Winter Meetings Rumor Thread

[UMFan83]

I figured this would be appropriate to post. We've done this in the last few years and its worked out well since there are so many rumors and stuff that goes down. This will be for NON-Cubs rumors only.

 

Anyways, this week is easily the most enjoyable week of the offseason, so I am greatly looking forward to following along.

[BCVM22]

Fox Sports and Yahoo! Sports (citing the Fox report) say Detroit acquires catcher Gerald Laird from Texas for AA pitcher Guillermo Moscoso and a second prospect.

[17 Seconds]

This might not really have to do with the winter meetings, but I didn't want to start a separate thread and haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. I've never heard of this site...but it's claiming that ron will get the call tomorrow-

 

http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?p=2118

[moorecg]

That would make my week...It would be soo cool to hear how excited Ronny would be.

[JWCUB]

Cubs Rumors: Hermida, Bradley, Roberts

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 1:33am CST]

Before trying to complete a Jake Peavy deal, the Cubs want to find a left-handed hitter. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times outlines a few targets.

 

Wittenmyer says Jeremy Hermida is high on the Cubs' list (they're not alone). They're also eyeing free agent Milton Bradley, who declined the Rangers' offer of arbitration last night. Manager Lou Piniella likes Raul Ibanez, and Wittenmyer likes Bobby Abreu. The Cubs are still fond of Brian Roberts. They also might consider acquiring a shortstop, which would create a surplus at second base.

 

The Cubs discussed Khalil Greene with the Padres before he was sent to St. Louis, even though Greene bats from the right side.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[UMFan83]

# The Cardinals are a serious bidder for A.J. Burnett. They also pursued him back in 2005. However, Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recently wrote that the Cards "are not expected to pursue the free agent pool's bigger fish: C.C. Sabathia, Ben Sheets, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe."

[BigbadB]

Cubs Rumors: Hermida, Bradley, Roberts

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 1:33am CST]

Before trying to complete a Jake Peavy deal, the Cubs want to find a left-handed hitter. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times outlines a few targets.

 

Wittenmyer says Jeremy Hermida is high on the Cubs' list (they're not alone). They're also eyeing free agent Milton Bradley, who declined the Rangers' offer of arbitration last night. Manager Lou Piniella likes Raul Ibanez, and Wittenmyer likes Bobby Abreu. The Cubs are still fond of Brian Roberts. They also might consider acquiring a shortstop, which would create a surplus at second base.

 

The Cubs discussed Khalil Greene with the Padres before he was sent to St. Louis, even though Greene bats from the right side.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

Hey Lou! Ibanez will cost more in annual salary AND draft pick compensation. It's time for you to like Milton Bradley now.

[KingCubsFan]

Cubs Rumors: Hermida, Bradley, Roberts

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 1:33am CST]

Before trying to complete a Jake Peavy deal, the Cubs want to find a left-handed hitter. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times outlines a few targets.

 

Wittenmyer says Jeremy Hermida is high on the Cubs' list (they're not alone). They're also eyeing free agent Milton Bradley, who declined the Rangers' offer of arbitration last night. Manager Lou Piniella likes Raul Ibanez, and Wittenmyer likes Bobby Abreu. The Cubs are still fond of Brian Roberts. They also might consider acquiring a shortstop, which would create a surplus at second base.

 

The Cubs discussed Khalil Greene with the Padres before he was sent to St. Louis, even though Greene bats from the right side.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

Hey Lou! Ibanez will cost more in annual salary AND draft pick compensation. It's time for you to like Milton Bradley now.

Lou's past his prime. I'm guessing he's not interested in fighting his own players anymore. Besides, he probably likes players that will actually play more than 60-70 games a year.

[BigbadB]

Cubs Rumors: Hermida, Bradley, Roberts

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 1:33am CST]

Before trying to complete a Jake Peavy deal, the Cubs want to find a left-handed hitter. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times outlines a few targets.

 

Wittenmyer says Jeremy Hermida is high on the Cubs' list (they're not alone). They're also eyeing free agent Milton Bradley, who declined the Rangers' offer of arbitration last night. Manager Lou Piniella likes Raul Ibanez, and Wittenmyer likes Bobby Abreu. The Cubs are still fond of Brian Roberts. They also might consider acquiring a shortstop, which would create a surplus at second base.

 

The Cubs discussed Khalil Greene with the Padres before he was sent to St. Louis, even though Greene bats from the right side.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

Hey Lou! Ibanez will cost more in annual salary AND draft pick compensation. It's time for you to like Milton Bradley now.

Lou's past his prime. I'm guessing he's not interested in fighting his own players anymore. Besides, he probably likes players that will actually play more than 60-70 games a year.

