MLB Trade Rumors

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Plenty of talent could be on move
Comment
February 9
MLB.com
 
"When players make themselves at home in their respective clubhouses in a couple of weeks, some will be trying on new uniforms, while most will be putting on the same ones they've worn for years. A few might not want to get too comfortable in this spring's colors, though. Trades will happen. Some will happen soon, some might not happen until summer as the July 31 Trade Deadline approaches. But they'll happen. It might be something we've heard about for months, like Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox. It might be one that could make sense even with the ink barely dried on a player's contract, like Ben Sheets with the A's. And you can pretty much bank on there being a doozy or two nobody had any ..."
Report: Detroit, Atlanta like Damon
Comment
February 8
Detroit Free Press
 
"Foxsports.com reports that the Tigers and Braves are among teams interested in the services of free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon. The report says the Tigers' chances of getting Damon rest on whether owner Mike Ilitch wants to expand the team's budget. Damon's agent is Scott Boras, who has recent history with the Tigers. Boras also represented Ivan Rodriguez and Magglio Ordoñez when they signed with the Tigers."
Phillies deny signing Japanese relievers
Comment
February 8
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"The Phillies are denying a report that they have signed two Japanese lefthanded relievers to minor league contracts. Japan's Daily Sports Online had reported that the Phillies announced the signings this week with Shigetoshi Yamakita and Naoyo Okamoto, and that they would report to spring training next month in Clearwater, Fla. "The reports online that the Phillies have signed two Japanese pitchers are not accurate," the team said in a statement. "The Phillies have not recently signed any pitchers or position players from Japan.""
Braves could be waiting on Damon to lower his price
Comment
February 8
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"There are several reasons to believe the Braves have interest in Johnny Damon, not the least of which is the fact that they have yet to declare publicly, "We have no interest in Johnny Damon." And given that the player is represented by agent Scott Boras, they would have all the motivation in the world to shoot this rumor down. I know. We've been down this road before. David O'Brien has discussed it on his blog, and I wrote nearly three weeks ago that the Braves needed to take a run at Damon to fill their need for a leadoff hitter. Most of you agreed. I just checked poll results and of 2,750 readers who voted, 78 percent supported the Damon idea. This is what has happened since: Nothing. ..."
Desmond may play utility role for Nats
Comment
February 7
MLB.com
 
"With Cristian Guzman remaining at shortstop, it is assumed the Nationals will send shortstop Ian Desmond to Triple-A Syracuse to start the 2010 season. Not so fast, according to Nationals manager Jim Riggleman. Washington is thinking about making Desmond an all-purpose utility man -- playing all three outfield positions, shortstop and second base. Riggleman, however, wants to make sure that Guzman is healthy before putting Desmond in a utility role. Guzman is coming off right shoulder surgery and foot problems. "It will be determined in Spring Training," Riggleman said Saturday. "We have to check out the health of Guzman. ... We anticipate that he will be our shortstop. "Ian is such a good ..."
Two reports saying that the A's have signed Michael Feliz
Comment
February 7
Oakland Tribune
 (scroll down)
"Two reports Saturday said the A's have agreed to terms with right-hander Michael Feliz out of the Dominican Republic, though the team has yet to confirm it. Feliz reportedly would get an $800,000 bonus, with the deal pending a physical and age investigation, not uncommon for players coming out of the Dominican. The Dominican Prospect League web site lists Feliz's age as 16. A scouting report on that site says the 6-foot-4 Feliz boasts a fastball in the 91-93 mph range."
Dye could be headed for AL club
Comment
February 6
Foxsports.com
 
"Several baseball executives said Friday that they expect Jermaine Dye to sign with an American League club. That way, his at-bats could be spread among the maximum number of positions: left field, right field, designated hitter and perhaps first base. But that begs the question: Which AL team? As of Friday, it didn't appear that anyone had taken the lead in the pursuit for Dye. Perhaps teams will wait for Johnny Damon to sign before moving on Dye. That's how it happened with the second base market. Orlando Hudson signed with the Twins, then Adam Kennedy paired up with the Nationals."
Report: Feeling unwanted, Washburn may retire
Comment
February 6
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
 
"Just a few weeks ago, former Mariners left-handed Jarrod Washburn was rejecting an offer from the Minnesota Twins in the ballpark of $5 million for one year. He reportedly was interested in playing for the Twins or the Mariners. Now, with Erik Bedard apparently returning to the Mariners and the Twins using their remaining budget to sign second baseman Orlando Hudson, Washburn might have one option left – retirement."
Wellemeyer says he's considering Rockies; Colorado will watch Lowry
Comment
February 6
Denver Post
 
