October 28, 200521 yr Like last year, let's start a long running baseball hot stove thread for all the rumors/info for the upcoming off-season. If you are posting a rumor, please post a link, and if you are making something up yourself just let people know it is your own idea. Ill get this started... Brian Giles turned down a three-year, $21 million contract from the Padres before filing for free agency yesterday. San Diego's offer is "not close" to getting a deal done, agent Joe Bick said. "I will say that our primary goal all along has been to get Brian re-signed with the San Diego Padres, and nothing has changed as far as that goal is concerned," Bick said. "But things have moved kind of slow, which is fine. I'm not criticizing that. But now they have put themselves into a position where we're allowed to talk to other people." At least for the first two years of a deal, Giles is worth well more than $7 million per season. He starts getting pretty risky after that. The Cardinals, Dodgers and Red Sox are among the teams that could show interest in him. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20...1s28padres.html
October 28, 200521 yr Ok, I'll go ahead and post this rumor on the 1B for the world champions. The Chicago Sun-Times believes the White Sox will offer Paul Konerko a four-year, $48 million contract next week. The paper also believes it won't be enough to get him re-signed. Five years and $65 million might do it. If Konerko leaves and Carl Everett doesn't return after having his $5 million option bought out, the White Sox could put Jermaine Dye at first base and use Brian Anderson in right field. Oct. 28 - 1:23 pm et Source: Chicago Sun-Times http://rotoworld.com/content/playernews.asp?sport=MLB
October 28, 200521 yr Brian Giles turned down a three-year, $21 million contract from the Padres before filing for free agency yesterday. San Diego's offer is "not close" to getting a deal done, agent Joe Bick said. "I will say that our primary goal all along has been to get Brian re-signed with the San Diego Padres, and nothing has changed as far as that goal is concerned," Bick said. "But things have moved kind of slow, which is fine. I'm not criticizing that. But now they have put themselves into a position where we're allowed to talk to other people." At least for the first two years of a deal, Giles is worth well more than $7 million per season. He starts getting pretty risky after that. The Cardinals, Dodgers and Red Sox are among the teams that could show interest in him. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20...1s28padres.html Dunno how the Cards are gonna afford him (payroll staying around 90 mil, the owner says) and field a team still. It would be great though since we have 2 starting OF spots open.. I'm sure they could find a way to fit him in the payroll though. And I dont see why STL cant raise the payroll for since they are moving. Either way the Cards have some work to do.. With that said the Cards have been interested in Giles for a long time. Almost traded Marquis and other's for him but the Pads wouldnt budge.. And I dont see the White Sox bringin back Paul :mischief2
October 28, 200521 yr Potential Free Agents (c-club option for 2006; p-player option for 2006; m-mutual option for 2006).: American League BALTIMORE (7) -- James Baldwin, rhp; Jason Grimsley, rhp; Eli Marrero, of; Rafael Palmeiro, 1b; B.J. Ryan, lhp; Sammy Sosa, of; B.J. Surhoff, of. BOSTON (9) -- Johnny Damon, of; Tony Graffanino, 2b; Matt Mantei, rhp; Kevin Millar; 1b; Bill Mueller, 3b; Mike Myers, lhp; John Olerud, 1b; Mike Stanton, lhp; Mike Timlin, rhp. CLEVELAND (8) -- c-Ronnie Belliard, 2b; Scott Elarton, rhp; Juan Gonzalez, of; Jose Hernandez, 1b; Bobby Howry, rhp; Kevin Millwood, rhp; Scott Sauerbeck, lhp; Bob Wickman, rhp. CHICAGO (6) -- Geoff Blum, 3b; Raul Casanova, c; c-Carl Everett, dh; Paul Konerko, 1b; m-Frank Thomas, dh; Chris