Boston Red Sox Trade Rumors

Red Sox ace sidelined with undisclosed illness
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March 14
MLB.com
 
"Josh Beckett will not be making his scheduled start on Sunday against the Twins, his turn scratched because of illness.No details about the nature of his illness were available this morning. The Red Sox ace was slated to make his third start of the Grapefruit League season."
'Substantive' talks on Beckett deal
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March 11
ESPN.com
 
"There have been "substantive discussions" between the Red Sox and pitcher Josh Beckett regarding a contract extension, with both sides aiming toward completing a deal before the start of the regular season, according to a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations. "There is time before the end of spring training to do a deal, and he's the kind of guy that doesn't let this get in the way of [his preparation for the season]," the source said. Beckett is in the last year of a three-year, $30 million deal. The benchmark in negotiations would seem to be the five-year, $82.5 million deal the Red Sox gave to free agent John Lackey when they signed him this winter."
In limbo, Lowell takes high road
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February 24
MLB.com
 
"There was no hint of bitterness or anger from Mike Lowell, a former World Series Most Valuable Player who now finds himself residing in a place called limbo. Lowell's situation is decidedly undecided, and he knows that and he's comfortable with that. For Lowell is a realist who has a thorough understanding of himself and the game. He knows that as long as he proves his health, he can be a viable player for someone. He also knows that while anything can happen, that someone isn't likely to be the Red Sox. The classy right-handed-hitting veteran opened his fifth Spring Training with the Red Sox prepared for all scenarios. "I'm getting ready for a season," said Lowell. "I think I'm pretty ..."
Josh Beckett saying little about contract talks
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February 22
Boston Herald
 
"Red Sox ace Josh Beckett doesn't plan to talk about his contract this year. And he doesn't plan to be distracted by it, either. Addressing the media for the first time this spring yesterday, Beckett made it clear that he loves Boston, but was just as resolute in his desire not to feed the rumor mill that would love nothing better than to churn out stories on his impending free agency. "That stuff is going to work itself out," he said. "I'm really not too concerned with it. I don't really have anything to say about contract stuff today or probably any time during spring training. "I definitely don't want to let that be the focus of what I'm trying to do." Back in November, Beckett had said ..."
Indians bidding against two other teams for slugger Russell Branyan
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February 17
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Indians have offered Russell Branyan a big-league contract, but now they have to sign him. Boston and Tampa Bay are also reportedly interested in Branyan, who hit 31 homers last year for Seattle. It's believed Boston and Tampa Bay have offered Branyan bigger base salaries than the Indians. The Tribe is apparently trying to counter that with a bigger bonus package. The Indians, going young and cutting payroll this year, have signed only one free agent to a big-league contract this winter. The other free agents they've signed have been to minor-league, non-guaranteed deals. Branyan, 34, was a seventh-round draft pick of the Indians in 1994. He had a career year last season with 31 homers ..."
Dice-K likely to miss start of spring
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February 17
Boston Herald
 
"Red Sox right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka has a sore back that is expected to sideline him for the start of spring training, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. However, the injury is not expected to keep Matsuzaka from being ready for the start of the season. Matsuzaka told Japanese reporters recently, in comments relayed by ESPNBoston, that his back was feeling sore. He left the minor league complex today after a truncated workout that included shoulder strengthening."
Martinez: No talks once season starts
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February 15
ESPN.com
 
"Boston Red Sox catcher Victor Martinez, who is entering the final year of his contract, told the Boston Herald he hopes to sign an extension to remain in Boston beyond this season rather than try his luck in free agency. "I don't want to be jumping around, I don't want to go somewhere else," Martinez told the Herald. "First, I didn't want to go out of the Indians organization. Then I'm out, and now I'm here. I came to the place where a lot of players dream to come and a lot of players wish to play here in Boston. So I'm here, I do really want to stay here and hopefully end my career in Boston." Martinez, who was dealt to Boston from Cleveland this past July, will make $7.7 million in the ..."
Cuban slugger Ruiz could sign soon
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February 15
MLB.com
 
