(this is info compiled from sportstalk radio,nespapers from around america,internet and wire stories all posted at benmaller.com and kfl)
Marlins | Julianel Acquired
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 14:09:20 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/52/mlb">Florida Marlins acquired P Ben Julianel from the New York Yankees for RP Ron Villone.
Yankees | Villone Acquired
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 13:31:16 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees acquired RP Ron Villone from the Florida Marlins in exchange for P Ben Julianel. Villone is owed $2 million next season in the second year of a $4.2 million, two-year contract.
Dodgers | Team Meets with Nomar
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 13:31:07 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/55/mlb">Los Angeles Dodgers met with free agent IF Nomar Garciaparra for several hours, and he is expected to decide on his future soon.
Phillies | Lopez Outrighted
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:30:31 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/62/mlb">Philadelphia Phillies outrighted RP Aquilino Lopez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
Phillies | Fultz Re-Signs
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:58 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/62/mlb">Philadelphia Phillies avoided arbitration with RP Aaron Fultz, signing him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal.
Rangers | Torres Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:48 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released OF Jose Torres.
Rangers | Sandoval Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:37 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released IF Abigail Sandoval.
Rangers | Lenoir Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:19 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released IF Bobby Lenoir.
Rangers | Kreuzer Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:09 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released IF Josh Kreuzer.
Rangers | Herrera Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:26:58 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released P Marcos Herrera.
Rangers | Cleveland Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:26:46 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released OF Jeremy Cleveland.
Rangers | Ueno Signs
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:21:24 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers signed P Kasey Ueno to a minor league contract.
Rangers | Jimenez Signs
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:20:23 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers signed 2B D'Angelo Jimenez (Reds) to a minor league contract.
Royals | More on Grudzielanek
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:55:56 -0800
Updating earlier reports, the Associated Press reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/54/mlb">Kansas City Royals 2B Mark Grudzielanek got a one-year, $4 million deal with a $3 million option for 2007.
Royals | More on Mientkiewicz
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:53:53 -0800
Updating earlier reports, the Associated Press reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/54/mlb">Kansas City Royals 1B Doug Mientkiewicz got a one-year, $1.85 million deal with a chance to earn $700,000 in performance bonuses based on games and plate appearances.
Royals | More on Elarton
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:53:44 -0800
Updating earlier reports, the Associated Press reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/54/mlb">Kansas City Royals SP Scott Elarton got a two-year, $8 million deal.
Yankees | A-Rod to Skip WBC
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 09:54:31 -0800
ESPN.com reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez will skip the World Baseball Classic.
MLB | Urbina's Mother Says She was Extorted
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 09:52:48 -0800
ESPN.com reports free agent RP <A href="http://www.kffl.com/player/5130/mlb">Ugueth Urbina's mother has alleged someone associated with the judiciary in Ugueth's attempted murder case offered to set him free in exchange for U.S. currency.
The Red Sox are having ongoing discussions with the Cleveland Indians about a trade for outfielder Coco Crisp, with the pricetag expected to be either starter Bronson Arroyo or Matt Clement. The Indians are believed to have a preference for Arroyo, who is still arbitration eligible, while the Red Sox are more keen on giving away Clement, who is due $19 million the next two seasons and drew the Indians’ interest as a free agent last year.
Free-agent outfielder Kenny Lofton met Friday with Arizona Diamondback officials. Lofton would prefer to sign with the Dodgers and intended to talk to Colletti on Friday night or today. … Reggie Sanders continues to be an option in left field.
The signing of Jarrod Washburn might not kill Seattle's trade talks with Boston, which involves outfielder Jeremy Reed. However, the signing of a high-priced pitcher means the Mariners are on pace to reach their player payroll budget of $95 million and are limited in the salaries they might add. Thus, if discussions continue with the Red Sox, Seattle would no longer be able to trade for pitcher Matt Clement, who will make more than $16 million over the next two years — unless the Red Sox are willing to take Meche (expected to make between $3 million and $4 million in 2006) to make the deal closer to equal in salaries. If Meche is not included, the Mariners are expected to turn their preference for Bronson Arroyo into a demand.