"When I talked with GM Dan O'Dowd earlier this week, he said the club was done shopping, save for a few minor-league signings. Todd Wellemeyer has emerged as one of those options, saying today on 1380 AM in St. Louis that he is considering signing with either the Rockies, Giants or Mets. A person close to Wellemeyer said that the Giants are the favorite to get him, followed by Colorado."
Tigers GM Dave Dave Dombrowski remains high on Jeremy Bonderman making a comeback
Comment
February 5
Michigan Live
 
"Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski continues to speak confidently about Jeremy Bonderman being his club's fourth starter. Dombrowkski looked at Justin Verlander during Thursday's news conference to announce his ace's long-term deal and said, "Justin has been throwing with Jeremy in Lakeland (Fla.) and says he's throwing tremendously." Bonderman, 27, hasn't won a game since his 2008 season ended June 1, when surgery was required to correct a blood flow problem from his heart to his right arm. Shoulder muscles had to be cut extensively during the operation and a long comeback ensued."
Nationals bringing Kennedy to Washington
Comment
February 5
MLB.com
 
"A few hours after losing out to the Twins in the Orlando Hudson sweepstakes, the Nationals stayed busy by agreeing to terms with free-agent second baseman Adam Kennedy, according to a baseball source. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Nationals have not confirmed that a deal has been reached. The left-handed-hitting Kennedy had a nice comeback season in 2009, hitting .289 with 11 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Athletics. The previous two years, he played in just a combined 202 games because of injuries. Kennedy, 34, is best known for his years with the Angels. In 2002, he was the American League Championship Series MVP after hitting three home runs against the Twins in Game 5. ..."
Padres, Torrealba agree on 1-year deal
Comment
February 5
ESPN.com
 
"Yorvit Torrealba, one of the few remaining free agent catchers, has agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million deal with the San Diego Padres. Torrealba will play for a $750,000 salary this season, and will receive a $500,000 buyout if the Padres and the catcher don't exercise a mutual option on him for 2011, for $3.5 million. Torrealba, 31, hit .291 for the Colorado Rockies last season, with two homers and 31 RBIs, and had numerous hits in big spots down the stretch; with runners in scoring position, Torrealba hit .477 during the 2009 season."
Twins' blueprint to signing Joe Mauer just might be Griffey's deal in 2000
Comment
February 5
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"A hometown hero with unlimited earning potential. A small-market team trying to sign him to a long-term deal. It's not easy, but it's been done. Ken Griffey Jr. and the Cincinnati Reds made it happen in 2000, and his agent, Brian Goldberg, said there's no reason Joe Mauer and the Twins can't make it happen in 2010. "To work, there have to be a couple of different factors that would allow a player to sign a long-term contract with a team that perceives itself as small-market," Goldberg said. "First, the player has to not go for the highest dollar on the open market. Secondly, after that, the sides have to work on deferring some of that money into the future." That's how Goldberg negotiated ..."
Retirement in the cards for Washburn?
Comment
February 5
Foxsports.com
 
"At the beginning of this week, Jarrod Washburn had narrowed his possible 2010 destinations to a very small list. In fact, it might have included only two teams — the Mariners and Twins. On Thursday, both clubs moved toward commitments with other players. Seattle is close to a one-year deal with starter Erik Bedard. Likewise, Minnesota is nearing an agreement with second baseman Orlando Hudson. So now what for Washburn? It remains possible that Seattle or Minnesota could boost its payroll by enough money to give Washburn an enticing one-year offer. If that doesn't happen, and if Washburn doesn't want to play elsewhere, he has a third option. Retirement. It sounds extreme, yes. But one major ..."
Twins weren't high bidder for Hudson
Comment
February 5
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins were not the high bidder for free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson -- at least not in total dollars. The Indians offered Hudson a two-year, $10 million deal, major-league sources say, though the present-day value would have been lower. The deal was backloaded, and a significant portion of the guarantee was in the buyout of a third-year option, according to one source. Hudson, by accepting a one-year, $5 million contract from the Twins, went with a team more likely to contend in 2010 than his two other finalists, the Indians and Nationals. His deal includes a stipulation that the Twins cannot offer him salary arbitration if he is a Type A free agent, ensuring that a team can ..."
Phils add Villarreal for depth
Comment
February 5
Camden Courier-Post
 
