2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

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BillD1984

BillD1984

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Apr 9, 2008
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Well, the offseason is officially here.

Let's take a look at potential trades and free-agent signings.


Rumors about the three hottest names:


Rosenthal's Latest: Sabathia, Teixeira, Peavy


Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports posted a new column yesterday; let's take a look.
  • Rosenthal says the "expectation in some baseball circles" is that the Brewers will offer a four-year, $100MM contract to C.C. Sabathia. However, between the Yankees, Angels, and Dodgers he could probably do significantly better.
  • Mark Teixeira should draw interest from the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels. Rosenthal adds that Mike Lowell does not have a no-trade clause (I believe I wrote earlier that he did).
  • The Padres and Braves are at an impasse in the Jake Peavy talks, with the Padres seeking five players. The Braves don't want to surrender Tommy Hanson, as Tom Krasovic reported Saturday.
  • Scott Boras is reportedly pitching Jason Varitek as the Tigers' next catcher.
  • Rosenthal suggests that Manny Ramirez's defense may keep NL teams away.
 
Varitek a Tiger???


Boras pitching Varitek to Tigers?


Is agent Scott Boras planning a game of musical chairs with his clients, one that might result in Varitek ending up as a Detroit Tiger? FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal thinks it's a possibility, writing: "Boras, according to a rival executive, is trying to sell catcher Jason Varitek to the Tigers as a replacement for another of his clients, Ivan Rodriguez. The idea is not without merit; the Tigers' lineup is strong enough to carry Varitek's declining offense, and his defense and leadership would greatly benefit their pitching staff." . . . The Globe's Adam Kilgore writes that the Red Sox and Varitek have not initiated contract discussions, which is not unusual this soon after the season, according to Boras. Boras did not offer any specific figures Varitek is aiming for, but he outlined an argument - - based on leadership and defense -- as to why Varitek is still an elite catcher. When Varitek signed his four-year contract at the end of 2004, the fourth year was a sticking point. Boras seemed to indicate that Varitek, who will turn 37 in April, will want another multiyear deal this offseason.
 
Teixeira could be a big target for Red Sox


The Globe's Tony Massarotti writes that according to a team source, the Red Sox already have had some internal discussion about free-agent-to-be Mark Teixeira, the most desirable hitter available on the open market and a player for which the bidding will be fierce. All signs point to a spirited run at Teixeira, a switch-hitting, slugging first baseman with the excellent defensive skills, exceptional baseball acumen, and discretionary plate discipline that Sox officials so covet. The 28-year-old Teixeira is a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate who has averaged 35 home runs and 118 RBIs the past five seasons. He is a two-time Gold Glove winner at first base who finished this year with more walks (97) than strikeouts (93), making him a perfect fit for the Sox in every way.
 
Matt Holliday


According to the Denver Post, the Rockies have made it known to teams around the league that Holliday is available. Say what you will about the Colorado air inflating his stats. It's undeniable that the 28-year-old possesses some serious skills at the plate, hitting for average and power to all fields. He also stole 28 bases this year, doubling his previous career high. An average left fielder, his defense has been criticized in the past. He's up for free agency at the end of 2009 and is a Scott Boras client, which makes it unlikely that he would sign with a new team before hitting the open market.
 
Could Laird catch on with the Red Sox?


The Globe's Tony Massarotti writes that regardless of what happens with Jason Varitek, the Sox need to find a younger, long-term replacement who can provide them with at least average offensive output. The Texas Rangers, with three promising young catchers in Jarod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, and Max Ramirez, may be a logical trade partner. The Sox tried to deal for the Rangers' Gerald Laird last winter.
 
Mets may be high on Derek Lowe


"The Mets are going after him strong and have the resources to land him," writes the Globe's Nick Cafardo. "They also employ Lowe's personal trainer, Chris Correnti, but Lowe, who wants to play for a winning organization in a place where he's comfortable, may not see the Mets [fitting his criteria]. St. Louis, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Detroit might be better fits. From Friday's New York Post: "The Mets plan on targeting Derek Lowe and Brian Fuentes in the free agent market, an NL executive who has talked to team officials told the Post. The Mets are promising to be creative and explore many avenues. But Lowe (a dependable innings eater) and Fuentes (a proven closer) fit the Mets' top two needs, and are going to be pursued by the organization this offseason. Lowe, 35, has made at least 32 starts and won at least 12 games in each of the past seven seasons." Earlier in October, Lowe told Carfardo that while money is important, he wants to go to a quality organization committed to winning, and no organization, in his mind, fits that description better than Boston, his former team.
 
