Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted

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June 15

SI.com

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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."

O's getting serious about 16-year-old shortstop

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June 14

Baltimore Sun

"The Orioles will attend a three-day workout for top Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano this month, another sign that the organization is considering making a serious run at signing the coveted international free agent. Sano, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound 16-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Florida Marlins star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, worked out for the Orioles at their Dominican baseball academy June 5. Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said he was very impressed but the club wants to get a more extended look at the player who is reportedly seeking a signing bonus of about $5 million or $6 million. International free agents cannot sign with clubs until July ..."

Around the Horn

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June 2

Foxsports.com

"Two clubs called the Brewers on Sunday after a report in the Boston Globe said that several teams were targeting right fielder Corey Hart as a trade possibility. Those clubs told Melvin that they, too, were interested, but Melvin responded that he was not listening to offers for Hart. The Brewers lack an adequate replacement. The Braves are one of many teams that have asked about Hart in the past ... Free-agent right-hander Paul Byrd says he has yet to hear from any club. Free-agent left-hander Mark Mulder, coming off shoulder surgery, could be ready to pitch in the majors shortly after the All-Star break; he has been working to resume his proper mechanics ... The Twins' Delmon Young ..."

Can the Minnesota Twins afford to keep Joe Mauer?

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May 31

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"It could be the $200 million question: Can the Twins afford to keep Joe Mauer? "That's like asking how high is up?" said Jerry Bell, who oversees Twins Sports Inc., for the Pohlad family that owns the Twins. Mauer, the all-star catcher and two-time batting champion, will be 27 and in the prime of his career when he can become eligible for free agency after next season. He is signed through 2010 and is scheduled to make $10.5 million this season and $12.5 million next season. He's batting .417 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 27 games since rejoining the Twins on May 1 after recovering from offseason surgery. "We're not going to negotiate today," Bell said. Bell sounds as if he feels the ..."

Gardy still prefers Mauer third

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May 22

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Thursday made it look so simple. The Twins moved Joe Mauer into the No. 2 spot and defeated the White Sox 20-1. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he'll "try it again [tonight] and see what happens," but he prefers Mauer batting third. "I would really like to have a guy [in the two-spot] that handles the bat -- a guy that can bunt, a guy that can run, all those things," Gardenhire said. "That's the way it's supposed to be in the lineup. "Alexi Casilla should be there. And if we can get Lexi back up here playing good, get his confidence back up, he should be right back in there. But right now, he's scuffling a little bit. Maybe we'll get [Matt] Tolbert swinging a little better, [Brendan] Harris, ..."

Twins minor league report: Eagan alum Dolenc heats up for Fort Myers

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May 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Stuck behind a Class A Fort Myers outfield that includes top draft picks Joe Benson, Ben Revere and Chris Parmelee, Mark Dolenc has to wait for his chances to play. Recent injures have allowed Dolenc, a former Eagan High School and Minnesota State Mankato player, to get some at-bats. And he has taken advantage, making a case for more playing time. Thursday, Dolenc was 5-for-6 and drove in six runs for Fort Myers during a 19-4 rout of St. Lucie. He doubled his season RBI total in the game and was batting .337 through 25 games. "He's got good speed and he definitely has a good arm because he did pitch in college a little bit," said Jim Rantz, Twins director of minor leagues. "The one thing ..."

Mauer pointed toward rehab next week

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April 15

MLB.com

"Twins catcher Joe Mauer ran on Monday and Tuesday without back pain and is expected to begin a rehabilitation assignment next week, according to a report by The Associated Press. The Twins had said that running would be the final step for Mauer before he can get back on the field and playing. The only time that he has felt pain in his inflamed right sacroiliac joint this spring had been while running. The plan is for Mauer, who is on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his lower back, to continue taking batting practice, running and catching bullpen sessions at the Twins' training facility in Fort Myers, Fla., for the rest of the week. If the progress continues, he will start ..."

Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer on track to rejoin team by end of April

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April 12

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Mauer will begin a running program sometime this week, perhaps the final step toward a return to the Twins by the end of the month. The Twins' all-star catcher "is really feeling great," said general manager Bill Smith. Mauer is working out with the Fort Myers (Fla.) Miracle and the Twins' extended spring training minor leaguers. "He's catching. He's throwing a lot during infield practice. He's hitting with the minor leaguers," Smith said. "He's running in a swimming pool, and he's working on a treadmill." Basically, he's doing everything but legging out a double into a triple — which is the ultimate test of his inflamed sacroiliac joint, the area at the base of his spine that has kept ..."

