(this is info compiled from sportstalk radio,nespapers from around america,internet and wire stories all posted at benmaller.com and kfl)
Last night, Nomar Garciaparra agreed in principle to a one-year deal with the Dodgers worth $6 million in base salary to play first base in L.A. According to a plate-appearance incentive, Garciaparra could earn more than $8 million next year. He made $8.25 million last year for the Cubs when he played in only 62 games due to a severe left-groin injury. According to sources, agent Arn Tellem informed the Yankees, Astros and Indians last night that Garciaparra wasn't going to be joining them.
Seattle still could try to trade outfielder Jeremy Reed to Boston for a pitcher, but no progress was made on that front. With the pending acquisition of Washburn at a cost of $9 million a year, the Mariners are believed to have focused their efforts on right-hander Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo made $1.85 million last season, and was 14-10 with a 4.51 ERA in 32 starts. He is arbitration-eligible and could be a free agent after 2006. The Sox had been offering right-hander Matt Clement, who will make $19 million over the next two years. The Mariners likely could not take on that payroll unless they moved pitcher Gil Meche in the deal. Seattle is also believed to have expressed interest in two of Boston's top pitching prospects, Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelbon. But the Red Sox have been reluctant to discuss either in any trade scenarios.
Now that the Oakland A's have acquired Milton Bradley from the Dodgers, they are less interested in Frank Thomas. Thus the Twins have a better chance with Thomas, and if he is healthy it would be one great move.
While the Sox have talked with the Indians about dealing for 26-year-old Coco Crisp -- who could play any of the outfield positions and hit leadoff or second -- it appears unlikely that Cleveland will deal the sure-handed and switch-hitting Crisp. The Indians, according to a club official, have been contacted by many teams interested in Crisp, but have not come close to moving him.
Rudy Seanez, a 37-year-old right-handed reliever who had a 2.69 E.R.A. in 57 games with the Padres last year, is reportedly set to sign as a free agent with the Red Sox.
Word is the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox have interest in free-agent ex-Twin Matthew LeCroy, who could also have an opportunity to play in Japan.
We'd love to see the Indians really pursue free-agent outfielder Reggie Sanders. So what if he's never played in the American League? Sanders is a good clubhouse guy with decent power - and he won't embarrass himself in the field. Plus, he's played on six playoff teams, with three making the World Series and one winning it - Arizona in 2001. Sanders hit .271 with 21 home runs for St. Louis this year.
Making no progress in negotiations with reliever Dan Kolb, reacquired from Atlanta in a deal for right-hander Wes Obermueller at the winter meetings, the Milwaukee Brewers do not intend to offer him a 2006 contract on the Tuesday deadline. Teams are not allowed to cut a player's salary by more than 20% from year to year. Kolb made $3.4 million while suffering through a dismal 2005 season with Atlanta (3-8, 5.93 ERA, 11 for 18 in saves), meaning the Brewers would have to offer him at least $2.72 million for next season. "We have a lower figure in mind," said general manager Doug Melvin. Thus, barring a settlement by Tuesday, the Brewers will non-tender Kolb and try to work out a lesser deal.
Despite vigorous denials from St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa, the rumblings around baseball are that Cards general partner Bill DeWitt and his partners, who are on the hook for nearly $200 million for construction of the new ballpark opening next season, have severely tightened the purse strings. The Cardinal payroll is being kept at $90 million, despite some huge raises via backloaded contracts to Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen and evidence of a huge increase in revenues.
Even if the Dodgers sign Nomar Garciaaparra, Club Nepotism remains baseball's laughingstock. MLB bigs privately regret awarding the team to the McCourts.
The Yankees, who haven't furthered Johnny Damon negotiations in recent days, privately worry that Red Sox owner John Henry will save the day and lure Damon back home.
The Yankees remain interested in right-handed reliever Julian Tavarez, another Boras client, but figure Tavarez' request for a four-year deal around $20 million is excessive. Before they got heavily involved with Garciaparra, the Yankees talked to free-agent infielder Miguel Cairo, but there is nothing new on that front. Cairo has other offers from teams where he can expect more playing time than the Yankees can offer.
The news that Time Warner is exploring a possible sale of the Braves and Turner South has generated quick and considerable interest from potential buyers, according to the investment banker handling the case. "The phones have been ringing off the hook," said Steve Greenberg, a managing director of New York investment banking firm Allen & Co. Asked to quantify the interest, he said: "Let's just say many, many calls." He would not reveal who had called, saying he never discloses "who may or may not" be interested in a deal. He said there have been no negotiations or in-depth conversations with any interested parties because the matter remains in the exploratory and strategic-assessment stage. Greenberg, 57, specializes in sports and media deals and has an interesting personal history. The son of baseball Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg, he is a former deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball. He also is co-founder of two cable networks, Classic Sports Network (now ESPN Classic) and College Sports TV (recently sold to CBS).
