The Angels have intensified talks with the Red Sox for a trade that would bring Manny Ramirez to Anaheim. After Konerko signed a five-year, $60 million deal to return to the White Sox yesterday, there were strong indications from Yawkey Way that the Red Sox were focusing on what package of players to seek from the prospect-rich Angels in return for Ramirez. The Angels are believed to be the No. 1 choice for Ramirez, although the Mariners and Mets meet his approval as well. The Angels, meanwhile, have plenty of reasons to pursue Ramirez. Providing protection for Vladimir Guerrero in the heart of the lineup is why the Angels were in search of a big bat. The Angels will have to give up a fair amount of talent to obtain Ramirez. Right-hander Ervin Santana is on the Red Sox’ wish list, but earlier this offseason they were told he is not available. Other players of potential interest to the Red Sox are first baseman Casey Kotchman, switch-hitting Kendry Morales, who can play first and the outfield, and second baseman Howie Kendrick.
The Mets are moving toward dealing starter Kris Benson to the Orioles for reliever Jorge Julio, sources have told The Post. It is a trade that makes sense for both teams and could be consummated at the winter meetings, which begin next week in Dallas. With the improvement of Aaron Heilman, the Mets have a surplus of starting pitchers and have been looking to deal Benson. Omar Minaya is reshaping the Mets, and Benson is not a pitcher Minaya acquired. "It's not done yet but it could be finalized at the meetings," a source said last night. A second source confirmed the two sides are in "concrete" talks to finalize the trade. The Orioles need pitching, especially a veteran starter, and Benson, who turned 31 on Nov. 7, fits the bill.
The next several days could be critical as the Cardinals decide whether to break from an organizational philosophy and continue pursuit of the free agent market's premier starting pitcher. The agent for A.J. Burnett said talks with teams about his client have sped along "on several fronts" in the past two days, and that the Cardinals remain firmly in the hunt for the righthanded pitcher. "We're furthering discussions," Darek Braunecker said. "Things have certainly become more focused with several (teams) in the last few days. We're moving forward with many clubs. The Cardinals are still in this thing, but I wouldn't want to imply or comment on the level of their (interest). That's the prerogative of the club." Braunecker, a Little Rock, Ark.-based agent, went on to call it a sensitive and delicate time in the negotiations with several teams. He has received multiple offers for his client - each of them for the five-year terms Burnett is pursuing. The Cardinals are not believed to have tabled an offer. The length of contract Burnett is seeking is clear, and various reports have pegged the price at $50 million over those five years. Though Toronto was reported to have offered that exact deal - five years, $50 million
The end game in the Rafael Furcal derby is near, but it wasn’t at hand Wednesday. The Cubs feel good about their offer, which is for five years and about $50 million. There probably is wiggle room with the dollars, but not with the years. That’s important because the Cubs will no doubt offer more money for the free-agent shortstop than will the Braves, for whom Furcal has starred since 2000. Furcal’s people met late Tuesday with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even if the Dodgers aren’t as hot for Furcal as are the Cubs and the Braves, they represent an opportunity for Furcal to possibly drive up the bidding. Paul Kinzer, the agent for Furcal, said late Tuesday that money wouldn’t be the sole determining factor in where his client ends up. He cited “the city, how he would fit in and the team.”
MLB privately regards Las Vegas and Portland as the most likely options for relocation if the Marlins move. Samson said he didn't know if he would meet with officials from Las Vegas or elsewhere before the end of the year, and he declined to estimate the likelihood of the Marlins leaving South Florida. ''We're in the process of exploring,'' he said. ``And that process takes time.'' Samson intends to visit the cities that are deemed realistic options. He said he doesn't know if owner Jeffrey Loria will accompany him.
Looking to improve at catcher, the Diamondbacks this week made contact with the representative for free agent Brad Ausmus. A two-time Gold Glove winner, Ausmus, who spent the past five seasons in Houston, has long been regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. "The Diamondbacks have expressed interest in Brad," said Peter Mrowka, Ausmus' agent. "We had a lengthy conversation and planned to talk again soon."
