The Red Sox offered Manny Ramírez to the Baltimore Orioles for Miguel Tejada, arguably baseball's most dynamic shortstop, according to industry sources. As of late last night, the Orioles had been contacted about Tejada by five to eight teams, including Boston, but weren't ready to take the Sox' offer to owner Peter Angelos, according to an Orioles source. It's uncertain whether Angelos would want Ramírez. Baltimore, while fielding several offers, still holds out hope that it can talk Tejada, a world-class player in his prime, into remaining with the club.
Josh Paul's departure could trigger a move for the Angels to sign free agent Mike Piazza or trade for the Orioles' Javy Lopez. Either could serve as a designated hitter and backup catcher behind Jeff Mathis and Jose Molina. Lopez might be the more economical fit because he would come via trade, meaning the Angels could offset his $8.5 million salary with the salary of a player sent to the Orioles, possibly first baseman Darin Erstad, who also will make $8.5 million in '06.
The Phillies are looking for pitching, and while the Yankees would certainly need more than outfielder Jason Michaels in return, how about Carl Pavano being part of a package that lands Bobby Abreu, whom the Phillies are shopping hard? Of course the Yankees would have to include Gary Sheffield to get Abreu, and they aren't likely to do that. The Yankees could deal Pavano to the Mariners for center fielder Jeremy Reed, an above-average defender who batted .254 last year in 141 games.
Braves GM John Schuerholz and Wren were back in their offices at Turner Field on Friday burning up the phone lines in their ongoing search for a closer. The top free-agent options have signed with other clubs. The Braves have talked to the Devil Rays about Danys Baez and Toronto about Miguel Batista. They could end up with a less-obvious candidate, someone with closer-type stuff who hasn't been a full-time closer.
The Mariners could wind up the weekend with contract agreements from pitcher Matt Morris and outfielder Carl Everett — or without either. Agents for both free-agent players spoke with Seattle officials again Friday. But neither Barry Axelrod, who represents Morris, nor Larry Reynolds, who represents Everett, would characterize the discussions in terms of progress or lack thereof. Axelrod said: "We're getting close to a point where we'll put all the proposals in front of Matt and he'll make his decision. It could happen [today]."
The Pirates have increased their efforts to trade for outfielder Milton Bradley, a source said. The Dodgers could get a left-handed reliever in return because the Pirates are overstocked after acquiring Damaso Marte from the Chicago White Sox. Left-hander Mike Gonzalez is expected to compete for the Pirate closer role and John Grabow is a top setup reliever.
Reds Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns still could land elsewhere, with the St. Louis Cardinals still interested in Kearns for, perhaps, pitcher Jason Marquis. And the Reds probably could get pitching from Washington for Pena.
Free-agent first baseman J.T. Snow, who spent the last nine seasons with San Francisco, said the Dodgers and San Diego Padres have made him offers. The Dodgers are close to signing backup catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. A source close to Alomar said the 18-year veteran is awaiting a phone call from Colletti to finalize the deal.
Texas GM Jon Daniels, according to a club official, was still considering trade possibilities for either outfielder Kevin Mench or just-acquired Brad Wilkerson that would give the Rangers pitching. Daniels, however, indicated after the Wilkerson acquisition that the Rangers were not motivated to move him for a pitcher.
At second base, the Mets have interest in free agents Mark Grudzielanek and Tony Graffanino. The Mets have talked to the Devil Rays about Kaz Matsui, but a trade there may depend on whether Tampa trades Julio Lugo or decides to pass on available free-agent shortstops. As for Grudzielanek, the Padres, Rangers and Royals are also in on the second baseman.
The most attractive name continues to be free agent Johnny Damon, and the newest Yankee, reliever Mike Myers, said he loves imagining what bringing his former Boston teammate to the Bronx would do for the Bombers' lineup. "He'd be an unbelievable fit," said Myers, whose two-year deal worth about $2.4 million is expected to be announced soon. "He's a terrific leadoff hitter and he'd let Jeter move back down to the two hole. The lineup would be real tough for any pitcher to handle. The possible threats just wouldn't stop. There wouldn't be any break." That's a key part of the pitch Damon's agent, Scott Boras, made to the Yankees during several meetings in Texas. The problem is that that Boras also believes Damon deserves a seven-year contract with an annual salary of around $12 million, and that's a price the Yankees have zero interest in paying.
The Orioles have reportedly made a one-year, $4 million offer to Nomar Garciaparra to be their DH. The Yanks would be interested in bringing Garciaparra to the Bronx as a jack-of-all-trades player for a similar price, but Garciaparra is said to be seeking a bigger salary.
The Nationals also are pursuing right-hander Brett Tomko, who would be a fallback measure should the club be unable to sign some of the higher-priced free agents -- they have offers for Jarrod Washburn and Kevin Millwood.
Red Sox ownership is working to bring back former general manager Theo Epstein in a consulting/advisory position, according to team sources. Epstein would advise Jed Hoyer and Ben Cherington, the members of the Sox' baseball operations team who are expected to serve as co-general managers for the 2006 season, barring a last-minute reversal by ownership. It is not known whether Epstein, who on Oct. 31 declined a three-year, $4.5 million contract offer to remain as GM, has been formally approached yet by the team's principal owner, John W. Henry, or team chairman Tom Werner, but Henry and Werner have made their intentions known internally, the sources said.
The Diamondbacks' pursuit of a centerfielder has brought them full circle - once more, they are trying to land Chicago's Cory Patterson.
