Unofficial Hot Stove News and Rumor thead- not discussion

[klw]

Here is a thread for the simple collection of news or rumors from somewhere other than the poster's imagination. It is a spot to see what is out there for news but discussion should be limited to allow it to serve its point as a source.
There are lots of discussion threads but some find it helpful to have a news thread.

To start things off, Indians have released Chris Perez.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/10/indians-release-chris-perez.html
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/indians-release-chris-perez-sign-182223789--mlb.html


''We just finished out team meetings and made the determination that Chris was not a fit on our roster,'' general manager Chris Antonetti said in announcing Perez's release.

And resign Giambi.


Giambi was a consummate team player from the moment he arrived at training camp last spring training, and the Indians were thrilled to have him back.

''There is no better way to start our offseason than to re-sign Jason Giambi,'' said Antonetti. ''He made a huge impact on our team last season.''

[AmarilloRed]

The Dodgers declined the options for Mark Ellis and Chris Capuano.


The Dodgers announced on Twitter that they have declined their options on Mark Ellis and Chris Capuano. Ellis' contract contained a $5.75MM club option, and Caupano's deal contained an $8MM mutual option. Each player will receive a $1MM buyout.

Ellis, 36, batted .270/.323/.351 with six homers and four steals in 126 games (480 plate appearances) for the Dodgers this season. As is typically the case, he was a standout defender at second base, posting marks of +7.6 in UZR/150 and +12 in The Fielding Bible's Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) metric. I speculated earlier today that the Dodgers may be able to trade Ellis to a team in need of an upgrade at the keystone position, as his $5.75MM option was plenty reasonable, but the veteran will now be able to negotiate with any club.

Capuano, 35, pitched to a 4.26 ERA with 6.9 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 in 105 2/3 innings for the Dodgers this season. While his role with the club was uncertain early on, injuries opened up a rotation spot, and 20 of his 24 appearances for the Dodgers wound up being starts. A .334 batting average on balls in play shows that Capuano was the victim of some poor luck, and his FIP reflects that, projecting that his ERA should've been closer to 3.55.

[dubc47834]

Heard on ESPN radio that Cards werent picking up Jake Westbrooks option next year. I thinknit was a million dollars to buy him out.

[klw]

Heard on ESPN radio that Cards werent picking up Jake Westbrooks option next year. I thinknit was a million dollars to buy him out.

One million is correct
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/10/cardinals-decline-jake-westbrooks-option.html

[klw]

Ubaldo Jimenez declines player option, becomes free agent.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/ubaldo-jimenez-voids-option.html

He was 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA, 114 ERA+ this year. 9.6 k/9 was his easily highest of his career.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jimenub01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.typepad.com

[TOBTTReds]

Ubaldo Jimenez declines player option, becomes free agent.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/ubaldo-jimenez-voids-option.html

He was 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA, 114 ERA+ this year. 9.6 k/9 was his easily highest of his career.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jimenub01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.typepad.com

I'll quickly add that his 2nd half was ridiculous (knew he was going to become FA?).

84 IP, 69 H, 27 BB, 100 K, 1.143 WHIP, 1.82 ERA

[LoganBuck]

Indians decline option on Jason Kubel, making him a free agent.

Would make a nice LH platoon/bench bat at a dumpster diving price.

[BungleBengals]

New TV deals with ESPN, TBS, and FOX will likely net each team in the MLB $25M extra this year.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-new-national-tv-contracts-and-2014-payrolls/

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/nicholson-smith-on-mccann-tanaka-hudson-johan.html



Cuban catcher Yenier Bello is expected to work out for big league teams on Nov. 5 in Tijuana, Mexico. The powerful 28-year-old hasn't yet been cleared by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), though MLB cleared him a month ago.

The Reds were rumored to be in on Lopez at the deadline.


Javier Lopez is seeking a multiyear deal this winter after another strong season with the Giants, and Nicholson-Smith gets the sense that there are many non-closing relievers eyeing multiyear deals. He spoke to some executives who feel that left-handed relief is one of the strengths of this year's market.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Yankees Re-Sign Jeter To One-Year, $12MM Deal
By Steve Adams [November 1 at 12:20pm CST]
The Yankees announced that have re-signed shortstop Derek Jeter to a one-year deal worth $12MM. Jeter, who is represented by Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, had a $9.5MM player option on his previous contract, but this deal will override that option.

The long-time Yankee Captain will turn 40 next June and appeared in just 17 games this season, making the decision to give him a $2.5MM raise on his option a curious one. However, by agreeing to a new deal, Jeter is no longer on his old contract, the average annual value (AAV) of which counted against the luxury tax. Had he exercised his player option, Jeter would've added $6.5MM to the AAV of his three-year, $51MM contract ($3MM of the option was guaranteed in the form of a buyout). Doing so would have raised his AAV to $14.375MM. Instead, his $12MM contract will be the number that counts against the luxury tax, thereby actually saving the Yankees $2.375MM relative to the luxury tax.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/as-exercise-options-on-crisp-anderson-options-on-young-suzuki-declined.html



The Athletics announced that they have exercised their $7.5MM club option on Coco Crisp as well as their $8MM club option on Brett Anderson and declined their $11MM option on Chris Young and $8.5MM option on Kurt Suzuki. Young and Suzuki will receive respective buyouts of $1.5MM and $650K.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mariners-decline-options-for-joe-saunders-franklin-gutierrez.html



The Mariners have issued a press release to announce that they have declined their half of Joe Saunders' $8.3MM mutual option and also declined Franklin Gutierrez's $7.5MM club option. Saunders will receive a $900K buyout, while Gutierrez will receive a $500K buyout.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Joe Nathan Voids 2014 Option
By Steve Adams [November 1 at 4:15pm CST]
According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers picked up their $9MM option on Joe Nathan, but the All-Star closer exercised his right to void the option and become a free agent.

Nathan may be turning 39 years old in three weeks, but he definitely isn't showing his age. The active Major League leader in saves (once Mariano Rivera's retirement paperwork is officially filed), Nathan compiled a microscopic 1.39 ERA with 10.2 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 64 2/3 innings, adding another 43 saves to his outstanding resume.

[badcontent]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Joe Nathan Voids 2014 Option
By Steve Adams [November 1 at 4:15pm CST]
According to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers picked up their $9MM option on Joe Nathan, but the All-Star closer exercised his right to void the option and become a free agent.

Nathan may be turning 39 years old in three weeks, but he definitely isn't showing his age. The active Major League leader in saves (once Mariano Rivera's retirement paperwork is officially filed), Nathan compiled a microscopic 1.39 ERA with 10.2 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9 in 64 2/3 innings, adding another 43 saves to his outstanding resume.
Seems like a mistake to me. Dude's 39.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo



#Rays pick up team options on Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar. Waiting to make decisions on DeJesus, Oviedo

[PepperJack]

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/mets/post/_/id/79213/arroyo-definitely-would-consider-mets?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter



“Bronson is an East Coast guy and would definitely consider the Mets,” Terry Bross told the Post. “But we’re going to take our time with this.”

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=cin#month=11&year=2013&team_id=113

11/01/13 Cincinnati Reds activated RHP Jonathan Broxton from the 60-day disabled list.

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors -


Pitcher Trevor Reckling has signed with the Reds out of independent league ball, Eddy tweets. He played six seasons in the Angels' system, reaching Triple-A at age 21 before moving the wrong way down the ladder. Noted as a reclamation project for the White Sox before the 2012 year, Reckling will give it one more go in Cinci.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/giants-decline-option-on-zito.html



The Giants officially declined their $18MM option on lefty Barry Zito and their option on outfielder Andres Torres, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times tweets. Zito will receive a $7MM buyout.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cardinals-notes.html



Big changes are in store for the Cardinals' roster, Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes. In the bullpen, Strauss lists John Axford and Edward Mujica as two players who are unlikely to return next season, while David Freese, Pete Kozma and Carlos Beltran could be gone on the position player side. Let's run through the latest from around the NL Central:

[Tom Servo]

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss expects the Cardinals to shop Lance Lynn or Shelby Miller this winter as they attempt to fill a hole at shortstop.


Zack Cozart for Shelby Miller :D

[badcontent]

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss expects the Cardinals to shop Lance Lynn or Shelby Miller this winter as they attempt to fill a hole at shortstop.
Miller??? Apparently the Cardinal Way is to never question how you're used.

[OneManBand]

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Joe Strauss expects the Cardinals to shop Lance Lynn or Shelby Miller this winter as they attempt to fill a hole at shortstop.


Zack Cozart for Shelby Miller :D

Or Tulo:


Rockies senior vice president of Major League operations Bill Geivett made an appearance with Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio this morning. Asked by Bowden how he would react if the Cardinals came knocking with an "overwhelming" offer for superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, Geivett said he'd have to listen but added, "we're not doing anything with Tulo." Geivett went on to add that his top three priorities this offseason are starting pitching, a late-inning impact reliever and a corner bat (Twitter links).

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Tigers Won't Make Any Qualifying Offers, Don't Expect To Re-Sign Peralta
By Jeff Todd [November 3 at 7:30pm CST]
After introducing new manager Brad Ausmus to the press today, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski chatted with members of the media, including Chris Iott of MLive.com. Among the information he chose to reveal is that the club will not make any qualifying offers to players eligible for free agency, and does not expect to re-sign. (Twitter links.)

While none of the Detroit free agents were obvious QO candidates, there were arguments to be made for second baseman Omar Infante and perhaps shortstop Jhonny Peralta and closer Joaquin Benoit. With the news, those three (and the rest of the Tigers' free agent crop) can enter the market without being hindered by draft pick compensation.

[marcshoe]

Marlins' talking about both Middlebrooks and Trumbo, at least with their scouts.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/5407/will-middlebrooks

Source is Bowden, but it still makes sense.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/2014-top-50-free-agents-with-predictions-1.html



3. Shin-Soo Choo - Tigers. Choo posted a robust .423 on-base percentage this year, leading all free agents and ranking fourth in baseball. He's another Boras leadoff man with a shot at $100MM, so you can be sure we'll hear the agent talking about how leadoff hitters are the new 40 home run hitters. Despite playing center field this year, Choo fits best in an outfield corner. There are questions about his defense and ability to hit left-handed pitching, and as with Cano, Ellsbury, McCann, Santana, and others, a team will have to forfeit its highest available draft pick to sign him. The 31-year-old South Korea native should require a contract in excess of Hunter Pence's five-year, $90MM deal, making a return to the Reds unlikely. The Tigers' interest in signing Choo to play an outfield corner is unknown, but surely Boras' relationship with owner Mike Ilitch will lead to a conversation. The Mets, Yankees, Rangers, Mariners, Cubs, and Astros are other potential matches.



23. Bronson Arroyo - Mets. Arroyo is the only pitcher in baseball to make at least 32 starts per year from 2005-13. Arroyo, 37 in February, is the game's most consistent innings-eater. It appears he'll move on from the Reds after eight seasons, probably without a potentially budget-busting qualifying offer. I've pegged Arroyo at two years and $24MM, which could be palatable for the Mets, Twins, Giants, and several other teams looking to solidify the backend of their rotation.

[mth123]

David Dejesus off the Market.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/rays-exercise-club-option-on-david-dejesus-discussing-extension.html

[joshua]

Despite winning the NL this year, Cardinals are aggressively trying to fill holes immediately after the World Series. Especially at SS.

http://www.chicagonow.com/loxas-factor/2013/10/cardinals-calling-about-starlin-castro/


There are whispers the St. Louis Cardinals are calling the Cubs regarding Starlin Castro.

This is a pretty big way to kick off the offseason rumor mill. You got to hand it to John Mozeliak and company. They don’t sit around and lick their wounds. Not even 24 hours after dropping the World Series in 6 games to Boston, they are apparently already working the phones.

Also there's rumors flying that they're going to pursue Profar in exchange for Miller or Lynn or Taveras.

http://www.lonestarball.com/2013/11/3/5061998/st-louis-cardinals-shelby-miller-lance-lynn-jurickson-profar

But at least Dick Monfort put to rest the rumors of a Cardinals trade for Tulowitzki, so that's good.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie-future-bright-for-cards-with-a-few-concerns/article_3e45ab13-1cf4-56cb-ac9d-b950473243ad.html

From what I gather, if Beltran comes back the plan is to play Taveras in CF. If he doesn't, they'll move Taveras to RF and pursue a free agent CF. Thinking of that lineup with Ellsbury, Granderson or Choo...well, thinking about that just sucks.


My fear is the Reds putting all of their eggs in the Choo basket, getting outbid and then shrugging and saying "Well, we tried! Everyone we wanted was too expensive!" and going forward with the same exact team (minus Choo) in 2014.

[klw]

John Fay ‏@johnfayman 2m

Arroyo hasn't heard anything from the #Reds about a qualifying offer.

[Kc61]

David DeJesus agrees to two year deal with TB Rays with an option for a third year.

I guess he's not meant to ever be a Red.

[BungleBengals]

Geovany Soto signs 1 year deal with Rangers for $3M per Jeff Wilson (Twitter)

I wonder what this means for the rumors of McCann to Ranger?

[klw]

No Reds in top 3 for big offseason awards.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/miguel-cabrera-andrew-mccutchen-among-finalists-baseball-postseason-235025375--mlb.html


NL MVP finalists
• Paul Goldschmidt (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Yadier Molina (St. Louis Cardinals)

Prediction: The man who brought the Pirates back to the playoffs for the first time in 21 years, McCutchen.
Top snub(s): Freddie Freeman, the Atlanta Braves' huggable first baseman and Joey Votto, the Cincinnati Red's walkable first baseman


NL Cy Young finalists:
• Jose Fernandez (Miami Marlins)
• Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers)
• Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals)


NL Rookie of the Year finalists:
• Jose Fernandez (Miami Marlins)
• Shelby Miller (St. Louis Cardinals)
• Yasiel Puig (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Prediction: Jose Fernandez because when you also get a Cy Young nod, your candidacy looks better.
Top snub(s): Two more rookie pitchers could have taken Miller's spot in the top three: Hyun-Jin Ryu and Julio Teheran


NL Manager of the Year finalists:
• Fredi Gonzalez (Atlanta Braves)
• Clint Hurdle (Pittsburgh Pirates)
• Don Mattingly (Los Angeles Dodgers)


Award schedule:
• Nov. 11: Rookie of the year winners announced
• Nov. 12: Manager of the year winners announced
• Nov. 13: Cy Young winners announced
• Nov. 14: MVP winners announced
** Winners announced on MLB Network, 6 p.m. ET

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/central-notes-bruce-phillips-arroyo-johan.html



The Twins have expressed interest in free agent pitchers Bronson Arroyo, Phil Hughes, and Jason Vargas, sources tell Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press. While the Twins have yet to make a formal offer to Arroyo, the interest appears to be mutual between the club and the 36-year-old.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/jjcoop36



Could be wrong, but wouldn't be shocked at all if Billy Hamilton is the Reds' starting 2B in 2014.