Widger, c. DETROIT (4) -- Bobby Higginson, of; Jason Johnson, rhp; Fernando Vina, 2b; Rondell White, of. KANSAS CITY (5) -- Brian Anderson, lhp; Denny Hocking, of; Jose Lima, rhp; Joe McEwing, 3b; m-Scott Sullivan, rhp. LOS ANGELES (6) -- Paul Byrd, rhp; m-Jason Christiansen, lhp; Lou Merloni, 3b; Bengie Molina, c; Tim Salmon, dh; Jarrod Washburn, lhp. MINNESOTA (3) -- Jacque Jones, of; c-Joe Mays, rhp; Terry Mulholland, lhp. NEW YORK (13) -- Kevin Brown, rhp; Alan Embree, lhp; John Flaherty, c; Tom Gordon, rhp; Matt Lawton, of; Al Leiter, lhp; c-Tino Martinez, 1b; Ramiro Mendoza, rhp; Felix Rodriguez, rhp; Rey Sanchez, ss; Ruben Sierra, dh; c-Tanyon Sturtze, rhp; Bernie Williams, of. OAKLAND (7) -- Alberto Castillo, c; Octavio Dotel, rhp; Erubiel Durazo, dh; c-Scott Hatteberg, dh; c-Jay Payton, of; Ricardo Rincon, lhp; Jay Witasick, rhp. SEATTLE (7) -- m-Eddie Guardado, lhp; Dave Hansen, 1b; c-Shigetoshi Hasegawa, rhp; Jamie Moyer, lhp; Jeff Nelson, rhp; c-Pokey Reese, ss; Dan Wilson, c. TAMPA BAY (3) -- Alex S. Gonzalez, 3b; Travis Lee, 1b; Eduardo Perez, 1b. TEXAS (7) -- Sandy Alomar Jr., c; Doug Brocail, rhp; Greg Colbrunn, 1b; Richard Hidalgo, of; c-Steve Karsay, rhp; Kenny Rogers, lhp; John Wasdin, rhp. TORONTO (0) National League ARIZONA (6) -- Royce Clayton, ss; Shawn Estes, lhp; Buddy Groom, lhp; Quinton McCracken, of; Kelly Stinnett, c; Tim Worrell, rhp. ATLANTA (8) -- Kyle Farnsworth rhp; Julio Franco, 1b; Rafael Furcal, ss; Todd Hollandsworth, of; Brian Jordan, of; Eduardo Perez, c; Jay Powell, rhp; c-John Thomson, rhp. CHICAGO (7) -- m-Jeromy Burnitz, of; Chad Fox, rhp; Nomar Garciaparra, ss; Neifi Perez, ss; p-Glendon Rusch, lhp; c-Todd Walker, 2b; c-Scott Williamson, rhp. CINCINNATI (3) -- m-Rich Aurilia, 2b; Jacob Cruz, of; Luis Lopez, 3b. COLORADO (5) -- Mike DeJean, rhp; c-Todd Greene, c; Byung-Hyun Kim, rhp; Dan Miceli, rhp; Jamey Wright, rhp. FLORIDA (13) -- c-Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; A.J. Burnett, rhp; Jeff Conine, of; Damion Easley, 2b; Juan Encarnacion, of; Alex Gonzalez, ss; Lenny Harris, dh; Todd Jones, rhp; Jim Mecir, rhp; Brian Moehler, rhp; Mike Mordecai, 3b; Paul Quantrill, rhp; Ismael Valdez, rhp. HOUSTON (5) -- Brad Ausmus, c; Roger Clemens, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of; Russ Springer, rhp; Jose Vizcaino, 2b. LOS ANGELES (7) -- Paul Bako, c; Jose Cruz Jr., of; c-Elmer Dessens, rhp; Darren Dreifort, rhp; Olmedo Saenz, 1b; Jose Valentin, 3b; Jeff Weaver, rhp. MILWAUKEE (3) -- Jeff Cirillo, 3b; Rick Helling, rhp; Wes Helms, 3b. NEW YORK (12) -- Marlon Anderson, 1b; Miguel Cairo, 2b; Mike DiFelice, c; Danny Graves, rhp; c-Felix Heredia, lhp; Roberto Hernandez, rhp; c-Braden Looper, rhp; c-Doug Mientkiewicz, 1b; Jose Offerman, 1b; Mike Piazza, c; Steve Trachsel, rhp; Gerald Williams of. PHILADELPHIA (7) -- Terry Adams, rhp; Kenny Lofton, of; Ramon Martinez, ss; Todd Pratt, c; Michael Tucker, of; Ugueth Urbina, rhp; Billy Wagner, lhp. PITTSBURGH (5) -- Brian Meadows, rhp; c-Jose Mesa, rhp; m-Mark Redman, lhp; Daryle Ward, 1b; Rick White, rhp. ST. LOUIS (11) -- Einar Diaz, c; Cal Eldred, rhp; Mark Grudzielanek, 2b; John Mabry, of; Matt Morris, rhp; Abraham Nunez, 3b; Al Reyes, rhp; Reggie Sanders, of; c-Jeff Suppan, rhp; Julian Tavarez, rhp; m-Admin Walker, of. SAN DIEGO (12) -- Manny Alexander, 2b; Pedro Astacio, rhp; Robert Fick, c; Brian Giles, of; Chris Hammond, lhp; Ramon Hernandez , c; Trevor Hoffman, rhp; Damian Jackson, of; Joe Randa, 3b; Rudy Seanez, rhp; Mark Sweeney, 1b; c-Eric Young, of. SAN FRANCISCO (9) -- p-Moises Alou, of; p-Ray Durham, 2b; Scott Eyre, lhp; Jeff Fassero, lhp; p-LaTroy Hawkins, rhp; c-Jason Schmidt, rhp; J.T. Snow, 1b; Brett Tomko, rhp; m-Randy Winn, of. WASHINGTON (8) -- Tony Armas Jr., rhp; Carlos Baerga, 3b; Gary Bennett, c; Hector Carrasco, rhp; Deivi Cruz, 2b; Joey Eischen, lhp; c-Esteban Loaiza, rhp; Preston Wilson, of.