The Rays have made offers to two free agents - starter Brett Tomko and reliever Rudy Seanez - but are likely to be more aggressive once they see which players have been nontendered and are available.
Though the Marlins assuredly hope ex-Boston prospect Hanley Ramirez will win the shortstop job -- GM Larry Beinfest calls him ''maybe one of the top 10 prospects in baseball'' -- Ramirez conceded he doesn't know if he's ready for the big leagues.
Top MLB officials appear determined to get a Marlins stadium deal done on Wayne Huizenga-owned land next to Dolphins Stadium. Commissioner Bud Selig and MLB president Bob DuPuy already have spoken with Huizenga, DuPuy tells us. Among the many funding obstacles: Even though Miami-Dade County pledged $138 million toward the project at the Orange Bowl site, the agreement stipulates at least $20 million of those funds would instead go toward OB renovations if the baseball stadium isn't next to the OB.
The Chicago Cubs consider Twins free agent Jacque Jones the best outfielder still available and are expected to make him a $5 million, one-year offer. Jones can get $18 million for three years from the Kansas City Royals, with a fourth year vested were he to achieve performance incentives.
The Brewers thought the Pirates might show some interest in Russell Branyan. Instead, Pittsburgh has been talking to free agent Joe Randa, a Milwaukee native. Another third baseman on the market is Wes Helms, cut loose by the Brewers after the 2005 season.
Terry Pluto of the Beacon Journal writes... Albert Belle's name is on my Hall of Fame ballot, and I'm voting for him. Belle's personality certainly isn't the reason, but personalities have no real impact on my votes. The question is if the guy was a great baseball player. For most of the 1990s, Belle was a great hitter, a tremendous run producer and he played every day. He squeezed every drop out of his talent.
To understand why it means so much to Gary DiSarcina that he will be coaching third base for the Italian team in next spring's World Baseball Classic, you have to know about Mary DiSarcina, the first-generation immigrant who used to own Skipper's Sportswear in the Combat Zone and was DiSarcina's grandmother. ''My grandmother was so instrumental in my life," said DiSarcina, the former Angels shortstop, University of Massachusetts star, and now NESN analyst. ''A typical Italian family. I was in her house as much as in my own. When I was 7, she made these first-class sliding pants for my brother and I. She passed away in '91. I was in Edmonton, playing minor league ball, and never got to say goodbye. She had a heart attack." When DiSarcina learned that eligibility rules for the tournament were such that because his grandparents were Italian, he was qualified to work for Team Italy, he made a series of phone calls, and was finally steered by union lawyer Gene Orza to the organizers of the Italian team, which included Paul Archey, Dan Bonanno, and Clive Russell, all with Major League Baseball.
Not only did Alex Rodriguez - who's too worried about what everyone thinks - worry about upsetting one of two countries, he worried that choosing one country could rankle close family members. Word is, mother Lourdes favored her son playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and wife Cynthia supposedly thought it made more sense to play for the U.S.
Roger Clemens threw a hissy fit about Cooperstown wanting him to be inducted as a Red Sox and threatened not to attend his own ceremony. So now we're supposed to believe he'd sign with Boston? It was fine for Clemens to change his mind and return as an Astro. But to use Boston as negotiating leverage against the Yankees - now that's low.
Posted December 18, by Ben Maller
It's no surprise that the Red Sox are trying to unload Matt Clement. After Clement's 14-2 loss in Chicago in ALDS Game 1, word is a Red Sox official raised this toast in one of the favored Division Street watering holes: "Here's to Matt Clement, may he rest in peace." Not quite yet. Seattle rejected Clement and prefers Bronson Arroyo for light-hitting centerfielder Jeremy Reed.
Mariners | Washburn Close to Signing
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:43:15 -0800
The Associated Press reports the Seattle Mariners are close to signing free agent SP Jarrod Washburn (Angels) to a four-year agreement between $35 and $40 million.
Mets | Oliver to Report to Spring Training
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:34:09 -0800
Adam Rubin, of the New York Daily News, reports retired P Darren Oliver intends to report to Spring Training with the New York Mets. He will try to earn a spot in the team's bullpen.
Red Sox | Interest in Seanez
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:32:05 -0800
Michael Silverman and Tony Massarotti, of the Boston Herald, report the Boston Red Sox are interested in free agent RP Rudy Seanez (Padres). They have made a one-year offer laden with performance bonuses.