Redmond could be headed to DL

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April 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Mike Redmond is in a race against time. He needs to prove by today that his pulled right groin muscle is well enough to keep him off the disabled list. The words "Redmond" and "race" should never be in the same sentence. But the veteran catcher said he thinks this is one race he can win. "Improvement to me is being able to go out there and play," he said Tuesday, "and I think I'll be able to do that in the next day." Redmond, the primary catcher for the Twins while Joe Mauer is on the disabled list, injured his groin while legging out a double in the second inning Monday. He stayed in the game but clearly was hobbled. He warmed up and took batting practice with the rest of the team ..."

Twins sign Baker to a long-term deal

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March 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"FORT MYERS, FLA. - After signing a four-year, $15.25 million contract Saturday, Twins righthander Scott Baker admitted it was tough concentrating in his exhibition start against the Pirates. He said he almost asked pitching coach Rick Anderson for a mulligan "because my head wasn't where it needed to be." Baker still held the Pirates to one run over four innings in the Twins' 10-1 loss. But the standards the 27-year-old sets for himself are a big reason the Twins felt he was worth the investment. His deal, which pays him $750,000 this season, includes a club option for 2013 worth $9.25 million. With up to 10 players eligible for arbitration next winter, the Twins looked for one "who stood ..."

Will Joe Mauer still be here after 2010?

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March 1

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Joe Mauer, the American League's reigning batting champ and Gold Glove catcher, is signed through 2010, which looks like a long way off -- but it's not in the free-agent world. Twins fans likely remember how 2007 turned out, when two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana entered the season in the same situation Mauer is today. As much as the Twins tried to extend Santana, they could never give him what he wanted -- a big-time contract to match his big-time talent and a big-time market to play in. By the following October -- facing the final year of his contract -- Santana was destined to be dealt and wound up with the Mets after one final, futile attempt by the Twins to sign him. Could ..."

Mauer tests tender area

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February 28

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Mauer has taken another significant step toward a return to baseball. Well, more of a squat than a step. Mauer, intent upon testing his sore abdomen in a stress position, pulled on his catcher's gear Friday and spent 15 minutes behind a bullpen plate, catching fastballs and curves from Glen Perkins. "It's a little sore, but that's why I'm doing it — to work (the soreness) out of there," said Mauer, who has been limited in his physical activity since having kidney surgery on Dec. 22. "I'm feeling better." The all-star catcher also made an appearance on a practice field, where infielders were taking ground balls, as a way to loosen up by catching throws from all over the diamond. Then he ..."

Twins end pursuit of reliever Cruz

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February 26

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"If you think Boof Bonser's season-ending surgery will motivate the Twins to acquire reliever Juan Cruz, think again. Indications are that the Twins will look elsewhere for bullpen help rather than trying to add Cruz, considered the best set-up man on the free-agent market. Cruz is a Type A free agent, which normally would require a team to relinquish a first-round pick as compensation for signing him. But Major League Baseball made its sign-and-trade rules an easier process this year, allowing teams to work out a contract with the player's agent, then get a 48-hour window to negotiate a trade rather than lose a pick. The Twins last week made an offer to Cruz's agent that wasn't accepted -- ..."

Joe Crede to sign with Minnesota Twins, source says

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February 21

Chicago Tribune

"Joe Crede was a favorite among White Sox fans for 61/2 seasons. Now he'll be playing for one of the Sox's biggest enemies. Crede, 30, agreed to terms Friday night with the Minnesota Twins, according to a major league source. Crede, who provided stellar defense and was a clutch hitter during his tenure with the Sox, signed late in free agency because he was recovering from the latest in a series of back ailments. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, it appeared Crede was willing to sign for less than the $7 million base it was believed he was seeking, but no details were available about the contract. Crede was hampered the last two seasons with the Sox by back problems that led to his ..."

