Eli's MLB Rumors - Old: 2006

Mets to Trade Milledge?

Sunday, December 31, 2006

The Mets maybe on the verge of trading Lastings Milledge to the Athletics for Joe Blanton, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Blanton, who went 16-12 with 4.82 ERA would thrive in the NL, especially because he is a ground ball pitcher. Milledge, 21, who still has a boatload of potential, batted .241 with 4 HR and 22 RBI. If this trade happens, Milledge would compete with Bobby Kielty or Mark Kotsay for the starting job in either left or center. Blanton would take the number five spot in the rotation until Pedro Martinez returns and they could send either John Maine or Oliver Perez to the bullpen.

Yankees "Very Close" to Dealing Johnson

A source close to negotiations has said that the Diamondbacks have held discussions with agent Alan Nero about restructuring Randy Johnson's deal. The Yankees, who have also held discussions with the Padres, are looking for at least two prospects, maybe three. Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings and Ross Ohlendorf are three of the best prospects in the Diamondbacks organization that have come up in trade talks. Nippert, 25, was 13-8 with a 4.87 ERA in Triple-A last season and maybe ready for the majors in 2007. Owings was 6-2 at Double-A and 10-0 at Triple-A and Ohlendorf spent most of last season in Double-A, going 10-8 with a 3.29 ERA. If the Yankees are able to pull a trade for at least two of their prospects, they could look to package three or even four of them once they are more developed for a premier pitcher. According to the East Valley Tribune, the most logical trade will be Brandon Medders and Dustin Nippert for Randy Johnson and cash. The Yankees would send all of Johnson's contract to the Diamondbacks allowing them to eat the three or four million that is taken off from his original deal. However, Johnson, who went 17-11 with 5.00 ERA and 172 K, will have to waive his no trade clause to complete the deal.

Mulder's Considering Cleveland?

According to the Boston Globe, the Indians have made a strong offer to Mark Mulder. The offer is believed to be a two year deal, worth 8 million dollars in guaranteed money. However, he can earn up to 15 million dollars in incentives. Agent Gregg Clifton has said that along with Cleveland, the Rangers have been very aggressive in pursuing Mulder and have made a strong offer. Now that Mulder is home from his honeymoon, a decision is expected sometime next week. Mulder, who went 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA is also drawing interest from the Cardinals.

Offseason Day 48

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Day 48 Recap
- Orioles sign Huff (3/20)

Orioles Sign Huff

The Orioles and Aubrey Huff are closing in on a three year deal, worth 20 million dollars. Huff batted .267 with 21 homers and 66 RBIs with the Devil Rays and Astros, and is probably the best free agent acquisition this off season. His total contract is what players Barry Zito and Vernon Wells will make annually, and Huff is still a great player that will help the Orioles. Not only will he provide protection to Miguel Tejada in the lineup, but it gives the team the option of trading Corey Patterson or Jay Gibbons. A deal should be finalized next week.

Offseason Day 47

Friday, December 29, 2006

Day 47 Recap
- Marlins sign Aaron Boone
- Brewers finalize deal for Suppan
- Giants finalize deal for Zito
- Rockies after Javy Lopez, Brian Lawrence

Newhan Drawing Interest

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Mets and Cubs have made strong offers to Dave Newhan. Newhan, who was not tendered by the Orioles, has a great chance to make both clubs, but will probably have to accept a minor league deal. If he were to join the Cubs, he would could make the roster if they decide to send Ronny Cedeno to Triple A Iowa to play regularly. Although, he is almost guaranteed a spot on the Mets roster, assuming the Mets look to trading for a pitcher. Newhan, who batted .252 with 4 HR and 18 RBI will most likely decide after the New Year.

Rockies after Lopez, Lawrence

The Rockies were invited to a private clinic for Brian Lawrence. Lawrence, who missed all of 2006 would benefit with the Rockies. Not only will his sinker keep the ball down, but he has played in the NL West his whole career. He would also help the Rockies because he would be a low budget player. He will be forced to accept a one year deal, loaded with incentives. The Rockies have also had numerous discussions with Javy Lopez and Javy appears to be ready to sign the deal, and compete for the starting job. Lopez batted .251 with 8 HR and 35 RBI with the Orioles and Red Sox.

