MLB Winter Meetings

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

The Winter Meetings occur this weekend. We will see the most substantial movement of free agents and trades of the offseason. MLB.com will have live radio coverage. Consider this a new offseason thread.

[Guest LooneyTune]

(gears self for the serious amounts of moves that end up making me confused of who went where)

 

I wonder what stupid moves the NY Mets will make.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

I know somebody who's going to be hanging around the hotel where its taking place. His sole purpose is to find Brian Cashman and then proceed to point and laugh at him.

[Fökai 0]

Say thanks and I'll post more as the days go on...

 

Carl Pavano, Marlins

Interested:

Marlins

Red Sox

Yankees

Phillies

Orioles

Mariners

White Sox

Tigers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Marlins aren't going to let Pavano get away without making a last-ditch effort to re-sign the 18-game winner, The Miami Herald reports.

 

Pavano's agent, Scott Shapiro, said he had a "long and substantive" phone conversation with Marlins GM Larry Beinfest on Tuesday and believes the team is sincere about wanting to keep the right-hander in a Marlins uniform. Florida has offered Pavano salary arbitration.

 

Nevertheless, the so-called "Carlapalooza" tour continues this week, with Pavano visiting Baltimore, Seattle and Anaheim. The Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers also are pursuing him.

 

 

 

Carlos Beltran, Astros

Interested:

Angels

Astros

Yankees

Cubs

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Despite reports the Angels' interest had cooled, Beltran remains their primary free-agent target, according to the L.A. Times. He was offered arbitration by the Astros, who also have a six- or seven-year, $13.5 million contract offer to the centerfielder on the table.

 

The Yankees reportedly will offer the 27-year-old center fielder $13 million per season. The Cubs are also expected to pursue Beltran.

 

 

 

Tid Hudson, Athletics

Interested:

Braves

Angels

Marlins

Phillies

Cardinals

Orioles

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Tim Hudson might not have to worry about getting a contract extension with the A's completed before March 1. According to The San Jose Mercury News, the Braves and A's have discussed a deal that would send second baseman Marcus Giles to Oakland for Hudson. The Cardinals also have inquired about Hudson and The Baltimore Sun reports the Orioles are interested, too.

 

Hudson, a two-time All-Star with a 92-39 career record, could command a salary ($15M annually on the open market) beyond Oakland's means.

 

 

 

Corey Koskie, Twins

Interested:

Twins

Tigers

Mariners

Blue Jays

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Minnesota offered Koskie arbitration, keeping open their window to possibly re-sign the third baseman. Koskie has until Dec. 19 to accept or reject arbitration.

 

According to the Minneaplois Star Tribune, the Twins' last offer to Koskie is believed to be two years and around $8.25 million, but Koskie reportedly has offers from other teams for as much as $16 million over three years. Detroit, Seattle and Toronto have expressed interest.

 

 

 

Tony Clark, Yankees

Interested:

Blue Jays

Diamondbacks

Braves

Devil Rays

Padres

Nationals

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Clark is attracting interest as a fallback from several teams with first base questions, reports Insider's Jerry Crasnick.

 

Toronto, which didn't offer salary arbitration to Carlos Delgado, is among the group. So is Arizona, which offered arbitration to Richie Sexson. With Tino Martinez on his way out in Tampa, Clark could be a fit with the Devil Rays. The Braves, who want to re-sign Julio Franco as a bat off the bench, have talked about Clark as a possible alternative.

 

Clark hit 16 homers for the Yankees last season, but batted .221 and had a .297 on-base percentage. He also struck out 92 times in 253 at-bats. But he's a switch-hitter and a good defensive player and wins points as a positive presence in the clubhouse.

 

 

 

Steve Finley, Dodgers

Interested:

Tigers

Giants

Rangers

Orioles

Phillies

Cubs

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Tigers have offered Steve Finley $16 million for two years, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports. Agent Tommy Tanzer told the Detroit News the Tigers have been "extremely aggressive" in pursuing the veteran outfielder.

 

Finley, who turns 40 on March 12, hit .271 with 36 homers and 94 RBI last season for the Dodgers and Diamondbacks. The Tigers would welcome Finley's Gold Glove in Comerica Park's spacious center field.

 

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Giants also have made an offer to Finley but are not expected to feed a frenzied bidding competition for an outfielder who turns 40 in March. "I do know he has interest," GM Brian Sabean told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We've pursued him as much as any player we possibly could, of recent note."

 

 

 

J.D. Drew

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Braves severed their ties to J.D. Drew, deciding not to offer him arbitration. Drew hit .305 with 31 homers, 93 RBI and 12 stolen bases – helping the Braves win their 13th straight division title, and for the first time, making it through the season without going on the disabled list.

 

But the Georgia native priced himself out of Atlanta's budget with the best season of his career. Drew wants a five-year deal for more than $50 million, while the Braves plan to keep their payroll around $80 million, the same level as 2004.