"It may only be a few more days before Cuban first-base prospect Jose Julio Ruiz picks his first Major League organization, according to a Saturday report by El Nuevo Herald. The Spanish-based newspaper affiliated with The Miami Herald reported that negotiations for Ruiz have "intensified" as Spring Training looms, with concrete offers from big league clubs trickling in for the 25-year-old lefty hitter. "By next week, he should be signed already," one of Ruiz's agents, Jorge Luis Toca, told El Nuevo Herald in Spanish. "Perhaps Wednesday we'll announce something." Toca told El Nuevo Herald the Blue Jays, Rangers, Red Sox, Giants, Rays and Rockies have been the most interested in signing ..."
Sentimental value only
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February 4
Boston Globe
 
"A reader from California named Jordan e-mailed today regarding Adrian Gonzalez and said he sympathized with the fans in San Diego who could lose their first baseman. His wife, he said, has owned t-shirts bearing the number of Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez and now has Jonathan Papelbon "Sorry, but I have secured his future as the replacement for Mariano in the Bronx in 2012," Jordan joked. That got me thinking. How many of us own jerseys or t-shirts celebating a player who has since been traded or left the team we root for? When I moved in December, I left behind two perfectly good Patriots jerseys in a Goodwill bin back in New York: Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour."
Adrian Gonzalez still in play
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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 ..."
Red Sox, reliever Nelson agree to deal
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February 2
MLB.com
 
"Joe Nelson has been fighting his entire Major League life. Now, the veteran reliever will fight once more -- this time for a spot in the Red Sox's bullpen. Nelson told MLB.com on Monday afternoon that he has reached agreement with Boston on a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training. So now, after a journeyman career that has taken him through six organizations, a fair share of up-and-down trips between the Minor and Major Leagues and several stops at the operating table, Nelson will head to Fort Myers, Fla., in mid-February with a realistic chance to land a spot on potentially one of the best bullpens in the big leagues. "Having to make a team is nothing new to me," Nelson ..."
Phillies to observe workout of former Giants lefty Lowry
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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 ..."
Updated: Schilling planning a comeback? Nope
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January 25
Boston Herald
 
"The following post just came across Curt Schilling's official Twitter page: "Working out again…..not sure I can add anything to that other than I feel it in every fiber of my being, every step I take…." Schilling, who turned 43 in November, has not appeared in a big league game since beating the Rockies 2-1 in Game 2 of the 2007 World Series."
Source: Red Sox to pay Papelbon $9.35M
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January 19
ESPN.com
 
"The Boston Red Sox and closer Jonathan Papelbon came to terms Tuesday on a one-year deal worth $9.35 million, according to an industry source. The deal, which could escalate to $9.5 million with incentives, means the Red Sox and Papelbon will avoid arbitration for the second straight offseason. The contract is the largest ever for a relief pitcher with four years or less in service time, topping Eric Gagne's $8 million in 2005. Seven big league closers have contracts for $10 million or more. Papelbon's deal puts him just under that number. Since 2006, when Papelbon became the Boston closer, eight pitchers have had seasons of 35 saves or more, a strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio of 10 or ..."
Red Sox sign Shouse to Minors deal
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January 14
MLB.com
 
"The Red Sox recently signed left-handed reliever Brian Shouse to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, according to multiple media outlets. The club is expected to send out a complete list of Minor League signings by Friday. Shouse posted a 4.50 ERA in 45 games for the Rays this past season, as the southpaw specialist limited opposing lefty hitters to a .224 batting average. For his 10-year career, the 41-year-old journeyman, who was a member of the Red Sox in 1998, owns a lifetime 3.72 ERA with a 1.97 strikeout-to-walk ratio."
Lowell will get his chances, with Red Sox or Elsewhere
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January 9
Boston Globe
 
