Offseason News & Rumors

[boondockdrunk]

D-Backs looking at Wells
By Jack Magruder, Tribune
December 10, 2006
Mark Mulder is high on the Diamondbacks’ wish list, but he is not the only left-handed starter in their sights. The D-Backs have inquired about veteran free agent David Wells, according to major league sources, as another possible addition to their starting rotation.

Wells, 43, had indicated he planned to step aside after the 2006 season, but it appears he is having second thoughts after appraising the offseason pitching market. San Diego also has expressed interest.

Wells has a close relationship with new D-Backs bench coach Kirk Gibson, which might make it a good fit.

Wells and Gibson were teammates in Detroit from 1993-95, when Wells won 26 games in two and a half seasons, and they remain good friends.

They own a ranch together in Michigan, and Wells credits Gibson for his pitching success.

Wells has 157 of his 230 major league victories since leaving Detroit, including 10 seasons of 10 victories or more.

Mulder is to visit Texas on Tuesday amid reports that Arizona, Texas, St. Louis and San Diego are the top contenders for his services.

He is to be married Saturday and if possible would like to make his decision before then, agent Gregg Clifton said.

Wells pitched with Boston and San Diego last season, and after missing most of three months with knee problems while with the Red Sox, was 1-2 with a 3.49 ERA in five stretchrun starts for the Padres.

He beat the D-Backs, 3-1, with six shutout innings to clinch the Padres’ NL West championship Sept. 30 at Chase Field. He is 230-148 with a 4.07 ERA in 20 major league seasons.

Wells was close to signing with the D-Backs five years ago before accepting a twoyear deal with the New York Yankees.

TO THE MAX
Max Scherzer, the D-Backs’ No. 1 draft pick in June, recently underwent further medical evaluation by Dr. Lewis Yocum to allay any fears the D-Backs might have that Scherzer might need surgery, agent Scott Boras said.

“Medically we have delivered that information to (general manager Josh Byrnes),” Boras said. “Everything is fine. We are prepared to move forward’’ with negotiations.

Byrnes did not want to make public the D-Backs’ opinion on Scherzer’s condition.

“Obviously, we are sorting through that as part of the negotiation,” Byrnes said. “I don’t want to get into specifics.”

Scherzer was shut down because of shoulder issues early in the college season but returned to form down the stretch at the University of Missouri.

For better or worse, this is the final time negotiations with a drafted player will last this long. A new provision in the collective bargaining agreement dictates a June draftee who is unsigned by Aug. 15 will go back into the draft pool for the next season.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=80382

 

[boondockdrunk]

Miguel Batista will likely sign with the Mariners for more than the $24 million over three years the Royals have offered him, FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports.
What an insane market. At least Gil Meche has upside. Batista turns 36 in February, has never won more than 11 games in a season and had a 4.58 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP in the National League next season. That he could get more than $8 million per season seems completely ridiculous.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=1719

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Wells??? Please, Dear God, No.

I think I just vomited a bit reading this.

 

[boondockdrunk]

D-Backs make offer to Mulder

Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 12, 2006 12:00 AM

As the Diamondbacks continue to work the phones in hopes of adding another starting pitcher and maybe, a little more bullpen help, one of their starters from last season was on the verge of signing elsewhere.

Right-hander Miguel Batista, a free agent who was offered salary arbitration by Arizona, is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Seattle Mariners for an estimated $26 million.

In other developments, the Diamondbacks made their first formal offer to free-agent left-hander Mark Mulder on Monday. Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes declined to discuss the negotiations, as did Mulder's representatives.

Mulder is 103-57 with a 4.11 career ERA, but he is rehabilitating from rotator cuff surgery and may not be ready to pitch at the start of the season. He is to meet with the Texas Rangers today to talk about a possible deal.

Batista, who went 11-8 with a 4.58 ERA in 2006 in his return season with the Diamondbacks, had also been drawing interest from Kansas City, St. Louis, Texas and at one time, the New York Yankees.

Acquired a year ago from Toronto along with second baseman Orlando Hudson in the trade that sent third baseman Troy Glaus and shortstop Sergio Santos to the Blue Jays, Batista pitched more than 200 innings (206.1) for the first time in his career. But he never has won more than 11 games in a year.

