2008-09 MLB Hot Stove
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The Rays are too.
One MLB scout said that the Rays have nine MLB quality starters at their disposal going into '09!
Does anyone have a more formidable rotation than James Shields/Matt Garza/David Price/Scott Kazmir/Andy Sonnanstine going into 2009? That doesn't even include 14 game winner Edwin Jackson and the other guys that scout was talking about.
I have a feeling that Kazmir will get dealt for a bat this offseason.
The Rays are too.
One MLB scout said that the Rays have nine MLB quality starters at their disposal going into '09!
Does anyone have a more formidable rotation than James Shields/Matt Garza/David Price/Scott Kazmir/Andy Sonnanstine going into 2009? That doesn't even include 14 game winner Edwin Jackson and the other guys that scout was talking about.
I have a feeling that Kazmir will get dealt for a bat this offseason.
I will counter with Ricky Nolasco(15-8, 3.52), Scott Olsen(8-11, 3.95), Josh Johnson(7-1, 3.61), Andrew Miller(6-10, 4.48) and Chris Volstad(7-4, 2.88) WITH Anibel Sanchez waiting to come off the DL...
THE best YOUNG starting 5 in tha majors and ONE of the best all around starting 5 in the majors.
2009 Top 50 Free Agents
By Tim Dierkes
It's time for the third annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list! The entire list of available free agents can be found here.
A note before we begin - this is a complicated puzzle, and I'll be satisfied if I'm correct on a quarter of these guesses. If your favorite team seems under-represented, keep in mind that the list doesn't account for trades or every single free agent.
1. C.C. Sabathia - Yankees. The guess here is that the Yankees will make C.C. an offer he can't refuse, and he'll sign a seven-year deal. Sabathia is the key to the Yankees' offseason.
2. Mark Teixeira - Angels. The Angels can probably afford one of Sabathia, Teixeira, and K-Rod. They need Tex the most.
3. Manny Ramirez - Dodgers. I think Manny will ultimately sign a deal in the four-year, $100MM range.
4. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. The buzz at the time of this writing is that the Mets will pass on K-Rod and look to sign Fuentes. However, there aren't many big-money teams with closer vacancies, and I can see Rodriguez's price dipping down to the four-year, $56MM range.
5. A.J. Burnett - Orioles. I am uneasy about this prediction. We know Burnett would like to play there, but will the O's even enter the bidding? They do need starting pitching badly, and theoretically Burnett will still be effective when they are ready to contend.
6. Derek Lowe - Yankees. This would set up a rotation of Sabathia/Wang/Lowe/Pettitte/Chamberlain. Very solid on paper.
7. Orlando Hudson - Cardinals. Hudson, the top free agent second baseman, would be a large upgrade over Adam Kennedy.
8. Adam Dunn - Nationals. The Nats attempted to make a free agent splash last year with Torii Hunter. They're known to be looking for a cleanup hitter.
9. Ryan Dempster - Cubs. Seems to be Jim Hendry's top offseason priority. The two have a strong relationship, but Dempster may still score a competitive four-year contract. It should be noted that Hendry has a strong record of keeping his own free agents when he wants to, despite much hand-wringing leading up to each signing.
10. Ben Sheets - Braves. Under this scenario, the Braves are unable to land Jake Peavy via trade. Sheets is one of many possible free agent pitchers the Braves may consider. The Red Sox or Dodgers could be other suitors.
11. Mike Mussina - Retirement. I will go with the media sentiment that Moose is set to retire despite such a strong 2008.
12. Raul Ibanez - Braves. Even after bringing in two starters, they'll have money left over for left field.
13. Pat Burrell - Rays. Burrell belongs in the AL, and the Rays have an open DH spot and the need for a righthanded hitter.
14. Bobby Abreu - Cubs. His defense isn't a perfect fit at Wrigley, but they do crave a left-handed middle of the order bat. Fitting his salary in could be tricky.
15. Brian Fuentes - Brewers. If C.C. signs elsewhere, the Brewers will be able to spread their cash to fill various needs.
16. Andy Pettitte - Yankees. Once again, it's Yankees or retirement for Pettitte.
17. Rafael Furcal - Dodgers. The interest is mutual. Furcal is the top free agent shortstop.
18. Casey Blake - Twins. If the Twins don't like the asking prices for Garrett Atkins and Adrian Beltre, Blake may be the best third baseman on the free agent market.
19. Milton Bradley - Blue Jays. The buzz is that the Jays will take a look at Giambi, but Bradley is a nice fit as well at DH.