Twins eye deal with reliever Cruz

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February 21

MLB.com

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

Twins could be close to signing Crede

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February 21

MLB.com

"The Twins' plans for a platoon at third base appear to be over. According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the Twins and free-agent third baseman Joe Crede agreed to terms on a contract Friday night. A Major League source confirmed the deal to the newspaper, but terms of the deal were not included in the report. The news comes after a source with knowledge of the talks indicated to MLB.com earlier Friday night that the two sides were nearing a deal. While the Twins and Crede's agent, Scott Boras, have remained in communication in recent days, the two sides had appeared to have been in a stalemate prior to Friday. And the sticking point between them appeared to be the base salary of a ..."

Bonser shows up with shoulder issue

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February 17

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins righthander Boof Bonser has been slowed by what he called a "heavy" case of tendinitis in his shoulder. The problems go back to the end of last season, when Bonser reported discomfort but a MRI and X-ray showed no serious damage. He tried to play catch shortly after the New Year, but the discomfort persisted. "I couldn't throw a ball through glass if I wanted,'' Bonser said. "At TwinsFest [in late January] they looked it over. Here I am now.'' He received a cortisone shot Thursday in his hometown of St. Petersburg, Fla., from Rays team physician Dr. Koco Eaton. Bonser felt better when he threw Sunday, but the Twins suggested that he take a couple extra days off before trying again ..."

Koskie looks at WBC as chance to get back in game

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February 17

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Former Twins third baseman Corey Koskie is on a back field at the Lee County Sports Complex, trying to determine if he has any more baseball left in him. Koskie hopes to play for a major league team again. He has spent the past few days working out at the Twins spring training site -- he was alongside Justin Morneau, Nick Punto and Joe Mauer on Monday -- after missing two-plus seasons because of a concussion. "So far, so good," he said Monday between swings off a tee. It's been a long, slow process for the 35-year-old, who had to fight dizziness and headaches for months after the injury. He hasn't played in a game since July 5, 2006, when he fell backward trying to catch a foul ball for ..."

Twins need right-handed power, and veteran Michael Cuddyer needs a job

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February 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"He has been a Twin longer than anyone else on the roster yet he says he feels oddly anonymous. His contract is one of only six current Minnesota deals that extends longer than one season, yet he's not certain his job is safe. He averaged 20 home runs and 93 RBIs in 2006 and '07 yet hears constantly about how the Twins have no right-handed power. Good thing the Twins' jerseys have names on the back, because Michael Cuddyer isn't certain anyone remembers who he is. 'To me, this year is about reminding people,' said the long-lost outfielder, who spent much of 2008 either on the disabled list or in the witness protection program. 'You miss as many games as I did, and you realize it's (true): ..."

Agent tells Twins Crede is willing, able

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February 6

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Scott Boras insists Joe Crede's back is healthy, but the Twins aren't ready to bet $5 million on it. At least, not yet. The Twins haven't added a single player of note all offseason, and with most options exhausted, several club insiders believe a Crede signing is their final hope to bolster the roster before spring training. A free-agent third baseman, Crede hit 30 home runs for the White Sox in 2006 and 16 more in the first half last season, making the All-Star team. But back injuries limited him to 47 games in 2007 and 97 in '08. The Twins have been monitoring his recent workouts in Arizona and came away believing he was only moving at 75 percent. As Crede's agent, Boras disputed that ..."

Twins halt discussions with interested Gagne

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January 29

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins exchanged contract offers with free-agent reliever Eric Gagne this week but halted those talks just when Gagne was ready to meet their price, persons familiar with the negotiations told the Star Tribune on Wednesday. A person close to Gagne said the former Cy Young Award winner was willing to sign a one-year, $3 million deal with about $500,000 in incentives for innings pitched but was told the Twins were moving in a different direction. Twins General Manager Bill Smith declined to comment, keeping with his policy on every negotiation, but there were indications the Twins had broken off talks with Gagne and were instead exploring trade options for bullpen help. Gagne, 33, signed ..."

Teams keeping an eye on Crede

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January 25

Boston Globe

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"Teams such as the Giants and Twins will begin monitoring his workouts in Arizona next week. The former White Sox has been beset with back problems for a couple of years and has played only 144 games in that span. Crede hit 30 homers in 2006 with the White Sox and actually made the All-Star team last year before being shut down."

A's close to deal with Springer

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January 24

MLB.com

"More bullpen depth could be on the way for the A's. Right-hander Russ Springer, who has appeared in 70 or more games in three straight seasons, is nearing a one-year deal with Oakland, according to FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. The 40-year-old is reportedly looking at a deal worth about $3 million. The Twins also are believed to have interest in Springer. With the Cardinals in 2008, the right-hander was 2-1 with a 2.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He threw 50 1/3 innings, and struck out 45 while walking 18 in a setup role."

