Astros Acquire Tejada

The Houston Astros have traded Luke Scott, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Safarte, and Michael Constanzo in exchange for Miguel Tejada. Tejada is very reliable, and hit .296 last year with 18 HRs and 81 RBIs. Since the Astros have Ty Wigginton, I think they will keep Tejada at shortstop. Although this trade should improve their offense, they weakened their pitching so much that it still has them behind the Cubs and Brewers. Scott, Albers, and Patton should find spots in the Orioles lineup right away, and it gives them a chance to improve on their record from 2007.

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Padres Sign Iguchi

The Padres have come to terms with Tadahito Iguchi, according to sources. A one year deal is good for the Padres and for Iguchi, who can now build up his value. Too bad they couldn't get this done sooner and then use Iguchi to lure Fukudome to San Diego as well. This will probably open the way for Matt Antonelli in 2009 at second base.

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BREAKING NEWS: Fukudome To Sign With Cubs

According to a source who asked to remain nameless until a deal is finalized, the Cubs have signed Kosuke Fukudome. The amount is not known, but it definitely helps the Cubs in their search for an outfielder and a lefty. I suspect Fukudome will bat second or fifth, but nonetheless, it gives the Cubs a very potent lineup. How it effects the Padres remains to be seen, but it wouldn't surprise me if they go after Aaron Rowand or make a trade for Raul Ibanez or Jason Bay. What does this mean for the Cubs? This means they may look to trade Matt Murton, but on the free agent search, they are probably done. They have several prospects that will fill in in the bullpen and their bench is pretty much set. Here is how their lineup is shaping up:

C Geovanny Soto
1B Derek Lee
2B Mark DeRosa
3B Aramis Ramirez
SS Ryan Theriot
LF Alfonso Soriano
CF Felix Pie/Sam Fuld
RF Kosuke Fukudome

SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Ted Lilly
SP Rich Hill
SP Jason Marquis
SP Ryan Dempster/Sean Marshall/Kevin Hart/Mark Prior

With the impending sale of the team, dishing out a deal that is worth 50 million is pretty good. Personally, I did not expect much from the Cubs, but they fooled many with this deal.

Check out my article on Fukudome and his potential in the MLB.

UPDATE: According to the San Diego Union Tribune, the Padres were informed they were out of the bidding for Fukudome.

UPDATE 2: Confirmed by ESPN.com

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Reds Serious About Bedard

I recently talked with a well placed source inside the Orioles organization who told me that the Reds are very serious about Bedard and would like to get something done before the holidays. The Reds have the players to trade, and seem willing, except in a trade involving Jay Bruce. I believe the kind of deal that would have to get done would be a deal like Homer Bailey, Josh Hamilton, and a prospect like Travis Wood or Derrik Lutz. I think the Reds should make this deal, regardless for how many players they ask for. Obviously, if it goes higher than five or six legitimate players, than they should back out, but acquiring Bedard would make them a contender in the division behind two shaky teams, the Cubs and Brewers. The Reds do fairly well against both teams and have several emerging stars in Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Jay Bruce. They do not have any chance without Bedard because their rotation is nothing past Harang and Arroyo. Bedard was 13-5 with a 3.17 ERA, and 221 strikeouts in 182 innings. You put that in front of Harang, who was 16-6 with a 3.73 ERA, and 218 strikeouts in 231 2/3 innings, you are a much better team and you take more stress of the bullpen. Bedard is also drawing interest from the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox, who do have better prospects. but if the Reds can overwhelm them, I would not be surprised if it went through.

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Inge to Pirates Unlikely

The Tigers have shopped Brandon Inge to teams over the past couple days and have struck up talks with the Pirates. However, the Tigers would probably look for a reliever in return and the Pirates are not willing to trade them. Inge's spot was taken by newly acquired third baseman Miguel Cabrera and Inge has told the Tigers he wants out. Inge batted .236 with 14 HR and 71 RBI in 151 games, and has averaged a .241 AVG with 85 RBI and 359 RBI since 2001. I think the Tigers will continue to shop Inge in hopes of finding a major league player more suited to a back up role, but might have to settle for a low-level prospect. Other teams that might be interested include the Dodgers, Phillies, Marlins, and maybe the Rays.