20. Jason Giambi - Athletics. The A's are looking for a power hitter on a short-term deal, so a reunion makes sense.
21. Orlando Cabrera - Twins. Completing the Twins' new-look infield. Blake and Cabrera should be capable of league-average production.
22. Jamie Moyer - Phillies. The seventh-best free agent starter, based on 2008 numbers. The Phils may look to add an additional starter for depth.
23. Kerry Wood - Cubs. A longtime Cub with a strong relationship with Hendry. Moving Marmol to the closer role would weaken the Cubs' pen overall, so they'll try to hammer something out.
24. Kenshin Kawakami - Red Sox. Signing Kawakami for the rotation would allow the Sox to keep Masterson in the pen and let Bowden and Buchholz come along at their own pace.
25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.
26. Oliver Perez - Dodgers. One possible fit for Perez, who is just 27 years old. There is a strong San Diego connection, but you have to figure money will get in the way (Perez is represented by Scott Boras).
27. Randy Wolf - Astros. Ed Wade has long been a fan of Wolf, and hopes to re-sign him. There won't be much money left over after that.
28. Mark Grudzielanek - Indians. Grudz only makes sense here if the Indians miss out on bigger infield targets and shift Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera.
29. Ray Durham - Diamondbacks. The D'Backs figure to add one of the veteran second basemen on a short-term deal.
30. John Smoltz - Braves. I see no reason Smoltz would leave after all these years.
31. Ivan Rodriguez - Mets. Omar Minaya seems to be a fan, and Pudge may provide an upgrade behind the plate on a one-year deal.
32. Freddy Garcia - Indians. Not sure if he'll sign for one year, but Garcia could stabilize a shaky rotation.
33. Trevor Hoffman - Padres. Can you picture him playing anywhere else?
34. Brad Penny - Blue Jays. Not that the Jays need more injury risk, but they've been connected to Penny in trade talks before.
35. Jeremy Affeldt - Indians. Affeldt could be a creative closer candidate for the Tribe. He may jump at the opportunity to pitch the ninth inning.
36. Jon Garland - Brewers. If Sabathia and Sheets leave, Garland can step in to eat some innings.
37. Paul Byrd - Pirates. The Pirates are said to want to add a veteran starter to the rotation. Neal Huntington knows Byrd from his Cleveland days.
38. Braden Looper - Giants. If Jonathan Sanchez is traded for a power hitter, the Giants might want a veteran to soak up innings.
39. Edgar Renteria - Cardinals. The American League hasn't worked out for Renteria. If he'll take a one-year deal, the Cardinals could bring him back. Pairing him with a (hopefully) strong defender like Hudson could work.
40. Joe Crede - Dodgers. If Crede can get past back problems, he might be a bargain on a one-year deal.
41. Koji Uehara - Royals. The Royals were interested in Hiroki Kuroda last year. Maybe they'll add some rotation depth with Uehara.
42. Nick Punto - Rays. Cork Gaines suggested this idea to me. Seems feasible, unless Punto craves a starting job.
43. Damaso Marte - Cardinals. I thought the Yanks would exercise his $6MM option, but a recent report indicated otherwise. The Cardinals appear willing to spend some coin on a lefty reliever.
44. Juan Cruz - Tigers. A dark horse closing candidate, if he can improve his control. The Tigers don't have much money to work with this winter.
45. Mark Kotsay - Reds. Kotsay can step in at center field for a year to allow younger players to come along.
46. Jason Varitek - Red Sox. Tek may find that no team is willing to give him an acceptable multiyear deal.
47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.
48. Odalis Perez - Nationals. They need a veteran to eat innings, and Perez is as good as any. If he demands multiple years, the Nats may choose to move on.
49. Felipe Lopez - Orioles. Lopez mashed with the Cards, though it was a short stint. If Scott Boras doesn't get crazy over those 169 plate appearances, the Orioles could give him a shot on a one-year deal.
50. Jim Edmonds - Mariners. On a one-year deal, Edmonds could play center or DH against righthanders.
Honorable mentions: Rocco Baldelli, Joe Beimel, Doug Brocail, David Eckstein, Tom Glavine, Jerry Hairston Jr., Eric Hinske, Chan Ho Park, Jason Isringhausen, Cesar Izturis, Greg Maddux, Kevin Millar, Tomohiro Nioka, Darren Oliver, Miguel Olivo, Juan Rivera, David Weathers
By Tim Dierkes
It's time for the third annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list! The entire list of available free agents can be found here.
