Official 2009-10 MLB HOT STOVE OFFSEASON UPDATES 2009-10 Major League Baseball free agents • ** denotes potential free agents per contract terms. • Bolded names have filed for free agency. • A or B indicates Type A or Type B free agents (see explanation below). Type A free agents are players who rank in the upper 20% of their respective position groups under the statistical system of ranking players set forth by the Elias Sports Bureau, using statistics based on a two-year average for each respective position group. Type B free agents rank in the upper 40%, but not in the upper 20%. Clubs receive compensation if they lose a player classified as a Type A or Type B free agent. If a club loses a Type A free agent, it receives a first-round Draft pick (second-round pick if the signing team is selecting in the first 15 picks overall) plus a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds. If a club loses a Type B free agent, it receives a sandwich pick between the first and second rounds. The club only receives compensation if the player signs elsewhere before Dec. 1 or is offered arbitration and declines. ATLANTA BRAVES B - Anderson, Garret OF A - Gonzalez, Mike RP B - LaRoche, Adam 1B Norton, Greg 1B/OF A - Soriano, Rafael RP ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS B - Davis, Doug SP Schoeneweis, Scott RP Tracy, Chad 1B BALTIMORE ORIOLES Baez, Danys RP Hendrickson, Mark SP/RP Moeller, Chad C B - Mora, Melvin 3B BOSTON RED SOX Baldelli, Rocco OF A - Bay, Jason OF Byrd, Paul SP Gonzalez, Alex SS A - Wagner, Billy RP Woodward, Chris 3B CHICAGO CUBS Fox, Chad RP A - Grabow, John RP A - Gregg, Kevin RP B - Harden, Rich SP Johnson, Reed OF CHICAGO WHITE SOX Castro, Ramon C A - Dotel, Octavio RP A - Dye, Jermaine OF Podsednik, Scott OF CINCINNATI REDS B - Hernandez, Ramon ** C Wells, Kip SP CLEVELAND INDIANS Carroll, Jamey 2B/3B/OF Ohka, Tomokazu SP/RP COLORADO ROCKIES B - Beimel, Joe RP A - Betancourt, Rafael ** RP Contreras, Jose SP Embree, Alan RP Fogg, Josh SP/RP Giambi, Jason 1B Herges, Matt RP B - Marquis, Jason SP Rincon, Juan RP B - Torrealba, Yorvit C DETROIT TIGERS Everett, Adam SS Huff, Aubrey 1B/3B B - Lyon, Brandon RP A - Polanco, Placido 2B B - Rodney, Fernando RP Washburn, Jarrod SP FLORIDA MARLINS B - Calero, Kiko RP Donnelly, Brendan RP Gload, Ross 1B/OF B - Johnson, Nick 1B HOUSTON ASTROS Boone, Aaron 1B/3B B - Brocail, Doug RP Erstad, Darin 1B/OF Hampton, Mike SP A - Hawkins, LaTroy RP Michaels, Jason OF A - Tejada, Miguel SS A - Valverde, Jose RP KANSAS CITY ROYALS Chen, Bruce SP/RP Crisp, Coco OF B - Olivo, Miguel C Wright, Jamey RP L.A. ANGELS OF ANAHEIM Escobar, Kelvim SP A - Figgins, Chone 3B B - Guerrero, Vladimir OF/DH A - Lackey, John SP A - Oliver, Darren RP Quinlan, Robb 1B/3B/OF LOS ANGELES DODGERS Ausmus, Brad C B - Belliard, Ron 2B Castro, Juan 2B/SS B - Garland, Jon SP A - Hudson, Orlando 2B Loretta, Mark 1B/2B/3B Mientkiewicz, Doug 1B Milton, Eric SP B - Mota, Guillermo RP B - Ohman, Will ** RP B - Padilla, Vicente SP Schmidt, Jason SP Thome, Jim DH/1B Weaver, Jeff SP A - Wolf, Randy SP MILWAUKEE BREWERS B - Cameron, Mike OF Catalanotto, Frank OF Counsell, Craig 2B/3B/SS B - Kendall, Jason C B - Looper, Braden ** RP B - Lopez, Felipe 2B/3B/SS/OF Patterson, Corey OF Vargas, Claudio SP/RP B - Weathers, Dave RP MINNESOTA TWINS A - Cabrera, Orlando SS Crede, Joe 3B Mahay, Ron RP B - Pavano, Carl SP Redmond, Mike C NEW YORK METS Cora, Alex 2B/SS B - Delgado, Carlos 1B Dessens, Elmer RP Martinez, Ramon 2B/SS Putz, J.J. RP Schneider, Brian C Sheffield, Gary OF B - Tatis, Fernando 1B/3B/OF NEW YORK YANKEES A - Damon, Johnny OF Hairston Jr, Jerry 2B/3B/SS/OF Hinske, Eric 1B/OF Matsui, Hideki OF Molina, Jose C B - Nady, Xavier OF B - Pettitte, Andy SP OAKLAND A'S Crosby, Bobby SS B - Duchscherer, Justin SP Garciaparra, Nomar 1B Kennedy, Adam 2B Tomko, Brett SP PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES Bako, Paul C Cairo, Miguel IF B - Eyre, Scott RP Feliz, Pedro 3B Martinez, Pedro SP Myers, Brett SP B - Park, Chan Ho SP