Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Rumors

Dodgers sign Clayton Kershaw to two-year, $19-million deal
February 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"That may not have been the truly long-term contract some of the faithful were hoping for, but the Dodgers did avoid arbitration with Clayton Kershaw this year and the next by signing him Tuesday to a two-year, $19-million contract. The Times' Dylan Hernandez reports Kershaw will earn a $500,000 signing bonus, $7.5 million this season and $11 million in 2013. The club had previously exchanged arbitration figures with National League's Cy Young winner, submitting $6.5 million to Kershaw's $10-million bid."
Dodgers, Todd Coffey agree
February 4
ESPN.com
 
"In a development that essentially removes any suspense heading into spring training where their bullpen is concerned, The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with free-agent reliever Todd Coffey on a one-year, $1.3 million contract with a club option for 2013. The deal essentially removes any suspense surrounding the Dodgers' bullpen heading into spring training. Coffey, a right-hander who has seven big league seasons with three clubs, will get $1 million this year with an option year at $2.5 million and a $300,000 buyout, a source said."
Kroenke in the running to buy Dodgers
January 31
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The local sports owner who is named after two Cardinals Hall of Famers is taking a swing at buying one of baseball's venerable clubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and reportedly has moved beyond the initial bidding process. Enos Stanley "Stan" Kroenke, the Rams' owner, made one of the bids for the Dodgers that survived Friday's cutdown and is among at least eight interested parties who advanced beyond the first round of bidding, according to The Los Angeles Times. The other potential buyers include a group headlined by former Dodgers manager Joe Torre and another led by former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley. A league source confirmed to the Post-Dispatch on Monday that Kroenke had indeed made a"
Tom Barrack, Leo Hindery are latest players in Dodgers bidding
January 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Tom Barrack has partnered with Leo Hindery on a bid for the Dodgers, bringing together a prominent Los Angeles billionaire with the founder of the New York Yankees' cable channel. The alliance was disclosed Sunday by a person familiar with the Dodgers sale process but not authorized to discuss it. Hindery and fellow New York financier Marc Utay lead one of at least eight groups that survived Friday's first cut among the bidders. That group had been one of the two prospective buyers known to remain in the bidding without a significant tie to Los Angeles. The other, St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke, has a residence in Malibu and could move the Rams back to Los Angeles as soon as 2015,"
Mark Cuban, Dennis Gilbert eliminated from Dodgers' bidding race
January 28
Los Angeles Times
 
"The owner of the reigning NBA champions will not be the next owner of the Dodgers. Mark Cuban was eliminated from the Dodgers' ownership sweepstakes Friday, along with baseball executive and former agent Dennis Gilbert, according to two people familiar with the process but not authorized to discuss it. At least eight bidders advanced to the second round Friday, including a group led by Magic Johnson and veteran baseball executive Stan Kasten and another headed by local developer Rick Caruso and former Dodgers manager Joe Torre. East Coast hedge fund giant Steven Cohen, former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley and St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke also are believed to have advanced, as well as a"
Dodgers secretly bid big for Prince
January 26
CBSSports.com
 
"Although they managed to stay under the radar all the while, the Los Angeles Dodgers pushed hard for weeks to try to sign Prince Fielder and thought for a while they might have a legitimate shot at their own secret signing. The Dodgers were a surprise entrant in the sweepstakes, making a major push to sign the star slugger with an offer that guaranteed him seven years but provided a sweet four-year opt-out. And for a couple weeks, they looked like a real possibility for Prince. The Dodgers surely gave a spirited effort to secure Fielder, even flying to meet with him at an undisclosed neutral location a few weeks ago, but somehow managed to keep the entire undertaking under wraps, save for"
Richest man in L.A. might join a bid for the Dodgers
January 26
Los Angeles Times
 
