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Cubs Aim for World Domination: Take Lead in Jake Peavy Derby

Posted: Nov 6th 2008 7:30AM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Cubs, Padres, NL Central, NL West, MLB Rumors

In this latest episode of "Shopping Jake Peavy", I guess you can move the Cubs to the top of Peavy's list. According to Ken Rosenthal, he's certainly at the top of Kevin Towers' list of trade partners as the Braves don't seem to be a match.

The Cubs have emerged as a front-runner in the Peavy sweepstakes, perhaps even ahead of the Braves, according to major-league sources.

The club also is willing to give (Ryan) Dempster a four-year contract, sources say, a decision that should put them in good position to retain the free-agent right-hander.

Even though the Cubs are for sale, team officials apparently believe that they can absorb the four years and $63 million remaining on Peavy's contract while committing at least $50 million to Dempster over the same term.

Carlos Zambrano, Jake Peavy, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster. Yikes.

The Cubs would do good not to be "Diamondbacks East", where they have all their money sunk into the rotation and can't hit. But with Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirez, the Cubs needn't worry about that. And if the Cubs can't afford Kerry Wood when all is said and done, then here comes Carlos Marmol to close anyway. Besides, if they hit a little less, they can win every game 2-1 anyway with that scary rotation.

Arm bash: Chicago Cubs Online

Dodgers Offer Up Some Major Manny Money

Posted: Nov 5th 2008 11:59PM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Dodgers, NL West, MLB Rumors

4 COMMENTS

The Dodgers are apparently serious about keeping Manny Ramirez in Dodger blue for the foreseeable future. Ned Colletti has confirmed that the Dodgers have made Ramirez a very generous offer.

Colletti would not specify the length of the offer, reportedly two years, or the value of the offer. Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees has a contract for $27.5 million a year, the highest average annual value in baseball.

Ramirez made $20 million last season, the highest salary of any player except Rodriguez. Colletti said the Dodgers' offer "would be the highest average annual value in the history of the franchise and the second-highest average annual value in baseball."

Colletti said he did not anticipate hearing a response from agent Scott Boras before the Dodgers' exclusive negotiating window expires Nov. 13.

"I'm sure Scott will wait until he can procure offers from other clubs," Colletti said.

The Dodgers were rumored to be offering Ramirez a ridiculously large annual average, yet attached to a short contract. There's no reason to believe that this offer isn't more than two, maybe three years. But it does show how serious the Dodgers are. I'm wondering if there's a number, whether it be money or years or both, that will make Boras think about signing Ramirez on with Los Angeles before hitting the open market.

(Actually, there is a number ... but I don't think mathematicians have found it yet.)

Jake Peavy Puts the AL in Play

Posted: Nov 4th 2008 7:00AM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Angels, Dodgers, Padres, Yankees, MLB Rumors

0 COMMENTS

That forgone conclusion that Jake Peavy was going to be traded to the Braves? It's not so forgone anymore. And that list that Peavy gave to the Padres that didn't include the Yankees or any other AL team? That list just made room for the Yankees ... plus one more AL team.

Peavy's agent, Barry Axelrod, said in a recent interview with SI.com that his client has some good feelings about the Yankees. "What kid doesn't grow up dreaming of wearing the pinstripes?" Axelrod said. Yet, for geographic reasons the Yankees remain below the five NL teams on Peavy's list, and perhaps also the Angels, who have a distinct advantage in that they are the nearest team to Peavy's new home in San Diego.

According to (GM Kevin) Towers, Peavy has put the teams in some sort of order. But the GM declined to reveal that order.

Towers has done a lot of talking to the Braves, but without a deal in sight, is beginning to talk to the other NL teams now, and doesn't rule out the Dodgers based on their intra-division rivalry. "The Dodgers are high on his list, so I plan on talking to them," Towers said.

