Paul Konerko has received four-year offers at around $50 million from both Baltimore and the Los Angeles Angels, according to reports in Tuesday's editions of the Baltimore Sun and Los Angeles Times. Konerko, 29, is scheduled to visit Angels officials later this week, the Times reported. The Orioles, albeit a long shot to land Konerko because of his preference to attend spring training in Arizona and to play for a playoff-contending team, are expected to raise their offer to five years and $60 million, the Sun reported.
Brian Giles, whom the Yankees targeted for center field, has decided not to return to his hometown San Diego Padres but may be leaning toward Toronto if he does not get an attractive offer from the other two southern California teams (Angels, Dodgers). A friend of Giles said Giles wants at least a three-year deal with a contender. Joe Bick, Giles' agent, said yesterday Giles' decision is "in progress" and "we haven't put any deadline on anything." Bick last spoke to Cashman on Saturday.
Rangers second baseman Alfonso Soriano and Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito could be two of the biggest names in trade discussions at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Rangers are keeping on top of both situations. The Rangers are getting more calls from other teams about Soriano while they continue to explore every possibility of acquiring pitching. That includes Zito, the Athletics All-Star left-hander who could be on the trading block. Major League sources said the Rangers are one of the teams expressing interest in Zito.
With just six days remaining before baseball's winter meetings start in Dallas, there were signs that the Red Sox were heading toward a resolution. Former Orioles vice president Jim Beattie said last night that he spoke with Sox CEO Larry Lucchino on Thanksgiving and again on the weekend. ''I've been given an indication that the first part of this week I might hear something," said Beattie, the Maine native who was GM of the then-Montreal Expos and shared the Baltimore GM job with Mike Flanagan until getting dismissed by the Orioles earlier this fall.
The Red Sox continue to explore trade options on Manny Ramirez, who according to media reports from New York, remains very much the apple of Mets’ GM Omar Minaya’s eye. The Angels are considered to be Ramirez’ first choice but the Mets, as well as the Mariners, are also suitable. The Red Sox continue to hold out hope they can make Ramirez comfortable enough to stay in Boston for another three years, but there is a rising tide of sentiment that Ramirez has made up his mind to force a trade.
Rays outfielder Joey Gathright and catcher Toby Hall are the primary topics of conversation, with the Marlins, Dodgers, Angels and Mets as possible trade partners. "We've had -- and we continue to have -- discussions with many teams about several of our players," Friedman said. "We're doing everything we can to win in 2006, but not to the detriment of 2007 and 2008." Read that to mean the Rays are seeking high-level, major-league-ready prospects in return for players like Gathright and Hall. Hall's name has been linked to the Mets. At the trade deadline last July, the Rays were interested in Mets pitcher Aaron Heilman (5-3, 3.17 ERA in 53 appearances). Another potential destination for the Rays' starting catcher is the Dodgers. Los Angeles has several minor-leaguers who interest Tampa Bay, including catchers Dioner Navarro and Russell Martin (.311 batting average, .430 on-base percentage for Double-A Jacksonville) and right-handed pitcher Chad Billingsley (13-6, 3.51 ERA for Jacksonville). Hall, who turned 30 on Oct. 21, is due to earn $3.5-4 million through arbitration.
With the winter meetings beginning next Monday in Dallas, the Cardinals continue their courtship of several pitchers - including the ace of the market, righthander A.J. Burnett. A starter, Burnett already has at least a couple of five-year offers, and the list of pursuing teams remains eight or nine long. Agent Darek Braunecker declined to discuss any specifics related to his discussions with the Cardinals about his 28-year-old client except to say the Cardinals remain one of the teams still solidly in the mix.
Chances are that the A's will need to part with Barry Zito in order to get a top-flight young hitter such as Mets prospect Lastings Milledge or Arizona's Conor Jackson or Carlos Quentin. (Harden, Haren and Blanton are essentially off-limits when it comes to trade talks.) The Rangers also have expressed interest in Zito and they have Alfonso Soriano to offer, but Soriano is likely to earn $10 million or more in arbitration. Beane called acquiring another bat "the next order of business.''
