MLB Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Phillies' Lidge might need minor elbow surgery

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November 7

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Phillies closer Brad Lidge could face arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow, where he experienced occasional pain during the season that the team thinks could be caused by loose bone fragments. Lidge was scheduled to see team Dr. Michael Ciccotti yesterday, where he was expected to receive a more definitive prognosis. If the Phillies' hypothesis is confirmed, Lidge likely would have arthroscopic surgery either to shave down a bone spur or remove any bony fragments that have broken off and are causing irritation. Such a procedure would not jeopardize Lidge's availability for spring training, said Rex Gary, his Philadelphia-based agent. Gary said that Lidge had felt discomfort for "a ..."

Half of package for Santana now has been traded

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November 7

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Friday's trade for Brewers shortstop J.J. Hardy altered the legacy of the Twins' 2008 trade of Johan Santana to the Mets. The Santana deal originally brought center fielder Carlos Gomez and three starting pitching prospects: Phil Humber, Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra. The Twins shipped Gomez to the Brewers for Hardy after trading Mulvey to the Diamondbacks in August for reliever Jon Rauch, who is under contract for another season. Humber spent most of the past two seasons in the minors, posting a 6.10 ERA in 13 appearances for the Twins. At age 20, Guerra remains more promising, as he went 6-3 with a 5.17 ERA after a midseason promotion to Class AA New Britain. "I don't want to spend too ..."

Prosecutor recommends drug charges be dropped against San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum

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November 7

San Jose Mercury News

"A prosecutor recommended that two misdemeanor drug charges be dropped against Giants ace Tim Lincecum, who was cited Oct. 30 for marijuana possession while speeding on Interstate 5 roughly four miles north of the Washington-Oregon border. Lincecum would pay a $250 fine for possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A infraction in Washington, if his plea deal is accepted by a judge Monday. The 2008 Cy Young Award winner received no preferential treatment, said Grant Hansen, the deputy prosecuting attorney for Clark County, Wash. "This is the protocol for a first-time offender who is cooperative with police," said Hansen, adding that Lincecum would not face probation or jail time. The ..."

Strained muscle sidelines Strasburg

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November 7

Washington Times

"Top Washington Nationals pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg was scratched from his scheduled start in Saturday's Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Game because of a neck strain. Strasburg, the top pick in June's draft, was slated to start the exhibition, which pits the best AFL prospects against one another and will be televised by MLB Network. The Nationals said the decision to scratch Strasburg was precautionary. He woke up Wednesday with a stiff neck, then was examined Friday and diagnosed with a strained muscle."

Reds won't pick up Hernandez's option

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November 7

Cincinnati Enquirer

"The Reds want catcher Ramon Hernandez to return for 2010, but not for the $8.5 million figure his club option calls for, according to mlb.com. "We're not going to pick up the option," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told mlb.com's Mark Sheldon on Friday. "We have been talking with his agent and trying to negotiate a new deal. We're hoping he comes back." The buyout for the Hernandez option is $1 million. Acquired last winter from the Orioles in a trade for utility player Ryan Freel and two prospects, Hernandez batted .258 with five home runs and 37 RBIs in 81 games. Only July 21, Hernandez had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his left knee and he missed 57 games. He also made 21 starts ..."

Dodgers: Manny Ramirez to return in 2010

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November 6

Los Angeles Times

"Manny Ramirez will return to the Dodgers next season, according to his agent, Scott Boras. Boras said that he informed General Manager Ned Colletti today that Ramirez would not exercise the escape clause in the two-year, $45-million contract he signed in the spring. Ramirez will earn $20 million next season."

Sox' Getz confirms trade to Kansas City

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November 6

Chicago Tribune

"White Sox second baseman Chris Getz confirmed he has been traded to Kansas City with Josh Fields for Mark Teahen and an undisclosed amount of cash. Getz said he was notified by Sox general manager Ken Williams of the trade, ending more than 24 hours of speculation after a report in Thursday's editions of the New York Daily News. The cash included in the deal will provide aid to the Sox, who could give the arbitration eligible Teahen a 2010 contract that could be worth around $5 million. Getz and Fields aren't eligible for salary arbitration. "I'm happy," Fields said before placing a return call to Williams."

Dye now a free agent as the JD Era closes

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November 6

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Jermaine Dye Era has all but come to an end on the South Side. The White Sox announced on Friday morning that that they bought out the 2010 mutual option on the right fielder, paying him $950,000 rather than picking up the $12 million for the upcoming season. The move makes it so that Dye will now become a free agent. Dye's hope throughout the season was that the club would offer him an extension, but a dismal second half in which he hit .179 with just seven homers seemed to seal his fate. Acquiring Alex Rios at the end of August also put the writing on the wall for the 35-year-old Dye that his five-year stay was just about over."