If rumors of Phillips trade end up being true, Hamilton is most logical option in org to replace him, no other obvious possibilities.



Delino DeShields, former SS turned 2B, told me in 2012 that he thought Hamilton would be a great 2B. Arm was biggest question at SS.

[REDREAD]

I don't have ESPN insider, but it appears that Bronson has been listed #1 among bargain FA pitchers this winter. Or maybe they aren't ranking them 1-10, just a list of 10.

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/buster-olney/post?id=3745


1. Bronson Arroyo: His 37th birthday is in February, but there have been no signs that his trend of taking the ball every fifth day will stop any time soon.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mets-notes-choo-darnaud-40-man.html


The Mets have reached out to Scott Boras in regards to free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, reports Mike Puma of the New York Post via Twitter. The sides "haven't talked dollars," however, a club official told Puma. Per another tweet, that same official expressed uncertainty as to whether a Choo signing was a real possibility, explaining that "it depends at what number."
Boras is marketing Choo in the $90MM range, tweets Puma. The 31-year-old ranks third on MLBTR's Tim Dierkes's list of the top fifty free agents, and Dierkes predicted that he would reach a nine-figure deal.

[bounty37h]

Quote:
23. Bronson Arroyo - Mets. Arroyo is the only pitcher in baseball to make at least 32 starts per year from 2005-13. Arroyo, 37 in February, is the game's most consistent innings-eater. It appears he'll move on from the Reds after eight seasons, probably without a potentially budget-busting qualifying offer. I've pegged Arroyo at two years and $24MM, which could be palatable for the Mets, Twins, Giants, and several other teams looking to solidify the backend of their rotation.

Holy crap, $12 million a year for back of rotation guy????

[klw]

Quote:
Holy crap, $12 million a year for back of rotation guy????

It gets worse.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/santana-seeks-100mm-nolasco-looking-for-80mm.html


Free agent, right-handed starters Ervin Santana and Ricky Nolasco are both looking for five-year deals, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. The former hopes to earn a $100MM guarantee, while Nolasco is asking for $80MM, sources tell Rosenthal.

[RedTeamGo!]

Reds likely to move Ryan Hanigan

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/reds-likely-to-move-ryan-hanigan.html

[NebraskaRed]

Reds likely to move Ryan Hanigan

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/reds-likely-to-move-ryan-hanigan.html

I don't have an opinion one way or the other about Brayan Pena (other than the trouble I'll have spelling his first name), but giving more playing time to Mesoraco is definitely the right move at this point.

[klw]

http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20131108-first-signing-of-offseason-shakes-loose-a-catcher-possibility-for-boston.ece


Almost a year to the day after the Red Sox kick-started their offseason with the signing of backup catcher David Ross to a two-year deal, the Cincinnati Reds kick-started theirs by signing former Detroit backstop Brayan Pena to a two-year deal on Friday.
For a Boston team that figures to be in the mix for Brian McCann, the Pena deal with Cincinnati opens a new option for a catcher to pair with Ross next season.
Former first-round pick Devin Mesoraco primarily handled the catching duties for the Reds last season, starting 84 games behind the plate. He figures to continue to be the starter going forward -- this time with Pena backing him up.
That leaves Ryan Hanigan out of the Reds' roster picture -- and makes him available for a catcher-needy team like the Red Sox. In a catching market where rumors are suggesting McCann could get $100 million, there's no doubt Boston will explore a deal in which they could cash in some of their minor-league inventory for a more low-profile option like Hanigan.

[Benihana]

The Dodgers have made outfielders Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford available, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports. While the Dodgers may not yet be actively shopping any of the trio, the message they're putting out to other clubs is, “If you’re interested in one of them, make us an offer."

All three men are signed to expensive multiyear deals so L.A. would certainly have to cover some that money in any deal, a rival executive tells Rosenthal. The executive bluntly says that "none" of the players are particularly desirable since they carry question marks about their durability (Kemp and Crawford), production (Ethier) and age (Crawford is 32).

Rosenthal reported in September that the Dodgers were looking to clear space in the outfield by moving one of these four or even rookie phenom Yasiel Puig. While Puig would easily draw the biggest trade return, Rosenthal sees no chance that he'd be moved, plus L.A. has another young outfielder in Joc Pederson waiting in the minors.

Kemp posted MVP-type numbers in 2011 but has become almost an afterthought due to two injury-plagued years. Kemp hit only .270/.328/.395 in 290 PA for the Dodgers in 2013 and is owed $128MM through the 2019 season, but if L.A. agrees to eat a significant piece of that contract, Kemp's pedigree would surely draw attention on the trade market. Health, obviously, is the major concern about Kemp's future --- I'd speculate that a Kemp deal could include a clause adjusting how much salary the Dodgers would cover in relation to how many games Kemp were to play in 2014 or beyond.

Ethier looked like he would be on the move earlier this season due to the lack of space in the Los Angeles outfield and a seeming issue with manager Don Mattingly. The Mets were seen as a logical fit for Ethier given their need for a big outfield bat, and if they don't choose to address that need with a major free agent signing, Ethier could be an option (as could Kemp and Crawford, for that matter). Ethier's inability to his left-handed pitching, however, could send the Mets and other teams looking elsewhere in search of a more reliable everyday option.

Crawford revived his career in 2013 following two disastrous seasons in Boston but still posted modest numbers (.283/.329/.407 in 469 PA, plus 15-for-19 in stolen base attempts) given his salary. The veteran's speed-based game may be on the decline given his age and hamstring problems and thus could have the lowest trade value of the three.

[AmarilloRed]

The Nationals are willing to listen to offers on Denard Span:


Only a year after acquiring him, the Nationals appear willing to listen to trade inquiries on center fielder Denard Span, officials on other teams say.

[PepperJack]

For those that think everything in Pittsburgh is rosy.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/huntington-qualifying-offer-for-burnett-did-not-fit-budget.html



Though the Bucs will increase payroll, said Huntington, a qualifying offer-level salary occupies a "significant chunk of your payroll" for low-budget clubs. Comparing the Pirates to teams like the Rays and A's, he explained that building a winner in a small market is more complicated than just getting players at reasonably sub-market rates:



On the issue of national TV money, Huntington noted that, contrary to the oft-repeated line, "it's not $25MM to every team." That is an average, he said: the team does not yet have its precise distribution, and the Commissioner could hold back some dollars for league-wide initiatives.

[Benihana]

Choo looking to exceed $126MM Werth contract according to MLBTR.

"Well cross him off then." (Rachel Phelps voice)

[AmarilloRed]

Choo looking to exceed $126MM Werth contract according to MLBTR.

"Well cross him off then." (Rachel Phelps voice)

The Twitter link actually says that it's Boras who wants to beat 126 million, and Boras doesn't always get what he wants. I 'd be fine myself with Span-if the Nationals really want to trade him.

[757690]

Choo looking to exceed $126MM Werth contract according to MLBTR.

"Well cross him off then." (Rachel Phelps voice)

If I'm an agent, I wouldn't remind GM's of Jayson Werth's recent contract if I'm trying to convince them to give my player a big, long term contract.

[Mario-Rijo]

Heard on MLB tv the other day that Drew Stubbs is very likely to be dealt again this offseason and perhaps even non-tendered. Not advocating going after him just FYI. Of course I can envision worse situations than Drew for another short stint in CF with someone who would better utilize him in the lineup (I'd hope). I believe it was Verducci who suggested it as his educated guess on naming someone who is likely to be dealt this offseason (he reasoned there is no place for him to play). The other 2 media guessing named the Oakland starters (because it would be just like Beane to do so) and Chris Sale (if the Sox are smart).

[badcontent]

The other 2 media guessing named the Oakland starters (because it would be just like Beane to do so) and Chris Sale (if the Sox are smart).
Why would the Pale Hose deal Sale?

[Mario-Rijo]

Why would the Pale Hose deal Sale?

I believe the thinking was he would bring back a lot in trade especially in this current climate, and the Sox are a lot of players away from contention.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-free-agents-2013/

First-round picks from the 2007 draft who aren’t on 40-man rosters qualify for minor league free agency for the first time this offseason. The list includes, in order of selection six years ago, first baseman Matt LaPorta (Indians), reliever Casey Weathers (Cubs), third baseman Kevin Ahrens (Blue Jays), righthander Tim Alderson (Orioles), lefty Nick Schmidt (Rockies) and righty James Simmons (Athletics).

Each of these players, plus 544 others, are no longer bound to their organization by contract renewals—the Uniform Player Contract grants six renewal years—and have no successor contract in place for 2014.

Players are listed alphabetically by position, with closing level in parentheses. The majority—86 percent of free agents—finished on Triple-A (AAA) or Double-A (AA) rosters. Players who spent all of 2013 on the disabled list are denoted with an asterisk (*).

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors:


•The Diamondbacks continue to wait for a reply from Dave Duncan on whether he will take their pitching coach job.

[Wonderful Monds]

MLBTR says the Rangers will trade either Kinsler or Andrus.


Go get Andrus?

[mth123]

MLBTR says the Rangers will trade either Kinsler or Andrus.


Go get Andrus?

He's signed for $15 Million per year through 2023. This year he went .271/.328/.331/.659. Cozart went .254/.284/.381/.665 and won't be arb eligible until 2015. Andrus is a good base stealer and his OBP is not disastrous, but seems pretty darned pricey to me. No thanks.

[757690]

MLBTR says the Rangers will trade either Kinsler or Andrus.

Good luck with that.

[PepperJack]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/42129/half-full-half-empty-shin-soo-choo



The thing to like about Choo is the broad range of skills: He's a .288 career hitter, draws walks, has some power (20-plus home runs three times), some speed (20-plus steals four times) and possesses an above-average throwing arm. His WAR in 2013 was 4.2 -- he's been as high as 6.0 with Cleveland -- but that was dragged down by subpar range in center field. Baseball Info Solutions credited him with -18 Defensive Runs Saved -- nearly two wins' worth of bad defense. Move him to a corner-outfield spot and his defensive numbers likely won't rate so poorly and his WAR should increase.




Perhaps most importantly, Choo can't hit left-handers. He hit .215 with no home runs against them in 2013; his OBP was respectable against them thanks to 13 HBPs and a decent walk rate, but this is a player who arguably should be platooned. You want to pay $100 million for a platoon player?

[MattyHo4Life]

He's signed for $15 Million per year through 2023. This year he went .271/.328/.331/.659. Cozart went .254/.284/.381/.665 and won't be arb eligible until 2015. Andrus is a good base stealer and his OBP is not disastrous, but seems pretty darned pricey to me. No thanks.

Andrus had his worst year in 2013, and Cozart had an average year for him. Andrus has much more upside than Cozart does, but does cost a lot more. Andrus is 3 years younger, and probably hasn't hit his prime yet at age 24. Profar is the one that I'd be looking at though. The Rangers will be asking a lot for either one though.

[mth123]

Andrus had his worst year in 2013, and Cozart had an average year for him. Andrus has much more upside than Cozart does, but does cost a lot more. Andrus is 3 years younger, and probably hasn't hit his prime yet at age 24. Profar is the one that I'd be looking at though. The Rangers will be asking a lot for either one though.

The Reds could get Andrus, but he's not worth his money IMO even if he puts up his 2012 numbers every year. I don't think the Reds could get Profar unless they put Jay Bruce in the deal.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cafardo-on-trumbo-ethier-kemp-arroyo-red-sox.html



One or both of Andre Ethier or Matt Kemp could be dealt this offseason thanks to the Dodgers' surplus. The Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Yankees, Tigers, and Blue Jays are among the clubs that could have interest.



While the Blue Jays have other priorities, they’ll also dip into the outfield market if they feel Melky Cabrera can’t give them what they expected. Cabrera recently had a spinal tumor that was causing him leg pain removed.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/central-notes-pirates-burnett-cardinals-white-sox.html



Cardinals GM John Mozeliak told Jim Bowden of SiriusXM (via Twitter) that he'd like to trade a young starting pitcher for a "young controllable shortstop." The Cards have been heavily rumored to be seeking a shortstop to give them an upgrade over Pete Kozma.

[MattyHo4Life]

The Reds could get Andrus, but he's not worth his money IMO even if he puts up his 2012 numbers every year. I don't think the Reds could get Profar unless they put Jay Bruce in the deal.

You might be right, but the cost of good shortstops seem to be on the rise. Even Drew turned down a $14.1 1 year deal because he thinks he can get a better multi year deal. Drew doesn't impress me, but maybe he will get what he wants. A lot of posters here liked the idea of keeping Arroyo for 1 year at $14.1Mil. I think Andrus would help the Reds more than Arroyo. Of course it's a longer deal, but he is only 25 and will probably opt out of the contract half way through anyways. Keeping Phillips and adding Andrus would help the Reds IMO.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/DarrenWolfson



The #MNTwins contingency in Orlando at the GM meetings: Ryan, Antony, & Radcliff. Lots of meetings w/ agents & trade talk w/ GMs lined up.



@christopherokey Not yet. Maybe those leak in the next few days. My hunch (no sourcing yet): they talk to the Reds about Homer Bailey.



@ChrisKuznik Ryan told me he will be pro-active & seek out GMs who have arms to move. The A's do (more like Anderson). The Reds do (Bailey).

[badcontent]

Now that Arroyo is (probably) gone, do the Reds even float a Bailey trade?

And would a Bailey-for-Hicks+ deal make sense?

[757690]

Now that Arroyo is (probably) gone, do the Reds even float a Bailey trade?