Throughout his tenure as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, J.P. Ricciardi has never handed out a contract to a player, coach or manager that runs longer than his own. So when Ricciardi, who has two years remaining on a five-year extension he signed after his debut season in 2002, gave free agent reliever B.J. Ryan a five-year contract on Monday, the obvious question was whether Toronto's architect was planning to extend his stay with the Jays. "We're talking about it," Ricciardi admitted when asked about plans to re-up.
The Cubs made one last push for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal over the weekend and expect a final decision before the end of next week's winter meetings in Dallas. General manager Jim Hendry met with Furcal at his Georgia home on Sunday, hoping to convince him Chicago would be a perfect destination. Both Hendry and Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, declined to comment on the meeting. The Cubs and Atlanta are considered the two main suitors for Furcal, with the New York Mets reportedly dropping out of the picture in the last week to focus on other areas. Since the final offers may be similar in value—around $10 million per season for four or five years—Furcal's future may ultimately come down to where he feels most comfortable playing. Furcal's affinity for Braves manager Bobby Cox could be a deciding factor, though he's also close friends with Cubs shortstop Neifi Perez and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who have been lobbying on the Cubs' behalf for the last month.
The Cubs are also considered the front-runner for Florida center fielder Juan Pierre if the Marlins shop him at the winter meetings, as expected, and they'll also pursue a right fielder, likely through a trade. The Cubs have mild interest in free-agent outfielder Preston Wilson, whom they pursued at the trading deadline before acquiring and dumping Matt Lawton.
Jim Thome said he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from back and right-elbow injuries and should be able to join his new White Sox teammates in spring training without any limitations. "I tried even when I had the surgery to stay on top of this and stay in the best shape I could because it would play an integral part in my recovery," said Thome, who hasn't played since June 30 and was limited to 59 games with the Phillies last season. The 6-foot-4-inch, 248-pound Thome looked fit as he spoke of his recovery from a strained lower back that sidelined him for three weeks in May and a frayed tendon in his right elbow that resulted in season-ending surgery. Thome, 35, who played in at least 143 games in each of the six previous seasons, said he would start swinging a bat next month. That's one month earlier than normal. "I'm ready to get going," he said. "I have to calm myself down."
As the market for relievers was rolling, the Cardinals had discussions over the weekend with the agent for Octavio Dotel. Dan Horwits said it was "kind of a discussion of parameters." Dotel, 32 and a year removed from 36 saves in 2004, is recovering from surgery on his right elbow. The Cardinals are eyeing him as a setup reliever for closer Jason Isringhausen. Dotel is seeking a one-year contract, laced with incentives. Dotel pitched in 15 games for Oakland in 2005. Dotel, who reportedly also is being wooed by Texas, Atlanta, the New York Yankees and several others, is expected to be ready to throw on or shortly after opening day.
The Brewers might be willing to trade Geoff Jenkins, but the Mariners are hearing that Milwaukee will keep a hold on the left-handed hitting outfielder. "I'm not sure that we'll be getting a left-hander in a trade," assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas said. What is left is free agency. Three who are available are Brian Giles, who reportedly turned down a three-year, $25 million deal to return to the Padres, ex-Twin Jacque Jones and Jeromy Burnitz.
If Brian Giles doesn't return, how do the Padres plan to replace him? Plan A appears to be free agent Jacque Jones of the Twins, who would play right field, with Ben Johnson, Eric Young and Dave Roberts (pending trades) sharing left and Mike Cameron in center. Johnson also could platoon in right with Jones, who has had problems with southpaw pitching. If there's a Plan B, it could be another free agent, Jeromy Burnitz. Like Jones, Burnitz is a local kid who made good, and the Padres have tried to acquire his loud left-handed bat and solid defense in the past. He'll be 37 on April 15, and PETCO Park would frustrate him as it has Ryan Klesko and Giles, but the team does play 81 road games. There should be appealing trade options, notably with the Reds. They have muscular Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns, an expendable pair of right-handed weapons, and a crying need for pitching. The Dec. 5-8 Winter Meetings in Dallas should be fascinating.
The Yankees talked to Philadelphia about a trade for a center fielder, not only Jason Michaels but also Bobby Abreu, just-acquired Aaron Rowand and Endy Chavez. While the Phillies will listen to offers for any of their outfielders, they seek pitching. The Yankees offered reliever Scott Proctor, but the only Yankees pitcher the Phillies like is Chien-Ming Wang, and the Yankees do not want to trade Wang.