Ex-Marlin Jeremy Hermida reeled in by Red Sox

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November 6

Boston Herald

"The Red Sox made what general manager Theo Epstein called a "value trade" in acquiring 25-year-old outfielder Jeremy Hermida from the Marlins in exchange for left-handers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez yesterday. The 11th overall pick in 2002, Hermida's abilities have yet to develop to the Marlins' expectations. In addition, there was the potential for his $2.25 million salary in 2009 to increase in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The Red Sox, meanwhile, feel this could be Hermida's time and place. "Hermida's the kind of player who hasn't fulfilled his potential yet," Epstein said. "We acquired him for a reasonable cost to see if he can fulfill his potential for us. There's a ..."

Rockies sign relievers Flores, Belisle

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November 6

Denver Post

"The Rockies didn't waste any time making sure they have some depth in their bullpen for the 2010 season. The club announced today that it agreed to one-year major-league contracts with right-hander Matt Belisle and left-hander reliever Randy Flores. The Rockies still must decided if they will pick up the $5.4 million club option for set-up man Rafael Betancourt. The Rockies could also offer Betancourt a two-year deal, spreading out the right-hander's salary over two years. The Rockies also are exploring a long-term deal with closer Huston Street. Belisle, 29, emerged as a reliable bullpen presence late in the season. He had three stints with the Rockies and spent much of the season at ..."

Pudge, four others file for free agency

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November 6

MLB.com

"Catcher Ivan Rodriguez was one of five Rangers who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day eligible players could file. Also filing were outfielders Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd and pitchers Eddie Guardado and Joaquin Benoit. Guardado has talked about retiring. Rodriguez, who turns 38 on Nov. 30, has not. He has made it clear that he still wants to play for two or three more years. He has expressed an interest in returning to the Rangers but so far negotiations have been slow. "Pudge had a good return to our organization but we're still evaluating other options," general manager Jon Daniels said."

Reports of Teahen trade appear to be premature

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November 6

Kansas City Star

"It didn't take long for the Royals to surface in baseball's offseason trade rumors. Merely hours after the New York Yankees secured their 27th World Series title, a report claimed the Royals had agreed to send outfielder Mark Teahen to the Chicago White Sox for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields. The report first appeared Thursday in the New York Daily News and gained steam when the Chicago Sun-Times cited confirmation from the White Sox. It now appears those reports, at best, are premature. "We're in discussions with a lot of clubs about a lot of things," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "There is nothing to announce yet, and we won't comment ..."

Angels, Abreu agree to new contract

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November 5

Orange County Register

"On the first day eligible players can file for free agency, the Angels headed that off with one of their seven potential free agents by reaching agreement with outfielder Bobby Abreu on a two-year contract with a club option for 2012. Abreu, 35, signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Angels on the eve of spring training this year. He hit .293 with 96 runs scored, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. "I am very happy to sign this contract," Abreu said in the team's press release. "I really enjoyed my first season with the club. The Angels are a solid organization, with an outstanding team and great fans. With the talent we have, I look forward to the opportunity of post-season competition once ..."

White Sox trade Chriz Getz and Josh Fields to Royals for Mark Teahen

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November 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"The White Sox have traded Josh Fields and Chris Getz to Kansas City in exchange for infielder-outfielder Mark Teahen, the White Sox have confirmed. Teahen hit .271 while connecting on 12 home runs and driving in 50 runs last season. The 28-year-old lefty has spent his entire five-year career with the Royals. The move likely means Jermaine Dye, who is a free agent, will be replaced in right field by Teahen."

Mets to decline Putz's option

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November 5

New York Post

"The Mets have told reliever J.J. Putz that they plan to decline his $8.6 million option for 2010 and buy him out for $1 million instead. The club cited health concerns in making the long-expected move, pointing to elbow surgery and forearm problems that caused the former All-Star closer to miss the entire second half of his debut season with the Mets. Putz's agent, Craig Landis , said Putz understood the likely decision and hasn't ruled out returning to the Mets with a cheaper, incentive-laden deal once free agency begins Nov. 20. Landis said Putz feels healthy and expects to be ready for the start of spring training. If Putz doesn't return, the Mets will have little to show for the ..."

Iwamura 'interested' in talking long term

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November 5

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Akinori Iwamura would be "interested" in exploring a long-term contract with the Pirates, he said in a conference call just now from Japan. Some highlights of the call, during which agent Yoshi Hasagawa translated ... > On staying longer than a year: "I'm definitely interested in the long term, but I first have to do what I can do. We'll see what happens. Hopefully, we can go to the playoffs next season." > On going from a talented team to one in last place: "I'm very excited for the new challenge. I spoke to Neal Huntington, and I feel very appreciated." > On his knee: "It feels very good, but not 100 percent. I think I already proved I can play at a high level, and I think I can play ..."