"When the Phillies scouted reliever Oscar Villarreal last Friday in Phoenix, they were reminded of veteran right-hander Rodrigo Lopez. Lopez missed the 2008 season while recovering from elbow surgery, but he signed a minor league deal with the Phillies last winter. And although he wasn't invited to major league camp in spring training, he went 3-1 in five valuable midseason starts when the rotation was decimated by injuries. A year later, the Phillies are hoping Villarreal can provide similar insurance for the bullpen. Villarreal, a 28-year-old right-hander who did not pitch last season after undergoing elbow ligament replacement surgery, agreed Thursday to a minor league contract that ..."
What an extension might look like for Mark Reynolds
Comment
February 5
Arizona Republic
 
"We've heard there is some mutual interest from the Diamondbacks and third baseman Mark Reynolds in working out a contract extension and that the club is expected to make an offer sometime before spring training. There are some indications that the sides could talk about a three-year deal. In theory, that sort of contract could work for both sides. Reynolds still is a year away from becoming eligible for arbitration for the first time, so his salary for 2010 will be club-controlled, i.e., in the $500,000 range. So if they did a three-year deal this off-season (2010-12), it would cover two arbitration seasons, leaving him with one year of arbitration eligibility left before he would become a ..."
Phillies sign reliever Villarreal to minor-league deal
Comment
February 5
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"The Phillies signed reliever Oscar Villarreal to a minor-league deal yesterday. Villarreal, who missed the entire 2009 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, will not be invited to spring training. Villarreal, 28, last pitched in 2008 with Houston when he appeared in 35 games, compiling a 1-3 record with a 5.02 ERA. He was 9-1 with a 3.61 ERA in 58 games for Atlanta in 2006, his best season in the majors. Villarreal, much like other recent signees by the Phillies, is probably ticketed for triple-A Lehigh Valley. In the last few days, the Phillies have also come to terms with outfielder Freddy Guzman, second baseman Luis Maza and pitchers Brian Gordon and Brian Mazone, all on ..."
Phillies sign Villarreal, Purdom to minor league deals
Comment
February 5
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"The Phillies have signed veteran righthander Oscar Villarreal and catcher John Purdom to minor league contracts. Villarreal, 28, missed the 2009 season after having Tommy John surgery on his elbow. He isn't expected to report to spring training until the end of Feburary, his agent told MLB.com. Villarreal pitched six seasons in the big leagues, with the Diamondbacks, Braves and Astros. He is 24-15 with a 3.86 earned run average."
Tigers expected to announce Justin Verlander signing today
Comment
February 4
Michigan Live
 
"The Detroit Tigers have announced a 3 p.m. press conference today. A club spokesman would not reveal the topic, but it is believed to be in regard to the signing of Tigers starter Justin Verlander to a long-term contract. Verlander, 26, has agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract, according to the Associated Press. He was 19-9 in 2009, sharing the major league lead in wins and leading the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings and 35 starts. Verlander foregoes three years of free agency by signing, but gets likely double the money he would have earned in the next two seasons. The average salary over the length of the contract is $16 million. Two major league executives, both ..."
Adrian Gonzalez still in play
Comment
February 4
Boston Herald
 
"With chatter increasing that the Twins and catcher Joe Mauer are close to striking a long-term agreement, the odds of a similar deal for another Red Sox object of interest - Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez - grow longer. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Padres CEO Jeff Moorad did not sound optimistic about the team's ability to retain Gonzalez, who can become a free agent after the 2011 season. "While I'd be thrilled to have him part of the organization for the long term, the early signals indicate his cost will be greater than our ability to pay," Moorad said. Assuming those signals do not change, the Padres are expected to entertain serious trade offers by the July ..."
Twins going after Hudson?
Comment
February 4
Foxsports.com
 
"The Twins have intensified their pursuit of free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson, one major league source told FOXSports.com on Thursday morning. Minnesota general manager Bill Smith declined to comment Thursday when asked if he is optimistic about his chances of adding a free agent this week. Hudson is asking for at least $6 million on a one-year deal, a separate source said. He is likely to agree to terms on a new contract this week. The Washington Nationals have been linked to Hudson for weeks, but they aren't a clear frontrunner in the market for his services. The Twins have a much better chance of reaching the playoffs this year, which could nudge Hudson in their direction. Hudson ..."
Bedard on the path of returning to Seattle
Comment
February 4
MLB.com
 