Joe Mauer says he's doing well after offseason surgery

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January 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Joe Mauer, the Twins' all-star catcher and two-time batting champion, figured something was wrong a couple of weeks after the 2008 season ended when the pain in his back made even walking difficult. He got the pain checked out, and the result, now well known, was surgery to clear up a minor kidney obstruction. The procedure will have the negative effect of forcing the St. Paul native to miss this year's World Baseball Classic, but Mauer believes the long-term effect will be positive. "It was something that kind of explains a lot, I think," Mauer said Friday at TwinsFest. "All of my back problems have been on that side, so who knows. I'm not a doctor or anything, but maybe that was ..."

Mauer slowed by surgery

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January 20

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Twins All-Star catcher Joe Mauer told KMSP-TV he might not be ready for the start of spring training after undergoing kidney surgery. Mauer underwent a procedure in December to eliminate a kidney obstruction. At the time, the Twins said he would be 100 percent by spring training, but Mauer told KMSP (Ch. 9) he is "still recovering," adding, "The main goal right now is to get healthy and start swinging and running and try to ease into it." Twins assistant GM Rob Antony told the Star Tribune: "Will he be going all-out the first day of camp? I wouldn't say that. But it won't be an issue." The surgery forced Mauer to back out of playing for the United States in the World Baseball Classic in ..."

Gagne gets a look in Twins' search for relief help

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January 19

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins' search for bullpen help has brought them to consider Eric Gagne, the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner who holds the major league record for consecutive saves converted. A source with knowledge of talks confirmed that the Twins have inquired about Gagne, 33, who would be used in a setup role if he signed. He was 4-3 with a 5.44 ERA and 10 saves for Milwaukee last season, but the Twins might be encouraged by the fact that the righthander posted a 3.52 ERA after the All-Star break, including a 3.09 ERA in September. Gagne signed a one-year, $10 million contract last season to be Milwaukee's closer, but he lost the ninth-inning job in May before going on the disabled list ..."

Gagne gets a look in Twins' search for relief help

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January 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins' search for bullpen help has brought them to consider Eric Gagne, the 2003 National League Cy Young Award winner who holds the major league record for consecutive saves converted. A source with knowledge of talks confirmed that the Twins have inquired about Gagne, 33, who would be used in a setup role if he signed. He was 4-3 with a 5.44 ERA and 10 saves for Milwaukee last season, but the Twins might be encouraged by the fact that the righthander posted a 3.52 ERA after the All-Star break, including a 3.09 ERA in September. Gagne signed a one-year, $10 million contract last season to be Milwaukee's closer, but he lost the ninth-inning job in May before going on the disabled list ..."

Twins, Kubel discussing 2-year deal

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January 13

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins are willing to approach outfielder Jason Kubel about a two-year contract that would take care of his final years of arbitration eligibility. Kubel, who avoided arbitration last year when he signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal, confirmed Monday that his agent has been in touch with the Twins about such a deal. "If something happens, I hope it happens quick," Kubel said by phone from his home near San Diego. Kubel, 26, hit .272 last season with career highs in homers (20), RBI (78), hits (126) and walks (47) while settling in at designated hitter. Arbitration filing began Jan. 5 and ends Thursday. The figures will be exchanged Monday."

Word is out on Young: He can be had

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December 16

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Ron Gardenhire's public comments Tuesday about Delmon Young resembled last week's about as much as Fargo, N.D., resembles Las Vegas. The Twins' manager, almost sheepish about "the fire I accidentally lit" by suggesting at an appearance in Fargo last week that Young won't be in his starting lineup next season, insisted at baseball's winter meetings that "we're blessed to have four talented outfielders" and that nothing is settled about the Twins' 2009 outfield. "I'm backpedaling; can't you see?" Gardenhire said. "That was me sort of screwing up. ... Everyone knows the players are the ones who will decide that. They're the ones who have to go out and earn (their jobs)." The Twins' manager ..."