Stairs, Matt OF PITTSBURGH PIRATES None SAN DIEGO PADRES Blanco, Henry C B - Giles, Brian OF SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Aurilia, Rich 1B/3B B - Howry, Bob RP B - Johnson, Randy SP A - Molina, Bengie C Penny, Brad SP Uribe, Juan 2B/3B/SS B - Winn, Randy OF SEATTLE MARINERS Batista, Miguel SP/RP B - Bedard, Erik SP</B> B - Beltre, Adrian 3B Branyan, Russell 1B Chavez, Endy OF Sweeney, Mike 1B/DH Wilson, Jack ** SS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS Ankiel, Rick OF B - DeRosa, Mark 3B B - Glaus, Troy 3B Greene, Khalil SS/3B A - Holliday, Matt OF LaRue, Jason C B - Pineiro, Joel SP Smoltz, John SP Wellemeyer, Todd SP TAMPA BAY RAYS Bradford, Chad RP Isringhausen, Jason RP Percival, Troy RP B - Shouse, Brian RP B - Springer, Russ RP B - Zaun, Gregg C TEXAS RANGERS Benoit, Joaquin RP Blalock, Hank 3B B - Byrd, Marlon OF Guardado, Eddie RP Jones, Andruw OF B - Rodriguez, Ivan C Vizquel, Omar SS TORONTO BLUE JAYS B - Barajas, Rod C McDonald, John 3B/SS Millar, Kevin OF A - Scutaro, Marco 2B/SS WASHINGTON NATIONALS Bard, Josh C Hernandez, Livan SP Kearns, Austin OF Villone, Ron RP Young, Dmitri 1B
OFF THE MARKET The Rays exercised their $10 million option on All-Star OF Carl Crawford. The 28-year-old Crawford was the MVP of this year's All-Star game. The speedy left fielder also is the longest-tenured player in Rays history and the franchise's career leader in hits, runs, steals, triples, RBI and games. C Jason Varitek exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Red Sox on Wednesday, choosing to remain with the team as a backup to Victor Martinez rather than become a free agent. Boston declined to exercise its $5 million club option on Monday, and Varitek then had two days to decide whether to exercise his player option at the lower price. Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners agreed Wednesday to another one-year contract. Griffey, who turns 40 on Nov. 21, received a contract similar to the incentive-laden deal he signed to return to Seattle for the 2009 season. The Angels have re-signed OF Bobby Abreu to a two-year contract. The deal also contains a club option for 2012. Abreu joined the Angels shortly before spring training last winter and enjoyed a standout year, batting .293 with 15 home runs, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. The two-time All-Star has driven in at least 100 runs in seven straight seasons, tied for the majors' longest active streak. Tim Hudson agreed to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Braves on Thursday. His new deal calls for salaries of $9 million in each of the next three seasons, and the Braves get a $9 million club option for 2013 with a $1 million buyout. If Hudson pitches at least 600 innings over the next three seasons, he would receive a $500,000 bonus after the 2012 season.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/free_agent_tracker.jsp?null&sortbystat=SIGNED full MLB FA/HOT STOVE tracker, sorted by date signed, etc
More than 200 players are potentially eligible for salary arbitration this offseason: PLAYER TEAM POS. David Aardsma SEA RP Jremy Accardo TOR RP Mike Adams SD RP Matt Albers BAL RP Alfredo Amezaga FLA OF Brian Anderson BOS OF Garrett Atkins COL 3B Erick Aybar LAA SS Jeff Baker CHC 2B John R. Bale KC RP Grant Balfour TB RP Brian Bannister KC SP Clint Barmes COL 2B Jason Bartlett TB SS Jose A. Bautista TOR OF Heath Bell SD RP Jeff Bennett TB RP Jay Bergmann WAS RP Chad Billingsley LAD SP Joe Blanton PHI SP Boof Bonser MIN RP Michael Bourn HOU OF Blaine Boyer ARI RP Jonathan Broxton LAD RP Brian Bruney NYY RP Eric Bruntlett PHI 2B Taylor Buchholz COL RP John Buck KC C Sean Burnett WAS RP Jared Burton CIN RP David Bush MIL SP Tim Byrdak HOU RP Fernando Cabrera BOS RP Melky Cabrera NYY OF Shawn Camp TOR RP Jorge Cantu FLA 1B Matt Capps PIT RP D.J. Carrasco CWS RP Santiago Casilla OAK RP Ronny Cedeno PIT SS Raul A. Chavez TOR C Randy Choate TB RP Ryan Church ATL OF Todd Coffey MIL RP Roman Colon KC RP Clay Condrey PHI