October 28, 200521 yr MLB4U.com's Offseason Top 50 Free Agent predictions Take a gander at that for some good(sometimes) predictions
October 28, 200521 yr Reds decline options on Aurillia, Ortiz http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/spring/ The Reds and Rich Aurilia have mutually agreed to decline his $2 million option for 2006. The Reds have also declined their $4.55 million option on Ramon Ortiz, though he remains arbitration-eligible. Barring something completely unforeseen, I imagine they'll non-tender Ortiz by December. I also saw it on ESPNEWS. Should be interesting to see what we do with both of spots. At 2B do we give Freel the job, do we sign a FA, or do we see if Bergolla is ready for the job? And Homer is going to be in MLB camp next year, he may take Ortiz's spot. I do not agree or disagree with the Aurillia move if we feel Bergolla is ready, but I would not rely on Freel because it seems that he can't stay healthy. The Ortiz move was ovbious.
October 29, 200521 yr More Reds decline options for Aurilia, Ortiz 10/28/2005 6:18 PM ET By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com CINCINNATI -- The Reds had mutual options with infielder Rich Aurilia and right-hander Ramon Ortiz for 2006, but the club declined both of those options on Friday. Aurilia and the Reds mutually agreed to decline his $2 million option, allowing the veteran to explore free agency. Despite declining the option, the club is not ruling out pursuing Aurilia in free agency. Aurilia, 34, was the Reds' Opening Day shortstop, but he hit just .198 in his first 25 starts at the position. On May 11, he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring, opening up the door for Felipe Lopez to take over the starting duties at short. Upon his return from the DL, Aurilia vastly improved his performance at the plate. He hit .306 with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs after his return. But Aurilia often voiced his displeasure over his playing time upon returning from the injury. Lopez was the everyday shortstop, and Aurilia was reduced to a utility role. By the end of the season, though, he had established himself as the go-to man at second base. He made 64 starts at the position. General manager Dan O'Brien said at the end of the season that he expects Ryan Freel, who made 48 starts at second base, to remain in a utility role for '06. That could mean the Reds will have a vacancy that needs to be taken care of at second base, and it's still possible Aurilia could be signed to fill that hole. The decision not to exercise Ortiz's $4.55 million option wasn't a major surprise. The right-hander battled an early groin injury and went on to post a 9-11 record and 5.36 ERA in 30 starts in '05. Ortiz remains on the roster as arbitration-eligible for the time being. Aurilia will also remain on the roster until he officially files for free agency. O'Brien could not be immediately reached for comment. In other news, pinch-hitter Jacob Cruz has filed for free agency. He batted .236 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 110 appearances and led the National League with a club-record 20 pinch-hits. The Reds also hired Jim Pransky as a professional scout on Friday. Pransky had been previously serving in the same role with the Athletics. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
October 30, 200521 yr Author Agent Eric Goldschmidt said Ramon Hernandez remains interested in re-signing with the Padres, but according to CEO Sandy Alderson, Hernandez is seeking more money than the club is prepared to pay. The two sides didn't get close to a deal in talks during spring training and haven't had any discussions since the season ended. "Alderson is trying to spin it like Ramon wants to leave, and that is not the case," Goldschmidt said. The Mets, Astros and Dodgers are a few of the teams that could pursue Hernandez. http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padre...1s29padres.html
November 1, 200521 yr Author Roger Clemens has made a decision on retirement, but he's yet to tell the Astros what his plans are and might not for the foreseeable future. Because he could always change his mind. Still, the Astros are going to need an answer from Clemens prior to January this time. He could account for as much as a quarter of the payroll if he returns. If not, that's a lot of money they'll have to spend on acquisitions. http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3429583
November 1, 200521 yr Reds decline options on Aurillia, Ortiz http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/spring/ The Reds and Rich Aurilia have mutually agreed to decline his $2 million option for 2006. The Reds have also declined their $4.55 million option on Ramon Ortiz, though he remains arbitration-eligible. Barring something completely unforeseen, I imagine they'll non-tender Ortiz by December. I also saw it on ESPNEWS. Should be interesting to see what we do with both of spots. At 2B do we give Freel the job, do we sign a FA, or do we see if Bergolla is ready for the job? And Homer is going to be in MLB camp next year, he may take Ortiz's spot. I do not agree or disagree with the Aurillia move if we feel Bergolla is ready, but I would not rely on Freel because it seems that he can't stay healthy. The Ortiz move was ovbious. Hopefully Richie comes back home
November 1, 200521 yr Reds decline options on Aurillia, Ortiz http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/spring/ The Reds and Rich Aurilia have mutually agreed to decline his $2 million option for 2006. The Reds have also declined their $4.55 million option on Ramon Ortiz, though he remains arbitration-eligible. Barring something completely unforeseen, I imagine they'll non-tender Ortiz by December. I also saw it on ESPNEWS. Should be interesting to see what we do with both of spots. At 2B do we give Freel the job, do we sign a FA, or do we see if Bergolla is ready for the job? And Homer is going to be in MLB camp next year, he may take Ortiz's spot. I do not agree or disagree with the Aurillia move if we feel Bergolla is ready, but I would not rely on Freel because it seems that he can't stay healthy. The Ortiz move was ovbious. Hopefully Richie comes back home I thought you wanted the Giants to improve?
