Rafael Furcal's price tag continues to rise with two teams now offering more money than the Braves. The Dodgers have offered the free-agent shortstop a three-year deal worth $39 million, a person familiar with negotiations told the Journal-Constitution on Friday. Los Angeles' bid came on the heels of a five-year pitch worth nearly $50 million from the Cubs. The Braves' offer is for less that five years and less than $10 million per year, according to a person close to the negotiations. Furcal was leaning toward signing with the Cubs until new Dodgers GM Ned Colletti met late Tuesday with one of Furcal's agents in Los Angeles. That night or the following day, the Dodgers came in with their whopper — more than $3 million above the average annual value of the Cubs' offer. Why would the Dodgers offer so much more per year for Furcal than other teams? Perhaps because of insurance. Teams can insure most players' contracts for only three years; the Dodgers might prefer paying more while insured.
The Twins, who won the American League Central three consecutive years before the Sox dethroned them in 2005, are monitoring Frank Thomas closely, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. After finishing third in the division, the Twins are examining Thomas as well as fellow free-agent slugger Mike Piazza in an effort to bolster an offense that finished 13th in the league with a .259 batting average and was 12th in home runs and last in runs scored. A healthy Thomas would give the Twins a bona fide power threat and take some pressure off 22-year-old catching standout Joe Mauer in the middle of the batting order.
There are sure to be a number of clubs trying to obtain Barry Zito. The Mets have long been interested in the 2002 Cy Young Award winner, the Rangers are a current suitor (offering Kevin Mench, so far), and pretty much any other team with money and a need for pitching (Philadelphia, Arizona, Los Angeles, Toronto and so on) could make a bid for Zito. It's not a given that he'll be dealt, however. This week's signing of Esteban Loaiza was a strong hint that the A's will move Zito ("My first thought was that I'm getting traded,'' Zito said of Loaiza's three-year, $21 million deal), but general manager Billy Beane said it's possible that the team could keep both.
The Red Sox have explored trade talks for a few veteran first basemen, including Milwaukee’s Lyle Overbay and Cincinnati’s Sean Casey. Sources indicated that talks are ongoing with the Reds regarding 31-year-old Casey, who is owed $8.5 million next season after batting .312 with nine home runs, 58 RBI and a .371 on-base percentage in 2005. The affable, left-handed hitter owns a lifetime batting average of .305, and has struck out only 467 times in 4,017 at-bats. Cincinnati is looking for players who could play right away and is believed to have interest in Bronson Arroyo and Queen City native Kevin Youkilis, among others.
The Red Sox yesterday were contacted by the Texas Rangers, who two years ago had a deal in place for Manny Ramírez in which Alex Rodriguez would have come to Boston, and, according to the source, would dangle power-hitting second baseman Alfonso Soriano as the primary piece of another proposal for the Sox left fielder. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram cited a Rangers source as denying that contact was made, but the Sox intend to follow up in Dallas. Soriano played second for the Rangers, but the Sox could move him to left field.
The Paul Lo Duca market should intensify once free agents Ramon Hernandez, Bengie Molina and Brad Ausmus sign. The Yankees are willing to take Pierre if the Marlins relinquish the notion of acquiring Robinson Cano or Chien-Ming Wang. According to the Newark Star Ledger, the Yankees are willing to part with pitchers Hayden Penn and Scott Proctor for Pierre. "Yankees, that's where I think he winds up," said one major league scout who's spoken to both teams. "It's a Yankees or Cubs proposition."
The Los Angeles Dodgers are emerging as strong suitors for Alfonso Soriano, and the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Kevin Mench.
The Indians' pursuit of free-agent pitchers Trevor Hoffman and Paul Byrd continues. General Manager Mark Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge are scheduled to meet today with Hoffman at his home in Del Mar, Calif. Hoffman, who has a chance to pass Lee Smith's all-time saves record of 478, has spent the last 12? seasons with San Diego. Shapiro and Wedge will try to sell Hoffman on themselves and the Indians organization. If things go well, it's believed they'll try to sign him at the winter meetings next week in Dallas.
