Offseason News & Rumors

[devilfan02]

*Mark Mulder has expressed interest in joining the Orioles according to the Washington Post.

*When the Seibu Lions post Matsuzaka, the teams expected to bid for the Japanese right-hander are the following: the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs, Rangers and Dodgers.
The Seattle Times reported that the Mariners were not going to submit a bid, which is likely to reach $20 million to $30 million.

*According to Scott Leventhal, Gary Matthews Jr. Agent, the Mariners, Giants, Angels, Cubs, White Sox, Dodgers, Orioles, Astros and the Rangers all are interesed in the CF free agent. The Angels appear to be the most interested but the Rangers continue to say resigning him is a top priority. Wants 3-4 year deal worth approx $6 million per season.

* Jeff Borris, Barry Bonds agent, said that several teams have called about Bonds services next season. He said only one team was a NL team and it wasn't the Giants. The market for Bonds has opened slowly and it's believed that he is a backup plan for several AL clubs whose first options sign elsewhere.

*Tom Glavine is reportedly close to signing a 2 year, $25 million dollar extension with the Mets

* The Phillies and the Mets appear to be the two biggest players for Alfonso Soriano. The Orioles are interesed but not if he sticks to his demands of a Carlos Beltran type contract- seven years and $119 million. The Phillies are said to be ready to offer him a 5 year, $80 million dollar contract.

*The White Sox could acquire Carl Crawford if they part with RHP Brandon McCarthy

* Boston is still trying to find a way to acquire Julio Lugo who they have been interested in for several seasons

* The Yankees are very interested in Jeff Suppan

All this info are summaries from ESPN.com Rumor Mill

 

[Mulli]

Yes, please, times 1000 Carl Crawford to White Sox!! Please make it so.

 

[devilfan02]

The only thing I can think of is that Mulder wants to pitch under Mazzoni for a couple seasons. Not sure why else he would be interested in pitching for the Orioles.

Real shocking that the Yankees would be interested in Jeff Suppan. He's just another post season wonder who will flame out and/or revert back to his normal form. Carl Pavano and Jamie Wright are names that come to mind. Some on this board have interest in Suppan but I don't want anything to do with him. Especially after his contract demands will soar after his postseason performance

 

[HooverDam]

^Agreed, I lived in St Louis the last few years during the school year, and Suppan is nothing special. In fact when I went to see a Dbacks v Cards game earlier this year, I was praying for a Webb v Suppan match up, so the Dbacks would have their best guy vs the Cards worst. Unfortunately that wasn't the match up.

 

[Lefty]

Roger Clemens plans to file for free agency, but beyond that, he hasn't made his mind up about anything. Does this sound familiar at all? "Full season, half season or at all, I haven't even thought about it," Clemens said Thursday. "I just think it's too early to think about it. Right now, I don't have any thoughts of playing or not playing." Clemens did go as far as saying he probably wouldn't consider playing for anyone other than Houston, Texas, Boston or the Yankees. In other words, it's the 2006 season all over again, with the only difference being the Astros no longer have a deadline to sign him if they want him to play before May 1 thanks to the new CBA.

 

[devilfan02]

Rumor mill from MLB.com, lots of good stuff

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/...t_id=1730376&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

 

[Ryanwb]

If we go after Pat Burrell, I'll be upset

 

[Ryanwb]

God bless Gary Matthews Jr.... makes teams over look 5 years of futility with one semi-decent season

 

[devilfan02]

If we go after Pat Burrell, I'll be upset

I just saw on Sportscenter that Burrell would waive his no trade clause in order to go to the Giants. The Giants supposedly have interest in him as a 1B, Burrells old position. Burrell said he wants to play 1B

 

[devilfan02]

Dodgers decline option on Eric Gagne making him a free agent. If the league still didn't test for steroids, I'd be interested

 

[devilfan02]

God bless Gary Matthews Jr.... makes teams over look 5 years of futility with one semi-decent season

no kidding, he's gonna get a 4 year deal worth around 25 million. Wow

 

[devilfan02]

New ESPN.com Rumor Mill additions-

3B Aramis Ramirez said that the Cubs are still his favorite to resign with. The Angels said that Ramirez is their #1 priority this offseason and very well can outbid the Cubs

* Luis Gonzalez reportedly fell in love with St. Louis while broadcasting this past playoffs. St. Louis GM Walt Jockety says he is interested in Gonzo but has not contacted his agent. 9 teams have contacted his agent, Gregg Clifton, so far. Five that have are Cleveland, Baltimore, Texas, Cincinnati and San Francisco.