Now, the Orioles are left looking at other options at first base, including Chicago Cubs free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra. There are several people in the Orioles' organization that feel that Garciaparra, a shortstop who has played a little third base, could make a successful transition across the diamond. The Orioles have had almost daily talks with Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, though no deal appears imminent. With few other high-impact first base options available, the club also has discussed former Oriole Jeff Conine, Boston's Kevin Millar and Oakland's Scott Hatteberg, but like Garciaparra, all three free agents are not considered everyday first basemen.
Washington Nationals President Tony Tavares said yesterday that he would like to resolve the status of Manager Frank Robinson before the start of next week's winter meetings, and two club sources indicated it's becoming increasingly likely Robinson will return for a fifth season with the franchise. "We've got some decisions to make," Tavares said, "and we'd like to get them done as expeditiously as possible." Tavares would not say whether Robinson will be back, but a high-ranking club source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity because final determinations haven't been made, said Robinson is likely to be asked back but he will have to make major changes to his coaching staff if he wants to return.
At next week's winter meetings, Mariners officials will attach a prohibition to any and all trade discussions: Ichiro Suzuki, Felix Hernandez and Yuniesky Betancourt are off-limits. Sources inside and outside the organization have confirmed that the three players are unobtainable. An official of one club who inquired about Ichiro's availability has the impression that the superstar is not available "under any circumstances."
It's no secret the Phillies have made rightfielder Bobby Abreu available in trade talks - they offered Abreu to Toronto for Vernon Wells at the GM meetings last month - but they haven't talked to the San Francisco Giants about him, or a rumored Jason Schmidt-for-Abreu swap. The two teams have not talked recently.
Paul Konerko's decision will send Angels Bill Stoneman back to the trade market, where he is expected to explore deals for Boston slugger Manny Ramirez, Kansas City first baseman Mike Sweeney, Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano and possibly Arizona third baseman Troy Glaus or Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre. The Angels might also look into free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra or free-agent catcher Mike Piazza. "We'll explore other things and look to improve the offense and the pitching," Stoneman said. "We'll keep moving forward."
The Rays continue to field calls from about a dozen teams with interest in speedy outfielder Joey Gathright, with the Dodgers and Marlins (who are loaded with prospects and likely to dump Juan Pierre) thought to be among the most aggressive. And the pursuit of closer Danys Baez is expected to increase heading into next week's winter meetings in Dallas as the free-agent market for relievers continues to soar. The Phillies are likely to be among at least a half-dozen teams making offers.
The Phillies have set their sights on a player the Mets have coveted: Manny Ramirez. Philadelphia and Boston have engaged in serious talks about swapping Ramirez for Bobby Abreu, The Post has learned. Abreu was shopped by new Philly GM Pat Gillick during the GM meetings in early November. Ramirez's unhappiness in Boston has been evident for months, if not years, and culminated with his apartment in the Residence at the Ritz-Carlton going on the market Tuesday for $6.9 million. If the Phillies land Ramirez, it would be a huge counterblow to the Mets. The Phillies believe a Ramirez deal could get done if they want. Apparently, the stumbling block is the disparity in salaries.
Latest reports suggest Rafael Furcal is likely to leave the Braves for the Cubs, which could make Atlanta the top suitor for Julio Lugo, who is turning out to be one of the Rays' hottest commodities. The Rays likely would have interest in catcher Brian McCann or third-base prospect Andy Marte, as well as infielder Wilson Betemit or pitching prospects. If Furcal goes to the Cubs or back to the Braves, the Dodgers are also expected to have serious interest in Lugo, who has a one-year, $4.95-million contract. From the Dodgers' deep farm system, the Rays likely would be interested in catcher Russ Martin, third baseman Andy LaRoche or pitcher Chad Billingsley.