Shortstops remain available in market

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December 15

MLB.com

"Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin was talking recently about his unwillingness to trade shortstop J.J. Hardy, even though the team has a young and talented shortstop-in-waiting in Alcides Escobar. "That's a premium position ... it's hard to find shortstops," Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Which is why teams have been scooping up available shortstops this winter and doing so without breaking the bank, as Major League teams have found some bargains during this offseason. All while two of the biggest names left remaining on the free-agent market are shortstops -- Rafael Furcal and Orlando Cabrera, who probably didn't anticipate the Winter Meetings passing without finding a ..."

Filling bullpen involves risk, Minnesota Twins say

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December 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Filling the holes in their bullpen is proving to be just as complicated for the Twins as beefing up their starting lineup. Maybe even harder, general manager Bill Smith suggested. "There's a lot of competition for quality bullpen help," Smith said of the Twins' various discussions at the winter meetings, which wind up today. "So it's a challenge." They have not yet made a contract offer to free agent Dennys Reyes, because the left-hander and his agent "want to see what the market will bear first." In other words: How high will the price go? The Twins' search might lead them to take a gamble or two, to consider pitchers who are something less than sure things, Smith said. They tried it last ..."

Minnesota Twins stand pat at winter meetings

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December 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"From the $7 coffee to the $70 steaks, everything seemed extraordinarily expensive at the Bellagio this week. And ballplayers were the priciest items of all. Bill Smith and the Twins discovered that at the winter meetings, which checked out of one of the Strip's plushest hotels Thursday. Minnesota's general manager came to Vegas with a shopping list — a third baseman, a right-handed "impact bat," maybe a proven arm for the bullpen —but left wide-eyed at the price tags, in dollars or ballplayers, attached to everything here. "We didn't find any kind of a fit without taking away what we consider too much talent out of our organization," Smith said after a week's worth of negotiations proved ..."

Twins talking to several teams, but no deals are set

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December 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"This might look familiar, but the Twins could leave the Major League Baseball winter meetings without meeting their main objectives. That was to find offensive help for the left side of their infield and fortify the bullpen. But the Twins were far from inactive on Wednesday as they met with teams and agents. They remain in contact with the Chicago Cubs about infielder Mark DeRosa. DeRosa, who will turn 34 in February, will make $5.5 million next season in the final year of his contract. He batted .285 last season with career highs of 21 homers and 87 RBI and could play either third base or second. The Twins are still trying to get a feel for what the Cubs want from them for DeRosa. ..."

Word is out on Minnesota Twins outfielder Delmon Young: He can be had

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December 10

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Ron Gardenhire's public comments Tuesday about Delmon Young resembled last week's about as much as Fargo, N.D., resembles Las Vegas. The Twins' manager, almost sheepish about "the fire I accidentally lit" by suggesting at an appearance in Fargo last week that Young won't be in his starting lineup next season, insisted at baseball's winter meetings that "we're blessed to have four talented outfielders" and that nothing is settled about the Twins' 2009 outfield. "I'm backpedaling; can't you see?" Gardenhire said. "That was me sort of screwing up. ... Everyone knows the players are the ones who will decide that. They're the ones who have to go out and earn (their jobs)." The Twins' manager ..."

Gardenhire still is trying to soften Young comments

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December 10

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"So, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire, who's your starting outfield next season? (Insert the sound of backpedaling here.) "I know I got it all stirred up a [week] ago in Fargo, and I was talking to farmers and I named three guys," Gardenhire said. "And I said, 'If I had to do it right now, these guys would play' and I didn't talk any farther than that. "Next thing you know, it's, 'Delmon is out.' I'm like, Delmon is not anywhere. We are pretty blessed to have four very good outfielders, [Michael] Cuddyer, [Denard] Span, [Carlos] Gomez and then Delmon. So that's a lot of talent, and then you have our DH [Jason Kubel], we are pretty blessed and pretty lucky." That's how Gardenhire responded ..."

Tigers, Dodgers deny interest in Bucs' Wilson

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December 9

Beaver County Times

"Jack Wilson is not going to be a member of the Detroit Tiger on opening day in 2009 and he also isn't going to be with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite plenty of reports to the contrary, high-ranked officials from both teams, speaking on the condition they not be identified, strongly shot down the idea. Both suggested the Pirates might be planting rumors in order to stir up interest in the veteran shortstop, who has one year and $8.4 million guaranteed left on his contract. "We have not pursued Jack Wilson all winter and we're not going to pursue Jack Wilson," the Tigers official said Monday at baseball's winter meetings. "It's not going to happen and it was never going to happen. " "We ..."