Losing Hideki Matsui after MVP World Series performance may be wrong move for New York Yankees

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November 5

New York Daily News

columnist John Harper

"If this turns out to be goodbye for Hideki Matsui, it goes down as the greatest exit since John Elway won a second straight Super Bowl and rode off into the sunset. It's not exactly the same, of course. Matsui would love to keep his pinstripes and return to defend the championship that he, more than anyone else, delivered for the Yankees Wednesday night with a game that lived up to his nickname of Godzilla. He just may not have a say in the matter. Only how do you cut ties with the MVP of the World Series? Matsui earned that distinction mostly with his eye-popping performance last night, slugging a home run, a double and a single and driving in six runs in the Yankees' 7-3 Game 6 ..."

Dodgers pass on Garland's 2010 option

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November 5

MLB.com

"The Dodgers declined the $10 million 2010 mutual option for right-handed pitcher Jon Garland, who can become a free agent. Garland is entitled to receive a $2.5 million buyout, which will be paid by the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of the terms of the trade that sent Garland to the Dodgers for infielder Tony Abreu on Aug. 31. The 30-year-old Garland was 3-2 with a 2.72 ERA in six Dodgers starts, was a long reliever who did not pitch in the National League Division Series against the Cardinals and was left off the roster for the NL Championship Series against Philadelphia. On the season, Garland went 11-13 with a 4.01 ERA with 204 innings pitched, the fifth time Garland has pitched at least ..."

White Sox ink Kotsay to one-year deal

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November 5

MLB.com

"Mark Kotsay will be back in a White Sox uniform for the 2010 season. The White Sox announced Thursday that they had agreed to terms with Kotsay on a one-year, $1.5 million contract. Kotsay, who would have been eligible to file for free agency, combined to hit .278 with four home runs and 23 RBIs in 67 games with the Red Sox and White Sox in 2009. He was traded to the White Sox on July 28 in exchange for outfielder Brian Anderson. Following the deal, Kotsay batted .292 with three homers and 18 RBIs in 40 games for Chicago. The move to bring back Kotsay was not a surprise. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen specifically expressed at the end of the '09 season that he wanted Kotsay back for 2010. ..."

D-Backs decline option on Tracy

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November 5

Arizona Republic

"The Diamondbacks announced Thursday that the club declined to exercise the 2010 option on infielder Chad Tracy. Tracy, 29, hit .237 with eight home runs and 39 RBIs in 98 games last season (61 starts). He was on the disabled list with a right oblique strain from May 30-June 30. In other moves, the Diamondbacks outrighted right-hander Daniel Cabrera, outfielder Trent Oeltjen and outfielder Alex Romero to Triple-A Reno. Cabrera elected to become a free agent rather than accepting the assignment while Romero holds the same rights."

Johnny Damon limps off, hopes New York Yankee career isn't on last legs

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November 5

New York Daily News

"In the end, Johnny Damon could only watch as he won his first World Series in pinstripes. In what might have been his last game as a Yankee, the left fielder came out of the game in the third inning with a strained right calf and was a spectator as his teammates closed out the Phillies with a 7-3 win in Game 6 to clinch the franchise's first title since 2000. "Any way we could get it, I am just happy we won it," Damon said. "I am just glad I got to contribute to a World Series and help bring a championship back to New York City." Damon, in the final season of his four-year, $52million contract, overcame a miserable division series and helped drive the Yankees to a championship. It was ..."

Yankees' Mariano Rivera finishes Phillies in World Series, says he's far from finished

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November 5

New York Daily News

"Eight years to the day the Yankees' most recent dynasty died with Mariano Rivera on the mound in Arizona, the greatest closer in postseason history sealed the first title of what they hope will be their next run of multiple championships. Calmly and coolly and as dominant as he's always been, the 39-year-old Rivera recorded the final five outs of the Yankees' 7-3 victory Wednesday night to close out the Phillies in Game 6 and finish off the long-awaited first title in the Bronx since 2000. "All of them were great. But this one is special. It was a drought for nine years and we finally got one," said Rivera, who told the crowd from the podium during the presentation of the championship ..."