 

 

 

Woody Williams, Cardinals

Interested:

Padres

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Padres are in hot pursuit of Woody Williams. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the club has outlined an offer for Williams: about $3.5 million in guaranteed salary, with a buyout that could raise the guarantee to $4 million, plus incentives on games pitched that could raise the total income to about $7 million.

 

"I'm excited about the possibilities," said the right-hander, who went 45-22 for the Cards in the three-plus seasons after GM Kevin Towers dealt him to St. Louis for outfielder Ray Lankford – a trade Towers rated the worst of his nine-year tenure.

 

The Cardinals declined an $8 million option on Williams, instead electing to pay a $900,000 buyout. "When I became a free agent, I definitely had the Padres in mind," added Williams. "For them to show interest definitely makes me feel good. And it's definitely a comfortable place for my family."

 

 

 

Arthur Rhodes, Pirates

Interested:

Indians

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Pirates are discussing a deal with the Indians that would send left-handed reliever Rhodes, acquired from Oakland recently in the Jason Kendall trade, to Cleveland for outfielder Matt Lawton, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The trade reportedly could happen at the winter meetings this weekend in Anaheim, Calif.

 

The Pirates are looking to add more power, a catcher and a leadoff hitter. "At this time of year, you're in touch with more teams. There's a lot of discussion going on," Pirates GM Dave Littlefield told the newspaper.

 

 

 

Roger Clemens, Astros

Interested:

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Roger Clemens, who helped the Astros win their first playoff series in club history, was offered salary arbitration. Even though he won his record seventh Cy Young Award, the Rocket is considering retirement – again.

 

"I kind of have a feeling on what I want to do and what my future holds, but I don't think now is the time to address that," Clemens, 42, told the Houston Chronicle last month. "I need to speak to some family and other representatives and let them know how I'm feeling."

 

Another consideration for Clemens is his mother, Bess, who's wheelchair-bound and has emphysema. Clemens wants her around to experience his induction into the Hall of Fame, which would be five years after his retirement.

 

 

 

Matt Lawton, Indians

Interested:

Pirates

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Pirates are discussing a deal with the Indians that would bring outfielder Lawton to Pittsburgh for left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. The trade reportedly could happen at the winter meetings this weekend in Anaheim, Calif.

 

The Pirates are looking to add more power, a catcher and a leadoff hitter. "At this time of year, you're in touch with more teams. There's a lot of discussion going on," Pirates GM Dave Littlefield told the newspaper.

 

Lawton is owed $7.25M for 2005.

 

 

 

David Dellucci

Interested:

Rockies

Rangers

Diamondbacks

Marlins

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Diamondbacks are leading a four-team race for the services of outfielder David Dellucci, The Arizona Republic reports. Arizona has offered Dellucci a two-year deal believed to be worth $1.8 million to $2.5 million. According to The Dallas Morning News, Dellucci has two-year offers from the Marlins and Rangers, and a one-year offer from the Rockies.

 

"We've got a little bit of a ways to go yet, but I'm hopeful," Dellucci's agent, Gregg Clifton, on his client's potential deal with Arizona, told The Republic. "I plan on reaching out to David now to update him as to where things are at this point and he's going to analyze all of it very thoroughly."

 

The Rangers offered Dellucci arbitration.

 

 

 

Derek Lowe, Red Sox

Interested:

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Derek Lowe, a Scott Boras client, is said to be seeking a four-year, $48 million contract, The Hartford Courant reports.

 

Although the Red Sox offered Lowe salary arbitration, there have been few indications he is a priority for the team. The right-hander didn't attend a celebration of their championship on Dec. 6 in Fort Myers, Fla., where he lives and where the team holds spring training.

 

"That's unfortunate," said GM Theo Epstein, who believes Lowe was invited. "Derek was a huge part of our 2004 year and has been a terrific contributor to the organization for many years and, as of right now, he's still very much part of the Red Sox."

 

 

 

Antonio Alfonseca, Braves

Interested:

Marlins

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - According to the Palm Beach Post, the Marlins are interested in Antonio Alfonseca. "I think they're very serious," agent Juan Iglesias told the newspaper. "It's just a matter of ironing a few things out."

 

Alfonseca, who was not offered arbitration by the Braves, is seeking a multiyear deal. Florida has extended him a one-year offer worth more than the $1.35 million he earned with Atlanta last season when he posted career-bests for wins (six), appearances (79) and ERA (2.57).

 

Alfonseca likely would compete with Guillermo Mota for the closer job in Florida. He recorded 102 saves for the Marlins from 1997-2001 (second in franchise history to Robb Nen's 108). Alfonseca's best season was 2000 when he had 45 saves.

 

 

 

Moises Alou, Cubs

Interested:

Mets

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - With Richard Hidalgo out of the picture, the Mets will turn their attention toward signing Moises Alou, the New York Daily News reports.

