The Yankees are starting to get serious with Johnny Damon, and according to a person familiar with the Yankees' plans, they'll be "very strong" players if Damon will consider a four-year offer. The Yankees might try to get creative by offering an "out" clause, extra incentives or a higher annual salary. Discussions are intensifying, but agent Scott Boras has requested seven years, and Yankees people say they don't anticipate going past four. Two AL execs said they still see Boston as the favorite to re-sign Damon, and Newsday has learned that Red Sox owner John Henry recently got involved in negotiations. Word is, two other potential players for Damon are the Orioles and Dodgers. Baltimore has quietly begun talking about Damon; however, the Orioles likely are a long shot because Damon's looking to play for a winner. One competing GM said of the Dodgers: "They paid $13 million [a year] for a .275 hitter [Rafael Furcal], so don't bet against them doing something stupid."
The Red Sox have communicated with Roger Clemens's agents, the Hendricks brothers, over the past few days to express their interest in the future Hall of Famer if he elects to play in 2006. The theory among those close to Clemens is that if he still wants to pitch, he would return to Houston May 1, the earliest date he can re-sign with the Astros. That way, he can monitor spring training, and the first month of his son Koby's progress; Koby Clemens is a catcher in the Astros organization.
For Dontrelle Willis, watching several teammates jettisoned by the Marlins has been akin to ``all your friends transferring to new schools.'' Still, the Marlins' two remaining stars -- Willis and Miguel Cabrera -- have a message for fans: They want to remain Marlins long-term. (Management has said it's very likely Willis and Cabrera will return in 2006, but long-term extensions appear unlikely.) ''I hope to be here as long as the team is here,'' Willis said. ``It's unfortunate what's going on around me, [but] it's a great situation for me. I love South Florida. It's my home. The Marlins are the only team that gave me a chance and believed in me.'' Cabrera, who isn't eligible for free agency until after 2009, is happy about now being able to play third base full time. ''I love third base,'' he said Saturday after signing autographs at Hollywood Collectibles. ``I'll be more in the game there . . . ``I don't feel sad [about the trades]. We got good prospects. Let's try the young guys and see what happens. . . . Manager Joe Girardi is a good thing for us. He'll make us play the right way. . . . I want to play here.'' Is he worried about not having protection in the lineup? ``I don't believe in that. I know a lot of players without protection and they still hit.'' Willis, who won't be eligible for free agency until after 2008, said ''a ton of people'' have approached to commiserate.
If the Orioles decide to trade Tejada there certainly would be much interest, particularly from the Boston Red Sox, who seem eager to acquire the shortstop. A large obstacle to a trade with the Red Sox was removed on yesterday when a source close to outfielder Manny Ramirez said he would "absolutely" accept a trade to Baltimore. Ramirez's willingness makes it more likely the teams can make a deal. One Baltimore official said the team would want a considerable amount of money from Boston to offset the difference in annual salaries, and another player, possibly pitcher Bronson Arroyo. Numerous radio reports in Chicago said the Cubs would be willing to put together a package. It seems reasonable to think the Cubs would have to offer either starter Kerry Wood or starter Mark Prior plus prospects. One Orioles official believed the Los Angeles Angels could be a good match since they could offer shortstop Orlando Cabrera, first base prospect Casey Kotchman, and pitching prospect Ervin Santana. It appears the Angels are interested. The New York Mets are rumored to be involved. However, the Orioles say they have had only initial conversations with teams.
By signing Bob Wickman for $5 million for one year, they really only saved $1.5 million from what they would have paid Trevor Hoffman. Wickman's age, weight and history of arm troubles are why the market was so slight for him. Only the Atlanta Braves had an interest, but it's believed they were waiting to make a formal offer. Wickman returned to the Tribe, because he likes it here and it was a sure thing. Contrary to reports, the Indians did not make a serious bid for Todd Jones. The 37-year-old signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Indians had Wickman rated higher than Jones.
The Giants have moved closer to signing free-agent right-hander Matt Morris to a contract, which would give them the starter they have been seeking to bolster their rotation. The competition for Morris, who has won at least 14 games in four of the previous five seasons, appears to have narrowed to the Giants and one other National League team -- perhaps Cincinnati, which created payroll room by trading first baseman Sean Casey to Pittsburgh recently.
Don't give up on the Twins making a deal for Texas third baseman Hank Blalock. Terry Ryan is still talking to the Rangers.
The Orioles have received several inquiries about shortstop Miguel Tejada, but at this point, the club's focus is on persuading the All-Star to back off his trade demand. Orioles officials spoke to Tejada at around 8:30 last night after they spent most of the day talking with Tejada's representatives, Diego Bentz and Fernando Cuza. "We have spoken to Miguel Tejada and his representatives," executive vice president Mike Flanagan said. "We have spoken to his representatives for the better part of the day, and the only way we can categorize it at this time is that Miguel wants to win." Asked if he was given the impression that Tejada feels that he can win in Baltimore, Flanagan declined to comment.