November 1, 200521 yr Well I know these have their own threads but they have to be included in the Hot Stove Thread Theo Leaves Boston BOSTON -- In a move that sent a Halloween night jolt across Red Sox Nation, Theo Epstein, the general manager of his hometown team the last three years, decided to leave the organization instead of accepting a new contract. Epstein's contract was set to expire at midnight ET on Monday. Less than six hours before that deadline, the Red Sox released a statement confirming that Epstein's memorable regime -- which included three consecutive postseason appearances and the fabled franchise's first World Series championship in 86 years -- was over. "The Boston Red Sox and Theo Epstein today announced that the senior vice president/general manager has declined the club's offer to extend his contract for future years and thus will step down from his post," the club said in a statement. "Epstein will continue, however, to work with the organization for several days to assist in an orderly transition and to prepare further for the upcoming GM meetings and other offseason activities." Epstein is now free to work for any team in the Major Leagues, though it remains to be seen how quickly he will pursue new opportunities. There are currently general manager vacancies with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Garner gets an extension HOUSTON ? (AP) ? The Houston Astros rewarded manager Phil Garner on Monday for leading the club to its first World Series by extending his contract by one season 2007. With his trademark mustache and occasionally unexpected moves, Garner has guided the Astros to a 137-99 record over 1? seasons. Houston won its first playoff series last year and made the World Series this season before getting swept by the Chicago White Sox. The Astros needed big comebacks to win wild-card berths both seasons, overcoming a 15-30 start this year to become the first team since the 1914 Boston Braves to reach the World Series after falling 15 games under .500. ??We are very pleased about the performance of our team under Phil,'' team owner Drayton McLane said. ??It is an exciting time for the Houston Astros, and we feel Phil's leadership and efforts have contributed greatly to our success. We look forward to having him as our manager as we continue our mission toward a World Series championship.'' The Astros face many obstacles in reshaping their club for 2006, starting with the futures of Roger Clemens and Jeff Bagwell. Clemens hasn't decided whether to return for a 23rd season. Houston already has about $65 million committed to only five players, including Bagwell, who isn't sure whether his surgically rebuilt right shoulder will be able to handle the strain of playing the field. Garner has a career record of 845-901 (.484) as a manager over 13 seasons, including stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers. He also played seven of his 16 big-league seasons for the Astros, including their 1986 division champion club. Mets decline option on Looper Mets declined RHP Braden Looper's $5.5 million club option for 2006. Looper should get some multiyear contract offers as a free agent. He could close for a lesser team or catch on as a setup man for a contender. Looper finished poorly last season, but he had a 3.23 ERA going into September. Oct. 31 - 6:04 pm et Burnett giving Jays 1st shot Burnett giving Jays first shot By BOB ELLIOTT -- Toronto Sun The Blue Jays will be in full recruit mode early this week when free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett begins his off-season tour of potential employers with a stop in Toronto. The Florida Marlins right-hander will be wined, dined and romanced by the Jays, who hope they can eventually land him on a multi-year contract. It will be like a high-school athlete visiting a college campus: See what a great facility the Rogers Centre is. Check out our workout room. Wanna tour the city? See how beautiful the lakefront is. Burnett is the best of the free-agent starters on the market this off-season and has a strong relationship with current Jays pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, from when the two were together with the Marlins. Unlike most free agents, Burnett, of North Little Rock, Ark., isn't drawn to the large-market eastern teams, such as the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox, or the sun of California, either with the Los Angeles Angels or the now headless Dodgers. Burnett, his friends say, would rather be under the radar, which would put the Jays in a position to entertain with their roughly $85-million US budget. Of course, the Baltimore Orioles, the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals will also be players. Burnett was 12-12 in 32 starts for the Marlins this past season, dropping five decisions in a row down the stretch as Florida lost the wild-card race to the Houston Astros. He had a 3.44 earned run average in 209 innings, walking 79 and striking out 198. Lifetime, Burnett is 49-49 with a 3.73 ERA. Financial details cannot be discussed yet, but some late-September predictions of what Burnett could receive on a new contract were as high as $65 million over five years. DePodesta out as Dodgers' GM Dodgers fire general manager DePodesta ESPN.com news services Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt fired general manager Paul DePodesta on Saturday. The team sceduled a 5 p.m. news conference to announce the move, first reported by Los Angeles newspapers and also confirmed by ESPN. Earlier in the week, Orel Hershiser, one of the key members of the 1988 World Series championship team, became the sixth candidate to interview for the vacant manager's job. In a sign of pending trouble, Hershiser met with McCourt and adviser Tommy Lasorda, but not DePodesta, The Los Angeles Times reported. McCourt hired DePodesta, then 31, after buying the team in January 2004. The Dodgers won the NL West title in his first season, but DePodesta riled fans by trading popular catcher Paul Lo Duca and two other players at midseason. DePodesta had three years left on his contract. The Dodgers went 71-91 this season, the team's worst record since 1992 and second worst since moving to Los Angeles in 1958, after DePodesta made many offseason changes. The team has been without a manager since Oct. 3, when the Dodgers and Jim Tracy agreed to cut ties. Tracy was hired shortly after to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Dodgers began the 2005 season 12-2, but losses and injuries soon mounted. The team was without Adrian Beltre, Alex Cora, Shawn Green, and Steve Finley, key players from its 2004 NL West title run. Jeff Kent was brought in to play second base and had a solid year, but other newcomers didn't perform well, such as J.D. Drew, Jose Valentin and Derek Lowe, along with holdover Odalis Perez, who was signed to a three-year contract. Eric Gagne, baseball's best closer the previous three seasons, had season-ending elbow surgery in June and injury ended outfielder Milton Bradley's season in August. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
November 1, 200521 yr Well, it seems that Sheffield will be the primary trade bait for the Yankees, not Wang or Cano: Yankees plan to keep young stars Tuesday, November 1, 2005 By PETE CALDERA STAFF WRITER NEW YORK - Replacing Bernie Williams in center field will require a lot of creativity, especially since the Yankees are unwilling to part with their young nucleus to do so. With general manager Brian Cashman committed to paring payroll and increasing the Yankees' youth, expect Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang to be in pinstripes when the 2006 season begins. Dealing these one-time prospects who made significant contributions during the Yankees' run to the AL East title "doesn't make any sense,'' Cashman said Monday, adding that it "wouldn't be valid to speculate'' about such a transaction. That doesn't lessen the Yanks' need for an impact outfielder or a hard-throwing setup reliever - major topics that will be addressed when Cashman heads up the club's organizational meetings. Owner George Steinbrenner and general partner Steve Swindal, along with Tampa executives Damon Oppenheimer, Mark Newman and Bill Emslie, are expected to be at Yankee Stadium today. Manager Joe Torre and New York-based executives Randy Levine and Lonn Trost also will attend, as will Gene Michael. A trusted Cashman confidant, Michael has been reinstated in the Yankees' circle of power. The Yankees don't seem to be enamored of free agent Johnny Damon. But they probably can't persuade the Twins to trade them Torii Hunter unless Cano and another significant hitter is added to the deal. With corner outfielders such as Brian Giles, Jacque Jones and Reggie Sanders available via free agency, the Yanks could explore signing such a player and making Gary Sheffield available in a trade to fill a center field spot. Sheffield's value is unquestioned, but he has a history of being disgruntled by the contracts he signs and could cause the Yankees more grief in the final year of his $39 million pact. But compared to their rivals in Boston, the Yankees are the picture of tranquility and organization. Manny Ramirez has asked to be traded again, and he reportedly won't show up in Fort Myers for spring training unless he's accommodated - preferably in a deal to the Los Angeles Angels. The general manager who must deal with that mess is anyone's guess, since Theo Epstein quit his Red Sox post Monday following a power struggle with Admin Lucchino. Boston is expected to make a run at Baltimore free agent closer B.J. Ryan, whom the Yanks have targeted as a lefty setup man. Kyle Farnsworth, another potential replacement for Tom Gordon, filed for free agency Monday. Most of the Yankees' immediate focus is on re-signing Hideki Matsui and finalizing the coaching staff. So far this off-season, "We have not had any trade conversations,'' Cashman said. Cashman had not yet spoken to Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, but talks will take place soon; Matsui can become a free agent after Nov. 15. Cashman had nothing to announce regarding the coaching staff, except to say that bullpen coach Neil Allen, first base coach Roy White and third base coach Luis Sojo would not be returning to those positions. Admin Bowa (third base coach), Lee Mazzilli (bench coach) and Ron Guidry (pitching coach) are expected to join the staff. Also, former big league pitching coach Joe Kerrigan could fill Allen's role and former Royals manager Tony Pena is being considered as first base coach. BRIEF: Sheffield and Alex Rodriguez won AL Silver Slugger Awards as the best offensive players at their position. A-Rod won for the eighth time, the first time as a third baseman. Sheffield won for the fourth time. Bergen Record