The Diamondbacks apparently now are revisiting talk of possibly trying to sign veteran free-agent left-hander David Wells several days after implying he wasn't a likely target. Wells is a longtime close friend of new bench coach Kirk Gibson, who told The Republic last month he was all but certain Wells had decided to retire.

But Wells, 43, apparently has decided to pitch at least one more season, possibly in part because salaries for free-agent pitchers are soaring through the roof this winter.

"We're mulling it over again, internally," Byrnes said.

Arizona also has some interest in free-agent reliever Eric Gagne, whose career began to unravel due to arm injuries. It could be a risky signing, but other clubs, including the Rangers, have talked about a one-year deal and that could make sense for the Diamondbacks if Gagne is able to pass a physical and provide some upgrade to the bullpen.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1212dbnb1212.html

 

[devilfan02]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=1719

If Jason Marquis is worth $7 million dollars a year then Batista is definitely worth $8-9 per year. Some of these sports writers are idiots

 

[devilfan02]

I hate David Wells and I can't see myself liking him even if he pitches for us. The guy is completely broken down and his motives to return are for all the wrong reasons.

Thank God Byrnes offered Mulder. Knowing how he works, it's probably not the best offer Mulder has recieved but we have to hope he really wants to play in AZ. He's getting married this Saturday and has said he wants to make his decision before then. The Rangers seem extremely desperate for pitching so they could easily outbid us us which worries me.

I saw Gagne at the bar on Saturday. My buddies told me he had an offseason house in the valley which I didn't realize. I see us signing him as a longshot. I bet Byrnes would go after Foulke because of his familiarity with him as opposed to Gagne

 

[boondockdrunk]

I hate David Wells and I can't see myself liking him even if he pitches for us. The guy is completely broken down and his motives to return are for all the wrong reasons.

I highly doubt that we are interested in Wells. In all likelyhood, we are driving up his asking price in order to throw other teams off who want to sign him (i.e. San Diego and Los Angeles).

Thank God Byrnes offered Mulder. Knowing how he works, it's probably not the best offer Mulder has recieved but we have to hope he really wants to play in AZ. He's getting married this Saturday and has said he wants to make his decision before then. The Rangers seem extremely desperate for pitching so they could easily outbid us us which worries me.

The Rangers will more than likely outbid us, of that I am pretty sure. However, even if we do not get Mulder there are other places we can improve the rotation before the start of next year.

Edit: maybe I am wrong about this; apparently, the Rangers have offered Barry Zito a six-year contract worth $102 million. This amount is bound to increase since the Mets also want him. If Texas does end up getting Zito, they will have a very tough time signing Mulder; leaving the door wide open for us.

I saw Gagne at the bar on Saturday. My buddies told me he had an off season house in the valley which I didn't realize. I see us signing him as a longshot. I bet Byrnes would go after Foulke because of his familiarity with him as opposed to Gagne

Gagne just signed a $8 million deal for one-year with the Rangers (what are they thinking?!?!), so he is off the market.

 

[boondockdrunk]

The Giants are looking into bringing in free agents Russ Ortiz and Bruce Chen to compete for rotation spots.
Ortiz has been trying to up his stock in the Puerto Rican League, where he has a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings. "He's pitched six scoreless innings in a row and hit 94 (mph)," agent John Boggs said. "We've always believed the last couple of years were an aberration. He couldn't go that bad that fast, and nothing was really wrong with him." But he really did go that bad that fast. He had a 7.33 ERA in 178 innings the last two years, and it's not like the numbers were deceptive at all. If anything, he looked even worse than that. Since the Diamondbacks are on the hook for another $16 million over the next two years, Ortiz would receive only the minimum salary from whatever team signs him. He's holding out for a 40-man roster spot rather than a minor league contract.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=2534

I would love this... it would be the best move of the off-season if the Giants make this deal.

 

[Mulli]

Ortiz v. Chen. Phew. Is there no AAA player in Fresno that could be used?

 

[devilfan02]

Edit: maybe I am wrong about this; apparently, the Rangers have offered Barry Zito a six-year contract worth $102 million. This amount is bound to increase since the Mets also want him. If Texas does end up getting Zito, they will have a very tough time signing Mulder; leaving the door wide open for us.