Royals, Marlins could be closing in on deal



"The Royals' off-season quest to add some pop to their lineup finds them moving closer to a deal with the Florida Marlins for first baseman Mike Jacobs.
Multiple sources say discussions are ongoing between the two clubs with the Marlins seeking a ready-now, low-cost reliever in exchange for Jacobs, whose salary is poised for a major increase as he enters his first off-season of arbitration eligibility.
"I can't comment on specific players who may or may not be available to us," general manager Dayton Moore said.
"We're going to do everything we can to make our team better and improve our offense. That's all I can say about that. I can't go into any detail."
Sources stressed no deal is yet in place.
Jacobs, 28, hit a career-high 32 homers last season in 141 games, but he batted just .247 with a .299 on-base percentage. His salary could approach $2 million or more after making $395,000 in 2008.
The Marlins are thought to have rejected an earlier offer of minor-league pitcher Carlos Rosa because of medical concerns. Rosa didn't pitch after Aug. 13 because of a sore right forearm.
"We feel really good about his long-term health based on what I'm being told by our medical people," Moore said."
 
BillD1984 said:
Varitek a Tiger???


Boras pitching Varitek to Tigers?


Is agent Scott Boras planning a game of musical chairs with his clients, one that might result in Varitek ending up as a Detroit Tiger? FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal thinks it's a possibility, writing: "Boras, according to a rival executive, is trying to sell catcher Jason Varitek to the Tigers as a replacement for another of his clients, Ivan Rodriguez. The idea is not without merit; the Tigers' lineup is strong enough to carry Varitek's declining offense, and his defense and leadership would greatly benefit their pitching staff." . . . The Globe's Adam Kilgore writes that the Red Sox and Varitek have not initiated contract discussions, which is not unusual this soon after the season, according to Boras. Boras did not offer any specific figures Varitek is aiming for, but he outlined an argument - - based on leadership and defense -- as to why Varitek is still an elite catcher. When Varitek signed his four-year contract at the end of 2004, the fourth year was a sticking point. Boras seemed to indicate that Varitek, who will turn 37 in April, will want another multiyear deal this offseason.
Click to expand...

37 yrs. old? No thanks. It's just a matter of time till the defense starts slipping, and we don't need another long term contract for an aging catcher. Maybe a 2 yr. deal with clauses. I think Dombrowski will be looking for a journeyman type with good defensive skills. We have enough bats to hide weak bats at C, and 3rd base (Inge).
 
Paul Wozniak said:
37 yrs. old? No thanks. It's just a matter of time till the defense starts slipping, and we don't need another long term contract for an aging catcher. Maybe a 2 yr. deal with clauses. I think Dombrowski will be looking for a journeyman type with good defensive skills. We have enough bats to hide weak bats at C, and 3rd base (Inge).
Click to expand...

I thought the whole idea of trading Pudge, was to give Inge the opportunity to take over the helm at catcher full time? Why would Detroit be interested in another veteran catcher?
 
No, that wasn't it. They needed relief help. At the time, I think we were about 5-6 games out of first. Pudge was going to be a free agent , and didn't figure into the next season's plans, and his skill set was slipping. (He just wasn't getting in front of balls in the dirt as well as he used to). Inge will be back at third base, where his defense was sorely missed. Inge is not that good of a catcher, and everyone knows his heart wasn't in it, but he is a phenominal glove at third.
I think Dusty Ryan will get the nod at C, if the Tigers are unable to find a replacement, which in that case he'll be on the roster as the back-up. He has a lot of potential, and a bat with a lot of pop. Needs to improve defensively, but that will come with playing time.
 
Not sure if it's in the news yet, but Catcher Kelly Shoppach may be available for the right price. With Victor Martinez out for a good chunk of time in '07, Shoppach certainly showed that he can play catcher full time and with good success. We also have a few young catchers coming up through the minors, so the Indians may want to trade this sirplus for additional relief pitching or another power bat.
 
HD MM said:
Not sure if it's in the news yet, but Catcher Kelly Shoppach may be available for the right price. With Victor Martinez out for a good chunk of time in '07, Shoppach certainly showed that he can play catcher full time and with good success. We also have a few young catchers coming up through the minors, so the Indians may want to trade this sirplus for additional relief pitching or another power bat.
Click to expand...


Oh yes, how about Kelly back to the Red Sox and Coco back to the Tribe???


I know, I know, but a man can dream! :D
 
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