Marlins Sign Aaron Boone

The Marlins and Aaron Boone have agreed to a one year deal. Boone batted .251 with 7 HR and 46 RBI last year with the Indians. Marlins shortstop and rookie of the year Hanley Ramirez is injured with a strained shoulder. He will undergo rehab in Miami and will be ready for spring training.

What's Next for the Mets?

Now that the Mets have struck out on Barry Zito and Jeff Suppan, they are forced to turn to trading to accomplish their needs. However, the Mets still have interest in free agents Tony Armas and Jeff Weaver. Trading wise, they could package a deal with Lastings Milledge and Aaron Heilman for one of the A's starters, preferably Danny Haren. But the A's seem content with their pitching staff and have no interest in trading it away. They may also look into trading for Rodrigo Lopez, who would benefit from a switch to the NL, especially if he is with a run producing team. Is it Minaya's fault that he did not recognize the way the market was going? No, he was smart not to give Zito "Vernon Wells Money." Even if his pitching staff is lacking a premier pitcher, they are still other pitchers that can fill in towards the back end of the rotation, pitchers that are low in cost, but can definitely help a team make it to the playoffs. The way the market is going, the next 200 million dollar man is Carlos Zambrano, set to be a free agent in 2007.

Offseason Day 46

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Day 46 Recap
- Giants sign Barry Zito to a seven year deal, worth 126 million dollars.
- Rangers sign Guillermo Quiroz, Mike Wood, and Willie Eyre

Zito to Sign with the Giants

A source close to negotiations says Barry Zito plans to sign with the Giants. The Rangers have been told that Zito will not accept their six year, 84 million dollar deal and is nearing a deal with the Giants. Zito, who went 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA, was drawing interest from the Mets, Mariners, Angels and the Yankees.

According to Jon Heyman, The Giants and Barry Zito are on the verge of signing a seven year deal, worth 126 million dollars.

Offseason Day 45

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Day 45 Recap
- Yankees sign Kei Igawa
- White Sox sign Alex Cintron
- Rockies sign Danny Graves
- Rangers set deadline for Barry Zito
- Sidney Ponson nears deal with Twins
- Cliff Floyd close to deal with Cubs

Yankees Finalize Deal for Igawa

The Yankees and Kei Igawa have agreed to a five year deal, worth 20 million dollars. This signing comes just one day before his deadline to sign a deal. The Yankees posted 26 million dollars just to talk to Igawa, who went 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA. He has a career record of 86-60 with 3.15 ERA.

White Sox sign Cintron, Rockies sign Graves

The White Sox have agreed to a one year deal with Alex Cintron worth 1.9 million dollars. Cintron hit .285 with 5 HR and 41 RBI. Cintron will be used as their utility infielder behind Iguchi, Crede, and Uribe. The Rockies and Danny Graves have agreed to a minor league deal, pending a physical that is set to take place next month. Graves pitched in 14 innings last season for the Indians and had a 2-1 record. He also went 1-1 with a 4.01 ERA with the Buffalo Bisons. If he makes the roster, he will receive 600,000 and can earn up to 400,000 in bonuses.

Ponson, Floyd, Finding New Homes

The Twins are nearing a one year deal with Sidney Ponson, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Ponson, who went 4-5 with a 6.25 ERA with the Cardinals and Yankees, will either take the fifth spot in the rotation or fill in from the bullpen. The Cubs are reviewing Cliff Floyd's medical records one last time before finalizing a one year, incentive base contract. A deal is most likely to be finalized this weekend. Floyd batted .244 with 11 HR and 44 RBI. He will most likely platoon with Matt Murton in left field.

Rangers Set Deadline for Zito

The Rangers have contacted Scott Boras and have set a deadline to whether or not Barry Zito can accept their offer. Rangers owner Tom Hicks wrote in: "If we don't have agreement with his agent by this weekend, we will pursue other alternatives." By other alternatives, he means Jeff Weaver, Tomo Ohka, Mark Mulder, Joel Pineiro, and even Russ Ortiz. Zito, who went 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA, is also drawing interest from the Mets, Yankees, Giants, and Mariners.