Rule one of negotiation: Whether it be to get more prospects from other teams, or drive up the price for your new contract, always include the Yankees. Jake Peavy and the Padres have learned that. The bigger surprise than the Yankees being on the list is that the Dodgers, division and SoCal rivals, are so high on that list. For a city that's traded away many top athletes, losing Peavy to the Dodgers would be the latest tough pill to swallow for San Diego.

Kerry Wood Among the Latest to File for Free Agency, Are Cubs Days Numbered?

Posted: Nov 1st 2008 9:30AM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Cubs, NL Central

4 COMMENTS

It's impossible to believe, but Kerry Wood has spent 11 seasons as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Seems like just yesterday that he was merely a prospect, and I convinced my fantasy baseball partner that we should take a chance on this heralded rookie ... only to have him convince me to wheel him for three players mere days before he struck out 20 Astros at Wrigley.

Amazingly Wood, even through all of his injuries, remained a member of the Cubbies. But now that he filed for free agency on Friday, it looks like his days as a Cub could end. With Carlos Marmol waiting in the wings as closer, it's easy to see the Cubs being a bit cautious in bidding for Kerry. GM Jim Hendry has even said that it depends on the length of contract.

For Wood meanwhile, he picked a good season to be relatively healthy ... and for all his past injury troubles he deserves a shot at a nice contract. With a few high spending teams in the market for a closer (the Cardinals and Mets to name a couple), Wood could parlay a healthy 2008 into cold hard cash. Even with his injury history, teams will most assuredly go above and beyond in the bidding for Wood and his filthy stuff to close games for them.

Hank Steinbrenner Confirms the Yankees Want to Sign: Everyone

Posted: Nov 1st 2008 7:00AM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Yankees, AL East, MLB Rumors

26 COMMENTS

Last winter, the Yankees actually showed a small amount of restraint in not acquiring the greatest and brightest available (Johan Santana), in favor of holding on to their prospects. With big free agents out there, expect that streak of restraint to end at one. And yes, Hank Steinbrenner would consider making a run at long time Yankee nemesis Manny Ramirez:

"There's nothing we are not looking at," the team's co-chairperson said Friday at the team's spring training complex. "And personally, I like Manny. He's one of the greatest hitters in the history of the game. He's a free spirit for sure, but he knows how to win. We like some of the other guys, too. We just don't know yet."

Oh, and CC Sabathia too.

"Every team in baseball wants Sabathia," Steinbrenner said. "That's the bottom line. It's not a real secret. Pitching is in the forefront for everybody, not just us. That's why starting pitching is at a premium."

After a disappointing (for them) third place finish, expect the Yankees to be like a patron at Spago's picking from the most expensive dishes on the menu, then ordering one of everything. And considering that WFAN radio host Mike Francesa said during his Friday show that a well connected person in the Yankee world told him that the team was getting ready to blow everyone away in their offer for Sabathia, this off-season could have pinstripes drawn all over them.

Latest MLB Photos

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamles, the World Series MVP, addresses the fans during the baseball teams' celebration of their World Series Championship, Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 31: Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies waves to the fans during the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks on October 31, 2008 at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Rollins

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Chase Utley arrives at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chase Utley

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Pat Burrell and his dog Elvis arrive at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Pat Burrell

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino arrives at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shane Victorino

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Jamie Moyer (L) and Brett Myers (R) arrive at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brett Myers;Jamie Moyer

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: The Phillie Phanatic celebrates at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Fans celebrate at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images)

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Cole Hamels speaks at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cole Hamels

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 31: Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino carries the World Series Trophy at a victory rally at Citizens Bank Park October 31, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Tampa Bay Rays to win their first World Series in 28 years. (Photo by Jeff Fusco/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shane Victorino

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Could Jason Varitek Become Captain Cat?