There are plenty of inning eaters available via free agency that can fill Bailey's innings, and will cost less or the same in terms of salary.

[badcontent]

There are plenty of inning eaters available via free agency that can fill Bailey's innings, and will cost less or the same in terms of salary.
Which one(s) do you like?

And do you see Hicks as even a possible target for the Reds, given Hamilton and Ervin?

[OneManBand]

Not to get off topic but this is a no discussion thread.. Just supposed to post rumors, rumblings, and moves in here.

[Tom Servo]

Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker reports that Tomo Ohka is trying to make a comeback to the Majors as a knuckleballer.

The 37-year-old right-hander last appeared in the big leagues in 2009, where he posted a troubling 5.96 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 31/19 K/BB ratio over 71 innings with the Indians. It remains an extreme long-shot, but would certainly be entertaining to watch should he secure a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.


Man, I loved the dude in the mid 00s even though he consistently owned the Reds (and couldn't strike anybody out). I would still take a flier on him for AAA depth.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cardinals-rockies-to-discuss-troy-tulowitzki-trade.html



The Cardinals and Rockies will discuss a potential Troy Tulowitzki trade at this week's GM/owner meetings, Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reports. The Cardinals have also asked the Rangers about the possibility of trading for Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar, Passan writes.


NO THANK YOU!!!

[toledodan]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cardinals-rockies-to-discuss-troy-tulowitzki-trade.html





NO THANK YOU!!!

the cards don't sit and wait.:eek:

[Superdude]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cardinals-rockies-to-discuss-troy-tulowitzki-trade.html





NO THANK YOU!!!

Oh my. That is disconcerting....and makes way too much sense.

[Redsfansince72]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cardinals-rockies-to-discuss-troy-tulowitzki-trade.html





NO THANK YOU!!!

The Cards to try and ADD offense, where the Reds NEED offense and will loose Choo and reports are Phillips is gone.. Dont look like any promise being for filled for that World Series Championship any time soon in this city GRRRRRRRRRRRR

[kpresidente]

The Cards to try and ADD offense, where the Reds NEED offense and will loose Choo and reports are Phillips is gone.. Dont look like any promise being for filled for that World Series Championship any time soon in this city GRRRRRRRRRRRR

It's not that bad. They're going to lose Beltran to New York so getting Tulo is really just breaking even (like with all Rockies, road splits matter most). And the Rockies aren't giving Tulo away for nothing, they don't have to trade him, and they've said they don't want to. Getting him is going to eat into that great farm system a good bit.

[dubc47834]

It's not that bad. They're going to lose Beltran to New York so getting Tulo is really just breaking even (like with all Rockies, road splits matter most). And the Rockies aren't giving Tulo away for nothing, they don't have to trade him, and they've said they don't want to. Getting him is going to eat into that great farm system a good bit.

Break even...lol...I wish I could break even like that at the casino. I would be rich!!!:laugh::):laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Rijo's Ghost]

It's not that bad. They're going to lose Beltran to New York so getting Tulo is really just breaking even (like with all Rockies, road splits matter most). And the Rockies aren't giving Tulo away for nothing, they don't have to trade him, and they've said they don't want to. Getting him is going to eat into that great farm system a good bit.

Breaking even? Tulo has been 5+WAR 4 of the last 5 years. 6+ in 3 of them. Beltran has topped out at 3.8. And Tulo wouldn't be replacing Beltran's production, that would be Matt Adams getting a full seasons worth of AB with Craig sliding to right field. Assuming that Adams is part of the trade, they would be replacing Beltran with the best hitting prospect in MLB in Oscar Tavares. Tulo would be replacing Kozma, who hit .217 .275 .273 .548 last year. Assuming Tulo is only as good as his away numbers, which is foolish but I'll do it ffor the sake of argument, you're replacing a .548 OPS bat with .819 OPS bat.

That's not breaking even, that's improving by leaps and bounds.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Qualifying Offer Decisions
By Tim Dierkes [November 11 at 12:21pm CST]
13 free agents received qualifying offers a week ago, and I think they are all likely to decline by today's 4pm central time deadline. If these players sign Major League deals elsewhere, their old teams stand to gain a draft pick in each instance. The latest:

Catcher Brian McCann will decline his qualifying offer from the Braves today, tweets MLB.com's Mark Bowman. This was an easy choice for McCann, who has a good chance at a five-year contract.
Right fielder Nelson Cruz informed the Rangers he will decline his qualifying offer, tweeted Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram earlier today.

[Chip R]

Joe Mauer is going to move to 1st base next year according to Twitter.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Not to get off topic but this is a no discussion thread.. Just supposed to post rumors, rumblings, and moves in here.

:beerme:

[kpresidente]

Breaking even? Tulo has been 5+WAR 4 of the last 5 years. 6+ in 3 of them. Beltran has topped out at 3.8. And Tulo wouldn't be replacing Beltran's production, that would be Matt Adams getting a full seasons worth of AB with Craig sliding to right field. Assuming that Adams is part of the trade, they would be replacing Beltran with the best hitting prospect in MLB in Oscar Tavares. Tulo would be replacing Kozma, who hit .217 .275 .273 .548 last year. Assuming Tulo is only as good as his away numbers, which is foolish but I'll do it ffor the sake of argument, you're replacing a .548 OPS bat with .819 OPS bat.

That's not breaking even, that's improving by leaps and bounds.

Ugh. It's not Tulo replacing Kozmo's production...using their deal it's Tulo replacing Kozma, Beltran, 300 PAs from Matt Adams and Shelby Miller.

The reason I get to include Beltran in that equation is because letting him walk is the only reason they can afford Tulo. Taveras is beside the point, they're not adding him in the deal. They have him either way.

[RedTeamGo!]

This is not a discussion thread. Please stop posting unless it is a rumor or news.

Yes, I see the irony of this post.

[757690]

Tulo deal not likely, as Rockies say he's not available. They think they're close to contending, and he's in his prime. They're looking to add, not rebuild.

http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_24496902/rockies-have-multiple-needs-but-say-they-wont?source=rss

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors:


The 13 free agents who received qualifying offers a week ago have declined, according to the MLBPA's official Twitter feed. In the two years since the new collective bargaining agreement was put in place, no free agent has accepted a one-year qualifying offer, this season valued at $14.1MM. Though some of the free agents may not find that high an average annual value in their next contracts, it was widely expected that the 13 players would turn down the offers in search of longer-term deals.

The 13 players and their former teams are listed below...

Carlos Beltran, Cardinals
Robinson Cano, Yankees
Shin-Soo Choo, Reds
Nelson Cruz, Rangers
Stephen Drew, Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox
Curtis Granderson, Yankees
Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians
Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees
Brian McCann, Braves
Kendrys Morales, Mariners
Mike Napoli, Red Sox
Ervin Santana, Royals

If a qualifying offer free agent signs elsewhere, the player's former team will receive a compensatory draft pick between the first and second rounds of the 2014 amateur draft. A team that signs a qualifying offer free agent will forfeit its first round pick, though the teams with the 10 worst records in baseball last year (the Astros, Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Twins, Mariners, Phillies, Rockies, Blue Jays and Mets) have protected first-rounders and would only have to give up a second-round pick for signing a Q.O. free agent.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/quick-hits-santana-red-sox-kuroda-cano-praver.html
Wily Mo Pena is expected to re-sign in Japan, Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith reports
(Twitter link). Pena signed a two-year, $5MM deal with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks following the 2011 season and enjoyed a big 2012 before suffering through an injury-plagued 2013 campaign. Nicholson-Smith notes that Pena had interested suitors in both Japan and North America. Pena turns 32 in January and hit .250/.303/.445 with 84 homers in 1845 career PA with the Reds, Red Sox, Nationals, Diamondbacks and Mariners from 2002-11.

[PepperJack]

http://nypost.com/2013/11/12/160-pitches-teams-worried-about-masahiro-tanakas-workload/



Reds GM Walt Jocketty said there has been no final decision on whether to transition closer Aroldis Chapman into a starter. Jocketty said the cutoff date to make a decision is roughly Jan. 1, but Chapman — as he is always asked to do in the offseason — is training as if he will be a starter this year. Nevertheless, one team insider thinks Chapman is resistant enough to the move now to say “that ship probably sailed last year if we were going to do this.”
Chapman has saved 38 games in each of the past two seasons and has indicated in the past he prefers to close. However, Cincinnati is likely to lose free-agent starter Bronson Arroyo. In Homer Bailey, Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, Mike Leake and Tony Cingrani, the Reds still have five starters.
Cincy is looking into rotation depth this offseason. New manager and former pitching coach Bryan Price suggested at his introductory press conference that moving Chapman into the rotation was a possibility, and it is believed Price is an advocate of doing just that.

[PepperJack]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24223573/yankees-relieved-grandy-gone-focus-first-on-choo-or-beltran-in-of



ORLANDO -- The Yankees breathed a collective sigh of relief when outfielder Curtis Granderson rejected their $14.1 million qualifying offer, and will now commence with their plan to sign an even bigger big-time outfielder to replace him.

Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Beltran are the top two stars they seek, targets 1 and 1A, according to a person familiar with their thinking, with Jacoby Ellsbury a hair behind the other two stars.

[RedTeamGo!]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/phillies-to-sign-marlon-byrd.html

Phillies sign OF Marlon Byrd to a 2 year contract.

Cross him off then.

[klw]

Arizona had hoped former Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan would take the job. However, the likelihood now is Duncan will come on board as more a pitching adviser for the Diamondbacks and, the club hopes, he will take part in the interviews to hire a new pitching coach.
http://nypost.com/2013/11/12/160-pitches-teams-worried-about-masahiro-tanakas-workload/

[AmarilloRed]

Also from the NY post article:


[The Reds also want to settle their outfield situation, and though the bidding could exceed $100 million on Shin-Sin Choo, Cincy might not back away in an attempt to keep the on-base machine.
Cincinnati believes speedster Billy Hamilton now is ready to handle center field defensively. But they would prefer he get more minor league time to further refine his offense. They know Choo is an imperfect center fielder, but would look to play him at that position one more year, then perhaps move him to a corner in 2015 and insert Hamilton in center.

[PepperJack]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24223949/rockies-say-tulo-cargo-and-cuddyer-will-stay-but-listen-on-fowler



ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Rockies are telling teams that stars Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Michael Cuddyer are unavailable in trade, but they did talk to a couple teams about center fielder Dexter Fowler.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/rockies-made-offer-to-carlos-ruiz.html



2:13pm: The Rockies are in the mix for veteran catcher Carlos Ruiz and they have made an offer to him in the last 48 hours, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. They'll have their work cut out for them, however, as the Phillies, Red Sox, and Blue Jays are also said to be among the teams with interest.



2:40pm: Ruiz's agent has told at least one suitor that his client has a two-year, $20MM offer on the table, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Ruiz earned $5MM last season with the Phillies.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/odds-ends-kazmir-royals-rodney-wilson.html



Royals GM Ned Yost told Jim Bowden of SiriusXM (Twitter links) that his priorities are starting pitching and second base. Yost also indicated that Carlos Beltran, Brandon Phillips, and Ervin Santana have popped up in discussions.

[PepperJack]

For what it's worth...

http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2013/11/12/5098054/ryan-hanigan-trade-market-heating-up-reds-phillies-rangers



With the Cincinnati Reds officially announcing the signing of Brayan Pena to a two-year deal on Monday, it seems like Ryan Hanigan's time with the club has come to an end. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the trade market for Hanigan has heated up in the last few days, with as many as ten teams possibly involved.



According to the source, the Rangers and Phillies are expected to be hot in pursuit of Hanigan, along with most other teams looking for a catcher this winter.

[OneManBand]

Rotoworld:

Phillies in talks to acquire JoeyBats from the Blue Jays for Dominic Brown and others..

[marcshoe]

Jon Heyman says there's no truth to the Brown/Bautista rumors.

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/3803/jose-bautista

[klw]

http://www.twincities.com/twins/ci_24510882/minnesota-twins-talks-right-hander-bronson-arroyo-heating

Talks between the Twins and veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo are heating up.

Negotiations had yet to commence as of Tuesday evening, according to a person with direct knowledge, but the Twins have been going over Arroyo's medical records and have discussed guarantee language with his representatives while in Orlando for baseball's General Managers' Meetings.

I love this article. "Talks are heating up but no negotiations yet but there have been discussions." Huh?

[*BaseClogger*]

I love this article. "Talks are heating up but no negotiations yet but there have been discussions." Huh?

My explanation: Mystery Team is behind it!

[klw]

Ervin Santana is now asking for $112 million over 5 years. :shocked:
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24227801/sticker-shock-santanas-agents-make-their-case-for-112m
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lefsw3JOBX1qf8yek.gif

This price may seem high at first blush, but it wasn't arrived at by throwing darts at a dartboard.

Santana's agents Bean Stringfellow, Joe White and Jay Alou have a book with some surprising data that illuminates just how special Santana is. Some of it involves his consistency and durability, both of which are admirable.

But some of it revolves around a comparison to Dodgers star pitcher Zack Greinke, and it goes well beyond the fact that both once pitched for the Kansas City Royals.

Stringfellow, White and Alou come armed with data that shows, at least over one- and three-year periods, Santana and Greinke are a lot closer than one might think. Greinke, we all know, received a $147-million, six-year Dodgers deal, with a three-year opt out. And don't think for a second the Dodgers aren't thrilled with that deal, by the way.

Greinke is considered a star, and Santana usually isn't.

But over the three years heading into their free agency, they are remarkably and shockingly similar.Greinke had a 3.83 ERA, 106 ERA plus and 1.215 WHIP. Santana had a 3.85 ERA, 101 ERA plus and 1.208 WHIP.

All the other numbers are very close, too. Except for strikeouts, where Greinke leads.

The “platform” year (the year heading into free agency) is pretty comparable, too. Greinke had a 3.48, 115 ERA plus and 1.196 WHIP in 2012. Santana had a 3.24 ERA, 127 ERA plus and 1.142 WHIP in 2013.

[RedTeamGo!]

Bean Stringfellow

Just wanted to point out that Agent's name. :laugh:

[Raisor]

Just wanted to point out that Agent's name. :laugh:

Wasn't he the pilot for Airwolf?