If the Mets are able to move Kaz Matsui, a difficult chore for GM Omar Minaya, they may turn to free agent Tony Graffanino, who has until Jan. 8 to re-sign with Red Sox because he was offered arbitration. However, moving Matsui won't be easy due to the money and a pair of disappointing seasons. Tampa Bay has an interest in returning Matsui to short if it can move Julio Lugo. San Diego is looking to trade for a second baseman, but the Padres, interest has been described as "mild," and the Padres would want the Mets to pick up a large chunk of Matsui's salary.
The second-half turnaround, the comfort of a loyal manager and pitching coach and a groundswell of fan support have swayed Jose Contreras toward considering an extension with the White Sox. "Jose has found a place where he's very happy and successful," agent Jaime Torres said Friday. The Sox, faced with securing their prized starting rotation past 2006 with an escalating free-agent market, are making more progress with Contreras than they are with 18-game winner Jon Garland. Contreras, like Garland, can become a free agent after next season. But after ascending from the back of the rotation to staff ace in the postseason, Contreras seems encouraged about securing his future with the Sox. "There are no negatives right now," Torres said.
Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, said Friday that the Atlanta company, part of Time Warner, had been pondering the future of slow-growing Turner South for months. The Braves, while important to Atlanta, were a secondary factor in a more important debate about whether to sell Turner South. "The focus of this decision was not the Atlanta Braves," Kent said in an interview with the Journal-Constitution. "We've been dealing with whether we're the right company to own Turner South." Without Turner South in its stable, Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner would have little reason to own the Braves. Historically, the team has been part of Turner as a source for TV programming. Turner South, which might prove attractive to a media company like Comcast or News Corp., has increasingly stood out as an odd fit within Turner Broadcasting, which makes most of its money on networks with nationwide or worldwide reach. Those networks include TNT, TBS, CNN and the Cartoon Network. News Corp., which owns the sprawling Fox Sports Networks, also might be a logical buyer for Turner South, although the company had a famously bad experience with its short-term ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then again, Turner South and the Braves might not need to be sold as a pair.
Free-agent left-hander Kirk Rueter could land with the Cardinals, competing with right-hander Anthony Reyes for the final rotation spot if the team doesn't trade a starter or possibly working out of the bullpen. Rueter, 35, lives in Nashville, Ill., about 60 miles from St. Louis
A future that, on Friday, certainly looked better than the recent past. And one that could get another boost this week as the Royals close in on signing a corner outfielder — the likely candidates being Jacque Jones, Juan Encarnacion or Preston Wilson.
Gene Orza believes Alex Rodriguez will change his mind and participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March. One day after A-Rod told The Post he didn't want to dishonor America or the Dominican Republic, Orza, the No. 2 man in the Players Association, predicted A-Rod would be part of the WBC. "I think Alex Rodriguez will play in the WBC," the COO of the Players Association said yesterday. "He loves all things Dominican but was raised in America."
The Red Sox still need a shortstop and Goldschmidt also represents free agent Alex Gonzalez. The Red Sox made some progress in talks with Gonzalez last week, but Goldschmidt indicated that an unidentified other team had advanced beyond the Red Sox in negotiations. Free agent Rich Aurilia remains an option.
Free-agent outfielder Rondell White could be an option for the Angels if the team fails to acquire the middle-of-the-order slugger it is seeking. White, who underwent shoulder surgery in late August and turns 34 in February, is a favorite of Angels GM Bill Stoneman from their days together with the Expos.
The Padres, Rangers and Mets still have questions at second base. The Padres could sign one of the remaining free agents — Luis Rivas, Pokey Reese, Rich Aurilia and Mark Bellhorn — to compete with Bobby Hill and Josh Barfield. Another option for the Padres is to sign another reliever, then trade right-hander Akinori Otsuka for a second baseman. San Diego is one of several clubs pursuing Japanese relievers.