It appears obvious that the Rangers are actively shopping Hank Blalock to acquire pitching help. And if there is anything that the Pirates have in abundance, it is their pitching depth. So, we've established that Blalock would look great in black and gold next season. Now, what would the Pirates have to give up to acquire him? Although Pirates GM Dave Littlefield is quick to note that no player is untouchable in the right deal, I'd have to say Zach Duke is pretty darned close, so he won't be going anywhere else any time soon. The same goes for Jason Bay. Anyone else, including lefties Oliver Perez and Paul Maholm, would probably be on the table.
The Yankees haven't been overwhelmed with the pool of potential center fielders they've seen outside the organization, so it's not surprising that they're looking internally. The names they're considering, however, are mind-boggling. Joe Torre said in an interview with Reuters yesterday that the Bombers have considered the possibility of moving Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez to center field to fill the hole vacated by Bernie Williams. "We've thought about it," Torre told the international wire service. "We just haven't made a commitment to that. We haven't broached it with the shortstops."
The Astros have started exchanging offers with their own free agents, including catcher Brad Ausmus, who along with free-agent pitcher Roger Clemens are among the Astros' biggest priorities this offseason. Ausmus, who will turn 37 in April, hit .258 with three home runs and 47 RBIs in his fifth consecutive season as the club's regular starting catcher. "We talked a couple of times on numbers, and we certainly don't have an insurmountable gap between us," Ausmus said. Ausmus had made it clear he would like to return for an eighth season with the Astros or play for the San Diego Padres. "Certainly San Diego and Houston are my two favorites, no question," he said. "But I'm going to listen to everything, and I might listen to things in the Southern California area. I'm not really narrowing anything down right now."
The Yankees would like to keep up with the flurry of reliever signings, and they have a particular interest in right-hander Kyle Farnsworth. While there was a rumor yesterday that the Yankees were close to signing Farnsworth and lefty Mike Myers, it was shot down by general manager Brian Cashman. "We're obviously making our phone calls to clubs and agents," Cashman said, "but nothing to show for it at this point." But both those players are in the Yankees' sights as they try to build a set-up corps in front of closer Mariano Rivera.
The reality, according to Scott Boras, is that Johnny Damon, who will turn 38 seven seasons from now, is worth it because he’s in another league. “He’s the ironman of baseball,” Boras said yesterday from Dallas. “What Cal Ripken used to represent, Johnny Damon does today.” Damon’s been with the Red Sox the last four seasons at an average annual salary of $7.75 million. He and the team have already exchanged initial offers and negotiations are ongoing. Damon is believed to be seeking about $12 million a year. Boras declined to name other teams interested in Damon but does want to impress to baseball executives, fans and media the need to look beyond the center fielder’s 1,555 major league games and 6,908 plate appearances in 10-plus seasons. Damon never going on the disabled list is what separates him from run-of-the-mill center fielders and leadoff hitters, according to the agent. “Johnny Damon is the most durable major league player in the game today,” Boras said. “If he had been on the disabled list three or four times, then OK, what kind of contract are we talking about — two, three years? Yet this guy plays all the time and hard all the time. You have to be unique to talk about a seven-year deal.”
The Cubs are expected to announce the signing of free-agent utilityman John Mabry within the next day or two. Mabry, 35, hit .240 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs with St. Louis last season and can play both corner outfield spots, along with first base and third base.
Giants GM Brian Sabean is not aggressive in chasing the big names because the Giants can't afford them. Fans hoped for the likes of Jim Thome and Carlos Delgado, but the price was too high. A second-tier first baseman such as Milwaukee's Lyle Overbay is a target, but acquiring another pitcher is the first priority. He can't be a .500 guy, but a veteran with a proven track record. Sabean won't discuss what athletes he's after, so it's all speculation.
Todd Helton has a long-term contract with Colorado through 2012 and was paid $12.6 million this season. That's not affordable for San Francisco, although Helton, you'd think, would want to play for a winning team, like ex-mate Larry Walker, who found gold with the Cardinals.