"Now that the Mariners have avoided salary arbitration with first baseman Casey Kotchman, signing him to a one year, $3.5 million contract on Wednesday, the next order of business might be -- surprise, surprise -- re-signing left-hander Erik Bedard. Yep, there are rumblings going around that Bedard could soon re-up with the Mariners, who are still paying his medical bills. Bedard is expected to miss the first three or four months of the regular season but conceievably could come back in early June or July and provide significant pitching help. When healthy, he has been good. But he's been hurt more than healthy since being acquired from the Orioles in a trade that still makes me shake my ..."
Cubs avoid arbitration with Marmol
Comment
February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cubs signed closer Carlos Marmol to a one-year, $2.125 million deal Thursday, avoiding arbitration. Marmol said at the Cubs Convention he wasn't worried about signing and had no intention of going to an arbitration hearing. He asked for $2.5 million while the Cubs offered $1.75 million, and they met about halfway. That leaves Ryan Theriot as the only unsigned Cub among arbitration-eligible players. Theriot filed for $3.4 million, while the Cubs countered at $2.6 million. Obviously, the midway point would be $3 million, though the Cubs are reluctant to go that high and may take it to a hearing."
Cubs ink Millar to Minor League deal
Comment
February 4
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs signed veteran Kevin Millar to a Minor League contract Thursday, creating a crowd at first base. Millar will be vying for attention at first with former teammate Derrek Lee, Chad Tracy, who signed a Minor League deal on Jan. 27, and Micah Hoffpauir. It should be an entertaining Spring Training in the Cubs' camp. Millar, 38, is a former teammate of Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster and the two engaged in a friendly war of words during Spring Training 2008. Dempster predicted the Cubs would win the World Series that season. Millar fired back that his team, the Orioles at the time, would raise the trophy in October and also that he'd go deep off Dempster. The Cubs and Orioles met that ..."
Report: Torrealba on verge of deal with Padres, not Mets
Comment
February 4
New York Post
 
"Free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba is likely to sign with the Padres, not the Mets, according to ESPN. ESPN reporter Buster Olney writes on his Twitter page, "Heard this: The Padres are on the verge of a deal with catcher Yorvit Torrealba on a one-year (contract)." Olney previously reported that Torrealba wanted to get the Mets to negotiate, but the team claimed it didn't have the money to sign him."
Nationals monitoring Wang's progress
Comment
February 4
MLB.com
 
"The Nationals are not done looking for starting pitching. In fact, they are monitoring free-agent right-hander Chien-Ming Wang, according to a baseball source. The Nationals did not confirm they are interested in Wang. Washington has not had serious talks with Wang's agent, Alan Nero, because the right-hander is still recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery that he had in late July. The source said that Wang is not in any pain and is throwing from 120 feet on flat ground. There is no timetable as to when Wang will throw off a mound, however he is hoping to get offers from clubs in two weeks. When healthy, Wang has proven he can be a big winner. In 2006 and '07, Wang went a combined ..."
Debate rages over Lincecum's case
Comment
February 4
MLB.com
 
"There's a good chance Tim Lincecum found out sometime Wednesday night that the Tigers and Justin Verlander agreed to a five-year, $80 million contract, avoiding arbitration. And even though Lincecum grew up near Seattle as a Mariners fan, he could have been raised in Wichita and still be well aware that Felix Hernandez and the Mariners re-upped for five years and $78 million a few weeks ago, also avoiding arbitration. So naturally, with the Giants ace right-hander's arbitration case still looming and starting to take up more and more space in the daily headlines, the baseball world collectively asks one question: How much is Tim Lincecum really worth? The basic guidelines have been set to ..."
Twins look to sign Mauer, open Target Field
Comment
February 4
USA Today
 
"The Minnesota Twins' excitement over moving into open-air Target Field is tempered by a question about catcher Joe Mauer's long-term status with the team.Mauer, the 2009 American League MVP who has won three batting titles, is eligible for free agency after the season, and the Twins have made it a priority to get Mauer signed, perhaps before the start of spring training this month. While Mauer and general manager Bill Smith have no comment, manager Ron Gardenhire jokes that the team has to decide "whether to give him Minneapolis or St. Paul." Mauer returns for at least one more season to a Twins team that won the AL Central last season when they beat the Detroit Tigers 6-5 in a 12-inning ..."
Bedard on Mariners: 'I'd love to be back!'
Comment
February 4
Tacoma News Tribune
 