November 1, 200521 yr Mets Want Furcal http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/new...t=.jsp&c_id=nym NEW YORK -- The third day of the free agent filing period brought with it some expected housekeeping by the Mets as well as an opportunity for them to launch a pursuit of a free agent who could further change their image -- Rafael Furcal. The club exercised its option on the contract of Steve Trachsel and opted to buy out the contracts of Braden Looper and Doug Mientkiewicz rather than retain the two for $9.8 million. The decisions were announced Monday by general manager Omar Minaya, who also noted in a statement that the club intends to speak with Looper's agent about returning next year for a salary less than the $5.8 million the reliever would have earned had the club exercised its option. More intriguing, though, is the club's thinking involving Furcal, a primary component in the Braves' success over the last six seasons. In a piece of outside-the-box thinking, the Mets are considering signing the veteran shortstop to play second base, and thereby, fill one of the team's more conspicuous vacancies. The thought has been discussed enough that more than a few Mets people are aware of it. Sign Furcal, play him at second, have him bat high in the order -- first or second -- and let him and Jose Reyes run. A tandem of that nature would be more potent and distractive than what the Marlins have at the top of their order -- Juan Pierre and Luis Castillo. And it might force opponents to use more left-handed pitching, a scenario that would benefit right-handed hitters David Wright and Mike Cameron and switch-hitters Reyes, Furcal and Carlos Beltran, while affording Ramon Castro more at-bats if the Mets decide to platoon behind the plate. Whether Furcal, one of 22 players who filed for free agency on Sunday, can play second base is an issue, of course. He comes off his best defensive year at shortstop, committing 15 errors after averaging close to 30 in his first five seasons. Only one of his career errors was made at second base. He has played 36 games at second, 31 of them as a rookie in 2000, and the most recent one in 2004. The Mets watched career shortstop Kaz Matsui fall short as a first-time second baseman last year, but he had been unsuccessful as a shortstop in 2004. Some Mets personnel are aware of indications that Furcal is not opposed to playing second base and he is interested in playing with the Mets. "I'm not sure. Maybe he's just been saying things like that to get a New York club involved," one Mets player said last week. "But there have been a few times we heard he wanted to come over." The Mets were prohibited from speaking with Furcal until he filed. They can't negotiate with him until after the final day of the free agency filing period, Nov. 11, but they can speak with him about playing second base and other salient points, other than money. The top of the order was a critical factor in the Mets' offensive shortfall this past season. The first two hitters in the Mets' batting order ranked last in the National League in on-base percentage -- .294 and .296. Furcal's on-base percentage, lower than .300 into June, was .348 for the year, slightly higher than the league average. Furcal can also be an offensive force. His run production numbers for 2005 were remarkably similar to those of Reyes. Each drove in 58 runs, with Furcal scoring 100, one more than Reyes. The idea of having Reyes, Furcal and Beltran or Furcal, Reyes and Beltran -- three fleet switch-hitters -- at the top of the order appealed to Minaya last year when the plan was for Matsui to be the No. 2 hitter. Furcal is a more dynamic player with more power and more stolen bases. His 46 steals in 2005 were a career high. Minaya didn't return calls to his office Monday. He and other members of the Mets hierarchy had made the club's intentions regarding Trachsel, Looper and Mientkiewicz known weeks ago. Trachsel, who underwent back surgery in March, will earn $2.5 million for 2006. He earned $6,782,500 for 2005 when he pitched merely 37 innings and qualified for none of the incentive clauses that would have dramatically increased his 2006 salary. Looper, who required shoulder surgery after the season, receives a $250,000 buyout, and Mientkiewicz gets a $450,000 buyout, which the Red Sox, the club that traded him to the Mets, is obligated to pay. His 2006 salary would have been $4 million. In other roster moves, the Mets reinstated five players to the 40-man roster -- Cameron, right-handed pitchers Bartolome Fortunato and Tyler Yates, left-handed pitcher Felix Heredia and infielder Jeff Keppinger. Each had been assigned to the 60-day disabled list. Jose Offerman was one of 22 players who filed for free agency Monday and is the seventh Met to file overall. The other six are Mike Piazza, Marlon Anderson, Miguel Cairo, Danny Graves, Gerald Williams and Mike DiFelice. With those free agents removed and the injured players reinstated, the Mets now have 38 players on their 40-man roster.