"The Red Sox introduced their new third baseman yesterday, having Adrian Beltre smile for the cameras and show off a home jersey with No. 29 on the back. But what of the old third baseman? Mike Lowell remains on the Red Sox roster, his December trade to Texas canceled because of a torn ligament in his right thumb that required surgery. With the Red Sox committed to using Beltre at third base and David Ortiz as the designated hitter, Lowell is a $12 million player without a position. "It might look awkward from the outside,'' general manager Theo Epstein said. "But it's a situation that will probably take care of itself, as long as we stay on the same page and we certainly are right now.''"
Arbitration looms for Papelbon, Red Sox
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January 7
ESPN.com
 
"Jonathan Papelbon and the Boston Red Sox have not talked about a long-term contract this offseason, the closer said, and the two sides appear to once again be headed toward salary arbitration. Papelbon, who last offseason was eligible for salary arbitration for the first time, agreed to a one-year deal for $6.25 million, more than eight times his 2008 salary of $775,000. The contract was the largest ever for a pitcher -- starter or reliever -- eligible for arbitration for the first time, and was the third-highest for any first-time eligible player, topped only by the $10 million the Phillies awarded slugger Ryan Howard in 2008 and the $7.4 million the Marlins awarded first baseman Miguel ..."
Beltre agrees to deal with Boston Red Sox
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January 5
Seattle Times
 
"The news that Adrian Beltre was about to officially end his five-year tenure with the Mariners hardly came as a surprise. Beltre had given plenty of indication that he was likely to move on, culminating with his early December decision to decline an arbitration offer by Seattle. And while some Mariners fans held out hope he might re-sign with the team, the news Monday that he was close to agreement on a one-year, $9 million deal with the Boston Red Sox seems to indicate a change of scenery was what he had in mind from the outset. The deal would reportedly include a $5 million player option for 2011, and is for far less money in 2010 than Beltre would likely have earned from the Mariners ..."
Lowell deal a matter of when, not if
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January 5
MLB.com
 
"When Mark Teixeira signed with the Yankees instead of the Red Sox, Mike Lowell noted at the time how he was able to avoid an awkward scenario of spending Spring Training taking grounders at third base next to Kevin Youkilis, knowing that he was auditioning for an inevitable trade. However, a similar scenario could be ready to unfold this spring in Fort Myers, Fla., as the Red Sox have agreed to terms on a contract with free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. Then again, there's a chance Lowell could be dealt before Spring Training. Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com posted on Twitter on Monday night that the Red Sox have spoken to the Mets about a potential Lowell-Luis Castillo trade. It's hard ..."
Jason Bay agrees to four-year deal with New York Mets
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December 29
New York Daily News
 
"The Bay Watch is over. Jason Bay has agreed to a four-year contract worth about $66 million with the Mets, pending the results of a physical exam, a baseball source confirmed to the Daily News. Bay will be introduced at a press conference next week, providing there are no danger spots in the physicals. The news of Bay's agreement was first reported by WFAN Tuesday afternoon. The deal includes a vesting option for a fifth year. The 31-year-old Bay would play left field for the Mets and offers the kind of power bat they desperately need for the middle of their lineup. Last season with the Red Sox, Bay had a career-best 36 homers and 119 RBI. He has knocked in 101 or more runs and hit 30-plus ..."
Bay's agent is making return calls
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December 24
Boston Globe
 
"Free agent Jason Bay's options haven't been very good this offseason, so his agent, Joe Urbon, who turned down the Red Sox' four-year, $60 million offer earlier this month, has been going back to the Sox in an effort to keep his client in a ballpark where he was not only happy but where he put up big numbers. Bay has a four-year, $65 million offer from the Mets, but they play in Citi Field, which is not conducive to offense. Could Bay return to the Red Sox? It's not inconceivable, according to a major league source, who said it would take two things to happen. 1. Bay would likely have to accept a backloaded contract, which would help the Sox remain under the $170 million payroll threshold ..."
Another LF look
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December 24
Boston Herald
 