"Watching from the frozen tundra of Ontario, Canada - where it was 16 degrees below zero this morning - Erik Bedard has been throwing a baseball for three weeks - and monitoring the Seattle Mariners all winter. "They' ve done a phenomenal job this off-season," Bedard said. "Getting Cliff Lee? Man, with Felix (Hernandez) and Lee at the top of the rotation, how are you ever going to lose?" And would Bedard like to be right behind them in the Seattle rotation? "I'd love it - put me down as No. 3B, because Ryan (Rowland-Smith) could be No. 3, he's ready," Bedard said. "I'd love to be back in Seattle." The team has talked to Bedard about a return, but there's no offer in hand just yet. And other ..."
For the Minnesota Twins to keep Joe Mauer, he'll have to accept less money
Comment
February 4
St. Paul Pioneer Press
 
"A hometown hero with unlimited earning potential. A small-market team trying to sign him to a long-term deal. It's not easy, but it's been done. Ken Griffey Jr. and the Cincinnati Reds made it happen in 2000, and his agent, Brian Goldberg, said there's no reason Joe Mauer and the Twins can't make it happen in 2010. "To work, there have to be a couple of different factors that would allow a player to sign a long-term contract with a team that perceives itself as small-market," Goldberg said. "First, the player has to not go for the highest dollar on the open market. Secondly, after that, the sides have to work on deferring some of that money into the future." That's how Goldberg negotiated ..."
Latest on Bedard, Washburn destinations
Comment
February 4
Foxsports.com
 
"For several months last year, the pitching of Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn helped the Mariners remain in contention. Now, their free-agent marketplaces are intertwined. Two people in the industry said Thursday morning that they expect Bedard to return to the Mariners. For Bedard, who is coming off shoulder surgery, a familiarity with Seattle's medical staff could be an important consideration; the left-hander spent the past two injury-plagued seasons with the Mariners. One source said Thursday that Bedard can probably start pitching again in June, so he won't necessarily address the Mariners' need for starting pitching at the beginning of the season. But Mariners general manager Jack ..."
Gregg signing signals changes to Jay bullpen
Comment
February 4
Toronto Star
 
"The Blue Jays appear to have moved closer to a reliable late-inning pitching option, agreeing to terms with free-agent reliever Kevin Gregg, according to Sports Illustrated's website. Club officials wouldn't confirm the signing, which has been rumoured since Tuesday afternoon, noting that free-agent signings only become official when the player passes a physical. Last season, Gregg, who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 220 pounds, saved 23 games for the Cubs while sharing the closer role with Carlos Marmol. In 68 2/3 innings he struck out 71 batters while walking 30 and recording a 4.72 ERA. Over his previous two seasons, the 31-year-old saved a total of 61 games for the Florida Marlins."
Lincecum, Giants, wont be agreeing anytime soon
Comment
February 4
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"t appears the Giants and Tim Lincecum won't be agreeing on any long-term deal and that the pitcher will have to "settle" for whatever the arbitration panel concludes. In a recent SFGate poll, most readers said they thought the Giants should give Lincecum a five-year deal, but that's probably not going to happen."
Source: Tigers, Justin Verlander agree to $80M deal
Comment
February 4
Detroit News
 
"Justin Verlander has agreed to a five-year contract with the Tigers worth $80 million, the Associated Press reported. Not the six years the Tigers' right-hander was believed to have wanted. But also not the $75 million which served as a starting point. And the source that told The Detroit News last week the sixth year "wouldn't be a deal breaker" was right. Although there wasn't official confirmation about the contract Wednesday, an announcement could come as soon as today, according to the AP report that quoted a source "familiar with the negotiations." The length of the contract covers Verlander's last two years of arbitration eligibility, but far more important, the first three years of ..."
Sources: Marlins Have Made No Offer to Russell Branyan
Comment
February 3
Miami Herald
 
"The Marlins are "kicking the tires" on a number of left-handed hitters for a bench role, and Russell Branyan is one of them. But, contrary to a published report, two sources said the Marlins have NOT made an offer for the free agent first baseman. "Not true," said one person close to the player. Another source confirmed that, saying the Marlins have merely contacted Branyan's agent, as they have done with more than a few players, to gauge the situation. But no deal was ever offered."
Dombrowski: Tigers 'not close' to signing Johnny Damon
Comment
February 3
Detroit News
 