White Sox general manager Ken Williams called Frank Thomas a Hall of Famer and a prince Wednesday but failed to announce the free-agent slugger's inevitable departure after leaving him a voice mail. "I think it's disrespectful to inform the public of my feelings before having a conversation with him," Williams said on a conference call to announce the re-signing of Paul Konerko. Williams would say only that the healing in Thomas' left foot was "progressing," but it's apparent the Sox won't offer salary arbitration to the most storied slugger in club history because of severe foot and ankle problems.
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The Mets are moving toward dealing starter Kris Benson to the Orioles for reliever Jorge Julio, sources have told The Post. It is a trade that makes sense for both teams and could be consummated at the winter meetings, which begin next week in Dallas. With the improvement of Aaron Heilman, the Mets have a surplus of starting pitchers and have been looking to deal Benson. Omar Minaya is reshaping the Mets, and Benson is not a pitcher Minaya acquired. "It's not done yet but it could be finalized at the meetings," a source said last night. A second source confirmed the two sides are in "concrete" talks to finalize the trade. The Orioles need pitching, especially a veteran starter, and Benson, who turned 31 on Nov. 7, fits the bill.
The next several days could be critical as the Cardinals decide whether to break from an organizational philosophy and continue pursuit of the free agent market's premier starting pitcher. The agent for A.J. Burnett said talks with teams about his client have sped along "on several fronts" in the past two days, and that the Cardinals remain firmly in the hunt for the righthanded pitcher. "We're furthering discussions," Darek Braunecker said. "Things have certainly become more focused with several (teams) in the last few days. We're moving forward with many clubs. The Cardinals are still in this thing, but I wouldn't want to imply or comment on the level of their (interest). That's the prerogative of the club." Braunecker, a Little Rock, Ark.-based agent, went on to call it a sensitive and delicate time in the negotiations with several teams. He has received multiple offers for his client - each of them for the five-year terms Burnett is pursuing. The Cardinals are not believed to have tabled an offer. The length of contract Burnett is seeking is clear, and various reports have pegged the price at $50 million over those five years. Though Toronto was reported to have offered that exact deal - five years, $50 million
The end game in the Rafael Furcal derby is near, but it wasn’t at hand Wednesday. The Cubs feel good about their offer, which is for five years and about $50 million. There probably is wiggle room with the dollars, but not with the years. That’s important because the Cubs will no doubt offer more money for the free-agent shortstop than will the Braves, for whom Furcal has starred since 2000. Furcal’s people met late Tuesday with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even if the Dodgers aren’t as hot for Furcal as are the Cubs and the Braves, they represent an opportunity for Furcal to possibly drive up the bidding. Paul Kinzer, the agent for Furcal, said late Tuesday that money wouldn’t be the sole determining factor in where his client ends up. He cited “the city, how he would fit in and the team.”
MLB privately regards Las Vegas and Portland as the most likely options for relocation if the Marlins move. Samson said he didn't know if he would meet with officials from Las Vegas or elsewhere before the end of the year, and he declined to estimate the likelihood of the Marlins leaving South Florida. ''We're in the process of exploring,'' he said. ``And that process takes time.'' Samson intends to visit the cities that are deemed realistic options. He said he doesn't know if owner Jeffrey Loria will accompany him.
Looking to improve at catcher, the Diamondbacks this week made contact with the representative for free agent Brad Ausmus. A two-time Gold Glove winner, Ausmus, who spent the past five seasons in Houston, has long been regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in baseball. "The Diamondbacks have expressed interest in Brad," said Peter Mrowka, Ausmus' agent. "We had a lengthy conversation and planned to talk again soon."
Now, the Orioles are left looking at other options at first base, including Chicago Cubs free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra. There are several people in the Orioles' organization that feel that Garciaparra, a shortstop who has played a little third base, could make a successful transition across the diamond. The Orioles have had almost daily talks with Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, though no deal appears imminent. With few other high-impact first base options available, the club also has discussed former Oriole Jeff Conine, Boston's Kevin Millar and Oakland's Scott Hatteberg, but like Garciaparra, all three free agents are not considered everyday first basemen.
