CaPPiNg TiGeRz
12-10-2007, 12:26 PM
Rockies won't deal Atkins, may have to trade Holliday?
It was assumed during the season that Garrett Atkins would be used as a trading chip this winter. That thinking changed at season's end. General manager Dan O'Dowd put the word out at the GM meetings in November that Atkins was not available. The primary reason? Unless the Rockies find a way to bridge the financial gap with Matt Holliday, he could be moved after next season. So the Rockies don't want to lose their top two right-handed bats in consecutive seasons. In an ideal world, Holliday and Atkins get paid and stay long term. -- Denver Post
D-Backs awaiting word from A's on Haren deal
The Diamondbacks, who appear to be the most ardent suitor for Dan Haren, spent the weekend waiting to hear from Oakland on their most recent trade proposal. The D-Backs' package still is believed to include top prospects Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio and Brett Anderson. Contrary to published reports, 2006 No. 1 draftee Max Scherzer is not part of the deal, major league sources said. -- East Valley Tribune
New Twins GM won't be bullied into Santana trade?
Unless Twins GM Bill Smith slipped down to the gym for a workout between negotiating sessions, there wasn't a noticeable drop of sweat from his brow all week during Major League Baseball's annual winter meetings. He checked in at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel with one of the best pitchers in baseball in Johan Santana available and checked out with Santana still listed as his Opening Day starter. While many Twins fans already are worried that Smith has overplayed his hand by waiting too long, he's remained poised as he works toward a move that will have long-lasting consequences. Let's see how patient Smith is, whether he wants Jose Reyes added to any Mets' offer, Ian Kennedy put in the Yankees' package of Melky Cabrera and Phillip Hughes or wants a pairing of Jacoby Ellsbury and Jon Lester in any deal with the Red Sox. Maybe he's waiting for another team to pounce. He has options -- Star Tribune
Cards Eckstein to Rockies?
The Rockies have also stressed that they would be comfortable giving Jayson Nix a shot at the job if they can't sign Tag Iguchi or David Eckstein. Nix is unproven and out of minor-league options. If he can't play second this year, he's probably not going to be around next year. My gut says if they can't get Iguchi, Nix will get the call. -- Denver Post
Padres focus on Fukudome?
Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome remains the central figure in this Padres offseason, certainly no less so now that former Padres outfielder Milton Bradley has agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers. General Manager Kevin Towers said he spoke with Fukudome's agent last night and should learn as soon as today whether Fukudome will accept the club's multiyear offer. Fukudome "has enough information to make a decision," said the player's agent, Joe Urbon. By offering at least $10 million yearly, and perhaps well above it, the Padres are trying to bring San Diego's temperate climate and their own low-hassle culture into play. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Rockies turn to Chacon or Vizcaino?
The Rockies likely will increase their pursuit of free agents Shawn Chacon and Luis Vizcaino, the man Hawkins is expected to replace in the Yankees' bullpen. Chacon has said he would be comfortable as a reliever with the Rockies. However, Chacon has drawn significant interest as a starter, so a one-year deal might not be able to lure him either. -- Denver Post
Halos and Pads interested in Eckstein?
The Padres are interested in free-agent infielder David Eckstein as a second baseman, but only for one year. Eckstein wants a multiyear deal but probably won't get it. Yes, the Angels also are interested in Eckstein — Manager Mike Scioscia confirmed this at the recent Torii Hunter news conference — but only as a backup infielder and aren't yet ready to fill bench spots. -- OC Register
Pads eye Pirates slugger Bay?
Two outfielders who interest the Padres, center fielder Mike Cameron and corner outfielder Geoff Jenkins, are still unsigned. Cameron's options could expand if the Yankees or Reds follow through on trade talks involving their center fielders. In trade talks, Kevin Towers asked about Pirates left fielder Jason Bay. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Phils have interest in Yanks Mussina?
The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly have a mild interest in New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina. Pitching against National League lineups, without designated hitters, could extend Mussina's career long enough to boost his Hall of Fame hopes. He's no cinch to make the Yankees' starting rotation. -- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Tigers Inge to Dodgers?
