http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Lackey's impact on Beckett[/h3]
11:26AM ET
[h5]Josh Beckett | Red Sox[/h5]
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The Boston Red Sox new contract with John Lackey could make some observers speculate that the team is planning on life without Beckett, but GM Theo Epstein made it very clear that Beckett is a player he wants to keep beyond 2010 when his current contract expires.
Beckett will make $12 million in 2010 and could command a contract at least as long and rich as the one Lackey just signed -- five years and $82.5 million, but Lackey's presence apparently does not mean the Red Sox aren't just as interested in keeping today as they were before bringing in their new right-hander.
http:// [h3]Chapman now awaiting offers[/h3]
10:57AM ET
[h5]MLB[/h5]
Top Email
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
Earlier this week we noted that a report from ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. that said the Red Sox have made a three-year offer for $15.5 million to Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector.
Arangure checked in with a report from a throwing session in Houston, where Chapman topped out at 96 mph on the gun. A number of team reps attended, from Boston and the Yankees down to the Pirates and Marlins.
Arangure reported Wednesday that Chapman is simply waiting for offers now.
One talent evaluator told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that the question that will nag at teams that make offers is why it was that a pitcher with such incredible tools never really had much success pitching in games in Cuba.
Chapman's original asking price was rumored to be in the $40 million-$60 million range, but that has since sunk down into the range of $20 million or below, according to Arangure. The consensus seems to be that Chapman will need time in the minor leagues, so his signing may not affect the big leagues in 2010.
[h5]Jorge Arangure, Jr.[/h5]
Getting to know Aroldis
http:// [h3]Red Sox in Holliday chase?[/h3]
10:52AM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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There is sentiment within the Cardinals organization that it is not competing with a lot of teams -- if any -- for the services of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5940Matt Holliday, so St. Louis plans to stand by their stance of a five-year offer, reports ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Olney writes in today's blog that the Red Sox would still be interested in signing Holliday, but at less dollars than are currently being offered by the Cardinals.
The Yankees have been named as one possible suitor, but an official with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking told Buster there is "not a chance" the team gets involved in the bidding for a high-priced corner outfielder such as Holliday or Jason Bay this winter.
Could the Mets be getting in on Holliday? Olney reported Wednesday that the Mets are monitoring the Holliday negotiations, but are not actively involved, and it could be that the Holliday talks are out of their price range.
Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch wrote Tuesday that the Cardinals have tweaked the offer made by general manager John Mozeliak to agent Scott Boras at the end of the winter meetings. The deal is worth around $16 million a season and the Cardinals have attempted to address Boras' displeasure with the proposal's average value by adding years to the deal.
[h5]Rob Neyer[/h5]
Too much for Holliday
http:// [h3]Dodgers have eye on Harang[/h3]
10:47AM ET
[h5]Aaron Harang | Reds[/h5]
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With Randy Wolf now signed, sealed and delivered to Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers need some starting pitching.
Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times writes today that the Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for Aaron Harang.
Hernandez writes that the Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded. Harang was just 6-14 in 2009 and had the season cut short by an appendectomy. But he did have back-to-back 16-win seasons in 2006 and 2007, so the potential is there.
http:// [h3]Nick Johnson a DH in the Bronx?[/h3]
10:32AM ET
[h5]Nick Johnson | Marlins[/h5]
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The Yankees reportedly are interested in bringing free agent Nick Johnson back to the Bronx to serve as their designated hitter.
George King of the New York Post says the Yankees are interested in a one-year deal for Johnson, which would be another indication that the World Series champions are ready to part ways with Johnny Damon. The Yankees are looking for a DH to replace the departed Hideki Matsui.
A report on ESPNBoston.com says the Red Sox also could be looking at Johnson, whose major league debut came with the Yankees in 2001.
http:// [h3]No Beltre in Boston?[/h3]
10:27AM ET
[h5]Adrian Beltre | Mariners[/h5]
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The Red Sox essentially have pulled out of the running for free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, according to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com.