A note before we begin - this is a complicated puzzle, and I'll be satisfied if I'm correct on a quarter of these guesses. If your favorite team seems under-represented, keep in mind that the list doesn't account for trades or every single free agent.
1. C.C. Sabathia - Yankees. The guess here is that the Yankees will make C.C. an offer he can't refuse, and he'll sign a seven-year deal. Sabathia is the key to the Yankees' offseason.
2. Mark Teixeira - Angels. The Angels can probably afford one of Sabathia, Teixeira, and K-Rod. They need Tex the most.
3. Manny Ramirez - Dodgers. I think Manny will ultimately sign a deal in the four-year, $100MM range.
4. Francisco Rodriguez - Mets. The buzz at the time of this writing is that the Mets will pass on K-Rod and look to sign Fuentes. However, there aren't many big-money teams with closer vacancies, and I can see Rodriguez's price dipping down to the four-year, $56MM range.
5. A.J. Burnett - Orioles. I am uneasy about this prediction. We know Burnett would like to play there, but will the O's even enter the bidding? They do need starting pitching badly, and theoretically Burnett will still be effective when they are ready to contend.
6. Derek Lowe - Yankees. This would set up a rotation of Sabathia/Wang/Lowe/Pettitte/Chamberlain. Very solid on paper.
7. Orlando Hudson - Cardinals. Hudson, the top free agent second baseman, would be a large upgrade over Adam Kennedy.
8. Adam Dunn - Nationals. The Nats attempted to make a free agent splash last year with Torii Hunter. They're known to be looking for a cleanup hitter.
9. Ryan Dempster - Cubs. Seems to be Jim Hendry's top offseason priority. The two have a strong relationship, but Dempster may still score a competitive four-year contract. It should be noted that Hendry has a strong record of keeping his own free agents when he wants to, despite much hand-wringing leading up to each signing.
10. Ben Sheets - Braves. Under this scenario, the Braves are unable to land Jake Peavy via trade. Sheets is one of many possible free agent pitchers the Braves may consider. The Red Sox or Dodgers could be other suitors.
11. Mike Mussina - Retirement. I will go with the media sentiment that Moose is set to retire despite such a strong 2008.
12. Raul Ibanez - Braves. Even after bringing in two starters, they'll have money left over for left field.
13. Pat Burrell - Rays. Burrell belongs in the AL, and the Rays have an open DH spot and the need for a righthanded hitter.
14. Bobby Abreu - Cubs. His defense isn't a perfect fit at Wrigley, but they do crave a left-handed middle of the order bat. Fitting his salary in could be tricky.
15. Brian Fuentes - Brewers. If C.C. signs elsewhere, the Brewers will be able to spread their cash to fill various needs.
16. Andy Pettitte - Yankees. Once again, it's Yankees or retirement for Pettitte.
17. Rafael Furcal - Dodgers. The interest is mutual. Furcal is the top free agent shortstop.
18. Casey Blake - Twins. If the Twins don't like the asking prices for Garrett Atkins and Adrian Beltre, Blake may be the best third baseman on the free agent market.
19. Milton Bradley - Blue Jays. The buzz is that the Jays will take a look at Giambi, but Bradley is a nice fit as well at DH.
20. Jason Giambi - Athletics. The A's are looking for a power hitter on a short-term deal, so a reunion makes sense.
21. Orlando Cabrera - Twins. Completing the Twins' new-look infield. Blake and Cabrera should be capable of league-average production.
22. Jamie Moyer - Phillies. The seventh-best free agent starter, based on 2008 numbers. The Phils may look to add an additional starter for depth.
23. Kerry Wood - Cubs. A longtime Cub with a strong relationship with Hendry. Moving Marmol to the closer role would weaken the Cubs' pen overall, so they'll try to hammer something out.
24. Kenshin Kawakami - Red Sox. Signing Kawakami for the rotation would allow the Sox to keep Masterson in the pen and let Bowden and Buchholz come along at their own pace.
25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.
26. Oliver Perez - Dodgers. One possible fit for Perez, who is just 27 years old. There is a strong San Diego connection, but you have to figure money will get in the way (Perez is represented by Scott Boras).
27. Randy Wolf - Astros. Ed Wade has long been a fan of Wolf, and hopes to re-sign him. There won't be much money left over after that.