Astros general manager Tim Purpura confirmed he has had talks with the agent for pitcher Octavio Dotel about a possible return to the Astros, less than two years after the hard-throwing reliever was sent to the Oakland A's in the trade that brought Carlos Beltran to the Astros.
The Rangers talked with San Diego at the GM meetings about a potential deal for right-hander Adam Eaton that would send Gerald Laird and Adrian Gonzalez to the Padres. They have also had basic talks with Toronto. In addition to Laird and Gonzalez, the Rangers have several players who could be of use in acquiring pitching. Second baseman Alfonso Soriano and outfielder Kevin Mench, both of whom are arbitration eligible this season, have been drawing significant interest.
The Orioles' pursuit of Los Angeles Angels free-agent pitcher Paul Byrd is all but over, according to one team official. The Orioles offered Byrd a two-year, $13 million deal plus an option, but the right-hander has attracted significant interest from other teams and could be looking at a contract similar to the three-year, $21 million deal that Washington Nationals pitcher Esteban Loaiza signed with the Oakland Athletics last week.
The Yankees also remain entrenched in the market for a new centerfielder, with trades for Philadelphia's Jason Michaels and Florida's Juan Pierre two of many possibilities that recently have been discussed internally by team officials. The Yankees have interest in Pierre, but the Marlins are asking for Robinson Cano in exchange.
Julian Tavarez, late of the Cardinals, is a free agent right-hander. Mike Myers, who worked for Boston last season, is the situational lefty the Yankees would like to land. "I would just like to improve our 'pen," Cashman said when asked if he wanted a righty and lefty after Tom Gordon took a three-year deal and $18 million from the Phillies to close.
The Tigers remain interested in some of the remaining free-agent closers, president Dave Dombrowski said Friday without identifying any. The remaining group includes a trio of right-handers who had at least 40 saves each last season: San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, Cleveland's Bob Wickman and Florida's Todd Jones, the former Tiger. There are indications that Jones is interested in signing with the Tigers and that the Tigers are interested in him.
If A.J. Burnett signs with the Cardinals, Dave Duncan will push Burnett into greatness. And Burnett is a ground-ball pitcher who would receive a big lift from the Cardinals' tight defense. Besides, Cardinals ownership is rolling in money. It's not as if the owners will lower ticket prices if they fail to sign Burnett.
The Mets are having discussions with Boston about Manny Ramirez, according to one MLB executive. But the exec also said that the Angels were also interested in the star left fielder. Jed Hoyer, Boston's assistant to the GM, told the Red Sox' Web site yesterday that "probably five teams" have "strong interest" in Ramirez.
A frustrated David Wells has been telling friends that he has no intention of returning to play for the Red Sox, but club management is offering no guarantees that the left-handed pitcher will be traded during the up-coming winter meetings in Dallas. Wells, has another year on his contract but the 42-year-old felt uncomfortable with his lack of privacy in Boston and has asked to be traded closer to his native San Diego. It was believed that the Sox discussed a deal with the Padres prior to former general manager Theo Epstein’s Halloween departure, but Wells has become frustrated by the apparent lack of progress. Boston was believed to be discussing a swap for outfielder Dave Roberts and/or relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka. If nothing is resolved before spring training, Wells has told friends that he definitely will not be reporting to the Sox. If a trade with the Padres (for whom he went 12-8 in 2004) can’t be worked out, he would be happy with the San Francisco Giants. Wells does not want to remain in the American League.
So can Nomar Garciaparra move from shortstop to center field? The Arizona Diamondbacks have talked about that possibility. Garciaparra, who is a free agent, is willing to move positions, and the Diamondbacks have had internal discussions about whether to offer the former Red Sox star a contract. It is possible that the D-Backs could also sign the two-time American League batting champion to replace Royce Clayton at shortstop and keep the position warm until super prospect Stephen Drew is ready in 2007.
It now appears likely that club president Larry Lucchino’s stated goal of having a general manager in place by the start of the winter meetings won’t be reached. Three known candidates - Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden, former Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos GM Jim Beattie and Chicago White Sox player development director Dave Wilder - remain in contention, while Lucchino has indicated others may exist that haven’t been made public. Until a GM is named, Bill Lajoie will serve as the point man for the group in Dallas, while Lucchino is also expected to be on hand. “We go one day at a time with the present system, and it seems to be working very well,” Lajoie said. “We’re pleased with the way things are going.”