Still looking for a third baseman, the Dodgers are interested in Detroit's Brandon Inge, who lost his starting job when the Tigers acquired Miguel Cabrera, and Pedro Feliz of the hated Giants. -- OC Register
Gonzo to Giants?
The Giants have some interest in veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez of the Dodgers. -- OC Register
Astros Luke to San Diego?
The Padres also have shown interest in free-agent left fielder Geoff Jenkins and were reportedly involved in trade talks with Houston regarding outfielder Luke Scott at last week's winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn. -- North County Times
Harris not expecting to stay with Braves?
Willie Harris is not expecting to be back with the Braves next season. Atlanta is shopping the outfielder/second baseman to as many as thirteen different teams, preferring to go with someone younger and cheaper. The Braves designated Harris for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster earlier in the week, after making a trade for a relief pitcher and back-up infielder. Harris says hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors is difficult, especially since he grew up rooting for the Braves. "It's kind of tough, just because it is my home team," says Harris. "I felt in my heart I would have another opportunity to go up and prove myself again there. It's a business, and you can't get your feelings caught up in it." -- WALB
Marlins Maybin can be No. 3 hitter?
Tigers and ex-Marlins GM Dave Dombrowski, speaking by phone about the players he dealt to Florida, projects center fielder Cameron Maybin as a No. 3 hitter: ``He could hit 35 to 40 home runs and has speed. He could be an elite guy.'' Dombrowski said left-hander `` Andrew Miller is a No. 1-type starter. He can win 20 games. He has an above-average fastball and he's tough to see with his unusual delivery.'' -- Miami Herald
Tigers Inge could land with Twins?
Detroit third baseman Brandon Inge has asked to be traded now that newcomer Miguel Cabrera has taken his position. He'd be an improvement for the Minnesota Twins. -- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
O's MacPhail: Steroid cloud didn't hurt trading
If there were closed-door discussions among general managers about steroids, those talks weren't the primary cause for a lack of trades and free-agent activity last week, Orioles president Andy MacPhail said. "Not to the extent that the business of trying to procure talent has been [affected]," MacPhail said about Mitchell Report rumblings. "I think [GMs] are pretty focused on the things that they need to do. That's been my experience." -- Baltimore Sun
SF Giants buy into cable station
The Giants will announce a much longer deal that changes the dynamics of their cable/satellite distribution. The Giants have bought an interest in Fox Sports Net Bay Area. The team and station will say it's a long-term deal. The Chronicle has learned the deal covers 25 years. The Giants' stake in the station is believed to be in the 20-30 percent range. Earlier this year, Comcast purchased a 60 percent share of FSNBA, with Fox keeping a 40 percent interest. So, the Giants are one of three owners of FSNBA, which will take on the Comcast name in April. -- SF Chronicle
Yost: Brewers starters must get deeper into games
Ned Yost said it was still incumbent on his starting pitchers to go deeper into games and ease the workload on the bullpen. Milwaukee starters went seven innings or more only 33 times last season, compared with 62 times in 2006. "If Ben Sheets is healthy, he'll pitch 200 innings," Yost said. "And I think 'Cappy' (Chris Capuano) can bounce back and pitch 200 innings, also. " 'Bushie' (David Bush) has shown he can pitch 200 innings and 'Soup' (Jeff Suppan) can do it, too. We have the basis of a workhorse staff if everybody stays healthy." -- Journal Sentinel
How About That?
Eight of the top 10 payrolls are in the American League. The AL has swept three of the past four World Series and hasn't lost an All-Star Game since 1996. -- Denver Post
Who Knew?
New Yanks pitcher LaTroy Hawkins was the losing pitcher the day David Wells threw his perfect game at Yankee Stadium in 1998. The Yankees have also employed the losing pitcher of David Cone's perfect game against Montreal in 1999 — Javier Vázquez, who pitched for the Yankees in 2004. -- NY Times
Rockies eye Cards Wells?