Washington Nationals President Tony Tavares said yesterday that he would like to resolve the status of Manager Frank Robinson before the start of next week's winter meetings, and two club sources indicated it's becoming increasingly likely Robinson will return for a fifth season with the franchise. "We've got some decisions to make," Tavares said, "and we'd like to get them done as expeditiously as possible." Tavares would not say whether Robinson will be back, but a high-ranking club source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity because final determinations haven't been made, said Robinson is likely to be asked back but he will have to make major changes to his coaching staff if he wants to return.
At next week's winter meetings, Mariners officials will attach a prohibition to any and all trade discussions: Ichiro Suzuki, Felix Hernandez and Yuniesky Betancourt are off-limits. Sources inside and outside the organization have confirmed that the three players are unobtainable. An official of one club who inquired about Ichiro's availability has the impression that the superstar is not available "under any circumstances."
It's no secret the Phillies have made rightfielder Bobby Abreu available in trade talks - they offered Abreu to Toronto for Vernon Wells at the GM meetings last month - but they haven't talked to the San Francisco Giants about him, or a rumored Jason Schmidt-for-Abreu swap. The two teams have not talked recently.
Paul Konerko's decision will send Angels Bill Stoneman back to the trade market, where he is expected to explore deals for Boston slugger Manny Ramirez, Kansas City first baseman Mike Sweeney, Texas second baseman Alfonso Soriano and possibly Arizona third baseman Troy Glaus or Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre. The Angels might also look into free-agent infielder Nomar Garciaparra or free-agent catcher Mike Piazza. "We'll explore other things and look to improve the offense and the pitching," Stoneman said. "We'll keep moving forward."
The Rays continue to field calls from about a dozen teams with interest in speedy outfielder Joey Gathright, with the Dodgers and Marlins (who are loaded with prospects and likely to dump Juan Pierre) thought to be among the most aggressive. And the pursuit of closer Danys Baez is expected to increase heading into next week's winter meetings in Dallas as the free-agent market for relievers continues to soar. The Phillies are likely to be among at least a half-dozen teams making offers.
The Phillies have set their sights on a player the Mets have coveted: Manny Ramirez. Philadelphia and Boston have engaged in serious talks about swapping Ramirez for Bobby Abreu, The Post has learned. Abreu was shopped by new Philly GM Pat Gillick during the GM meetings in early November. Ramirez's unhappiness in Boston has been evident for months, if not years, and culminated with his apartment in the Residence at the Ritz-Carlton going on the market Tuesday for $6.9 million. If the Phillies land Ramirez, it would be a huge counterblow to the Mets. The Phillies believe a Ramirez deal could get done if they want. Apparently, the stumbling block is the disparity in salaries.
Latest reports suggest Rafael Furcal is likely to leave the Braves for the Cubs, which could make Atlanta the top suitor for Julio Lugo, who is turning out to be one of the Rays' hottest commodities. The Rays likely would have interest in catcher Brian McCann or third-base prospect Andy Marte, as well as infielder Wilson Betemit or pitching prospects. If Furcal goes to the Cubs or back to the Braves, the Dodgers are also expected to have serious interest in Lugo, who has a one-year, $4.95-million contract. From the Dodgers' deep farm system, the Rays likely would be interested in catcher Russ Martin, third baseman Andy LaRoche or pitcher Chad Billingsley.
White Sox general manager Ken Williams called Frank Thomas a Hall of Famer and a prince Wednesday but failed to announce the free-agent slugger's inevitable departure after leaving him a voice mail. "I think it's disrespectful to inform the public of my feelings before having a conversation with him," Williams said on a conference call to announce the re-signing of Paul Konerko. Williams would say only that the healing in Thomas' left foot was "progressing," but it's apparent the Sox won't offer salary arbitration to the most storied slugger in club history because of severe foot and ankle problems.
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