Edes writes that the Red Sox have no plans to meet the asking price of agent Scott Boras and are not willing to wait around until late December or early January to see whether the price drops. Beltre is believed to be seeking a five-year deal worth $13 million-$15 million annually.
Edes cites a source who says the Red Sox are prepared to start the season with Kevin Youkilis at third base and Casey Kotchman at first. The Sox also could revisit talks with free agent Nick Johnson.
Where else could Beltre land? The Mariners were believed to be interested in bringing him back, but they have been preoccupied of late with the megadeal for Cliff Lee.
http:// [h3]Atkins headed to Baltimore[/h3]
9:55AM ET
[h5]Garrett Atkins | Rockies[/h5]
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Agent Jeff Black told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick on Wednesday afternoon that a deal for Garrett Atkins, who became a free agent when he was non-tendered by Colorado, could come quickly.
How quick? The Baltimore Sun reported late Wednesday night that the Orioles are the verge of signing Atkins to a one-year deal, pending a physical.
The Orioles were in the market for a right-handed power bat and hope Atkins can have a bounce-back season.
Atkins, a former Chase Utley teammate at UCLA, averaged 25 homers and 110 RBIs with Colorado from 2006 through 2008, and made $7.05 million last year. Defense has never been his strong suit, and after he slumped to .226 with nine homers and 48 RBIs and lost playing time to Ian Stewart at third base, the Rockies declined to offer him a contract at the tender deadline.
http:// [h3]Latest on Gonzo-to-Boston[/h3]
9:36AM ET
[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Padres[/h5]
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It's been a roller-coaster couple of days in the realm of Adrian Gonzalez-to-Boston talks. And whether they can get him depends on your source.
Early on Wednesday, Jorge Arangure, Jr. tweeted that a "Source close to A Gonzalez believes he'll be traded to Red Sox within next 10 days. Does this mean deal will happen? No. But momentum is there."
But by Wednesday afternoon, ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes tweets "Take a deep breath, Boston fans. Adrian Gonzalez won't be walking through the door anytime soon. Nothing going on on that front," which suggests that nothing is close.
Edes also tweets that the "Red Sox know what it would take to get Gonzalez, and they're not trading Buchholz and Ellsbury, baseball source tells me. SD asking a ton."
ESPN The Magazine Buster Olney writes in today's blog that there will a time for Gonzalez to be moved, but now now.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes today that a deal could take place once the season begins, but the chances of a deal happening now are slim. Tomase says that the risk is just too great for Padres GM Jed Hoyer, who risks alienating a fan base if the deal goes bad.
Plenty has changed in the last few days, with the Red Sox landing http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5203John Lackey, the top free agent pitcher on the market. The Providence Journal was one of many media outlets to report that Lackey's arrival could mean the departure of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28855http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28855Clay Buchholz, potentially in a deal to San Diego for Gonzalez.
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Why the Padres could wait 'til summer
http:// [h3]Lowe expects to be traded[/h3]
9:05AM ET
[h5]Derek Lowe | Braves[/h5]
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Atlanta Braves right-hander Derek Lowe appears resigned to the fact he will be wearing a different uniform by next season.
"I'm just waiting for it to happen," Lowe told MLB.com "I don't think it's a matter of if anymore. It's just a matter of when."
It has been rumored for weeks that the Braves would try to trade Lowe, who is owed $45 million over the next three seasons, or Javier Vazquez, who will make $11.5 million in 2010. Lowe's comments do little to help the Braves' leverage.
The Braves might be calling the Angels, who need a replacement for the departed John Lackey.
FoxSports.com's Jon Morosi tweeted Tuesday that the Braves aren't necessarily requiring a right-handed power bat in a deal for Lowe, and that prospects may very well do the trick.
