The official MLB rumor mill / hot stove thread

yankeeno7 · November 5, 2007 12:47PM

Thought it would be nice to have this thread and look back when all is said and done to see what rumors had legs and which ones didnt. GM meetings started today so this should be fun!

I'll start with Andy Pettite. Pettite is suppose to have an answer by Wednesday. Rumor and maybe confirmed? that Pettite is NOT going to pick up his option with the Yanks this year, giving up 16 million. Yanks have given him an open door if he changes his mind anytime during the off season. This is not good news for Yankees fans.

Looks like Maddux will sign on for another year with the Padres. Good for the Padres!

WeekendHacker · November 5, 2007 1:04PM

Evidently Schilling and the Red Sox are very close to agreeing to a 1 year deal for 2008. I'd like to see them lock up Lowell for 2, maybe 3 more years. He hasn't filed for FA yet, so it appears he wants to give the Sox time to work out a deal before the FA announcement deadline.

Connecticoin · November 5, 2007 8:46PM

Petitte opted out. I think he will see what Posada and Rivera decide, then talk to Roger, and then decide what he wants to do. If Posada and/or Rivera bolt, I could see him returning to the NL with the Dodgers or Astros.

Barndog · November 5, 2007 9:06PM

is there some sort of pool for guessing to which team Coco Crisp will be traded during the offseason? Can we at least start a rumor that the Sox trade away Julio Luso?

Connecticoin · November 5, 2007 11:10PM

<< is there some sort of pool for guessing to which team Coco Crisp will be traded during the offseason? Can we at least start a rumor that the Sox trade away Julio Luso? >>

I think Luso hits at least .290 and has at least 80 RBIs and 40 SBs next year. Seriously.

Barndog · November 6, 2007 12:19AM

<< 

<< is there some sort of pool for guessing to which team Coco Crisp will be traded during the offseason? Can we at least start a rumor that the Sox trade away Julio Luso? >>

I think Luso hits at least .290 and has at least 80 RBIs and 40 SBs next year. Seriously. >>

for which team, Atlanta?

WeekendHacker · November 6, 2007 1:48AM

<< is there some sort of pool for guessing to which team Coco Crisp will be traded during the offseason? Can we at least start a rumor that the Sox trade away Julio Luso? >>

Atlanta, Minnesota, Philadelphia and the Dodgers are all going to be in the market for a CF. If Lowell decides to file for FA, maybe the Sox could work out a package of players (Crisp, a minor leaguer or two and some cash) send it off to Flordia for Cabrera. They have a very good history of trading with the Marlins so don't be surprised if rumors start concerning a trade like this.

mercurynut · November 6, 2007 2:07AM

Schilling signed with the Red Sox for only 8 million plus 2million in incentives. I think the Sox got a good deal.

alnavman · November 6, 2007 2:07AM

Cleveland Plain Dealer had article saying the Indians were going to pick up options on Borowski, Fultz and Byrd.......even though Byrd has the drug thing hanging over him still....no news relative to CC who could be playing his last year in Cleveland next year.

Connecticoin · November 6, 2007 5:15AM

<< for which team, Atlanta?

>>

No, hopefully Boston! If they stop giving up on shortstops after only 1 year, maybe they will do better. The would probably have to eat $15 million to unload Luso, so they might as well give him another year to "adjust".

ROCKDJRW · November 6, 2007 5:21AM

There have been some rumors about the White Sox trading Joe Crede for Johnny Damon if the can't aquire either Tori Hunter or Aaron Rowand.

ArnyVee · November 6, 2007 10:14AM

If the Marlins are really talking about trading Miguel Cabrera, do we get only prospects again and nothing else?

If A-Rod comes over to the team WITH Cabrera, then I'm happy. But, if he comes in place of Cabrera then I'm not as happy. And, if he doesn't come at all AND we deal Cabrera.... let's just say that sealing the deal on the stadium would be quite a tough call.

metalmike · November 6, 2007 12:56PM

Ken Griffey. Jr told the Cincinnati Reds he is NOT going back to Seatlle. In fact he AIN"T GOIN ANYWHERE G! He plans on ending his career in the town he grew up in. I hope he will retire instead of doing a Wade impression..aka going to the Devil Rays?........I hope he doesn't retire to Florida. Baseball needs Mr. Griffey he may be a slacker..not! but he is 1 o' the good guys. Mike heed my words- Trey!

yankeeno7 · November 6, 2007 2:29PM

Reds should be thrilled that Griffey Jr doesnt ever want to leave. He puts butts in their seats!! Plus all of the Griffey Jr gear that sells...I wouldnt think he would be expendable, even if he only plays 120 games a season.