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mariners-express-interest-in-matt-kemp-1.html



The Mariners have expressed interest in Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, sources tell Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter). It was reported last week that the Dodgers are open to moving Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Carl Crawford this winter.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Orioles Willing To Trade Matt Wieters

By Zach Links [November 13 at 11:19am CST]

The Orioles are willing to trade catcher Matt Wieters, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). An extension is unlikely for the Scott Boras client and the Orioles believe that he is set to hit the open market after the 2015 season, barring a dramatic change in thinking.

Wieters, 27, had a solid season in 2013 (.235/.287/.417 with 22 homers) but it wasn't quite on the level of his previous two campaigns.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/orioles-willing-to-trade-matt-wieters.html



The Orioles are willing to trade catcher Matt Wieters, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). An extension is unlikely for the Scott Boras client and the Orioles believe that he is set to hit the open market after the 2015 season, barring a dramatic change in thinking.


Wieters hit .235/.287/.417

[OesterPoster]

Another potential landing spot for Hannigan?

Via http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/


Multiple teams have expressed interest in Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia, prompting the Blue Jays to explore the free agent catching market for a possible replacement, sources tell Rosenthal. The Jays have contacted all of the free agent catchers but have yet to make an offer, one source said.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mets-notes-wilpon-granderson-cruz-davis.html



Owner Jeff Wilpon says the Mets have been busy and could have something working later this afternoon, tweets David Lennon of Newsday. He also added that the free agent prices in this market could be "scary."



Executives yesterday predicted a lot of interest in Mets first baseman Ike Davis and that is already taking shape today, according to Marc Carig of Newsday (via Twitter). The Mets and Brewers reportedly discussed a deal involving Davis and earlier today Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that the Astros, Orioles, Rays, and Rockies have also checked in on him.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/athletics-to-sign-nick-punto.html




The A's announced that they have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with a vesting option on 2015 with infielder Nick Punto. Punto's deal is for $2.75MM in 2014 and he'll have the opportunity to earn the same amount the following year, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). The option is based on days spent on the disabled list and comes with a $250K buyout if it's not exercised.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mets-notes-wilpon-granderson-cruz-davis.html

Mets not imminent but disfunctional
http://metsmerizedonline.com/2013/11/sandy-alderson-insists-nothing-is-close-no-no-no.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MetsMerizedOnline-GetMetsmerized-NewYorkMets+%28Mets+Merized+Online%29
Adam Rubin ✔ @AdamRubinESPN

Sandy Alderson insisted there was nothing close. "No, no, no." #mets

Mike Puma ✔ @NYPost_Mets


Sandy Alderson seemed geniunely surprised when told that his boss indicated the Mets were close on something.
1:58 PM - 13 Nov 2013

Andy Martino ‏@MartinoNYDN 23m

I mean, Mets are engaged with agents and teams, as you know. So you never know when something happens. Just sounds like tonight unlikely.

Andy Martino ‏@MartinoNYDN 48m

Stand down, folks. Hearing from a few people Mets don't see anything happening tonight. They're surprised by some FA prices at moment.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/jonmorosi



We have an early favorite for best Boras-ism of the offseason: He just compared the New York Mets to NASA.



Scott Boras said interest in free agent Jacoby Ellsbury is "far more than normal for elite players."

[blumj]

You can rule out Brian Wilson to the Yankees. Agent tells Brian Cashman that Wilson won't shave his beard. Seriously.

https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/400734087574335488

[klw]

https://twitter.com/BryanHoch/status/400734087574335488
Tim BrownVerified account
‏@TBrownYahoo

From what I can gather, teams most interested in Brian Wilson are: SF, LAD, Cle, Det, Col, Sea, Bos. Cin cd climb in, depending on Chapman

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/red-sox-offer-saltalamacchia-two-year-deal.html



The Red Sox have offered catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia a two-year deal, but that doesn't mean they aren't pursuing other catching options, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman writes. The team has also spoken to Brian McCann, Carlos Ruiz and A.J. Pierzynski. (ESPN's Buster Olney wrote Wednesday morning that the Red Sox had made offers to several catchers, including Saltalamacchia.)

[Tom Servo]

Tim BrownVerified account
‏@TBrownYahoo
I was waiting on some connection to the Reds and a back of the bullpen reliever. With Chapman potentially in the rotation, Broxton out, and Marshall (rather unfairly) getting labeled as a bust in his 2012 closer stint, it looks like we could be in the market for a closer again.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/east-notes-mets-blue-jays-nationals.html



The Blue Jays plan to turn to the trade market before trying to sign any big free agents, writes Shi Davidi of SportsNet.ca. The Jays appear likely to try to deal for Jeff Samardzija of the Cubs, and they already asked about Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan, who may have become superfluous when Cincinnati signed Brayan Pena. They may have also considered a run at Astros catcher Jason Castro. Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos notes that the Jays are not likely to deal veteran players for prospects. They could, however, trade catcher J.P. Arencibia, or a reliever.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/al-notes-beltran-royals-scherzer-yankees.html



The Yankees are unlikely to sign big-name free agents right away, reports Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York. They do not expect Brian McCann or Beltran to agree to a contract before they know what their options are, and so the only way to sign those players right now would be to make them offers that are difficult to refuse. Marchand notes that the Yankees like Beltran better than Jacoby Ellsbury or Shin-Soo Choo because Ellsbury and Choo would require longer contracts.

[REDREAD]

I was waiting on some connection to the Reds and a back of the bullpen reliever. With Chapman potentially in the rotation, Broxton out, and Marshall (rather unfairly) getting labeled as a bust in his 2012 closer stint, it looks like we could be in the market for a closer again.

Brian Wilson is not the answer though. He has nothing left. We have enough injury rehab guys in the bullpen already.

[Edd Roush]

Brian Wilson is not the answer though. He has nothing left. We have enough injury rehab guys in the bullpen already.

Wilson looked very good in a small sample last year. 8.56 K/9, 2.63 BB/9, 0 HR allowed in 13 2/3. I wouldn't bank on him being a dependable closer, but he seemed pretty good to me last year as a high leverage bullpen arm. He will only be 32 on OD last year so it's not like he is over the hill.

[Old NDN]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/cincinnati-reds-turning-loose-talent-tops-gm-day-170600079--mlb.html

Haven't seen this anywhere here. I like his analysis IF the Reds have to make these moves.

[nemesis]

Someone I know, who in the past, has given me heads up information on inner dealings in the for the Reds front office told me this about an hour ago...

Basically the FO thought process is that they feel they have valuible pieces but each have a blemish that will keep the Reds from moving them for a perceived fair return.

For Phillips it's the declining #'s and increasing contract.

For Hanigan it's the sub .600 OPS.

Ludwick it's the contract and half of season of production in 4 years for it.

Bailey it's two sided. Price want's to keep Bailey. Mainly because if Chapman fails as a starter, Cingrani has back or endurance issues or Cueto has another reoccuring oblique injury, it is very likely Stephenson would be the next man up. Heaven forbid 2 or 3 guys go down.

The FO realizes he WILL test the FA market especially after the projected money he is seeing thrown around to percieved lower end starters. They also realize he is thier most valuible piece to move to help the team long term.

There has been some offers on everyone mentioned but Ludwick.

Reds flloated a 3 team trade that got shot down between Texas and Toronto.

It would have been Bautista and Bailey to the Rangers. Phillips, Hanigan, a starter from the Rangers (not sure who) and some Rangers prospects to Toronto. Reds would have aquired Lowrie and Profar and sent some money to Toronto.

Texas wasn't real keen on the idea and wanted to send Kinsler to the Jays and have the Reds keep Phillips out of the deal and keep Profar. They were willing to send Andrus, prospects amd Cash to the Reds instead straight up for Bailey. The Reds really weren't interested in Andrus at his price tag.

Take it as you will. I do know this though. Phillips and Bailey will be moved unless the Bailey camp does a 180 and soon.

[Chip R]

Someone I know, who in the past, has given me heads up information on inner dealings in the for the Reds front office told me this about an hour ago...

For Phillips it's the declining #'s and increasing contract.

For Hanigan it's the sub .600 OPS.


And, again, who gave BP that contract? :bang:

I'm less concerned about Hanigan because I don't think the Reds will get a lot for him in the first place but also he is a very good defensive catcher and there's always a market for that even if he can't hit. Also, Hanigan in the past had a great OBP and that should make him marketable to several teams.

[klw]

Someone I know, who in the past, has given me heads up information on inner dealings in the for the Reds front office told me this about an hour ago...

Basically the FO thought process is that they feel they have valuible pieces but each have a blemish that will keep the Reds from moving them for a perceived fair return.

For Phillips it's the declining #'s and increasing contract.

For Hanigan it's the sub .600 OPS.

Ludwick it's the contract and half of season of production in 4 years for it.

Bailey it's two sided. Price want's to keep Bailey. Mainly because if Chapman fails as a starter, Cingrani has back or endurance issues or Cueto has another reoccuring oblique injury, it is very likely Stephenson would be the next man up. Heaven forbid 2 or 3 guys go down.

The FO realizes he WILL test the FA market especially after the projected money he is seeing thrown around to percieved lower end starters. They also realize he is thier most valuible piece to move to help the team long term.

There has been some offers on everyone mentioned but Ludwick.

Reds flloated a 3 team trade that got shot down between Texas and Toronto.

It would have been Bautista and Bailey to the Rangers. Phillips, Hanigan, a starter from the Rangers (not sure who) and some Rangers prospects to Toronto. Reds would have aquired Lowrie and Profar and sent some money to Toronto.

Texas wasn't real keen on the idea and wanted to send Kinsler to the Jays and have the Reds keep Phillips out of the deal and keep Profar. They were willing to send Andrus, prospects amd Cash to the Reds instead straight up for Bailey. The Reds really weren't interested in Andrus at his price tag.

Take it as you will. I do know this though. Phillips and Bailey will be moved unless the Bailey camp does a 180 and soon.
Do you mind if we set this up as its own thread because this surely deserves attention and discussion?

[AmarilloRed]

Is the deferred money part of the budget? I'd think there'd be about 10 million this year deferred through Arroyo and Ludwick's buyout. If that has to be provided onbudget it'd make a tight cashflow situation even tighter.

[nemesis]

Do you mind if we set this up as its own thread because this surely deserves attention and discussion?

I'd rather keep it in this thread for a few reasons. Thank you none the less.

Oh one more thing came up. Lance McCallister is a poster on here. Anyone have any suspecion who he is? (Username)

[nemesis]

And, again, who gave BP that contract?


I think to the Reds he was/is worth the money. Phillips is a highly marketible player for the Reds. long term player. Marketible name. Super fan friendly. Sells Jerseys. Does tons of community work. He makes the Reds money in other ways than see ball, hit ball. Mainly because he has been popular while he has been here.

Whoever aquires him, loses that value. I'm sure he will still be that guy that does some of those things. But he won't have a quarter of the influnce and draw he does here. Maybe in Atlanta, but no where else.

[Kc61]

I think to the Reds he was/is worth the money. Phillips is a highly marketible player for the Reds. long term player. Marketible name. Super fan friendly. Sells Jerseys. Does tons of community work. He makes the Reds money in other ways than see ball, hit ball. Mainly because he has been popular while he has been here.

Whoever aquires him, loses that value. I'm sure he will still be that guy that does some of those things. But he won't have a quarter of the influnce and draw he does here. Maybe in Atlanta, but no where else.

Sorry to go beyond the limits of the thread, but this is a "factual" type question.

Bailey and Hanigan are arbitration eligible. Is the December 2 contract tender date effectively a deadline for trading them?

I know it's not a deadline technically, obviously. But is it likely that the Reds would trade any arb eligible players before that date?

[RedTeamGo!]

Someone I know, who in the past, has given me heads up information on inner dealings in the for the Reds front office told me this about an hour ago...

Basically the FO thought process is that they feel they have valuible pieces but each have a blemish that will keep the Reds from moving them for a perceived fair return.

For Phillips it's the declining #'s and increasing contract.

For Hanigan it's the sub .600 OPS.

Ludwick it's the contract and half of season of production in 4 years for it.

Bailey it's two sided. Price want's to keep Bailey. Mainly because if Chapman fails as a starter, Cingrani has back or endurance issues or Cueto has another reoccuring oblique injury, it is very likely Stephenson would be the next man up. Heaven forbid 2 or 3 guys go down.

The FO realizes he WILL test the FA market especially after the projected money he is seeing thrown around to percieved lower end starters. They also realize he is thier most valuible piece to move to help the team long term.

There has been some offers on everyone mentioned but Ludwick.

Reds flloated a 3 team trade that got shot down between Texas and Toronto.

It would have been Bautista and Bailey to the Rangers. Phillips, Hanigan, a starter from the Rangers (not sure who) and some Rangers prospects to Toronto. Reds would have aquired Lowrie and Profar and sent some money to Toronto.

Texas wasn't real keen on the idea and wanted to send Kinsler to the Jays and have the Reds keep Phillips out of the deal and keep Profar. They were willing to send Andrus, prospects amd Cash to the Reds instead straight up for Bailey. The Reds really weren't interested in Andrus at his price tag.

Take it as you will. I do know this though. Phillips and Bailey will be moved unless the Bailey camp does a 180 and soon.

Just got an offseason baseball chub

[PepperJack]

Sorry to go beyond the limits of the thread, but this is a "factual" type question.

Bailey and Hanigan are arbitration eligible. Is the December 2 contract tender date effectively a deadline for trading them?

I know it's not a deadline technically, obviously. But is it likely that the Reds would trade any arb eligible players before that date?


Just a quick response, but I have read on MLBTR, and other places that teams prefer to get players that are ARB eligible early so that they can have more time to work on contracts.

I would think any real deadline would be when it came time to exchange numbers with those players.

[mattfeet]

Just got an offseason baseball chub

This seems far more fact than rumor. :lol:

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/olneys-latest-nolasco-twins-joba-royals-peralta-headley.html



Teams are racing to make their best offers to pitchers like Tim Hudson and Bronson Arroyo, knowing that those arms might not require the potential four- and five-year deals that Nolasco, Ervin Santana, Matt Garza and Ubaldo Jimenez are targeting.