Adding another left-handed swingman is a priority as the team tries to lock down veterans Mark Redman and Glendon Rusch. The Rockies have interest in Kip Wells, who is only 30 and stayed healthy with the Cardinals last season. -- Denver Post
It was assumed during the season that Garrett Atkins would be used as a trading chip this winter. That thinking changed at season's end. General manager Dan O'Dowd put the word out at the GM meetings in November that Atkins was not available. The primary reason? Unless the Rockies find a way to bridge the financial gap with Matt Holliday, he could be moved after next season. So the Rockies don't want to lose their top two right-handed bats in consecutive seasons. In an ideal world, Holliday and Atkins get paid and stay long term. -- Denver Post
D-Backs awaiting word from A's on Haren deal
The Diamondbacks, who appear to be the most ardent suitor for Dan Haren, spent the weekend waiting to hear from Oakland on their most recent trade proposal. The D-Backs' package still is believed to include top prospects Carlos Gonzalez, Emilio Bonifacio and Brett Anderson. Contrary to published reports, 2006 No. 1 draftee Max Scherzer is not part of the deal, major league sources said. -- East Valley Tribune
New Twins GM won't be bullied into Santana trade?
Unless Twins GM Bill Smith slipped down to the gym for a workout between negotiating sessions, there wasn't a noticeable drop of sweat from his brow all week during Major League Baseball's annual winter meetings. He checked in at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel with one of the best pitchers in baseball in Johan Santana available and checked out with Santana still listed as his Opening Day starter. While many Twins fans already are worried that Smith has overplayed his hand by waiting too long, he's remained poised as he works toward a move that will have long-lasting consequences. Let's see how patient Smith is, whether he wants Jose Reyes added to any Mets' offer, Ian Kennedy put in the Yankees' package of Melky Cabrera and Phillip Hughes or wants a pairing of Jacoby Ellsbury and Jon Lester in any deal with the Red Sox. Maybe he's waiting for another team to pounce. He has options -- Star Tribune
Cards Eckstein to Rockies?
The Rockies have also stressed that they would be comfortable giving Jayson Nix a shot at the job if they can't sign Tag Iguchi or David Eckstein. Nix is unproven and out of minor-league options. If he can't play second this year, he's probably not going to be around next year. My gut says if they can't get Iguchi, Nix will get the call. -- Denver Post
Padres focus on Fukudome?
Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome remains the central figure in this Padres offseason, certainly no less so now that former Padres outfielder Milton Bradley has agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers. General Manager Kevin Towers said he spoke with Fukudome's agent last night and should learn as soon as today whether Fukudome will accept the club's multiyear offer. Fukudome "has enough information to make a decision," said the player's agent, Joe Urbon. By offering at least $10 million yearly, and perhaps well above it, the Padres are trying to bring San Diego's temperate climate and their own low-hassle culture into play. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Rockies turn to Chacon or Vizcaino?
The Rockies likely will increase their pursuit of free agents Shawn Chacon and Luis Vizcaino, the man Hawkins is expected to replace in the Yankees' bullpen. Chacon has said he would be comfortable as a reliever with the Rockies. However, Chacon has drawn significant interest as a starter, so a one-year deal might not be able to lure him either. -- Denver Post
Halos and Pads interested in Eckstein?
The Padres are interested in free-agent infielder David Eckstein as a second baseman, but only for one year. Eckstein wants a multiyear deal but probably won't get it. Yes, the Angels also are interested in Eckstein — Manager Mike Scioscia confirmed this at the recent Torii Hunter news conference — but only as a backup infielder and aren't yet ready to fill bench spots. -- OC Register
Pads eye Pirates slugger Bay?
Two outfielders who interest the Padres, center fielder Mike Cameron and corner outfielder Geoff Jenkins, are still unsigned. Cameron's options could expand if the Yankees or Reds follow through on trade talks involving their center fielders. In trade talks, Kevin Towers asked about Pirates left fielder Jason Bay. -- San Diego Union-Tribune
Phils have interest in Yanks Mussina?
The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly have a mild interest in New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina. Pitching against National League lineups, without designated hitters, could extend Mussina's career long enough to boost his Hall of Fame hopes. He's no cinch to make the Yankees' starting rotation. -- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Tigers Inge to Dodgers?