Major League Baseball will announce some details of the World Baseball Classic when the winter meetings open Monday in Dallas. By then, Mariners officials could learn the status of their formal complaints regarding health risks to their players, including prized right-hander Felix Hernandez. Hernandez plans to pitch for the Venezuelan entry, according to his agent, Alan Nero, but is one of several players Seattle officials have tagged for concern. Several weeks ago, MLB established a list of players under consideration for the March tournament and asked teams to reply with any injury-related issues.
The Padres, according to an industry source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, are now offering second baseman Mark Loretta to the Red Sox and are asking for David Wells and catcher Doug Mirabelli, who could get a chance to play every day for the Padres. The Padres have previously offered a variety of players, including pitcher Woody Williams, outfielder Dave Roberts, and reliever Akinori Otsuka, but now are apparently willing to move Loretta, 34, who in 2004 had a career year, batting .335 with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs, all personal bests.
The Mets also have interest in free agent Mark Grudzielanek and might consider a trade for Devil Rays shortstop Julio Lugo, who was among the players discussed last July in the proposed three-way trade with the Red Sox that had Manny Ramirez coming to the Mets. Tampa Bay picked up Lugo's $4.95-million option for next season, so he would be among the costlier alternatives.
The deal that would have sent reliever Jorge Julio to the New York Mets for starting pitcher Kris Benson appears to be abandoned at this point, according to an industry source.
A.J. Burnett, one of the top pitchers on the free-agent market, has yet to get an offer from the Orioles, who aren't interested in extending a five-year deal to the right-hander.
The Sox are still interested in re-signing free agent second baseman Tony Graffanino and first baseman John Olerud, but there is a realistic chance that neither will be back in 2006.
The Mets may have to decide whether they want to make a bid on Oakland southpaw Barry Zito. One major league GM said yesterday that the 27-year-old can be had. The Mets continue to discuss reliever Danys Baez with the Devil Rays. And Ricardo Rincon's agent, Dave Stewart, said yesterday he expected to talk to the Mets sometime this weekend. Stewart said the Mets had not made an offer and six teams are interested.
Despite their current financial restrictions, the Nationals have made no secret about their desire to acquire a top-flight starting pitcher, and A.J. Burnett (who expects to command $50 million over five years) remains at the top of their wish list.
Pirates OF Jason Bay yesterday won for the second consecutive year the Tip O'Neill Award presented annually by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to that nation's top player. He is the third to win the award more than once, joining Larry Walker (nine times) and Eric Gagne (twice).
Catcher Neil Walker, the Richland native who was the Pirates' top draft pick in 2004, will miss six to eight weeks because of wrist surgery performed yesterday at Allegheny General Hospital. A ligament on the outer part of Walker's left wrist tore as he was swinging the bat Nov. 9 in the penultimate game of the Arizona Fall League's regular season. The Pirates had him visit their hand specialist, Dr. Mark Baratz, who informed the team that rehabilitation or surgery would mend the injury. Management chose surgery because it felt it presented the best chance to ensure Walker will be ready for the opening of spring training in mid-February.
The Phillies formally introduced Don Welke, special assistant to the general manager. Welke has been on the job since last month. He worked with Gillick in Toronto and Baltimore but worked last season with Texas. Welke has been in baseball since 1965. "He'll be out in the field," Gillick said. "He'll be doing special assignments for us. He's a very versatile guy. He'll not only have the opportunity... in the amateur area, but he's also a very, very good Latin America evaluator and at the professional level."
The District and Major League Baseball have reached a tentative agreement on a stadium lease that includes an additional $20 million payment from baseball officials and a compromise on another key provision, city government sources said yesterday. Negotiators will continue discussions, but the deal could be wrapped up and delivered to the D.C. Council early next week, said Mark H. Tuohey, chairman of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission. City sources said agreement has been reached on the District's two key demands, the $20 million payment and a letter of credit from baseball.