I still say the Indians should consider signing Kenny Lofton, who's a free agent. I don't care if he's 38, the guy can still hit. Last season with the Phillies, he hit .335 with 22 stolen bases. Over the last three years, he's hit a combined .305 and averaged 20 stolen bases per year. Does that sound like a guy who's done? The Indians should sign Lofton, and put him in the leadoff spot.
The Yankees are believed to be interested in free agent Eduardo Perez, who hit .255 with 11 homers and a .368 OBP in just 161 at-bats with Tampa Bay this past year. The 36-year-old Perez, a right-handed hitter who played mostly first base in 2005, hit 10 of those homers in 137 at-bats against lefties. He also clobbered the Yankees this past year, going deep four times in 17 at-bats.
The Cardinals have extended a two-year offer with a club option for 2008 to free agent pitcher Matt Morris, who has received three-year bids from the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, according to sources familiar with negotiations. The offer guarantees Morris about $13 million over two years and would grow to $20 million should the Cardinals assume the option. The deal, similar to the extension signed by Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter last April, isn't believed to be competitive with what the Giants and Rangers have offered. Hopeful that Morris might give the club a so-called "home team discount" Thursday, general manager Walt Jocketty on Friday played down the possibility Morris would return to the only organization he has ever known.
With Milton Bradley likely headed from L.A. to the Cubs, a center field option for the Yankees expires. Preston Wilson is an alternative.
The Padres and Rangers followed up their winter-meetings trade talks with another chat yesterday, but Kevin Towers said it appears unlikely that talks involving pitcher Adam Eaton will be rekindled.
As for starters, the Mets have talked to teams about Kris Benson (interested parties include the Royals, Orioles and Giants) and Steve Trachsel. They are interested in Arizona's Javier Vazquez, though it's believed that other contenders for him include the Braves, Red Sox, White Sox and Cubs.
GM Dave Littlefield also wants to improve his stock at third base and the Pirates, who have about $14 million left to spend this offseason, have stepped up their attempts to secure the services of free-agent third baseman Bill Mueller, the 2003 American League batting champion who played the past three seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Mueller, 34, was offered a two-year contract by the Pirates earlier this week, though he reportedly is leaning toward signing with a California-based club, most likely the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Francisco Giants.
Here's a name to keep in mind as the Indians continue to look for another bat, either as an everyday player in right field or first base, or as a bench player: outfielder Jason Michaels. In 289 at-bats with the Phillies last season Michaels hit .304 with four homers, 31 RBIs and an outstanding .399 on-base percentage. He's a 29-year-old right-handed hitter who made $825,000 last season. The Indians have talked to the Phillies about Michaels, as have the Yankees.
The Rangers were still waiting for an answer from Matt Morris and his agent Barry Axelrod on a three-year offer worth more than $25 million. The Rangers have been competing with San Francisco and St. Louis.
One such way may include a low-risk contract to trying-to-rebound Sidney Ponson. A Rangers source confirmed the club was in advanced talks with Ponson and his agent Barry Praver. Praver declined to comment on the Rangers' involvement Friday. The Rangers like Ponson because he has a career-long trend of getting ground balls with his hard sinker. He has a career ground ball-to-fly ball ratio of 1.37. Even during his troubled 2005 season, he got 1.83 grounders for every fly.
Antoan Richardson, a 22-year-old outfielder who stole 40 bases in 53 games for a Giants rookie-league team last summer, ran for his life earlier this week when he heard gunshots at Miami International Airport. Richardson never was in danger. The bullets were fired by two federal air marshals, who shot and killed a Florida man on the Jetway just outside an American Airlines plane ready to take off for Orlando, a killing that has made international headlines. The marshals reported they shot the man, Rigoberto Alpizar, after he reached into a backpack that he claimed contained a bomb. Richardson was at the same gate awaiting a later flight to San Francisco, where he is participating in an annual Giants minicamp for recently drafted players. Richardson, a native of the Bahamas, had quite a story to tell when he got to the ballpark.
The Red Sox continue to have their eyes on Ken Huckaby as a possible solution for the catching vacancy created by the trade of Doug Mirabelli to the Padres. The team contacted Huckaby again yesterday and both sides have interest in making a deal happen. Huckaby, who played in 35 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last season, would then be in the mix to become Jason Varitek’s backup and knuckleballer Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher.
The Red Sox had further contact with the representative for free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez and outfielder Juan Encarnacion, who both played for the Florida Marlins last season. The Sox may pry shortstop Miguel Tejada from Baltimore, but if it doesn’t happen, Gonzalez is the early leading candidate to replace Edgar Renteria.
Baltimore owner Peter Angelos, who doesn't necessarily want to trade Tejada, said he would be reluctant to take on the approximately $60 million Ramirez is owed for the next three seasons, but never said he would reject a deal for the Boston outfielder. If the Ramirez for Tejada -- who is owed approximately $60 million for the next four years -- rumors are to gain momentum, it's likely that the Red Sox would have to offer to pay for some of the difference in annual salary. "I'd find it difficult to justify a $20 million salary per year for anybody," Angelos said. "The economics of the game don't support that type of salary for any player."
Baltimore, according to one team source, has begun listening to offers for their superstar. The Boston Red Sox, likely offering Manny Ramirez, could be a suitor, and the idea of a Miguel Tejada for Ramirez deal has not been dismissed by Baltimore. Several teams have already expressed interest but Boston may be the best fit. "It is a logical suggestion," one team official said of the Tejada-for-Ramirez possibility. "It does seem unlikely. But who knows?"