Posted: Oct 31st 2008 8:00PM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Red Sox, Tigers, AL Central, AL East, MLB Rumors

11 COMMENTS

The Detroit Tigers were supposed to tear up the world last season with all of the huge bats in their lineup, solid starting pitching, and flame throwers in the bullpen. Didn't quite work out that way. Their offense was pretty good as they were fourth in the AL in runs, and second in home runs. The hardest throwers in their pen were hurt, so that leaves the starting staff. And yes, they were just plain horrible with a 5.03 ERA (good for 11th in the AL). The solution for Jim Leyland's Tigers just might be in Boston:

"(Agent Scott) Boras, according to a rival executive, is trying to sell catcher Jason Varitek to the Tigers as a replacement for another of his clients, Ivan Rodriguez. The idea is not without merit; the Tigers' lineup is strong enough to carry Varitek's declining offense, and his defense and leadership would greatly benefit their pitching staff."

As with all rumors, proceed with caution. With Scott Boras involved, you have to consider the possibility of the Tigers being a red herring to drive up the price (and the appreciation) of Varitek in Boston. But for those willing to delve a little further, join me for some half baked discussion after the jump.

Continue Reading Could Jason Varitek Become Captain Cat?

Are the Phillies Already Breaking Up? Pat Burrell Turns Down First Phillie Offer

Posted: Oct 31st 2008 4:15PM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Phillies, NL East

37 COMMENTS

The Phillies should have most everybody back to defend their title in 2009. But one piece might be positioning himself to test the free agent market and then depart Philadelphia.

Pat Burrell has reportedly turned down an offer of $22 million over two years from the Phillies. And while he hasn't filed for free agency officially, time is growing short before Burrell officially flees.

I, for one, can't see the Phils re-signing Burrell if the price gets much higher. He's a great hitter, and in a world where on-base percentage only grows in value, Burrell could help a lot of teams with his power and batting eye. But you also saw the down side of Burrell, where his poor defense and small range force the Phillies to remove him late in close games with a defensive replacement.

Continue Reading Are the Phillies Already Breaking Up? Pat Burrell Turns Down First Phillie Offer

The Manny Mobile is Officially Coming to a Town Near You

Posted: Oct 31st 2008 9:30AM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Dodgers, NL West

0 COMMENTS

You knew it was coming. And Manny Ramirez wasted no time in filing for free agency on Thursday, along with other big names such as Mark Teixeira and Ben Sheets.

Manny, as well he should, will most likely have the most "buzz" surrounding him this offseason with his game-changing Bondsian aura at the plate, and his quirkiness away from it. The Dodgers will no doubt make a huge push to retain his services, and although Ned Colletti has shot down a report which had Dodger Blue offering Manny close to $60 million for two seasons of his services, that seems to be the best way to go for club and player.

A short deal would lessen the impact of Manny should he decide to be the petulant Manny from his final days with the Red Sox, and it would allay fears about his advancing age. The extra money is a good way to make it up to Manny for giving up long term security.

Continue Reading The Manny Mobile is Officially Coming to a Town Near You

A.J. Burnett's Flight Out of Toronto Will Connect in Dana Point

Posted: Oct 31st 2008 7:00AM by Mullet (author feed)
Filed under: Blue Jays, AL East

0 COMMENTS

It seems to be a foregone conclusion that A.J. Burnett is going to opt out of his current deal and test the free agent market. And although he has two weeks to do it, a decision could be made in time for baseball's winter meetings on Monday, in Dana Point, CA. Coincidence? I think not.

Burnett's agent, Darek Braunecker, indicated a decision would come by Monday. (...)

"That would give us time to gather information from clubs that we believe are truly interested in A.J. and that he would have an interest in playing for," Braunecker told ESPN.com.

Before that happens, whether it be during the weekend or during the meetings, there are still talks ongoing with Toronto GM J.P. Ricciardi ... talks that Ricciardi described as "productive".

Asked if he still believes Toronto has a chance to re-sign Burnett to an improved deal, Ricciardi said, "I'll let you know when he signs with another team if we didn't have a chance."

That sounds productive. Also sounds like Toronto is going to have to bowl him over to keep him around for a few years, and who knows if they're willing to do that if they want to go after, say, Manny Ramirez. If I was a betting man, I'd bet on Burnett flying south this winter.