November 2, 200521 yr Author Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman's expected exploration of a bid for Boston slugger Manny Ramirez could get complicated. According to baseball sources, trade talks probably will expand to include the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could send third baseman Troy Glaus to the Red Sox in a three-way deal. In exchange for Ramirez, the Angels could send first baseman Darin Erstad and a prospect or two to Boston and additional players and prospects to Arizona. A representative of Ramirez, due to make $57 million over the next three years, informed Red Sox owner John Henry on Friday that Ramirez wants to be traded, and the outfielder's agent said that the Angels are "the most attractive option" for the outfielder, who in 2005 hit .292 with 45 home runs and 144 runs batted in after batting .308 with 43 homers and 130 RBIs in 2004. http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb...ack=1&cset=true
November 2, 200521 yr The Mets could add Trevor Hoffman to their shopping list of prospective closers now that he seems to be at an impasse with the Padres over a contract extension. Hoffman, who turned 38 last month, reportedly is seeking a three-year deal worth between $25 million and $27 million. Last week, the Padres offered two years for $10 million, and that may prompt Hoffman to try the open market. ??Trevor's first choice has always been to remain a Padre. But it's looking more and more like it won't happen,'' Rick Thurman, Hoffman's agent, told The Associated Press. ??Put it this way: Their offer made Trevor upset enough to have his locker cleaned out at the stadium.'' But it may take more than that for Hoffman to uproot his family from San Diego, where he has pitched since 1993, and the Mets, nearly 3,000 miles away on the other coast, would be a long shot. Not that he doesn't fit their needs. Hoffman had 43 saves last season, with a 2.97 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 572/3 innings. The Mets already have declined their $5.5-million option on former closer Braden Looper, and they're ready to spend for his replacement. The Phillies' Billy Wagner and Orioles' B.J. Ryan figured to be the top two targets this offseason, but if Hoffman truly wants out of San Diego, that will dramatically change the landscape. ??There are 16 teams where their closer spot is up in the air right now,'' Thurman said. ??It's a pretty good year to be a free-agent closer.'' The Padres hold exclusive negotiating rights to Hoffman until Nov. 11, but Thurman added that roughly 10 teams have expressed interest. Mets GM Omar Minaya did not return a phone call Tuesday night. http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/met...ports-headlines Bowa hired; Pena next? Finalizing the coaching staff was high on the Yankees' agenda as they kicked off their organizational meetings yesterday, and by the day's end they were inching closer. The Yankees announced the hiring of Admin Bowa as third-base coach - their first official move - and former Royals manager Tony Pena confirmed he's had discussions about coaching first base. "I think working for a ballclub like the New York Yankees, it's a privilege," Pena said in a telephone interview. "It's a ballclub where you know you have a chance to win." With Lee Mazzilli, Ron Guidry and Joe Kerrigan also likely to be hired, the staff promises to be overhauled, with only hitting coach Don Mattingly back in the same role. After emerging from the three-hour organizational meeting, general manager Brian Cashman said he wants the "best coaching staff possible," and has spent most of his time putting it together, even though the Yankees have a firm date of Nov. 15 to sign Hideki Matsui. Because Matsui does not have the service time to be a free agent, the Yankees agreed to put a clause in his three-year contract saying they will release him if they can't reach a new deal by Nov. 15. Teams cannot re-sign players they release until May 1. "It's definitely an issue that we have to deal with, because time is a consideration with him," Cashman said. But he's only exchanged voicemails with agent Arn Tellem, and has not reached out to other agents, because he's been busy with in-house work. With Luis Sojo not expected back, the Yankees lose a coach valued for dealing with their Spanish-speaking players. Pena, who would fill that role, is eager to get back to the majors and didn't expect problems breaking his commitment to manage the Dominican team in the World Baseball Classic so he could be with the Yankees for all of spring training. "You're not going to be able to see or know any of the players unless you start right away," he said. "It's something that I already spoke to the committee here about." Pena also confirmed he has to return to Kansas City to testify in a divorce hearing that came to light when he resigned from the Royals, but didn't think that will hurt his chances of getting hired by the Yankees. Bowa, meanwhile, said on a conference call the Yankees are the only team he would have coached for. "You've got to like that feeling, knowing going into spring training [George Steinbrenner] is going to give you every possible way to be successful," Bowa said. http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yan...ports-headlines
November 2, 200521 yr mets could really turn some heads next year I like the Idea of them having Furcal at second ... he will probably burn through 3 or 4 first basemen gloves before the season is done Furcal Reyes Beltran ouch ... thats something
November 2, 200521 yr Author mets could really turn some heads next year I like the Idea of them having Furcal at second ... he will probably burn through 3 or 4 first basemen gloves before the season is done Furcal Reyes Beltran ouch ... thats something David Wright, Anyone?
November 2, 200521 yr David Wright, Anyone? I think that was a given ... i was only listiing the top 3 which I think was the point of the article :plain
November 2, 200521 yr mets could really turn some heads next year I like the Idea of them having Furcal at second ... he will probably burn through 3 or 4 first basemen gloves before the season is done Furcal Reyes Beltran ouch ... thats something David Wright, Anyone? I'd like to see Wright get a shot at the clean-up spot in the line-up this year, possibly do a lefty right platoon there with him and Floyd. But I agree with Catch that the 1-2-3 will be Furcal Reyes Beltran.