An organizational source said the Nationals were pursuing free agent Robert Fick, a former all-star with Detroit who played last year for San Diego. Fick could be a backup both in the outfield and at first base, and the Nationals particularly need someone to play behind first baseman Nick Johnson . In parts of eight major league seasons, Fick, 31, hit .260 with 65 homers and 299 RBI. He hit .265 for the Padres in 2005.
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The Pirates have agreed to terms with free-agent pitcher Roberto Hernandez on a one-year contract. Hernandez, a 41-year-old right-handed relief specialist, must pass a physical before the deal is officially announced. Various club officials declined comment on the acquisition of Hernandez.
Twenty four hours after stunning Orioles officials with a public request for a trade, All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada still hasn't spoken to team executives, and a trade of the franchise's most celebrated player grows more possible by the day. According to industry sources, suitors for the former Most Valuable Player and three-time All-Star, are lining up, including the shortstop-less Boston Red Sox, who have intimated that slugger Manny Ramirez would be available in a trade for Tejada. However, the Orioles, according to team sources, would be unlikely to trade their star player within the American League East. Numerous other teams contacted the Orioles yesterday about the availability of Tejada, who has four more seasons left on the six-year, $72 million deal he signed with the Orioles before the 2004 season. Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan and manager Sam Perlozzo did not get their calls returned as of late last night from Tejada, who said Thursday that the best thing for him would be a "change of scenery."
Miguel Cairo, the free-agent veteran who played this past year with the Mets and played in 2004 with the Yankees, looks to be headed back to The Bronx. The Yankees are getting close on a one-year deal with the infielder. The 31-year-old Cairo would be a backup infielder for the Yankees.
The Yankees would like Roger Clemens back, but he hasn't given them an indication he wants to pitch, or if he would be ready to work by Opening Day. The Yanks have seven starters, but that's counting Aaron Small, who will open the season in the bullpen. With free agents Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Matt Morris and Jeff Weaver remaining on the market, the best fit is Washburn, a 31-year-old lefty who was 8-8 with a 3.20 ERA in 29 starts.
Scott Boras and Yanks GM Brian Cashman talked yesterday about Bernie Williams, and it's likely that Williams will sign a one-year deal to stay in The Bronx as a DH/bench player.
Former Cardinals outfielder Reggie Sanders said the Redbirds offered him a one-year, $2 million contract to return in 2006. (He rejected it.) Sanders also said that St. Louis, so far, has been his favorite stop during his long and well-traveled career.
One way or another, the Cardinals have to save a spot in the 2006 rotation for rookie power arm Anthony Reyes. If the Cardinals organization can't or won't buy established starting pitching because of cost reasons, they'd better start to develop some young pitchers for the big-league rotation.
The Red Birds offered one-year deals to Octavio Dotel and Braden Looper this week and hopes to sign lefthander Ricardo Rincon to a two-year deal as soon as this weekend. Roberto Hernandez and Jason Grimsley are also on the team's radar.
Cards GM Walt Jocketty also reacted to criticism of ownership for failing to re-sign popular second baseman Mark Grudzielanek or left fielder Reggie Sanders. He said reluctance to give Grudzielanek a two-year, $6 million contract was due to his advice, not because general partner Bill DeWitt Jr. overruled his baseball minds. Club sources indicated concern about whether either player would remain sound in the second half of a two-year deal.
Who Knew? The Indians will pay Paul Byrd about $7 million per year over each of the next two seasons. In 2006, Byrd will make about $6 million more than 18-game winner Cliff Lee.
Greg Zaun the Blue Jays catcher, the guy who will work most closely with the team's new $102 million (U.S.) pitching tandem approves. By bringing in starter A.J. Burnett, reliever B.J. Ryan and first baseman Lyle Overbay, Toronto's team is telling the American League it's serious. "I think they had a really clear picture of where they wanted to take this organization, especially with the guys they wanted. They know who they wanted. They had targeted them right away," Zaun said of Jays management. "We were talking about A.J. Burnett before the season ended, so I think they had a really clear picture of who they were going to pursue. "And they sent a clear message to the league, and to our team, `Hey, we're going to try to win and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the necessary personnel into this city to help put a champion on the field again.'"
The Padres' track record for finding obscure pitching bargains grew yesterday when the club sold pitcher Chris Oxspring to a Japanese club for $550,000. Padres scout Bill Bryk signed Oxspring out of a tryout camp for $1. The Hanshin Tigers bought the rights to Oxspring, 28, who logged a 3.75 ERA in five games with the Padres last season. When Bryk first saw Oxspring, the Australian was pitching in an independent league.
A source close to the All-Star shortstop indicated Tejada would welcome a trade to the Red Sox. Tejada, who is close with Sox slugger David Ortiz, has four years remaining on a six-year, $72 million deal he signed with the Orioles. “He’s always played well there and he wants to go to a winner,” the source said. Red Sox officials were unavailable last night and it was not believed that discussions between the two teams had taken place. Nevertheless, Tejada’s timely pronouncement would seem to work in the Sox’ favor. An obvious scenario would be a Tejada for Manny Ramirez swap. Tejada has slightly more than $48 million remaining on his contract while Ramirez has $57 million and three years left. Trades within the division are always difficult to pull off, especially in the highly competitive AL East, but this could be seen as a win-win for both clubs.