The Twins have made it clear that they're looking to sign two good veteran arms, and in a separate tweet Olney notes that they're being very aggressive on the free agent market. In addition to their interest in Arroyo, it's possible that they're in on Nolasco, says Olney.

[Kc61]

Just a quick response, but I have read on MLBTR, and other places that teams prefer to get players that are ARB eligible early so that they can have more time to work on contracts.

I would think any real deadline would be when it came time to exchange numbers with those players.

I think that exchange begins on December 2 when the team must tender a contract or non-tender. Your comment makes sense, I'd expect trades of arb players (Hanigan, maybe Bailey, maybe Heisey) to be before that date.

[nate1213]

Just got an offseason baseball chub

This, I got a little giddy reading that. I feel we can get some very important pieces this offseason if we do something like this.

[Chip R]

I think to the Reds he was/is worth the money. Phillips is a highly marketible player for the Reds. long term player. Marketible name. Super fan friendly. Sells Jerseys. Does tons of community work. He makes the Reds money in other ways than see ball, hit ball. Mainly because he has been popular while he has been here.

Whoever aquires him, loses that value. I'm sure he will still be that guy that does some of those things. But he won't have a quarter of the influnce and draw he does here. Maybe in Atlanta, but no where else.

I understand what you're saying and I agree. But if all that is true, why trade him at all? Seems like either a vendetta (possibly from Bob) or buyer's remorse. When they signed him to that deal, did they think he was going to get younger and better? It's not like there's new ownership or a new GM that wasn't involved in signing him in the first place.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

The Reds haven’t given up on re-signing Shin-Soo Choo, but they probably would need to trade Brandon Phillips and possibly Homer Bailey to create the necessary room, sources say. We've heard that Phillips is a likely a goner, but Bailey a more difficult call since losing him would require the Reds to move Aroldis Chapman to the rotation, unless they acquired another starter. All that might be too much to ask to accommodate the signing of a $100MM+ free agent, but they'd ideally like to have Choo back to give them another year before putting Billy Hamilton in center field. If they lose Choo, they likely would go with Hamilton and seek out a veteran complement in center.

[REDREAD]

Wilson looked very good in a small sample last year. 8.56 K/9, 2.63 BB/9, 0 HR allowed in 13 2/3. I wouldn't bank on him being a dependable closer, but he seemed pretty good to me last year as a high leverage bullpen arm. He will only be 32 on OD last year so it's not like he is over the hill.

Granted, I only saw him a few times, but he looked awful.
Nothing left on his FB. He would throw that mediocre breaking ball on the outside half and pray that batters would fish for it. He came in against the Reds and got really lucky when someone (Ludwick?) hit a bullet right at him and he caught it. The second time he faced the Reds, he got roughed up.

Again, maybe I just saw about 4 bad outings, and the rest were better, but he looked finished to me. I wouldn't offer him more than a million dollars as a tryout. I'd rather have Logan than him, and that's in all seriousness, even if the price was the same.

[REDREAD]

I'd rather keep it in this thread for a few reasons. Thank you none the less.

Oh one more thing came up. Lance McCallister is a poster on here. Anyone have any suspecion who he is? (Username)

Lance posted here under his real name, there was some headbutting going on between him and some posters. I assume he just went into lurker mode after that. I don't think the rules of the board allow you to register twice under different handles. Maybe he just browses without logging in now.

[REDREAD]

I understand what you're saying and I agree. But if all that is true, why trade him at all? Seems like either a vendetta (possibly from Bob) or buyer's remorse. When they signed him to that deal, did they think he was going to get younger and better? It's not like there's new ownership or a new GM that wasn't involved in signing him in the first place.

Yes, exactly... Phillips was loved in 2012. Now all the sudden he's some villian that needs to be run out of town. If Cast has some kind of vendetta, he needs to drop it. I love what Cast has done with this team, but he can't shoot Walt in the foot and demand BP be traded.
We're still in win-now mode. In fact 2014 might be the last year to go for it. By the time 2015 rolls around, we might not be favorites for the wildcard anymore.

Great caution needs to be used in trading BP or Homer, and plugging Chapman into the rotation. Any of these moves could potentially cost the Reds the playoffs, IMO. I know people want heads to roll and change to happen, but be careful about what you wish for.. no need to do a massive change.

[RedTeamGo!]

Yes, exactly... Phillips was loved in 2012. Now all the sudden he's some villian that needs to be run out of town. If Cast has some kind of vendetta, he needs to drop it. I love what Cast has done with this team, but he can't shoot Walt in the foot and demand BP be traded.
We're still in win-now mode. In fact 2014 might be the last year to go for it. By the time 2015 rolls around, we might not be favorites for the wildcard anymore.

Great caution needs to be used in trading BP or Homer, and plugging Chapman into the rotation. Any of these moves could potentially cost the Reds the playoffs, IMO. I know people want heads to roll and change to happen, but be careful about what you wish for.. no need to do a massive change.

I for one do not believe the Reds can win (edit: a world series) with the current team and changes need to be made for short and long term success.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Not to get off topic but this is a no discussion thread.. Just supposed to post rumors, rumblings, and moves in here.

It never works.:rolleyes:

[Chip R]

I for one do not believe the Reds can win (edit: a world series) with the current team and changes need to be made for short and long term success.

No doubt but change just for the sake of change isn't going to help.

[Benihana]

That proposed trade from nemesis is going to blow up the "no discussion" part of this thread.

IMO, it doesn't have legs. Too many names and too fantasy-like to be believable. Not doubting nemesis, but that proposal seems to messageboardy.

I also wouldn't want to put Bailey, Phillips, and Hanigan in the same deal unless we were getting some real proven talent in return. Profar and Lawrie wouldn't be enough for me. Too much unproven risk. (And I really like Profar)

All of a sudden, the left side of the INF might be upgraded, but the pitching is downgraded significantly, the OF is still weak (unless you re-sign Choo), and there is a big hole at 2B. Not to mention, there is still no cleanup hitter.

[RedTeamGo!]

That proposed trade from nemesis is going to blow up the "no discussion" part of this thread.

IMO, it doesn't have legs. Too many names and too fantasy-like to be believable. Not doubting nemesis, but that proposal seems to messageboardy.

I also wouldn't want to put Bailey, Phillips, and Hanigan in the same deal unless we were getting some real proven talent in return. Profar and Lawrie wouldn't be enough for me. Too much unproven risk. (And I really like Profar)

All of a sudden, the left side of the INF might be upgraded, but the pitching is downgraded significantly, the OF is still weak (unless you re-sign Choo), and there is a big hole at 2B. Not to mention, there is still no cleanup hitter.


That's the thing about the proposed trade. You are adding an elite MIF prospect, a young 3B with potential, AND unloading a bunch of money in order to sign Choo.

I agree losing Bailey would hurt like Hell, but in the long run it may really improve the team.

[Benihana]

That's the thing about the proposed trade. You are adding an elite MIF prospect, a young 3B with potential, AND unloading a bunch of money in order to sign Choo.

I agree losing Bailey would hurt like Hell, but in the long run it may really improve the team.

If Choo won't sign for less than 6 years or $100M, I don't want to sign him. ESPECIALLY when it means unloading Phillips and Bailey.

How does that make us a better team? Will Profar outperform Phillips (both offensively and defensively) next year? Unlikely.

Will the upgrade from Frazier to Lawrie offset the loss of Homer Bailey in the rotation? Very doubtful.

Choo is still Choo, only one year further from 30. So how do those moves make this a better team in 2014 than it was in 2013?

Sure, maybe Profar and Lawrie improve enough in the out years to make these moves worth it, but by then Choo will just be a really, really expensive 35 year old OF who can't hit lefties. Don't see that helping much.

I'm fine with trading basically anyone on the roster except for maybe Latos and Bruce, but I don't think you can move Bailey and/or Phillips unless you are getting big improvements at other positions. These moves get us younger and cheaper, only to blow all of that on keeping a guy on the wrong side of 30. No thanks.

That said, I am in favor of trading Bailey for Profar straight up if you can do it. But trading Phillips for Lawrie just so you can sign Choo to a monster deal seems like rearranging deck chairs.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/interest-in-ricky-nolasco-picking-up.html



Ricky Nolasco has received multiple three- and four-year offers, agent Matt Sosnick tells Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports also spoke to Sosnick, who told him that Nolasco has two four-year offers (Twitter link) but has had no talks with the Dodgers yet. Recently, ESPN's Buster Olney recently reported that Nolasco had at least one offer of three years from a team that showed a willingness to go to four years if necessary.

Passan quotes Sosnick: "I believe the market for multiple-year starting pitching will start to reveal itself more clearly in the next two to three weeks." As Passan points out, that timeline lines up well with next month's Winter Meetings in Orlando. Sosnick declined to get into specifics on the offers, but one league source indicated that Nolasco could command somewhere between Edwin Jackson money ($52MM) and Derek Lowe money ($60MM). If the bidding for Nolasco gets to that point, I'd expect Nolasco to take the deal and sign. It seems reasonable to assume that the four-year offers they have in hand have yet to escalate to that level.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/rangers-avoid-arbitration-with-adam-rosales.html



The Rangers have avoided arbitration with infielder Adam Rosales by agreeing to a one-year, $750K contract, according to Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com (on Twitter). Rosales is represented by agent Steve Hilliard of Octagon.



The 30-year-old Rosales bounced back and forth between the Rangers and A's an unthinkable amount of times. Rosales was designated for assignment by Oakland on July 31, claimed by Texas on Aug. 2, designated for assignment by the Rangers on Aug. 5, claimed by the A's on Aug. 8, designated by Oakland again on Aug. 10 and finally claimed for the last time by the Rangers on Aug. 12.

[5TimeWSChamps]

@Buster_ESPN 15m
Ryan Hanigan is going to be traded and there is interest from multiple teams, and the Reds think they'll get a good prospect in return.

[swaisuc]

@Buster_ESPN 15m
Ryan Hanigan is going to be traded and there is interest from multiple teams, and the Reds think they'll get a good prospect in return.

I have to say I find it interesting that since promoting the pitching coach to manager, one of the first orders of business was to bring in a new catcher and put RH on the block.

[klw]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/231899561.html


After just two years on the job, Brewers head groundskeeper Justin Scott is leaving the organization to take a position with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Scott took over as director of the Miller Park grounds at the start of the 2012 season, replacing longtime groundskeeper Gary Vanden Berg, who died the previous October of cancer.

Brewers vice president of communications Tyler Barnes confirmed that Scott is leaving to work for the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

Scott took the Brewers' job after working six years with the Kansas City Royals, overseeing a full-field renovation before assisting with preparations for the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis, his hometown.

One of the last acts by Scott was removing the entire grass playing surface at Miller Park following the 2013 season for a complete replacement in time for the 2014 season.

No word yet on what the Brewers will do to replace Scott.

Scott ability to get guys in with two outs will likely now soar to inexplicable levels along with his skill at cutting interesting shapes into the grass. All that and it doesn't cost the Cardinals a draft pick. C'mon Walt get it done!

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-making-strong-push-for-ricky-nolasco.html



The Twins are making a strong push for Ricky Nolasco, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Yesterday afternoon, it was reported that Nolasco had a pair of four-year offers, although as recently as last night, reports out of the Twin Cities indicated that Minnesota had yet to make an offer.



ESPN's Buster Olney wrote yesterday that the Twins are highly active on the market for pitching this offseason and plan to add at least two solid veteran starters. They've also been one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Bronson Arroyo to this point.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/phillies-links-mujica-ruiz-amaro-byrd.html



The Phillies are willing to give a setup man a three-year contract, Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan reports (via Twitter). The club is looking hard for setup help and Edward Mujica is one of the Phillies' targets. Mujica worked in middle relief before stepping up as the Cardinals' closer for most of 2013. MLBTR's Steve Adams projected Mujica would find a three-year, $21MM deal in free agency but you'd think that number would be a bit less in this case since the Phils wouldn't be using him as a closer. Relievers Joaquin Benoit and Joe Smith have also been linked to the Phillies this winter.



"A Phillies-[Carlos] Ruiz reunion still seems likely," MLB.com's Todd Zolecki writes. Zolecki wonders if it was the Phillies who made Ruiz the two-year, $20MM offer the catcher reportedly has on the table. The Phils are known to have put early offers out to several free agents already and GM Ruben Amaro recently made a point of saying that the team wouldn't wait long for Ruiz to decide.

[OneManBand]

I'd rather keep it in this thread for a few reasons. Thank you none the less.

Oh one more thing came up. Lance McCallister is a poster on here. Anyone have any suspecion who he is? (Username)

Here's the deal.. This thread was set up as a non discussion thread. Please refrain from posting anything other then links, news, rumors, and rumblings in regards to the offseason please.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/rangers-notes-dodgers-kemp-napoli-davis-choo.html



Rosenthal expects the Rangers to be "linked to virtually every power bat in free agency and trades" (Twitter link). This includes such names as Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann and Mike Napoli.



The Rangers and Dodgers discussed trades during the GM Meetings, looking to fill the other team's respective needs in the outfield and infield, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports (Twitter links). The Dodgers had interest in shortstop Elvis Andrus while the Rangers had interest in Matt Kemp, though they were concerned about the $128MM owed to Kemp through 2019 and his recent injury problems. Talks between the two sides didn't go anywhere, Rosenthal said.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/bay-area-notes-callaspo-colon-braden-arroyo.html



The A's are scheduled to meet with Adam Katz, Bartolo Colon's agent, this week to discuss a one-year deal for the veteran righty, CSNBayArea.com's Joe Stiglich reports. Colon has shown an interest in returning to Oakland but a number of teams would be interested on Colon for just a one-year commitment.