Matsui makes it hard for Yanks to release him

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November 5

New York Post

columnist David Wells

"I'VE maintained for a while that the Yankees should get younger and let Hideki Matsui depart this winter, but how do you do that now? This wasn't Reggie Jackson hitting three home runs in one game, but what we saw last night by Matsui (six RBIs in the Yankees' 7-3 World Series-clinching victory last night in The Bronx) was one of the great performances in World Series history. The Yankees are champions, and Matsui was every bit deserving of the MVP.It just goes to show you what kind of hitter he is. He could hit lefties from the first at-bat I ever saw him. Just his ability to hit all types of pitchers is amazing. He's probably got another three or four years left in him. The Yankees will ..."

Cubs Ted Lilly will miss start of season

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November 5

Chicago Tribune

"Ted Lilly will miss the start of the 2010 season after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery Tuesday in Los Angeles. How long Lilly will miss is unknown, but the Cubs left-hander said Wednesday he won't begin throwing again for "four months or so." Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said the Cubs were encouraged there was no significant damage to the labrum or rotator cuff, and said surgeon Lewis Yocum thinks there's "a good possibility Ted would be pitching in April" if all goes well. Lilly was reluctant to have the surgery but decided it was his best option in the long run. "I didn't want to go into the season doing what I was doing at the end of the year, where I was missing starts," ..."

Tigers free agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 5

Detroit Free Press

"The Detroit Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. He didn't name any other teams. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively. After missing the last few weeks of the season, ..."

Mariners claim pitcher Yusmeiro Petit from Arizona

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November 5

Seattle Times

"According to numerous outlets, right-handed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit has been claimed off waivers by the Mariners. Not an earth-shattering move, but just another piece of pitching inventory being stockpiled by Jack Zduriencik. As the Arizona Republic story points out, Petit has allowed 1.96 home runs per nine innings, tied for the worst rate in major league history. Maybe Safeco Field will help with his longball problem. Or not. Lookout Landing and USS Mariner both weighed in on Petit, concluding, essentially, that it was a gamble worth taking, but don't expect too much. Here are his stats, and here he is in action. Here's his yearbook photo. OK, it's not really his yearbook photo. Petit ..."

Tigers' free-agent Washburn eyes return to Seattle

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November 4

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers this summer made an investment in pitcher Jarrod Washburn that didn't pay off. Now the lefty could be returning to the team that sent him to Detroit, the Seattle Mariners. Washburn, a free agent, told the Mariners' Web site that Seattle is among the teams at the top of his list. Washburn, 35, went 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in 20 starts for Seattle before being dealt to Detroit for rookie left-hander Luke French. Washburn was AL pitcher of the month in July with Seattle. But soon after the Tigers acquired him at the July 31 trading deadline, a knee injury prevented him from pitching effectively."

Hudson set to extend contract with Braves

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November 4

MLB.com

"It appears that Tim Hudson has taken care of the small details that were standing in the way of the completion of the three-year contract extension that the Braves have provided. Hudson has passed his physical and now may only have to wait for the conclusion of the World Series to have the Braves formally announce that they have provided this extension that would keep him in Atlanta through the end of the 2012 season. After agreeing to the terms of this extension last week, the Braves had to find a doctor that would be approved by their insurance company. Hudson went 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in the seven starts that he made after returning from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery in ..."

Agent: Braves sign veteran reliever Proctor

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November 4

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Braves signed veteran reliever Scott Proctor to a one-year contract on Wednesday, according to his agent. The team hopes he can overcome two recent elbow surgeries and regain something akin to his form. The right-hander missed the entire 2009 season with the Florida Marlins while recovering from ligament-transplant elbow surgery in May, after flexor-tendon surgery on the elbow in October 2008. The Braves have not confirmed the signing, as teams are urged by Major League Baseball not to make such announcements during the World Series. Soon after the World Series, the Braves are also expected to announce pitcher Tim Hudson has signed a three-year contract. He passed his physical this ..."

Time to Work on Roster

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November 4

InsideTheRockies.com

"Next week the Rockies have decisions to make on options for three players. What would you do? The pending options: C Yorvit Torrealba, $500,000 buyout on option of $4.0 million). LHP Alan Embree $250,000 buyout on option of $3.0 million). RHP Rafael Betancourt no buyout on $5.4 million option. My move would be to rework Betancourt and try to get a two-year deal with a possible buyout for a third year that would lower the annual salary but provide him more security."

Report: Tigers' Jarrod Washburn would like to return to Mariners

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November 4

Detroit News

"Free-agent left-hander Jarrod Washburn, not likely to re-sign with the Tigers, says a return to the Seattle Mariners would be among his top choices. "Seattle definitely is toward the top of my list," Washburn told MLB.com. "I'll just have to see what happens when the free-agent season begins.""

