Offseason News & Rumors

[HooverDam]

I have to listen to the tools on ESPN talk about the Sox and the Yanks all the damned time. Let me let you in on a little secret.....I DONT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THE SOX AND THE YANKS.

Barry Goldwater was right, we ought to cut off the Eastern seaboard and let it float out to see.

Back to D'backs talk please, "Sox and Yanks, Sox and Yanks," Im so sick of it.

 

[devilfan02]

The Blue Jays may be on the verge of adding another powerful bat to its lineup. According to ESPN.com, Toronto is nearing a 2 year deal with free-agent slugger Frank Thomas that could be worth between $20 million-$30 million. According to the report, the deal with Thomas is contingent on him passing a physical.

Thats a hell of alot of money if your asking me..........

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/...ontent_id=1741454&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Thats a hell of alot of money if your asking me..........

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/...ontent_id=1741454&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp

And includes a $20M option in 2009. No word on what sort of option that is, but I can't believe anybody would be stupid enough to give that kind of player option to Thomas. If it were a player option, that could very well be one of the worst free agent signings in history.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

The D-Backs, whose first mission is to add a No. 2 or No. 3 starter, have had exploratory talks with the agent for free agent right-hander Tomo Ohka and have more talks planned.

They also have had internal discussions about Japanese League free agent left-hander Kei Igawa, and could enter the bidding process when he is put up for auction by the Hanshin Tigers.

The Cubs are among the other teams that appear interested in Igawa, 27, who is 74-43 with Hanshin in the last five seasons and has led the Central League in strikeouts three times. He was 20-5 with a 2.03 ERA in 2003.

... Free agents Randy Wolf and Mark Mulder also have been contacted.

Another interesting note, the Diamondbacks bid for Matsuzaka was between $10M and $20M. It also appears likely that Eric Byrnes will sign a one year deal soon.

 

[Mulli]

And includes a $20M option in 2009. No word on what sort of option that is, but I can't believe anybody would be stupid enough to give that kind of player option to Thomas. If it were a player option, that could very well be one of the worst free agent signings in history.

Definitely has Russ Ortiz-like potential. Always Hurt will hurt his wrist/foot in Spring Training.

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Eric unhappy

Outfielder Eric Byrnes,who is arbitration-eligible, expressed his displeasure Tuesday about not having received an offer for a multiyear extension to remain with the Diamondbacks.

"I'm not sure it's in the plans," said Eric Byrnes, who led the team with 26 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 2006. "The only thing I've heard has to do with a one-year deal, and you know as well as I that if it's one year and we're not in the pennant race by August, then I'm not going to be here. I'll be trade bait.

"But I want to be here and I want to be part of the building process for at least the next three years. Don't get me wrong, if I have to sign a one-year deal, I'll play my (expletive) off for them. But hey, I'm not looking to break any banks here. I'm just looking for a fair deal. Hopefully, we can work something out, but the whole thing is up in the air."

Told of Eric Byrnes' feelings, Josh Byrnes said a multiyear deal isn't out of the question.

"It's possible," he said. "But in everything we do, we're very careful about going long on deals. It has to make perfect sense for it to work."

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1115dbnotes1115.html

Eric needs to quit whining about not getting a multiyear contract and actually put together decent back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career. Want a multiyear contract? Earn it.

 

[devilfan02]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1115dbnotes1115.html

Eric needs to quit whining about not getting a multiyear contract and actually put together decent back-to-back seasons for the first time in his career. Want a multiyear contract? Earn it.

I don't blame him for what he said. Josh Byrnes is prob doing the right thing by not giving him a multi-year deal because he hasn't put together back-to-back seasons and Chris Young should be ready by '08. Eric Byrnes didn't say anything wrong and he's wants a multi year deal for all the right reasons. Lets all hope, as he said, that he plays his ass off and gets himself an extension by the All-Star break.

 

[devilfan02]

Another interesting note, the Diamondbacks bid for Matsuzaka was between $10M and $20M.