28. Mark Grudzielanek - Indians. Grudz only makes sense here if the Indians miss out on bigger infield targets and shift Jhonny Peralta and Asdrubal Cabrera.
29. Ray Durham - Diamondbacks. The D'Backs figure to add one of the veteran second basemen on a short-term deal.
30. John Smoltz - Braves. I see no reason Smoltz would leave after all these years.
31. Ivan Rodriguez - Mets. Omar Minaya seems to be a fan, and Pudge may provide an upgrade behind the plate on a one-year deal.
32. Freddy Garcia - Indians. Not sure if he'll sign for one year, but Garcia could stabilize a shaky rotation.
33. Trevor Hoffman - Padres. Can you picture him playing anywhere else?
34. Brad Penny - Blue Jays. Not that the Jays need more injury risk, but they've been connected to Penny in trade talks before.
35. Jeremy Affeldt - Indians. Affeldt could be a creative closer candidate for the Tribe. He may jump at the opportunity to pitch the ninth inning.
36. Jon Garland - Brewers. If Sabathia and Sheets leave, Garland can step in to eat some innings.
37. Paul Byrd - Pirates. The Pirates are said to want to add a veteran starter to the rotation. Neal Huntington knows Byrd from his Cleveland days.
38. Braden Looper - Giants. If Jonathan Sanchez is traded for a power hitter, the Giants might want a veteran to soak up innings.
39. Edgar Renteria - Cardinals. The American League hasn't worked out for Renteria. If he'll take a one-year deal, the Cardinals could bring him back. Pairing him with a (hopefully) strong defender like Hudson could work.
40. Joe Crede - Dodgers. If Crede can get past back problems, he might be a bargain on a one-year deal.
41. Koji Uehara - Royals. The Royals were interested in Hiroki Kuroda last year. Maybe they'll add some rotation depth with Uehara.
42. Nick Punto - Rays. Cork Gaines suggested this idea to me. Seems feasible, unless Punto craves a starting job.
43. Damaso Marte - Cardinals. I thought the Yanks would exercise his $6MM option, but a recent report indicated otherwise. The Cardinals appear willing to spend some coin on a lefty reliever.
44. Juan Cruz - Tigers. A dark horse closing candidate, if he can improve his control. The Tigers don't have much money to work with this winter.
45. Mark Kotsay - Reds. Kotsay can step in at center field for a year to allow younger players to come along.
46. Jason Varitek - Red Sox. Tek may find that no team is willing to give him an acceptable multiyear deal.
47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.
48. Odalis Perez - Nationals. They need a veteran to eat innings, and Perez is as good as any. If he demands multiple years, the Nats may choose to move on.
49. Felipe Lopez - Orioles. Lopez mashed with the Cards, though it was a short stint. If Scott Boras doesn't get crazy over those 169 plate appearances, the Orioles could give him a shot on a one-year deal.
50. Jim Edmonds - Mariners. On a one-year deal, Edmonds could play center or DH against righthanders.
Honorable mentions: Rocco Baldelli, Joe Beimel, Doug Brocail, David Eckstein, Tom Glavine, Jerry Hairston Jr., Eric Hinske, Chan Ho Park, Jason Isringhausen, Cesar Izturis, Greg Maddux, Kevin Millar, Tomohiro Nioka, Darren Oliver, Miguel Olivo, Juan Rivera, David Weathers
It will be interesting to see if TB anties up when these guys start hitting arbitration and/or free agency.
2. Mark Teixeira - Angels. The Angels can probably afford one of Sabathia, Teixeira, and K-Rod. They need Tex the most.
Hmmmmmmmm.
25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! He's washed up. OK...maybe from the pen for an inning or two.
47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.
YESSS! G.A. IS Mr. Angels
Hmmmmmmmm.
25. Randy Johnson - Angels. An improvement on Garland, and they get the bonus of his 300th win.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! He's washed up. OK...maybe from the pen for an inning or two.
47. Garret Anderson - Angels. The Halos will decline his $14MM option, but may look to bring him back at a lower salary.
YESSS! G.A. IS Mr. Angels
KCK,
just think, you're talking about Randy Johnson as your fifth starter! That's pretty scary. Lackey/Santana/Saunders/Weaver and Randy Johnson!!
YIKES!!!And what about Kelvim Escobar? How far along is he in his rehab ?
If Escobar comes back to anything close to his '07 performance then this Randy Johnson talk is moot.
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Allegedly, he should be ready by Spring Training but I am not 100% counting on that.