Rays might re-acquire Young

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December 9

ESPN.com

"Stuff can change fast at the winter meetings. Contrary to what I reported Monday morning on this very blog, there were indications Monday night that Tampa Bay was still talking to the Twins about a deal that would bring outfielder Delmon Young back to the Rays. Tampa Bay likely would deal away either Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson. But the trade could also involve a third team, because the Twins aren't looking to add starting pitching. With the Twins on the verge of losing out on their pursuit of Casey Blake, Colorado could provide an interesting alternative. The Twins have had interest all winter in acquiring Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins, but haven't been able to find a package ..."

Minnesota Twins have room for one in infield

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December 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Now that the winter meetings have opened and the Twins have priced a few free agents and floated a few trades, their shopping list is much more clear. Turns out, they don't need a third baseman and a shortstop after all. No, they need a third baseman or a shortstop. Big difference. "We have options internally," assistant general manager Rob Antony said Monday in the Twins' suite at the Bellagio. "If we went out and got a shortstop that we thought was an impact guy, a premium guy who was an upgrade, we're not afraid to have (Brendan) Harris and (Brian) Buscher at third. If we got a third baseman, we're not afraid to have Harris and (Matt) Tolbert as our shortstop." That confidence in their ..."

Tigers, Everett agree to one-year deal

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December 9

Detroit News

"On the same day they made Gerald Laird their answer at catcher for 2009, the Tigers were close Monday to signing free-agent shortstop Adam Everett, 31, who last season played for the Minnesota Twins. Dave Dombrowski, the Tigers president and general manager, followed his policy of not commenting until medical reports are made final. Everett worked out for the Tigers Thursday at the team's developmental headquarters at Lakeland, Fla. Dombrowski's did acknowledge the Tigers "liked what we saw. He threw the ball well. The reports on him were very good." A formal announcement of Everett's signing could be made as early as Tuesday. The Tigers made catcher, shortstop, and the back end of ..."

Source: Tigers, Everett agree to 1-year deal

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December 8

Foxsports.com

"The Tigers have reached agreement with free-agent shortstop Adam Everett, according to a major-league source. The one-year deal will be worth approximately $1 million, plus incentives, and is pending a physical. Detroit also made official its deal with the Rangers to acquire catcher Gerald Laird, meaning the Tigers have addressed their catcher and shortstop needs in the span of about 24 hours. Everett hit .213 in 48 games for the Twins last season."

Detroit backs off trade for Pirates' Wilson

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December 8

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"The Detroit Tigers will not trade for Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, apparently because they are set to sign free agent Adam Everett, a source said today at Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings. A new potential suitor has emerged this morning, according to multiple sources, in the Minnesota Twins."

Will Minnesota Twins make headlines at baseball's winter meetings this week?

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December 8

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Baseball's winter meetings are always four or five hectic, work-intensive days, Twins general manager Bill Smith insists, crammed with meetings and trade talks and free-agent negotiations. With all that activity, you never know when the Twins will make headlines at the annual get-together. Take their most recent winter-meetings trade, for example, the Johan Santana blockbuster. Wait, wrong Santana trade. Actually, the Twins haven't swapped a player at the winter meetings since they acquired Santana — in 1999 — in a trade with the Florida Marlins. So in a setting as glitzy and ostentatious as the Bellagio on the Las Vegas strip, don't expect Smith and his Upper Midwest posse of scouts and ..."

Will Twins make headlines at baseball's winter meetings this week?

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December 7

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Baseball's winter meetings are always four or five hectic, work-intensive days, Twins general manager Bill Smith insists, crammed with meetings and trade talks and free-agent negotiations. With all that activity, you never know when the Twins will make headlines at the annual get-together. Take their most recent winter-meetings trade, for example, the Johan Santana blockbuster. Wait, wrong Santana trade. Actually, the Twins haven't swapped a player at the winter meetings since they acquired Santana — in 1999 — in a trade with the Florida Marlins. So in a setting as glitzy and ostentatious as the Bellagio on the Las Vegas strip, don't expect Smith and his Upper Midwest posse of scouts and ..."