A.J. Pierzynski has no problem waiting for his turn. The White Sox catcher, however, makes no secret he would like to get a multiyear contract done that would assure he'd be staying on the South Side for at least a few more seasons. "We won the World Series and we are bringing most of the same players back," Pierzynski said from his home in Florida via a phone interview. "How could I not want to return to this team for a few more years?
The Diamondbacks are close to strengthening their bench with the addition of free-agent infielder Damion Easley, who is expected to sign a one-year contract that could be announced Monday. Easley, a 14-year major league veteran, chose the Diamondbacks over a half-dozen other clubs in part because the Glendale resident preferred to play close to home. "That was a huge part," Easley said Saturday before participating in pitcher Russ Ortiz's charity bowling event in Scottsdale. "The family didn't have to pack up and leave again.
So it's fair to wonder: How much did Grady Little's experience as the Red Sox manager factor into Little's second chance with the Dodgers? One industry source asserted that Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie, personally selected Little and negotiated the two-year contract, an allegation that new GM Ned Colletti denied.
The Yankees are in on Nomar Garciaparra, who's attracting interest from the Dodgers, Braves, Padres and Indians. The hometown Dodgers have an advantage, although Garciaparra is close to Indians manager Eric Wedge and utilityman Lou Merloni.
The Orioles talked to the Angels about a Javy Lopez-Darin Erstad swap, but those talks have cooled. Berry said Lopez enjoys playing here and has no intention of demanding a trade. However, at this point, the former All-Star catcher feels it might be the best option.
The Cubs contacted Baltimore Orioles officials Saturday to throw their hat into the ring for disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada, who recently asked to be traded. A major-league source said the Cubs and Orioles didn't discuss specific players. The Cubs strictly let it be known that if the Orioles decide to explore trade possibilities for Tejada, then they would have a strong interest in trying to work out a deal.
Ran into Ellis Burks, who took a front-office position with the Cleveland Indians, and he was disappointed that Epstein, after discussing doing the same with Burks in Boston, never followed up with an offer. Said Burks, ''I want to come back someday and be the first black manager of the Red Sox." He said he meant it
While the Sox will need another righthanded bat to play left if Manny Ramírez is traded, don't think for a minute that they are not pleased with the prospect of Kevin Youkilis playing first base. Youkilis is in Arizona, working out at the same facility where Curt Schilling is doing his thing, and the word is we're going to see a leaner Youkilis in Fort Myers. The perfect complement for Youkilis at first base would be J.T. Snow, who is 38 and wants to play until he's 40, but Snow already has offers from the Dodgers and Padres that would keep him on the West Coast.
When Theo Epstein left the Red Sox abruptly on Halloween, principal owner John Henry was on the brink of tears, openly wondering if he were fit to own the franchise. Nearly six weeks later, the power vacuum left behind by Epstein’s abrupt departure may not be filled officially, but clues are mounting that Henry is regaining his grip on both the ballclub and his leadership. There is little other way to interpret the increasing chance not only that Epstein could return to the Red Sox sooner or later, in a role that has yet to be determined, but also that the ballclub will follow through on its inclination to name Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer as acting co-general managers.
Veteran lefthanded reliever Ricardo Rincon apparently is moving in to St. Louis. A baseball source said the Cardinals are expected to announce the signing of the 35-year-old Rincon in the next day or so. Rincon, who has been with Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Oakland, appeared in 67 games for the Athletics last year, allowing just 10 of 46 inherited runners to score.
Righthander Matt Morris, the Cardinals' first No. 1 draft pick in the 11-season tenure of general manger Walt Jocketty, told the Post-Dispatch Saturday night that he would not be returning for his 10th season with the club. Speaking from his home in Jupiter, Fla., all Morris would say for the record on his choice was: "Not the Cardinals. I eliminated them today."
The Yankees looked into trading for old friend Jeff Nelson for the final week of the 2005 regular season but backed off when they noticed the reliever didn't pitch after Sept. 7.
With the Mets dominating headlines thus far, George Steinbrenner is anxious to grab attention. The Yankees would love to bring back Roger Clemens, and Clemens' people just told them he's interested if he decides to return. They also said he won't decide until after the World Baseball Classic. The Astros and Rangers are Clemens' other likely landing spots, and although Houston's location and flexible travel rules give the Astros an edge, it's believed that Clemens was put off to some degree by the Astros' otherwise relaxed clubhouse atmosphere.
Jorge Posada isn't participating in the World Baseball Challenge — even though he wants to play for his native Puerto Rico. Instead, the Yankees petitioned MLB requesting that their catcher not play because the club believed Posada was indispensable and was concerned the heavy workload he incurs during the season would be added to and might cause injury.