"Not so fast. He'd like to come here, but the Tigers say they are not on the verge of signing free agent Johnny Damon. In response to questions about Damon, general manager Dave Dombrowski has said twice in the last two days, including to The Detroit News on Tuesday morning, "We're not close to making any kind of deals at this point." The means signings. That also means trades. It's also true that Damon's agent, Scott Boras, and Dombrowski have not yet discussed the 36-year-old outfielder's interest in the Tigers. Therefore, it remains unclear what kind of contract Damon would want if he came to Detroit -- but this could be an indication: Speaking last Friday on WFAN in New York, Damon ..."
Padres near deal with catcher Torrealba
Comment
February 3
MLB.com
 
"The Padres' roster construction continues as Spring Training approaches. The newest addition appears to be free agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba, who is close to being signed to a one-year contract, a source said on Wednesday. The Padres were hopeful that they could sign a veteran catcher to spell Nick Hundley on occasion. They acquired Dusty Ryan from Detroit in December and were prepared to go to Spring Training with him as the backup. But in Torrealba, they will get a veteran who has appeared in 574 Major League games over a nine-year career and someone who knows the National League West Division well. Torrealba, 31, is a career .255 hitter who hit .291 in 64 games last season with ..."
Jays near deal with Cubs closer Gregg
Comment
February 3
Toronto Sun
 
"The Blue Jays are closing in on adding Chicago Cubs free-agent closer Kevin Gregg. "We would hope there would be a resolution within the next day or so," said Gregg's agent Dan Horwits from Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon. And when one new reliever enters the team picture ... one is likely to leave. The Jays may portray Gregg's entrance as a new entry — joining lefty Scott Downs and Jason Frasor — in a three-horse derby. However, the Jays could move Downs elsewhere for prospects. Gregg has had his fastball clocked at 96 m.p.h., and has a nasty splitter. In sharing the closer's duties with Carlos Marmol last season with the Cubs, he converted 23 of 30 save opportunities. Gregg blew ..."
Dave Dombrowski, Jim Leyland not commenting on Johnny Damon's interest in Tigers
Comment
February 3
Michigan Live
 