Would the Mets get involved, despite the fact that both clubs reside in the same division? How about the Rangers?
http:// [h3]Bucs eye Kelly Johnson[/h3]
8:38AM ET
[h5]Kelly Johnson | Braves[/h5]
Top Email
Kelly Johnson, who was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves last weekend, reportedly has had preliminary talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates view Johnson as a possible corner outfielder because he would be better defensively there than at second base. If Johnson is in right field, the Bucs could move Garrett Jones to first base if Jeff Clement struggles there.
http:// [h3]Where will Cameron play?[/h3]
8:11AM ET
[h5]Mike Cameron | Red Sox[/h5]
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The Boston Red Sox officially introduced new acquisition Mike Cameron on Wednesday, but did not answer the question whether he will be in center field or left field come the season opener against the Yankees on April 4.
Cameron has started just one game in left field in his career, but the Gold Glove winner is open to the idea of playing there should the Red Sox decide to keep Jacoby Ellsbury in center.
According to ESPNBoston.com, GM Theo Epstein has yet to broach a possible move to left field with Ellsbury. Epstein says the team has a number of attractive options, including finding some at-bats for outfielder Jeremy Hermida, picked up earlier this offseason from Florida.
http:// [h3]Olney: Damon talks sluggish[/h3]
7:33AM ET
[h5]Johnny Damon | Yankees[/h5]
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Sources say that there is no movement in the talks between free agent outfielder Johnny Damon and the Yankees, reports ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Damon wants $13 million a year, his salary on his recently expired contract, and has indicated to the Yankees that he doesn't even want them making an offer if they're going to propose less than that.
The New York Post reported Wednesday that there has been very little contact between the Yankees and Damon and the free agent outfielder is ready to explore other options that could see him following Hideki Matsui out of the Bronx.
The Post says the Yankees have no plans to offer more than two years for about $20 million.
http:// [h3]Mets playing hardball with Bay?[/h3]
7:27AM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Red Sox[/h5]
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The New York Mets may be playing a little hardball in their negotiations with Jason Bay.
John Harper of the New York Daily News reports that the Mets are reluctant to move beyond the four-year, $65 million offer for the free agent outfielder. The Mets apparently feel there is not another serious bidder for Bay and they are determined not to overpay.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports that the Mets were in serious negotiations with Bay as of Wednesday, but their offer stood at four years.
There was speculation Tuesday that the team across town might get into the Bay race, but the Yankees are not willing to commit more than $60 million to another outfielder.
Bay's agent, Joe Upton, said earlier this week his client would prefer to sign outside of Boston, and the signing of John Lackey and Mike Cameron by the Red Sox sealed Bay's departure.
Harper writes that the Angels may no longer be a suitor after signing Hideki Matsui and the Mariners' interest has waned of late because they have been preoccupied with the trade for Cliff Lee. Now that the Lee deal is done, could Seattle be back in the mix?
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Top bats being punished
http:// [h3]Olney: Carroll deal done[/h3]
6:59AM ET
[h5]Jamey Carroll | Indians[/h5]
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ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports that free agent Jamey Carroll has agreed to a two-year deal with the Dodgers, pending a physical.
Carroll's role could be anywhere from fill-in infielder to utility outfielder. He spent the past two seasons in Cleveland where he played the infield almost exclusively, but he has played a little outfield in parts of seven seasons.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Go buy something on credit
[h3]Stark: MacDougal's market full[/h3]
12:00PM ET
[h5]Mike MacDougal | Nationals[/h5]
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Matt Capps isn't the only non-tendered closer drawing a ton of activity this week. Eight to 10 teams are actively pursuing Mike MacDougal, who was non-tendered by the Nationals last weekend, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.
The Phillies -- a team whose many moves this winter have yet to address their bullpen, which GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has said is their top priority -- head that list, according to a source. Other teams believed to be in on MacDougal include the Orioles, Pirates, Cardinals, Mets and A's.