"With left fielders Jason Bay and Matt Holliday still available on the free agent market, the Red Sox [team stats] have not completely shut the door on re-engaging either, according to a source familiar with the club's thinking last night. The Sox are keeping an open mind about taking another look at its budget to see if it could make another offer. A new offer being made to Holliday would be less likely than one to Bay because of the more creative accounting it would require, said the source."
Watch out New York Mets! Boston Red Sox might make run at Jason Bay
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December 24
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets ' patient strategy on the Jason Bay negotiations may be coming back to haunt them. Suddenly there is reason to believe that the Red Sox are ready to take another run at signing Bay, and if that's not painful enough for Mets fans to hear, they may well have the Yankees to blame for it. Radio station WEEI in Boston reported Wednesday night that the Sox have had "internal discussions" about resuming negotiations that essentially ended after Bay rejected their four-year, $60 million offer, and the ballclub in turn signed pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Mike Cameron last week. Red Sox brass had indicated after those signings that it wouldn't pursue Bay, largely because ..."
Oh, Bay-be! Mets cry out
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December 24
New York Post
 
"Even if the Mets get nothing for Christmas, there still is a good chance they will have something worth celebrating for New Year's or shortly thereafter. Despite rumblings in recent days that Jason Bay might have suitors besides the Mets, a major league source told The Post yesterday that there are no other serious bidders for the free-agent outfielder. That knowledge has allowed general manager Omar Minaya to stand firm in his four-year, $65 million offer for Bay and not be concerned with a potential Plan B for left field. But the question remains: Does Bay have a desire to play for the Mets? A Mets official speculated the delay in signing Bay could be related to Bay's hope Seattle ..."
Jason Bay not out of view
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December 23
Boston Herald
 
"When the Red Sox locked up John Lackey last week, they cleared the board of the best starter in the free agent market. Nearly a week later, the two best free agent position players - outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay - still were available. It remains unlikely, but still within the realm of possibility, that either Holliday or Bay could wind up falling into the Red Sox' laps. With the Yankees still having at least one corner outfield vacancy and able to create another if they wanted, neither team was ready last night to declare it was done shopping, especially with Bay and Holliday unsigned. There were indications from the Bay camp that talks were active yesterday, a sign of progress ..."
Jason Bay not out of view
Comment
December 22
Boston Herald
 
"When the Red Sox locked up John Lackey last week, they cleared the board of the best starter in the free agent market. Nearly a week later, the two best free agent position players - outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay - still were available. It remains unlikely, but still within the realm of possibility, that either Holliday or Bay could wind up falling into the Red Sox' laps. With the Yankees still having at least one corner outfield vacancy and able to create another if they wanted, neither team was ready last night to declare it was done shopping, especially with Bay and Holliday unsigned. There were indications from the Bay camp that talks were active yesterday, a sign of progress ..."
By waiting, Padres would get better value
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December 20
Foxsports.com
 columnist Jon Paul Morosi
"Yes, the Padres should trade Adrian Gonzalez. But not right now. Barring an injury or unforeseen production decline, Gonzalez's value will be very high at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. He will be as far from free agency then as Mark Teixeira was at the time of the Rangers-Braves blockbuster in 2007. And you may recall the Rangers' return in that deal included Elvis Andrus and Neftali Feliz. In order to trade Gonzalez now, Jed Hoyer would need to negotiate with general managers who can counter his (understandably) high demands by saying, "Why should I give you my three best prospects when I can keep them and sign Adam LaRoche, Hank Blalock or Russell Branyan to play first base?" Of ..."
Sources: Red Sox offered Holiday $82.5 million before signing Lackey
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December 19
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Boston Red Sox moved swiftly from their jilted offer to Jason Bay to their introduction of pitcher John Lackey and outfielder Mike Cameron as the newest players at Fenway Park. But did they take a swing at signing Matt Holliday on their way out of the Bay hunt? That seems to be the indication from two national reporters on their Twitter feeds today. Both MLB Network's Peter Gammons and ESPN.com's Buster Olney referenced offers the Red Sox made to Holliday this afternoon on their respective Twitter accounts. (They are captured here in this blog at ESPN Boston.) The tidbits didn't advance past Twitter, but the the 140-character statements were interesting because the offer from the ..."
Lowell to Texas inching forward
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December 19
Boston Globe
 