 

The Cubs didn't offer Alou salary arbitration because his salary could have cost them at least $10 million for 2005. While the Mets' front office reportedly was split on re-signing Hidalgo, GM Omar Minaya is believed to strongly favor signing Alou to play right field. As the Cubs' left fielder last season, Alou hit .293 with 39 homers and 106 RBI.

 

 

 

Jon Lieber, Phillies

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Jon Lieber agreed to a $21-million, three-year contract with the Phillies. Lieber gets a $1 million signing bonus and will earn $5.25 million in 2005, $7.25 million in 2006 and $7.5 million in 2007.

 

Lieber – who spent last season with the Yankees, going 14-8 with a 4.33 ERA in 27 starts and 1-1 with a 3.43 ERA in three playoff starts – joins a rotation that subtracted Eric Milton and Kevin Millwood. Both free agents weren't offered arbitration by the Phillies, meaning their brief careers in Philadelphia are all but over.

 

 

 

Richard Hidalgo, Mets

Interested:

Rangers

White Sox

Orioles

Brewers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Rangers began working hard on signing Richard Hidalgo on Tuesday, according to the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram. The paper indicated the outfielder, who was not offered arbitration by the Mets, appears willing to sign a one-year deal.

 

The New York Post indicates the White Sox also are interested in Hidalgo, whom GM Kenny Williams considers a cheaper alternative to Magglio Ordonez.

 

Hidalgo hit .239 with 25 homers and 82 RBI for Houston and the Mets last season. He's currently rehabilitating from a groin injury that forced him to shut it down in late September.

 

 

 

Jeff Kent, Astros

Interested:

Tigers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Astros parted ways with Kent on Tuesday when they failed to reach agreement on a new deal and elected not to offer him salary arbitration.

 

"We're having the pace of things with a number of teams pick up," Kent's agent, Jeff Klein, told the Houston Chronicle. "Four or five teams have picked up pretty dramatically, and I'm working on that. We're still talking to everybody. There are other very good offers that Jeff is entertaining."

 

Kent visited Detroit in November, but it's unclear who else has interest in the slugging second baseman

 

 

 

David Wells, Padres

Interested:

Padres

Phillies

Yankees

Dodgers

Indians

Rangers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Padres have made progress toward signing David Wells, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. By offering arbitration to Wells – with the understanding he won't accept it – the Padres extended their negotiating window to Jan. 8. "We're still cautiously optimistic that we can get something done," GM Kevin Towers told the newspaper.

 

The Padres' proposal to Wells includes about $3.5 million in guaranteed salary with a buyout that could raise the guarantee to $4 million, plus incentives on games pitched that could raise the total income to about $7 million.

 

Wells can can also negotiate with other clubs. The Phillies reportedly have offered the left-hander a guarantee of more than $5 million, but they likely will rescind their offer because they don't want to give up a first-round draft pick as compensation.

 

 

 

Richie Sexson, Diamondbacks

Interested:

Diamondbacks

Mariners

Orioles

Mets

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Diamondbacks offered salary arbitration to first baseman Richie Sexson, even though it's unlikely he will return to Arizona. By offering Sexson arbitration, the D-Backs will receive two high draft picks as compensation from the team that signs Sexson to a deal.

 

According to the Arizona Republic, Sexson has declined every offer made by Diamondbacks management. His agent made a counterproposal and has solicited offers from the Mariners and Mets. Arizona has likely made its final sales pitch to him.

 

In six full years before his 2004 season in Arizona was gutted by two shoulder injuries, Sexson averaged .270 with 30 homers and 95 RBI.

 

 

 

Royce Clayton, Rockies

Interested:

Diamondbacks

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Royce Clayton and his agent, Rick Licht, are scheduled to meet with the D-Backs on Wednesday, The Arizona Republic reports. Clayton, a Scottsdale, Ariz., resident, was not offered arbitration by the Rockies.

 

 

 

Edgar Renteria, Cardinals

Interested:

Cardinals

Red Sox

Angels

Tigers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract, the Cardinals offered Edgar Renteria arbitration, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Renteria has until Dec. 19 to accept or decline the club's offer. If he accepts it, he is considered under contract for 2005. If he rejects the offer, the club retains negotiating rights with him through Jan. 8.

 

GM Walt Jocketty has made no secret that re-signing Renteria is his first task, but one agent described him as "consumed" by the task possibly to the exclusion of other needs. "It's not coming from Walt," the agent told the newspaper. "He has to deal with what he's been given."

 

Renteria was unimpressed by the team's reluctance to negotiate an extension after signing Albert Pujols to a seven-year, $100 million deal last February.

 

 

 

Magglio Ordonez, White Sox

Interested:

Orioles

Mets

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Agent Scott Boras told the Chicago Sun-Times that his client is fully healed from two knee injury surgeries and would be ready for spring training – even if it started now. Boras is so confident in the outfielder's health he canceled a scheduled workout for interested teams. Boras told the paper the workout is unnecessary because interested teams have been given appropriate medical records.