"The richest man in Los Angeles has not bid for the Dodgers. However, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong could join the Dodgers sweepstakes soon — not by bidding on his own, but by joining one of the groups already in the running to buy the team. Soon-Shiong has met with several prospective bidders, and he had dinner recently with outgoing Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. Soon-Shiong purchased Magic Johnson's ownership stake in the Lakers in 2010. Johnson, who has teamed with longtime baseball executive Stan Kasten to try to buy the Dodgers, also has paid his respects to McCourt."
Kroenke interested in buying the Dodgers?
January 25
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Perhaps Stan Kroenke isn't going to stop buying sports franchise until he has one of each – a franchise in each major spectator sport, that is. The Los Angeles Times reports the Dodgers have received more than 10 opening bids to buy the Major League Baseball club, and that Kroenke has explored whether to bid for the team. A baseball official told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday that he heard Kroenke had expressed interest, and that Kroenke had inquired about the process. But the official said he was unaware if Kroenke had followed through and actually made a bid. Kroenke could not be reached for comment. But NFL sources said any interest Kroenke may or may not have in purchasing the Dodgers"
Dodgers receive more than 10 opening bids for the team
January 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers received "more than 10" opening bids for the team by Monday's deadline, according to a person familiar with the sale but not authorized to discuss it. As the bankers handling the sale evaluate the bids, prospective buyers can evaluate whether to join forces. In addition, because the bankers can waive the deadline at their discretion, new bidders could emerge. St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke has explored whether to bid for the Dodgers, two people familiar with the sale process said Monday. It is uncertain whether Kroenke has submitted an offer. Rams spokesman Ted Crews did not return messages Monday night."
Want to boost the value of the Dodgers? Sign Prince Fielder
January 22
Los Angeles Times
 columnist T.J. Simers
"Frank McCourt's disregard for Dodgers fans continues. The bidding process for the Dodgers officially begins Monday, 97 days to go with the Parking Lot Attendant, but he's not leaving without taking the team down another notch. He has a chance to offer Dodgers fans some hope, about the only thing baseball fans ask for as a new season begins. But right now the 2012 Dodgers look about the same as the also-ran 2011 Dodgers. The best General Manager Ned Colletti can do is talk up Mark Ellis at second base, while just as quickly apologizing for Ellis' inability to hit. And yet Prince Fielder sits unsigned. McCourt allowed Vladimir Guerrero to slip away when buying the team, and now as he's about"
Dodgers sign Andre Ethier for $10.95 million
January 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers and outfielder Andre Ethier agreed today on a one-year contract for $10.95 million plus incentive bonuses, according to CAA Sports, the agency that represents Ethier. Ethier, an all-star in each of the last two seasons, made $9.3 million in 2011. He will turn 30 in April, and he is eligible for free agency after the coming season."
Dodgers sign James Loney for $6.375 million
January 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers and first baseman James Loney agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract for $6.375 million plus incentive bonuses, according to CAA Sports, the agency that represents Loney. Loney made $4.875 million last year, when he hit .288 with 12 home runs and 65 RBIs. Loney, 27, is eligible for free agency after the coming season."
Disney family to bid for Dodgers, sources say
January 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Disney name graced the last World Series champion in Southern California. The Disney name could grace the next World Series champion in town too, if Stanley Gold succeeds in his bid to buy the Dodgers. The family of the late Roy Disney has partnered with Gold, entrusting the man who runs the family investment firm to lead the charge for the Dodgers and try to restore prominent local ownership to the team. The partnership was disclosed Saturday by a person familiar with the bid but not authorized to discuss it. Neither Gold nor any member of Roy Disney's family would comment Saturday, spokesman Terry Fahn said. With a star-studded and deep-pocketed roster of bidders that could feature"
Tony Ressler, Stanley Gold join list of prospective Dodgers owners
January 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"Tony Ressler, co-founder of a Los Angeles investment firm that controls more than $40 billion in assets, has expressed interest in pursuing the Dodgers, according to two people briefed on the matter who were not authorized to speak publicly. The roster of prospective owners also now includes Stanley Gold, longtime chief of Burbank-based Shamrock Holdings, according to a person who required anonymity but is familiar with his discussions about the Dodgers. Gold is perhaps best known for joining with his Shamrock partner, Roy Disney, in a public push for the ouster of Michael Eisner as chief executive of the Walt Disney Co. Ressler and Gold join a list of suitors that includes"
Sources: Groups get tour of Dodgers
January 7
ESPN.com
 