Hall of famer and former Twin Kirby Puckett has been bumped off the Sporting News' new Baseball's 100 Greatest Players list. Puckett ranked No. 86 on the previous list. Still on the list are Harmon Killebrew (No. 74) and Rod Carew (No. 88).
Former Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynski is scheduled to manage several professional wrestlers today in a pay-per-view match in Orlando, Fla.
The Red Sox have communicated with Roger Clemens's agents, the Hendricks brothers, over the past few days to express their interest in the future Hall of Famer if he elects to play in 2006. The theory among those close to Clemens is that if he still wants to pitch, he would return to Houston May 1, the earliest date he can re-sign with the Astros. That way, he can monitor spring training, and the first month of his son Koby's progress; Koby Clemens is a catcher in the Astros organization.
For Dontrelle Willis, watching several teammates jettisoned by the Marlins has been akin to ``all your friends transferring to new schools.'' Still, the Marlins' two remaining stars -- Willis and Miguel Cabrera -- have a message for fans: They want to remain Marlins long-term. (Management has said it's very likely Willis and Cabrera will return in 2006, but long-term extensions appear unlikely.) ''I hope to be here as long as the team is here,'' Willis said. ``It's unfortunate what's going on around me, [but] it's a great situation for me. I love South Florida. It's my home. The Marlins are the only team that gave me a chance and believed in me.'' Cabrera, who isn't eligible for free agency until after 2009, is happy about now being able to play third base full time. ''I love third base,'' he said Saturday after signing autographs at Hollywood Collectibles. ``I'll be more in the game there . . . ``I don't feel sad [about the trades]. We got good prospects. Let's try the young guys and see what happens. . . . Manager Joe Girardi is a good thing for us. He'll make us play the right way. . . . I want to play here.'' Is he worried about not having protection in the lineup? ``I don't believe in that. I know a lot of players without protection and they still hit.'' Willis, who won't be eligible for free agency until after 2008, said ''a ton of people'' have approached to commiserate.
If the Orioles decide to trade Tejada there certainly would be much interest, particularly from the Boston Red Sox, who seem eager to acquire the shortstop. A large obstacle to a trade with the Red Sox was removed on yesterday when a source close to outfielder Manny Ramirez said he would "absolutely" accept a trade to Baltimore. Ramirez's willingness makes it more likely the teams can make a deal. One Baltimore official said the team would want a considerable amount of money from Boston to offset the difference in annual salaries, and another player, possibly pitcher Bronson Arroyo. Numerous radio reports in Chicago said the Cubs would be willing to put together a package. It seems reasonable to think the Cubs would have to offer either starter Kerry Wood or starter Mark Prior plus prospects. One Orioles official believed the Los Angeles Angels could be a good match since they could offer shortstop Orlando Cabrera, first base prospect Casey Kotchman, and pitching prospect Ervin Santana. It appears the Angels are interested. The New York Mets are rumored to be involved. However, the Orioles say they have had only initial conversations with teams.
By signing Bob Wickman for $5 million for one year, they really only saved $1.5 million from what they would have paid Trevor Hoffman. Wickman's age, weight and history of arm troubles are why the market was so slight for him. Only the Atlanta Braves had an interest, but it's believed they were waiting to make a formal offer. Wickman returned to the Tribe, because he likes it here and it was a sure thing. Contrary to reports, the Indians did not make a serious bid for Todd Jones. The 37-year-old signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Detroit Tigers. The Indians had Wickman rated higher than Jones.
The Giants have moved closer to signing free-agent right-hander Matt Morris to a contract, which would give them the starter they have been seeking to bolster their rotation. The competition for Morris, who has won at least 14 games in four of the previous five seasons, appears to have narrowed to the Giants and one other National League team -- perhaps Cincinnati, which created payroll room by trading first baseman Sean Casey to Pittsburgh recently.
Don't give up on the Twins making a deal for Texas third baseman Hank Blalock. Terry Ryan is still talking to the Rangers.
The Orioles have received several inquiries about shortstop Miguel Tejada, but at this point, the club's focus is on persuading the All-Star to back off his trade demand. Orioles officials spoke to Tejada at around 8:30 last night after they spent most of the day talking with Tejada's representatives, Diego Bentz and Fernando Cuza. "We have spoken to Miguel Tejada and his representatives," executive vice president Mike Flanagan said. "We have spoken to his representatives for the better part of the day, and the only way we can categorize it at this time is that Miguel wants to win." Asked if he was given the impression that Tejada feels that he can win in Baltimore, Flanagan declined to comment.
A.J. Pierzynski has no problem waiting for his turn. The White Sox catcher, however, makes no secret he would like to get a multiyear contract done that would assure he'd be staying on the South Side for at least a few more seasons. "We won the World Series and we are bringing most of the same players back," Pierzynski said from his home in Florida via a phone interview. "How could I not want to return to this team for a few more years?