Was watching the day 2 GM meetings coverage and a short interview with Brian Cashman. He didnt at all mention Mientkiewicz which disappoints me. I think he could be a .300 hitter again if he was there every day. You cant beat his defense. He was talking Benemit, Giambi, and Shelly Duncan. This is the time to trade Shelly Duncan because his stock is probably pretty high with his short stint of heroics. Unfortunately there is no getting rid of Giambi. Im not nearly as convinced on Benemit as the Yankees are. And as Cashman said, they arent ready to let him have 3B every day.

Signing Schilling was a great move by both the Sox and Schilling. Looks like they are all real into bringing Lowell back. Even Schilling is writing about it on his website. Lowell has to be feeling good about this support. Sox may open up that wallet a bit more because of it. If they sign Lowell, will the Sox go for Tejada in a trade and forget about ARod???

onlyanumber · November 6, 2007 8:58PM

I don't think there is a market for Tejada. Like Giambi, he is too expensive and not as productive as he once was. Add in the link to Oakland and Baltimore amidst the steroids rumors, and I wouldn't be surprised if he is one of the next names leaked in the Mitchell investigation. Boston is steering far far away from any tainted players.

Some of the rumors I've heard in regards to Yankee players:

Pettite looking at the Dodgers. Talk is his link to Torre is pretty strong and going over to LA may be more for guidance for an unproven staff than anything else.

Rivera willing to go to Boston. Picture it--Rivera closing, Papelbon in the rotation.

Posada wants 4 years. I don't think anyone wants to give him 4 years though...

Fact of the matter is, if the Yanks lose several of their veterans, you know they will go ape chit overspending in the offseason. I'm sure they feel Joba can step into the closer role, but who do they have to replace Pettite or Posada? Loduca is available, so it's possible there could be a switch of NY catchers. All depends on who bites first and who signs first...

alnavman · November 6, 2007 9:34PM

Arny, there was an article in today's Cleveland Plain Dealer that says if the Indians are not interested in Cabrera, that they should be.....further says that the Marlins are looking for pitching and another 3rd baseman in return. Indians have either Andy Marte or Casey Blake available for 3rd and Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers or Aaron Laffey available as pitchers. Being an Indians fan I also know they have a number of pitching prospects in the farm system.....Cabrera would look great at 3rd for Cleveland next year......I would hate to see Casey go since he's been a steady player here the last couple years but Cabrera would be a definite upgrade.

Barndog · November 6, 2007 9:52PM

Rivera to Boston? Hadn't heard that. I think Papelbon is the closer, period. Would Rivera take a set-up role (kind of like the INTENDED role for that fat guy from Canada that sucked so violently this year)?

TomGshotput · November 6, 2007 10:10PM

Red Sox should hold on to Crisp. He can back up four positions, including one rookie and two with some injury risk

Barndog · November 6, 2007 10:11PM

<< Red Sox should hold on to Crisp. He can back up four positions, including one rookie and two with some injury risk >>

the Sox tradition has been to get players like Kapler or Kielty to do that role, I expect they'll continue in the tradition and trade Coco

alnavman · November 6, 2007 11:03PM

I know the sox are hot for the new guy...ellsbury, but what if he doesn't pan out next year....there have been many mid season call ups over the years who started out great and then faded....at least Crisp has a track record over more than half a summer......I'm not bashing ellsbury but I said the same about Joba for the Yankees in another thread, what happens if he isn't as great next year....in NY they already have him going to the HOF....

My team had that happen two years ago...Sowers came up and looked great and he ended up on the minors last year and is being mentioned in trade rumors this winter....