"The New York investment group handling the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers has begun scheduling tours of Dodger Stadium with prospective ownership groups, multiple sources close to the process, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "It's just to allow investors in the groups to walk the Stadium, get a feel for it, and ask questions," one source said. However, that opportunity is only being offered to groups that the Blackstone Group considers serious at this point. One group that may become more serious includes Tony Ressler, co-founder of a Los Angeles investment firm controlling over $40 billion in assets, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing anonymous sources."
Torre resigns, to explore bid to buy Dodgers
January 4
MLB.com
 
"Major League Baseball announced today that Joe Torre has resigned from his position as Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations, effective immediately, to explore opportunities with a group that will pursue ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Torre was appointed MLB's Executive Vice President for Baseball Operations in February, overseeing areas that include Major League Operations, On-Field Operations, On-Field Discipline and Umpiring. Torre has been the Office of the Commissioner's primary liaison to the general managers and field managers of the 30 Major League Clubs regarding all baseball and on-field matters. With Torre's departure, the Baseball Operations functions of the"
Boras: It takes more than 3 to get Fielder
December 28
ESPN.com
 
"A report that Prince Fielder may take a three-year deal at $26 million per season was shot down by his agent Scott Boras. "Not only is that inaccurate and delusional, but it seems that some people have gotten into their New Year's Eve stash just a little bit early this year," Boras told ESPNChicago.com on Tuesday. Apparently there are still upwards of six teams still interested in Fielder. Teams such as the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers would certainly be part of the bidding, although it's unclear how many years they would be willing to offer. Boas told ESPNChicago in November that bidding would start at seven years for Fielder, who is the highest profile free agent left on the"
Hedge-fund executive Steven Cohen is bidding for the Dodgers
December 28
Los Angeles Times
 
"Steven Cohen, a billionaire eight times over, is bidding for the Dodgers in a process tilted toward the high bidder. However, the East Coast hedge-fund executive is not content to let his wealth speak for itself. He has engaged one of America's notable sports architecture firms to propose renovations to Dodger Stadium, allied himself with one of baseball's power brokers, secured the support of at least two prominent Angelenos and met with several major league owners. He was joined in those meetings by Arn Tellem, an influential sports agent who could run the Dodgers if Cohen were to buy the team. The developments were confirmed by several people familiar with the Dodgers sale process, each"
Source: Dodgers interested in Mets' Murphy
December 11
MLB.com
 
"Daniel Murphy of the Mets is the player the Dodgers tried to trade for at the Winter Meetings, according to a baseball source, and they might make another run at him. Murphy was the unnamed player general manager Ned Colletti referred to when he said he might be able to upgrade the roster at the Winter Meetings, adding yet another multi-position player after earlier signing Jerry Hairston Jr. and Adam Kennedy. But Colletti said the trade he thought might happen instead unraveled when the other club satisfied its need elsewhere without trading the player he wanted. That apparently was a reference to the Mets' acquisition of Giants outfielder Andres Torres. It's not clear who the Dodgers"
Yankees haven't offered contract to Kuroda
December 9
MLB.com
 
"The Yankees have not made an offer to free-agent right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, according to a person with knowledge of the club's thinking. A report by the Japanese news outlet Sponichi suggested that the Yankees had already presented a one-year, $12 million offer to the hurler, who turns 37 in February. The Yankees continue to look for ways to add starting pitching that could slide behind ace CC Sabathia, and they did show a level of trade interest in Kuroda last summer when he was with the Dodgers. But the person said that the report of an offer is not true. Kuroda finished 2011 with a 13-16 record and a 3.07 ERA in 32 starts, striking out 161 and walking 49 in 202 innings. In four Major"
Dodgers' plans don't include Manny Ramirez
December 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Mannywood signs can remain in storage. So can the wigs. Manny Ramirez is not coming back to the Dodgers. General Manager Ned Colletti immediately shot down the far-fetched idea of re-signing Ramirez, who electrified Dodger Stadium upon arriving in 2008 only to leave two years later as a disgraced figure. "I think we're probably past that at this point," Colletti said. Ramirez, who retired last season instead of facing a 100-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy for the second time, has filed for reinstatement."
Loney arrested after car crash last month
December 8
MLB.com
 