The Washington Nationals lost their second pitcher in a week yesterday when right-hander Hector Carrasco , a valuable setup man who started games late in the season, signed a two-year, $6.1 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The Nationals will receive the Angels' first-round pick in the 2006 draft as compensation for losing Carrasco, 36, who went 5-4 with a 2.04 ERA in a renaissance year for the Nationals. Washington now has three choices in the first round.
The Twins, who won the American League Central three consecutive years before the Sox dethroned them in 2005, are monitoring Frank Thomas closely, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. After finishing third in the division, the Twins are examining Thomas as well as fellow free-agent slugger Mike Piazza in an effort to bolster an offense that finished 13th in the league with a .259 batting average and was 12th in home runs and last in runs scored. A healthy Thomas would give the Twins a bona fide power threat and take some pressure off 22-year-old catching standout Joe Mauer in the middle of the batting order.
There are sure to be a number of clubs trying to obtain Barry Zito. The Mets have long been interested in the 2002 Cy Young Award winner, the Rangers are a current suitor (offering Kevin Mench, so far), and pretty much any other team with money and a need for pitching (Philadelphia, Arizona, Los Angeles, Toronto and so on) could make a bid for Zito. It's not a given that he'll be dealt, however. This week's signing of Esteban Loaiza was a strong hint that the A's will move Zito ("My first thought was that I'm getting traded,'' Zito said of Loaiza's three-year, $21 million deal), but general manager Billy Beane said it's possible that the team could keep both.
The Red Sox have explored trade talks for a few veteran first basemen, including Milwaukee’s Lyle Overbay and Cincinnati’s Sean Casey. Sources indicated that talks are ongoing with the Reds regarding 31-year-old Casey, who is owed $8.5 million next season after batting .312 with nine home runs, 58 RBI and a .371 on-base percentage in 2005. The affable, left-handed hitter owns a lifetime batting average of .305, and has struck out only 467 times in 4,017 at-bats. Cincinnati is looking for players who could play right away and is believed to have interest in Bronson Arroyo and Queen City native Kevin Youkilis, among others.
The Red Sox yesterday were contacted by the Texas Rangers, who two years ago had a deal in place for Manny Ramírez in which Alex Rodriguez would have come to Boston, and, according to the source, would dangle power-hitting second baseman Alfonso Soriano as the primary piece of another proposal for the Sox left fielder. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram cited a Rangers source as denying that contact was made, but the Sox intend to follow up in Dallas. Soriano played second for the Rangers, but the Sox could move him to left field.
The Paul Lo Duca market should intensify once free agents Ramon Hernandez, Bengie Molina and Brad Ausmus sign. The Yankees are willing to take Pierre if the Marlins relinquish the notion of acquiring Robinson Cano or Chien-Ming Wang. According to the Newark Star Ledger, the Yankees are willing to part with pitchers Hayden Penn and Scott Proctor for Pierre. "Yankees, that's where I think he winds up," said one major league scout who's spoken to both teams. "It's a Yankees or Cubs proposition."
The Los Angeles Dodgers are emerging as strong suitors for Alfonso Soriano, and the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Kevin Mench.
The Indians' pursuit of free-agent pitchers Trevor Hoffman and Paul Byrd continues. General Manager Mark Shapiro and manager Eric Wedge are scheduled to meet today with Hoffman at his home in Del Mar, Calif. Hoffman, who has a chance to pass Lee Smith's all-time saves record of 478, has spent the last 12? seasons with San Diego. Shapiro and Wedge will try to sell Hoffman on themselves and the Indians organization. If things go well, it's believed they'll try to sign him at the winter meetings next week in Dallas.
Astros general manager Tim Purpura confirmed he has had talks with the agent for pitcher Octavio Dotel about a possible return to the Astros, less than two years after the hard-throwing reliever was sent to the Oakland A's in the trade that brought Carlos Beltran to the Astros.
The Rangers talked with San Diego at the GM meetings about a potential deal for right-hander Adam Eaton that would send Gerald Laird and Adrian Gonzalez to the Padres. They have also had basic talks with Toronto. In addition to Laird and Gonzalez, the Rangers have several players who could be of use in acquiring pitching. Second baseman Alfonso Soriano and outfielder Kevin Mench, both of whom are arbitration eligible this season, have been drawing significant interest.