 

Lou probably doesn't care about the farm system, since he won't be around long enough to see just how barren it will be when the Cubs forfeit 2 picks in the June Amateur Draft. Luckily, Lou isn't the one making the decisions.

[CubColtPacer]

Cubs Rumors: Hermida, Bradley, Roberts

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 1:33am CST]

Before trying to complete a Jake Peavy deal, the Cubs want to find a left-handed hitter. Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times outlines a few targets.

 

Wittenmyer says Jeremy Hermida is high on the Cubs' list (they're not alone). They're also eyeing free agent Milton Bradley, who declined the Rangers' offer of arbitration last night. Manager Lou Piniella likes Raul Ibanez, and Wittenmyer likes Bobby Abreu. The Cubs are still fond of Brian Roberts. They also might consider acquiring a shortstop, which would create a surplus at second base.

 

The Cubs discussed Khalil Greene with the Padres before he was sent to St. Louis, even though Greene bats from the right side.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

Hey Lou! Ibanez will cost more in annual salary AND draft pick compensation. It's time for you to like Milton Bradley now.

Lou's past his prime. I'm guessing he's not interested in fighting his own players anymore. Besides, he probably likes players that will actually play more than 60-70 games a year.

 

Lou probably doesn't care about the farm system, since he won't be around long enough to see just how barren it will be when the Cubs forfeit 2 picks in the June Amateur Draft. Luckily, Lou isn't the one making the decisions.

 

A little bit of a nitpick..the Cubs only give up 1 pick, not 2. But I do agree that is one factor that should push Ibanez to the back of the pack considering the other two won't cost any compensation.

[BigbadB]

Age should push Ibanez to the back of the pack as well. Not to mention his atrocious defense.

 

I have to admit that it is rather exciting thinking about the possibility of Peavy in the rotation and someone of the stature of Abreu, Dunn or Bradley as the lefty bat. But, I'm guessing Abreu and Dunn will be too expensive. The Mets have more wiggle room to give one of those guys more years and dollars, as do a few other teams who wish to upgrade their outfield.

[RammyFanny]

It seems like signing a Bradley or Abreu kind of guy would really improve our offense, but considering the OPS that Edmonds gave us last year, it's probably not going to improve us from last years numbers by a whole bunch is it? I think the potential Peavy from Marquis upgrade would be what really gives us that improvement.

[Burtonbell]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

 

 

C.C. Sabathia Rumors: Monday

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 10:31am CST]

 

10:30am: Dan Graziano was told yesterday that the Brewers added a sixth year to their Sabathia offer, but he admits there are conflicting reports on that.

 

9:33am: Buster Olney says to take it for what it's worth, but his source says the meeting between Sabathia and the Yankees went "great."

 

8:44am: According to George King of the New York Post, the Brewers could offer C.C. Sabathia an opt-out clause after three seasons to entice him to sign (similar to the Blue Jays' deal for A.J. Burnett). At this time, only the Brewers and Yankees have offers on the table for Sabathia. King talked to a source who said in regard to the Giants, "It would have to be a total default position in terms of years and dollars." Perhaps that indicates the Giants can't really go beyond the Brewers' five-year, $100MM offer.

[rchap24]

Brewers Sign Coffey:

 

Brewers Re-Sign Todd Coffey

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 10:51am CST]

 

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Brewers signed reliever Todd Coffey to a one-year, $800K deal with $200K in incentives. The Brewers added Jorge Julio to their pen a few days ago.

 

Renck also reports the Rockies signed catcher Paul Phillips to a minor league deal to add depth.

per mlbtraderumors.com

[JWCUB]

Astros Willing To Trade Tejada

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 11:04am CST]

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Astros are willing to trade Miguel Tejada. Teams are interested in him as a shortstop and third baseman. Rosenthal figures the Twins, Dodgers, Giants, and Angels could be matches. He adds that the Astros realize they'd have to eat some of Tejada's $13MM for '09. Richard Justice figures it'd require eating at least half.

 

Rosenthal says the Astros are not inclined to trade closer Jose Valverde. And Justice figures Ty Wigginton could be tough to move as his salary climbs toward $10MM.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[rawaction]

Still rather have Hermida by far. Easily the most upside. Young, relatively cheap. Signing a guy like Abreu or Ibanez would be another long-term contract to go along w/ Aramis, Fukudome, Soriano, Dempster, Z, and Peavy. And they would still need to potentially replace, Harden, Lilly, Lee, and Derosa while giving significant raises to Marmol and Soto in the near future.