Also from Stiglich, he wonders if Alberto Callaspo could be expendable now that Nick Punto has been signed to increase the Athletics' infield depth. Callaspo is set to platoon with Eric Sogard at second base next season, but Callaspo's salary ($4.875MM) is a high one for the payroll-conscious A's.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mutual-interest-between-yankees-javier-lopez.html



There's mutual interest between the Yankees and left-hander Javier Lopez, agent Barry Meister tells Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger. The two sides have had preliminary discussions and plan to have more substantial discussions later in the offseason once the Yankees have had time to address their biggest issues.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal



#Dodgers prefer starting pitcher on 1- or 2-year deal, sources say. Kuroda not under consideration. Team does not want to lose draft pick.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal



Sources: #Orioles interested in Beltran. Pursuit may hinge on team clearing Wieters or another high-salaried player.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/JonHeymanCBS



Cardinals SS list: Drew and a Who's Who. 10 (7 trade, 3 FA) are listed here. http://cbsprt.co/1gRyFtQ

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal



Sources tell me and @jonmorosi that #Marlins are drawing significant trade interest in Logan Morrison. No deal close, Marlins listening…

https://twitter.com/LoMoMarlins



@Ken_Rosenthal let me know when if I need to change my handle. You will probably know before me!

[OneManBand]

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal

To add to this from Rotoworld.com:


Rosenthal lists Matt Wieters as a possibility to moved in this scenario. Nick Markakis would also seem to be a candidate to be dealt. Beltran has had no shortage of suitors on the open market, and many of them have deep pockets. He might be able to cash in with a three-year deal even though he'll turn 37 next April.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/matt-garza-open-to-returning-to-twins.html



Matt Garza is open to a return to the Twins, Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN reports. Wolfson offers more on Garza, via Twitter, stating that he hears the Twins are more interested in Garza than Ricky Nolasco, despite earlier reports that the Twins are making a "strong push" for Nolasco.

The Twins met with Garza's agent, Nez Balelo of CAA Sports, at this week's GM Meetings in Orlando, Wolfson writes. However, as of this morning, Minnesota hasn't made a formal offer to any of its free agent targets.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/east-notes-murphy-cano-perez-rays.html



The Mets are looking for players to buy into their offensive philosophy, and that means finding guys with discipline at the plate, writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. That might help to explain why the free-swinging Daniel Murphy has found himself on the pages of MLBTR over the last week or so. Marlon Byrd, who signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Philies, didn't show up on the Mets radar because he also doesn't fit the bill for what the Mets are looking for. Possible target Curtis Granderson, however, boasts a solid walk rate. Here's more out of the AL and NL East..



The Nationals have interest in free agent Oliver Perez, a person familiar with the situation tells Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. Left-handed batters hit .238/.358/.288 against the 32-year-old reliever last season.



After numerous conversations with player agents and other teams, Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman headed home from the GM Meetings with a better sense of potential moves, writes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays are looking for a first baseman, catcher, and one or two late-inning relievers. Friedman isn't sure if their next move is a trade or signing, but he "would be surprised" if nothing happened between now and the winter meetings on December 8th.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

There are a host of new minor league deals out of Cincinnati, with the Reds inking lefty Lee Hyde, second baseman Rey Navarro, outfielder Mike Wilson, and catchers Rossmel Perez and Max Ramirez. Hyde, a 28-year-old former fourth-round pick, returns to the Cinci organization after a 1.98 ERA campaign in 54 2/3 innings spent mostly in Double-A. Navarro and Perez just played their age-23 seasons at Double-A. Wilson registered a sightly .300/.368/.472 slash in his age-thirty season at Triple-A in the Padres' organization. And Ramirez had a poor season at 28 years of age after putting up two straight better-than-.800 OPS years at the Triple-A level.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-making-strong-push-for-ricky-nolasco.html



6:35pm: Minnesota is "on [Nolasco] hard," a rival GM tells Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Competitors for Nolasco's services include the Padres, that same GM noted.



7:34pm: The club has yet to make a formal offer to Nolasco, tweets ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, who says that the Twins are "not as far along with Ricky Nolasco as multiple reports have indicated."



8:07pm: Add the Giants to the list of teams tabbed by an unnamed GM as possible suitors for Nolasco, Berardino tweets. Word yesterday was that San Francisco was not terribly motivated to pursue Nolasco since the club wasn't interested in giving him a fourth year.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/central-starter-notes-twins-scherzer-shields-samardzija.html



Cubs GM Jed Hoyer indicated that the club has talked about an extension with starter Jeff Samardzija, David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com reports via Twitter. "We've had discussions with Samardzija because we like him and want to keep him," said Hoyer. "We'll see where things go. We like hearing he wants to be here." Hoyer's comments seem to make an extension for the 28-year-old seem more plausible than we've recently heard. Absent a new deal, Samardzija will hit the open market after the 2016 season.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/orioles-notes-mclouth-free-agents-wieters-hardy.html



The Orioles remain interested in bringing back outfielder Nate McLouth and have engaged in discussions with his agency (The Sparta Group), reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. The O's have yet to make a formal offer, says Connolly, and when they do it might need to include a figure for the 2015 season, as McLouth is looking likely to command multiple years. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes predicted that the 32-year-old would land a two-year, $10MM deal.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cafardo-on-bautista-sandoval-ellsbury-wieters.html



The Blue Jays need at least two starting pitchers and dealing Jose Bautista net land them one. “It’s a name we’re hearing through backchannels right now, but wouldn’t be surprised if he’s available,” said an NL general manager. Red Sox skipper John Farrell is a fan of Bautista from his days in Toronto, but it’s doubtful the Blue Jays would deal within the division, even though Boston has pitching to spare.



Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval can be had in a deal, but his weight issues are of concern to clubs. The Giants have tried everything to get Sandoval to slim down and it's worked at some points, but not last season. Cafardo notes that Sandoval can also play first base and may have a market at either position.



Even though there’s been talk about an extension, there's growing sentiment that the Padres will trade Chase Headley this offseason to improve in a couple of different areas. New CEO Mike Dee says that he's willing to spend in order to strengthen the club long-term.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal



Sources: Free-agent catcher Carlos Ruiz re-signing with #Phillies.



Ruiz getting $26M for three years from #Phillies, per Matt Gelb of Philadelphia Inquirer.

[Tom Servo]

Giants signed Tim Hudson. I think it's a good fit for both sides.

[HokieRed]

Giants signed Tim Hudson. I think it's a good fit for both sides.

Agree about the fit. 23 million for 2 years according to AP. Might be about Bronson Arroyo money[?]

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Reds, Skip Schumaker Agree To Two-Year Deal

By Steve Adams [November 19 at 9:21am CST]

TUESDAY: Schumaker's two-year deal guarantees him a total of $5MM, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (on Twitter).

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/ScottLauber


With FA market starting to move, speculation w/in industry is Reds will trade C Ryan Hanigan sooner than later. Another C option for #RedSox

[redsmetz]

The upcoming season just got trickier for our manager - it's been reported that the Indians added Bryan Price to their 40 man roster. Can we say intrastate player manager?

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/players-added-to-the-40-man-roster.html

[PepperJack]

The upcoming season just got trickier for our manager - it's been reported that the Indians added Bryan Price to their 40 man roster. Can we say intrastate player manager?

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/players-added-to-the-40-man-roster.html



https://twitter.com/castrovince



Also pretty cool that Bryan Price doubles as Reds MGR & Tribe relief option. Had nice year at Columbus (helpfully located b/w CLE and CIN).

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/new-york-notes-mets-peralta-hughes-nathan.html



The Mets are currently dealing with sticker shock when looking at free agent demands, tweets Mike Puma of the New York Post. One example, says Puma, is Jhonny Peralta, whom the Mets initially believed they could land on a two-year deal. Peralta, however, is said to be seeking more than $45MM on at least a three-year deal. Here's more out of the Big Apple...

[Strikes Out Looking]

Ian Kinsler is going to Detroit and the Fat Prince is going to be looking for a vegan bbq spot.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24250972/fielder-for-kinsler-bloickbuster-is-on-the-table

[Dom Heffner]

Ian Kinsler is going to Detroit and the Fat Prince is going to be looking for a vegan bbq spot.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24250972/fielder-for-kinsler-bloickbuster-is-on-the-table

Yeah, wow.

[RollyInRaleigh]

'

[RedEye]

'

How could you possibly think that?

[RollyInRaleigh]

Wrong thread

[klw]

Wrong thread

No "'" was correctly placed in this thread. If you had put ":" that would have been wrong as that goes under discussion.

meanwhile ...

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 58m

Sources: #STLCards, #Angels have discussed a trade that would send 3B David Freese to Anaheim.

and

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 2h

#Brewers GM Doug Melvin: “Absolutely nothing” to talk of Braun to #Mets. “Our intentions are not to trade him.” Braun has partial no-trade.

[RedTeamGo!]

Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 1m
Some rival evaluators believe that Shin-Soo Choo will now land in Detroit, to play LF. We'll see.

[klw]

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 13s

Lopez's deal also is pending a physical. #SFGiants still working on another starter.

Ken Rosenthal ‏@Ken_Rosenthal 1m

Source: #SFGiants agree with LHP Javier Lopez on three-year, $13M free-agent contract. Just working through guaranteed language.

[LoganBuck]

Something is cooking in Kansas City

Royals have a 5pm EST press conference scheduled.

Brian Kenny just tweeted

Moore can not comment - says physical needed..on trade that will be announced.

[LoganBuck]

Jeff Passan now reporting

Sources: Royals sign LHP Jason Vargas. Was seeking a three-year deal.

[RedTeamGo!]

Jeff Passan now reporting

Are these unrelated? that is not a trade. I am confused.

[LoganBuck]

Are these unrelated? that is not a trade. I am confused.

Kenny now backtracking. Says his mistake.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/Royals


The #Royals have signed free agent LHP Jason Vargas to a four-year contract. Vargas was 9-8 with the Angels last season.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/Royals



To tune into today's 4pm press conference with GM Dayton Moore and new #Royals pitcher Jason Vargas, use this link:
http://atmlb.com/1i0fNKx

[LoganBuck]

Mets agree on 1 year deal with OF Chris Young per Ken Rosenthal

[PepperJack]

Mets agree on 1 year deal with OF Chris Young per Ken Rosenthal

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/mets-to-sign-chris-young.html


9:00am: ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that Young's deal is worth $7.25MM.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Cardinals Acquire Peter Bourjos

By Steve Adams [November 22 at 1:33pm CST]

1:33pm: Yahoo's Tim Brown tweets that while Bourjos and Freese are the primary players in the deal, a couple other pieces are involved as well.

[klw]

1:47pm: Brown tweets that right-hander Fernando Salas is heading to the Angels in the deal.

1:46pm: Outfield prospect Randal Grichuk is going from the Angels to the Cardinals, according to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register (on Twitter). The Halos just added Grichuk, 22, to their 40-man roster this week to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. The Angels selected Grichuk 24th overall in the 2009 draft -- their first of two consecutive picks. The second pick netted superstar Mike Trout.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/jhonny-peralta-seeking-56-75mm.html



Jhonny Peralta's asking price has been said to be significant, but to this point, reports have only indicated that he's seeking "much more than $45MM." Joel Sherman of the New York Post sheds some light on his demands, reporting that he's seeking something in the four-year $56MM to five-year, $75MM range (Twitter link).


https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/404049616120717312



That's three GMs today that claim when they checked in Peralta he had $13MX4 in hand

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Minor Moves: Yunesky Maya, Dave Sappelt

By Jeff Todd [November 23 at 9:29am CST]

We'll keep tabs on the day's minor moves here:

Cutting ties with a major international acquisition, the Nationals have released righty Yunesky Maya, tweets Matt Eddy of Baseball America. Washington saw little return on its $6MM investment in Maya, who had been outrighted off of the club's major league roster early in the 2013 season. After struggling in two brief call-ups in 2011-12, Maya's last stint with the Nats was even more regrettable. In his only MLB appearance of the 2013 season, Maya retired one batter in the bottom of the tenth before surrendering a walk-off home run to Pablo Sandoval.

The Cubs have released outfielder Dave Sappelt, tweets Eddy. As Eddy notes, Sappelt was one of the pieces -- along with lefty Travis Wood and second baseman Ronald Torreyes -- picked up by Chicago in the deal that sent Sean Marshall to Cincinnati. The 26-year-old Sappelt has a .251/.301/.343 slash line in 274 plate appearances spread over the 2011-13 seasons. He has spent most of his time in Triple-A over that time frame, and posted a sub-.700 OPS in each of his two years at Iowa.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/brian-mccann-on-verge-of-deal-with-yankees.html#disqus_thread



4:13pm: Brian McCann is on the verge of a long-term deal with the Yankees, two sources tell Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. McCann’s agent, BB Abbott, told Grant that he could not confirm that his client had agreed to terms with any team.



4:25pm: The Yankees remain in "serious" discussions with McCann, but a deal is not close, a source tells Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter).

[Kc61]

Various tweets say McCann is close to signing with Yankees. Five years over $80 million.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/red-sox-have-inquired-on-matt-kemp.html



As the Red Sox survey their options for alternatives to free agent Jacoby Ellsbury, an interesting name has popped up on their radar. The Red Sox are one of several teams who have made inquiries on Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp, a major league source tells Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Brian McCann Closing In On Deal With Yankees

By Zach Links [November 23 at 4:41pm CST]

4:51pm: The deal could be worth close to $90MM, if not more, tweets Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.

4:41pm: McCann is closing in on a five-year, $80MM+ deal with the Yankees, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

[Gallen5862]

https://twitter.com/MattEddyBA

#Reds sign minor league FA LHP Nick Schmidt, the #Padres first-round pick in 2007 whom they traded to #Rockies for Huston Street in 2011.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Yankees To Sign Brian McCann

By Aaron Steen [November 23 at 5:14pm CST]

The Yankees and Brian McCann have agreed to terms on a five-year, $85MM deal with a sixth-year vesting option, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweets. The sixth year option could boost the value of the deal to $100MM, Rosenthal says, adding that the deal is simply pending a physical in a second tweet. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports tweets that the contract includes a full no-trade clause. McCann is represented by B.B. Abbott.

As Rosenthal notes in his article on the deal, the average yearly salary McCann will receive, $17MM, is the highest ever given to a catcher in free agency. While Joe Mauer's average yearly rate of $24MM remains the record for catchers overall, the Twins have said that Mauer will transition to first full time beginning next season, meaning McCann is set to become the game's highest-paid backstop.