RP Lance Cormier TB RP Kevin Correia SD SP Neal Cotts CHC RP Jesse Crain MIN RP Jack Cust OAK DH John Danks CWS SP Kyle Davies KC SP Rajai Davis OAK OF Jorge de la Rosa COL SP Manny Delcarmen BOS RP Joe Devine OAK RP Matt Diaz ATL OF Lenny Dinardo KC RP Stephen Drew ARI SS Zach Duke PIT SP Chad Durbin PHI RP Andre Ethier LAD OF Scott Feldman TEX SP Pedro Feliciano NYM RP Jesus Flores WAS C Mike Fontenot CHC 3B Frank Francisco TEX RP Jeff Francoeur NYM OF Jason Frasor TOR RP Ryan Garko SF 1B Matt Garza TB SP Chad Gaudin NYY SP Esteban German TEX 2B Jody Gerut MIL OF Jonny Gomes CIN OF Carlos Gomez MIN OF Alex Gordon KC 3B Tom Gorzelanny CHC RP Sean Green NYM RP Jason Grilli TEX RP Gabe Gross TB OF Matt Guerrier MIN RP Jeremy Guthrie BAL SP Franklin Gutierrez SEA OF Angel Guzman CHC RP Scott Hairston OAK OF Josh Hamilton TEX OF Jason Hammel COL SP J.J. Hardy MIN SS Brendan Harris MIN SS Corey Hart MIL OF Aaron Heilman CHC RP Jeremy Hermida BOS OF Felix Hernandez SEA SP Koyie Hill CHC C J.P. Howell TB RP Chris Iannetta COL C Maicer Izturis LAA 2B Conor Jackson ARI OF Edwin Jackson DET SP Mike Jacobs KC DH Casey Janssen TOR RP Bobby Jenks CWS RP Josh Johnson FLA SP Kelly Johnson ATL 2B Jeff Karstens PIT SP Matt Kemp LAD OF Howard Kendrick LAA 2B Logan Kensing WAS RP Jeff Keppinger HOU 3B Casey Kotchman BOS 1B Kevin Kouzmanoff SD 3B Hong-Chih Kuo LAD RP Gerald Laird DET C Ryan Langerhans SEA OF Brandon League TOR RP Tim Lincecum SF SP Matthew Lindstrom FLA RP Francisco Liriano MIN SP Boone Logan ATL RP James Loney LAD 1B Mark Lowe SEA RP Ryan Ludwick STL OF Mike MacDougal WAS RP John Maine NYM SP Shaun Marcum TOR SP Carlos Marmol CHC RP Sean Marshall CHC RP Russell Martin LAD C Nick Masset CIN RP Jeff Mathis LAA C Brandon McCarthy TEX SP Seth McClung MIL RP Dustin McGowan TOR SP Brandon Medders SF RP Cla Meredith BAL RP Justin Miller SF RP Zach Miner DET RP Sergio Mitre NYY SP Miguel Montero ARI C Peter Moylan ATL RP Matt Murton COL OF Mike Napoli LAA C Dioner Navarro TB C Pat Neshek MIN RP Wil Nieves WAS C Dustin Nippert TEX RP Laynce Nix CIN OF Ricky Nolasco FLA SP Leo Nunez FLA RP Augie Ojeda ARI SS Hideki Okajima BOS RP Scott Olsen WAS SP Pete Orr WAS 2B Angel Pagan NYM OF Jonathan Papelbon BOS RP Ronny Paulino FLA C Tony Pena CWS RP Hunter Pence HOU OF Rafael Perez CLE RP Renyel Pinto FLA RP Chad Qualls ARI RP Carlos Quentin CWS OF Humberto Quintero HOU C Ramon Ramirez BOS RP Chris Ray BAL RP Tim Redding NYM RP Jeremy Reed NYM OF Jason Repko LAD OF Anthony Reyes CLE SP Mike Rivera MIL C Saul Rivera WAS RP Wandy Rodriguez HOU SP Cody Ross FLA OF Carlos Ruiz PHI C Chris Sampson HOU RP Anibal Sanchez FLA SP Jonathan Sanchez SF SP Ramon Santiago DET SS Joe Saunders LAA SP Skip Schumaker STL 2B Luke Scott BAL DH Bobby Seay DET RP George Sherrill LAD RP Kelly Shoppach CLE C Ryan Spilborghs COL OF Huston Street COL RP Cory Sullivan NYM OF Brian Tallet TOR SP Mark Teahen CWS 3B Robinson Tejeda KC RP Ryan Theriot CHC SS Dan Uggla FLA 2B B.J. Upton TB OF Jose Veras CLE RP Justin Verlander DET SP Shane Victorino PHI OF Carlos Villanueva MIL RP Doug Waechter KC RP Chien-Ming Wang NYY SP Jered Weaver LAA SP Rickie Weeks MIL 2B Josh Willingham WAS OF Reggie Willits LAA OF Brian Wilson SF RP C.J. Wilson TEX RP Michael Wuertz OAK RP Delmon Young MIN OF Joel Zumaya DET RP
Lots of happenings...lots of teams and players http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091118&content_id=7682950&vkey=hotstove2009&fext=.jsp Halladay celebration in New York? Yankees reportedly interested in deal for Jays ace
jack wilson resigned with seattle.....i would love to bring rafael soriano back, he could become the closer
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091120&content_id=7695950&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Teams shuffle rosters before Rule 5 Draft Clubs have until midnight ET to choose who's protected
Nah, he's agents met with Hoyer last night, but it was just a meet and greet. You'll probably see some movement in players after Thanksgiving. I'm still not sure Gonzalez gets moved.