What Dodgers go off the payroll after the 2006 season? Jeff Kent is going into the final year of his contract and will earn $9.4 million. Ricky Ledee is going into the final year of his contract and will earn $1.5 million. Eric Gagne will earn $10 million in 2006 and has a club option for 2007 at $12 million or a $1 million buyout. However, if the club exercises the option, Gagne can void it and receive a $250,000 buyout.
It appears that Brewers GM Doug Melvin and Gord Ash would rather have their market dry up now, keep Lyle Overbay and Prince Fielder (at Triple-A) for the first half of 2006 and then try again in July rather than unload Overbay now for less than he is worth. And remember that we have not even gotten to the Winter Meetings yet, so there is still plenty of time for teams to engineer some offseason deals. It will be very interesting to see how many phone calls Melvin receives in Dallas next week regarding Overbay.
Manny Ramirez, who has asked to be traded, preferably to the Los Angeles Angels, is owed $57 million over the next three seasons. But Mets manager Willie Randolph has his fingers crossed. "We'd love to have Manny Ramirez," he said before news of the Wagner signing leaked out. "That's a no-brainer. "Who knows? There are still other people out there. We'll take each move one at a time. ...The more the merrier, man. Hopefully, we're not finished."
Which free agent pitcher has the best chance of coming to Kansas City next year? Just guessing, Paul Byrd. He became something of a folk hero in KC when he won 17 games in 2002 for a Royals team that had just 62 victories. He's a thinking-man's pitcher who could school the KC kids. He also has a knack for throwing strikes, an obsession of Royals management. But it'll be tough, because this is a slim year for quality free agent pitchers, and, subsequently, offers are skyrocketing. Byrd's base salary with the Angels last year was $5 million, but he'll likely draw offers of much more in a multi-year deal.
Paul Lo Duca is set to make $6.25 million in 2006 and the team is dramatically trimming payroll. One option is to keep Lo Duca, a three-time All-Star, to assist the development of the pitchers. Finding quality catchers is very difficult throughout the league, increasing Lo Duca's value. But if the team does find a less expensive option, I'm sure they would explore trading Lo Duca. Another possibility is holding Lo Duca until the July trade deadline. The Marlins could see where they are in the standings, and if they aren't in contention, he could have prime trade value. That logic holds true if the club decides to keep Castillo and Pierre for now.
Brian Giles, whom the Yankees targeted for center field, has decided not to return to his hometown San Diego Padres but may be leaning toward Toronto if he does not get an attractive offer from the other two southern California teams (Angels, Dodgers). A friend of Giles said Giles wants at least a three-year deal with a contender. Joe Bick, Giles' agent, said yesterday Giles' decision is "in progress" and "we haven't put any deadline on anything." Bick last spoke to Cashman on Saturday.
Rangers second baseman Alfonso Soriano and Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito could be two of the biggest names in trade discussions at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Rangers are keeping on top of both situations. The Rangers are getting more calls from other teams about Soriano while they continue to explore every possibility of acquiring pitching. That includes Zito, the Athletics All-Star left-hander who could be on the trading block. Major League sources said the Rangers are one of the teams expressing interest in Zito.
With just six days remaining before baseball's winter meetings start in Dallas, there were signs that the Red Sox were heading toward a resolution. Former Orioles vice president Jim Beattie said last night that he spoke with Sox CEO Larry Lucchino on Thanksgiving and again on the weekend. ''I've been given an indication that the first part of this week I might hear something," said Beattie, the Maine native who was GM of the then-Montreal Expos and shared the Baltimore GM job with Mike Flanagan until getting dismissed by the Orioles earlier this fall.
The Red Sox continue to explore trade options on Manny Ramirez, who according to media reports from New York, remains very much the apple of Mets’ GM Omar Minaya’s eye. The Angels are considered to be Ramirez’ first choice but the Mets, as well as the Mariners, are also suitable. The Red Sox continue to hold out hope they can make Ramirez comfortable enough to stay in Boston for another three years, but there is a rising tide of sentiment that Ramirez has made up his mind to force a trade.