You may be right but MLB.com reported that the Dbacks placed a bid somewhere between $20-$50 million. It obviously doesn't matter at this point....

MLB accepted bids on behalf of the Lions last week for the Most Valuable Player of Japan's victory this past March in the first World Baseball Classic that were in the $20 million to $50 million range. Only the top bid was presented to the Lions. The Angels, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Diamondbacks and Rangers had also reportedly made bids.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/a...2006&fext=.jsp

 

[devilfan02]

And includes a $20M option in 2009. No word on what sort of option that is, but I can't believe anybody would be stupid enough to give that kind of player option to Thomas. If it were a player option, that could very well be one of the worst free agent signings in history.

If he has a $20 million player option, this is the most desperate and insane signing I've ever seen. He's already gonna make $10-15 million per year over the next 2 years which is way too much. It's almost like Riccardi is trying to piss Beane off. I don't get it, he had a contract year last year and he'll revert straight back to "this hurts, that hurts" this season

 

[boondockdrunk]

The Padres will submit a bid for Kei Igawa once the left-hander is officially poted by the Hanshin Tigers.
It might happen Monday. The Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Mets and Indians are among the other teams that could bid for the 27-year-old.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=MLB&id=4112

It appears that both the Mets and Yankees were scouting 27 year-old lefty Kei Igawa Tuesday night against the MLB All-Stars. He'll be an option for teams looking overseas for pitching that are reluctant to break the bank. However, David Wright was not impressed:

"Asked if Igawa's pitches were major-league quality, Wright hedged a bit.

'I just don't know,' Wright said. 'I'd have to see him when he's in midseason form. You send a guy up there after a month layoff and you can't get a handle on a guy. But as far as a lefty goes, he has a sneaky fastball. I thought he threw, for a lefty, an average to above-average fastball, an above-average changeup, and his slider was a little flat. But with a month off, who knows? Could be any number of reasons.'

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/11/kei_igawa_plan_.html

I am not too impressed by Igawa and think that he will struggle (like Ishi) in the majors. Although, he may be a good relief pitcher but his control seems to be too bad for a starter and will cause him to throw a ton of pitches if used as a starter.

Here is a video of him pitching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ4SR8Icwvw

 

[devilfan02]

Well this offseason is way too quiet so far on our front...... Let's hope Byrnes hits with a bang and lands a big time pitcher. Man this is boring

 

[devilfan02]

Here's a Q&A with MLB.com Dback beatwriter, Steve Glibert. He answers questions regarding Dontrelle Willis, the recent Justin Upton trade rumors, and J.D. Drew

Last year there several rumors where the Florida Marlins would trade Dontrelle Willis to the D-backs for several of the D-backs' many everyday player prospects. With D-Train's salary escalating and the D-backs need for a quality No. 2 pitcher, do you see this possibly happening now?
-- Jimmy B., Owensboro, Ky.


There was a lot of talk about Willis going several different places, with Arizona chief among them at various times last year. The thing is, from what I understand the Marlins never made Willis available. I do believe the D-backs will check with Florida during the offseason to see if that's changed. Keep in mind the cost for Willis is going to be extremely high. He will likely command top prospects that are Major League ready. The D-backs do have some of those, but whether it makes sense to give up that much for Willis, who will be due a substantial raise in his upcoming arbitration years remains to be seen.
Is there any truth to an article I read in the New York Post that said the D-Backs would like to trade Justin Upton?
-- Joe C., Phoenix


Joe, I was surprised by the report you're referring to. Not the fact that the D-backs might have to part with a package that included say Chris Young and Miguel Montero in a deal for Willis, because we've already established how high the cost of pitching will be. But what did catch me off guard was when the writer said the D-backs would prefer to part with Upton rather than Young. From what I understand in talking with people involved with the D-backs is both of those guys -- Young and Upton -- are pretty untouchable.