Doc not interested in re-signing with Jays In report, team president says ace plans to test free agency http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091121&content_id=7698220&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Not surprised.....but makes it more and more interesting.
I dont see anything OFFICIAL on this news.....he may; but as of yet, doesnt look like its a done deal. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/news/hot_stove/y2009/free_agent_tracker.jsp?teamAct=sea
Nothing I have heard but its just a matter of time. In a way I would kind of hope for it if I were a Padre fan. May as well cash in Gonzalez' value for 3-4 stud (i.e. Grade A) type prospects. He will get a better package then some of the other stars like Santana, Victor Martinez, Cliff Lee, or even Halladay have gotten or will get. Hes still under contract for another year so if you sell high now you get a better deal. Unfortunately its inevitable so may as well get more for him. Well im assuming he would like to win something and thats not happening with the Sox, Yanks and Rays in the same division. Cant say I blame the guy. Any team with 1/5th of its payroll invested in Vernon Wells is going nowhere
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091121&content_id=7699638&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Hot rumors and cool talk around the Hot Stove, on a quiet Sunday: (couple of interesting ones) Meeting of the minds in SoCal John Boggs, the agent for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez -- who is still under contract with San Diego -- met for lunch with San Diego GM Jed Hoyer and characterized the meeting as "cordial," according to ESPN.com. Boggs described it as "a get-acquainted session" rather than a formal negotiation. Drew deal safe Outfielder J.D. Drew's contract contains an out-clause for the Red Sox should he spend extensive time on the DL with a shoulder injury -- and he recently underwent shoulder surgery. But the two issues, as the Boston Herald points out, do not match: The opt-out clause concerns the right shoulder -- which had troubled Drew prior to him signing a five-year deal with Boston in January 2007 -- and the surgery was on the left shoulder, to relieve inflammation. Last holiday for Halladay? Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston told the New York Post that Roy Halladay is planning on testing free agency next offseason, removing the possibility of him signing an extension with Toronto. The Yankees and Dodgers are rumored to have serious interest in Halladay. The Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies have been mentioned as having varying degrees of interest as well. A deal with the Cubs does not appear realistic at the moment, considering Halladay is owed $15.75 million in 2010 and Toronto has asked for a package of Chicago's top prospects. Bidding for Bay MLB.com's Ian Browne reports that the Red Sox discussed Matt Holliday with agent Scott Boras at the General Managers Meetings earlier this month, but it is believed that GM Theo Epstein's preference is to retain Jason Bay, also a free agent. Look for Boston to ratchet up interest in Holliday only if Bay starts to slip away. O's have the skinny on Delgado? The Orioles are looking for corner infielders, and one potential acquisition is veteran first baseman Carlos Delgado, who will begin playing for the Puerto Rican Winter League on Dec. 15, according to The Baltimore Sun. The O's are expected to watch the 37-year-old left-handed hitting slugger, who was limited to 26 games after undergoing hip surgery this past season. Big D to A's (kid never got a break with LAAoA) Dallas McPherson, held by back problems to 459 at-bats the past three seasons -- only 11 of them in the Majors -- has agreed to a Minor League contract with the Oakland A's that includes an invitation to Spring Training. In 2008, the 29-year-old third baseman did hit 42 homers and drove in 98 runs for Triple-A Albuquerque.
