December 8, 200421 yr Astros declined to offer arbitration to 2B Jeff Kent, RHP Dan Miceli and LHP Darren Oliver. Now that he'll come compensation free, Kent could be pursued by the Red Sox, Rangers and Cardinals, among others. This doesn't necessarily mean that Chris Burke will be Houston's second baseman next season, but it definitely helps his chances. Padres offered arbitration to LHP David Wells. The Padres must have made plenty of progress this afternoon because this comes as something of a surprise. The Phillies were Wells' top suitors, but they're likely to back off now that the left-hander will require compensation.
December 8, 200421 yr Carl Pavano was offered salary arbitration Tuesday by the Florida Marlins, who still have at least a sliver of hope that their best starter will return in 2005. The Marlins announced the move moments before baseball's midnight deadline for extending arbitration invitations to free agents. Teams that did not make offers cannot re-sign free agents until May 1; those with offers have until Dec. 19 to accept and through Jan. 8 to re-sign with their 2004 clubs. Pavano - who was 18-8 with a 3.00 ERA in 2004 for Florida - was in Seattle on Tuesday, continuing his tour of visits with potential suitors; he's already met with Baltimore, Detroit, the New York Yankees and world champion Boston Red Sox, and plans to sit down with Anaheim officials later this week. It's unknown if Pavano will consider Florida's arbitration offer; his agent, Scott Shapiro, was having dinner with Mariners officials late Tuesday night when the Marlins announced their decision. "I'm not in a position to comment at this time," Shapiro said when asked about the offer. The fiscally challenged Marlins offered Pavano a $21 million, three-year deal weeks ago, but he's expected to command significantly more on the free agent market. Florida says it has lost more than $38 million over the last two seasons, and its 2005 payroll isn't expected to grow much from this year's $53 million mark. By offering Pavano arbitration, Florida ensured that if the right-hander signs elsewhere that it would likely receive a supplemental first-round pick and possibly a second-round selection from whichever team lands him. The Marlins also offered arbitration to pitcher Ismael Valdez, who was 14-9 with a 5.19 ERA last season. They did not offer arbitration to infielders Mike Mordecai and Wil Cordero, plus relievers David Weathers, Chad Fox and Josias Manzanillo. Marlins general manager Admin Beinfest was not available for comment Tuesday and will not specifically address the team's arbitration-day decisions until Wednesday, a club spokesman said.
December 8, 200421 yr Astros offered arbitration to outfielder Carlos Beltran and RHP Roger Clemens. Never any doubt. Cardinals offered arbitration to catcher Mike Matheny and shortstop Edgar Renteria. Renteria's the bigger name, but Matheny is the surprise. He could accept arbitration after making $2.75 million last season. Potential suitors like the Dodgers and Pirates may not want to give up a pick to sign him.
December 8, 200421 yr Dodgers declined to offer arbitration to OF Steve Finley, RHP Jose Lima, C Todd Hundley, RHP Hideo Nomo, 2B Jose Hernandez, RHP Paul Shuey and 3B Robin Ventura. We don't disagree with much that Paul DePodesta has done, but it looks like he made a couple of mistakes tonight. Even if the Dodgers weren't all that interested in having them back, offers to Finley and Lima would have been good risks. Finley could have been traded if he had accepted, and Lima wouldn't have been very expensive. Limatime in the MIA :mischief2 Dodgers offered arbitration to 3B Adrian Beltre, LHP Odalis Perez, LHP Wilson Alvarez and C Brent Mayne. Mayne likely agreed to decline the offer. The Dodgers should have far more interest in keeping the other three players Twins offered arbitration to 3B Corey Koskie, LHP Terry Mulholland and C Henry Blanco. Koskie now seems to be better than 50-50 to return to Minnesota. The Blue Jays may still have some interest, but they will find him less to their liking now that he'll cost a pick.
December 8, 200421 yr Marlins declined to offer arbitration to RHP David Weathers, INF Mike Mordecai, 1B-OF Wil Cordero, RHP Chad Fox and RHP Josias Manzanillo. Weathers was offered a one-year deal and the Marlins probably tried to re-sign Fox to a minor league contract, but neither will be back with the team. Twins offered arbitration to 3B Corey Koskie, LHP Terry Mulholland and C Henry Blanco. Koskie now seems to be better than 50-50 to return to Minnesota. The Blue Jays may still have some interest, but they will find him less to their liking now that he'll cost a pick.
December 8, 200421 yr Marlins offered arbitration to RHP Carl Pavano and RHP Ismael Valdez. Nice to see the Miami Herald was wrong. The Marlins are likely to receive first- and supplemental first-round picks when Pavano leaves. Valdez may hang around as the team's fifth starter.
December 8, 200421 yr I wonder what Valdez will be able to make in arbitration. I don't know how to feel about that one.
December 8, 200421 yr Cardinals declined to offer arbitration to LHP Steve Kline, 2B Tony Womack, RHP Woody Williams and OF Ray Lankford. Mike Matheny but not Kline? We don't get it. Kline only made $1.7 million last season, and it would be a shock if he doesn't get at least $6 million over two years on the open market. I'd love the chance to get Kline.
December 8, 200421 yr I wonder what Valdez will be able to make in arbitration.? I don't know how to feel about that one. 629565[/snapback] I'm thinking he signs outside of arbitration.
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