Red Sox | Interest in Trading for Crisp
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:30:06 -0800
Michael Silverman and Tony Massarotti, of the Boston Herald, report the Boston Red Sox are having discussions with the Cleveland Indians about a trade for OF Coco Crisp. The Indians are looking to receive either SP Bronson Arroyo or SP Matt Clement.
White Sox | Team Negotiating Extension with Contreras
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:27:31 -0800
Mark Gonzalez, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago White Sox are in the process of negotiating a contract extension with SP Jose Contreras. If Contreras gets an extension, it would mean all of the Sox's starting pitchers would be under contract or control through at least 2007, with the exception of SP Jon Garland.
Giants | Munter Rehab Update
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:17:59 -0800
Rich Draper, of Giants.MLB.com, reports San Francisco Giants P Scott Munter (elbow) is extending well during his rehabilitation efforts at home. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Rockies | Team Talking with Astacio
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:12:48 -0800
Tracy Ringolsby, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports the Colorado Rockies are interested and talking with free agent SP Pedro Astacio (Padres).
Rockies | Brooks Acquired
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 13:12:09 -0800
Tracy Ringolsby, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports the Colorado Rockies acquired OF Cedrick Brooks from the Washington Nationals as the player to be named later in last summer's trade of OF Preston Wilson.
Diamondbacks | Lofton Visits
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:49:28 -0800
Steve Gilbert, Diamondbacks.MLB.com, reports free agent CF Kenny Lofton (Phillies) visited the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, Dec. 17. The Diamondbacks have offered Lofton a one-year contract.
Red Sox | Team and Mientkiewicz Arbitration Bound
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:46:32 -0800
MLB.com reports the Boston Red Sox, Major League Baseball Players Association, the Comissioner's Office and Kansas City Royals 1B Doug Mientkiewicz have agreed to go to arbitration. The arbitrator will decide who owns the ball that was used to get the last out in the 2004 World Series. The Red Sox have also agreed to dismiss a lawsuit filed against Mientkiewicz in a Massachusetts state court.
Astros | Clemens Will Wait to Make Decision
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:45:58 -0800
Jim Molony, Astros.MLB.com, reports free agent SP Roger Clemens (Astros) will wait until at least late January or early February to decide if he will pitch next season.
Last night, Nomar Garciaparra agreed in principle to a one-year deal with the Dodgers worth $6 million in base salary to play first base in L.A. According to a plate-appearance incentive, Garciaparra could earn more than $8 million next year. He made $8.25 million last year for the Cubs when he played in only 62 games due to a severe left-groin injury. According to sources, agent Arn Tellem informed the Yankees, Astros and Indians last night that Garciaparra wasn't going to be joining them.
Seattle still could try to trade outfielder Jeremy Reed to Boston for a pitcher, but no progress was made on that front. With the pending acquisition of Washburn at a cost of $9 million a year, the Mariners are believed to have focused their efforts on right-hander Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo made $1.85 million last season, and was 14-10 with a 4.51 ERA in 32 starts. He is arbitration-eligible and could be a free agent after 2006. The Sox had been offering right-hander Matt Clement, who will make $19 million over the next two years. The Mariners likely could not take on that payroll unless they moved pitcher Gil Meche in the deal. Seattle is also believed to have expressed interest in two of Boston's top pitching prospects, Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelbon. But the Red Sox have been reluctant to discuss either in any trade scenarios.
Now that the Oakland A's have acquired Milton Bradley from the Dodgers, they are less interested in Frank Thomas. Thus the Twins have a better chance with Thomas, and if he is healthy it would be one great move.
While the Sox have talked with the Indians about dealing for 26-year-old Coco Crisp -- who could play any of the outfield positions and hit leadoff or second -- it appears unlikely that Cleveland will deal the sure-handed and switch-hitting Crisp. The Indians, according to a club official, have been contacted by many teams interested in Crisp, but have not come close to moving him.
Rudy Seanez, a 37-year-old right-handed reliever who had a 2.69 E.R.A. in 57 games with the Padres last year, is reportedly set to sign as a free agent with the Red Sox.
Word is the Toronto Blue Jays and the Boston Red Sox have interest in free-agent ex-Twin Matthew LeCroy, who could also have an opportunity to play in Japan.
We'd love to see the Indians really pursue free-agent outfielder Reggie Sanders. So what if he's never played in the American League? Sanders is a good clubhouse guy with decent power - and he won't embarrass himself in the field. Plus, he's played on six playoff teams, with three making the World Series and one winning it - Arizona in 2001. Sanders hit .271 with 21 home runs for St. Louis this year.