Cardinals release Brad Thompson, make roster trims

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November 4

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"In an attempt to cleanup their 40-man roster for the offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals made a series of moves this morning that included releasing reliever Brad Thompson. The roster moves started last night with Jarrett Hoffpauir being picked up off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Cardinals also moved infielder Joe Thurston and reliever Matt Scherer to the Triple-A Memphis roster. The official name of the transaction is called "outrighting" the two players to the Class AAA affiliate. All four moves have been done to make room on the 40-man roster."

Blue Jays' Wells to undergo surgery

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November 4

Toronto Sun

"Agent Brian Peters isn't sure exactly when Vernon Wells' wrist began to ache. But it still was bothering him two weeks ago, after the season had come to an end. "Vernon told me his left wrist was still barking at him," Wells' agent said from Houston yesterday. Wells underwent an MRI, was examined by a specialist Thursday and next week will fly from Dallas to Phoenix to have arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Donald Sheridan in Scottsdale, Ariz. Sheridan will repair cartilage damage in Wells' left wrist. "I've sent a couple of my guys, Carl Crawford and Orlando Hudson, there before ... We've been talking to George Poulos (the Jays trainer)," Peters said. "Vernon needs to go in and get ..."

Rays working on Iwamura deal

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November 3

St. Petersburg Times

"Just got back to New York and heard from an industry source who's not with the Rays that they are on the verge of completing a trade of 2B Akinori Iwamura. The Rays were looking to do some kind of deal since they weren't planning to pick up the $4.85-million option to bring him back. What's interesting is that the source indicated the deal wasn't with the Cubs or the Dodgers as has been speculated on but to an unexpected team. Hmmm. The Rays are operating under something of a deadline since they have until one day after the end of the World Series to either pick up the option or pay a $550,000 buyout and allow Iwamura to become a free agent. They have been working on essentially a ..."

Thumb surgery for Francoeur

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November 3

New York Post

"Mets right fielder Jeff Francoeur yesterday had the long-planned surgery to repair a torn collateral ligament in his left thumb, an injury he suffered making a diving catch Aug. 23 in Philadelphia. The surgery was performed in Atlanta, Francoeur's hometown, and the Mets say he is expected to be fully recovered in time for the start of spring training. Francoeur played the final six weeks with the injury, and it didn't hold him back. He hit .319 with 12 doubles, four homers and 17 RBIs in 36 games after tearing the ligament."

Hazen turns down Padres, opts for Sox

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November 3

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox may already have lost assistant general manager Jed Hoyer to the Padres and bench coach Brad Mills to the Astros, but they won't be losing director of player development Mike Hazen, who was offered an assistant general manager job by San Diego. According to a baseball source, Hazen will remain with the Sox. His duties won't be different, including no new title, though he will be granted more autonomy based on the changing role of assistant general manager Ben Cherington. With the departure of Hoyer, Cherington will move from overseeing amateur scouting and drafting and player development to focusing more on the major league club, including roster construction and contract ..."

Cubs deny Bradley-for-Wells trade talks

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November 1

ESPN.com

"Although the Cubs have had discussions with Toronto about different scenarios, Cubs sources on Saturday vehemently denied that there is any type of a trade for Milton Bradley for Vernon Wells being discussed. Bradley had two years left on his contract at $21.5 million. Wells has five years left at $98 million, including $23 million each in the last two years of the contract."

Melky strains left hamstring in sixth inning

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November 2

MLB.com

"Melky Cabrera may have to watch from the bench as the Yankees attempt to put the finishing touches on their 27th World Series championship. The 25-year-old outfielder suffered a slight strain of his left hamstring while running out a sixth-inning groundout in Game 4 of the Fall Classic on Sunday and might not be available as the Yankees look to defeat the Phillies and finalize their first title since 2000. Cabrera went to center field after the top of the sixth inning and tried to convince Yankees manager Joe Girardi and assistant trainer Steve Donohue that he could stay in the game."

Wells swap 'has legs'

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October 31

Toronto Sun

columnist Bob Elliott

"It's not a match made in heaven. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The Chicago Cubs would like to -- have to -- deal disgruntled outfielder Milton Bradley. And one player they are eyeing as a target destination is the Blue Jays, with centre fielder Vernon Wells going to the Cubs in return. "It's early on, but we think this one has some legs," said one Cubs official. "But they aren't the only team we are talking with." Bradley, 31, who was suspended for the remainder of the season by the Cubs on Sept. 20, has two years and $21 million US remaining on his contract. Wells has six years left on his contract extension, $107 million remaining, including the $8.5-million final instalment of his ..."