[Salukifan2]

Cardinals closing in on Peralta according to mlbtr. Don't like the PED suspension, but I think this shows how much teams looking to trade a shortstop are asking for

[westofyou]

Cardinals closing in on Peralta according to mlbtr. Don't like the PED suspension, but I think this shows how much teams looking to trade a shortstop are asking for

His SS days are over

[OneManBand]

RotoWorld.com:


Tony Paul of the Detroit News reports that Robinson Cano may have met with the Tigers on Friday.
There's no hard evidence to suggest that such a meeting took place, merely speculation. A rumor surfaced on Twitter early Friday that the free agent was spotted at Willow Run airport, just outside of Detroit. What has fueled the rumors is that a charter plane did depart from just outside New York City early Friday morning, landed at Willow Run nearly 90 minutes later, sat for three-and-a-half hours, then returned. While a union between the two sides seems unlikely after the Tigers acquired Ian Kinsler earlier in the week, Tigers owner Mike Ilitch has been known to make big splashes in the past, and can't completely be ruled out on any player.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/blue-jays-putting-together-package-for-samardzija.html


Teams have inquired on Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija and the Blue Jays are putting together a package of young players to try to land him, a source tells Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com (on Twitter). For his part, Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos didn't deny that he has discussed Samardzija with Chicago in an interview with Jim Bowden of SiriusXM (on Twitter). Even though Anthopoulos is looking into starters, he insisted that he has yet to make an offer to anyone (link).

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cardinals-peralta-close-to-deal.html

SUNDAY, 11:03am: Peralta and the Cardinals are close on a four-year deal worth a little more than $52MM, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter).

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Dodgers To Sign Dan Haren

By Zach Links [November 24 at 8:46pm CST]

The Dodgers and Dan Haren have agreed to a one-year, $10MM deal, sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (onTwitter). The deal also contains an option for 2015 that vests if Haren pitches 180 innings. Haren is represented by Greg Landry of CAA Sports.

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors:


The Pirates designated Garrett Jones and Kyle McPherson for assignment, according to Tom Singer of MLB.com (on Twitter). The move comes on the heels of Pittsburgh's acquisition of Jaff Decker and Miles Mikolas from San Diego.

Jones, 32, owns a career .254/.316/.458 slash line across six big league seasons. The first baseman/outfielder had a down year in 2013, however, hitting .233/.289/.419 in 440 plate appearances. Jones was due $5.3MM in arbitration this winter, according to MLBTR's Matt Swartz, making him a non-tender candidate. Still, Jones has cleared 20 homers in three of his five seasons with the Bucs and he should draw interest as a platoon bat with power.

McPherson, 26, was sidelined for most of last season, making just two minor league starts. In 25 career starts at the Double-A level, McPherson owns a 3.39 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/aaron-crow-tim-collins-very-available-in-trades.html
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/11/25/4649005/royals-have-potential-trade-chips.html

The Royals boasted one of Major League Baseball's best bullpens in 2013, and they have no shortage of in-house replacements in the event of a trade. That surplus is one of the reasons that rival executives have told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star that right-hander Aaron Crow and lefty Tim Collins "are very available" in trades. Said one official:

"Those are the guys they’d like to trade because they’re going to start to make a little bit of money. But the key thing for them is they have a lot of other guys ready to step in…guys who might be even better."

The Royals are also willing to at least entertain the thought of parting with prized closer Greg Holland, though according to Dutton they would need a "major" return for their ninth-inning man and aren't too keen on parting with him. One club official said to Dutton: "Are we actively looking to move Holland? No. But we’ve got to be open-minded to everything."
Both Crow and Collins are headed into the first year of arbitration eligibility. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projected them to earn $1.9MM and $1MM, respectively. While neither salary is prohibitive (to say the least), the Royals currently project for an $87MM payroll, GM Dayton Moore has said he expects the 2014 payroll to mirror 2013's mark of $85MM. As Dutton points out, three years of either Crow or Collins would figure to fetch a nice haul on the trade market when pitchers like Joe Smith are signing for three years and $15.75MM.

Dutton writes that right-hander Wade Davis is expected to get a chance to work his way back into the rotation in Spring Training but may end up in the bullpen again. The bullpen seems to suit Davis much better, as he has a career 2.24 ERA as a reliever and 4.57 mark as a starter (5.67 in 2013). Given his $4.8MM guaranteed salary in 2014, I'd expect that Davis is a trade candidate as well, though the Royals may value his three cheap club options too highly to part with him.


Crow for Phillips?

[757690]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/aaron-crow-tim-collins-very-available-in-trades.html
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/11/25/4649005/royals-have-potential-trade-chips.html


Crow for Phillips?

I wouldn't do Crow and Collins for Phillips. Both are high walk guys. They really aren't improvements on any releiver the Reds already have, including Ondrusek.

Holland on the other hand...

[Benihana]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/aaron-crow-tim-collins-very-available-in-trades.html
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/11/25/4649005/royals-have-potential-trade-chips.html


Crow for Phillips?

No for two reasons:

1. That would make the Reds a much, much worse team.
2. The Royals are shopping those guys because they are looking for savings.

I might offer a Sharky Rogers or Corcino for Crow. Maybe add in a LaMarre. No chance in hell do I trade Phillips for him.

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors:


Catcher Dioner Navarro is "moving to resolution" with a team, according to Peter Gammons of the MLB Network (on Twitter). Gammons doesn't have the name of the front-runner yet, but he adds that the Red Sox are not in pursuit.

Navarro, who turns 30 in February, enjoyed a strong rebound campaign with the Cubs in 2013, batting .300/.365/.492 with 13 home runs in 89 games (266 plate appearances). The Marlins are the main team to have expressed interest in Navarro so far, though the Red Sox did apparently express some interest as a fallback option should their top targets fall through.

The Blue Jays have been said to be in the market for a catcher, as have the Twins, in light of the news that Joe Mauer's days behind the plate are done and he will be a first baseman going forward. The Rays don't figure to be in the mix after reaching an agreement with Jose Molina over the weekend.

Also.. Not to beat a dead horse but we have to move all discussion material to the discussion thread. Not discussion is fairly self explainitory.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Tigers Moving Toward Deal With Brian Wilson

By Jeff Todd [November 25 at 6:22pm CST]

The Tigers are moving toward a deal with free agent reliever Brian Wilson, Lynn Henning of the Detroit News reports, though a deal has not yet been reached. Wilson and agent Dan Lozano met on Sunday in Los Angeles with new Tigers manager Brad Ausmus, Henning adds.

[klw]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-remain-interested-in-signing-bronson-arroyo.html


The Twins "remain very high" on Bronson Arroyo, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes reports via Twitter. It may still be possible for Minnesota to bring him in on a two-year pact, Dierkes adds.

We heard a few weeks back that the Twins were very much in on Arroyo, and today's news confirms that they are still in active pursuit. The club is reportedly looking to add two veteran arms to its starting mix, and has already seen possible options like Dan Haren, Jason Vargas, Tim Hudson, and Josh Johnson reach deals elsewhere. It makes sense, then, that Arroyo is in play, especially since he is one of just a few viable, quality options that is expected to be had on a relatively short-term contract.


In other Twins pitching news:
Scott Diamond @Scott_Diamond58
https://twitter.com/Scott_Diamond58

Pomegranates have become my favourite fruit purely based on how much work I've had to put in just to eat one.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/nl-notes-guerrero-dbacks-rockies-peralta-nats-marlins.html



Alexander Guerrero is dealing with a hamstring injury in his Dominican Winter League stint, tweets Ken Gurnick of MLB.com, and GM Ned Colletti indicated that the missed time could postpone the Dodgers' decision as to whether he'll play short or second next year. That decision -- or, potentially, the inability to make it -- could seemingly have an impact on Los Angeles' off-season shopping list.



The Diamondbacks are down on the free agent market, reports MLB.com's Steve Gilbert. "I've spoken a little to our own free agents," said GM Kevin Towers. "But from the looks of where this free agent market is right now and where it's headed, it's not a place where I want to do a lot of business." Gilbert notes that the club has made an offer to infielder Eric Chavez, but that he is still mulling interest from other landing spots.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/west-notes-as-mariners-bourjos-samardzija-kemp.html



The Mariners are pursuing both Nelson Cruz and Carlos Beltran, tweets Buster Olney of ESPN. He wonders -- as many do -- whether or not Seattle will appeal to major free agents, as they've had difficulty luring top hitters there in previous years



Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports definitively writes that the Mariners are interested in Mike Napoli (he'd received conflicting information earlier in the month). Rosenthal also notes the difficulty that the Mariners have had in luring top free agents such as Josh Hamilton and Prince Fielder but notes that Seattle could simply overpay to land their free agent targets. Two separate sources called the Mariners "desperate," and as Rosenthal notes: "Desperate teams spend money. Desperate teams are capable of just about anything." Beltran, Shin-Soo Choo and Jacoby Ellsbury are also on the team's wish list, says Rosenthal.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-remain-interested-in-signing-bronson-arroyo.html



In other Twins pitching news:
Scott Diamond @Scott_Diamond58
https://twitter.com/Scott_Diamond58


http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-among-teams-pursuing-dioner-navarro.html



The Twins are one of "about five teams" pursuing free agent catcher Dioner Navarro, a GM monitoring Navarro's market told Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Yesterday, Peter Gammons reported that Navarro is "moving to resolution" with a team, but the Red Sox, who once showed preliminary interest, aren't in the mix at this point.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/beltran-currently-yankees-top-priority.html



TUESDAY, 12:02pm: The Yankees are the favorites to land Beltran, but the veteran isn't expected to make a decision this week, writes George A. King III of the New York Post.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/al-east-notes-moreland-cano-napoli-sox-orioles.html



The Red Sox seem to be letting Mike Napoli's market develop before deciding what their final offer to him will be, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe (Twitter link).
Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald spoke with Red Sox GM Ben Cherington who told him that the team is "in a position to be a little choosy, a little selective" in its search for a new catcher. Cherington says the Sox are interested in a "small handful of free agents" and has also actively pursued trades at catcher.

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/SmittyOnMLB



Ryan Hanigan's agent: "Very, very good chance" Hanigan will be traded and wrist, he's been rehabbing it, almost 100%. #RedSox #MLB #Reds

[thatcoolguy_22]

http://blogs.eagletribune.com/smittyonbaseball/2013/11/26/very-very-good-chance-for-hanigan-trade/#sthash.lFULkcWI.uxfs


“We’ve had several conversations with the premise on there’s a very, very good chance he’ll be traded at some point,” O’Connell told The Eagle-Tribune.

Hanigan has a .359 career on-base percentage and is considered an elite defender. The catcher struggled offensively this past season, but he suffered through a sprained wrist and oblique injury.

“Ryan’s been rehabbing his wrist (and is) almost 100 percent,” O’Connell said. “I anticipate him having strong 2014 season. He dealt with nagging injuries from spring training throughout the (2013) season. But with that said, Ryan is not only a strong offensive option for any club, but he’s one of the best defensive catchers in the game.”

That was in the twitter link above. It takes you to the whole article. It appears to be just speculation on the author's part. Based on Red Sox needs and Hannigan's agent saying they have discussed the possibility.

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors:


The Reds have designated outfielder Derrick Robinson for assignment in order to clear a 40-man roster spot for utility man Skip Schumaker, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link).

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cubs-acquire-george-kottaras.html



3:12pm: The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan tweets that the Cubs will send cash to the Royals for Kottaras, who will compete for the backup job in Spring Training.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/yankees-met-with-cano-today-gap-still-substantial.html



The Yankees met with Robinson Cano's camp earlier today, and the financial gap between the two sides is still "substantial," a source tells Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News (Twitter link).



Cano's asking price is believed to be lower than the $300MM+ figure he was asking for to keep him off the free agent market, but it seems fair to speculate that he's likely still seeking a sum well north of $200MM.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

On the trade front, the Twins are fond of Homer Bailey, according to Wolfson. Wayne Krivsky, special assistant to GM, knows Bailey well from his days with the Reds. Krivsky took over as Cincinnati's GM two years after Bailey was drafted and was in that role when Bailey made his big league debut.

[nate1213]

No link because I'm on my phone, but Carlos Beltran told Puerto Rican reporters the Reds have contacted his agent.

[nate1213]

<http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2013/11/26/report-reds-interested-in-carlos-beltran/>

[klw]

http://m.1500espn.com/pages/sportswire.php?sPL=

wolfson_updating_twins_offseason_plan_dont_expect_ a_move_this_week112613


--So is free agent starter Bronson Arroyo. According to a source, he's looking for a three-year deal in the $27 million to $30 million range. If the Twins offer him two years, look for him to sign elsewhere. He makes his offseason home in Tampa, so he might meet with teams in Orlando. If he does, plan on him sitting down with the Twins' brain trust. One source suggests that Arroyo is choice No. 2 for the Twins. But again, it comes down to years and money. The Twins have leeway with their plan.

--That fluidity includes interest in starters Matt Garza and Phil Hughes. But no offers have been made on either front. The good news, if you want the Twins to sign one or both, is that nothing is close with any team.

--Japanese starter Masahiro Tanaka is probably an extreme long-shot, but a Twins source continues to maintain that they like him a lot. Complicating matters is that the posting process is being held up. So, there's no guarantee as of Tuesday that Tanaka will even pitch in the major leagues next year. If he does, it's expected the Yankees, Rangers, Angels, Cubs, or another big spending team will win the blind posting fee battle.

--The Twins talked trade with a handful of teams at the general managers' meetings a couple weeks ago, and will continue the dialogue next week. Two league sources say Reds starter Homer Bailey, a free agent after the 2014 season, is one player they're fond of. Twins special assistant Wayne Krivsky, heavily involved in the offseason molding, was formerly the Reds' general manager.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-nearing-major-free-agent-signing.html



3:53pm: The Twins are on the verge of finalizing a major free agent signing, a source from a rival team tells MLBTR's Tim Dierkes (Twitter link).

The player is unclear at this time, but as Tim points out in a second tweet, recent reports have connected the Twins to the likes of Matt Garza, Bronson Arroyo, Ricky Nolasco and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. A contract for any of those three would figure to easily surpass the Twins' franchise-record free agent signing, which is currently just $21MM over three years to Josh Willingham.



4:20pm: Saltalamacchia is not close with the Twins, an industry source tells Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.ca (Twitter link).