"Dodgers first baseman James Loney was arrested last month in Los Angeles after crashing his Maserati into three cars and spitting at an officer, but was not charged with a crime, according to a police report obtained by TMZ.com. A spokesman said the club was aware of the incident and was looking into it. A representative for Loney could not be reached. Loney, 27, was arrested Nov. 14 after hitting a Toyota, Mercedes and Mini around 6 p.m. PT. When officers arrived on the scene of the accident, according to the report, Loney was handcuffed and taken to a hospital for breathalyzer and blood tests, which were negative for drugs and alcohol."
Angels' Mike Scioscia wants more pitching
December 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"General Manager Jerry Dipoto is pursuing numerous free-agent and trade possibilities for the rotation, bullpen and offense, but Angels Manager Mike Scioscia made it very clear during the winter meetings Tuesday what his preference is: He wants more pitching. Asked if he had to pick between adding a starting pitcher such as C.J. Wilson and a slugger such as third baseman Aramis Ramirez Scioscia, who already has top-flight starters in Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, chose the pitcher. "I know you look at Weav, Haren and Santana and it sounds like you're getting greedy, but you need five guys going out there during the season to give you a chance to win," Scioscia said. "Right now,"
MLB agreement says Frank McCourt must sell Dodgers by end of April
December 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"Reporting from Wilmington, Del. — Frank McCourt must divest himself of the Dodgers and their stadium by April 30 but has sole authority to decide whether he keeps or sells the parking lots surrounding the stadium, according to the terms of his sale agreement with Major League Baseball. Initial bids for the team are due by Jan. 13. The agreement, filed late Tuesday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, outlines the Nov. 1 settlement under which McCourt agreed to sell the Dodgers. "McCourt shall not retain directly or indirectly any interest in the assets that comprise the team," according to the agreement."
All options open for Kuroda
December 4
Foxsports.com
 
"Hiroki Kuroda didn't want to leave the Dodgers last July, using his no-trade clause to block deals to both the Tigers and Red Sox, according to major-league sources. But now that the Dodgers have effectively replaced Kuroda with lefty Chris Capuano, the landscape for the Japanese right-hander is different – "wide open" in the words of one source. Kuroda, who turns 37 on Feb. 10, is considering all options, the source said, including major-league teams regardless of location as well as the Hiroshima Carp, his former club in Japan."
Dodgers add Chris Capuano to rotation
December 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers signed left-hander Chris Capuano to a two-year deal Friday, giving him a place in the starting rotation and all but eliminating the possibility that they would bring back Hiroki Kuroda. Capuano, 33, was 11-12 with a 4.55 earned-run average for the New York Mets last season. His contract is guaranteed for $10 million, of which he will be paid $3 million next year and $6 million in 2013. The deal includes an $8 million mutual option for 2014 that the Dodgers can buy out for $1 million. The structure of the deal was important for the Dodgers, who remain mired in costly litigation and are in the process of being sold. They figure to spend $10 million less on their active roster in"
Magic Johnson leads dream team bidding for Dodgers
December 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"The crowded fastbreak of prospective Dodgers owners suddenly has an all-star businessman and community leader holding the ball. It's Magic Johnson, and the score for this city could be huge. Johnson announced Friday that he had joined forces with Guggenheim Baseball Management, an arm of a financial services firm that controls more than $125 billion in assets, in hopes of buying the Dodgers. With Johnson serving as the point man for a group that will be backed by the prestigious Guggenheim brand and led by respected veteran baseball executive Stan Kasten, it's a potential dream team. The complete list of bidders hasn't emerged, but at this early point it would be difficult to find a group"
Dodgers sign Chris Capuano; Hiroki Kuroda looks gone
December 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"Hope that new Dodgers owner leans to the left. If not quite desperate to add a starter to their rotation, the bankrupt Dodgers were sadly at least sniffing in the area. And so it came Friday, that they signed left-handed Chris Capuano for two years and $10 million. The agreement was first reported by ESPN's Jim Bowden. The addition of the fragile Capuano all but ends right-hander Hiroki Kuroda's four-year career with the Dodgers, and leaves the Dodgers with three left-handers in their rotation — Clayton Kershaw, Ted Lilly and Capuano. Chad Billingsley is their only certain right-handed starter. Right-hander Nate Eovaldi is currently in line to be the team's No.3 starter."
Mavs' owner Mark Cuban plans to bid on Los Angeles Dodgers
December 2
Dallas Morning News
 