Orlando Hudson of Toronto is available, but the Rangers aren't interested in giving up outfielder Kevin Mench and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said David Ortiz has been a big help in trying to talk Manny Ramírez into staying. Whether Ortiz has been able to get through to Ramírez is another matter. The Baltimore Orioles also are asking for at least two pitchers in return. Major league sources shot down a scenario in which the Mets would get involved in the Ramírez-Tejada deal. Both Ortiz and Francona will engage in contract negotiations for extensions after Jan. 1. Both are represented by Patrick Rooney, who yesterday said he's been assured by Sox CEO Larry Lucchino that both clients will have a negotiating session.
The Blue Jays have been frustrated in their attempts to land one more bat in a trade. The Reds don't want to trade outfielder Austin Kearns for Jays right-hander Miguel Batista, who is a free agent after next season. The Rangers don't want to trade outfielder Kevin Mench for Batista, fearing that Batista would make too many mistakes in the strike zone to succeed at hitter-friendly Ameriquest Field. ..The Jays could move second baseman Orlando Hudson if they acquired another hitter, but general manager J.P. Ricciardi says he would need to be "overwhelmed" to make such a deal. Aaron Hill would play second if Hudson were traded; otherwise, Hill likely would start the season at Triple-A.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd continued his search for starting rotation depth Friday. He talked with free agent Pedro Astacio about returning to the Rockies and worked to arrange a meeting with Korean right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim, whose visa has expired. O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle are interested in bringing back Kim but want a face-to-face session with him before agreeing to a deal. Kim, 26, will decline the Rockies' arbitration offer Monday, giving the sides until Jan. 8 to work out a contract or the Rockies lose negotiating rights to him until May 1.
Posted December 17, by Ben Maller
The Mariners have not maintained regular contact with representatives for free agent Preston Wilson, one option in center field, but that dialogue could resume if Reed is traded.
Nearing a decision on where he will play next season, Nomar Garciaparra is believed to be leaning toward accepting a one-year contract to play first base for the Dodgers. Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti and Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, spoke several times by telephone Friday, and Garciaparra met with Colletti for a second consecutive day at Dodger Stadium, this time accompanied by his wife, Mia Hamm.
Buoyed by such moves and the Royals' continuing pursuit of an outfielder - reportedly Jacque Jones - Mark Grudzielanek believes he wasn't going to Kansas City to mentor for a few seasons and move on. He spoke with general manager Allard Baird and then with offseason workout partner Mike Sweeney, a Royal, to gauge the Royals' competitiveness.
Apparently landing one of their top free-agent pitching targets of the offseason, the Mariners reportedly have reached agreement with left-hander Jarrod Washburn on a four-year contract. Several sources said the deal was not finalized Friday night. Among other details to be settled, the pitcher must pass a team physical. Financial aspects are uncertain. But whatever the exact numbers turn out to be, it figures to be the biggest contract Seattle has given to a pitcher.
Lefty Darren Oliver, who retired last year, intends to report to spring training with the Mets and will try to latch on in the bullpen, agent Jeff Frye said. The 35-year-old Oliver, who spent the bulk of his career with the Rangers, went 3-3 with a 5.94 ERA in 2004 with the Marlins and Astros.
The Red Sox are one of a handful of teams remaining in the hunt for free agent reliever Octavio Dotel, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery and probably will not be ready to pitch until the middle of next season. The Red Sox had a scout in the Dominican Republic this week to watch Dotel work out. Dotel’s agent, Danny Horwits, said Dotel hopes to make a decision in the next few days. On the first baseman front, the Red Sox held discussions with another Horwits client, J.T. Snow.
The Red Sox made significant progress in talks with free agent reliever Rudy Seanez. Boston is one of three teams - the Braves and Dodgers are the others - in the running for Seanez, according to a source close to the negotiations. Seanez could make up his mind as soon as this weekend and the Red Sox are believed to have a serious shot at signing the 37-year-old right-hander.
The White Sox may try to trade infielder Willie Harris and outfielder Timo Perez, both eligible for arbitration, before the deadline.
There are still a lot of well-known names in the free agent market. Here is the top 20, listed alphabetically.