How likely is it that the Diamondbacks will go after Daisuke Matsuzaka, who it seems will be a top-notch pitcher?
-- Malcolm P., Phoenix


It's very likely, Malcolm. In fact, the D-backs did submit a bid for the right-hander. Whether or not it turns out to be the winning bid, we'll have to see, but if it's true that the Red Sox have bid over $40 million I would say Arizona's chances of winning that contest were not good.
What are the chances of the D-backs going after J.D. Drew now that he is a free agent?
-- Mike L., Mesa, Ariz.


I got a few questions wondering whether the D-backs will sign J.D. to play with his younger brother Stephen, and I really don't see it happening. It's a nice thought and he's a nice player, I just don't see the fit. The D-backs have plenty of outfielders, and with $10 million or so to spend, I think they will focus on improving the pitching staff.
When will we be able to see (and buy) D-backs gear in the new colors? Christmas is coming, and I need a new hat and jersey.
-- Ed C., Paso Robles, Calif.

The new merchandise is currently available following last week's unveiling. I'd tell you that you could come down to the Chase Field Team Shop to pick up some of the new gear Ed, but judging by where you're from I'm guessing that's not really practical. The good news for you is that the merchandise is available online.
With the Mets' Tom Glavine filing for free agency, is there any chance the D-backs could pursue him this winter?
-- Drew T., Charlotte, N.C.

I don't think so, Drew. It's my understanding that Glavine wants to either stay with the Mets or return to the Braves.

http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com...t_id=1739517&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari

 

[devilfan02]

Nov. 17: The East Valley Tribune reported that the Diamondbacks are ready to make a substantial offer to Randy Wolf, who is also being courted by the Yankees, Mets and Blue Jays. Wolf returned from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on July 30 and made 12 starts, encountering the usual dips that come with relearning his craft. Throwing 90-100 pitches wasn't an issue for his arm; the problem was that he ran that count up by the fifth inning. Still, at 30, and having proved his health, Wolf should draw interest. One of those teams is the Phillies, who are on record that they would like him to fill out their rotation.

Nov. 17: Larry O'Brien, Ted Lilly's agent, told MLB.com that his client is seeking a four-year deal worth at least $34 million. O'Brien added that 14 teams have contacted him and three have entered into what he described as "serious conversations." He added that the Cubs, Yankees and more than one team from the NL West, including the Giants, were among those interested. O'Brien wasn't sure if Toronto could afford what he believes Lilly can get on the open market. "Ted loved his time in Toronto, but I don't know at the end of the day if [the Blue Jays are] going to be in that market."

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

 

[devilfan02]

Arizona pursuing Phillies’ Wolf
By Jack Magruder, Tribune

The Diamondbacks have targeted Philadelphia free agent left-hander Randy Wolf as a starting rotation addition behind Cy Young winner Brandon Webb, major league sources said Tuesday.D-Backs general manager Josh Byrnes met with Wolf’s agent, Arn Tellem, at the general managers’ meetings in Naples, Fla., on Tuesday and may have been carrying an offer.

“I’ve talked to Arn. I don’t want to get into specifics,” said Byrnes, who had meetings scheduled into the wee hours Wednesday.

In their search to add one more starting pitcher, the DBacks hoped to talk again with Gregg Clifton, Mark Mulder’s agent, and have not ruled out making an offer to Jason Schmidt, although his market price — perhaps as much as $12 million a year on a fouryear deal — could exceed their threshold.

The Phillies are interested in re-signing Wolf and are believed to have made an offer, according to a published report. The Yankees and Mets also could be interested.

“At this time, Arn is not commenting on teams that have shown interest in Randy,” a spokesperson from Tellem’s agency said Tuesday.

Wolf, 30, had four double-digit victory seasons for Philadelphia, topping out at 16-10 with a 4.23 ERA in 2003, before suffering an elbow injury in 2004 that eventually led to Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in July, 2005.

He returned to make 12 starts in the Phillies’ stretch drive last season, going 3-0 with a 5.56 ERA.

Wolf would give the D-Backs a left-hander in the rotation while offering an affordable solution for the loss of reliable free agent Miguel Batista, who had 206 innings last season. Wolf has reached 200 innings three times.