November 2, 200521 yr Reds sale appears complete. The Cincinnati Reds, LLC, the entity which owns the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball franchise, today announced that its owners intend to sell a controlling interest in the Club to a group of Cincinnatians led by Robert H. Castellini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Castellini Company. Other members of the purchasing group include Thomas L. Williams and William J. Williams, Jr., President and Chairman, respectively, of Cincinnati-based North American Properties. The purchase price of the interests sold will be based on an enterprise value for the Club of approximately $270 million. Upon consummation of the transaction, it is expected that Mr. Castellini will become the CEO of the Reds. Several of the existing owners, including Reds’ Chief Executive Officer Carl H. Lindner, George L. Strike, and William J. Reik, Jr., intend to retain an interest in the Club. The owners of the Club who intend to sell all their current interests are Great American Insurance Company and a subsidiary of Gannett Co., Inc. Mr. Castellini stated that, "Carl has meant so much to the Reds and the City of Cincinnati. As such, we are thrilled that he has agreed to continue his association with the Club as a significant partner in our ownership group. I look forward to finalizing the agreement and submitting our group for MLB approval in the very near future as we are very excited about this opportunity and are eager to get started on the work ahead." Breaking news: An ownership group led by local businessman Robert Castellini is expected to buy a majority stake in the Cincinnati Reds and will likely assume operating control of the team, sources said today. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.d...SPT04/51102012 Castellini group expected to buy majority stake in Reds By Cliff Peale, John Erardi and John Fay Enquirer staff writers An ownership group led by local businessman Robert Castellini is expected to buy a majority stake in the Cincinnati Reds and will likely assume operating control of the team, sources said today. The team is expected to issue a press release at 4 p.m. Under terms of the agreement, it?s believed that Reds owner Carl Lindner will give up control of the team. Castellini, 64, is the president of Castellini Co., a fruit and vegetable wholesaler, and has ties to baseball. He is part of the St. Louis Cardinals? ownership group headed by Cincinnatian Bill DeWitt, who is that team?s chairman. Castellini and DeWitt previously invested in the Baltimore Orioles. Sources say brothers Thomas L. and W. Joseph Williams are in Castellini?s ownership group. Tom Williams is the president of North American Properties, which is headquartered in Cincinnati. Joseph Williams is the chairman. North American Properties has offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Ft. Myers and Minneapolis. It was started in 1954 by William J. Williams, who owned the Reds with his brother James from 1980-84. Three minority owners of the team put shares totalling 51.5 percent up for sale on March 8. That consortium included the Louise Dieterle Nippert Trust, local investor George Strike, and a subsidiary of Gannett Co., which owns The Enquirer. Although more than 50 percent of the team went up for sale, owner Carl Lindner is ?CEO for life? of the Reds, per his ownership agreement. Lindner owns 37.5 percent of the club. Lindner has first right to match any offer for the shares on sale, along with William Reik, an investment manager in New York who controls about 11 percent of the team. A source today said Reik will retain that percentage of ownership in the team. It?s not known whether Lindner will keep his share of the team. Assuming an agreement is reached with the Castellini group and a contract is signed, the next step in the deal requires approval by Major League Baseball owners. While the sale would end the mystery of who controls the Reds, only time will tell the answer to this question: How much money will the new owners spend on the Reds, and what is the status of chief operating officer John Allen, general manager Dan O?Brien, and manager Jerry Narron. O?Brien and Narron each have one year remaining on their contracts. In 2005, the Reds? payroll was just under $62 million. Although that represented a $16 million increase over 2004?s payroll, the returns were modest. The team finished 73-89, good for fifth place in the six-team National Central League Division. Cincinnati has not had a winning season since 2000. It?s the longest losing streak since the team endured 11 straight losing seasons, from 1945-55. By way of comparison, the New York Yankees? payroll last year was the highest in the league at $208,306,817. The World Champion Chicago White Sox?s payroll was just over $75 million. Tom Williams became president of North American Properties in 1991. He was a lawyer at the law firm of Frost & Jacobs, has a bachelor of arts degree from Georgetown University, and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati. Joe Williams has a bachelor?s degree from Xavier University. The brothers were also part of the Cardinals ownership group
November 3, 200521 yr Ichiro wants out of Seattle? http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_3168307 DATELINE: In front of Bonds. The baseball off-season has gotten off to a very quiet start in Seattle. Too quiet. Rumor has it Ichiro has grown tired of the Mariners' losing ways and wants out, but Seattle-area reporters aren't publicizing it because they like dealing with the Japanese hitting star on a daily basis. They're hoping the All-Star changes his mind before his request for a trade becomes a demand. Believe it: The Mariners are accepting offers right now for the standout leadoff hitter, and the price is only going to go up if/when Ichiro's true feelings about wanting out become public, prompting more teams to get Bill Bavasi on the phone. That's why it's imperative the Giants act quickly. Yes, the Giants. Ichiro is a perfect fit for the West Bay club for many reasons. His style of play (speed and defense) suits the National League. He would fill the leadoff spot, allowing Randy Winn to bat third. He would play a critical defensive position at SBC Park (right field). And he would be a hero to the Bay Area's huge Asian population. Oh, one more thing: He'd be the bridge to a new brand of Giants baseball in 2007, the club's first without Barry Bonds. What about Moises Alou, you say? Well ... He either spends the next six months getting acquainted with a first baseman's glove or he (along with prospects such as Merkin Valdez and Marcus Sanders) is part of the package that's shipped north.
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