That Soriano deal was so idiotic when it happened, and it's only gotten worse. "Hmmm, let's see, let's swap a guy with awesome stuff for a guy with no stuff when they have the same numbers." That bugged me.
Report: Pads' Gonzalez might not be available According to ESPN.com's Buster Olney, a team inquiring on Adrian Gonzalez this winter was told he is not available. A good piece of news for Padres fans. Gonzalez, 27, posted a .958 OPS and 40 home runs in 2009 while earning just $3 million. He's only owed $4.75 million in 2010 and carries a bargain $5.5 club option for 2011. The Padres have no real reason to deal him, unless they're blown away by an offer, and should instead be thinking about building around him. Nov. 25 - 9:55 am et ====================== Wonder if that be them RED SOX Nation boys!!!!!
'Lengthy process' for Red Sox to get Halladay A team source from the Red Sox told the Boston Herald that any trade involving Roy Halladay will be "a lengthy process." Team officials responded to a report from the New York Daily News that said the Red Sox were "putting on a full-court press" for Halladay, with hopes of wrapping up a deal before the winter meetings. Boston would reportedly love to acquire the Toronto ace, however they are realistic of the timetable involved to make such a deal. Additionally, the Blue Jays are expected to maximize Halladay's value by pitting some of the larger market teams against each other. Nov. 25 - 4:00 pm et --------- His name will there right up to Opening Day....lots more on this story and where he moves to (or if he starts season with TOR)
White Sox agreed to terms with DH Andruw Jones one a one-year, $500,000 contract. Another veteran for Ozzie Guillen's bench. Jones will earn a $500,000 base salary in 2010 with another $1 million in performance bonuses. Jones, who turns 33 in April, batted .214/.323/.459 with 17 home runs and 43 RBI in 281 at-bats with the Rangers in 2009 while primarily functioning as a designated hitter. The 10-time Gold Glover and five-time All-Star isn't what he used to be, but he'll add some pop off the bench, especially against southpaws. Nov. 25 - 3:44 pm et =============================== White Sox constructing most experienced bench of all time. Jones, Vizquel, Kotsay have combined 48 years, 6,177 games, 25,290 plate app.
Report: Braves expected to pursue B-Wags According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, the Braves are expected to pursue free agent closer Billy Wagner this offseason. The 38-year-old left-hander posted a 1.98 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 26/8 K/BB ratio and limited opponents to a .174 batting average in 15 appearances this past season. If the Braves let both Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez walk this winter, Wagner would be a fine fill-in at the closer position for 2010. Nov. 25 - 8:49 am et
Report: Red Sox showing interest in SS Scutaro According to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald, the Red Sox have shown preliminary interest in free agent shortstop Marco Scutaro. The Red Sox are maintaining contact with free agent Alex Gonzalez, but Scutaro represents an offensive upgrade. He hit .282/.379/.409 with 12 homers, 60 RBI and 100 runs scored in 2009. According to the Herald, the Red Sox attempted to trade for Scutaro this past July. Nov. 25 - 8:37 am et Source: Boston Herald
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/minorleagues/y2009/free_agents.jsp 2009 Minor League Six-Year Free Agent Listing Find the diamond in the rough....the needle in the haystack, etc, etc.