"It seems like it took Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte less time to complete The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 than it has for the Red Sox to complete the trade of Mike Lowell to the Texas Rangers. But at long last, this saga could be coming to an end. Lowell is expected to have his physical this weekend. If he passes, the trade should be finalized. But that is not a given given the issues Lowell has with his right hip and right thumb. The Red Sox would get C/1B/DH Max Ramirez in return."
Turning around and trading Ellsbury would result in a steal for Padres
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December 17
Boston Globe
 
"Obviously, we are sensing the proverbial next shoe is about to drop. If it is Adrian Gonzalez (with an outside shot at Miguel Cabrera), which would be a ginormous move by the Red Sox to cap what would be an eye-popping offseason, then what is there not to like? Well, one thing: if one of the players going to San Diego is Jacoby Ellsbury. If Ellsbury is the hot name from the San Diego side, then Theo Epstein should just say no. Give up Ryan Westmoreland, and include a better prospect or two at the end of the deal. Ellsbury is a special player who hit .301, stole 70 bases, and scored 94 runs last season, and one who plays a very good center field and is just 26 years old. He's a game-changer ..."
Theo Epstein says Josh Beckett likes John Lackey deal
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December 17
Boston Herald
 
"Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein did not want Josh Beckett to get the wrong idea. He did not want a prized starter entering the final year of his contract to be influenced by any swirling theories about what the John Lackey five-year deal might mean for Beckett's own future with the Sox. So he texted Beckett some advice. "I just told him some might speculate that this means the end for you in Boston," said Epstein after the Lackey press conference at Fenway Park yesterday. "I said, 'Don't listen to them. You're a huge part of what we've had going on here and we'd love it if it worked out that you were a huge part of our future as well. The most important thing is we've got one heck of ..."
Just the beginning: Bigger deals on horizon
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December 17
Boston Herald
 columnist Michael Silverman
"The Red Sox had a big day yesterday, snagging John Lackey and Mike Cameron for a mere $98 million, and they aren't done. More big days are ahead. They might not happen until July of next year, or even later, but the pitching- and defense-oriented moves the Sox have made so far this offseason merely are part of a makeover still very much in progress for 2010 and 2011. A big hitter, one who ideally can play first or third base or left field, still is on the to-do list. By adding Lackey, Cameron, Jeremy Hermida and Marco Scutaro, the Red Sox can remain in the hunt for free agents Matt Holliday and Adrian Beltre - players identified as ideal solutions for left field and third base - for as ..."
Adding bat would put Red Sox on top
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December 17
Boston Herald
 columnist Steve Buckley
"The Red Sox held a press conference at 11:30 yesterday morning to introduce outfielder Mike Cameron. At 1:30 p.m., they held a press conference to introduce pitcher John Lackey. Alas, there was no 3:30 p.m. press conference to introduce first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. And Gonzalez or no Gonzalez, the Red Sox did make some significant improvements with their side-by-side announcements that Cameron and Lackey have agreed to come to Boston. Lackey is the big pickup - a tough, veteran right-hander who won some big games with the Angels. Adding him to the rotation gives the Sox one of the best starting fives in baseball. "I was always interested in coming here," Lackey said. "Winning was ..."
Next up, 1B Adrian Gonzalez?
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December 17
Boston Herald
 