After being released by the White Sox last May, the 32-year-old righthander was signed by Washington, became their closer in midseason and wound up leading the National League in save percentage (20 for 21, 95.2 percent). MacDougal's downside has been command. He walked as many hitters (31) as he struck out for Washington. But his biggest selling point may be his ground-ball/fly-ball ratio of 1.80 -- which ranks first among all free-agent relievers.
http:// [h3]Gonzalez deal bad for Valverde?[/h3]
11:39AM ET
[h5]Mike Gonzalez | Braves[/h5]
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One of the top available relievers apparently came off the market when left-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5642Mike Gonzalez agreed to a two-year deal with the Orioles, according to the Baltimore Sun.
The Sun report says it is unclear whether the Orioles view Gonzalez as their full-time closer or whether he'll split the job with right-handed relievers http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28531Jim Johnson and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30130Koji Uehara.
ESPN The Magazine"s Buster Olney writes in today's blog that Gonzalez's $12 million deal is not good news for http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5504Jose Valverde, who declined an arbitration offer and a possible award of $8 million to $10 million for 2010 and is the most prominent closer still on the market. The Tigers, Marlins and Pirates are looking for a closer, but none of those teams is expected to offer what Valverde wants.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Gonzalez is a solid arm, but ...
"I don't see Gonzalez making a huge difference for the Orioles in 2010, since contention is close to out of the question next year -- but they're going to be a dark horse in 2011 as their young starters gain experience, more kids like Josh Bell and maybe Brandon Snyder arrive, and Matt Wieters unleashes hellfire on the American League. At this point, having a premium late-game reliever would make more sense, both in baseball and financial terms. If anything, the loss of the second round pick is the real negative here, as the Orioles are still building and have added some talent through their high picks in the last few drafts under scouting director Joe Jordan. It's certainly a top 60 pick and could end up a top 50 pick depending on where the remaining Type-A and Type-B free agents land, and Jordan's track record is good enough that I'd hesitate to ever take a top 100 pick away from him while the team remains in building mode."
http:// [h3]Lackey's impact on Beckett[/h3]
11:26AM ET
[h5]Josh Beckett | Red Sox[/h5]
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The Boston Red Sox new contract with John Lackey could make some observers speculate that the team is planning on life without Beckett, but GM Theo Epstein made it very clear that Beckett is a player he wants to keep beyond 2010 when his current contract expires.
Beckett will make $12 million in 2010 and could command a contract at least as long and rich as the one Lackey just signed -- five years and $82.5 million, but Lackey's presence apparently does not mean the Red Sox aren't just as interested in keeping today as they were before bringing in their new right-hander.
http:// [h3]Chapman now awaiting offers[/h3]
10:57AM ET
[h5]MLB[/h5]
Top Email
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
Earlier this week we noted that a report from ESPN The Magazine's Jorge Arangure Jr. that said the Red Sox have made a three-year offer for $15.5 million to Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector.
Arangure checked in with a report from a throwing session in Houston, where Chapman topped out at 96 mph on the gun. A number of team reps attended, from Boston and the Yankees down to the Pirates and Marlins.
Arangure reported Wednesday that Chapman is simply waiting for offers now.
One talent evaluator told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that the question that will nag at teams that make offers is why it was that a pitcher with such incredible tools never really had much success pitching in games in Cuba.
Chapman's original asking price was rumored to be in the $40 million-$60 million range, but that has since sunk down into the range of $20 million or below, according to Arangure. The consensus seems to be that Chapman will need time in the minor leagues, so his signing may not affect the big leagues in 2010.
Getting to know Aroldis
"For months now, the rumors swirled that Chapman was too busy partying instead of training. Tuesday's workout put an end to those rumors. Several team representatives at the workout said Chapman appeared in great shape. One scout estimated that he stands at about 6-foot-4, 200-210 pounds. Chapman was listed at 185 pounds for the World Baseball Classic, meaning he's likely put on some muscle since defecting from Cuba in July ... One team executive at the workout who has scouted Chapman extensively said the Cuban lefty has clearly made some alterations to his mechanics, which in turn has helped his breaking pitches. While still not dominant, Chapman's secondary pitches appeared to have improved. The executive said Chapman has closed his delivery, which allows him to have greater control. Of course the usual suspects -- the Red Sox and the Yankees -- attended the workout, but it was a surprise to see Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, the only out-of-town GM in attendance. The Oakland A's sent three representatives: assistant general manager David Forst, director of player personnel Billy Owens and coordinator of international operations Dan Kantrovitz. Among the other attendees were the Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Florida Marlins, who sent two out of their top executives, Dan Jennings and Jim Fleming."