During this week’s annual winter meetings, there was some indication the Los Angeles Dodgers have entered the bidding for Johnny Damon. Dodgers officials have not addressed the topic, but they could be waiting to unload Milton Bradley before they can confirm their involvement in the Damon sweepstakes. Should the Sox fail to re-sign Damon, club officials have indicated the team would pursue both the trade and free agent markets for a replacement. One candidate being discussed is free agent outfielder Juan Encarnacion, who is represented by agent Eric Goldschmidt.
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When word of free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez's deal with the Orioles leaked out Wednesday night, a couple of teams called the Orioles about the availability of Javy Lopez. The Orioles and Los Angeles Angels started discussions on Wednesday about a trade that would send Lopez to the West Coast for center fielder/first baseman Darin Erstad, according to sources. The talks were serious at one point yesterday, according to the source, but started to cool as the day wore on. But Orioles officials realize Lopez is one of their few valuable trade chips. According to one source, the Orioles shopped center fielder Luis Matos at the winter meetings and got some interest. There were also inquiries about Jay Gibbons, but he is penciled in as the starting right fielder.
Alfonso Soriano, 30, will be the highest-paid and highest-profile National next season, when the franchise must face the possibility of a drop-off in interest and attendance following the honeymoon season of 2005. But Soriano is also only one year away from free agency, and may be too expensive to keep beyond the 2006 season, even with new ownership presumably in place.
Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said he's still hoping to land one or two more bats. He continues to pursue free agents Nomar Garciaparra and Reggie Sanders and hopes to very shortly deal for Brad Wilkerson, despite his trade to Texas for Alfonso Soriano on Wednesday. Any deal for Wilkerson could involve second baseman Orlando Hudson, though the Rangers might fill Soriano's second base vacancy with a top minor-league prospect. That means the Jays could ship pitchers Miguel Batista, Brandon League, outfielder Alex Rios or others as part of a Wilkerson swap.
One industry source said the Mariners' top pitching targets remain Kevin Millwood, Matt Morris and Scott Elarton. An American League source said he believes Seattle will sign Millwood, but that agent Scott Boras will push those negotiations into 2006.
The Phils yesterday remained in negotiations with the Hendricks brothers, who represent Braden Looper and who attended the winter meetings that ended here yesterday. Alan Hendricks said that Looper, the Mets' closer last season, was being courted by as many as a dozen teams. Factors in the Phillies' favor included the fact that Looper, 31, would be setting up a 38-year-old setup man, Tom Gordon, and the reality that the Phillies would be willing to pay for such an insurance policy.
Cards starter Jason Marquis has been made available in trade discussions and could be moved for an "impact" outfielder should Morris return. Should Texas fall short on Morris, the Rangers are believed to be ready to make outfielder Kevin Mench available for pitching.
The Cubs would prefer to acquire a right fielder who bats left-handed. Seattle’s Raul Ibanez and the Mets’ Cliff Floyd look to be off limits at this point. The Texas Rangers have a surplus of outfielders, but right-handed hitting Kevin Mench appears to be priced too high for the Cubs at this point. Among the free agents, Minnesota’s Jacque Jones remains an option if Hendry can’t make a trade.
Philadelphia found teams unwilling to part with an ace, which was the price for All-Star rightfielder Bobby Abreu. The Phillies never shopped him but they often were asked what it would take to get him. Most of the offers were far below what the Phils considered Abreu's value to be. Similarly, fourth outfielder Jason Michaels, a savior for the team the past two seasons who projects as a starter on some other teams, was often requested but never at the right price.
Catcher Benito Santiago is planning a comeback and his agent, Gregg Clifton, said the Padres are his first choice. The Padres signed Santiago out of Puerto Rico in 1982. He will turn 41 in March. Towers said he's interested in signing first baseman J.T. Snow as a hedge against Klesko's neck and back ailments but has yet to talk to Snow's agent. The San Francisco Giants on Wednesday cut ties with Snow, their regular first baseman the past nine years. He will turn 38 in February.
The A's want to review Frank Thomas' medical situation before making a one-year, incentive-laden offer, which they said would be extended to the designated hitter no sooner than late next week.
The Pirates could move Damaso Marte -- or, with a superior offer, John Grabow -- for a player to chip away at their needs at right-handed relief, right field and third base. One team source said Marte could have been acquired as a chip -- although it may not to be used until spring training -- or he could remain as a complement to Grabow should Gonzalez become the closer.
The Giants reportedly asked the Devil Rays about center fielder Joey Gathright, who hit .276 with 20 steals in 76 games.
The Red Sox' search for a lefthanded-hitting first baseman apparently won't end with the Angels' Darin Erstad. Los Angeles wants to unload Erstad (.273, 7 homers, 66 RBIs in 2005) and the $8.5 million due him in 2006, the last year of his contract. And the Angels have interest in Ramírez, making the two sensible trading partners. Problem is, Erstad has a limited no-trade clause, allowing him to block a deal to four teams each year, and the Sox presently are on his list.
The Dodgers had discussed a Kevin Mench-for-pitching trade. Hard-throwing reliever Jonathan Broxton has been a topic of discussion. Baltimore could be willing to give up former closer Jorge Julio. If the Rangers are willing to make a swap of position players who have fallen out of favor with their original clubs, they could discuss a Nix-for-Corey Patterson deal with the Cubs. But the most intriguing entry might be San Diego. A Rangers source said San Diego has resumed interest in talking with the Rangers. The Rangers have discussed sending Laird and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Padres for starter Adam Eaton several times over the last month. That combination did not get a deal done, but including a more established outfielder such as Mench or Wilkerson might allow for some recasting and expansion of the original proposal.