O's meet with Cuban lefty Chapman

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October 31

Baltimore Sun

"Orioles international scouting director John Stockstill met Friday with free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman and his agent Edwin Mejia in New York. Stockstill, who watched the highly coveted 21-year-old pitch in the World Baseball Classic in March, said he was impressed by Chapman. "He's willing and interested to come and visit Baltimore," Stockstill said. While the Orioles maintain interest, it's highly doubtful they will be serious bidders if Chapman's reported asking price -- between $40 million and $60 million in a long-term deal -- is accurate."

Hendrickson hopes O's won't wait

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October 31

Baltimore Sun

"When the World Series ends, the Orioles' exclusive 15-day negotiating window with would-be free-agent pitcher Mark Hendrickson will begin. And while that period usually comes and goes for most free agents without any serious negotiations, Hendrickson's agent is hopeful that his client's experience with the Orioles will be different. "We won't wait just for the purpose of waiting," said Joe Urbon of CAA Sports. "They have an exclusive window to talk and try to get something done, and I would hope that they'd use it because I know that's what Mark would like. "There have been indications and a vibe that there is an interest in the Orioles in having him back, and Mark has made it clear that ..."

Pedro twice rebuffed in bids to join Yanks

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October 31

New York Daily News

"There were plenty of "Who's Your Daddy" chants at Yankee Stadium on Thursday night when Pedro Martinez was on the mound for the Phillies, and as usual the former Red Sox ace ate it up, smiling as he came off the mound even as he fell to 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA in four career playoff appearances in the Bronx . But it's worth pointing out that Martinez twice made a bid to join his "daddies" in the family business - once when he was a free agent after the 2004 season, and again earlier this summer when he was also a free agent and worked out for numerous major league scouts. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that in both instances, there was a slim chance that Martinez was ..."

Astros name three coaches, re-sign Blum

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October 31

Houston Chronicle

"Al Pedrique, one of 10 candidates interviewed for the Astros' managerial position that Manny Acta declined before Brad Mills beat out Dave Clark for the post, has become Mills' bench coach. Bobby Meacham will serve as the first-base coach and Brad Arnsberg as pitching coach. Combined with the previous announcement that hitting coach Sean Berry will return and that Clark has been invited back, Mills' coaching staff is essentially set. Arnsberg, Meacham hired "On Pedrique, any time that you can get a guy with that type of experience in the dugout and the skills that he has, he's going to fit right in to what we need," Mills said. Although Mills and Pedrique have never worked together, they ..."

Kennedy says he's interested in rejoining A's

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October 30

San Francisco Chronicle

"Adam Kennedy was one of the final additions to the A's in 2009, but he might be one of the first to join the roster this offseason. The veteran second baseman, who spent most of the year at third for Oakland after coming from Tampa Bay in a minor-league deal in May, would like to return, and his agent, Paul Cohen, told The Chronicle that talks have been "very positive." Players may file for free agency one day after the World Series ends, but if Kennedy does so, that won't indicate a shift in thinking about Oakland. A's assistant general manager David Forst said the team expects that Kennedy will file for free agency, and, he said, "The ball is in their court. We let them know we're ..."

Fla. group touts advantages in fight for Cubs

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October 30

East Valley Tribune

"A Florida development team took aim at Mesa on Thursday by boasting of their ongoing talks with the Chicago Cubs as they work to snag the team's spring training from Arizona. The Ricketts family, which owns the Cubs, recently traveled to the area around Naples, Fla., to look at potential spring training facility sites, said Craig Bouchard, whose Chicago-based Esmark company is talking with the Cubs. With the owners coming to Mesa next week for the first time, Bouchard tried to portray the sequence of visits as an advantage or signal that benefits Florida. "They came here first, and they're going out there next," Bouchard said. Bouchard is working on a proposal with Gary Price, a Naples ..."

Orioles decline Mora's 2010 option

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October 30

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles announced Thursday that they won't exercise third baseman Melvin Mora's $8 million option for the 2010 season, an expected move that will likely end the tenure of one of their most productive and popular players over the past decade. The team could try to re-sign him for less, but that appears unlikely with Mora coming off one of the worst offensive seasons of his career and both sides seemingly ready to head in different directions. "We'll see how the offseason unfolds," president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "There are a lot of twists and turns. You never say never." In a series of roster moves Thursday, the Orioles also declined the $850,000 option on catcher ..."

Clint Hurdle a finalist for Rangers' hitting job

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October 30

Denver Post

columnist Troy E. Renck

"Watching words spill out of Ozzie Guillen's mouth on the Fox TV set down the left-field line brought back memories. Former Rockies manager Clint Hurdle was a lot of things to a lot of people - nobody was more charitable or gracious with his time in the community. Back to Thursday night, Hurdle, like Guillen, is a talker. Sometimes charming. Sometimes angry. Always offering an opinion. At his baseball core, however, Hurdle is a teacher. So it wasn't a surprise to learn that he's one of four finalists for the Texas Rangers' hitting instructor job. Hurdle has told people close to him that he wants back into coaching. And this could be an ideal landing spot. Fired after the Rockies stumbled ..."