"According to multiple major league sources, the Red Sox are unlikely to acquire San Diego Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez before the season, and characterizations the teams were nearing a deal were described by one as "an overstatement." While the Sox and Padres could eventually be a match once the regular season begins, right now the chances of making a trade are slim. "Way premature," the second source familiar with the talks said. For one, new San Diego general manager Jed Hoyer risks too much by trading Gonzalez as his first move, particularly to the Red Sox. Were Hoyer to trade his most marketable star to his former employer and not get enough in return right out of the chute, ..."
Two down, one to go?
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December 17
Providence Journal
 
"Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein sent Josh Beckett a text message once the organization was in the final stages of signing free-agent pitcher John Lackey to a five-year deal worth a reported $82.5 million. In the text, Epstein wrote to Beckett: "Some might speculate this means the end of you in Boston. . . Don't listen to them. You're a huge part of what we've got going on here and we'd love it if it works out that you're a huge part of our future as well. Most important thing is we have one heck of a pitching staff now." Beckett, who has one year remaining on his contract, quickly replied, saying he was very excited about Lackey's signing and he's ready to go for spring training. "I ..."
Mets tweak offer to Bay, re-enter chase for Holliday
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December 16
SI.com
 
"Moving aggressively to try to secure a power-hitting left fielder, the Mets tweaked their offer to Jason Bay to give him a possible five-year alternative and are getting back into the ballgame for Matt Holliday, as well, SI.com has learned. Mets GM Omar Minaya and Bay's agent, Joe Urbon, spoke at length on Tuesday. Minaya is thought to have signaled a willingness to go to a five-year deal (at slightly lower dollars per year than the original four-year offer for close to $65 million), but with Bay still believed to be seeking a six-year deal from them, the Mets apparently have decided to dip back in on Holliday. The Mets, who are now believed willing to go to about $75 million for five for ..."
Red Sox take aim at Adrian Gonzalez
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December 16
Foxsports.com
 
"The Red Sox are not done yet. The team, set to announce the signings of free-agent right-hander John Lackey and center fielder Mike Cameron, is working hard to obtain Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, according to major-league sources. A deal is not close, and might not happen at all, sources said. Jed Hoyer, the Padres' new general manager -- and Red Sox's former assistant GM -- wants a high price for Gonzalez, whose contract is one of the biggest bargains in baseball. "Jed has been asking for a ton," one source said. Gonzalez, 27, is signed for $4.75 million next season with a $5.5 million club option for 2011. He hit 40 home runs last season despite playing his home games at ..."
Yankees not jumping in Bay sweeps
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December 16
MLB.com
 
"Left field is one of the remaining areas the Yankees are checking into as they approach the winter finish line, but it does not appear that they consider Jason Bay to be an answer. The Yankees have no interest in signing Bay to a long-term contract, the New York Daily News reported on Tuesday, not wanting to commit more than $60 million to another outfielder. A report published on Tuesday in the Boston Herald noted that the Yankees made contact with Bay's representative, Joe Urbon, but that should not be considered surprising in itself. General manager Brian Cashman has stayed busy with numerous agents this winter. Bay, 31, hit .267 with 36 home runs and 119 RBIs in 151 games for the Red ..."
Sources: Mets monitoring Holliday talks
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December 16
ESPN.com
 
"The New York Mets remain in serious negotiations on outfielder Jason Bay, and as of Wednesday morning, their offer stood at four years, according to sources. It's possible that there will be movement in the Mets offer -- which was between $60 million and $65 million over four years -- but as of Wednesday morning, that had not happened. The Mets had hoped to sign Bengie Molina, but to this point, the catcher -- who turned down an offer from the Mets when he was a free agent a few years ago -- is sticking to his demand for a three-year deal."
Red Sox could be targeting Gonzalez
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December 16
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Padres General Manager Jed Hoyer recently said he expects Adrian Gonzalez to be at first base when the 2010 season starts in April. But are the Boston Red Sox positioning themselves for another run at the two-time National League All-Star and Gold Glove winner? The Red Sox's signing of pitcher John Lackey and center fielder Mike Cameron yesterday have left the American League East power with a surplus at both positions – and an apparent hole at a corner if they complete a trade that would send third baseman Mike Lowell to Texas. And the Padres are shopping for pitching, a center fielder and a catcher – which the Red Sox could acquire from the Rangers in a trade for Lowell. The Red Sox have ..."
Heralded Chapman works out for MLB scouts
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December 16
MLB.com
 