Making no progress in negotiations with reliever Dan Kolb, reacquired from Atlanta in a deal for right-hander Wes Obermueller at the winter meetings, the Milwaukee Brewers do not intend to offer him a 2006 contract on the Tuesday deadline. Teams are not allowed to cut a player's salary by more than 20% from year to year. Kolb made $3.4 million while suffering through a dismal 2005 season with Atlanta (3-8, 5.93 ERA, 11 for 18 in saves), meaning the Brewers would have to offer him at least $2.72 million for next season. "We have a lower figure in mind," said general manager Doug Melvin. Thus, barring a settlement by Tuesday, the Brewers will non-tender Kolb and try to work out a lesser deal.
Despite vigorous denials from St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty and manager Tony La Russa, the rumblings around baseball are that Cards general partner Bill DeWitt and his partners, who are on the hook for nearly $200 million for construction of the new ballpark opening next season, have severely tightened the purse strings. The Cardinal payroll is being kept at $90 million, despite some huge raises via backloaded contracts to Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen and evidence of a huge increase in revenues.
Even if the Dodgers sign Nomar Garciaaparra, Club Nepotism remains baseball's laughingstock. MLB bigs privately regret awarding the team to the McCourts.
The Yankees, who haven't furthered Johnny Damon negotiations in recent days, privately worry that Red Sox owner John Henry will save the day and lure Damon back home.
The Yankees remain interested in right-handed reliever Julian Tavarez, another Boras client, but figure Tavarez' request for a four-year deal around $20 million is excessive. Before they got heavily involved with Garciaparra, the Yankees talked to free-agent infielder Miguel Cairo, but there is nothing new on that front. Cairo has other offers from teams where he can expect more playing time than the Yankees can offer.
The news that Time Warner is exploring a possible sale of the Braves and Turner South has generated quick and considerable interest from potential buyers, according to the investment banker handling the case. "The phones have been ringing off the hook," said Steve Greenberg, a managing director of New York investment banking firm Allen & Co. Asked to quantify the interest, he said: "Let's just say many, many calls." He would not reveal who had called, saying he never discloses "who may or may not" be interested in a deal. He said there have been no negotiations or in-depth conversations with any interested parties because the matter remains in the exploratory and strategic-assessment stage. Greenberg, 57, specializes in sports and media deals and has an interesting personal history. The son of baseball Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg, he is a former deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball. He also is co-founder of two cable networks, Classic Sports Network (now ESPN Classic) and College Sports TV (recently sold to CBS).
The Rays have made offers to two free agents - starter Brett Tomko and reliever Rudy Seanez - but are likely to be more aggressive once they see which players have been nontendered and are available.
Though the Marlins assuredly hope ex-Boston prospect Hanley Ramirez will win the shortstop job -- GM Larry Beinfest calls him ''maybe one of the top 10 prospects in baseball'' -- Ramirez conceded he doesn't know if he's ready for the big leagues.
Top MLB officials appear determined to get a Marlins stadium deal done on Wayne Huizenga-owned land next to Dolphins Stadium. Commissioner Bud Selig and MLB president Bob DuPuy already have spoken with Huizenga, DuPuy tells us. Among the many funding obstacles: Even though Miami-Dade County pledged $138 million toward the project at the Orange Bowl site, the agreement stipulates at least $20 million of those funds would instead go toward OB renovations if the baseball stadium isn't next to the OB.
The Chicago Cubs consider Twins free agent Jacque Jones the best outfielder still available and are expected to make him a $5 million, one-year offer. Jones can get $18 million for three years from the Kansas City Royals, with a fourth year vested were he to achieve performance incentives.
The Brewers thought the Pirates might show some interest in Russell Branyan. Instead, Pittsburgh has been talking to free agent Joe Randa, a Milwaukee native. Another third baseman on the market is Wes Helms, cut loose by the Brewers after the 2005 season.
Terry Pluto of the Beacon Journal writes... Albert Belle's name is on my Hall of Fame ballot, and I'm voting for him. Belle's personality certainly isn't the reason, but personalities have no real impact on my votes. The question is if the guy was a great baseball player. For most of the 1990s, Belle was a great hitter, a tremendous run producer and he played every day. He squeezed every drop out of his talent.