[UMFan83]

Astros Willing To Trade Tejada

By Tim Dierkes [December 8 at 11:04am CST]

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Astros are willing to trade Miguel Tejada. Teams are interested in him as a shortstop and third baseman. Rosenthal figures the Twins, Dodgers, Giants, and Angels could be matches. He adds that the Astros realize they'd have to eat some of Tejada's $13MM for '09. Richard Justice figures it'd require eating at least half.

 

Rosenthal says the Astros are not inclined to trade closer Jose Valverde. And Justice figures Ty Wigginton could be tough to move as his salary climbs toward $10MM.

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

 

Wow, I thought they were pleased with what they gave them last year. Are they trying to cut payroll because of the economy or because they realize that last year's team was probably the best possible outcome?

[ctcf]

Per roto:

The Dodgers and Yankees are reportedly discussing a Robinson Cano deal, with Matt Kemp potentially going the other way.

This has been in the rumor mill since the very end of the season, and it's still hard to tell how much stock to put into it. The Dodgers could use a long-term second baseman, and Cano for Kemp seems pretty even on paper. Still, with so much upside for both players involved, it might be tough for either team to pull the trigger. The current round of talks also include the possibility of Melky Cabrera going to the Dodgers and the Yankees getting some young pitching in return.

[Cynosure]

1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Bradley and Adam Dunn rank much higher than Ibanez and Abreu on the Cubs' list. They've checked in on all four free agents. As for Hermida, the Marlins want more than just prospects and the Cubs may not be able to do that. Stark adds that the Cubs' payroll is not frozen - they can temporarily go over budget assuming they can subtract payroll later.

 

On a related note, Stark talked to a source who described interest in Jason Marquis as not even in nibble form yet.

 

CRAP! I don't know where to put this.

Edited December 8, 2008 by Cynosure

[ELCABALLO45]

1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Bradley and Adam Dunn rank much higher than Ibanez and Abreu on the Cubs' list. They've checked in on all four free agents. As for Hermida, the Marlins want more than just prospects and the Cubs may not be able to do that. Stark adds that the Cubs' payroll is not frozen - they can temporarily go over budget assuming they can subtract payroll later.

 

On a related note, Stark talked to a source who described interest in Jason Marquis as not even in nibble form yet.

[Schwarber Fan]

1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Bradley and Adam Dunn rank much higher than Ibanez and Abreu on the Cubs' list.

 

\:D/

 

On a related note, Stark talked to a source who described interest in Jason Marquis as not even in nibble form yet.

 

:banghead:

[JeffH]

1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Bradley and Adam Dunn rank much higher than Ibanez and Abreu on the Cubs' list.

 

The linked article says the opposite. I assume it's a mistake by Dierkes.

[Schwarber Fan]

1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Bradley and Adam Dunn rank much higher than Ibanez and Abreu on the Cubs' list. They've checked in on all four free agents. As for Hermida, the Marlins want more than just prospects and the Cubs may not be able to do that. Stark adds that the Cubs' payroll is not frozen - they can temporarily go over budget assuming they can subtract payroll later.

 

On a related note, Stark talked to a source who described interest in Jason Marquis as not even in nibble form yet.

 

Someone misquoted him...

 

Even though the Cubs have payroll issues as they wait for the naming of their next owner, a variety of sources indicate they've begun moving forward on acquiring a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder. They've checked in on free agents Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu, Milton Bradley and Adam Dunn, although Bradley and Dunn rank much lower on their radar screen than Ibanez and Abreu.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3754869&name=winter_meetings_2008

 

Ouch. Someone needs to be fired over this

[anabiono]

there will be a taker for marquis

[UMFan83]

1:59pm: Jayson Stark says Bradley and Adam Dunn rank much higher than Ibanez and Abreu on the Cubs' list. They've checked in on all four free agents. As for Hermida, the Marlins want more than just prospects and the Cubs may not be able to do that. Stark adds that the Cubs' payroll is not frozen - they can temporarily go over budget assuming they can subtract payroll later.

 

On a related note, Stark talked to a source who described interest in Jason Marquis as not even in nibble form yet.

 

Someone misquoted him...

 

Even though the Cubs have payroll issues as they wait for the naming of their next owner, a variety of sources indicate they've begun moving forward on acquiring a left-handed-hitting corner outfielder. They've checked in on free agents Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu, Milton Bradley and Adam Dunn, although Bradley and Dunn rank much lower on their radar screen than Ibanez and Abreu.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3754869&name=winter_meetings_2008

 

Ouch. Someone needs to be fired over this

 

Crap, I went from happiness to sadness, as I'd rather have Bradley or Dunn than Ibanez or Abreu.