Halladay OK with deal to Yankees Righty reportedly would waive no-trade to go to New York http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091128&content_id=7724250&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091201&content_id=7732752&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Halladay will block in-season trades Wants move done by spring or he's staying in Toronto for '10 Interesting....on one hand this helps TOR if a team bites and feels they must force to get him and trade away something now. On the other hand, TOR, may feel pressure to accept any trade prior to the season or risk getting nothing for him as he leaves for FA following the season. I personally think Halladay will be very sully if he isnt traded prior to the season and has to stay in TOR for the full year. Just think he is mentally done with TOR and wants out (his last few starts following a no trade last year indicated this).
Non story in my opinion. The Jays would be dumb if they started ST with Halladay on their roster because each day he spends as a Blue Jay from Feb on, he loses value. I think Halladay would be traded before then anyway.
For that very reason its a STORY....hahaha...... 1) Halladay has no-trade clause 2) TOR FO knows they will lose him to FA after 2010 3) Teams that Halladay would agree to go to, have to decide if they want him now, exactly how much to trade away to get him, and how much is market offering for him 4) TOR has to take even bottom offer to one of the TRADEABLE teams if no one is offering anything significant or they get nothing.....or.....they punish Halladay and make him stay in TOR for 2010 and thus not give him to AL East opponent such as NYY or BOS, etc. until 2011 and FA bids. Lots of moving parts, but it seems TOR is not in the driver seat unless they choose #4.
Ok, so Braves ink Wagner....but so much more in the works..... http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091202&content_id=7742378&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Bradley-for-Burrell banter The New York Post reports that there's a "strong possibility" that Pat Burrell of the Rays and Milton Bradley of the Cubs will be swapped for each other in what would be a trade of big 2009 free-agent signings that didn't work out as well as expected for their clubs. This would be so much better for CUBS.....
Red Sox showing interest in Polanco Former Gold Glove Award winner wasn't offered arbitration http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091202&content_id=7745214&vkey=hotstove2009&fext=.jsp
saw that.... http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091202&content_id=7746028&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb your #1 choice is Scutaro???
More low-risk, high-reward for Theo? Intersting, this ties to a rumor floating around regarding trade between Phils and Sox. It could open the door for the Papelbon & Ellsbury, and some prospects to Phils for Jason Werth, Shane Victorino, and some prospects. It seems the Red Sox brain trust does not want to deal with BORAS clients and also feel that Jacoby does not really fit there player profile for the kind of players they want up to the plate he makes to many easy outs and his OPS is in question.
I'd actually call up Arizona and see what it could take to get Stephen Drew. With Arizona's financial situation they may be willing to unload him at the right price and it's a realistic option unlike Hanley Ramirez. I'm not in love with any of the SS free agent options out there and really don't think/nor like the idea of Pedroia at SS. But yeah Scutaro would be my 1st choice based on who's available. Never heard that rumor before. Seems like its bogus to me for both sides it doesn't make any sense, especially for the Phillies with so many closers available on the open market. The Sox are happy with Ellsbury, sure he has very little power but he improved big time at the plate in the 2nd half and his D is above average. The Sox have no problem dealing with Boras or his clients and actually have a pretty good relationship outside of the whole Teixeira thing which I think Henry and company blew. I'm sure Theo will sign one SP out of Sheets, Harden and Bedard. If I had a choice I'd pick Sheets.
Done Deal.... http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091202&content_id=7746028&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Phillies, Polanco complete deal Gold Glove-winning second baseman will move to third PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies signed Placido Polanco to a three-year, $18 million contract on Thursday. The contract with the two-time Gold Glove second baseman, who will move to third base, includes a fourth-year mutual option. Polanco, who played for Philadelphia from 2002-05, will replace Pedro Feliz, who is a free agent and is expected to sign elsewhere. "We're very happy to have Placido back in a Phillies uniform," said Amaro. "He's a professional hitter who will enhance our lineup. As a Gold Glove infielder, we're very confident that he will make a smooth transition back to third base. Polly also gives us some added versatility at second base if and when Chase needs a rest." Polanco, a career .303 hitter, spent the past four-plus seasons playing second base for the Detroit Tigers, who acquired him in a trade with the Phillies in 2005 for relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina and infielder Ramon Martinez.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091203&content_id=7749290&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb Sox ask for Scutaro's medical records Needing shortstop, veteran could fill hole in Boston's infield
Cubs trade Fox, Miles to Oakland Click Me I'm just glad they rid themselves of Aaron Miles, what a worthless bastard. Hendry should be shot for signing him in the first place.