Pujols Clears Up Contract Speculation, Praises McGwire

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October 29

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Appearing on St. Louis sports station WXOS 101.1 FM on Thursday morning, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was asked to explain comments made during an interview in the Dominican Republic. In the interview, Pujols suggested he was in no hurry to sign a contract extension with the Cardinals. "I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension. I still have one year remaining in my contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011. I leave the rest in God's hands," Pujols told Dominican radio station CDN 92.5 FM. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said he was "surprised" by Pujols' stance, given that the Cardinals had repeatedly expressed an interest in opening negotiations with Pujols this winter. ..."

Agent: Chapman had 'very good visit'

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October 29

ESPN.com

"Free-agent Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman met with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Wednesday and reportedly came away impressed with what he saw. "Boston was one of the teams he was interested in from the start, and that certainly hasn't changed," Chapman's agent, Edwin Mejia, told The Boston Globe. "It was a very good visit." Mejia told the Globe that he and Chapman met with baseball operations personnel and one player, whom Mejia would not identify. Chapman, 21, reportedly had been scheduled to throw for the Red Sox as well, though it is unclear whether the wet weather in the area Wednesday pushed back those plans. The New York Yankees also are among the teams interested in ..."

Hudson and Braves close to deal

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October 29

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Pitcher Tim Hudson is expected to sign a three-year contract extension with the Braves by early next week, a person familiar with negotiations said. The Braves and Hudson's representative have made rapid progress in negotiations on a deal, which could be completed as early as Friday. It's believed it will be worth approximately $9 million per season. The extension for Hudson, 34, would replace a $12 million option the Braves hold on the right-hander's contract for 2010. The Braves have until three days after the World Series to make a decision on that option. If the option were exercised, Hudson would have the right to refuse it and become a free agent. The Alabama native said he would ..."

Players pick Greinke as American League's top pitcher

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October 29

Kansas City Star

"Royals right-hander Zack Greinke garnered another award Wednesday as the top pitcher in the American League. This one came courtesy of his peers in balloting for the Players Choice Awards. Greinke was previously selected as the AL's top pitcher by The Sporting News and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum after going 16-8 with a 2.16 ERA. He now appears positioned as the favorite for the Cy Young Award, which will be announced Nov. 17."

Hoyer offers contracts to all scouts, player development personnel

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October 29

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Shortly after taking the job as Padres general manager, Jed Hoyer on Monday praised the depth of talent in the scouting and player development department. Wednesday, on a conference call to the club's amateur scouts, cross-checkers and minor league instructors, managers and coaches, Hoyer tendered contracts to "all of both staffs." "I'm not sure everyone will return, some might take jobs elsewhere," Hoyer said late Wednesay afternoon. "But we've offered them all contracts for 2010.""

Mariners jump into race to sign Cuba's Aroldis Chapman

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October 29

Seattle Times

"The Mariners are jumping into the race to sign Aroldis Chapman, the left-handed pitching phenom from Cuba. The club has asked to meet with the 21-year-old Chapman and his agent, Edwin Mejia, in the coming week, according to a source. There are no details yet on a date or location of a potential meeting by Chapman with Seattle officials, but the source described the Mariners' interest as "serious." Chapman is being pursued by numerous teams, the Yankees and Red Sox most fervently, according to reports. Chapman had been scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday at Fenway Park in Boston, but it was canceled because of the weather. The Tigers, Cardinals, Mets and Orioles also are linked ..."

Manny not leaving Mannywood

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October 28

SI.com

"Manny Ramirez is planning to exercise the $20 million player option that returns him to the Dodgers for 2010. His original plan was to shop around, but after a year in which he was suspended for 50 games, he must have realized this is his best option. Manny's plan to stay should come as no surprise the Dodgers. Dodgers people have said all along they expect Ramirez to pick up the option. It's interesting to look at how much he improved his lot by forcing the trade to L.A. in the summer of 2008. Had Ramirez simply stayed in Boston and played out his old contract, the Red Sox almost certainly would have declined what was a $20 million team option in that contract. So with the extra $5 ..."

Matthews wants out of LA

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October 28

Los Angeles Times

"Three key Angels headed for free agency -- Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Vladimir Guerrero -- have publicly expressed a desire to return to Anaheim, and center fielder Torii Hunter, after talking to free-agent pitcher John Lackey, is convinced the right-hander wants to remain an Angel. Gary Matthews Jr.? Not so much. The disgruntled outfielder with two years and $23 million left on his contract wants no part of the Angels in 2010, and he reiterated his request to be traded -- or released -- while cleaning out his Angel Stadium locker Tuesday. "I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on," Matthews said. "I'm ready to play for an organization that wants me to play every day. This ..."