Offseason Day 44

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Day 44 Recap
- Angels sign Shea Hillenbrand (1/6.5)

Angels Sign Hillenbrand

The Angels and Shea Hillenbrand have agreed to a one year deal. Hillenbrand batted .277 with 21 HR and 68 RBI with the Blue Jays and Giants. The New York Yankees were also interested in signing the first baseman.

Johnson Not Worth The Risk for Diamondbacks

Monday, December 25, 2006

The Diamondbacks and Yankees have had several talks concerning Randy Johnson, but the Diamondbacks feel the asking price is to high. According to one baseball source, the Yankees are asking for two pitchers, and a reliever. However, it is not clear whether Johnson will even be ready for Opening Day. This could have been a desperate attempt to draw fans but GM Josh Byrnes now feels the long run effects will actually turn out to be bad for the Diamondbacks. Johnson, who went 17-11 with a 5.00 ERA, is also drawing interest from the Padres and Giants.

Will the Yankees trade Randy Johnson?

Offseason Day 43

Day 43 Recap
- Diamondbacks make offer to Yankees for Randy Johnson
According to KFMB in San Diego, Chad Tracy is involved in the trade.

Reunion in Arizona?

According to the Star-Ledger, the Yankees and Diamondbacks have re-opened talks about a trade involving Randy Johnson. The Diamondbacks could use Johnson because Mark Mulder is no longer interested, and there is still room in the rotation. However, the Yankees will most likely ask for Connor Jackson and at least two other prospects. A deal would only move forward if they can settle what to do about his contract. His contract calls for 16 million dollars and the Yankees do not want to pay any of it. Johnson went 17-11 with a 5.00 ERA last year with the Yankees.

ESPN.com is reporting that Diamondbacks and Padres have held talks with the Yankees concerning Johnson.

KFMB in San Diego is reporting that the Diamondbacks have offered Chad Tracy, and two prospects for Randy Johnson and cash.

Offseason Day 42

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Day 42 Recap
- Brewers sign Jeff Suppan to a four year deal, worth 42 million dollars. The deal has an option for a fifth year.

Brewers Sign Suppan

The Brewers and Jeff Suppan agree to a four year deal, worth 42 million dollars. Suppan went 12-7 with a 4.12 ERA with the Cardinals last year. Although he will get added to the players over paid this offseason, he has a career record of 5-1 with a 1.76 ERA at Miller Park. Other teams known to be interested were the Giants, Pirates, Mets, Royals, Astros, and Rangers.

2020 Baseball Prospects

Saturday, December 23, 2006

Here's a little something for you to watch over the holiday...

White Sox Taking Trade Route

Which of the following trades will most benefit the White Sox?

Offseason Day 41

Day 41 Recap
- White Sox trade Brandon McCarthy and David Paisano to the Rangers for John Danks, Nick Masset and Jacob Rasner.
- Orioles, Rockies looking for depth (see articles below)

White Sox Trade McCarthy

The White Sox traded Brandon McCarthy and David Paisano to the Rangers for John Danks, Nick Masset and Jacob Rasner. McCarthy was 4-7 with a 4.68 ERA with the White Sox last year. The White Sox acquire Nick Masset who pitched in 8 games with a 4.15 ERA and 4 K. John Danks went 9-9 with a 4.24 ERA in Double and Triple A this season, but has not pitched in the Majors. Jacob Rasner went 6-16 with a 5.41 ERA and 117 K. This is the second trade Kenny Williams has pulled off involving his pitching staff. They traded Freddy Garcia earlier this month and now clear even more room with this trade. Their pitching rotation now looks like:

P Jose Contreras
P Mark Buehrle
P Jon Garland
P Javier Vasquez
P Gavin Floyd

Rockies Looking to Add Depth

The Rockies continue their search for a veteran catcher to backup Yorvit Torrealba. They have had talks with both Javy Lopez and Sal Fasano, but talks did not get serious. Lopez, batted .251 with 8 HR and 35 RBI while playing with the Orioles and Red Sox. Fasano, batted .217 with 5 HR and 15 RBI while playing with the Phillies and Yankees. They are also looking to add pitching depth and have held talks with Chris Reitsma and Brian Lawrence. They are also exploring trades and are looking into Detriot's Mike Maroth and Baltimore's Rodrigo Lopez.