The Orioles' pursuit of Los Angeles Angels free-agent pitcher Paul Byrd is all but over, according to one team official. The Orioles offered Byrd a two-year, $13 million deal plus an option, but the right-hander has attracted significant interest from other teams and could be looking at a contract similar to the three-year, $21 million deal that Washington Nationals pitcher Esteban Loaiza signed with the Oakland Athletics last week.
The Yankees also remain entrenched in the market for a new centerfielder, with trades for Philadelphia's Jason Michaels and Florida's Juan Pierre two of many possibilities that recently have been discussed internally by team officials. The Yankees have interest in Pierre, but the Marlins are asking for Robinson Cano in exchange.
Julian Tavarez, late of the Cardinals, is a free agent right-hander. Mike Myers, who worked for Boston last season, is the situational lefty the Yankees would like to land. "I would just like to improve our 'pen," Cashman said when asked if he wanted a righty and lefty after Tom Gordon took a three-year deal and $18 million from the Phillies to close.
The Tigers remain interested in some of the remaining free-agent closers, president Dave Dombrowski said Friday without identifying any. The remaining group includes a trio of right-handers who had at least 40 saves each last season: San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, Cleveland's Bob Wickman and Florida's Todd Jones, the former Tiger. There are indications that Jones is interested in signing with the Tigers and that the Tigers are interested in him.
If A.J. Burnett signs with the Cardinals, Dave Duncan will push Burnett into greatness. And Burnett is a ground-ball pitcher who would receive a big lift from the Cardinals' tight defense. Besides, Cardinals ownership is rolling in money. It's not as if the owners will lower ticket prices if they fail to sign Burnett.
The Mets are having discussions with Boston about Manny Ramirez, according to one MLB executive. But the exec also said that the Angels were also interested in the star left fielder. Jed Hoyer, Boston's assistant to the GM, told the Red Sox' Web site yesterday that "probably five teams" have "strong interest" in Ramirez.
A frustrated David Wells has been telling friends that he has no intention of returning to play for the Red Sox, but club management is offering no guarantees that the left-handed pitcher will be traded during the up-coming winter meetings in Dallas. Wells, has another year on his contract but the 42-year-old felt uncomfortable with his lack of privacy in Boston and has asked to be traded closer to his native San Diego. It was believed that the Sox discussed a deal with the Padres prior to former general manager Theo Epstein’s Halloween departure, but Wells has become frustrated by the apparent lack of progress. Boston was believed to be discussing a swap for outfielder Dave Roberts and/or relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka. If nothing is resolved before spring training, Wells has told friends that he definitely will not be reporting to the Sox. If a trade with the Padres (for whom he went 12-8 in 2004) can’t be worked out, he would be happy with the San Francisco Giants. Wells does not want to remain in the American League.
So can Nomar Garciaparra move from shortstop to center field? The Arizona Diamondbacks have talked about that possibility. Garciaparra, who is a free agent, is willing to move positions, and the Diamondbacks have had internal discussions about whether to offer the former Red Sox star a contract. It is possible that the D-Backs could also sign the two-time American League batting champion to replace Royce Clayton at shortstop and keep the position warm until super prospect Stephen Drew is ready in 2007.
It now appears likely that club president Larry Lucchino’s stated goal of having a general manager in place by the start of the winter meetings won’t be reached. Three known candidates - Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden, former Baltimore Orioles and Montreal Expos GM Jim Beattie and Chicago White Sox player development director Dave Wilder - remain in contention, while Lucchino has indicated others may exist that haven’t been made public. Until a GM is named, Bill Lajoie will serve as the point man for the group in Dallas, while Lucchino is also expected to be on hand. “We go one day at a time with the present system, and it seems to be working very well,” Lajoie said. “We’re pleased with the way things are going.”