Rays outfielder Joey Gathright and catcher Toby Hall are the primary topics of conversation, with the Marlins, Dodgers, Angels and Mets as possible trade partners. "We've had -- and we continue to have -- discussions with many teams about several of our players," Friedman said. "We're doing everything we can to win in 2006, but not to the detriment of 2007 and 2008." Read that to mean the Rays are seeking high-level, major-league-ready prospects in return for players like Gathright and Hall. Hall's name has been linked to the Mets. At the trade deadline last July, the Rays were interested in Mets pitcher Aaron Heilman (5-3, 3.17 ERA in 53 appearances). Another potential destination for the Rays' starting catcher is the Dodgers. Los Angeles has several minor-leaguers who interest Tampa Bay, including catchers Dioner Navarro and Russell Martin (.311 batting average, .430 on-base percentage for Double-A Jacksonville) and right-handed pitcher Chad Billingsley (13-6, 3.51 ERA for Jacksonville). Hall, who turned 30 on Oct. 21, is due to earn $3.5-4 million through arbitration.
With the winter meetings beginning next Monday in Dallas, the Cardinals continue their courtship of several pitchers - including the ace of the market, righthander A.J. Burnett. A starter, Burnett already has at least a couple of five-year offers, and the list of pursuing teams remains eight or nine long. Agent Darek Braunecker declined to discuss any specifics related to his discussions with the Cardinals about his 28-year-old client except to say the Cardinals remain one of the teams still solidly in the mix.
Chances are that the A's will need to part with Barry Zito in order to get a top-flight young hitter such as Mets prospect Lastings Milledge or Arizona's Conor Jackson or Carlos Quentin. (Harden, Haren and Blanton are essentially off-limits when it comes to trade talks.) The Rangers also have expressed interest in Zito and they have Alfonso Soriano to offer, but Soriano is likely to earn $10 million or more in arbitration. Beane called acquiring another bat "the next order of business.''
Throughout his tenure as general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, J.P. Ricciardi has never handed out a contract to a player, coach or manager that runs longer than his own. So when Ricciardi, who has two years remaining on a five-year extension he signed after his debut season in 2002, gave free agent reliever B.J. Ryan a five-year contract on Monday, the obvious question was whether Toronto's architect was planning to extend his stay with the Jays. "We're talking about it," Ricciardi admitted when asked about plans to re-up.
The Cubs made one last push for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal over the weekend and expect a final decision before the end of next week's winter meetings in Dallas. General manager Jim Hendry met with Furcal at his Georgia home on Sunday, hoping to convince him Chicago would be a perfect destination. Both Hendry and Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer, declined to comment on the meeting. The Cubs and Atlanta are considered the two main suitors for Furcal, with the New York Mets reportedly dropping out of the picture in the last week to focus on other areas. Since the final offers may be similar in value—around $10 million per season for four or five years—Furcal's future may ultimately come down to where he feels most comfortable playing. Furcal's affinity for Braves manager Bobby Cox could be a deciding factor, though he's also close friends with Cubs shortstop Neifi Perez and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who have been lobbying on the Cubs' behalf for the last month.
The Cubs are also considered the front-runner for Florida center fielder Juan Pierre if the Marlins shop him at the winter meetings, as expected, and they'll also pursue a right fielder, likely through a trade. The Cubs have mild interest in free-agent outfielder Preston Wilson, whom they pursued at the trading deadline before acquiring and dumping Matt Lawton.
Jim Thome said he is ahead of schedule in his recovery from back and right-elbow injuries and should be able to join his new White Sox teammates in spring training without any limitations. "I tried even when I had the surgery to stay on top of this and stay in the best shape I could because it would play an integral part in my recovery," said Thome, who hasn't played since June 30 and was limited to 59 games with the Phillies last season. The 6-foot-4-inch, 248-pound Thome looked fit as he spoke of his recovery from a strained lower back that sidelined him for three weeks in May and a frayed tendon in his right elbow that resulted in season-ending surgery. Thome, 35, who played in at least 143 games in each of the six previous seasons, said he would start swinging a bat next month. That's one month earlier than normal. "I'm ready to get going," he said. "I have to calm myself down."