Orioles Still Looking

The Orioles have picked up talks with Craig Wilson, Carlos Pena, and Aubrey Huff. Oriole scouts like Wilson because of his ability to hit lefties and because of his familiarity with the AL East. Last year with the Yankees and Pirates he hit .251 with 17 HR and 49 RBI. Carlos Pena played with the Red Sox for a part of the year batting .273 with 1 HR and 3 RBI. The Orioles would most likely use him as a bench player, considering he can play 1B and OF. A report from Maryland suggested that the Orioles have made an offer to Aubrey Huff; however, ESPN 1000 squashed that rumor and said that the Orioles were planning to make a offer. The offer is believed to be a three year deal, worth 26 million dollars. Another ESPN 1000 report this morning suggested that the Orioles, Rockies, and Tigers were working towards a three team deal involving players Marcus Thames, Brad Hawpe, and Rodrigo Lopez. Obviously other players would be involved but these are the players they are working a deal around.

Offseason Day 40

Friday, December 22, 2006

Day 40 Recap
- Indians reach agreement with Foulke
- Mulder narrows choices: Rangers or Cardinals
- Ken Griffey Jr. breaks hand
- Yankees finalize deal for Juan Miranda
- Dontrelle Willis charged with DUI

- Angels outfielder Juan Rivera breaks leg in Winter League Game. Rivera batted .310 with 23 HR and 85 RBI last year.

No Offer for Zito

The Mets have yet to offer Barry Zito a contract, according to the New York Post. Boras has indicated to the media that no decision is close, and does not expect any decision until January. Zito, who went 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA, is also being pursued by the Rangers, Angels, Mariners, and Giants.

Griffey Breaks Hand

Ken Griffey Jr. suffered a broken hand in a car accident near his home in Orlando. Griffey, who batted .252 with 27 HR should be ready for Spring reporting dates in February.
According to ESPN, Griffey broke his hand in a family accident. He was playing with his kids and fell on it funny. He might be ready to swing a bat by March.

Mulder's List Down to Three

Mark Mulder has narrowed his list down to three: Texas, Cleveland and St. Louis are now the front-runners to add Mulder. The Diamondbacks were in the running but were informed they are no longer being considered. The Diamondbacks made a 1 year, 1 million dollar offer with incentives that would reach 2.5 million dollars. They were also four options in the deal. Both Texas and Cleveland offered Mulder two years, but amounts are unknown. Mulder's agent, Greg Clifton expects Mulder to make 20 to 25 starts next season. Mulder was 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA with the Cardinals. Mulder is expected to continue throwing January 1st and make a full recovery from his shoulder surgery which he had on September 12th. According to the Fort Worth Star Telegram, Mulder has narrowed his choices to the Cardinals or Rangers.

Keith Foulke has reached a preliminary agreement with the Cleveland Indians, according to FOXSPORTS.

Offseason Day 39

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Day 39 Recap
- Brewers make offer to Suppan
- Twins meet with Ponson
- Reds trade for Jeff Conine
- Sosa began training to make comeback
- Rockies sign Danny Graves
- A's sign Erubiel Durazo

Sosa Hoping to Make Comeback

Sammy Sosa began training to make his comeback Thursday belting 15 home runs out of the park in San Pedro de Macoris. Sosa, who hit .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBI in 2005, has said he has already received calls from teams interested in signing him. Sosa said he felt like a rookie again, and thought he could play three to four more years. Players like Ted Williams and Barry Bonds all took a year off and were able to return to their old form, but can Sammy Sosa, who was slumping in the last couple years before being released return to "Slammin' Sammy" form? The 38-year old slugger has hit 588 HR with the Rangers, White Sox, Cubs, and Orioles.

Reds Acquire Conine

The Phillies traded Jeff Conine to the Reds for two minor leaguers. Conine batted .268 with 10 homers and 66 RBI with the Orioles and Phillies. The Phillies acquire Brad Key and Javon Moran, both in low A ball.