"Mark Cuban, the owner of the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks, said Thursday that he plans to participate in the bidding process for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The process could begin next week, when the investment bank handling the sale of the Dodgers is expected to provide prospective buyers with confidential financial data in a bid book. He "will see a book," Cuban wrote in an email. Cuban told the Los Angeles Times last month that he had inquired about buying the Dodgers but "wasn't interested" at an asking price of at least $1 billion. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt subsequently agreed with Major League Baseball on a deal in which he would sell the team and its stadium but keep the"
Royals reportedly sign closer Broxton
November 29
Kansas City Star
 
"The Royals, it appears, have added another veteran option to their cache of young bullpen arms. The club has agreed to a one-year deal with former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton, pending a physical, according to numerous reports. Terms of the deal were not immediately available."
Jonathan Broxton is not returning to the Dodgers
November 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Jonathan Broxton has ruled out the possibility of re-signing with the Dodgers, according to his agent, BB Abbott. "He will not be back in L.A.," Abbott wrote in a text message Monday morning. Abbott said Broxton is close to moving on. "He had multiple suitors and we should have something tentative in the next few days," Abbott said. Abbott said he had conversations with the Dodgers about Broxton but declined to say how far the talks advanced. Abbott had said Broxton was open to returning to the Dodgers."
Dodgers near agreement with reliever Wil Ledezma
November 27
Hardball Talk
 
"From Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com comes word that the Dodgers are close to an agreement on a minor league contract with reliever Wil Ledezma. A 30-year-old left-hander, Ledezma surrendered 11 hits and 10 earned runs in six innings this past year for the Blue Jays. He has a brutal 5.40 career ERA and 1.61 career WHIP in the major leagues."
Dodger Stadium parking lots should be part of team sale, Fox says
November 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"If Frank McCourt wants to boost the sale price of the Dodgers, he ought to include the Dodger Stadium parking lots in the sale instead of tearing up an existing contract with Fox Sports, the television company argued in a court filing late Wednesday. And, since the sale of the team alone would enable the Dodgers to repay creditors in full, Fox urged the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to deny McCourt's proposal to market the team's television rights as part of the sale process. "Mr. McCourt is not necessary to this process," the Fox filing read. "He should get out of the way and let everyone return to the business of baseball.""
Joe Torre reportedly weighs joining bid to buy Dodgers
November 23
Los Angeles Times
 
"Former Dodgers manager Joe Torre has discussed teaming with one of Los Angeles' most prominent real estate developers in pursuing the team. Rick Caruso, whose signature project is the Grove but who has not run a sports franchise, could strengthen a potential bid by aligning with Torre. The discussions between Caruso and Torre were first reported Tuesday by the New York Times and subsequently confirmed by the Los Angeles Times."
Market for J. Hairston heating up
November 23
Foxsports.com
 
"Infielders have been the hottest commodity in the early stages of the free-agent market. Now it's Jerry Hairston's turn. The Dodgers, Brewers and Giants are among the clubs showing interest in Hairston, major-league sources say. Hairston, 35, spent last season with the Nationals and Brewers, posting a .727 OPS in 376 plate appearances, then going 15-for-39 (.385) with four walks and six doubles for the Brewers in the post-season."
Clayton Kershaw joins elite Dodgers company by winning Cy Young Award
November 18
Los Angeles Times
 