"In January, when rumors connecting the Detroit Tigers to free agent outfielder Johnny Damon appeared on SI.com, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said through a club spokesperson: "We have not expressed interest in Johnny Damon." But he was not interested in denouncing Damon on Tuesday, after Damon's agent said he wanted to sign with Detroit. Dombrowski was asked if he was interested in Damon, 36, who just completed a four-year deal with the New York Yankees that paid him $13 million each year. "It's a situation for us where we have not discussed free agent players in public," Dombrowski said. "And I don't see any benefit in doing that in this situation." Dombrowski said recently at ..."
Phillies add veteran outfielder Guzman
Comment
February 3
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies recently signed veteran outfielder Freddy Guzman to a Minor League contract, though his deal does not include an invitation to Spring Training, a club spokesman confirmed on Wednesday. Guzman spent the 2009 season with the Triple-A affiliates of the Orioles, Mariners, Red Sox and Yankees, while also seeing action in 10 games for the Bronx Bombers -- going 1-for-6 with four stolen bases. In 101 Minor League games last year, the 29-year-old speedster batted .223 with a .272 on-base percentage, two homers, 17 RBIs and was 45-for-54 in steals."
Potential Mauer deal is a win-win
Comment
February 3
MLB.com
 columnist Mike Bauman
"This could be a big one for the little guys. If, in fact, Joe Mauer signs a long-term contract extension with the Minnesota Twins, this will be a good thing not only for the Twins, but for baseball, the sport. During the recent kickoff of TwinsFest, manager Ron Gardenhire said on the topic of Mauer's extension: "I think everybody knows what needs to get done here. From our owners to our general manager to our fan base, we all know what everybody wants. It is right out there for us, and I think they'll make it happen." That kind of confidence is unusual in a case such as this. The history of free agency at the highest level of spending is a history of the migration of the best, most ..."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
Comment
February 2
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"Ruben Amaro Jr. confirmed that the Phillies plan to watch Noah Lowry, who hasn't pitched since 2007 because of a series of arm injuries, when he auditions for scouts in Arizona. That was supposed to happen today, but the session was postponed to give the 29-year-old lefthander more time to prepare. The Phillies general manager last night characterized the team's interest as "moderate." The Astros, Mets, Rangers and Red Sox also are reportedly interested. About half the teams are expected to be represented when he has his open bullpen session. Lowry's agent, Damon Lapa, told the Associated Press that the former Giants No. 1 draft choice hasn't had a setback, but decided it would be to his ..."
Benson throwing again, looking for work
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of National League teams are keeping track of Kris Benson's progress, including the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Reds and Nationals, according to one major league source. The Dodgers are also looking to add starting depth but are a more remote possibility, sources indicated. Last week, Benson's agent said he expected the free agent right-hander to join a new team within the next few weeks. Benson has made only eight appearances in the majors since 2006, in large part because of injuries. He pitched in the majors and minors for Texas last year, with minimal success. But Benson's agent, Gregg Clifton, is encouraged by the fact that he's already throwing his fastball, curveball, slider and ..."
Gregg narrows list to two
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"Veteran reliever Kevin Gregg has narrowed his choices to Toronto and Colorado, according to sources close to the negotiations. Gregg has ruled out a return to the Marlins. The Blue Jays are offering $500,000 more than the Rockies as well as an opportunity to close. The Rockies would use Gregg and Rafael Betancourt in a tandem setup role for closer Huston Street."
Mariners on fringe of Hudson pursuit
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mariners signed Ryan Garko on Monday, raising to five the number of position players added to their major-league roster from outside the organization this winter. Yet, team officials haven't entirely dismissed the possibility of bringing in a sixth. Seattle, a team not often linked to Orlando Hudson, remains a long-shot candidate to sign the free-agent second baseman, multiple major-league sources said Monday. The Nationals, Indians and Twins have also shown interest in Hudson recently, sources said. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik has gained a reputation for making bold moves, but the addition of Hudson would probably require some Olympic-caliber roster gymnastics. For one ..."
Verlander 's stats could add up to Hernandez-like deal soon
Comment
February 2
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers are increasingly optimistic that they will sign Justin Verlander to a long-term contract extension, one major league source told FOXSports.com on Tuesday. Verlander's representatives are using Felix Hernandez's recent contract with the Mariners – five years, $78 million – as a reference point in negotiations. One person familiar with the talks said Friday that a sixth year at a mutually acceptable price would probably clinch the deal. But it's also possible that the sides could agree on a five-year deal with a guarantee of more than Hernandez's $78 million. Surpassing the Seattle ace's big deal is believed by some to be a consideration for the competitive Verlander. Verlander's ..."
All quiet on Astros sale front, McLane says
Comment
February 2
Houston Chronicle
 
"The exclusive negotiating window has closed for a group of investors seeking to buy the Astros, with team owner Drayton McLane receiving nary an offer. "This group was granted an exclusive negotiating window, which expired (Sunday)," McLane said Monday in a release. "However, nothing materialized." McLane gave the group, headed by New York investment firm Great Court Capital, 30 days to come up with the asking price, believed to be upward of $650 million. The group includes former International Baseball Federation president Harvey Schiller and businessman Neil Leibman, chairman and CEO of Houston-based Aspen Pipeline LP. Joe Favorito, a spokesman for the group, told the Chronicle the group ..."
Rockies in running for reliever Gregg
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February 2
Denver Post
 
"Reliever Kevin Gregg has narrowed his choices to the Rockies and the Florida Marlins. "I am not overly optimistic, but we have a chance," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said Monday. "Our job would be as a setup guy." That is the hang-up for Gregg, who wants to be a closer. He likes the idea of spring training in Arizona, where he lives. And he likes the Rockies' chances of reaching the playoffs. But the Rockies have a proven closer. In Florida, Leo Nuñez is not nearly as entrenched. Gregg could compete for the spot. By signing Melvin Mora, the Rockies' primary utility target all winter, for $1.275 million, rather than Orlando Cabrera, Orlando Hudson or Felipe Lopez, the Rockies had ..."
A's claim Tolleson on waivers from Twins
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February 2
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"The Oakland Athletics on Monday claimed infielder Steven Tolleson off waivers from the Twins. The Twins tried to get Tolleson through waivers to clear space on their 40-man roster to add desiginated hitter Jim Thome, who could officially sign as soon as Tuesday. Tolleson, 26, hit .270 with six homers and 27 RBI in 92 games at Class AAA Rochester last year after hitting .258 in 38 games at Class AA New Britain."
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