Player Pos. 2005 Team Statistics
Jeromy Burnitz OF Cubs .258, 24 HR, 87 RBI
Roger Clemens RHP Astros 13-8, 1.87 ERA
Johnny Damon CF Red Sox .316, 10 HR, 75 RBI
Juan Encarnacion OF Marlins .287, 16 HR, 76 RBI
Nomar Garciaparra SS Cubs .283, 9 HR, 30 RBI
Alex Gonzalez SS Marlins .264, 5 HR, 45 RBI
Kenny Lofton OF Phillies .335, 36 RBI, 22 SB
Jason Johnson RHP Tigers 8-13, 4.54 ERA
Jacque Jones OF Twins .249, 23 HR, 73 RBI
Kevin Millwood RHP Indians 9-11, 2.86 ERA
Bengie Molina C Angels .295, 15 HR, 69 RBI
Mike Piazza C Mets .251, 19 HR, 62 RBI
Reggie Sanders OF Cardinals .271, 21 HR, 54 RBI
Sammy Sosa OF Orioles .221, 14 HR, 45 RBI
Frank Thomas DH White Sox .219, 12 HR, 26 RBI
Brett Tomko RHP Giants 8-15, 4.48 ERA
Jarrod Washburn LHP Angels 8-8, 3.20 ERA
Jeff Weaver RHP Dodgers 14-11, 4.22 ERA
Bernie Williams OF Yankees .249, 12 HR, 64 RBI
Preston Wilson CF Nationals .260, 25 HR, 90 RBI
The Braves will get an early look at shortstop Rafael Furcal in his new Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. The Dodgers and Braves will open the Grapefruit League season against each other, with at game at Vero Beach on March 2 and one at Disney's Wide World of Sports the next day. The Braves will also open the regular season against the Dodgers, playing in Los Angeles on April 3-5. The Braves then play three games at San Francisco before the home opener against Philadelphia on April 10. Furcal, given a $39 million, three-year deal to leave the Braves, is part of a new left side of the infield for the Dodgers. They also signed free agent third baseman Bill Mueller, giving the former Boston Red Sox player a $9.5 million, two-year contract.
Jim Rice said he won't get his hopes up for induction into the Hall of Fame. Ballots close Dec. 31 and he believes this year will be his best shot. ''I thank Dick Bresciani for the statistical package he put together of my career that I know has gone out to the voters," Rice said from his home in Anderson, S.C. ''I think if that doesn't convince voters that I should be in, I don't know that anything will. I played the game hard. I played every day. I played hurt. I played the game one way every day and I hope that what I did in the game will be recognized."
Retired Cardinals outfielder Larry Walker is interested in serving as a coach for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic but will not play in the tournament.
Righthanded reliever Felix Rodriguez and outfielder Preston Wilson are represented by Bob Bry, a St. Louis-based agent. The Cardinals have interest in Rodriguez, but there's a difference in opinion inside the organization on Wilson.
The Rays are expected to announce Monday they have come to terms with newly acquired third baseman Sean Burroughs. The terms of the deal were undisclosed, but Burroughs made $1.675 million last season. He was arbitration eligible.
The Marlins want center fielder Joey Gathright from the Devil Rays, and would love to expand the deal to include right fielder Jonny Gomes. The teams should be a decent match, given the Marlins' surplus of young pitching. If the Marlins fail to land Gathright, they might simply use Eric Reed in center. Reed surprised team officials by performing better at Triple A last season than he did at Double A.
The Rangers have commissioned a study of Ameriquest Field to ascertain whether the addition of the Gold Club altered wind patterns, creating a jet stream to right center. Or in laymen's terms, did Tom Hicks cork the park? The U.S. ambassador to Japan votes guilty. "The Gold Club changed everything," Tom Schieffer said from Tokyo. "Made it a wind accelerator." Did you consider putting a roof on the place? "No, not really," Schieffer said. "There was some thought of it, but neither George Bush nor myself wanted a domed facility. "We thought the essence of baseball was being able to play it outdoors." Not even under a retractable roof? "We really didn't want a dome."
Marlins | Julianel Acquired
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 14:09:20 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/52/mlb">Florida Marlins acquired P Ben Julianel from the New York Yankees for RP Ron Villone.