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-agree-to-terms-with-ricky-nolasco.html



The Twins have agreed to terms with right-hander Ricky Nolasco, according to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish (Twitter link). Nolasco is a client of Sosnick/Cobbe Sports.

[icehole3]

No link because I'm on my phone, but Carlos Beltran told Puerto Rican reporters the Reds have contacted his agent.

George Vogel mentioned it on the news tonight as well :)

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/phil-hughes-in-line-for-two-year-deal.html



As former Yankees starter Phil Hughes ventures out from the Bronx for the first time in his career, he is expected to be able to find a multi-year deal, reports George A. King III of the New York Post (hat tip to ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin). That, in turn, means that the Mets are likely out of the running, with King saying that the club was interested but only on a one-year deal.

A scout that King spoke with said that it would not be shocking to see Hughes land a $15MM guarantee on a two-year pact. Unlike Josh Johnson, whose agent specifically said he was seeking a one-year contract to rebuild value, Hughes is seemingly looking to max out years and earnings. According to King, teams with current interest in Hughes include his hometown Angels as well as the Twins, Mariners, and Royals. Indeed, as frustrating as Hughes has been at times, his youth, durability, and arguable upside -- combined with the scarcity of pitching available -- should bolster his market.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/diamondbacks-designate-tony-sipp-for-assignment.html



TODAY: Sipp has elected free agency, according to MLB.com's transactions page. Presumably, that means he cleared waivers and refused an outright assignment.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/giants-nearing-deal-with-ryan-vogelson.html



The Giants are moving toward a deal with free agent starter Ryan Vogelsong, tweets Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco recently declined a $6.5MM club option on the 36-year-old righty.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/east-notes-blue-jays-saltalamacchia-drew-cano-nats.html



Could a problem with Red Sox free agent Jarrod Saltalamacchia's medicals be the cause of a seemingly slow market for the backstop's services? In an appearance on WEEI's Mut & Merloni (writeup via WEEI.com), ESPN's Buster Olney suggested that possibility, while acknowledging that he has no specific knowledge of Salty's file. But Jim Munsey, the 28-year-old backstop's agent, flatly denied that speculation in comments to WEEI.com's Alex Speier, saying "there are no medical issues hindering [Saltalamacchia's] market."



Another player who has yet to see a full slate of bidders, according to Olney, is another Boston free agent: shortstop Stephen Drew. Olney says that he believes Drew's decision to reject the club's $14.1MM qualifying offer was a mistake. He reasons that it is looking worse by the day, with the Cardinals now out of the market and the Mets seemingly hesitant to give up a pick to sign him at that level of value.

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors


Two-time All-Star hurler Brad Penny -- who was, most recently, a reliever with the Giants in 2012 -- will look to make a MLB comeback, according to a report from Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish. "I just needed a year off to get my body back," said the 35-year-old. "It wasn't anything serious, just my shoulder was tired." Penny only lasted 28 innings in San Francisco, mustering only 3.2 K/9 against 2.9 BB/9 and putting up a 6.11 ERA. But, he says, he has been building strength with an aggressive weightlifting regimine. "I think if I get an opportunity to pitch in spring training, healthier, I'm pretty confident that I can make a team," said Penny.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/dodgers-sign-scott-elbert-drew-butera.html



4:01pm: The Dodgers' deals with Elbert, Butera, and Mike Baxter are all non-guaranteed, Hernandez tweets.

3:49pm: The Dodgers have avoided arbitration with Scott Elbert and Drew Butera, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). Elbert gets a one-year, $575K deal while Butera will earn $700K



The Dodgers have now avoided arbitration with three of their players today after signing Elbert, Butera, and Mike Baxter earlier today. There are four remaining arbitration eligible Dodgers - Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, A.J. Ellis, and Ronald Belisario.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/twins-agree-to-terms-with-ricky-nolasco.html



FRIDAY, 1:13pm: Nolasco's deal will give him a partial no-trade clause that will allow him to block trades to three clubs, according to Mike Berardino of the Pioneer Press (on Twitter). That list of clubs can change each year. Berardino also hears (link) that Nolasco will need 400 combined innings pitched in 2016 and 2017 for his $13MM option to vest for '18. Nolasco has never cracked 400 innings in a two year span but he's come within three innings twice (08-09, 11-12).

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/royals-gm-dayton-moore-agree-to-two-year-extension.html



The Royals announced that General Manager Dayton Moore has agreed to a two-year extension that runs through the 2016 season. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“When Dayton’s contract was extended during the 2009 season, I felt that this franchise had begun to turn the corner and that we were pointed in the proper direction,” said Dan Glass, Royals’ team President. “It’s been a challenging process, but we are now seeing tangible evidence that the process is working, thanks to the tireless efforts of Dayton and his Baseball Operations staff. Dayton is not only an outstanding baseball man, but he’s very much a part of our family and one of the top individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/ted-lilly-to-retire.html



WEDNESDAY: 1:23pm: Left-hander Ted Lilly's comeback attempt has stalled due to persistent shoulder and back pain, and the 15-year veteran is set to announce his retirement from professional baseball, he told Andreina Salas Guzman Venezuelan news outlet El Universal (Spanish link).

"My body in general is telling me that I can't take any more," Lilly told Guzman. "I feel like I don't have the ability to continue at the Major League level."



FRIDAY, 3:26pm: Lilly's agent Larry O'Brien confirmed to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet (via Twitter) that his client is retiring.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/giants-vogelsong-agree-to-one-year-deal.html



2:25pm: The Giants and Ryan Vogelsong have reached agreement on a one-year deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). It was reported yesterday that the Giants were nearing agreement on a deal with Vogelsong that would guarantee him north of $3MM and possibly take him into the $7-8MM range with incentives.



3:50pm: Vogelsong gets a $5MM guarantee, which means the Giants saved about $1.5MM by declining his option, according to Hank Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle (on Twitter).

[OneManBand]

RotoWorld.com:


According to Dionisio Soldevila of ESPN Deportes, Hanley Ramirez is in the process of negotiating a contract extension with the Dodgers.
Ramirez said that it's a step-by-step process, and that a deal could happen this winter. The 29-year-old shortstop also indicated that he'd like to spend the rest of his career in Los Angeles because of how well he's been treated there. He's coming off a monster offensive season where he slashed .345/.402/.638 with 20 homers, 57 RBI and 10 steals in only 86 games and figures to be an early first round selection in most fantasy drafts next spring.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/royals-remain-strongly-interested-in-carlos-beltran.html



The Royals have serious interest in free-agent outfielder Carlos Beltran and appear willing to offer their former star a three-year deal, the Kansas City Star's Bob Dutton reports. Last week, CBS Sports' Jon Heyman wrote that the Royals "could become real threats" to sign Beltran. "We’d love to have him in," a Royals official tells Dutton. "One thing about Carlos Beltran is he’s a money player. He’s an RBI guy. He produces."

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/quick-hits-beltran-furcal-mets-twins-ellis-santana.html



The Royals are very interested in Carlos Beltran, but the Yankees remain the favorites to sign him, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports. "I think at this point it would be an upset if he didn’t end up there," one executive tells Sherman. The Yankees have thus far been unwilling to give Beltran a three-year deal, but they could eventually land him by giving him three years or by paying heavily for two. Regardless of the Yankees' current issues, the perception of the Yanks as a winning organization matters to Beltran, even though they won fewer games than Kansas City did last year. Here are more notes from around the Majors.



After failing to find common ground on a contract extension, the Padres would listen to offers for Chase Headley, Sherman reports. The question is how he should be valued -- Headley hit .286/.376/.498 in a terrific 2012 season, then came back to earth with a .250/.347/.400 season in 2013.



Even after landing Ricky Nolasco, the Twins will continue to strongly pursue free agents and trade possibilities, Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN tweets. The Twins have been connected to any number of starting pitchers, including Bronson Arroyo, Phil Hughes and trade targets Homer Bailey and Jeremy Hellickson. They've also been tied to catchers like Jarrod Saltalamacchia and A.J. Pierzynski.

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/11/cano-asking-yankees-for-nine-year-250-260mm-deal.html



Robinson Cano requested a nine-year deal in the $250-$260MM range in his most recent offer to the Yankees, a source tells Ken Davidoff of the New York Post.

[757690]

Twins sign Phil Hughes to 3 year $24M contract.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/233955521.html

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

Twins To Sign Phil Hughes

By Aaron Steen [November 30 at 9:53pm CST]

The Twins have agreed to a three-year, $24MM deal with Phil Hughes, LaVelle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune reports. A source with knowledge of the talks tells Neal that the Twins are likely to announce the deal this week, with Hughes expected to undergo a physical as early as this weekend. Hughes is represented by Nez Balelo of CAA Sports.

[Strike3Called]

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Yankees and Robinson Cano "remain roughly $80 million apart" in contract talks.

Olney says Cano has asked for a nine-year, $252 million deal that would include a vesting option for a 10th season. The Yankees then countered with an offer in the $170 million range. Obviously, there's a ton of ground to be made up here, but it's still relatively early in the offseason. Yankees president Randy Levine told ESPNNewYork.com last week that the two sides "have nothing to talk about" unless Cano "gets a little more realistic."

Rotoworld

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors



9:02am: Navarro's contract is pending a physical and will guarantee him $8MM over two years, according to Rosenthal (on Twitter).

8:32am: The Blue Jays have reached an agreement with catcher Dioner Navarro on a two-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Navarro is a client of Melvin Roman's MDR Sports Management.

After hitting .207/.267/.311 from 2009-11, Navarro put himself back on the map with a respectable showing with the Reds in 2012, but his .755 OPS that season came in a sample of just 74 plate appearances. It wasn't until this past season with the Cubs that Navarro proved he can still hit at the Major League level in a big way. In 266 plate appearances with the Cubs, Navarro slashed .300/.365/.492 with 13 home runs.

[OneManBand]

MLBTradeRumors


The Pirates will acquire catcher Chris Stewart from the Yankees, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). ESPN's Buster Olney was the first to report that a trade was in the works (Twitter link). Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported prior to the agreement that the Yankees would likely receive cash considerations or a player to be named later in the deal (also on Twitter).

Stewart, 32 in February, was a non-tender candidate after hitting .211/.293/.272 in a career-high 340 plate appearances with the Yankees in 2013. However, he's regarded as a superior defensive catcher to the Pirates' Michael McKenry, who is a non-tender candidate himself after missing the final two months of the 2013 campaign due to knee surgery.

Stewart projects to earn $1MM in arbitration, per MLBTR's Matt Swartz, while McKenry's projection sits at $900K. Either backup will likely face competition in the form of Tony Sanchez, who offers more with the bat at a slightly lower price. Pittsburgh could also carry all three into Spring Training, where the trio would compete for the right to play second fiddle to primary catcher Russell Martin.

[klw]

http://marksheldon.mlblogs.com/2013/12/02/non-tender-deadline-tonight/


I do not expect any of the Reds arbitration players to be non-tendered. Although, somebody will soon have to come off of the roster to make room for the signing of Manny Parra.

Here is the list again of the Reds arbitration eligibles:

RHP Homer Bailey (3rd year), LHP Aroldis Chapman (1st year) C Ryan Hanigan (3rd year) OF Chris Heisey (2nd year), RHP Mike Leake (2nd year), RHP Sam LeCure (1st year); OF Xavier Paul (1st year); RHP Alfredo Simon (2nd year).

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/blue-jays-to-sign-dioner-navarro.html



8:32am: The Blue Jays have reached an agreement with catcher Dioner Navarro on a two-year deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Navarro is a client of Melvin Roman's MDR Sports Management.



9:02am: Navarro's contract is pending a physical and will guarantee him $8MM over two years, according to Rosenthal (on Twitter).

[PepperJack]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/athletics-to-sign-scott-kazmir.html



The A's and Scott Kazmir have reached an agreement on a two-year, $22MM contract, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio (Twitter link). Kazmir is represented by the Legacy Agency.

[mdccclxix]

The Angels remain interested in Bronson Arroyo but the Dodgers aren't really in the mix, a source tells Mike DiGiovanna of MLB.com (on Twitter). However, the source adds that the market for the veteran hasn't really "heated up" yet.


DiGiovanna adds that the Angels are expected to clear more than $10MM in payroll by non-tendering Tommy Hanson, Jerome Williams and Chris Nelson, which should allow them to pursue a free agent starting pitcher (Twitter links). DiGiovanna also mentions that Kevin Jepsen's status is still up in the air at this time and there's no decision on whether or not to tender him a contract.

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

National League Non-Tenders

By Steve Adams [December 2 at 2:15pm CST]

Major League clubs have until 11pm CT tonight to tender contracts to players for the 2014 season. We'll run down the list of National League non-tenders here. Remember that you can track all of the action using MLBTR's Non-Tender tracker, and we offer a full list of non-tender candidates as well. Also of use will be our Arbitration Eligibles series, which includes Matt Swartz's projected 2014 salaries for all arbitration eligible players.

The Cubs will non-tender right-hander Daniel Bard, tweets Jesse Rogers of ESPN Chicago. Bard was claimed off waivers in September and never threw a pitch for the Cubs organization. WEEI.com's Rob Bradford notes that Bard was pitching in the Puerto Rican Winter League but walked nine batters while recording just one out. The Cubs could still agree to a non-roster deal with Bard, he adds. Bard's control has vanished into thin air, as the formerly dominant setup man has also walked 56 batters over his past 47 1/3 minor league frames.

The Mets have informed shortstop Omar Quintanilla that he will be non-tendered, Quintanilla told Jorge Castillo of the Star-Ledger. Quintanilla projected to earn $900K this offseason after batting .222/.306/.283 in a career-high 359 plate appearances last season.

ESPN's Adam Rubin tweets that the Mets will also non-tender Scott Atchison. The right-hander projected to earn $1.3MM coming off a 4.37 ERA with 5.6 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 45 1/3 innings. Atchison will turn 38 in late March.

[mdccclxix]

Scott Boras is known to be willing to wait until late January (see: Prince Fielder) and even February (see: Michael Bourn) to find the right deal for his clients, but that may not be necessary with Jacoby Ellsbury. Clubs have told ESPN's Jayson Stark that talks for Ellsbury are moving much quicker than had been anticipated, and Stark says a signing as soon as next week's Winter Meetings isn't out of the question (Twitter link).