* Mike Mussina has interest in joining the Mets when free agancy starts in a couple weeks according to the NY Post. The Yanks will likely decline his $17 million dollar option and buy him out for $1.5 mill.

* The Yanks are expected to exercise their option on Sheffield for $13 million dollars with intentions of trading him. Cleveland has called with interest.

* The Cardinals reportedly are interested in resigning Mark Mulder. GM Walt Jocketty said the Cardinals may be interested in offering the free-agent left-hander something different than the one-year, incentive-laden deals he's bound to receive. The Orioles are also interested in Mulder.

* As I wrote above, Pat Burrell would waive his no trade to go to San Fran and play 1B. The Giants would prob try and make Philly take Armando Benitez who is owed $7.6 mill and prob won't ever be healthy again (bursitis in one knee, arthiritis in the other). Burrell is owed $27 million over the next 2 seasons

* The Giants are expected to make a major push for Gary Matthews Jr. The Angels are pushing the hardest and both Chicago teams are in there as well.

 

[Espo]

I'm starting to wonder if no news really is good news. I trust Byrnes but I hope he has a pretty go free agent plan for the offseason.

 

[devilfan02]

I'm starting to wonder if no news really is good news. I trust Byrnes but I hope he has a pretty go free agent plan for the offseason.

I agree. He may be keeping quiet for a reason. The more he makes interest become known in certain players, the market value will get worse for us. I have complete trust in Byrnes

 

[Ryanwb]

ouch! Francisco Liriano is out for the entire 07 season for Tommy John surgery.

 

[overseascardfan]

I agree. He may be keeping quiet for a reason. The more he makes interest become known in certain players, the market value will get worse for us. I have complete trust in Byrnes

According to FSN rumor mill, Arizona and Baltimore are the early favorites to land Mark Mulder, Leo Mazzone coaching in BAL, location and ballpark for ARI, the Cards will probably offer incentive laden contract worth more than most 1 yr deals he most likely will receive.

 

[devilfan02]

Why would Mulder favor our ballpark over Camden Yards? Chase is a notorious hitters park

 

[overseascardfan]

Why would Mulder favor our ballpark over Camden Yards? Chase is a notorious hitters park

That's what the rumor said, I don't agree with it but Mulder has a home here and lives here in the winter so that would explain location. Maybe because it is a fairly new stadium?

 

[devilfan02]

The Rangers hired ex-Oakland A's 3rd base coach, Ron Washington, as their new manager

 

[devilfan02]

Just read on ESPN.com rumor mill that the Rockies may look to trade Todd Helton. The Rockies supposedly had a trade done at the deadline this past season but couldn't work out contract issues. He is owed nearly $90 million over the next 5 seasons and the Rockies would like to move most that money to make a strong push at rebuilding

 

[devilfan02]

"The Mets were one of eight teams to call Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, on Friday to express interest in the 6-6 lefty, which is all teams can do until Nov. 12, when they can begin talking money. The other clubs, Clifton said, were the Cardinals, Mulder's team for the last two seasons, Arizona, the Dodgers, San Francisco, San Diego, Tampa Bay and Baltimore. The Mets could have an advantage because Mulder worked with pitching coach Rick Peterson in Oakland."

"Mulder is "about three weeks ahead of schedule" on his rehab program, Clifton said, and Mulder should begin a throwing program around New Year's and be ready to throw off a mound March 1. "He's pretty optimistic, because he's feeling good and the doctors and physical therapists are happy," Clifton said. "He had some fraying and a small tear, not a complete tear. It's not a Pedro (Martinez) situation."

http://www.nydailynews.com/11-05-2006/sports/baseball/mets/story/468452p-394220c.html


Not good news for anyone interested in Mulder coming here. The Mets are interested and are desperate for pitching. I guess we are too so we'll see how badly Byrnes wants him. I really hope we sign 2 starters, good ones at that

 

[devilfan02]

Gonzo had lunch Friday with Idians GM Mark Schapiro in Phoenix. Both parties came away impressed. The indians want a veteran who can play either corner OF or 1B (or both).

espn.com rumor mill

 

[devilfan02]

Found a Q & A with beat reporter Steve Gilbert on the Dbacks MLB homepage.

Will it be a good idea for the D-backs to try to pursue a seasoned veteran pitcher like Mark Mulder, who I think would be a good option even if it is a little risky?
-- Michael A., Gastonia, N.C.