"Aroldis Chapman, the unsigned 21-year-old pitcher from Cuba, had a busy day Tuesday. First, he threw a bullpen session in the morning for about 50 Major League scouts, impressing them with his size and velocity. Later in the day, Chapman's original representative sued his current agent in Massachusetts state court. "The kid's got a great arm," Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade said of the 6-foot-4 Chapman. "He's a physical specimen. He's left-handed. He throws hard. Obviously, anybody would be interested in an arm like this. He's got some great stuff. The early feedback from our guys, and everybody else, is he's a tremendous talent." Chapman defected from the Cuban National Team on ..."
Texas Rangers seek substitute if Lowell deal fails
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December 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"General manager Jon Daniels continues to explore other options for a power-hitting presence should a proposed trade for Boston third baseman Mike Lowell fall through. Three players are at the top of the list: Vladimir Guerrero, Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye. They are all free agents and have been on the Rangers' radar the entire off-season. Daniels hasn't ruled out the possibility of adding one of those bats in addition to Lowell, whose injured right thumb continues to be a concern. He would cost the Rangers only $3 million as the Red Sox have agreed to take on the other $9 million on his 2010 contract. A deal can't happen without Rangers doctors examining Lowell and without the approval of ..."
Is Bay next on M's wish list?
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December 15
Foxsports.com
 
"Should we rule out the Mariners landing Jason Bay, now that they have signed Chone Figgins and are acquiring Cliff Lee? No. One person with knowledge of the team's plans said Bay remains a "possibility" for the Mariners, because of the team's need for a run-producing right-handed bat in the middle of the order. Seattle could lose third baseman Adrian Beltre and first baseman Russell Branyan to free agency, creating a void in the lineup. Would Bay take a competitive four-year offer from the Mariners over a five-year offer from the Mets? That is unclear. But there is little doubt that the Mariners have a better chance than the Mets of reaching the postseason in 2010. Bay lives in the Seattle ..."
Sources: Yanks have contacted Bay
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December 15
Foxsports.com
 
"The Boston Herald reported Tuesday that the Yankees have contacted the representatives for free-agent left fielder Jason Bay. Two sources confirmed to FOXSports.com that the Herald report was accurate. But a third source with knowledge of the Yankees' plans said the team is not seriously interested in Bay -- at least not at the moment. The Yankees often disguise their intentions -- they were not believed to be "in" on outfielder Johnny Damon when they signed him after the 2005 season, and insisted they were not "in" on first baseman Mark Teixeira a year ago until practically the moment they signed him. Could Bay be their next mystery guest? Depends, for starters, upon Damon. If the Yankees ..."
15 teams watch Chapman throw
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams. On Tuesday morning at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up. Team representatives who attended included Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade, Los Angeles Angels scouting director Eddie Bane, Florida Marlins vice president of player development Jim Fleming, Pittsburgh Pirates international scouting director Rene Gayo, and Baltimore Orioles international scouting ..."
Gonzalez deal may still work for Red Sox
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December 15
Foxsports.com
 
"While a trade remains unlikely, Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez still would fit for the Red Sox. The addition of free-agent right-hander John Lackey could make righty Clay Buchholz expendable. The addition of free-agent outfielder Mike Cameron could make outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury expendable. Put Buchholz and Ellsbury in the same deal, and the Padres would grow tempted to move Gonzalez, according to major-league sources. But the Red Sox, one source says, do not have a deal in place for Gonzalez as they wait for Lackey and Cameron to pass their respective physicals. Another source says that he doubts the Red Sox would even include Buchholz and Ellsbury in the same trade. The Red Sox ..."