Peavy Approves Yankees, Angels
By Tim Dierkes
Padres GM Kevin Towers recently spoke to the press, stating that Jake Peavy has approved two AL teams in addition to his known five NL clubs. The Yankees and Angels are now possibilities. If there were to be any acceptable AL teams, it figured to be these two based on earlier rumblings.
By Tim Dierkes
Padres GM Kevin Towers recently spoke to the press, stating that Jake Peavy has approved two AL teams in addition to his known five NL clubs. The Yankees and Angels are now possibilities. If there were to be any acceptable AL teams, it figured to be these two based on earlier rumblings.
Heyman's Latest: Sabathia, Burnett, Matsui
By Tim Dierkes
Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman.
By Tim Dierkes
Here's a look at the latest column from SI.com's Jon Heyman.
- C.C. Sabathia is the Yankees' top offseason target, and they'll make him an offer beyond Johan Santana's $137.5MM. Heyman also sees the Yanks pursuing A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, and Oliver Perez (with Ben Sheets a less likely target). Heyman's sources believe the Yanks could even attempt to sign three free agent starters.
- The Yankees aren't counting on Mike Mussina, and may wait on him before considering Andy Pettitte.
- Contradictory note from Heyman: the White Sox have no plans to try to keep Joe Crede or Juan Uribe, but might consider bringing Uribe back as a utility man.
- Heyman dismisses vague rumors about Hideki Matsui trade talks.
Mets Rumors: Wolf, Fuentes, K-Rod, Street, Pedro
By Tim Dierkes
11:37am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets are eyeing Randy Wolf, in addition to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez.
Heyman adds that some Mets people are concerned about their catching, but others aren't thrilled with the free agent options.
9:20am: All kinds of Mets rumors this morning.
By Tim Dierkes
11:37am: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the Mets are eyeing Randy Wolf, in addition to Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez.
Heyman adds that some Mets people are concerned about their catching, but others aren't thrilled with the free agent options.
9:20am: All kinds of Mets rumors this morning.
- Let's begin with the closer situation. The Mets are interested in Brian Fuentes, but Omar Minaya will not rule out Francisco Rodriguez. He makes a great point: contract numbers are tossed around early, but the player often fails to reach that amount.
- Joel Sherman says the Mets also want to speak to the A's about Huston Street. However, his sources say the A's feel they match up better with the Indians, Rockies, and Brewers (all interested parties). Rosenthal has Kerry Wood and Joe Beimel in the Mets' sights as well. Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog believes J.J. Putz could be a trade target, with interest on the Mariners' side.
- Ken Davidoff explains how the Mets could end up signing K-Rod - the Fuentes market blows up, while Rodriguez settles for less. I'm on board with that.
- The Javier Vazquez rumors were addressed in this post. Elsewhere on the starting pitching front - Minaya will talk to Pedro Martinez's agent, but he's unlikely to return. Aaron Heilman won't be moving to the rotation.
- We've heard about the Mets' interest in Raul Ibanez, but Minaya does not seem to consider the offense a problem. He even spoke optimistically about a Luis Castillo rebound (though he did not give Castillo a ringing endorsement).
Indians Interested In Blake
By Tim Dierkes
According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians have expressed interest in bringing third baseman Casey Blake back to Cleveland. Blake stands out in a weak free agent market at the hot corner. The Dodgers are also interested, but they may view other needs as a higher priority. At the least, they should offer him arbitration as a Type B free agent.
Blake's agent anticipates offers ranging from one to three years. Blake brings the added benefit of versatility, as he can play first base and right field as well.
In other Indians news, agent Rick Thurman plans to meet with the Tribe to discuss his clients. He has Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, and Jason Isringhausen. The Indians almost signed Hoffman a few years ago.
By Tim Dierkes
According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Indians have expressed interest in bringing third baseman Casey Blake back to Cleveland. Blake stands out in a weak free agent market at the hot corner. The Dodgers are also interested, but they may view other needs as a higher priority. At the least, they should offer him arbitration as a Type B free agent.
Blake's agent anticipates offers ranging from one to three years. Blake brings the added benefit of versatility, as he can play first base and right field as well.
In other Indians news, agent Rick Thurman plans to meet with the Tribe to discuss his clients. He has Brian Fuentes, Trevor Hoffman, and Jason Isringhausen. The Indians almost signed Hoffman a few years ago.
I think the Yankees are starting to realize again that despite having all the big bats in the worlds, you won't go anywhere in October if you don't have pitching.