Dec. 12: A report in The Arizona Republic said the Diamondbacks made an offer to Mulder. Meanwhile, the Mets have moved forward in their pursuit of Mulder. His agent, Gregg Clifton, met with team officials, and while interest on both sides was described as "very preliminary," it was mutual. Mets GM Omar Minaya was tight-lipped on Mulder.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/...ontent_id=1736744&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

Whichever team loses out on Zito, either NYM or the Rangers, will outbid us for Mulder. There's still a lot to worry about if Zito signs with the Rangers. Let's just hope we offer him a competitive offer because we know he wants to stay in PHX

 

[devilfan02]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=2534

I would love this... it would be the best move of the off-season if the Giants make this deal.

Please let that happen. I can see the batteries flying past his head

 

[Mulli]

Please let that happen. I can see the batteries flying past his head

Good one!

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Ortiz or Chen? God, that's like digging through the garbage pile hoping you find a piece of gold.

As for Wells, I'd rather have the Backs sign either Chen or Ortiz than him.. That tells you my opinion of Wells.

 

[Ryanwb]

If we sign ****** Wells, I'll be pissed

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Mulder mulls D-Backs’ offer

The D-Backs’ initial proposal was believed to include a modest guaranteed salary in 2007, with provisions that could increase the base salary, and at least two team options.

Mulder, who met with Texas representatives before returning to his Valley home Tuesday night, also is being courted by Cleveland, the New York Mets, St. Louis and San Diego as he prepares for his wedding on Saturday.

“It’s certainly a starting point,” agent Gregg Clifton said. “We look forward to having more dialogue with the Diamondbacks.”

“I’m sure we’ll reconnect at some point,” D-Backs general manager Josh Byrnes said.

“We’ll let them get back in touch with us and see how quickly they want to move. We’ll throw in a fondue set.”

The D-Backs acquired lefthanders Doug Davis and Dana Eveland from Milwaukee in the Johnny Estrada/Claudio Vargas trade but still are attempting to upgrade their staff with the $10-plus million they have to spend to get their payroll between $60 million and $65 million.

The Seattle Mariners agreed to pay former D-Backs righthander Miguel Batista more than $24 million in a threeyear contract, according to newspaper reports published Tuesday. The Seattle Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and The News Tribune of Tacoma reported that the deal will be announced after the 35-yearold pitcher passes a physical examination.

Before entertaining Mulder on Tuesday, Texas agreed to terms with reliever Eric Gagne, a move that could enable the Rangers to trade a reliever, perhaps closer Akinori Otsuka, for young starting pitching.

Texas expressed interest in D-Backs starters Dustin Nippert and Micah Owings at the winter meetings.

While the D-Backs will not talk about trade proposals for fear of tipping their hand, it is believed they have at least discussed parameters of a deal, if not made actual proposals, for Otsuka and Pittsburgh closer Mike Gonzalez, also on the market.

The D-Backs have at least inquired about virtually all of the names that have popped up in published reports, including A’s starters Danny Haren and Joe Blanton, the Pirates’ young starting group and free agent David Wells.

“We’ve at least touched base to see if there is any teeth” to the reports, Byrnes said. “We’ve checked on anyone who could be available.”

At the same time, Byrnes indicated that the price for the top young pitchers is similar to the package Colorado received for Jason Jennings, which is more than the D-Backs appear willing to pay.

A new group of players were added to the free agent pool Tuesday, the deadline for offering contracts to arbitrationeligible players. Seattle did not tender an offer to Joel Piniero, making him a free agent. Jason Bulger also was not offered a contract by the Angels.

Mulder, a Valley resident, already has received several other offers, including one from Texas, although his visit there Tuesday was more to give him the lay of the land.

Mulder was to meet with Texas owner Tom Hicks. The Rangers’ new manager, Ron Washington, was the third base coach at Oakland when Mulder was there.

SNAKE BITES: Arizona tendered contracts to all eight of its arbitration-eligible players – Eric Byrnes, Juan Cruz, Doug Davis, Orlando Hudson, Jorge Julio, Brandon Lyon, Jose Valverde and Luis Vizcaino. The 2007 salary of those players will be determined by an independent arbitrator unless the two sides can agree. … Reliever Keith Foulke has received several offers, although the D-Backs are not believed to have made one yet.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=80521

 

[boondockdrunk]

Getting either Dan Haren or Joe Blanton would be tremendous and provide a good top of the rotation for the future.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Getting either Dan Haren or Joe Blanton would be tremendous and provide a good top of the rotation for the future.