Twins After Ponson

According to the Star Tribune, the Twins are continuing their search for pitchers and are in serious negotiations with pitcher Sidney Ponson. Ponson, who went 4-5 with a 6.25 ERA with the Yankees the St. Louis Cardinals, will likely take the place or Liriano or Radke.

Brewers Make Offer to Suppan

According to FOXSPORTS.com, the Brewers have offered Jeff Suppan a four year deal, worth about 45 million dollars. Suppan's representatives met with the ones of the Brewers and said a formal offer was made Wednesday. Suppan went 12-7 with a 4.12 ERA for St. Louis last season and was the NLCS MVP. Suppan, who met with the Mets yesterday, is also being pursued by the Pirates, Giants, Rangers, and Indians.

Offseason Day 38

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Day 38 Recap
- Royals sign Riske, Duckworth, and Day
- Pirates sign Diaz
- Braves sign Chris Woodward
- Mets meet with Zito, Suppan
- Cubs near deal with Floyd

Pirates Sign Einar Diaz

The Pirates have signed catcher Einar Diaz to a minor league deal, worth 600,000 dollars. He can earn a total of 225,000 dollars but will have to play in over 100 games to earn them. He has a career average of .254 with 21 HR while playing with the Indians, Expos, Rangers, Cardinals, and Dodgers.

The Cubs are closing in on a one year deal for Cliff Floyd. I reported this a week ago it is now just becoming official.

Royals land Riske, Day, and Duckworth

The Royals signed David Riske to a one year contract. Riske went 1-2 with a 3.89 ERA and 28 K with the Red Sox and White Sox. They also signed Zach Day and Brandon Duckworth to minor league deals and invited them to spring training. Day went 2-5 with a 6.75 ERA while Duckworth went 1-5 with a 6.11 ERA. The Royals bullpen will be pretty good coming into 2007; With the signing of Octavio Dotel and David Riske, they now have a experienced bullpen which will be able to support their rotation.

CP - Octavio Dotel
RP - David Riske
RP - John Bale
RP - Todd Wellemeyer
RP - Joakim Soria
RP - Joel Peralta
RP - Jimmy Gobble

It is possible Brian Bannister, Scott Elarton, or Ryan Braun might be added to the bullpen as well.

Mets Mystery Team for Suppan

The Mets who met with Barry Zito yesterday, met with free agent pitcher Jeff Suppan today. This does not mean that the Mets are out of the running for Zito, it means that Suppan is a backup plan in case they lose out on Zito. Jeff Suppan would not be bad for the Mets, considering he has played in the NL the past four years. While advanced scouts are reluctant to say whether Zito will be a success in New York: "The last two times I've seen him the last couple years, he wasn't on at all. He struggled getting his breaking ball over for strikes, and when he does that, he's in trouble. He can't get by on a power arm." Suppan, who is expected to command a four year deal near 45 million dollars, has also met with the Brewers and Pirates.

Mets Close in on Zito?

The Mets had a fleet of front office executives fly to L.A. to meet with Barry Zito and Scott Boras, and according to sources close to negotiations, the meeting went very well. While the Mets have yet to make an offer, the Rangers were quick to offer Zito a five year deal, worth about 78 million dollars. The Mets are hoping they can land Zito for something similar to what Roy Oswalt got (5/73), but with Scott Boras as his agent and with players like Gil Meche making 55 million dollars, he is in for a lot more. The Mets plan to meet with Boras again this week but do not expect anything to get serious until January. Zito and Boras have already met face-to-face with the Mariners, Giants, and Rangers. According to Newday, the Giants plan to make a serious run for Barry Zito so he can fill the spot Jason Schmidt had. Zito was 16-10 with a 3.83 ERA for the Athletics last season.

Braves Sign Woodward

The Braves and Chris Woodward have agreed to a one year deal. Woodward, who played last year with the Mets, batted .216 with 3 HR and 25 RBI. For the Braves, he is expected to play 2B, 3B, SS, and some outfield. He is a career .247 AVG in eight big league seasons.