Yankees | Villone Acquired
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 13:31:16 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees acquired RP Ron Villone from the Florida Marlins in exchange for P Ben Julianel. Villone is owed $2 million next season in the second year of a $4.2 million, two-year contract.
Dodgers | Team Meets with Nomar
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 13:31:07 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/55/mlb">Los Angeles Dodgers met with free agent IF Nomar Garciaparra for several hours, and he is expected to decide on his future soon.
Phillies | Lopez Outrighted
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:30:31 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/62/mlb">Philadelphia Phillies outrighted RP Aquilino Lopez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
Phillies | Fultz Re-Signs
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:58 -0800
The Associated Press reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/62/mlb">Philadelphia Phillies avoided arbitration with RP Aaron Fultz, signing him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal.
Rangers | Torres Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:48 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released OF Jose Torres.
Rangers | Sandoval Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:37 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released IF Abigail Sandoval.
Rangers | Lenoir Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:19 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released IF Bobby Lenoir.
Rangers | Kreuzer Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:27:09 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released IF Josh Kreuzer.
Rangers | Herrera Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:26:58 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released P Marcos Herrera.
Rangers | Cleveland Released
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:26:46 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers released OF Jeremy Cleveland.
Rangers | Ueno Signs
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:21:24 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers signed P Kasey Ueno to a minor league contract.
Rangers | Jimenez Signs
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:20:23 -0800
USAToday.com reports the <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/69/mlb">Texas Rangers signed 2B D'Angelo Jimenez (Reds) to a minor league contract.
Royals | More on Grudzielanek
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:55:56 -0800
Updating earlier reports, the Associated Press reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/54/mlb">Kansas City Royals 2B Mark Grudzielanek got a one-year, $4 million deal with a $3 million option for 2007.
Royals | More on Mientkiewicz
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:53:53 -0800
Updating earlier reports, the Associated Press reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/54/mlb">Kansas City Royals 1B Doug Mientkiewicz got a one-year, $1.85 million deal with a chance to earn $700,000 in performance bonuses based on games and plate appearances.
Royals | More on Elarton
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 11:53:44 -0800
Updating earlier reports, the Associated Press reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/54/mlb">Kansas City Royals SP Scott Elarton got a two-year, $8 million deal.
Yankees | A-Rod to Skip WBC
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 09:54:31 -0800
ESPN.com reports <A href="http://www.kffl.com/team/60/mlb">New York Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez will skip the World Baseball Classic.
MLB | Urbina's Mother Says She was Extorted
Fri, 16 Dec 2005 09:52:48 -0800
ESPN.com reports free agent RP <A href="http://www.kffl.com/player/5130/mlb">Ugueth Urbina's mother has alleged someone associated with the judiciary in Ugueth's attempted murder case offered to set him free in exchange for U.S. currency.
The Red Sox are having ongoing discussions with the Cleveland Indians about a trade for outfielder Coco Crisp, with the pricetag expected to be either starter Bronson Arroyo or Matt Clement. The Indians are believed to have a preference for Arroyo, who is still arbitration eligible, while the Red Sox are more keen on giving away Clement, who is due $19 million the next two seasons and drew the Indians’ interest as a free agent last year.
Free-agent outfielder Kenny Lofton met Friday with Arizona Diamondback officials. Lofton would prefer to sign with the Dodgers and intended to talk to Colletti on Friday night or today. … Reggie Sanders continues to be an option in left field.
The signing of Jarrod Washburn might not kill Seattle's trade talks with Boston, which involves outfielder Jeremy Reed. However, the signing of a high-priced pitcher means the Mariners are on pace to reach their player payroll budget of $95 million and are limited in the salaries they might add. Thus, if discussions continue with the Red Sox, Seattle would no longer be able to trade for pitcher Matt Clement, who will make more than $16 million over the next two years — unless the Red Sox are willing to take Meche (expected to make between $3 million and $4 million in 2006) to make the deal closer to equal in salaries. If Meche is not included, the Mariners are expected to turn their preference for Bronson Arroyo into a demand.