As the market for relievers was rolling, the Cardinals had discussions over the weekend with the agent for Octavio Dotel. Dan Horwits said it was "kind of a discussion of parameters." Dotel, 32 and a year removed from 36 saves in 2004, is recovering from surgery on his right elbow. The Cardinals are eyeing him as a setup reliever for closer Jason Isringhausen. Dotel is seeking a one-year contract, laced with incentives. Dotel pitched in 15 games for Oakland in 2005. Dotel, who reportedly also is being wooed by Texas, Atlanta, the New York Yankees and several others, is expected to be ready to throw on or shortly after opening day.
The Brewers might be willing to trade Geoff Jenkins, but the Mariners are hearing that Milwaukee will keep a hold on the left-handed hitting outfielder. "I'm not sure that we'll be getting a left-hander in a trade," assistant GM Lee Pelekoudas said. What is left is free agency. Three who are available are Brian Giles, who reportedly turned down a three-year, $25 million deal to return to the Padres, ex-Twin Jacque Jones and Jeromy Burnitz.
If Brian Giles doesn't return, how do the Padres plan to replace him? Plan A appears to be free agent Jacque Jones of the Twins, who would play right field, with Ben Johnson, Eric Young and Dave Roberts (pending trades) sharing left and Mike Cameron in center. Johnson also could platoon in right with Jones, who has had problems with southpaw pitching. If there's a Plan B, it could be another free agent, Jeromy Burnitz. Like Jones, Burnitz is a local kid who made good, and the Padres have tried to acquire his loud left-handed bat and solid defense in the past. He'll be 37 on April 15, and PETCO Park would frustrate him as it has Ryan Klesko and Giles, but the team does play 81 road games. There should be appealing trade options, notably with the Reds. They have muscular Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns, an expendable pair of right-handed weapons, and a crying need for pitching. The Dec. 5-8 Winter Meetings in Dallas should be fascinating.
The Yankees talked to Philadelphia about a trade for a center fielder, not only Jason Michaels but also Bobby Abreu, just-acquired Aaron Rowand and Endy Chavez. While the Phillies will listen to offers for any of their outfielders, they seek pitching. The Yankees offered reliever Scott Proctor, but the only Yankees pitcher the Phillies like is Chien-Ming Wang, and the Yankees do not want to trade Wang.
It appears obvious that the Rangers are actively shopping Hank Blalock to acquire pitching help. And if there is anything that the Pirates have in abundance, it is their pitching depth. So, we've established that Blalock would look great in black and gold next season. Now, what would the Pirates have to give up to acquire him? Although Pirates GM Dave Littlefield is quick to note that no player is untouchable in the right deal, I'd have to say Zach Duke is pretty darned close, so he won't be going anywhere else any time soon. The same goes for Jason Bay. Anyone else, including lefties Oliver Perez and Paul Maholm, would probably be on the table.
The Yankees haven't been overwhelmed with the pool of potential center fielders they've seen outside the organization, so it's not surprising that they're looking internally. The names they're considering, however, are mind-boggling. Joe Torre said in an interview with Reuters yesterday that the Bombers have considered the possibility of moving Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez to center field to fill the hole vacated by Bernie Williams. "We've thought about it," Torre told the international wire service. "We just haven't made a commitment to that. We haven't broached it with the shortstops."
The Astros have started exchanging offers with their own free agents, including catcher Brad Ausmus, who along with free-agent pitcher Roger Clemens are among the Astros' biggest priorities this offseason. Ausmus, who will turn 37 in April, hit .258 with three home runs and 47 RBIs in his fifth consecutive season as the club's regular starting catcher. "We talked a couple of times on numbers, and we certainly don't have an insurmountable gap between us," Ausmus said. Ausmus had made it clear he would like to return for an eighth season with the Astros or play for the San Diego Padres. "Certainly San Diego and Houston are my two favorites, no question," he said. "But I'm going to listen to everything, and I might listen to things in the Southern California area. I'm not really narrowing anything down right now."
The Yankees would like to keep up with the flurry of reliever signings, and they have a particular interest in right-hander Kyle Farnsworth. While there was a rumor yesterday that the Yankees were close to signing Farnsworth and lefty Mike Myers, it was shot down by general manager Brian Cashman. "We're obviously making our phone calls to clubs and agents," Cashman said, "but nothing to show for it at this point." But both those players are in the Yankees' sights as they try to build a set-up corps in front of closer Mariano Rivera.