Twins' chances of signing Casey Blake slim

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December 7

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"The likelihood of signing Casey Blake to play third base for the Twins next season has faded, a person with knowledge of the negotiations said Saturday, because a "gap" between the two sides — believed to be over the length of the contract — cannot be bridged. "There's still a gap; that hasn't changed," the source said. He stopped short of declaring the talks between Minnesota and the free agent dead but said Blake would probably end up elsewhere. The Twins reportedly offered Blake a three-year contract but were willing to guarantee only two years of it for the 35-year-old Blake, who played 22 games in two brief stints with Minnesota in 2001 and 2002. The veteran infielder, who hit 21 home ..."

Las Vegas dealers

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December 7

Boston Globe

"Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin runs a baseball team in middle America. The economy is tough, yet he waits to hear whether CC Sabathia will accept their $100 million offer or whether he'll have to move on to Plan B. As baseball's winter meetings get underway tomorrow at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Melvin expects there will be a lot of teams in the same boat - going to Plan B or perhaps no plan at all. "Because the market has been slow, it's got a chance to where agents may dominate the meetings trying to get a feel for what they can get," said Melvin. "We all have to be aware of the economy - even the big-market teams, from what I've seen. "We're in a situation where the ..."

Blake seeks three-year contract with Twins, Dodgers

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December 4

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins have offered free agent third baseman Casey Blake a two-year contract worth about $6 million per season with an option for 2011, but Blake wants the third year guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told the Star Tribune on Tuesday. ESPN reported the Twins and Dodgers have basically been told they will get Blake if they are willing to add a third year to their two-year contract offers. Blake made $6.1 million this year while batting .274 with 21 home runs and 81 RBI between the Indians and Dodgers. He turns 36 next Aug. 23 but has averaged 598 plate appearances over the past six seasons. The Twins have been aggressive in pursuing Blake, hoping to seal a deal ..."

Twins, Dodgers close in on Blake

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December 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Casey Blake free agent sweepstakes is sounding like a two-horse race: Twins and Dodgers. "We're certainly not that far apart with either club," Blake's agent, Jim McDowell, said Tuesday. The Twins view Blake, 35, as an upgrade at third base, and they value his versatility. He can play left field, right field, first base and even played some second base for the Dodgers in the playoffs. Blake, who has had two previous stints with the Twins, batted .274 with 21 home runs and 81 RBI this year with the Indians and Dodgers. McDowell has had recurring dialogue with Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony, as well as GM Bill Smith, and the sides are "within shouting distance" on both years ..."

Agent: Dodgers, Twins leading in Blake pursuit

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December 3

Foxsports.com

"The Dodgers and Twins are the front-runners for free-agent third baseman Casey Blake, according to the player's agent, Jim McDowell. Blake, 35, is seeking a three-year contract. He has until midnight Sunday to accept the Dodgers' offer of salary arbitration, but could sign a new deal with the Dodgers or Twins before then. "We've made progress with both the Dodgers and Twins," McDowell told FOXSports.com. "They've been more persistent and more involved. "I've had pretty regular conversations with the Indians, but I wouldn't say they've been as persistent as the Twins and Dodgers." The Indians, who traded Blake to the Dodgers last July, are reluctant to give Blake a three-year deal, ..."

Twins offer arbitration to Reyes

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December 2

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Twins offered salary arbitration Monday to lefthanded reliever Dennys Reyes, General Manager Bill Smith said. Reyes, 31, who went 3-0 with a 2.33 ERA in 75 appearances this year, is a Type B free agent. By offering arbitration, the Twins will receive a supplemental pick in next June's amateur draft if he signs with another team. When a team loses a Type A free agent, as the Twins did last year with Torii Hunter, they receive a first-round pick along with a supplemental round pick. The Twins' other free agents this year -- Nick Punto, Adam Everett and Eddie Guardado -- did not qualify as Type A or Type B players."

Decisions, decisions: Arbitration deadline looms

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December 1

MLB.com

"In ordinary offseasons, the deadline for clubs to offer arbitration to their ranked free agents, which this time arrives Monday at midnight ET, has been a rather predictable occasion. With few exceptions, teams not yet able to strike new deals in the roughly four weeks since their players' declaration of free agency would simply decline to make the offer, effectively severing ties and giving up any claims to compensatory Draft picks. These, however, are extraordinary times -- both for baseball and for the overall economy the sport must use at least as a partial guideline. Thus, the decisions made prior to the deadline will dramatically shape the rest of the signing season for the 169 free ..."

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