TomGshotput · November 6, 2007 11:32PM

They went with those players because they could pick them up in mid-season, Kielty off waivers and Kapler purchased outright. Even as recently as the begining of this year the Red Sox were looking at Wily Mo Pena as the sort of bench player who they could still find playing time for and could do well. Obviously very different players, but the differences they have in the possible role is to Crisp's advantage

Ultimately depends on what they can get for him. When the Red Sox traded for him, the team was pretty desperate, his value was higher and they didn't give up much

Barndog · November 6, 2007 11:52PM

Crisp has proven himself over the last two seasons as a great fielder with no arm (sound familiar?) and no ability to hit with any consistency. The Sox trusted Pedroia (as many teams trust rookies to get the job done based on reports from the farm system) and will do so again with Ellsbury. Bottom line is that Crisp is more valuable as trade bait than he is as a backup. Teams that don't land or plan on bidding on people like Hunter or Jones will really like the idea of Coco Crisp. He's gone as far as I'm concerned.

Barndog · November 8, 2007 4:10AM

here's a rumor:

Red Sox and Minnesota work out a trade for Johann Santana. Coco Crisp is involved.

or is that a dream?

alnavman · November 8, 2007 4:16AM

Isn't Santana an unrestricted free agent? or is that next year?

Clemaz · November 8, 2007 4:48AM

I heard a rumor that the Pirates are going to suck again next year.

Barndog · November 8, 2007 5:40AM

<< Isn't Santana an unrestricted free agent? or is that next year? >>

next year

baseballfan · November 8, 2007 5:55AM

how about m. tejada to anyone followed closley by gibbons, mora, hernandez, and payton

can you tell i root for the Orioles?

Barndog · November 8, 2007 6:31AM

how about Tejada's name comes out in the Mitchell report?

Barndog · November 8, 2007 7:43AM

just read that 11 free agents will be named in the Mitchell report

Clemaz · November 8, 2007 8:18AM

<< just read that 11 free agents will be named in the Mitchell report >>

Where did you read this?

onlyanumber · November 8, 2007 9:08AM

<< I heard a rumor that the Pirates are going to suck again next year. >>

This is the right attitude--aim low, you can't be disappointed.

Actually, if they could build around Bay and Sanchez, they could do something. Would help if their pitchers wouldn't implode in year two and three...

Barndog · November 8, 2007 10:10AM

<< 

<< just read that 11 free agents will be named in the Mitchell report >>

Where did you read this? >>

espn.com

onlyanumber · November 8, 2007 11:11AM

Here's a thought that just dawned on me. 11 of this years free agents are on the list...could Mike Lowell be one of them? I'm not thinking about enhancing performance, rather he did have the battle with testicular cancer...back in '99

WeekendHacker · November 8, 2007 11:30AM

<< Here's a thought that just dawned on me. 11 of this years free agents are on the list...could Mike Lowell be one of them? I'm not thinking about enhancing performance, rather he did have the battle with testicular cancer...back in '99 >>

So does that mean that if he took HGH for his one gonad that he would have a big ball?

mercurynut · November 8, 2007 3:33PM

Collusion Against A-Rod?
The MLBPA leveled a serious charge, suggesting that Bud Selig is trying to hold down Alex Rodriguez's price. Apparently all the GMs gathered and publicly spoke about their offseason plans and available players. This information sharing inhibits free market economics, in the opinion of the MLBPA. The union did not specifically refer to A-Rod, but a source of the AP indicated he was implied.

The commissioner's guy, Rob Manfred, basically said the union's suggestion was absurd. But Rob - if A-Rod signs for one year, $5MM, we're on to you guys. We'll be watching.

Barndog · November 8, 2007 10:12PM

<< Collusion Against A-Rod?
The MLBPA leveled a serious charge, suggesting that Bud Selig is trying to hold down Alex Rodriguez's price. Apparently all the GMs gathered and publicly spoke about their offseason plans and available players. This information sharing inhibits free market economics, in the opinion of the MLBPA. The union did not specifically refer to A-Rod, but a source of the AP indicated he was implied.

The commissioner's guy, Rob Manfred, basically said the union's suggestion was absurd. But Rob - if A-Rod signs for one year, $5MM, we're on to you guys. We'll be watching. >>

and the likely source of the rumor? No doubt Borass.

BobaFett72 · November 8, 2007 10:25PM

i hope they do collude against Afraud. I'd be paying him for hit post-season worth. about 5 cents.

ArnyVee · November 8, 2007 10:48PM

Now, word is that Miguel Cabrera could be headed to Anaheim for three players....Ervin Santana, Brandon Wood & Jeff Mathis.

