters and relievers. Both Sheets and Cruz are Type A free agents who were offered salary arbitration, but they would cost the Yankees only fourth- and fifth-round draft picks. The Yankees already have signed three higher-ranking free agents -- Mark Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett. Sheets, while a physical ..."

Lefty Wolf turns down D-Backs

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January 20

Arizona Republic

"It looks like free agent left-hander Randy Wolf won't be the answer to the Diamondbacks' search for another starting pitcher. Just as right-hander Jon Garland did last week, Wolf in recent days turned down an offer from the Diamondbacks. Garland declined the club's one-year offer, which included two option years, Thursday, after which the Diamondbacks apparently turned their focus to Wolf. General Manager Josh Byrnes wouldn't reveal details of the club's offer to Wolf; the Diamondbacks are believed to have approximately $4 million to $5 million left to spend this off-season. "We're open to signing multiple guys and adding depth to our pitching," Byrnes said. "If that doesn't work out, ..."

D-Backs playing in Mexico March 6

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January 16

East Valley Tribune

"The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Thursday that they will return to Hermosillo, Mexico, to play an exhibition game against Mexico's World Baseball Classic team at 1:05 p.m. March 6 at Hector Espino Stadium. The D-Backs' contest against Mexico's WBC team will be the second game of a two-game exhibition series between the two clubs. Arizona will host Team Mexico at 5:05 p.m. March 4 at Tucson Electric Park in Tucson. The games will serve as a tuneup for Mexico's WBC team prior to the start of the international baseball tournament on March 8 in Mexico City. Team Mexico will be managed by former Major League player Vinny Castilla, who hit 320 homers during a 16-year big league career and also ..."

Garland rejects D-Backs' offer

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January 15

Arizona Republic

"Looking for stability in their rotation, the Diamondbacks made a run at innings-eater Jon Garland this week, but their offer to the right-hander was rejected on Thursday. The length and value of the offer is not known, but it had a short shelf-life that expired Thursday. That the club was pursuing Garland is likely an indication that it feels the need for more certainty at the back of its rotation. Brandon Webb, Dan Haren and Doug Davis are proven commodities, but the Diamondbacks don't want to ask too much of young right-hander Max Scherzer. Beyond Scherzer, unproven right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Billy Buckner are the most likely candidates to fill the fifth spot. Garland has thrown ..."

Red Sox interested in Montero

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January 12

Boston Herald

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"On a couple of occasions last week, GM Theo Epstein mentioned the possibility of trading for a young catcher. According to one baseball source, the team has been intensifying talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks concerning 25-year-old catcher Miguel Montero. The Red Sox still believe that the price for gifted Texas Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamachia is too high because it still includes pitcher Clay Buchholz. The Diamondbacks are not believed to be asking for Buchholz, making a return package of pitching that could include Michael Bowden and/or Daniel Bard feasible. Trading for a catcher would not preclude the club from striking a deal with free agent Jason Varitek. The market for Varitek ..."

Nats Draw Line With Dunn, Hudson

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January 9

Washington Post

"Though the Washington Nationals' pursuit of its top free agent targets -- Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson -- has not been called off, the team is discouraged about its chances of signing either, one well-placed source said yesterday. For now, Dunn and Hudson are asking for contracts larger than Washington anticipated. And larger than Washington is willing to pay. That leaves Nationals officials with two options. Either they wait for Dunn's and Hudson's demands to drop -- both, for the moment, are said to be asking for longer and pricier deals than those signed earlier this week by Milton Bradley (three years, $30 million) and Pat Burrell (two years, $16 million) -- or, they dedicate the rest ..."

GM, CEO are D-Backs part owners

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January 5

Arizona Republic

"In the wake of Jeff Moorad's departure to head an ownership group in San Diego, some have wondered whether his most trusted executives in Arizona might follow him out the door. But General Manager Josh Byrnes and President and CEO Derrick Hall seem unlikely to leave anytime soon, if only for this previously unreported reason: Both have ownership stakes in the Diamondbacks. Small stakes in ownership were included in the eight-year contracts the two received in February, commitments that run through 2015. Moorad negotiated both deals. Byrnes and Hall declined to comment. "They are extremely valuable guys and we have them under long-term contracts and I'm glad we do," said Managing General ..."

Diamondbacks Trade Rumors