If the Mets are able to move Kaz Matsui, a difficult chore for GM Omar Minaya, they may turn to free agent Tony Graffanino, who has until Jan. 8 to re-sign with Red Sox because he was offered arbitration. However, moving Matsui won't be easy due to the money and a pair of disappointing seasons. Tampa Bay has an interest in returning Matsui to short if it can move Julio Lugo. San Diego is looking to trade for a second baseman, but the Padres, interest has been described as "mild," and the Padres would want the Mets to pick up a large chunk of Matsui's salary.
The second-half turnaround, the comfort of a loyal manager and pitching coach and a groundswell of fan support have swayed Jose Contreras toward considering an extension with the White Sox. "Jose has found a place where he's very happy and successful," agent Jaime Torres said Friday. The Sox, faced with securing their prized starting rotation past 2006 with an escalating free-agent market, are making more progress with Contreras than they are with 18-game winner Jon Garland. Contreras, like Garland, can become a free agent after next season. But after ascending from the back of the rotation to staff ace in the postseason, Contreras seems encouraged about securing his future with the Sox. "There are no negatives right now," Torres said.
Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of Turner Broadcasting System, said Friday that the Atlanta company, part of Time Warner, had been pondering the future of slow-growing Turner South for months. The Braves, while important to Atlanta, were a secondary factor in a more important debate about whether to sell Turner South. "The focus of this decision was not the Atlanta Braves," Kent said in an interview with the Journal-Constitution. "We've been dealing with whether we're the right company to own Turner South." Without Turner South in its stable, Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner would have little reason to own the Braves. Historically, the team has been part of Turner as a source for TV programming. Turner South, which might prove attractive to a media company like Comcast or News Corp., has increasingly stood out as an odd fit within Turner Broadcasting, which makes most of its money on networks with nationwide or worldwide reach. Those networks include TNT, TBS, CNN and the Cartoon Network. News Corp., which owns the sprawling Fox Sports Networks, also might be a logical buyer for Turner South, although the company had a famously bad experience with its short-term ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then again, Turner South and the Braves might not need to be sold as a pair.
Free-agent left-hander Kirk Rueter could land with the Cardinals, competing with right-hander Anthony Reyes for the final rotation spot if the team doesn't trade a starter or possibly working out of the bullpen. Rueter, 35, lives in Nashville, Ill., about 60 miles from St. Louis
A future that, on Friday, certainly looked better than the recent past. And one that could get another boost this week as the Royals close in on signing a corner outfielder — the likely candidates being Jacque Jones, Juan Encarnacion or Preston Wilson.
Gene Orza believes Alex Rodriguez will change his mind and participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March. One day after A-Rod told The Post he didn't want to dishonor America or the Dominican Republic, Orza, the No. 2 man in the Players Association, predicted A-Rod would be part of the WBC. "I think Alex Rodriguez will play in the WBC," the COO of the Players Association said yesterday. "He loves all things Dominican but was raised in America."
The Red Sox still need a shortstop and Goldschmidt also represents free agent Alex Gonzalez. The Red Sox made some progress in talks with Gonzalez last week, but Goldschmidt indicated that an unidentified other team had advanced beyond the Red Sox in negotiations. Free agent Rich Aurilia remains an option.
Free-agent outfielder Rondell White could be an option for the Angels if the team fails to acquire the middle-of-the-order slugger it is seeking. White, who underwent shoulder surgery in late August and turns 34 in February, is a favorite of Angels GM Bill Stoneman from their days together with the Expos.
The Padres, Rangers and Mets still have questions at second base. The Padres could sign one of the remaining free agents — Luis Rivas, Pokey Reese, Rich Aurilia and Mark Bellhorn — to compete with Bobby Hill and Josh Barfield. Another option for the Padres is to sign another reliever, then trade right-hander Akinori Otsuka for a second baseman. San Diego is one of several clubs pursuing Japanese relievers.