 

"The doctors' statements are that Magglio is ready now and will be absolutely ready by spring training," Boras said.

 

The White Sox declined to offer Ordonez arbitration because Boras would not allow their doctors to examine him.

 

 

 

Jaret Wright, Yankees

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Wright has agreed to a three-year, $21 million to join the Yankees, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. Previously, the Mariners reportedly had offered Wright a three-year, $15 million deal.

 

Wright came back from years of shoulder and elbow miseries to go 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA in 32 starts for Atlanta in 2004. He was one of baseball's bargains at $850,000.

 

 

 

Jason Varitek, Red Sox

Interested:

Red Sox

Dodgers

Rangers

Angels

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Red Sox offered salary arbitration to Jason Varitek – giving the team until Jan. 8 to re-sign him – and hope to bring back the catcher. "Jason's a priority for us," said GM Theo Epstein. "We don't want to build a team without Jason Varitek. We might have to but we don't want to."

 

Varitek's agent, Scott Boras, has proposed a five-year contract offer to the Sox that would allow the team to void the deal after four years if injury prevented Varitek from playing in a specified number of games or reaching a certain number of plate appearances, the Boston Herald reports. That's a slight concession from Boras, who had been pushing for a five-year, $55 million deal with a no-trade clause.

 

The Red Sox offered Varitek fours years for $36 million, an average of $9 million per year. According to the Herald, it remains unclear if an agreement could be reached simply by splitting the difference and settling for $40 million over four years. But the Sox will not budge on the no-trade clause.

 

 

 

Nomar Garciaparra, Cubs

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra will play another season for the Cubs. Garciaparra signed a one-year, $8 million deal with a combination of performance bonuses.

 

He can make as much as $11 million if he starts 150 games and gets 550 plate appearances: $400,000 for 130 games started $400,000 for 135; $400,000 for 140; $400,000 for 145; $400,000 for 150; $500,000 for 535 plate appearances; $500,000 for 550.

 

Plus: $75,000 for All Star; $75,000 for Gold Glove; $200,000 for MVP; $150,000 for NLCS/MVP; $250,000 for WS/MVP.

 

 

 

Jermaine Dye, A's

Interested:

White Sox

Rangers

Giants

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The A's cut their ties with Jermaine Dye by not offering him arbitration. According to the Contra Costa Times, the A's declined a $14 million option on Dye in October and didn't want to risk a lucrative ruling against them in arbitration. Dye made $12.5 million last season.

 

Dye is at the top of the Rangers' list to fill their hole in right field, The Dallas Morning News reported. The Rangers would like to visit face to face with Dye, but nothing is scheduled. "There is mutual interest," Dye's agent, Robert Bry, told the newspaper.

 

Injuries have limited Dye's production the last three years, but he is a career .272 hitter and had 23 homers and 80 RBI last season. One thing is certain: Dye won't be getting a deal like the last one he signed after the 2001 season – a three-year contract for $30 million.

 

 

Danny Bautista, Diamondbacks

Interested:

Marlins

Red Sox

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Diamondbacks did not offer salary arbitration to Danny Bautista, the Arizona Republic reported. The considered re-signing Bautista, but he didn't like the club's offer and directed his agent to look at other clubs

 

Bautista was rumored to be discussed in a handful of deals before the trading deadline last season.

 

 

 

Carlos Delgado, Blue Jays

Interested:

Orioles

Mariners

Rangers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Carlos Delgado was not offered salary arbitration by the Blue Jays, leaving one of the biggest stars in franchise history to look for a new team.

 

Delgado has received offers from the Rangers and Mariners. The Orioles are far enough along in their negotiations with Delgado that they've already resolved the "God Bless America" issue, The Baltimore Sun reported.

 

Delgado has notified club officials, through agent David Sloane, that he would stand for the song if they ask him to stand. The Orioles probably will make the slugger an offer soon.

 

 

 

Jim Mecir, A's

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Reliever Jim Mecir was not offered arbitration by the A's, the Contra Costa Times reported. Mecir hinted at retirement last season, but he has not made anything official.

 

With Chris Hammond also departing (declined arbitration), the A's need to revamp their bullpen. Hammond, 38, posted a team-low 2.68 ERA in 41 appearances last season but missed six weeks with strained left shoulder. Mecir, 34, had a 3.59 ERA in 65 outings.

 

 

 

Pedro Martinez, Red Sox

Interested:

Red Sox

Mets

Yankees

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Pedro Martinez briefly met with Red Sox owner John Henry and president Larry Lucchino in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday while passing through the international airport. The two executives talked with Martinez for 45 minutes before attending the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Red Sox baseball academy on the island.

 

Martinez, who was with agent Fernando Cuza, was in the airport preparing to travel to Miami for his sister's wedding. "The meeting was very satisfactory," said Henry. "We are hoping to be able to retain Pedro and keep him in Boston for the rest of his career."

 

Martinez became a free agent after the season and has received offers from the Sox and Mets.