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Josh Paul's departure could trigger a move for the Angels to sign free agent Mike Piazza or trade for the Orioles' Javy Lopez. Either could serve as a designated hitter and backup catcher behind Jeff Mathis and Jose Molina. Lopez might be the more economical fit because he would come via trade, meaning the Angels could offset his $8.5 million salary with the salary of a player sent to the Orioles, possibly first baseman Darin Erstad, who also will make $8.5 million in '06.
The Phillies are looking for pitching, and while the Yankees would certainly need more than outfielder Jason Michaels in return, how about Carl Pavano being part of a package that lands Bobby Abreu, whom the Phillies are shopping hard? Of course the Yankees would have to include Gary Sheffield to get Abreu, and they aren't likely to do that. The Yankees could deal Pavano to the Mariners for center fielder Jeremy Reed, an above-average defender who batted .254 last year in 141 games.
Braves GM John Schuerholz and Wren were back in their offices at Turner Field on Friday burning up the phone lines in their ongoing search for a closer. The top free-agent options have signed with other clubs. The Braves have talked to the Devil Rays about Danys Baez and Toronto about Miguel Batista. They could end up with a less-obvious candidate, someone with closer-type stuff who hasn't been a full-time closer.
The Mariners could wind up the weekend with contract agreements from pitcher Matt Morris and outfielder Carl Everett — or without either. Agents for both free-agent players spoke with Seattle officials again Friday. But neither Barry Axelrod, who represents Morris, nor Larry Reynolds, who represents Everett, would characterize the discussions in terms of progress or lack thereof. Axelrod said: "We're getting close to a point where we'll put all the proposals in front of Matt and he'll make his decision. It could happen [today]."
The Pirates have increased their efforts to trade for outfielder Milton Bradley, a source said. The Dodgers could get a left-handed reliever in return because the Pirates are overstocked after acquiring Damaso Marte from the Chicago White Sox. Left-hander Mike Gonzalez is expected to compete for the Pirate closer role and John Grabow is a top setup reliever.
Reds Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns still could land elsewhere, with the St. Louis Cardinals still interested in Kearns for, perhaps, pitcher Jason Marquis. And the Reds probably could get pitching from Washington for Pena.
Free-agent first baseman J.T. Snow, who spent the last nine seasons with San Francisco, said the Dodgers and San Diego Padres have made him offers. The Dodgers are close to signing backup catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. A source close to Alomar said the 18-year veteran is awaiting a phone call from Colletti to finalize the deal.
Texas GM Jon Daniels, according to a club official, was still considering trade possibilities for either outfielder Kevin Mench or just-acquired Brad Wilkerson that would give the Rangers pitching. Daniels, however, indicated after the Wilkerson acquisition that the Rangers were not motivated to move him for a pitcher.
At second base, the Mets have interest in free agents Mark Grudzielanek and Tony Graffanino. The Mets have talked to the Devil Rays about Kaz Matsui, but a trade there may depend on whether Tampa trades Julio Lugo or decides to pass on available free-agent shortstops. As for Grudzielanek, the Padres, Rangers and Royals are also in on the second baseman.
The most attractive name continues to be free agent Johnny Damon, and the newest Yankee, reliever Mike Myers, said he loves imagining what bringing his former Boston teammate to the Bronx would do for the Bombers' lineup. "He'd be an unbelievable fit," said Myers, whose two-year deal worth about $2.4 million is expected to be announced soon. "He's a terrific leadoff hitter and he'd let Jeter move back down to the two hole. The lineup would be real tough for any pitcher to handle. The possible threats just wouldn't stop. There wouldn't be any break." That's a key part of the pitch Damon's agent, Scott Boras, made to the Yankees during several meetings in Texas. The problem is that that Boras also believes Damon deserves a seven-year contract with an annual salary of around $12 million, and that's a price the Yankees have zero interest in paying.
The Orioles have reportedly made a one-year, $4 million offer to Nomar Garciaparra to be their DH. The Yanks would be interested in bringing Garciaparra to the Bronx as a jack-of-all-trades player for a similar price, but Garciaparra is said to be seeking a bigger salary.
The Nationals also are pursuing right-hander Brett Tomko, who would be a fallback measure should the club be unable to sign some of the higher-priced free agents -- they have offers for Jarrod Washburn and Kevin Millwood.
Red Sox ownership is working to bring back former general manager Theo Epstein in a consulting/advisory position, according to team sources. Epstein would advise Jed Hoyer and Ben Cherington, the members of the Sox' baseball operations team who are expected to serve as co-general managers for the 2006 season, barring a last-minute reversal by ownership. It is not known whether Epstein, who on Oct. 31 declined a three-year, $4.5 million contract offer to remain as GM, has been formally approached yet by the team's principal owner, John W. Henry, or team chairman Tom Werner, but Henry and Werner have made their intentions known internally, the sources said.
The Diamondbacks' pursuit of a centerfielder has brought them full circle - once more, they are trying to land Chicago's Cory Patterson.
I still say the Indians should consider signing Kenny Lofton, who's a free agent. I don't care if he's 38, the guy can still hit. Last season with the Phillies, he hit .335 with 22 stolen bases. Over the last three years, he's hit a combined .305 and averaged 20 stolen bases per year. Does that sound like a guy who's done? The Indians should sign Lofton, and put him in the leadoff spot.