http:// [h3]Red Sox in Holliday chase?[/h3]
10:52AM ET
[h5]Matt Holliday | Cardinals[/h5]
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There is sentiment within the Cardinals organization that it is not competing with a lot of teams -- if any -- for the services of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5940Matt Holliday, so St. Louis plans to stand by their stance of a five-year offer, reports ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Olney writes in today's blog that the Red Sox would still be interested in signing Holliday, but at less dollars than are currently being offered by the Cardinals.
The Yankees have been named as one possible suitor, but an official with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking told Buster there is "not a chance" the team gets involved in the bidding for a high-priced corner outfielder such as Holliday or Jason Bay this winter.
Could the Mets be getting in on Holliday? Olney reported Wednesday that the Mets are monitoring the Holliday negotiations, but are not actively involved, and it could be that the Holliday talks are out of their price range.
Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch wrote Tuesday that the Cardinals have tweaked the offer made by general manager John Mozeliak to agent Scott Boras at the end of the winter meetings. The deal is worth around $16 million a season and the Cardinals have attempted to address Boras' displeasure with the proposal's average value by adding years to the deal.
Too much for Holliday
"Hmmm, let's see here ... eight years, roughly $130 million (so far), an opt-out clause and 'full no-trade protection' ... Gee, there's no way this won't work out beautifully for the club, huh? ... Holliday is an excellent baseball player. He is not the player everyone saw playing for the Cardinals last August and September. He is not the player whose batting line in those months was exactly as good as Albert Pujols'. In fairness, I do believe the Cardinals know that Holliday isn't as good as Pujols. But if these figures being bandied about are correct, it seems they think Holliday is nearly as good as Pujols."
http:// [h3]Dodgers have eye on Harang[/h3]
10:47AM ET
[h5]Aaron Harang | Reds[/h5]
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With Randy Wolf now signed, sealed and delivered to Milwaukee, the Los Angeles Dodgers need some starting pitching.
Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times writes today that the Dodgers have started exploring a possible trade with the Cincinnati Reds for Aaron Harang.
Hernandez writes that the Dodgers would want the Reds to pay for a portion of the $15 million Harang would be guaranteed if he is traded. Harang was just 6-14 in 2009 and had the season cut short by an appendectomy. But he did have back-to-back 16-win seasons in 2006 and 2007, so the potential is there.
http:// [h3]Nick Johnson a DH in the Bronx?[/h3]
10:32AM ET
[h5]Nick Johnson | Marlins[/h5]
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The Yankees reportedly are interested in bringing free agent Nick Johnson back to the Bronx to serve as their designated hitter.
George King of the New York Post says the Yankees are interested in a one-year deal for Johnson, which would be another indication that the World Series champions are ready to part ways with Johnny Damon. The Yankees are looking for a DH to replace the departed Hideki Matsui.
A report on ESPNBoston.com says the Red Sox also could be looking at Johnson, whose major league debut came with the Yankees in 2001.
http:// [h3]No Beltre in Boston?[/h3]
10:27AM ET
[h5]Adrian Beltre | Mariners[/h5]
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The Red Sox essentially have pulled out of the running for free-agent third baseman Adrian Beltre, according to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com.
Edes writes that the Red Sox have no plans to meet the asking price of agent Scott Boras and are not willing to wait around until late December or early January to see whether the price drops. Beltre is believed to be seeking a five-year deal worth $13 million-$15 million annually.
Edes cites a source who says the Red Sox are prepared to start the season with Kevin Youkilis at third base and Casey Kotchman at first. The Sox also could revisit talks with free agent Nick Johnson.