Thought is, we move Uggla to 3B but only if Howie Kendrick is in the deal. The article states that the Marlins would much rather make the deal for Weaver than Santana if Kendrick is not in the deal.

yankeeno7 · November 8, 2007 11:10PM

Wow! If Angels get Cabrera then what will that do to ARod's value? I bet they are sweating....if Yanks, Red Sox, and Angels are out of the running then what kind of money will they get??? In that case, he could be a good deal for the Dodgers or Giants!

I like what Cashman is doing by offering ARod arbitration. There is no doubt that ARod/Boras will refuse it so then Yanks will get another #1 draft pick plus a sandwich pick in the first round. Some good players have come from the draft! Lets not forget that ARod was one of those #1's.

yankeeno7 · November 8, 2007 11:32PM

wow...looks like Hunter is getting close with the White Sox and Lowell is close on a 3 year deal with the Red Sox! Stay tuned!!!

mercurynut · November 9, 2007 3:11AM

Troy E. Renck is at it again, with another column updating us on the Rockies' hot stove situation.

Todd Helton isn't going anywhere, for multiple reasons. His current $16.6MM salary is less frightening due to playoff revenue, and he'd be unlikely to approve a trade since his current team is already a winner.

As Renck reported earlier this week, the Rox will offer Matt Holliday a four-year, $60MM deal to buy out two years of free agency. Holliday, a Scott Boras client, seems unlikely to accept anything like that.

stown · November 9, 2007 3:27AM

<< As Renck reported earlier this week, the Rox will offer Matt Holliday a four-year, $60MM deal to buy out two years of free agency. Holliday, a Scott Boras client, seems unlikely to accept anything like that. >>

Since Bora$$ isn't getting the money he invisioned with Pay-Rod, expect him to squeeze everything out of his other clients.

Barndog · November 9, 2007 3:42AM

<< 

<< As Renck reported earlier this week, the Rox will offer Matt Holliday a four-year, $60MM deal to buy out two years of free agency. Holliday, a Scott Boras client, seems unlikely to accept anything like that. >>

Since Bora$$ isn't getting the money he invisioned with Pay-Rod, expect him to squeeze everything out of his other clients. >>

he's working the Red Sox to add at least a year to Varitek's contract

mercurynut · November 9, 2007 4:10AM

<< 

<< 

<< As Renck reported earlier this week, the Rox will offer Matt Holliday a four-year, $60MM deal to buy out two years of free agency. Holliday, a Scott Boras client, seems unlikely to accept anything like that. >>

Since Bora$$ isn't getting the money he invisioned with Pay-Rod, expect him to squeeze everything out of his other clients. >>

he's working the Red Sox to add at least a year to Varitek's contract >>

I have no problem with adding 1 year to Varitek's contract as long as the red Sox dump Doug Mirabelli and add a new back up he can mentor as his successor.

Barndog · November 9, 2007 4:25AM

I expect a young, backup catcher to be part of a Coco Crisp deal. Maybe in the trade with Minnesota for Santana?

Connecticoin · November 9, 2007 4:34AM

<< I expect a young, backup catcher to be part of a Coco Crisp deal. Maybe in the trade with Minnesota for Santana? >>

If they properly taught Josh Bard to catch a knuckler, the Sox would not have this problem.

And they would still have a good setup reliever in Clay Meredith.

bigfische · November 12, 2007 3:32AM

Glavine should be a Brave again by the end of the month.

ROCKDJRW · November 12, 2007 3:48AM

The White Sox are interested in Tejada. They claimed him off waivers last year but could not work out a trade. A Garland for Tejada trade was rumored earlier this off season but I think that is giving up way to much for Tejada at this point.

yankeeno7 · November 14, 2007 12:56PM

Wow! MLB.com reporting that ARod and the Yanks are close to a deal worth around 290 million dollars! TOO MUCH!!! Especially after costing the Yankees 21 millioin.

Of course the Yanks wont negotiate with Boras so its all on ARod. Boras will be allowed to do the contract wording and paperwork.

ARod knows he has a lot of repairs to do on his image and reputation. Boras has done a LOT of damage to it.

Barndog · November 14, 2007 12:58PM

even if Arod plays until he's 45, that's too much to pay anyone, even if much of the money can be deferred. How many years they talking?

yankeeno7 · November 14, 2007 1:06PM

It didnt say how many years...It has to be 12???? I cant imagine it be 10 years.

The official MLB rumor mill / hot stove thread

Comments