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Giants Waiting On Rowand

The Blue Jays are still waiting to hear from the Giants on if they will accept their Alex Rios for Tim Lincecum deal, but the Giants are still deciding. I have heard from a major league source that the Giants are in talks with Aaron Rowand, and we'll see what he is looking for before they tell the Blue Jays. Rowand is looking for a five year deal worth about 80 million dollars, and I think it would surprise a lot of people if GM Brian Sabean spends that kind of cash after the amount he spent last year and the results he got. However, they are desperate for an outfielder and do not have any prospects ready to play everyday. Nate Schierholtz might be ready towards the end 0f the 2008 season, but it seems more likely that he will take over in 2009. Manager Bruce Bochy told me that Rajai Davis and Randy Winn will be in the outfield next year, so Rowand would probably play left, unless they move Davis to left. Rowand does not have much experience at AT&T Park, but in seven games has batted .286 with 0 HR and 5 RBI. Personally, I think Rowand would not be a smart signing on the Giants part. Although he is just thirty and coming off a career year, he is very reckless in the outfield and injury-prone. Before the 2007 season, he batted a career .280 and averaged 11 homeruns with just 43 RBIs. They finished in last place last season and have not finished over .500 since 2004. They let Barry Bonds walk this season and are entering a new age in a new direction. They should be looking to trade for young players and try to reestablish themselves in the division.

If I were the Giants, I would make the Lincecum for Rios trade. Although you are trading a great young player, he has not proven himself just yet, and Rios has established himself as a solid outfielder. They are sort of locked on Ray Durham, but will be looking for a new shortstop next season, and should be trying to make another trade for a third baseman, maybe Hank Blalock. Every team is taking big strides in that division and if the Giants do not make some, they will be hung out to dry for the next several years. I think some Giants fans would disagree with me, but great teams are built from the ground up, and that is what they need to do to return to the team they were back in 2002.

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Report: Segui Used Steroids

Former Orioles outfielder David Segui has admitted to using steroids, according to the Baltimore Sun. He said he purchased them from Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, and refused to talk with Senator George Mitchell to help in the investigation. "I have nothing to hide. I have no problem talking about what I have done," said Segui, who spent eight of his 15 major league seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. "But I never want any other players to think I was out there talking about their business. Because I do know a lot, but people have told me things in confidence and I don't want to be spreading that."

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Padres Eye Outfielders

The Padres are eying a corner outfielder after missing out on Milton Bradley, according to sources. They have been in talks with the Astros over Luke Scott, and have approached the Pirates about Jason Bay. However, I am hearing that the Padres are interested in reopening talks with the Cubs about Mark Prior and Matt Murton. This would probably be only if the Cubs land Kosuke Fukudome, and if the Padres feel Murton can play everyday. Murton has great power and could probably handle an everyday job, but his numbers might not fair well at PETCO Park. I see a more likely deal involving the Astros. By trading for Luke Scott, they would not have to give up prospect Matt Antonelli, who plays second base, but probably a pair of low-level prospects. Jason Bay would be a great pickup for the Padres, but if any trade happens, he is probably going to Cleveland. The Padres plan will probably change in the next 24 hours, most because Kosuke Fukudome's decision is expected tonight or tomorrow.

Rockies Eye Eckstein, Vizcaino: The Rockies are eying David Eckstein, which might suggest that Tadahito Iguchi may be looking elsewhere. Eckstein would be a solid pickup for the Rockies, who would probably have him play second base. It would give them a new lead off hitter and someone with even more playoff experience. After losing LaTroy Hawkins and still no word from Jeremy Affeldt, they have reportedly made an offer to Luis Vizcaino.

Dodgers, Giants Making Moves: The Dodgers are reportedly showing interest in Brandon Inge, and are willing to offer a pair of minor leaguers. Inge would probably platoon with Andy LaRoche at third base, but probably not have a full time job. The Giants are also talking with Luis Gonzalez and Shawn Green about possible one year contracts. You would like to see them go after something younger, but they will wait till next year when the market features outfielders Vladmir Guerrero and possibly Carl Crawford, but probably not.

Yankees willing to part with Mussina?: The Yankees have been approached by at least two teams concerning Mike Mussina, according to major league sources. One of the two teams, is the Phillies, who could use Mussina like they did Moyer and extend his career at least one more year while playing in the weaker NL. I'm sure the Yankees would be interested. Not only would it give them a chance to add a pair of prospects and clear some cash, but they have no spot for Mussina in the bullpen.

