By Tim Dierkes | at
MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick spoke to Dodgers GM Ned Colletti, who said talks are ongoing with Orlando Hudson’s agent. Colletti has the flexibility to sign both Hudson and Manny Ramirez. He also said he doesn’t lack confidence in Blake DeWitt despite the Hudson pursuit. Tony Jackson of the L.A. Daily News learned the same.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wrote yesterday that Hudson likes the Royals, but they probably do not have the payroll flexibility to sign him.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Despite Toby Hall’s sore shoulder, the Astros will not be signing Ivan Rodriguez. Said GM Ed Wade (MLB.com’s Alyson Footer reporting):
"We’re not signing Pudge. Put that one to rest. We have no expectation to sign Pudge."
Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post learned yesterday that the Mets are not interested in Rodriguez either. It seems that Pudge’s one option is the Marlins for near the league minimum.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Links for Wednesday…
By Tim Dierkes | at
According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman, the Nationals avoided arbitration with outfielder Josh Willingham by signing him at $2.95MM for ’09. That’s just a bit under the midpoint of the two filings. This is Willingham’s first arbitration year, so he’s under team control through 2011.
By Tim Dierkes | at
According to Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times, the Angels plan to contact John Lackey’s agent to initiate negotiations soon on a long-term extension. Lackey is eligible for free agency after the season.
The pitcher would like to get something done before the season if it’s going to happen. He’s open to re-signing but finds free agency alluring as well. Lackey surely realizes he’d be the best available free agent starter with a strong ’09.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Anthony Andro of the Dallas Morning News talked to Rangers GM Jon Daniels, who said the team will be represented at Chad Cordero’s audition this week.
Other teams rumored to have interest at various points: the Royals, Brewers, Marlins, Dodgers, Twins, Angels, Mets, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Nationals, and Tigers. We know the Mets will probably pass.
By Tim Dierkes | at
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick:
There are indications that the Phillies might toss out an all-purpose offer to Will Ohman, Joe Beimel and Dennys Reyes and sign whichever reliever takes it first. A baseball source said it’s unlikely the Phils will offer anything more than a one-year deal in the $750Kto $1MM range.
It’s easy to see why Brian Shouse jumped at $1.55MM from the Rays a week ago. The agents for Darren Oliver and Damaso Marte deserve credit for securing their clients salaries in the $3-4MM range.
By Tim Dierkes | at
According to La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins and Joe Crede/Scott Boras have reached an impasse in contract talks. Crede’s been rumored to want a $7MM base salary; I’m guessing the Twins are probably thinking he deserves about half that. Twins players support the idea of a Brian Buscher/Brendan Harris platoon.
Yesterday Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News said the Giants aren’t confident about signing Crede but they do maintain interest.
By Tim Dierkes | at
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports talked to free agent DH Frank Thomas, who is "a little shocked" at the lack of interest. Thomas says he’s in excellent shape and doesn’t intend to retire. He believes he can hit 35-40 home runs this year and doesn’t want a part-time role. Two unknown teams have at least expressed interest.
I’m guessing Thomas might have to accept a minor league deal. I wonder if the Mariners could be a fit.
By Tim Dierkes | at
WEDNESDAY, 7:59am: Schmuck takes a stab at the numbers on a possible Roberts extension:
The Orioles – according to Baltimore Sun reporting – were holding close to a three-year offer worth $30MM until the past few weeks. Though no definite number came out of the Roberts camp, the word on the street was he was looking for closer to $40MM over that term and would look more kindly on a four-year offer. No one would be surprised if the final deal ends up being four years for about $44MM, which would be about the same average annual salary the Orioles gave Nick Markakis.
Markakis, however, is guaranteed almost $15MM per year for his first three free agent seasons.
WEDNESDAY, 10:51am: Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun talked to Orioles president Andy MacPhail, who said he’s "narrowing the gap" with Brian Roberts’ agent on a possible extension. Spencer Fordin’s source doesn’t believe Roberts’ extension has been held up because of Orlando Hudson’s free agency. MacPhail said similar things to Roch Kubatko of MASN. Roberts does not want to talk about the topic until Thursday. Perhaps this spring, we’ll be spared the constant Roberts trade rumors.
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