 

 

 

Troy Glaus, Angels

Interested:

Tigers

Orioles

Red Sox

Brewers

Diamondbacks

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Angels declined to offer salary arbitration to Troy Glaus, cutting ties with the 2002 World Series MVP.

 

Glaus has offers on the table from the Tigers and Diamondbacks. While the Detroit Free Press didn't have any detailed information on Detroit's offer, the East Valley Tribune reports Arizona has offered the third baseman a four-year deal. According to the Tribune, Arizona refuted a Los Angeles radio report that it was about to sign Glaus.

 

A three-time All-Star, the 28-year-old Glaus missed most of last season because of a right shoulder injury that required surgery on May 21. He batted .251 with 18 homers and 42 RBI in 58 games.

 

 

 

Craig Counsell, Brewers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Brewers declined to offer Craig Counsell arbitration. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the two sides tried to work out an incentive-laden deal but were unable to agree on the terms. "There were no hard feelings," GM Doug Melvin told the newspaper. "It was just a matter of us having a lot of depth in the middle infield."

 

The Brewers plan to give prospect J.J. Hardy a chance to win the shortstop job this spring and thus offered Counsell (who made $3.15 million last season) a deal at reduced pay as a backup.

 

The 34-year-old veteran wasn't prepared to accept a drastic reduction in playing time just to remain with the Brewers. "Craig has two stated goals," said Counsell's agent, Barry Meister. "One is to play regularly. The other is to play regularly on a championship club, if possible."

 

 

 

Mike Matheny, Cardinals

Interested:

Dodgers

Brewers

Red Sox

Cardinals

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - Mike Matheny received an offer Tuesday from the Cardinals believed to be about $4 million for two years, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. The team also offered him salary arbitration. Matheny reportedly would reject arbitration if the sides can't agree on a multiyear contract.

 

"This (offer of arbitration) gives both sides more time to reach terms that are hopefully mutually agreeable," Matheny's agent, John Boggs, told the Post-Dispatch. "You'd like to remain optimistic."

 

 

 

Russ Ortiz, Braves

Interested:

Mariners

D-Backs

Cardinals

Phillies

Indians

Brewers

Nationals

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - No free agent pitcher has as many wins over the last four years as Russ Ortiz (67) – a fact not lost on his agent, John Boggs. "What we know is we've got a quality pitcher," Boggs told the Baltimore Sun. "Look at his durability. Look at his numbers. He's at what we feel is the top of his (free agent) class. He doesn't get the media that Pedro Martinez gets. … But we think we know what he's worth."

 

Boggs has had discussions with Nationals GM Jim Bowden, and Ortiz "would love to pitch in Washington." However, if Ortiz ultimately gets what Boggs thinks he's worth – perhaps $10 million annually – there's little chance he'll be pitching in Washington next year. The right-hander already has received three offers, including at least one for three years, "but no one has hit the mark yet."

 

The Braves declined arbitration for Ortiz, their former No. 1 starter. He made $6.2 million in 2004 and was 36-16 with a 3.81 ERA in two seasons for Atlanta. Over the past six years, he has averaged 16.5 wins with a 3.93 ERA in 209 innings, and has never missed a start in his career. He is being viewed by most teams as a second-tier, or even third-tier, starter option.

 

 

 

Matt Mantei, Red Sox

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Red Sox signed Matt Mantei to a one-year deal worth $750,000, ESPN's Peter Gammons reported. The deal is pending a team physical, which Mantei is scheduled to have in Boston.

 

Mantei was declined arbitration by the Diamondbacks. He posted 22 saves for the club in 1999 following a trade from Florida, helping Arizona capture the NL West title. He bounced back from arm trouble to record 29 saves in 2003, but injuries and inconsistency derailed him in 2004, the Arizona Republic reported.

 

"He was frustrated he couldn't get out on the field more. It was frustrating to all of us. … When he was out there, he could be dominating," Arizona GM Joe Garagiola Jr. told the newspaper. "… But frustration probably sums it up in one word."

 

 

 

Robb Nen, Giants

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Giants declined to offer arbitration to longtime closer Robb Nen, who has not pitched in more than two years because of an injured shoulder and has not decided whether to try to mount a comeback. If he does, he could sign a minor league contract with the team but not pitch in the majors until May 1.

 

Nen (314 career saves) has made nearly $18 million while spending the past two seasons on the disabled list. He has undergone three shoulder operations since last pitching in the 2002 World Series.

 

 

 

Eric Young, Rangers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Eric Young could be headed to the Padres as a utility man. Young, who will turn 38 in May, is a right-handed hitter who batted .277 with Texas last season and had more walks (43) than strikeouts (28). He played left field, center field, shortstop, second base and third base.

 

 

 

Eric Milton, Phillies

Interested:

Yankees

Mets

Cardinals

Angels

Phillies

Indians

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Phillies did not offer arbitration to Eric Milton, which was somewhat expected. The Yankees have been considered the favorites to sign Milton from the outset because of their need for a lefty starter. They have examined his surgically repaired left knee and are expected to make a strong push to sign Milton to a three-year deal worth about $25 million, Newsday reports.