"The faces and names of the greatest pitchers in franchise history were on the electronic panels covering the facade of Dodger Stadium's second deck. Don Newcombe, Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, Mike Marshall, Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser and Eric Gagne. And, closest to home plate, Clayton Kershaw. Standing in front of the Dodgers' dugout Thursday, Kershaw looked up at the display, knowing there was now something tangible that linked him to these greats of the Dodgers' storied past. He was a National League Cy Young Award winner."
Matt Kemp's deal with the Dodgers to be announced Friday
November 18
Los Angeles Times
 
"The eight-year, $160-million agreement between Matt Kemp and the Dodgers officially will be announced at a Friday-morning news conference at Dodger Stadium, according to people familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity because plans for the event haven't been made public yet. Finalized on Monday, the deal is the largest-ever for a National League player and seventh-richest in major league history."
Dodgers sue Fox Sports over alleged interference in team's sale
November 17
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Dodgers sued Fox Sports on Wednesday morning, alleging that the television company is trying to "interfere" with the sale of the team in bankruptcy. In a sharply worded court filing Wednesday night, Fox said it would ask that the Dodgers be dismissed from bankruptcy. In the process, Fox slammed Major League Baseball as "Prime Ticket's former ally" and claimed the only reason Dodgers owner Frank McCourt wants to sell the team's TV rights now is to put "value rightfully belonging to Prime Ticket in his own pocket.""
Frank McCourt might be up to old tricks on sale of Dodgers
November 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"What a wonderful, heart-warming picture of Frank McCourt on the front page of The Times on Tuesday morning. He's smiling, and appears to be holding a little girl so they might get their picture taken together. My, how time flies. It wasn't that long ago the little woman would be the one standing with Frank mugging for the cameras at a charity event. Oh well, he still knows how to put on a good front."
Matt Kemp, Dodgers agree on $160-million, eight-year deal
November 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"Matt Kemp was one season away from free agency. The Dodgers, who are in bankruptcy, are for sale. But the player and team agreed on an eight-year, $160-million deal Monday that is by far the most lucrative in franchise history. The Dodgers also reached an agreement with free-agent second baseman Mark Ellis on a two-year, $8.75-million contract. Ellis, 34, batted .248 with seven home runs and 41 runs batted in over 132 games with the Athletics and Colorado Rockies this year. Kemp's deal could be announced as early as Tuesday, according to people familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The Dodgers wouldn't confirm the agreement, nor would Kemp, who attended a"
Dodgers nab a starting second baseman: Mark Ellis
November 14
Los Angeles Times
 
"Pretty sure this officially qualifies as a busy Monday for the Dodgers. Not only do they have big contract news with Matt Kemp, but now claim a starting second baseman. Will Ned Colletti have anything left to do at the winter meetings? The Dodgers have agreed to a two-year deal with Mark Ellis for $8.75 million. The deal was first reported by ESPN's Buster Olney. This is what you might call a slightly more curious signing than Kemp."
Matt Kemp on verge of signing record contract
November 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"Good news, so hard to come by from the Dodgers for two years now, is set to arrive like an unexpected tidal wave. Matt Kemp is on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the Dodgers that would be the largest contract in team history. Multiple reports have pegged the deal at eight years and $160 million. The Dodgers are scheduled to unveil a new Dream Field this afternoon in Compton and Kemp, who was not originally scheduled to attend, has been added to the ceremony, where the contract could be announced. Fox Sports first reported Monday that Kemp and the Dodgers were close to finalizing a deal that would be the seventh-largest contract in baseball history. The Dodgers' previous contract"
Sources: Kemp, Dodgers working on deal
November 14
Foxsports.com
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers and Matt Kemp are in serious discussions that could land the 27-year-old outfielder $160 million over eight years, sources told FOXSports.com. It would rank as the seventh-largest contract in baseball history. Kemp's sixth season in the majors was his best. He hit .324 with personal highs of 39 home runs, 126 RBIs and 40 stolen bases in 2011. His .586 slugging percentage and .985 OPS were also career highs."
Economists: $1B for Dodgers is realistic
November 14
ESPN.com
 