Absolutely, but my guess is the asking price would begin with Carlos Gonzalez and add from there, given the current market. Is it worth it? I don't know, but Webb - Haren - Davis looks like a solid punch both now and in the future.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Free agent Mark Mulder met with the Rangers in Texas on Tuesday. He's expected to meet with other teams before deciding on his future home.
Mulder has four offers, including ones from the Rangers, Diamondbacks (with two team options) and Cardinals. The Giants, Padres, Indians, Mets, Orioles and Rays are among the teams that have talked to him. According to the New York Post, Mulder's agent will contact the Mets today and see if they're ready to make a proposal.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=2950

Absolutely, but my guess is the asking price would begin with Carlos Gonzalez and add from there, given the current market. Is it worth it? I don't know, but Webb - Haren - Davis looks like a solid punch both now and in the future.

I would definitely be willing to part with Carlos Gonzalez for Haren, but not Blanton. However, I can see Oakland requesting Chris Carter in a deal. He seems to be their type of player (more walks than strikeouts, power, etc) and he can fill in at the DH position for them which is a plus because he can't really field. So they might do a deal like Haren for Carter and Owings (in order to fill that rotation spot); that seems like a fair deal on both sides and there is no doubt that we would be giving up a lot, but I think that the payback is worth it. I can see the D'backs heavily pursuing one of these pitchers if they don't sign Mulder; now this is only speculation on my part.

 

[boondockdrunk]

Padres GM Kevin Towers said he believes his team remains David Wells' first choice in free agency.
Wells is definitely going to play next year, according to his agent. The Giants and Diamondbacks are also interested. Towers will try to get him signed, but he won't go overboard. "One of those other clubs could come in and overwhelm (Wells) with an offer he can't refuse, and he can go elsewhere, and we can get another draft pick," Towers said.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=1471

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review believes Mike Gonzalez could go to the Yankees in a three-team deal with the Braves.
Pittsburgh would get Adam LaRoche and Kyle Davies from the Braves. Going to Atlanta would be Melky Cabrera and Scott Proctor from the Yankees and Jose Castillo from the Pirates. The Red Sox and Diamondbacks are also interested in Gonzalez, and the Braves may not have ruled out trading for him for themselves.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=3746

 

[KingLouieLouie]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1213mulder-ON.html

Mulder waiting for D-Backs to up the anty


Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 13, 2006 05:18 PM

Mark Mulder is getting married on Saturday, but if he is to have kind of serious relationship with the Diamondbacks, the team will have to make a significant upgrade on its initial offer to the free-agent left-hander.

Arizona is believed to have pitched a five-year deal to the former Oakland and St. Louis starter, one that includes a series of club options where large-scale salary is back loaded and offers only modest guaranteed money up front.

A big reason for that is Mulder, who is 103-57 in his seven-year career, struggled with shoulder problems this past season and eventually underwent rotator cuff surgery on his pitching shoulder.

But other clubs pursuing the former 21-game winner apparently have offered more tempting offers through incentive-laden deals, something the Diamondbacks stopped doing the past few years.

Mulder has a home in the Valley, however, and has interest in signing with the Diamondbacks.

"There are strong ties for him in Arizona, without a doubt," Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, said Wednesday from Los Angeles, where he was attending Luis Gonzalez's introductory news conference with the Dodgers. "He's good friends with (new bench coach) Kirk Gibson, and to play where he lives is a big thing."

The Diamondbacks, however, will have to sweeten the pot.

"Obviously, we're pleased the Diamondbacks made an initial proposal because Arizona is high on the list of teams for which Mark wishes to play," Clifton said. "But in order to be in competition for his services, they'll have to sit down and restructure their proposal."

Diamondbacks General Manager Josh Byrnes, who was to be contacted by Clifton on Wednesday night, continues working the phones in search of possibly making a trade to further upgrade the pitching staff.