Orlando Hudson of Toronto is available, but the Rangers aren't interested in giving up outfielder Kevin Mench and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said David Ortiz has been a big help in trying to talk Manny Ramírez into staying. Whether Ortiz has been able to get through to Ramírez is another matter. The Baltimore Orioles also are asking for at least two pitchers in return. Major league sources shot down a scenario in which the Mets would get involved in the Ramírez-Tejada deal. Both Ortiz and Francona will engage in contract negotiations for extensions after Jan. 1. Both are represented by Patrick Rooney, who yesterday said he's been assured by Sox CEO Larry Lucchino that both clients will have a negotiating session.
The Blue Jays have been frustrated in their attempts to land one more bat in a trade. The Reds don't want to trade outfielder Austin Kearns for Jays right-hander Miguel Batista, who is a free agent after next season. The Rangers don't want to trade outfielder Kevin Mench for Batista, fearing that Batista would make too many mistakes in the strike zone to succeed at hitter-friendly Ameriquest Field. ..The Jays could move second baseman Orlando Hudson if they acquired another hitter, but general manager J.P. Ricciardi says he would need to be "overwhelmed" to make such a deal. Aaron Hill would play second if Hudson were traded; otherwise, Hill likely would start the season at Triple-A.
Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd continued his search for starting rotation depth Friday. He talked with free agent Pedro Astacio about returning to the Rockies and worked to arrange a meeting with Korean right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim, whose visa has expired. O'Dowd and manager Clint Hurdle are interested in bringing back Kim but want a face-to-face session with him before agreeing to a deal. Kim, 26, will decline the Rockies' arbitration offer Monday, giving the sides until Jan. 8 to work out a contract or the Rockies lose negotiating rights to him until May 1.
Posted December 17, by Ben Maller
The Mariners have not maintained regular contact with representatives for free agent Preston Wilson, one option in center field, but that dialogue could resume if Reed is traded.
Nearing a decision on where he will play next season, Nomar Garciaparra is believed to be leaning toward accepting a one-year contract to play first base for the Dodgers. Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti and Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, spoke several times by telephone Friday, and Garciaparra met with Colletti for a second consecutive day at Dodger Stadium, this time accompanied by his wife, Mia Hamm.
Buoyed by such moves and the Royals' continuing pursuit of an outfielder - reportedly Jacque Jones - Mark Grudzielanek believes he wasn't going to Kansas City to mentor for a few seasons and move on. He spoke with general manager Allard Baird and then with offseason workout partner Mike Sweeney, a Royal, to gauge the Royals' competitiveness.
Apparently landing one of their top free-agent pitching targets of the offseason, the Mariners reportedly have reached agreement with left-hander Jarrod Washburn on a four-year contract. Several sources said the deal was not finalized Friday night. Among other details to be settled, the pitcher must pass a team physical. Financial aspects are uncertain. But whatever the exact numbers turn out to be, it figures to be the biggest contract Seattle has given to a pitcher.
Lefty Darren Oliver, who retired last year, intends to report to spring training with the Mets and will try to latch on in the bullpen, agent Jeff Frye said. The 35-year-old Oliver, who spent the bulk of his career with the Rangers, went 3-3 with a 5.94 ERA in 2004 with the Marlins and Astros.
The Red Sox are one of a handful of teams remaining in the hunt for free agent reliever Octavio Dotel, who is coming off of Tommy John surgery and probably will not be ready to pitch until the middle of next season. The Red Sox had a scout in the Dominican Republic this week to watch Dotel work out. Dotel’s agent, Danny Horwits, said Dotel hopes to make a decision in the next few days. On the first baseman front, the Red Sox held discussions with another Horwits client, J.T. Snow.
The Red Sox made significant progress in talks with free agent reliever Rudy Seanez. Boston is one of three teams - the Braves and Dodgers are the others - in the running for Seanez, according to a source close to the negotiations. Seanez could make up his mind as soon as this weekend and the Red Sox are believed to have a serious shot at signing the 37-year-old right-hander.
The White Sox may try to trade infielder Willie Harris and outfielder Timo Perez, both eligible for arbitration, before the deadline.
There are still a lot of well-known names in the free agent market. Here is the top 20, listed alphabetically.