The Yankees are believed to be interested in free agent Eduardo Perez, who hit .255 with 11 homers and a .368 OBP in just 161 at-bats with Tampa Bay this past year. The 36-year-old Perez, a right-handed hitter who played mostly first base in 2005, hit 10 of those homers in 137 at-bats against lefties. He also clobbered the Yankees this past year, going deep four times in 17 at-bats.
The Cardinals have extended a two-year offer with a club option for 2008 to free agent pitcher Matt Morris, who has received three-year bids from the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, according to sources familiar with negotiations. The offer guarantees Morris about $13 million over two years and would grow to $20 million should the Cardinals assume the option. The deal, similar to the extension signed by Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter last April, isn't believed to be competitive with what the Giants and Rangers have offered. Hopeful that Morris might give the club a so-called "home team discount" Thursday, general manager Walt Jocketty on Friday played down the possibility Morris would return to the only organization he has ever known.
With Milton Bradley likely headed from L.A. to the Cubs, a center field option for the Yankees expires. Preston Wilson is an alternative.
The Padres and Rangers followed up their winter-meetings trade talks with another chat yesterday, but Kevin Towers said it appears unlikely that talks involving pitcher Adam Eaton will be rekindled.
As for starters, the Mets have talked to teams about Kris Benson (interested parties include the Royals, Orioles and Giants) and Steve Trachsel. They are interested in Arizona's Javier Vazquez, though it's believed that other contenders for him include the Braves, Red Sox, White Sox and Cubs.
GM Dave Littlefield also wants to improve his stock at third base and the Pirates, who have about $14 million left to spend this offseason, have stepped up their attempts to secure the services of free-agent third baseman Bill Mueller, the 2003 American League batting champion who played the past three seasons with the Boston Red Sox. Mueller, 34, was offered a two-year contract by the Pirates earlier this week, though he reportedly is leaning toward signing with a California-based club, most likely the Los Angeles Dodgers or San Francisco Giants.
Here's a name to keep in mind as the Indians continue to look for another bat, either as an everyday player in right field or first base, or as a bench player: outfielder Jason Michaels. In 289 at-bats with the Phillies last season Michaels hit .304 with four homers, 31 RBIs and an outstanding .399 on-base percentage. He's a 29-year-old right-handed hitter who made $825,000 last season. The Indians have talked to the Phillies about Michaels, as have the Yankees.
The Rangers were still waiting for an answer from Matt Morris and his agent Barry Axelrod on a three-year offer worth more than $25 million. The Rangers have been competing with San Francisco and St. Louis.
One such way may include a low-risk contract to trying-to-rebound Sidney Ponson. A Rangers source confirmed the club was in advanced talks with Ponson and his agent Barry Praver. Praver declined to comment on the Rangers' involvement Friday. The Rangers like Ponson because he has a career-long trend of getting ground balls with his hard sinker. He has a career ground ball-to-fly ball ratio of 1.37. Even during his troubled 2005 season, he got 1.83 grounders for every fly.
Antoan Richardson, a 22-year-old outfielder who stole 40 bases in 53 games for a Giants rookie-league team last summer, ran for his life earlier this week when he heard gunshots at Miami International Airport. Richardson never was in danger. The bullets were fired by two federal air marshals, who shot and killed a Florida man on the Jetway just outside an American Airlines plane ready to take off for Orlando, a killing that has made international headlines. The marshals reported they shot the man, Rigoberto Alpizar, after he reached into a backpack that he claimed contained a bomb. Richardson was at the same gate awaiting a later flight to San Francisco, where he is participating in an annual Giants minicamp for recently drafted players. Richardson, a native of the Bahamas, had quite a story to tell when he got to the ballpark.
The Red Sox continue to have their eyes on Ken Huckaby as a possible solution for the catching vacancy created by the trade of Doug Mirabelli to the Padres. The team contacted Huckaby again yesterday and both sides have interest in making a deal happen. Huckaby, who played in 35 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last season, would then be in the mix to become Jason Varitek’s backup and knuckleballer Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher.
The Red Sox had further contact with the representative for free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez and outfielder Juan Encarnacion, who both played for the Florida Marlins last season. The Sox may pry shortstop Miguel Tejada from Baltimore, but if it doesn’t happen, Gonzalez is the early leading candidate to replace Edgar Renteria.
Baltimore owner Peter Angelos, who doesn't necessarily want to trade Tejada, said he would be reluctant to take on the approximately $60 million Ramirez is owed for the next three seasons, but never said he would reject a deal for the Boston outfielder. If the Ramirez for Tejada -- who is owed approximately $60 million for the next four years -- rumors are to gain momentum, it's likely that the Red Sox would have to offer to pay for some of the difference in annual salary. "I'd find it difficult to justify a $20 million salary per year for anybody," Angelos said. "The economics of the game don't support that type of salary for any player."
Baltimore, according to one team source, has begun listening to offers for their superstar. The Boston Red Sox, likely offering Manny Ramirez, could be a suitor, and the idea of a Miguel Tejada for Ramirez deal has not been dismissed by Baltimore. Several teams have already expressed interest but Boston may be the best fit. "It is a logical suggestion," one team official said of the Tejada-for-Ramirez possibility. "It does seem unlikely. But who knows?"