He won't comment on any potential deals for fear of disrupting negotiations, and has refrained from publicly discussing possible free-agent signings. Names making the rounds in connection with Arizona, however, include Rangers reliever Akinori Otsuka, Oakland starter Dan Haren and free agent David Wells.

Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook was believed to be high on Arizona's target list before the club struck a deal with Milwaukee for lefty Doug Davis, but a trade for Westbrook now is unlikely, industry sources said.

Mulder visited with Rangers officials Tuesday, touring the stadium and the Dallas area with team owner Tom Hicks leading the reception party. The Mets, Indians and Padres also have made inquiries.

But Clifton said Mulder won't make a decision for several days.

"We're not close," he said. "We had a great meeting with the Rangers, who really rolled out the red carpet for him . . . but obviously there are other teams that want him, too. Now, it's just about zeroing in on where he wants to go and what he wants to do."

Clifton is also an agent for the veteran left-hander Wells, 43, who is eyeing a return for at least one more season and has drawn the interest of Arizona, San Diego and San Francisco.

"We'll see what happens," Clifton said, "but the great thing with David is, this is the first off-season where he hasn't had to do any (injury) rehab. He's just working out, he's healthy, and for a guy who can make 30 to 34 starts and be a solid No. 4 guy, that's a pretty good option."

Perhaps it might be a blessing in disguise if the Dbacks don't sign Mulder.. Five years is pretty steep for a player who's not fully guaranteed to revert back to his former greatness.. If the final 2-3 years were a team-option, then it wouldnt be that horrible, but this is where again Kendrick must reconsider his stance on incentive laiden contracts.....

Also, if they sign Mulder, then they wouldnt pursue those younger pitchers such as Blanton, Haren, Gonzalez..etc... Those guys havent even entered their primes and theyre earning a lot less for their value.. Plus, best to complement Webb w/pitchers closer to his age to form that 1/2 punch for several more years which would accompany the influx of youth in their every-day line-up....

I know many have voiced their disgust about the Dbacks considering Wells.. True.. he did snub Jerry Colangelo all those years ago, but if its a bargain basement contract.. or a non-roster invitee to be the Dbacks 5th starter, then he might be worth it... He could pitch the 1st half of season until Nippert, Owings, etc are ready.... Otsuka might be who the Dbacks acquire for either Nippert or Owings, so stay tuned.. He's certainly worth it.. has potential to be a solid closer for years to come...True, he's older, but has gotten better with age.... The next cpl wks will be very exciting indeed...

 

[Diamondback Jay]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=1471



http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&filter_teams=N&id=3746

The Pirates make a GOOD deal???


Holy Crap.. This in the same post-season Kansas City opens up the wallet?

DAMN! Time to play the Lottery.

 

[HooverDam]

I think Akinori Otsuka would be a great pick up if they could land him, I'm not confident w/ Valverde. The paper this morning said the Dbacks would probably have to move someone like Nippert to get him, which is fine w/ me, I was never overly impressed w/ Nippert.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Dbacks talking with Texas about Otsuka.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=80574

 

[The Commish]

I haven't posted on the DBacks forum in a couple weeks so here is my 2cents.


Mulder - It would be great to sign him, but 5 years seems a little much. I think the team that loses out on the Zito sweepstakes will do their best to sign Mulder. I have a hard time picturing Zito or Mulder going to Texas considering their ballpark and division. It's a place that really hasn't had a lot of success, especially when it comes to pitchers.


Haren - I think Haren makes more sense than Mulder. By the time we are competitive in a year or two, Mulder will be older while Haren will still be young. We would have to give up a lot for him, but I definitely think he's worth it.


Teixeira - He is the type of power bat we need. I would easily deal Tracy/CoJack plus multiple prospects to get him. He would feast at Chase.


Otsuka - I would give up Nippert for him, but not much more. I'm not high on Japanese pitchers because they have yet to display longevity in the majors. Not to mention he's no spring chicken at the age of 34. He would however bring experience to a young bullpen and thus would be a good acquisition if the price was right.

 

[Espo]

he Arizona Diamondbacks are searching for a closer and dangled first baseman Chad Tracy in exchange for Pittsburgh's Mike Gonzalez. However, the Diamondbacks appeared to have switched their focus to making a deal with the Texas Rangers for Akinori Otsuka
pittsburghlive.com