Player Pos. 2005 Team Statistics
Jeromy Burnitz OF Cubs .258, 24 HR, 87 RBI
Roger Clemens RHP Astros 13-8, 1.87 ERA
Johnny Damon CF Red Sox .316, 10 HR, 75 RBI
Juan Encarnacion OF Marlins .287, 16 HR, 76 RBI
Nomar Garciaparra SS Cubs .283, 9 HR, 30 RBI
Alex Gonzalez SS Marlins .264, 5 HR, 45 RBI
Kenny Lofton OF Phillies .335, 36 RBI, 22 SB
Jason Johnson RHP Tigers 8-13, 4.54 ERA
Jacque Jones OF Twins .249, 23 HR, 73 RBI
Kevin Millwood RHP Indians 9-11, 2.86 ERA
Bengie Molina C Angels .295, 15 HR, 69 RBI
Mike Piazza C Mets .251, 19 HR, 62 RBI
Reggie Sanders OF Cardinals .271, 21 HR, 54 RBI
Sammy Sosa OF Orioles .221, 14 HR, 45 RBI
Frank Thomas DH White Sox .219, 12 HR, 26 RBI
Brett Tomko RHP Giants 8-15, 4.48 ERA
Jarrod Washburn LHP Angels 8-8, 3.20 ERA
Jeff Weaver RHP Dodgers 14-11, 4.22 ERA
Bernie Williams OF Yankees .249, 12 HR, 64 RBI
Preston Wilson CF Nationals .260, 25 HR, 90 RBI
The Braves will get an early look at shortstop Rafael Furcal in his new Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. The Dodgers and Braves will open the Grapefruit League season against each other, with at game at Vero Beach on March 2 and one at Disney's Wide World of Sports the next day. The Braves will also open the regular season against the Dodgers, playing in Los Angeles on April 3-5. The Braves then play three games at San Francisco before the home opener against Philadelphia on April 10. Furcal, given a $39 million, three-year deal to leave the Braves, is part of a new left side of the infield for the Dodgers. They also signed free agent third baseman Bill Mueller, giving the former Boston Red Sox player a $9.5 million, two-year contract.
Jim Rice said he won't get his hopes up for induction into the Hall of Fame. Ballots close Dec. 31 and he believes this year will be his best shot. ''I thank Dick Bresciani for the statistical package he put together of my career that I know has gone out to the voters," Rice said from his home in Anderson, S.C. ''I think if that doesn't convince voters that I should be in, I don't know that anything will. I played the game hard. I played every day. I played hurt. I played the game one way every day and I hope that what I did in the game will be recognized."
Retired Cardinals outfielder Larry Walker is interested in serving as a coach for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic but will not play in the tournament.
Righthanded reliever Felix Rodriguez and outfielder Preston Wilson are represented by Bob Bry, a St. Louis-based agent. The Cardinals have interest in Rodriguez, but there's a difference in opinion inside the organization on Wilson.
The Rays are expected to announce Monday they have come to terms with newly acquired third baseman Sean Burroughs. The terms of the deal were undisclosed, but Burroughs made $1.675 million last season. He was arbitration eligible.
The Marlins want center fielder Joey Gathright from the Devil Rays, and would love to expand the deal to include right fielder Jonny Gomes. The teams should be a decent match, given the Marlins' surplus of young pitching. If the Marlins fail to land Gathright, they might simply use Eric Reed in center. Reed surprised team officials by performing better at Triple A last season than he did at Double A.
The Rangers have commissioned a study of Ameriquest Field to ascertain whether the addition of the Gold Club altered wind patterns, creating a jet stream to right center. Or in laymen's terms, did Tom Hicks cork the park? The U.S. ambassador to Japan votes guilty. "The Gold Club changed everything," Tom Schieffer said from Tokyo. "Made it a wind accelerator." Did you consider putting a roof on the place? "No, not really," Schieffer said. "There was some thought of it, but neither George Bush nor myself wanted a domed facility. "We thought the essence of baseball was being able to play it outdoors." Not even under a retractable roof? "We really didn't want a dome."