The Diamondbacks are close to strengthening their bench with the addition of free-agent infielder Damion Easley, who is expected to sign a one-year contract that could be announced Monday. Easley, a 14-year major league veteran, chose the Diamondbacks over a half-dozen other clubs in part because the Glendale resident preferred to play close to home. "That was a huge part," Easley said Saturday before participating in pitcher Russ Ortiz's charity bowling event in Scottsdale. "The family didn't have to pack up and leave again.
So it's fair to wonder: How much did Grady Little's experience as the Red Sox manager factor into Little's second chance with the Dodgers? One industry source asserted that Frank McCourt and his wife, Jamie, personally selected Little and negotiated the two-year contract, an allegation that new GM Ned Colletti denied.
The Yankees are in on Nomar Garciaparra, who's attracting interest from the Dodgers, Braves, Padres and Indians. The hometown Dodgers have an advantage, although Garciaparra is close to Indians manager Eric Wedge and utilityman Lou Merloni.
The Orioles talked to the Angels about a Javy Lopez-Darin Erstad swap, but those talks have cooled. Berry said Lopez enjoys playing here and has no intention of demanding a trade. However, at this point, the former All-Star catcher feels it might be the best option.
The Cubs contacted Baltimore Orioles officials Saturday to throw their hat into the ring for disgruntled shortstop Miguel Tejada, who recently asked to be traded. A major-league source said the Cubs and Orioles didn't discuss specific players. The Cubs strictly let it be known that if the Orioles decide to explore trade possibilities for Tejada, then they would have a strong interest in trying to work out a deal.
Ran into Ellis Burks, who took a front-office position with the Cleveland Indians, and he was disappointed that Epstein, after discussing doing the same with Burks in Boston, never followed up with an offer. Said Burks, ''I want to come back someday and be the first black manager of the Red Sox." He said he meant it
While the Sox will need another righthanded bat to play left if Manny Ramírez is traded, don't think for a minute that they are not pleased with the prospect of Kevin Youkilis playing first base. Youkilis is in Arizona, working out at the same facility where Curt Schilling is doing his thing, and the word is we're going to see a leaner Youkilis in Fort Myers. The perfect complement for Youkilis at first base would be J.T. Snow, who is 38 and wants to play until he's 40, but Snow already has offers from the Dodgers and Padres that would keep him on the West Coast.
When Theo Epstein left the Red Sox abruptly on Halloween, principal owner John Henry was on the brink of tears, openly wondering if he were fit to own the franchise. Nearly six weeks later, the power vacuum left behind by Epstein’s abrupt departure may not be filled officially, but clues are mounting that Henry is regaining his grip on both the ballclub and his leadership. There is little other way to interpret the increasing chance not only that Epstein could return to the Red Sox sooner or later, in a role that has yet to be determined, but also that the ballclub will follow through on its inclination to name Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer as acting co-general managers.
Veteran lefthanded reliever Ricardo Rincon apparently is moving in to St. Louis. A baseball source said the Cardinals are expected to announce the signing of the 35-year-old Rincon in the next day or so. Rincon, who has been with Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Oakland, appeared in 67 games for the Athletics last year, allowing just 10 of 46 inherited runners to score.
Righthander Matt Morris, the Cardinals' first No. 1 draft pick in the 11-season tenure of general manger Walt Jocketty, told the Post-Dispatch Saturday night that he would not be returning for his 10th season with the club. Speaking from his home in Jupiter, Fla., all Morris would say for the record on his choice was: "Not the Cardinals. I eliminated them today."
The Yankees looked into trading for old friend Jeff Nelson for the final week of the 2005 regular season but backed off when they noticed the reliever didn't pitch after Sept. 7.
With the Mets dominating headlines thus far, George Steinbrenner is anxious to grab attention. The Yankees would love to bring back Roger Clemens, and Clemens' people just told them he's interested if he decides to return. They also said he won't decide until after the World Baseball Classic. The Astros and Rangers are Clemens' other likely landing spots, and although Houston's location and flexible travel rules give the Astros an edge, it's believed that Clemens was put off to some degree by the Astros' otherwise relaxed clubhouse atmosphere.
Jorge Posada isn't participating in the World Baseball Challenge — even though he wants to play for his native Puerto Rico. Instead, the Yankees petitioned MLB requesting that their catcher not play because the club believed Posada was indispensable and was concerned the heavy workload he incurs during the season would be added to and might cause injury.
Hall of famer and former Twin Kirby Puckett has been bumped off the Sporting News' new Baseball's 100 Greatest Players list. Puckett ranked No. 86 on the previous list. Still on the list are Harmon Killebrew (No. 74) and Rod Carew (No. 88).
Former Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynski is scheduled to manage several professional wrestlers today in a pay-per-view match in Orlando, Fla.