 

Milton, who missed much of the 2003 season, went 14-6 with a 4.75 ERA for the Phillies last season. He had 161 strikeouts in 201 innings and allowed 43 home runs.

 

The Angels and Mets also are making a run at Milton, the premier left-handed starter on the market. "We've had ongoing discussions with about a half-dozen clubs," agent Casey Close told Insider's Jerry Crasnick. "We're just looking to narrow the process down and find the right deal for Eric."

 

 

Matt Clement, Cubs

Interested:

Indians

Red Sox

Dodgers

White Sox

Angels

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Cubs offered arbitration to Matt Clement, more to ensure the team would get draft picks as compensation for another team signing the right-handed starter. According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs see an arbitration offer as a no-lose proposition with Clement, who likely would get only a one-year deal with the Cubs if he accepts arbitration.

 

The Indians are hot on Clement's trail, and negotiations have gone well. Clement reportedly has received a three-year, $18-million offer. "We've talked about the range of the offer (money and years)," agent Barry Axelrod told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "Where they think the range is and where we think the range is are about the same."

 

The big-money Angels also have recently joined the chase. "It's more a recent expression of interest," said Axelrod. "Some teams, like Cleveland, have expressed interest from the first day, which means something to us."

 

 

 

Jeromy Burnitz, Rockies

Interested:

Diamondbacks

Mariners

Phillies

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Rockies refused to offer arbitration to Jeromy Burnitz, deciding to part ways with their home-run leader from 2004. In October, the Rockies and Burnitz agreed not to exercise a $3 million mutual option, and the outfielder received a $250,000 buyout.

 

Burnitz, who hit 37 homers last season, is attracting interest from several clubs, including the Diamondbacks, Phillies and Mariners.

 

 

 

Jason Christiansen, Giants

Interested:

Giants

Mets

Marlins

Reds

Devil Rays

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 8 - The Giants offered arbitration to Jason Christiansen, keeping the door open for his return. According to The San Francisco Chronicle, Christiansen was pleased with the team's arbitration offer – a sign the two sides are close enough in negotiations to warrant further discussion.

 

Christiansen earned $2.6 million last season and knows any deal with the Giants would be for less. He agreed not to force the team into an actual salary-arbitration hearing.

 

"Knowing that we're going to continue talking and try to work something out the next few days is very encouraging," Christiansen told the newspaper. "My biggest thing is coming back to the Giants. I've enjoyed playing there. What they did … is a step in the right direction."

 

Christiansen also has spoken to the Mets, Devil Rays, Marlins and Reds.

 

 

 

Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks

Interested:

Yankees

Red Sox

Cardinals

Angels

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 7 - Randy Johnson has made it clear he doesn't want to pitch for the White Sox. The 41-year-old left-hander appears to want to leave the rebuilding Diamondbacks to pitch for a contender, but he also has a no-trade clause.

 

"I've been told he won't pitch on the South Side of Chicago," White Sox GM Ken Williams said.

 

According to The Arizona Republic, the Yankees halted trade talks for the Big Unit because the Diamondbacks reportedly asked for pitchers Javier Vazquez and Tom Gordon, pitching prospect Brad Halsey, $18 million in cash, and at least one pitcher from another team that the Yankees could acquire and then trade to Arizona.

 

"We won't go back to them (the Yankees)," an Arizona official told the East Valley Tribune. "Things could change of course. I think it would be unlikely we would not hear from them. … We decided we'd listen to other people, and we're doing that."

 

 

 

Tino Martinez, Devil Rays

Interested:

Yankees

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 7 - Tino Martinez has received an offer from the Devil Rays, but the first baseman also has interest in rejoining the Yankees and may want to see what they do with the Jason Giambi situation, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

 

"We made Tino an offer to stay with the Devil Rays; now it's a matter of if we get it done or not," GM Chuck LaMar told the newspaper.

 

 

 

 

Rusty Greer, Rangers

 

The Skinny:

Dec. 7 - The Rangers and one of the most popular players in their history will part ways. Texas will not offer Rusty Greer salary arbitration.

 

Greer, who turns 36 next month, hopes to start the 2005 season with another team as a DH. According to The Dallas Morning News, the oft-injured left fielder has received interest from Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Kansas City and could sign with one of them before the end of the week.

 

If Greer doesn't play – and retires – he has an offer to work in the Rangers' front office.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I think the Phillies are just about done for the offseason at this point. The lineup, bench, and rotation appear just about set. I could see them seeking a final reliever, and re-signing Doug Glanville. They'll listen to offers for Ryan Howard, but I am not sure the Phillies see a good deal on the horizon at this point.