"A record price tag of $1 billion can be expected for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodger Stadium and the surrounding real estate, according to several sports economists following the team's upcoming sale. "If you're talking about the asset value of the Dodgers franchise, the stadium, the parking lots and the surrounding acreage, I think a number in neighborhood of $1 billion is reasonable," Andrew Zimbalist, a professor of economics at Smith College, said last week. "I believe the reasonable or final offer will be $900 million to $1 billion." One of the biggest reasons for the Dodgers' value is all the undeveloped real estate surrounding Dodger Stadium, which sits on 275 acres of land that is"
Twins are about to sign Jamey Carroll to start at shortstop
November 12
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Twins are closing in on a two-year deal with free agent Jamey Carroll, who is being hired to be their starting shortstop and No. 2 hitter. Two people with knowledge of the situation provided details of the negotiations. The deal won't be official until Carroll passes a physical, and new Twins General Manager Terry Ryan said the Twins have nothing to announce. The physical will take place Monday or Tuesday, the sources said. Carroll's contract is for two years and $6.75 million guaranteed. It includes a $250,000 buyout and an option for 2014 that becomes effective if Carroll gets more than 400 at-bats. If he passes that threshold, he can accept $2 million and play for the Twins in 2014"
Jamey Carroll signs two-year deal with Twins
November 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"And then he was gone. Multiple media outlets have reported that Jamey Carroll, one of the few pleasant Dodgers' surprises the last two seasons, has agreed to a two-year deal and identified that mystery team as the Minnesota Twins. Carroll, who turns 38 in February, is slotted to be the Twins' starting shortstop, an opportunity he wasn't expected to have even at second base had he re-signed with the Dodgers. Carroll did not come cheaply, however, the Twins reportedly signing him for a contract worth approximately $7 million."
Jonathon Broxton, Brad Lidge and Joe Nathan may be able to revive careers with bargain-hunting NY Mets
November 11
New York Daily News
 
"We know what the Mets are seeking on the free agent market this winter: An affordable closer. We also know that Brad Lidge, Jonathan Broxton and Joe Nathan are available former All-Star closers. So what do those pitchers want? According to Broxton's agent, B.B. Abbott, the former Dodger is amenable to an incentive-laden one year-contract, perhaps with a vesting option for 2013. He wants to reestablish himself as an elite reliever, but does not need to become a closer immediat ely. "He's not only looking for a closing job, or the chance to compete for a closing job," said Abbott, who has not heard from the Mets. "He does want to close in the future." Broxton, 27, had 36 saves in 2009, but"
Orel Hershiser a 'serious contender' to buy Dodgers
November 11
ESPN.com
 
"The ownership group interested in purchasing the Los Angeles Dodgers, led by former Dodger greats Steve Garvey and Orel Hershiser, hasn't yet revealed details about who their financial backers are except to say that they have them. Thursday afternoon, in his first public comments since Dodgers owner Frank McCourt announced that he would put the team up for sale via an auction in bankruptcy court, Hershiser shot down skepticism about the seriousness and strength of their bid. "I'm as serious as my heart beats," Hershiser told ESPNLosAngeles.com. "The next step in the process is to be approved by baseball to bid on the team. We think with the people we have in place and the assets we have in"
Former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley wants to reclaim team
November 10
L.A. Daily News
 
"Peter O'Malley starts each day as one of the first customers at a downtown Starbucks. That's a 5:30 a.m. cup of coffee if you're keeping score. O'Malley, whose family was longtime owner of the Dodgers before selling to Fox in 1998, is assembling a group with the intent to buy the Dodgers. Arriving at his office on East Coast time can't be a bad thing, considering Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig ticks to the same clock. The 73-year-old O'Malley, who lives in Hancock Park, believes he's the right person for the job. Again."