The Phillies were said to be contemplating an incentiveladen, two-year deal with a base value of $6 million a year. Barry Zito and Schmidt will cost twice that. Wolf made $9 million in 2006, the final year of a four-year deal.

SHORT HOPS: The Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed an interest in Luis Gonzalez and could meet with agent Gregg Clifton at the general managers meetings. . . .

The D-Backs have signed longtime major leaguer Dave Hansen as the hitting coach at Double-A Mobile, their new affiliate in the Southern League. Hansen is among the best pinch-hitters in major league history. . . .

Former D-Backs coach Eddie Rodriguez, who lives in Mesa, joined the Seattle organization as manager of West Tenn, also of the Southern League. Rodriguez won a World Series ring as the D-Backs’ first-base coach in 2001 and served as their third-base coach for the next two seasons. He was the bench coach in Washington last season.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=78973

 

[Ryanwb]

Apparently Eric Gagne will accept a 1 year contract at the minimum to have an opportinity at a come back. The injuries (that could never be linked to steroids) are a huge ???? for him.

edit: He wants to come back as a setup man for now

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Houston has reportedly offered contracts to both Soriano AND Carlos Lee. Rumor has it, they're the team that offered the 5 for 98 deal to Soriano.

My question is, where the hell did all this money suddenly come from? I know getting Bagwell off the books helps out, and not having Clemens' 20 million and Pettite's contract opened up some flexability wiggle room, but I didn't realize it was THAT much.

Gotta figure, Lee's going to command at LEAST 13 million per year, and $19.6 million per for Soriano is straight up assnine.

 

[overseascardfan]

Rumor has it the White Sox are close to dealing Jon Garland to Texas for some minor leaguers. I think Garland would be a great addition to our staff, groundball pitcher that has won 18 games each of the last two years.

 

[Ryanwb]

Rumor has it the White Sox are close to dealing Jon Garland to Texas for some minor leaguers. I think Garland would be a great addition to our staff, groundball pitcher that has won 18 games each of the last two years.

They tried to get Garland in the Javier Vasquez deal

 

[overseascardfan]

They tried to get Garland in the Javier Vasquez deal

Well now they are trying to get rid of payroll and create a spot for McCarthy so now we probably should go after him. I'm sure they would ratherget rid of Vazquez or Garcia but Garland would probably get them more in a trade.

 

[Espo]

Soriano to Cubs for 8 Years $136 Million

Espn 1000 in Chicago is reporting it's a done deal
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2668465

 

[Sunshooter]

According to Japanese news, another lefty pitcher Kei Igawa will enter to MLB. Like Ichiro and Matsuzaka, teams need to make a bid and the winner have 30 days to negotiate.

Now Tellem is Igawa's agent.

Yankees, Dodgers, Giants, Cubs, Padres, Braves, Mets, Angels have made the bid. Indians and D'Backs also shown some interest of him, but not made the bid yet.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Espn 1000 in Chicago is reporting it's a done deal
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2668465

Holy Sweet Mother of Christ.

CHICAGO (AP) -- Free agent Alfonso Soriano and the Chicago Cubs have reached a preliminary agreement on an eight-year contract worth about $136 million, a major league official told The Associated Press on Sunday.

The deal is contingent on Soriano passing a physical, according to the official, who asked that his name not be used because the deal had not yet been announced.

If completed, it would be the fifth-largest total package given to a major league player, behind Alex Rodriguez ($252 million for 10 years), Derek Jeter ($189 million for 10 years), Manny Ramirez ($160 for eight years) and Todd Helton ($141.5 million for 11 years).

The deal was first announced by WGN radio, the Cubs' flagship station.

Soriano, who could play center field and give the Cubs a leadoff hitter with a combination of speed and power, had 46 homers and 41 stolen bases last season with the Washington Nationals. He batted .277, had 95 RBIs and had 41 doubles.

Primarily a second baseman during a career that began with the New York Yankees in 1999, the 30-year-old Soriano made the switch to left field last season, his first and only one in Washington.