Diamondbacks Serious About Haren: The Diamondbacks have made a very big offer to the Athletics for Dan Haren, according to sources. The deal is believed to include top Diamondbacks prospect Carlos Gonzalez, along with Emilio Bonifacio and Brett Anderson. I think the Athletics may try to drop Emilo Bonifacio and try and two lesser prospects that the A's feel can still help the team. If any deal does get done, expect it to get done before the holidays.

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Is Fukudome Really That Great?

Outfielder Kosuke Fukudome is expected to make his announcement tonight on whether or not he is coming to the United States, but reports have already come out saying that he will be. The Cubs, Padres, Rangers, and White Sox are believed to be the four teams that have made an offer to him, and a decision is expected as early as tonight. The reason I bring this up is because the level of play in Japan is not as good as it is here, so if he can make the switch and perform is in question. Not only that, but he is coming off surgery, after playing just 81 games. So his endurance is in question for next season and whether or not he can perform at a .305 average with 20-25 homeruns. He is drawing comparisons to Hideki Matsui, but I look at him more as a "better Aki Iwamura."

Hideki Matsui hit .334 with 50 HR and 107 RBI in 2002 with Yomiuri Giants. The year before, he hit .333 with 36 HR and 106 RBI. When he came over and signed with the Yankees, the following year he hit .287 with 16 HR and 106 RBI in 123 more at-bats than 2002. He was not coming off surgery the year before, and had 500 at-bats compared to Fukudome's 269. The year after he hit 31 HR and batted .298, but has started to decline since then. Fukudome is 30, and it is possible we could see that similar occurrence.

Aki Iwamura of the Devil Rays hit .311 with 32 HR and 77 RBI in 2006 for the Swallows. The year before that, he hit .319 with 30 HR and 102 RBI. Last season with the Devil Rays, he hit .285 with 7 HR and 34 RBI. Obviously the numbers do not transform like you would think and if you look at Fukudome's stats, they are not as good as either Matsui or Iwamura in Japan.

Now maybe Fukudome would be like Kenji Johjima, who has batted .289 with 32 HR and 137 RBI in two seasons with the Mariners. The year before in Japan, he batted .309 with 24 HR and 57 RBI, so it is pretty similar. However, he had 200 more at-bats than Fukudome did this year so it brings into question his endurance.

I'm not saying that Kosuke Fukudome would be a bad signing, but I think that he is being way over hyped. Look at how over rated Daisuke Matsuzaka was when he came over. He put up fourteen wins, but it does not look that good because everyone was expecting his 'gyro ball' to get him 20 wins. I think the Cubs and Padres are the two leading candidates, and whoever signs him has made a good signing. However, do not expect him to be like Hideki Matsui. Expect a mix between Aki Iwamura and Kenji Johjima, someone who will hit .275-.290, with about 10-20 homeruns. I expect a signing to happen in the next couple of days, probably a four year deal between 10-13 million dollars annually. As for who is the front-runner, a lot of people are saying the Cubs, but my money is on the Padres.

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Nationals Close In On Lo Duca

The Nationals are closing in on a one year deal worth a little over two million dollars, major league sources have told me. With this signing, it makes it more likely that the Blue Jays will look to trade for a catcher, perhaps Ronny Paulino or Michael Barrett.

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Yankees Closing In On Hawkins

The Yankees are closing in on a deal with relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins for one year, worth about 4 million dollars. Hawkins was also being pursued by the Rockies and Rangers.

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Angels Shopping Figgins

The Angels continue to shop Chone Figgins in hopes of landing a third baseman. I do not know why they feel the need to trade Figgins, but if they can get something in return they might as well. It wouldn't surprise me if the Tigers tried to make a move. They could have Figgins play left field, and move Jacque Jones to a back up outfielder. They could package Brandon Inge, Yorman Bazardo, and whatever top prospects they have left for Figgins. But I doubt the Angels would have Inge over Figgins. There are not too many teams shopping third baseman right now, so they might be stuck. Hank Blalock, Scott Rolen, Miguel Tejada are all available, but Figgins is healthier and better. A possible scenario would be to see the White Sox trade Joe Crede and a minor league prospect for Reggie Willits. They could then have Figgins play sort of as a utility player, splitting time around the infield and outfield. That would probably limit him to under 400 at-bats, but it would give them the third baseman with power that they are looking for. And it would open up some room in the outfield for the Angels. Not only that, but it gives the Angels a very good trade chip at the trade deadline. Tony Reagins told me the Angels are not done this off season, and I wouldn't be surprised if they went out and made another big move.

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