To understand why it means so much to Gary DiSarcina that he will be coaching third base for the Italian team in next spring's World Baseball Classic, you have to know about Mary DiSarcina, the first-generation immigrant who used to own Skipper's Sportswear in the Combat Zone and was DiSarcina's grandmother. ''My grandmother was so instrumental in my life," said DiSarcina, the former Angels shortstop, University of Massachusetts star, and now NESN analyst. ''A typical Italian family. I was in her house as much as in my own. When I was 7, she made these first-class sliding pants for my brother and I. She passed away in '91. I was in Edmonton, playing minor league ball, and never got to say goodbye. She had a heart attack." When DiSarcina learned that eligibility rules for the tournament were such that because his grandparents were Italian, he was qualified to work for Team Italy, he made a series of phone calls, and was finally steered by union lawyer Gene Orza to the organizers of the Italian team, which included Paul Archey, Dan Bonanno, and Clive Russell, all with Major League Baseball.
Not only did Alex Rodriguez - who's too worried about what everyone thinks - worry about upsetting one of two countries, he worried that choosing one country could rankle close family members. Word is, mother Lourdes favored her son playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and wife Cynthia supposedly thought it made more sense to play for the U.S.
Roger Clemens threw a hissy fit about Cooperstown wanting him to be inducted as a Red Sox and threatened not to attend his own ceremony. So now we're supposed to believe he'd sign with Boston? It was fine for Clemens to change his mind and return as an Astro. But to use Boston as negotiating leverage against the Yankees - now that's low.
Posted December 18, by Ben Maller
It's no surprise that the Red Sox are trying to unload Matt Clement. After Clement's 14-2 loss in Chicago in ALDS Game 1, word is a Red Sox official raised this toast in one of the favored Division Street watering holes: "Here's to Matt Clement, may he rest in peace." Not quite yet. Seattle rejected Clement and prefers Bronson Arroyo for light-hitting centerfielder Jeremy Reed.
Mariners | Washburn Close to Signing
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:43:15 -0800
The Associated Press reports the Seattle Mariners are close to signing free agent SP Jarrod Washburn (Angels) to a four-year agreement between $35 and $40 million.
Mets | Oliver to Report to Spring Training
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:34:09 -0800
Adam Rubin, of the New York Daily News, reports retired P Darren Oliver intends to report to Spring Training with the New York Mets. He will try to earn a spot in the team's bullpen.
Red Sox | Interest in Seanez
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:32:05 -0800
Michael Silverman and Tony Massarotti, of the Boston Herald, report the Boston Red Sox are interested in free agent RP Rudy Seanez (Padres). They have made a one-year offer laden with performance bonuses.
Red Sox | Interest in Trading for Crisp
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:30:06 -0800
Michael Silverman and Tony Massarotti, of the Boston Herald, report the Boston Red Sox are having discussions with the Cleveland Indians about a trade for OF Coco Crisp. The Indians are looking to receive either SP Bronson Arroyo or SP Matt Clement.
White Sox | Team Negotiating Extension with Contreras
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:27:31 -0800
Mark Gonzalez, of the Chicago Tribune, reports the Chicago White Sox are in the process of negotiating a contract extension with SP Jose Contreras. If Contreras gets an extension, it would mean all of the Sox's starting pitchers would be under contract or control through at least 2007, with the exception of SP Jon Garland.
Giants | Munter Rehab Update
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:17:59 -0800
Rich Draper, of Giants.MLB.com, reports San Francisco Giants P Scott Munter (elbow) is extending well during his rehabilitation efforts at home. He is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Rockies | Team Talking with Astacio
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 15:12:48 -0800
Tracy Ringolsby, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports the Colorado Rockies are interested and talking with free agent SP Pedro Astacio (Padres).
Rockies | Brooks Acquired
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 13:12:09 -0800
Tracy Ringolsby, of the Rocky Mountain News, reports the Colorado Rockies acquired OF Cedrick Brooks from the Washington Nationals as the player to be named later in last summer's trade of OF Preston Wilson.
Diamondbacks | Lofton Visits
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:49:28 -0800
Steve Gilbert, Diamondbacks.MLB.com, reports free agent CF Kenny Lofton (Phillies) visited the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, Dec. 17. The Diamondbacks have offered Lofton a one-year contract.
Red Sox | Team and Mientkiewicz Arbitration Bound
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:46:32 -0800
MLB.com reports the Boston Red Sox, Major League Baseball Players Association, the Comissioner's Office and Kansas City Royals 1B Doug Mientkiewicz have agreed to go to arbitration. The arbitrator will decide who owns the ball that was used to get the last out in the 2004 World Series. The Red Sox have also agreed to dismiss a lawsuit filed against Mientkiewicz in a Massachusetts state court.
Astros | Clemens Will Wait to Make Decision
Sat, 17 Dec 2005 12:45:58 -0800
Jim Molony, Astros.MLB.com, reports free agent SP Roger Clemens (Astros) will wait until at least late January or early February to decide if he will pitch next season.