Major League Baseball will announce some details of the World Baseball Classic when the winter meetings open Monday in Dallas. By then, Mariners officials could learn the status of their formal complaints regarding health risks to their players, including prized right-hander Felix Hernandez. Hernandez plans to pitch for the Venezuelan entry, according to his agent, Alan Nero, but is one of several players Seattle officials have tagged for concern. Several weeks ago, MLB established a list of players under consideration for the March tournament and asked teams to reply with any injury-related issues.
The Padres, according to an industry source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, are now offering second baseman Mark Loretta to the Red Sox and are asking for David Wells and catcher Doug Mirabelli, who could get a chance to play every day for the Padres. The Padres have previously offered a variety of players, including pitcher Woody Williams, outfielder Dave Roberts, and reliever Akinori Otsuka, but now are apparently willing to move Loretta, 34, who in 2004 had a career year, batting .335 with 16 home runs and 76 RBIs, all personal bests.
The Mets also have interest in free agent Mark Grudzielanek and might consider a trade for Devil Rays shortstop Julio Lugo, who was among the players discussed last July in the proposed three-way trade with the Red Sox that had Manny Ramirez coming to the Mets. Tampa Bay picked up Lugo's $4.95-million option for next season, so he would be among the costlier alternatives.
The deal that would have sent reliever Jorge Julio to the New York Mets for starting pitcher Kris Benson appears to be abandoned at this point, according to an industry source.
A.J. Burnett, one of the top pitchers on the free-agent market, has yet to get an offer from the Orioles, who aren't interested in extending a five-year deal to the right-hander.
The Sox are still interested in re-signing free agent second baseman Tony Graffanino and first baseman John Olerud, but there is a realistic chance that neither will be back in 2006.
The Mets may have to decide whether they want to make a bid on Oakland southpaw Barry Zito. One major league GM said yesterday that the 27-year-old can be had. The Mets continue to discuss reliever Danys Baez with the Devil Rays. And Ricardo Rincon's agent, Dave Stewart, said yesterday he expected to talk to the Mets sometime this weekend. Stewart said the Mets had not made an offer and six teams are interested.
Despite their current financial restrictions, the Nationals have made no secret about their desire to acquire a top-flight starting pitcher, and A.J. Burnett (who expects to command $50 million over five years) remains at the top of their wish list.
Pirates OF Jason Bay yesterday won for the second consecutive year the Tip O'Neill Award presented annually by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to that nation's top player. He is the third to win the award more than once, joining Larry Walker (nine times) and Eric Gagne (twice).
Catcher Neil Walker, the Richland native who was the Pirates' top draft pick in 2004, will miss six to eight weeks because of wrist surgery performed yesterday at Allegheny General Hospital. A ligament on the outer part of Walker's left wrist tore as he was swinging the bat Nov. 9 in the penultimate game of the Arizona Fall League's regular season. The Pirates had him visit their hand specialist, Dr. Mark Baratz, who informed the team that rehabilitation or surgery would mend the injury. Management chose surgery because it felt it presented the best chance to ensure Walker will be ready for the opening of spring training in mid-February.
The Phillies formally introduced Don Welke, special assistant to the general manager. Welke has been on the job since last month. He worked with Gillick in Toronto and Baltimore but worked last season with Texas. Welke has been in baseball since 1965. "He'll be out in the field," Gillick said. "He'll be doing special assignments for us. He's a very versatile guy. He'll not only have the opportunity... in the amateur area, but he's also a very, very good Latin America evaluator and at the professional level."
The District and Major League Baseball have reached a tentative agreement on a stadium lease that includes an additional $20 million payment from baseball officials and a compromise on another key provision, city government sources said yesterday. Negotiators will continue discussions, but the deal could be wrapped up and delivered to the D.C. Council early next week, said Mark H. Tuohey, chairman of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission. City sources said agreement has been reached on the District's two key demands, the $20 million payment and a letter of credit from baseball.
The Washington Nationals lost their second pitcher in a week yesterday when right-hander Hector Carrasco , a valuable setup man who started games late in the season, signed a two-year, $6.1 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The Nationals will receive the Angels' first-round pick in the 2006 draft as compensation for losing Carrasco, 36, who went 5-4 with a 2.04 ERA in a renaissance year for the Nationals. Washington now has three choices in the first round.