This will be an interesting situation to watch during the offseason, Michael. Mulder had rotator cuff surgery in September, and that no doubt will play a role in what teams decide to offer him. If you had asked me early last season if the D-backs were going to be in the running for Mulder, I would have probably said no, because most people put him in the same category as the A's Barry Zito, who is going to be far too expensive for most clubs. With his injury, though, Mulder may have to take a one- or two-year incentive-laden deal to show teams that he is healthy and that may be something the D-backs would likely consider. The fact that he has a home in Arizona may also be an advantage for the D-backs. It's going to be crazy out there on the pitching market this offseason, so what Mulder ends up being offered remains to be seen.
Why are the D-Backs not going for the elite free agents? I thought we were saving all this money last year so we could get some pitching free agents (like Zito) to come here this year?
-- Tony S., Tucson


The D-backs' payroll started around $60 million last year and will probably be in that range again this year. It has around $18 million committed to six players (Tony Clark, Jeff DaVanon, Stephen Drew, Livan Hernandez, Chad Tracy and Brandon Webb) and another $12 million going to former players Russ Ortiz and Shawn Green. Throw in another $20 million for 10 arbitration-eligible players as well as players under control, and that leaves Arizona with probably under $10 million to spend. In addition, the D-backs front office has looked at the free agent pitchers that have signed long-term big-money contracts in recent years and have not been encouraged by what they've seen. They would rather trade for a pitcher like Dontrelle Willis or a Jake Westbrook than sign a free agent.
The closer's spot is something the D-backs should look at along with starting pitching. Will they look for someone from the free agent market or someone from their farm system?
-- Michael C., Prescott, Ariz.


At least for right now, Jose Valverde is the closer heading into Spring Training. I don't think they are going to be looking at free agent closers, so if Valverde struggles at some point next year -- which is certainly a valid concern given his inconsistency over the past two years, they will have to look internally for a solution.
What are Craig Counsell's plans for next season?
-- Steve C., Summerville, S.C.



Counsell said prior to the end of the season that he would like to go to a team that figures to be in the playoff hunt and one that would offer him the opportunity to play on an everyday basis. I spoke with his agent the other day, and he said that he has already received interest from a bunch of teams. It will be interesting to see if Counsell is able to find a team that fulfills both of his criteria.
I was unable to participate in the chat with new Diamondbacks broadcaster Daron Sutton on Thursday, and I would've like to ask if he would call things as he saw him and give the team the business the same way that Thom Brennaman did and we, as fans, would do sitting at home watching the game?
-- Joe C., Phoenix


Every broadcaster has his or her own style, so I'm sure Sutton will be different from Brennaman in a lot of respects, but here's what he had to say during his press conference with regards to sometimes having to be negative about a player's performance: "I'll respect how difficult it is to play this game, but also we'll point out things we have to point out."
Sounds to me like he will point out a poor play or poor performance without necessarily dwelling on it.
I understand that our new broadcaster's father, Don Sutton, is not going to be in the broadcast booth with the Braves next year. Any chance for an occasional father/son matchup of our own at Chase Field?
-- Jeannette P., Surprise, Ariz.

Not anytime soon, Jeannette, since the D-backs already have an analyst for their television broadcasts in Mark Grace.

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com...t_id=1735250&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari

 

[devilfan02]

The Indians acquired Padres 2B Josh Barfield for 2 prospects. This is surprising to me as Barfield was impressive in his first full year in the majors. I believe he hit close to .300 and I know he played great defense. Interesting to say the least

 

[Lefty]

• Teams continue to call the Orioles about Miguel Tejada, according to Baltimore Sun.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Orioles are not shopping the shortstop, whom they plan to use to help recruit other free agents this offseason, yet will at least listen if other teams are intent on making an offer.

It probably would take three players for the Orioles to trade the former Most Valuable Player, with a top-of-the-rotation pitcher being a prerequisite in most deals. The club source described the chances of Tejada getting traded as "remote."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


• Meanwhile, the Sun also reports the Orioles will not submit a bid for Daisuke Matsuzaka before Wednesday afternoon's deadline. Rotoworld reports the Phillies also have said they would not bid for his services.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Though we're still crossing our fingers that the Royals will jump in with a $50 million bid, all indications are that it will be a five-team race, with the Yankees the favorites ahead of the Rangers, Mets, Red Sox and Cubs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


• The Rockies picked up the $5.5 million option on Jason Jennings contract, Rotoworld reports.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
He can become a free agent after next season, so the Rockies are expected to discuss a long-term deal with him this winter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------