Where else could Beltre land? The Mariners were believed to be interested in bringing him back, but they have been preoccupied of late with the megadeal for Cliff Lee.
http:// [h3]Atkins headed to Baltimore[/h3]
9:55AM ET
[h5]Garrett Atkins | Rockies[/h5]
Top Email
Agent Jeff Black told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick on Wednesday afternoon that a deal for Garrett Atkins, who became a free agent when he was non-tendered by Colorado, could come quickly.
How quick? The Baltimore Sun reported late Wednesday night that the Orioles are the verge of signing Atkins to a one-year deal, pending a physical.
The Orioles were in the market for a right-handed power bat and hope Atkins can have a bounce-back season.
Atkins, a former Chase Utley teammate at UCLA, averaged 25 homers and 110 RBIs with Colorado from 2006 through 2008, and made $7.05 million last year. Defense has never been his strong suit, and after he slumped to .226 with nine homers and 48 RBIs and lost playing time to Ian Stewart at third base, the Rockies declined to offer him a contract at the tender deadline.
http:// [h3]Latest on Gonzo-to-Boston[/h3]
9:36AM ET
[h5]Adrian Gonzalez | Padres[/h5]
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It's been a roller-coaster couple of days in the realm of Adrian Gonzalez-to-Boston talks. And whether they can get him depends on your source.
Early on Wednesday, Jorge Arangure, Jr. tweeted that a "Source close to A Gonzalez believes he'll be traded to Red Sox within next 10 days. Does this mean deal will happen? No. But momentum is there."
But by Wednesday afternoon, ESPNBoston.com's Gordon Edes tweets "Take a deep breath, Boston fans. Adrian Gonzalez won't be walking through the door anytime soon. Nothing going on on that front," which suggests that nothing is close.
Edes also tweets that the "Red Sox know what it would take to get Gonzalez, and they're not trading Buchholz and Ellsbury, baseball source tells me. SD asking a ton."
ESPN The Magazine Buster Olney writes in today's blog that there will a time for Gonzalez to be moved, but now now.
John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes today that a deal could take place once the season begins, but the chances of a deal happening now are slim. Tomase says that the risk is just too great for Padres GM Jed Hoyer, who risks alienating a fan base if the deal goes bad.
Plenty has changed in the last few days, with the Red Sox landing http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=5203John Lackey, the top free agent pitcher on the market. The Providence Journal was one of many media outlets to report that Lackey's arrival could mean the departure of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28855http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=28855Clay Buchholz, potentially in a deal to San Diego for Gonzalez.
Why the Padres could wait 'til summer
"Gonzalez will become a free agent when he is 29 years old, and given his defense and his annual production, he would not be out of line to ask for a deal along the lines of what Mark Teixeira got -- $180 million. That time may well come in June or July, when Gonzalez's trade value will never be higher, when he would be a viewed as a difference-making player by contending teams and could be acquired to impact pennant races in 2010 and 2011. But that time probably is not going to be this winter, when the Padres' new ownership is trying to hold onto its ticket base and knows that trading its biggest star for three youngsters that the casual fans won't know isn't going to help."
http:// [h3]Lowe expects to be traded[/h3]
9:05AM ET
[h5]Derek Lowe | Braves[/h5]
Top Email
Atlanta Braves right-hander Derek Lowe appears resigned to the fact he will be wearing a different uniform by next season.
"I'm just waiting for it to happen," Lowe told MLB.com "I don't think it's a matter of if anymore. It's just a matter of when."
It has been rumored for weeks that the Braves would try to trade Lowe, who is owed $45 million over the next three seasons, or Javier Vazquez, who will make $11.5 million in 2010. Lowe's comments do little to help the Braves' leverage.
The Braves might be calling the Angels, who need a replacement for the departed John Lackey.
FoxSports.com's Jon Morosi tweeted Tuesday that the Braves aren't necessarily requiring a right-handed power bat in a deal for Lowe, and that prospects may very well do the trick.