I've said it from the beginning. Sabathia WILL be a Yankee come 2009.
I've said it from the beginning. Sabathia WILL be a Yankee come 2009.
LaRue's Latest: Manny, Ibanez, Putz
By Tim Dierkes
Larry LaRue of The News Tribune has several new rumors...
By Tim Dierkes
Larry LaRue of The News Tribune has several new rumors...
- Scott Boras has floated an asking price for Manny Ramirez that begins at $27MM per year. It seems that the Dodgers may be willing to offer that salary for two years, but Boras wants a significantly longer term.
- The Cubs and Mets expressed interest to Raul Ibanez's agent. Does this mean the Cubs are comfortable with the idea of Ibanez in right field?
- The Tigers crave a closer, and J.J. Putz may be a target. Putz will earn $5MM in '09 with an $8.6MM option for '10.
Good! :up
I've always liked Blake, despite the constant criticism here in Cleveland.
Battle For Teixeira
By Tim Dierkes
[ame]http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3681593&name=olney_buster[/ame] gives his take on the Mark Teixeira situation in his blog this morning. Olney believes the Yankees will "bid heavily" on Tex, perhaps $120MM over six years. Teixeira turned down $140MM from the Rangers last year, though that was for eight years. Ken Davidoff of Newsday believes that since the Yanks are prioritizing pitching, they'll probably go with cheaper options like Casey Blake or Kevin Millar.
Olney says there's debate about Boston's level of interest in Teixeira - do they truly want him, or are they trying to drive up the price for the Yankees? He suggests a scenario where the Sox sign Teixeira and keep Mike Lowell - Kevin Youkilis goes to left field, Jason Bay to right, and J.D. Drew to center (pushing Jacoby Ellsbury to a utility role and leaving Coco Crisp out of a job).
Meanwhile, the Angels told Francisco Rodriguez's agent that their initial focus this winter is signing Teixeira. Dylan Hernandez and Mike DiGiovanna see the Halos in the six-year, $120MM range.
By Tim Dierkes
[ame]http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3681593&name=olney_buster[/ame] gives his take on the Mark Teixeira situation in his blog this morning. Olney believes the Yankees will "bid heavily" on Tex, perhaps $120MM over six years. Teixeira turned down $140MM from the Rangers last year, though that was for eight years. Ken Davidoff of Newsday believes that since the Yanks are prioritizing pitching, they'll probably go with cheaper options like Casey Blake or Kevin Millar.
Olney says there's debate about Boston's level of interest in Teixeira - do they truly want him, or are they trying to drive up the price for the Yankees? He suggests a scenario where the Sox sign Teixeira and keep Mike Lowell - Kevin Youkilis goes to left field, Jason Bay to right, and J.D. Drew to center (pushing Jacoby Ellsbury to a utility role and leaving Coco Crisp out of a job).
Meanwhile, the Angels told Francisco Rodriguez's agent that their initial focus this winter is signing Teixeira. Dylan Hernandez and Mike DiGiovanna see the Halos in the six-year, $120MM range.
What happens if Sabathia goes to the YAnkees, the Yankees get into the post season and Sabathia pitches poorly in the post season, the Yankees have seen this happen to him now several times and they are expecting that to change ?
For as good as he's been in the reg. season, he hasn't exactly lit it up in the post season
Jimbo
Russell Martin Available?
By Tim Dierkes
According to [ame="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3681876&name=gammons_peter"]Mets to build around core players - ESPN[/ame]:
Some Dodger officials have spread the word that Russell Martin will either be traded or moved to third base, with a Jason Varitek signing a possibility. Whether or not it actually happens will be interesting to see, but teams looking for catching, like the Red Sox, will do a headfirst dive to get in on Martin, who turns 26 in February.
Martin would have immense value on the trade market as one of the game's best catchers. I imagine the Dodgers would ask for Clay Buchholz or Jed Lowrie from the Red Sox.
By Tim Dierkes
According to [ame="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3681876&name=gammons_peter"]Mets to build around core players - ESPN[/ame]:
Some Dodger officials have spread the word that Russell Martin will either be traded or moved to third base, with a Jason Varitek signing a possibility. Whether or not it actually happens will be interesting to see, but teams looking for catching, like the Red Sox, will do a headfirst dive to get in on Martin, who turns 26 in February.
Martin would have immense value on the trade market as one of the game's best catchers. I imagine the Dodgers would ask for Clay Buchholz or Jed Lowrie from the Red Sox.