[treble 0]

Don't know why they don't have the Blue Jays listed as a team interested in Clement. Everything I've heard has made it seem like he's their #1 priority.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

I read on rotoworld that the Phillies are out of the Pavano race because they picked up Lieber and in an ESPN article it says that Anaheim is backing out or something to that.

 

Also according to people in Arizona their ESPN Radio is saying that Troy Glaus could be getting a 4 year deal from them soon with Chad Tracey being moved to RF so Glaus takes over at third.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Don't know why they don't have the Blue Jays listed as a team interested in Clement. Everything I've heard has made it seem like he's their #1 priority.

ESPN.com seems to have forgotten that the Blue Jays exist.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I read on rotoworld that the Phillies are out of the Pavano race because they picked up Lieber and in an ESPN article it says that Anaheim is backing out or something to that.

 

Right now the rotation is Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla, Cory Lidle, Jon Lieber, and Brett Myers, with Gavin Floyd waiting in the wings. I couldn't see them adding another starter without swinging a trade.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Neither Philadelphia nor the Yankees appear to have division-winning rotations.

[Guest LooneyTune]

Who are the Blue Jays? (making lame joke)

 

I wonder who the Diamondbacks will want to unload Johnson on. Nice to see Clemens retire...finally. Best to go out on top than having a bad year.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Nice to see Clemens retire...finally. Best to go out on top than having a bad year.

I wouldn't jump to conclusions until Opening Day.

[mike546 0]

I think the Phillies are just about done for the offseason at this point. The lineup, bench, and rotation appear just about set. I could see them seeking a final reliever, and re-signing Doug Glanville. They'll listen to offers for Ryan Howard, but I am not sure the Phillies see a good deal on the horizon at this point.

Is being a Philly fan really THAT boring?

 

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Neither Philadelphia nor the Yankees appear to have division-winning rotations.

Right now there is not much competition in the NL East. Atlanta's running out a rotation of Hampton, Thomson, Horacio Ramirez, TBA and TBA. The Marlins completely lack a bench. The Washington Nationals have made a few questionable moves that at best replace their craptacular players with equally craptacular players, and the Mets are the Mets.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

I think the Nationals getting Jose Guillen was a good move. If he can just go out there and play for the amount he's due then its a real good deal. Cristian Guzman also gives them a fairly good leadoff hitter who is a very good fielder.

 

I don't understand the Vinny Castilla signing though. I don't understand anybody other than Colorado going after Vinny Castilla.

[Guest LooneyTune]

Definition of the Mets are the Mets: They couldn't make a good deal happen even if it slapped them in the face.

[The Czech Republic 0]

I suspect something is up with Omar Minaya and Tony Tavares. The 2004 Expos were as lame duck as you get. All of a sudden they're signing Guillen and Guzman. But they're still owned by MLB.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I think the Nationals getting Jose Guillen was a good move. If he can just go out there and play for the amount he's due then its a real good deal. Cristian Guzman also gives them a fairly good leadoff hitter who is a very good fielder.

 

I don't understand the Vinny Castilla signing though. I don't understand anybody other than Colorado going after Vinny Castilla.

Here's a before and after on the Nationals.

 

2003

Orlando Cabrera (246/298/336)

Tony Batista (241/272/455)

Juan Rivera (307/364/465)

 

and with a few moves....

 

2004

Christian Guzman (274/309/384)

Vinny Castilla (271/332/535)

Jose Guillen (294/352/497)

 

Castilla's numbers came in Colorado. His road stats were terrible, so take that line with a grain of salt. In any case, the new group is better than the old group. The problem is, the old group scored only 635 runs last year, 15th in the National League. Will Guzman, Castilla, and Guillen help post enough runs on the board? Not with the poor OBPs you'll get from Castilla and Guzman.

 

Guzman can't leadoff while he's posting a .300 OBP. His defense I'm not so sure on, because various statistical methods conflict. But the Expos had Orlando Cabrera, regarded as an excellent shortstop, and lost 95 games. Guzman will almost certainly not represent an improvement.

 

In my view, you have a franchise that is essentially spinning wheels. They're making a few acquisitions, getting marginally better. But they're not looking to climb the ranks at this point.

[Guest OSIcon]

The Phillies rotation is earth shattering, but it does seem to be enough to win the division given that everyone clicks and plays up to potential.

 

The Yankees' rotation is probably slightly worse than last year's but not by much. Even though they won the AL East with that rotation, that was less due to their opening rotation than it was to other factors.

 

The Orioles say they plan to start sorting things out during the Winter Meetings, but they don't exactly plan on signing anyone over the next few days. Hopefully they get everything in place and don't wait too long just for the sake of waiting. The list of pitchers avaliable is already shrinking and they need at least one good pitcher. As much as I'd like to see them land Pavano, I don't think its going to happen. Unless he decides he really wants to be in Baltimore for whatever reason, I just don't see it happening.