The reality, according to Scott Boras, is that Johnny Damon, who will turn 38 seven seasons from now, is worth it because he’s in another league. “He’s the ironman of baseball,” Boras said yesterday from Dallas. “What Cal Ripken used to represent, Johnny Damon does today.” Damon’s been with the Red Sox the last four seasons at an average annual salary of $7.75 million. He and the team have already exchanged initial offers and negotiations are ongoing. Damon is believed to be seeking about $12 million a year. Boras declined to name other teams interested in Damon but does want to impress to baseball executives, fans and media the need to look beyond the center fielder’s 1,555 major league games and 6,908 plate appearances in 10-plus seasons. Damon never going on the disabled list is what separates him from run-of-the-mill center fielders and leadoff hitters, according to the agent. “Johnny Damon is the most durable major league player in the game today,” Boras said. “If he had been on the disabled list three or four times, then OK, what kind of contract are we talking about — two, three years? Yet this guy plays all the time and hard all the time. You have to be unique to talk about a seven-year deal.”
The Cubs are expected to announce the signing of free-agent utilityman John Mabry within the next day or two. Mabry, 35, hit .240 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs with St. Louis last season and can play both corner outfield spots, along with first base and third base.
Giants GM Brian Sabean is not aggressive in chasing the big names because the Giants can't afford them. Fans hoped for the likes of Jim Thome and Carlos Delgado, but the price was too high. A second-tier first baseman such as Milwaukee's Lyle Overbay is a target, but acquiring another pitcher is the first priority. He can't be a .500 guy, but a veteran with a proven track record. Sabean won't discuss what athletes he's after, so it's all speculation.
Todd Helton has a long-term contract with Colorado through 2012 and was paid $12.6 million this season. That's not affordable for San Francisco, although Helton, you'd think, would want to play for a winning team, like ex-mate Larry Walker, who found gold with the Cardinals.
What Dodgers go off the payroll after the 2006 season? Jeff Kent is going into the final year of his contract and will earn $9.4 million. Ricky Ledee is going into the final year of his contract and will earn $1.5 million. Eric Gagne will earn $10 million in 2006 and has a club option for 2007 at $12 million or a $1 million buyout. However, if the club exercises the option, Gagne can void it and receive a $250,000 buyout.
It appears that Brewers GM Doug Melvin and Gord Ash would rather have their market dry up now, keep Lyle Overbay and Prince Fielder (at Triple-A) for the first half of 2006 and then try again in July rather than unload Overbay now for less than he is worth. And remember that we have not even gotten to the Winter Meetings yet, so there is still plenty of time for teams to engineer some offseason deals. It will be very interesting to see how many phone calls Melvin receives in Dallas next week regarding Overbay.
Manny Ramirez, who has asked to be traded, preferably to the Los Angeles Angels, is owed $57 million over the next three seasons. But Mets manager Willie Randolph has his fingers crossed. "We'd love to have Manny Ramirez," he said before news of the Wagner signing leaked out. "That's a no-brainer. "Who knows? There are still other people out there. We'll take each move one at a time. ...The more the merrier, man. Hopefully, we're not finished."
Which free agent pitcher has the best chance of coming to Kansas City next year? Just guessing, Paul Byrd. He became something of a folk hero in KC when he won 17 games in 2002 for a Royals team that had just 62 victories. He's a thinking-man's pitcher who could school the KC kids. He also has a knack for throwing strikes, an obsession of Royals management. But it'll be tough, because this is a slim year for quality free agent pitchers, and, subsequently, offers are skyrocketing. Byrd's base salary with the Angels last year was $5 million, but he'll likely draw offers of much more in a multi-year deal.
Paul Lo Duca is set to make $6.25 million in 2006 and the team is dramatically trimming payroll. One option is to keep Lo Duca, a three-time All-Star, to assist the development of the pitchers. Finding quality catchers is very difficult throughout the league, increasing Lo Duca's value. But if the team does find a less expensive option, I'm sure they would explore trading Lo Duca. Another possibility is holding Lo Duca until the July trade deadline. The Marlins could see where they are in the standings, and if they aren't in contention, he could have prime trade value. That logic holds true if the club decides to keep Castillo and Pierre for now.