Still looking for a third baseman, the Dodgers are interested in Detroit's Brandon Inge, who lost his starting job when the Tigers acquired Miguel Cabrera, and Pedro Feliz of the hated Giants. -- OC Register
Gonzo to Giants?
The Giants have some interest in veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez of the Dodgers. -- OC Register
Astros Luke to San Diego?
The Padres also have shown interest in free-agent left fielder Geoff Jenkins and were reportedly involved in trade talks with Houston regarding outfielder Luke Scott at last week's winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn. -- North County Times
Harris not expecting to stay with Braves?
Willie Harris is not expecting to be back with the Braves next season. Atlanta is shopping the outfielder/second baseman to as many as thirteen different teams, preferring to go with someone younger and cheaper. The Braves designated Harris for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster earlier in the week, after making a trade for a relief pitcher and back-up infielder. Harris says hearing his name mentioned in trade rumors is difficult, especially since he grew up rooting for the Braves. "It's kind of tough, just because it is my home team," says Harris. "I felt in my heart I would have another opportunity to go up and prove myself again there. It's a business, and you can't get your feelings caught up in it." -- WALB
Marlins Maybin can be No. 3 hitter?
Tigers and ex-Marlins GM Dave Dombrowski, speaking by phone about the players he dealt to Florida, projects center fielder Cameron Maybin as a No. 3 hitter: ``He could hit 35 to 40 home runs and has speed. He could be an elite guy.'' Dombrowski said left-hander `` Andrew Miller is a No. 1-type starter. He can win 20 games. He has an above-average fastball and he's tough to see with his unusual delivery.'' -- Miami Herald
Tigers Inge could land with Twins?
Detroit third baseman Brandon Inge has asked to be traded now that newcomer Miguel Cabrera has taken his position. He'd be an improvement for the Minnesota Twins. -- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
O's MacPhail: Steroid cloud didn't hurt trading
If there were closed-door discussions among general managers about steroids, those talks weren't the primary cause for a lack of trades and free-agent activity last week, Orioles president Andy MacPhail said. "Not to the extent that the business of trying to procure talent has been [affected]," MacPhail said about Mitchell Report rumblings. "I think [GMs] are pretty focused on the things that they need to do. That's been my experience." -- Baltimore Sun
SF Giants buy into cable station
The Giants will announce a much longer deal that changes the dynamics of their cable/satellite distribution. The Giants have bought an interest in Fox Sports Net Bay Area. The team and station will say it's a long-term deal. The Chronicle has learned the deal covers 25 years. The Giants' stake in the station is believed to be in the 20-30 percent range. Earlier this year, Comcast purchased a 60 percent share of FSNBA, with Fox keeping a 40 percent interest. So, the Giants are one of three owners of FSNBA, which will take on the Comcast name in April. -- SF Chronicle
Yost: Brewers starters must get deeper into games
Ned Yost said it was still incumbent on his starting pitchers to go deeper into games and ease the workload on the bullpen. Milwaukee starters went seven innings or more only 33 times last season, compared with 62 times in 2006. "If Ben Sheets is healthy, he'll pitch 200 innings," Yost said. "And I think 'Cappy' (Chris Capuano) can bounce back and pitch 200 innings, also. " 'Bushie' (David Bush) has shown he can pitch 200 innings and 'Soup' (Jeff Suppan) can do it, too. We have the basis of a workhorse staff if everybody stays healthy." -- Journal Sentinel
How About That?
Eight of the top 10 payrolls are in the American League. The AL has swept three of the past four World Series and hasn't lost an All-Star Game since 1996. -- Denver Post
Who Knew?
New Yanks pitcher LaTroy Hawkins was the losing pitcher the day David Wells threw his perfect game at Yankee Stadium in 1998. The Yankees have also employed the losing pitcher of David Cone's perfect game against Montreal in 1999 — Javier Vázquez, who pitched for the Yankees in 2004. -- NY Times
Rockies eye Cards Wells?
Adding another left-handed swingman is a priority as the team tries to lock down veterans Mark Redman and Glendon Rusch. The Rockies have interest in Kip Wells, who is only 30 and stayed healthy with the Cardinals last season. -- Denver Post