 

On offense, the O's have two obvious holes (1B and OF). I'd personally like to see them grab Delgado or Sexon (with Delgado the more probable and overall better option) and then just sign a guy like Finley to a one year contract. Since they also need at least one pitcher, they really wouldn't be enough money to get to quality bats (an OF and a 1B). having Finley around for a year wouldn't be bad.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

They wouldn't have been able to keep Orlando Cabrera though so I think that's a moot point. Jose Guillen is a good slugger and also gives them a name that people are familiar with. People who don't know alot about baseball and are just starting out as fans are more likely to know Guillen than Rivera and thus he'll draw more.

 

Again, I'll never speak positively about Vinny Castilla who looks like he could be the cousin of Jose Canseco.

[bob_barron 0]

I think the Braves will resign Byrd giving them Hampton, Thompson, Ramierz, Byrd and TBA. They'll probably pluck some FA off the market and watch him become good. Those four guys are solid starters

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

They wouldn't have been able to keep Orlando Cabrera though so I think that's a moot point. Jose Guillen is a good slugger and also gives them a name that people are familiar with. People who don't know alot about baseball and are just starting out as fans are more likely to know Guillen than Rivera and thus he'll draw more.

 

Again, I'll never speak positively about Vinny Castilla who looks like he could be the cousin of Jose Canseco.

Jose Guillen may be a nice name, but he's not going to draw fans. Fans will be drawn to DC first and foremost by the novelty of a baseball team. Once that wears off, it comes down to wins and losses. If the Nationals fare poorly, it will not matter who they put on the field. Remember, Tampa Bay's Four DHs scheme in 2000 netted a loss in fan attendance (on a team that included Castilla and Guillen, oddly enough). What matters is that the team can compete.

[Bored 0]

I still don't think that the A's will trade Tim Hudson. Beane is unlikely to get equal value for him in his walk year so by trading Hudson the A's immediately will make themselves worse for 2005 to maybe make themselves better for 2006. I think Beane is putting out feelers just in case a gem of a deal falls in his lap.

[Guest The Shadow Behind You]

I can't believe Carl Linder refuses to put up the money for any of these guys. I guess the Pavano money will be spent on more UDF's.

[Guest Failed Mascot]

I still don't think that the A's will trade Tim Hudson. Beane is unlikely to get equal value for him in his walk year so by trading Hudson the A's immediately will make themselves worse for 2005 to maybe make themselves better for 2006. I think Beane is putting out feelers just in case a gem of a deal falls in his lap.

Supposedly the A's and Braves are working on a deal where Oakland gets Marcus Giles and a prospect while the Braves get Hudson. It'll probably only happen though if Oakland is willing to let Atlanta see if they can get an extension first. I can't see them trading 3 years of Giles for 1 of Hudson.

 

Nick Greene did prove though that he can handle second base duties.

[The Czech Republic 0]

How long will it take Washington to shit on the Nationals?

[Precious Roy 0]

The Tigers have offered Steve Finley $16 million for two years, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.

 

That is a LOT of money to pay for Steve Finley. The Tigers made good moves on Pudge, Guillen and Urbina last season, and IMO a good move on Percival who I think will stay healthy, but that's a lot of money for a guy Finley's age who's power and speed fell of completely in the second half last year.

 

I'm interested to see which teams start bidding on Drew, because I think if he's kept out of center he'll stay healthy and will start putting up his 2004 #'s every season. He could be a very nice consolation price in the Beltran sweepstakes, maybe to Chicago to replace Alou?

 

Also interested to see this Giles-Hudson trade go down, as I think it will improve both teams and it's always neat to see the Braves reload and win the NL East with a different team every year.

[Fökai 0]

I think the Braves will resign Byrd giving them Hampton, Thompson, Ramierz, Byrd and TBA.

It'll be Jose Capellan or the pitcher we get if we trade Giles (supposedly they want Ramirez, too).

[Guest Smues]

Giles for Hudson? hmmm I dunno if I like that. Maybe, but most diffenently not Giles and Rameriz for Hudson, to hell with that.

[KingPK 0]

The Yankees' rotation is probably slightly worse than last year's but not by much. Even though they won the AL East with that rotation, that was less due to their opening rotation than it was to other factors.

With the main one probably being the Red Sox spinning their wheels for half the season. They probably would have won the division pretty handily (4-6 games) if they weren't .500 for three months.

 

(So Al won't yell at me for going off-topic with Red Sox-Yankees stuff) The Matt Mantei signing isn't bad, since it's another of those "If he stays healthy great, another good arm. If not, we didn't break the bank for him, so no damage" signing.

 

I can probably see Varitek signing for 4 years, 10-10.5M/yr, with a voidable 5th year worth $11-12M and no no-trade, which is pretty much in between what both sides are demanding (Sox offered $9M, Yek wants $11). They'll probably take another look at Cabrera because really, there isn't much left for SS, though moving Pokey Reese to SS and getting a good-hitting second baseman (someone like Jeff Kent, possibly?) is an option. They don't neccessarily need more offense, but I'd still like a good bat in the bottom of the order.