An organizational source said the Nationals were pursuing free agent Robert Fick, a former all-star with Detroit who played last year for San Diego. Fick could be a backup both in the outfield and at first base, and the Nationals particularly need someone to play behind first baseman Nick Johnson . In parts of eight major league seasons, Fick, 31, hit .260 with 65 homers and 299 RBI. He hit .265 for the Padres in 2005.
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The Pirates have agreed to terms with free-agent pitcher Roberto Hernandez on a one-year contract. Hernandez, a 41-year-old right-handed relief specialist, must pass a physical before the deal is officially announced. Various club officials declined comment on the acquisition of Hernandez.
Twenty four hours after stunning Orioles officials with a public request for a trade, All-Star shortstop Miguel Tejada still hasn't spoken to team executives, and a trade of the franchise's most celebrated player grows more possible by the day. According to industry sources, suitors for the former Most Valuable Player and three-time All-Star, are lining up, including the shortstop-less Boston Red Sox, who have intimated that slugger Manny Ramirez would be available in a trade for Tejada. However, the Orioles, according to team sources, would be unlikely to trade their star player within the American League East. Numerous other teams contacted the Orioles yesterday about the availability of Tejada, who has four more seasons left on the six-year, $72 million deal he signed with the Orioles before the 2004 season. Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan and manager Sam Perlozzo did not get their calls returned as of late last night from Tejada, who said Thursday that the best thing for him would be a "change of scenery."
Miguel Cairo, the free-agent veteran who played this past year with the Mets and played in 2004 with the Yankees, looks to be headed back to The Bronx. The Yankees are getting close on a one-year deal with the infielder. The 31-year-old Cairo would be a backup infielder for the Yankees.
The Yankees would like Roger Clemens back, but he hasn't given them an indication he wants to pitch, or if he would be ready to work by Opening Day. The Yanks have seven starters, but that's counting Aaron Small, who will open the season in the bullpen. With free agents Kevin Millwood, Jarrod Washburn, Matt Morris and Jeff Weaver remaining on the market, the best fit is Washburn, a 31-year-old lefty who was 8-8 with a 3.20 ERA in 29 starts.
Scott Boras and Yanks GM Brian Cashman talked yesterday about Bernie Williams, and it's likely that Williams will sign a one-year deal to stay in The Bronx as a DH/bench player.
Former Cardinals outfielder Reggie Sanders said the Redbirds offered him a one-year, $2 million contract to return in 2006. (He rejected it.) Sanders also said that St. Louis, so far, has been his favorite stop during his long and well-traveled career.
One way or another, the Cardinals have to save a spot in the 2006 rotation for rookie power arm Anthony Reyes. If the Cardinals organization can't or won't buy established starting pitching because of cost reasons, they'd better start to develop some young pitchers for the big-league rotation.
The Red Birds offered one-year deals to Octavio Dotel and Braden Looper this week and hopes to sign lefthander Ricardo Rincon to a two-year deal as soon as this weekend. Roberto Hernandez and Jason Grimsley are also on the team's radar.
Cards GM Walt Jocketty also reacted to criticism of ownership for failing to re-sign popular second baseman Mark Grudzielanek or left fielder Reggie Sanders. He said reluctance to give Grudzielanek a two-year, $6 million contract was due to his advice, not because general partner Bill DeWitt Jr. overruled his baseball minds. Club sources indicated concern about whether either player would remain sound in the second half of a two-year deal.
Who Knew? The Indians will pay Paul Byrd about $7 million per year over each of the next two seasons. In 2006, Byrd will make about $6 million more than 18-game winner Cliff Lee.
Greg Zaun the Blue Jays catcher, the guy who will work most closely with the team's new $102 million (U.S.) pitching tandem approves. By bringing in starter A.J. Burnett, reliever B.J. Ryan and first baseman Lyle Overbay, Toronto's team is telling the American League it's serious. "I think they had a really clear picture of where they wanted to take this organization, especially with the guys they wanted. They know who they wanted. They had targeted them right away," Zaun said of Jays management. "We were talking about A.J. Burnett before the season ended, so I think they had a really clear picture of who they were going to pursue. "And they sent a clear message to the league, and to our team, `Hey, we're going to try to win and we're going to do whatever it takes to get the necessary personnel into this city to help put a champion on the field again.'"
The Padres' track record for finding obscure pitching bargains grew yesterday when the club sold pitcher Chris Oxspring to a Japanese club for $550,000. Padres scout Bill Bryk signed Oxspring out of a tryout camp for $1. The Hanshin Tigers bought the rights to Oxspring, 28, who logged a 3.75 ERA in five games with the Padres last season. When Bryk first saw Oxspring, the Australian was pitching in an independent league.
A source close to the All-Star shortstop indicated Tejada would welcome a trade to the Red Sox. Tejada, who is close with Sox slugger David Ortiz, has four years remaining on a six-year, $72 million deal he signed with the Orioles. “He’s always played well there and he wants to go to a winner,” the source said. Red Sox officials were unavailable last night and it was not believed that discussions between the two teams had taken place. Nevertheless, Tejada’s timely pronouncement would seem to work in the Sox’ favor. An obvious scenario would be a Tejada for Manny Ramirez swap. Tejada has slightly more than $48 million remaining on his contract while Ramirez has $57 million and three years left. Trades within the division are always difficult to pull off, especially in the highly competitive AL East, but this could be seen as a win-win for both clubs.