Tigers want hard-throwing Cuban Aroldis Chapman

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October 28

Detroit News

"The Tigers are interested in Cuban-born left-hander Aroldis Chapman, according to numerous sources. He's a 21-year-old with triple-digit speed. At this point, however, the Tigers' interest amounts to nothing more than attempting to schedule a meeting with Chapman -- as several clubs are trying to do. Chapman defected July 1 and according to SI.com, "a shallow free-agent pitching pool (is) expected to make him one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason." It's thought Chapman could get contract offers of more than $30 million. The Tigers do not comment on their level of interest in free agents."

Byrnes, D-Backs may be close to split

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October 28

Arizona Republic

"The "Eric Byrnes Show" already is over, and it seems as though his Diamondbacks run might be done, too. It's amazing how quickly the perception of Eric Byrnes has changed. Not long ago, he was one of the Valley's more-popular sports figures. Now, he's just a whipping boy. What once was appreciation for his hair-on-fire style has become derision for his so-called "false hustle." You wouldn't have known anything had changed Friday night at Scottsdale Stadium. Byrnes stood on the field and delivered a typically impassioned speech on his fallen friend, Pat Tillman, at an Arizona Fall League fundraiser. Later, he signed autographs and posed for pictures in the concourse until every youngster ..."

Webb to stay in desert for 2010

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October 28

SI.com

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"The Diamondbacks are planning to pick up Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option now that he's turned down their other compromise offers. Arizona was hoping Webb would be willing to share the "risk'' -- to accept a slightly lower guarantee with incentives that could push him past $10 million. But Webb said no to that. The D-Backs also offered to add an option for 2010, but he turned that down, too. So he'll be a D-Back in 2010 but become a free agent after the '10 season."

Rollins predicts victory

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October 28

Camden Courier-Post

"Jimmy Rollins is back in the prediction business. On the eve of the World Series, Yankee Stadium was buzzing Tuesday over Rollins' boast on "The Jay Leno Show" that the Phillies will defeat the Bronx Bombers in five games to win their second consecutive championship. "He's Nostradamus, right? That's what I've heard," Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "He's been doing a lot of good predictions. We've got to take it away from him." Rollins, the Phillies' swaggering shortstop, called the Phillies the "team to beat" in the National League East before the 2007 season, angering the New York Mets. But he backed it up by winning the NL MVP and leading the Phillies to the division crown. In June, ..."

Myers back on Phils' roster

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October 28

Philadelphia Inquirer

"Brett Myers moved his left heel a few inches and ended up on the World Series roster.The veteran righthander, who pitched one ineffective inning in the division series and was excluded from the National League Championship Series roster, was added to the Phillies again yesterday. He replaced utilityman Miguel Cairo.Pitching coach Rich Dubee said that the team needed an extra pitcher because of the shortage of off days during the World Series, and that Myers looked much improved while throwing two simulated games and two bullpen sessions during the NLCS."His fastball is a lot sharper," Dubee said. "His breaking ball is better than it was before. His fastball command has improved."Myers said ..."

Blake Parker may be good catch for Chicago Cubs

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October 28

Chicago Tribune

"Many Americans have been in job-changing mode recently, but Blake Parker got a head start. Drafted as a catcher, Parker hit a pedestrian .254 for the Cubs' rookie ball team in 2006. He was summoned to low Class A Peoria for a late-season look, and it didn't go well. His 0-for-21 line helped him qualify for job training -- as a pitcher. The 6-foot-3-inch, 225-pound right-hander remembers with some irony the day at extended spring training in 2007 when his job switch became official. "They called me in the day I hit a walk-off homer, and I thought I was getting called up," Parker said. "But they said they had looked back in the scouting reports and that I had a good arm. I was excited and ..."

Rangers talk to Greer about hitting instructor position

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October 28

Dallas Morning News

"If the Rangers are seeking advice on improving their approach at the plate, they certainly went to the right place to talk on the first day of casual interviews for a hitting instructor. They called Rusty Greer. Greer, who had a .301 career batting average in a decade with the Rangers, has the second-highest career on-base percentage as a Ranger at .388. Greer, who has spent the last two years working with hitters in the Texas Collegiate League and giving private hitting instruction, acknowledged talking with the Rangers about the job Tuesday, but declined to comment on the discussions. General manager Jon Daniels declined to comment on the interview process. The Rangers were expected ..."

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