Offseason Day 37

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Day 37 Recap
- Giants sign Ryan Klesko
- Phillies sign Jayson Werth
- Brad Radke retires
- Rod Barajas close to signing with Phillies
- Cubs finalize deal for Jason Marquis
- Twins sign Rondell White
- Marcus Giles passes physical

Radke Announces Retirement

Brad Radke officially announced his retirement after twelve seasons with the Twins; he only had two seasons under ten wins. He had a career high 20 wins in 1997 and finished 2006 going 12-9 with a 4.32 ERA and 83 K. He contemplated retiring towards the end of 2005 and all of 2006 because of shoulder problems. The only option was surgery, and Radke thought it would just be better to call it a career. "To lose him forever, that is going to be tough," Torii Hunter said. "I was lucky enough to be the center fielder standing behind him for quite a few years, and to watch him mastermind the game like he did, it was unbelievable. Brad Radke has been part of the Twins so long that it's hard to see him go." He had a career record of 148-139 with a 4.22 ERA and 1467 K.

Huff to Baltimore?

When it appeared that the Mariners were the leading candidates to land Aubrey Huff, they traded for Jose Vidro to fill the void at DH. The Orioles, who lost out on Moises Alou and Luis Gonzalez, will make sure they land Aubrey Huff. Huff batted .267 with 21 HR and 66 RBI with Houston and Tampa. According to WTGM in Maryland, the Orioles have made a two year offer, worth 12-14 million dollars. With the outfield full with Jay Payton, Corey Patterson, and Nick Markais, Huff will most likely be their DH.

Giants add Klesko, Phils add Werth

The Giants and Ryan Klesko have agreed to a one year deal. Klesko, who will battle for the first base job with Rich Aurilia missed 2006 with a shoulder injury. However, he has a career .280 hitter with an on base percentage of .372. The Phillies and Jayson Werth have agreed to a one year deal. Werth, who also missed 2006 with an injury, will be a reserve outfielder. In 2005, he hit .234 with seven home runs and 43 RBIs in 102 games.

Offseason Day 36

Monday, December 18, 2006

Day 36 Recap
- Yankees sign Kei Igawa (5/20)
- Tigers sign Jeremy Bonderman
- Pirates sign Yoslan Herrera
- Nationals sign Ray King and Jason Simontacchi
- Reds to honor Pete Rose in Reds Hall of Fame
- Orioles sign Chris Gomez

Bonderman Gets Extension

The Tigers and Jeremy Bonderman have agreed to a four year deal, worth 38 million dollars. Bonderman, who went 14-8 with a 4.08 ERA and 202 K, will get $4.5 million in 2007, $8.5 million in 2008 and $12.5 million 2009 and 2010.

Pirates Sign Cuban Yoslan Herrera

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette, "Herrera will receive a signing bonus of $750,000, along with salaries of $380,000, $390,000 and $400,000. He also could achieve performance bonuses of up to $1.2 million a year as a starter, $500,000 as a reliever." He went 18-7 with a 3.27 ERA in Cuba, and helped lead his country to a gold medal in the 2004 Summer Olympics before defecting a year later.

Offseason Day 35

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Day 35 Recap

- J.D. Drew failed physical

- White Sox sign Toby Hall

- Padres close to signing Giles

Blue Jays to Trade Alex Rios?

Now that Vernon Wells is signed, Alex Rios seems to be the odd man out. He is the most desirable of the three present outfielders on the roster and is the only one that can acquire a proven player. Rios batted .302 with 17 homers and 82 RBI in 128 games last season. He should draw a lot of interest from teams in need of an outfielder and the Blue Jays may be able to acquire a starter. The Dodgers Brad Penny is a possible suitor, but the Dodgers have Pierre, and have him for the next five years. And with the signing of Gonzalez, he will not be an option in left (Either is already slotted for RF). The Cubs are in search of a center fielder, but would only need Rios for one year because of top prospect Felix Pie. But do the Cubs have the proven pitching that would attract the Blue Jays? The Mets, who have an overload of young pitching, would definitely attract the Jays. Pelfrey, Humber, Maine, or Perez might be able to complete a deal. Rios would help balance out the lineup because he is a righty, and he is young. Other teams that might inquire about Rios:

Phillies
Royals
Astros
Padres
Nationals
Marlins

Teams with low budgets may be willing to package two or three prospects for Rios because he is not eligible for free agency for another four years.

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