During this week’s annual winter meetings, there was some indication the Los Angeles Dodgers have entered the bidding for Johnny Damon. Dodgers officials have not addressed the topic, but they could be waiting to unload Milton Bradley before they can confirm their involvement in the Damon sweepstakes. Should the Sox fail to re-sign Damon, club officials have indicated the team would pursue both the trade and free agent markets for a replacement. One candidate being discussed is free agent outfielder Juan Encarnacion, who is represented by agent Eric Goldschmidt.
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When word of free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez's deal with the Orioles leaked out Wednesday night, a couple of teams called the Orioles about the availability of Javy Lopez. The Orioles and Los Angeles Angels started discussions on Wednesday about a trade that would send Lopez to the West Coast for center fielder/first baseman Darin Erstad, according to sources. The talks were serious at one point yesterday, according to the source, but started to cool as the day wore on. But Orioles officials realize Lopez is one of their few valuable trade chips. According to one source, the Orioles shopped center fielder Luis Matos at the winter meetings and got some interest. There were also inquiries about Jay Gibbons, but he is penciled in as the starting right fielder.
Alfonso Soriano, 30, will be the highest-paid and highest-profile National next season, when the franchise must face the possibility of a drop-off in interest and attendance following the honeymoon season of 2005. But Soriano is also only one year away from free agency, and may be too expensive to keep beyond the 2006 season, even with new ownership presumably in place.
Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi said he's still hoping to land one or two more bats. He continues to pursue free agents Nomar Garciaparra and Reggie Sanders and hopes to very shortly deal for Brad Wilkerson, despite his trade to Texas for Alfonso Soriano on Wednesday. Any deal for Wilkerson could involve second baseman Orlando Hudson, though the Rangers might fill Soriano's second base vacancy with a top minor-league prospect. That means the Jays could ship pitchers Miguel Batista, Brandon League, outfielder Alex Rios or others as part of a Wilkerson swap.
One industry source said the Mariners' top pitching targets remain Kevin Millwood, Matt Morris and Scott Elarton. An American League source said he believes Seattle will sign Millwood, but that agent Scott Boras will push those negotiations into 2006.
The Phils yesterday remained in negotiations with the Hendricks brothers, who represent Braden Looper and who attended the winter meetings that ended here yesterday. Alan Hendricks said that Looper, the Mets' closer last season, was being courted by as many as a dozen teams. Factors in the Phillies' favor included the fact that Looper, 31, would be setting up a 38-year-old setup man, Tom Gordon, and the reality that the Phillies would be willing to pay for such an insurance policy.
Cards starter Jason Marquis has been made available in trade discussions and could be moved for an "impact" outfielder should Morris return. Should Texas fall short on Morris, the Rangers are believed to be ready to make outfielder Kevin Mench available for pitching.
The Cubs would prefer to acquire a right fielder who bats left-handed. Seattle’s Raul Ibanez and the Mets’ Cliff Floyd look to be off limits at this point. The Texas Rangers have a surplus of outfielders, but right-handed hitting Kevin Mench appears to be priced too high for the Cubs at this point. Among the free agents, Minnesota’s Jacque Jones remains an option if Hendry can’t make a trade.
Philadelphia found teams unwilling to part with an ace, which was the price for All-Star rightfielder Bobby Abreu. The Phillies never shopped him but they often were asked what it would take to get him. Most of the offers were far below what the Phils considered Abreu's value to be. Similarly, fourth outfielder Jason Michaels, a savior for the team the past two seasons who projects as a starter on some other teams, was often requested but never at the right price.
Catcher Benito Santiago is planning a comeback and his agent, Gregg Clifton, said the Padres are his first choice. The Padres signed Santiago out of Puerto Rico in 1982. He will turn 41 in March. Towers said he's interested in signing first baseman J.T. Snow as a hedge against Klesko's neck and back ailments but has yet to talk to Snow's agent. The San Francisco Giants on Wednesday cut ties with Snow, their regular first baseman the past nine years. He will turn 38 in February.
The A's want to review Frank Thomas' medical situation before making a one-year, incentive-laden offer, which they said would be extended to the designated hitter no sooner than late next week.
The Pirates could move Damaso Marte -- or, with a superior offer, John Grabow -- for a player to chip away at their needs at right-handed relief, right field and third base. One team source said Marte could have been acquired as a chip -- although it may not to be used until spring training -- or he could remain as a complement to Grabow should Gonzalez become the closer.
The Giants reportedly asked the Devil Rays about center fielder Joey Gathright, who hit .276 with 20 steals in 76 games.
The Red Sox' search for a lefthanded-hitting first baseman apparently won't end with the Angels' Darin Erstad. Los Angeles wants to unload Erstad (.273, 7 homers, 66 RBIs in 2005) and the $8.5 million due him in 2006, the last year of his contract. And the Angels have interest in Ramírez, making the two sensible trading partners. Problem is, Erstad has a limited no-trade clause, allowing him to block a deal to four teams each year, and the Sox presently are on his list.
The Dodgers had discussed a Kevin Mench-for-pitching trade. Hard-throwing reliever Jonathan Broxton has been a topic of discussion. Baltimore could be willing to give up former closer Jorge Julio. If the Rangers are willing to make a swap of position players who have fallen out of favor with their original clubs, they could discuss a Nix-for-Corey Patterson deal with the Cubs. But the most intriguing entry might be San Diego. A Rangers source said San Diego has resumed interest in talking with the Rangers. The Rangers have discussed sending Laird and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to the Padres for starter Adam Eaton several times over the last month. That combination did not get a deal done, but including a more established outfielder such as Mench or Wilkerson might allow for some recasting and expansion of the original proposal.
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