Would the Mets get involved, despite the fact that both clubs reside in the same division? How about the Rangers?
http:// [h3]Bucs eye Kelly Johnson[/h3]
8:38AM ET
[h5]Kelly Johnson | Braves[/h5]
Top Email
Kelly Johnson, who was non-tendered by the Atlanta Braves last weekend, reportedly has had preliminary talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Post-Gazette reports that the Pirates view Johnson as a possible corner outfielder because he would be better defensively there than at second base. If Johnson is in right field, the Bucs could move Garrett Jones to first base if Jeff Clement struggles there.
http:// [h3]Where will Cameron play?[/h3]
8:11AM ET
[h5]Mike Cameron | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
The Boston Red Sox officially introduced new acquisition Mike Cameron on Wednesday, but did not answer the question whether he will be in center field or left field come the season opener against the Yankees on April 4.
Cameron has started just one game in left field in his career, but the Gold Glove winner is open to the idea of playing there should the Red Sox decide to keep Jacoby Ellsbury in center.
According to ESPNBoston.com, GM Theo Epstein has yet to broach a possible move to left field with Ellsbury. Epstein says the team has a number of attractive options, including finding some at-bats for outfielder Jeremy Hermida, picked up earlier this offseason from Florida.
http:// [h3]Olney: Damon talks sluggish[/h3]
7:33AM ET
[h5]Johnny Damon | Yankees[/h5]
Top Email
Sources say that there is no movement in the talks between free agent outfielder Johnny Damon and the Yankees, reports ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Damon wants $13 million a year, his salary on his recently expired contract, and has indicated to the Yankees that he doesn't even want them making an offer if they're going to propose less than that.
The New York Post reported Wednesday that there has been very little contact between the Yankees and Damon and the free agent outfielder is ready to explore other options that could see him following Hideki Matsui out of the Bronx.
The Post says the Yankees have no plans to offer more than two years for about $20 million.
http:// [h3]Mets playing hardball with Bay?[/h3]
7:27AM ET
[h5]Jason Bay | Red Sox[/h5]
Top Email
The New York Mets may be playing a little hardball in their negotiations with Jason Bay.
John Harper of the New York Daily News reports that the Mets are reluctant to move beyond the four-year, $65 million offer for the free agent outfielder. The Mets apparently feel there is not another serious bidder for Bay and they are determined not to overpay.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports that the Mets were in serious negotiations with Bay as of Wednesday, but their offer stood at four years.
There was speculation Tuesday that the team across town might get into the Bay race, but the Yankees are not willing to commit more than $60 million to another outfielder.
Bay's agent, Joe Upton, said earlier this week his client would prefer to sign outside of Boston, and the signing of John Lackey and Mike Cameron by the Red Sox sealed Bay's departure.
Harper writes that the Angels may no longer be a suitor after signing Hideki Matsui and the Mariners' interest has waned of late because they have been preoccupied with the trade for Cliff Lee. Now that the Lee deal is done, could Seattle be back in the mix?
Top bats being punished
"Teams seem to be focusing more on pitching than hitting, which is probably a reflection of how much these two premium bats want in salary and contract length. Pitching has always been the overvalued commodity in free agency, but this year we had just one top-end pitcher on the market (Lackey) and the position players may be overplaying their hands slightly because they assumed that teams would reallocate funds to offense instead of pitching."
http:// [h3]Olney: Carroll deal done[/h3]
6:59AM ET
[h5]Jamey Carroll | Indians[/h5]
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ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reports that free agent Jamey Carroll has agreed to a two-year deal with the Dodgers, pending a physical.
Carroll's role could be anywhere from fill-in infielder to utility outfielder. He spent the past two seasons in Cleveland where he played the infield almost exclusively, but he has played a little outfield in parts of seven seasons.
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"If Jamey Carroll is getting a two-year deal the recession is officially over. Don't wait for further confirmation."