His signing would be the highlight of a busy early offseason for the Cubs, who are rebuilding under new manager Lou Piniella following a 66-96 finish, worst in the NL.

Chicago already has re-signed third baseman Aramis Ramirez to a five-year, $73 million deal, signed free agent Mark DeRosa to play second base and re-signed pitchers Kerry Wood and Wade Miller.

The Cubs are looking for a center fielder after Juan Pierre filed for free agency.

Chicago general manager Jim Hendry declined comment Sunday on Soriano.

The addition of Soriano would give Chicago a lineup that should make the Cubs players in the NL Central. He will join a lineup that includes Ramirez and Derrek Lee in homer-friendly Wrigley Field.

Soriano played his first five seasons in New York and then was traded to the Texas Rangers in the 2004 deal that brought Rodriguez to the Yankees. Soriano was dealt again two seasons later to the Nationals in a trade that sent outfielders Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge plus a minor league pitcher to the Rangers.

When he joined the Nationals, Soriano was switched to the outfield because Washington already had Jose Vidro at second. It was a move Soriano initially balked at. But gradually he became comfortable with the switch and made an All-Star team for the fifth straight season, this time at a new position.

Soriano is a .280 career hitter with 208 homers and 560 RBIs. He made $10 million last season.

In 2006, he became the fourth player in major league history to record 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. Jose Canseco (Oakland 1988), Barry Bonds (San Francisco 1996) and Rodriguez (Seattle 1998) are the other members of the 40-40 club.

$136 million?? For Soriano?????

Also, if I'm the Cubs, I have nothing to do with Soriano at leadoff.

 

[overseascardfan]

Speire (sp??) is also off the market; Angels 4yr 14 mil. Suprisingly no SP's have signed, probably waiting to see what the first one gets before they start to negotiate.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Now that Soriano's off the books at 136 million over the span of 8 years, and with Matsuzaka reportedly asking for 18-20 million per, I'm horrified to think what Barry Zito's going to ask for.

 

[devilfan02]

Estrada drawing attention

By Jack Magruder, TribuneNovember 18, 2006

The longer the free agency period lasts, the more desirable Johnny Estrada might become. The Diamondbacks explored the trade market for Estrada at the general managers’ meetings that concluded Thursday, as Estrada remains their most likely trading piece in a search for pitching.“We talked to a number of clubs, and Johnny’s name came up a few times,” D-Backs general manager Josh Byrnes said. Philadelphia, Toronto, San Francisco and Colorado appear to be most in need of a catcher in a marketplace that escalated when the Cubs signed backup Henry Blanco to a two-year, $5.25 million contract last week.

Blanco hit .266 with six homers and 37 RBIs as a reserve last season. Estrada hit .302 with a career-high 11 home runs and 72 RBIs with the D-Backs last season, and could be expected to earn about $3.5 million in arbitration this winter.

Estrada also has a final year of arbitration eligibility for the 2008 season, and thus could provide a fixed-cost alternative in a spiraling market.

Toronto opted not to pick up the $7.5 million 2007 option for Bengie Molina, whom they signed at this time last year, and have expressed interested in re-signing Geoff Zaun or going after free agent Rod Barajas.

The Blue Jays spoke to Barajas’ agent, Gregg Clifton, during the GM meetings. A Valley resident, Barajas hit .256 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs in Texas while earning $3.2 million last year. He is seeking a two-year contract.


GOING GONZO

Luis Gonzalez’s list of serious suitors appears down to five, including NL West teams Los Angeles and San Francisco, and he seems likely to get a multi-year deal, agent Clifton said.

“We’ve spoken to the L.A. people a couple more times. Their interest is picking up,” Clifton said. “They seem to be pretty serious. We are going to reconvene.”

Cincinnati, Cleveland and Texas also continue to show interest in Gonzalez, and Baltimore called Friday.

Because of the interest, Gonzalez will “get two years. I don’t think that’s any problem. I don’t think that will be an issue.”

Gonzalez is unlikely to sign until free agents Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee pick their teams.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=79151